2010s Soul

2010s Soul — Rare Footage

The 2010s were a transformative decade for music, marked by the rise of streaming, social media, and the democratization of artistic expression. Within this landscape, soul music continued to evolve, reflecting the changing times while staying true to its roots. The genre's characteristic blend of gospel, R&B, and jazz remained intact, but its sound and style adapted to the era's sonic trends.

The 2010s saw a resurgence of interest in classic soul sounds, with artists like Adele and Frank Ocean drawing inspiration from the genre's rich history. However, this nostalgia was not simply a rehashing of old styles; rather, it was a deliberate attempt to update the sound for a new generation. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Tame Impala pushed the boundaries of what soul music could be, incorporating elements of hip-hop, electronic, and psychedelic sounds into their work.

Despite its evolution, soul music remained deeply rooted in African-American culture and identity. The genre's call-and-response structure, handclaps, and extemporaneous body movements continued to evoke a sense of community and connection that was at the heart of soul's origins. Artists like Frank Ocean and Kendrick Lamar used their music as a platform for social commentary, addressing issues like racism, police brutality, and black identity.

The proliferation of smartphones and social media meant that nearly every moment could be captured on film – but ironically, much of this footage is buried in social media feeds and stories that disappear within hours. The clips in our archive capture the behind-the-scenes moments that didn't make the highlight reels: a glimpse into the lives of artists like Adele, Frank Ocean, and Kendrick Lamar as they navigated the music industry.

One of the defining characteristics of soul music is its emphasis on vocal performance – the "especially tense vocal sound" that sets it apart from other genres. Artists like Adele and Frank Ocean are renowned for their powerful, emotive voices, which have become synonymous with the genre. However, as soul music continues to evolve, we're seeing a new generation of artists pushing the boundaries of what's possible with vocals.

The intersection of technology and artistry is another key theme in our archive. With the rise of streaming and social media, artists are now more connected to their fans than ever before – but this also means that they must constantly adapt to changing trends and algorithms. The clips in our archive offer a glimpse into this world, where artists like Kendrick Lamar and Tame Impala are using technology to create new sounds and push the boundaries of what's possible.

As we delve into the world of 2010s soul, it becomes clear that the genre is not simply a nostalgic throwback – but rather a living, breathing entity that continues to evolve and adapt to the times. Our archive offers a unique perspective on this era, capturing the behind-the-scenes moments and intimate performances that reveal the true spirit of soul music.

Curated from public records and music databases.

Music in the 2010s

The 2010s saw streaming become the dominant way people consumed music, while social media transformed how artists connected with fans. Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Frank Ocean, Taylor Swift, and Tame Impala were among the decade’s most important artists. The proliferation of smartphones meant that nearly every moment could be filmed — but ironically, much of this footage is buried in social media feeds and stories that disappear within hours. The clips in this archive capture the behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make the highlight reels.