On the rise: Anne Dereaux crafts emotional alt-soul in debut EP

With her debut EP, Book of Lolita, released last month, Nashville born, LA based alt-soul singer Anne Dereaux delivers a soothing record filled with wisdom and vitality. Inspired by an alter ego conceived by the artist when she was a child, the EP marks an emotive and personal journey, featuring vocals that range between confidence, pain, and delicate textures, layered over atmospheric instrumentals. The artist released a video (streaming below) for the song "MO(U)RNING", which complements the emotional track through an ambitious story that transitions from a somber, darkened setting to a luminous ending, painting a journey through pain and heartbreak. She’s playing NYC’s hot hub Baby’s All Right on August 22nd – it’s a good sign. – Tafari Lemma