At the age of 24, Xam Volo seems wise beyond his years. A true artist, he oversees every element of his music, which he describes as “a messy mind over raw, dark jazz grooves”. Since moving to Liverpool to study in 2012, the Londoner has embraced himself in the local music scene with his unique and enigmatic take on Neo-Soul and Jazz. Influences from Erykah Badu, Miguel, Frank Ocean and Maverick Sabre echo in his music, with a gospel-infused sophistication and often abstract lyrics.

“I was into Grime when I was younger,” XamVolo says. “Slowly I developed a taste for RnB through Hip Hop, before discovering Jazz and Soul and really falling in love. Neo-Soul may be a newer genre, but it captures all the elements that I love about music, and it’s home to such a distinct and timeless sound.” While studying for his degree and craving a more creative way of life, he began taking his music seriously before deciding to make it his chosen career. “An older friend gave me his copy of music software FL Studio 7 and I began making my own songs, “he says. “I haven’t looked back since.”

It was only January that the R&B auteur released his stunning debut album “All The Sweetness On The Surface”, but he's wasting no time in getting his next single out, releasing on Friday July 12th. "In Love and War"continues a lot of the themes and tones set out on the album, effortlessly blending funk, jazz and R&B influences into a disarmingly smooth melting pot. Comparisons are already being drawn to the likes of Anderson .Paak and D'Angelo, but that only scratches the surface. To really understand his sound, you'll have to listen for yourself.