Introducing HYFIN-verified artists for May 2023

This month’s verified artists are Nia Archives, Jean Dawson, Tianna Esperanza, Baby Rose and CHIIILD. These artists have been selected for their unique sounds, creativity, and cultural influence. Listeners can expect special on-air and online features throughout the month, including exclusive content and interviews.

Nia Archives is DJ, producer and songwriter that blends jungle and drum and bass with pop and R&B. In 2022, she received a MOBO award, an NME award, and a nomination for a BRIT award. Raised in the UK, Nia Archives is becoming a force in the dance-music revival that is largely led by Black women.

Tianna Esperanza creates compelling music inspired by legendary artists such as Nina Simone, Public Enemy, and Gil Scott-Heron. Esperanza also happens to be the granddaughter of punk legend Paloma (“Palmolive”) McLardy, who founded the London-based 1970s all-girl punk band The Slits and later played with The Raincoats.

Terror is a cathartic balance of both darkness and light, where Esperanza sings about her lowest moments and the unbridled hope that has come from processing them. Throughout, her masterful wordplay and range of vocal styles conjures an introduction that is strong and impactful. “I wanted to honor every part of me,” Tianna says of Terror. “I knew that I had a story, and for a lot of artists their debut album can be autobiographical.” Check out HYFIN’s interview with Tianna Esperanza.

Baby Rose has one of the most unique voices in R&B today. Her distinct voice is reminiscent of blues and soul singers of the 60s. She recently released her impressive sophomore album “Through and Through.” Baby Rose is undeniably a once-in-a-lifetime artist. She burst onto the scene with her 2019 debut project, To Myself, which has amassed over 25 million global streams to date and landed her early co-signs by SZA, J. Cole, James Blake, Kehlani, and LeBron James. Check out HYFIN’s interview with Baby Rose and you catch her perform with last month’s Verified artist Q on May 30 at Turner Hall Ballroom.

Half Mexican and half Black, Tijauan-raised creative Jean Dawson is known for music that blends hip-hop and experimental pop. He garnered widespread buzz with his 2019 EP Bad Sports and quickly followed in 2020 with his debut full-length, Pixel Bath. His sophomore album, Chaos Now*, arrived in 2022. You can catch him perform at this year’s Lollapalooza. Make sure you check out our interview with Jean Dawson.

Chiiild is a Montrel-based outfit led by producer and musician Yonatan “xSDTRK AYal. Chiiild’s is influenced by everyone from the rock group Pink Floyd to soul singer Sam Cooke. He’s a creative who is not afraid to take risks. Chiiild first appeared as a guest artist on British singer/songwriter Daley’s 2017 track “Careless.” The group contributed to production work with other artists as their own songs came together, working on tracks with Usher, Diplo, and others. First dropping on the scene in 2020, Chiiild is back with his latest album Better Luck Next Time.