Music show: Katy J Pearson on making a debut comeback album

Multi-platinum selling Nigerian artist, songwriter and entertainer Darey is a superstar in his home country and respected around the world. His music has been nominated at the World Music Awards and the MTV Music Video Awards and he's graced the stage with the biggest names including Jay Z, Beyoncé, Sean Paul, Kelly Rowland and Cardi B. After being away for nearly five years as an active musician, the Afro-pop pioneer and influencer is back with a new EP called "Way Home". For this African-inspired release, Darey draws from the deep well of his Yoruba heritage and its storytelling tradition.

Some 24 years ago, American alternative rock band The Eels released the song "Novocaine For The Soul", leading them into music charts across the world and making them hot favourites among indie lovers. Over the years they've continued to craft beautiful, sensitive pop songs and rock out on tour. Although live shows may be on hold for now because of Covid-19, the band are this week releasing "Earth To Dora": a thirteenth studio album which features their trademark melancholy pop tones as well as cheerleading bangers. We caught up with frontman Mark Oliver Everett, aka E, to find out more.

Sirens of Lesbos started off as a challenge to create the perfect Ibiza summer hit, but soon turned into a group who blend different sounds and styles together from world beat to nu-soul. Although they are based in Switzerland, the band members are of different heritages: Czech, Sudanese and Eritrean, origins that can be found in their musical infusion. We caught up with Arci and Jasmina from the band to find out more about their first album, SOL, which comes out this week.

Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald first rose to fame in 2007 when she was just a teenager composing in her bedroom. She went on to tour the world and sell millions of records and has just released her fifth studio album, "The Human Demands", which explores the pressures we put on ourselves and others as well as the pitfalls of love. We caught up with her to find out more.

Katy J Pearson nearly gave up on music and songwriting after being burnt out by a major record label which had picked up the band she'd formed with her brother when she was in her late teens. Luckily for us, the urge to make music overruled all of this and she took her time to write "The Return", a debut solo album filled with American pop and lo-fi folk. Marjorie Hache caught up with her to find out more. We also check out new music from Wizkid, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Petit Biscuit.

France-based American jazz trumpeter Hermon Mehari has released a powerful second record called "A Change for the Dreamlike". Recorded in the French countryside during the first lockdown, it's more personal than his 2017 debut record "Bleu". He describes it as a "modern mixtape of dreams". Mehari drew inspiration from his childhood in the American Midwest as well as his family history. He tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about the track "A Conversation with My Uncle", where he plays along to a story his uncle tells about his father escaping Eritrea.

With a voice that's both soulful and haunting, London-based singer-songwriter Luca Wilding has carved out a niche in poetic, storytelling songs with a melancholy edge. He's been dubbed an artist to keep an eye out for. He tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about his debut EP "To", a beautiful and unique collection of dream-folk songs released back in November. We also look at new releases from French trip-hop producer Wax Tailor as well as LA-based duos Rhye and Midnight Sister.

Pop, rock or punk: Yungblud doesn't like to be put in a box. He's only 23 but the musician already has a strong fan base and videos that notch up millions of views on social media. Yungblud's flamboyant style sets him apart. It's no surprise he's received accolades from Sir Elton John or Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl. Clovis Casali sat down with him in Paris for the release of his new album "Weird".

French-Caribbean singer, bassist and producer Adeline moved to New York City as a young adult. She's had a successful career playing in the 17-piece disco throwback band Escort and performing bass and backing vocals with singer CeeLo Green. On top of all that, she's had a prolific solo career under her first name Adeline, creating a unique blend of funk, R&B and soul. She spent most of 2020 releasing a constant stream of soulful, heartwarming songs. She tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about her latest musical endeavours.

British grime artist Slowthai is known for his provocative live performances and politically aware lyrics. His first album, the outward-looking "Nothing Great About Britain", was greeted positively by critics and music fans alike and propelled to the top of the UK's urban music scene. FRANCE 24 caught up with him to discuss his new introspective offering, "Tyron".

In 2015, childhood friends Victor Solf and Simon Carpentier formed the neo-soul duo "Her". The band enjoyed a successful run on the French music scene but Carpentier tragically passed away in 2017, just before the release of the band's self-titled debut LP. After leading a tour for the record, Victor Solf decided to move on. He's just released his first solo album in his name, entitled "Still. There's Hope". He tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about his desire to celebrate life and why he decided to go solo.

She's a beloved voice in the Canadian music industry. Multidisciplinary artist TiKA has a lot of tricks up her sleeve: singer-songwriter, DJ, model, film composer, actor and advocate for the empowerment of female artists. Earlier this year, she added another feather to her cap with the release of her hotly anticipated debut LP "Anywhere But Here", which is full of 1980s-inspired synth pop anthems.