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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Reigns Steps Further Into Emotional Drum and Bass
- Tamara Jenna
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
London based artist Reigns does not approach electronic music from a production first mindset. The voice leads. It always has. There is blues weight in her tone, something textured and grounded, shaped by early exposure to artists such as Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. That lineage is audible, but it is never nostalgic for the sake of it.
Reigns positions herself between classic soul phrasing and contemporary electronic frameworks. The result is a vocal style that carries grit without losing precision. Her delivery is controlled, yet there is always the sense that it could fracture at any second. That tension is where much of her appeal sits.
Her ongoing creative relationship with Waives has further sharpened her direction. Waives operates in liquid drum and bass, favouring atmosphere, melodic layering and dynamic lift over aggressive drop culture. Together they occupy a space where emotional songwriting meets club energy without feeling forced.
Their previous collaboration, ‘Collateral Damage’, secured a seven week run on Capital Dance and gained notable traction on TikTok through user generated audio. For an independent release, sustained radio rotation of that scale marked a significant step forward.
Recent Releases
Released on 27 February via She Wears The Crown Records, ‘Closer Than Your Shadow’ builds directly on that momentum. Originally written as a soul ballad, the track existed in Reigns’ catalogue for years before being reworked into its current drum and bass form.
That origin story matters. The melodic structure still carries the emotional pacing of a ballad. Waives’ production does not overwhelm it. Instead, fluid percussion and swelling pads frame the vocal rather than compete with it. The chorus expands with restraint. There is lift, but it is measured.
Lyrically, the track centres on unconditional presence. It addresses the feeling of personal collapse and counters it with reassurance rather than grand declarations. The hook lands because it feels conversational. It does not reach for theatrics.
Reigns has described rediscovering the song during early writing sessions with Dee Adam, founder of the label. When Waives suggested another collaboration, the track resurfaced instinctively. The finished version retains its core sentiment while gaining rhythmic urgency.
Direction and Development
Reigns is moving towards the release of her debut album, Love Languages, scheduled for 2026. Developed alongside Dee Adam, the project signals a long term approach rather than rapid output. That strategy aligns with the boutique philosophy of She Wears The Crown, which prioritises artist development and sustainable careers.
Live demand has mirrored digital growth. Headline shows at The Camden Club have sold out, while festival appearances and BBC Introducing showcases have expanded her audience. Radio support across BBC platforms, Capital Dance and international outlets has strengthened her visibility without diluting creative control.
What defines this stage of her career is clarity. Reigns is not chasing tempo for its own sake. She is refining a space where drum and bass can hold emotional weight. ‘Closer Than Your Shadow’ reinforces that positioning. It feels intentional, not reactive.
In a landscape saturated with disposable singles, emotional recall still matters. Reigns appears committed to that principle. The voice remains central. The production evolves around it.
Genres: Drum and Bass, Electronic Pop, Commercial Pop, Vocal Dance, Contemporary Pop
Mood: Cinematic, Emotive, Empowering, Atmospheric, Uplifting
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