Semeria, an independent R&B artist from Tampa, Florida, has been gaining momentum in the underground music scene. Her 2024 debut EP, Free Woman, delves into love, heartbreak, and motherhood, infusing her music with a deeply personal touch. Blending soulful vocals with a rich, emotive sound, Semeria’s artistry is captivating listeners and solidifying her presence in the indie R&B circuit. She has reached supporters all across the globe with her stylized, classic R$B, accumulating over a quarter of a million streams in a relatively short period of time.
New Seme opens the with a burst of energy, establishing Semeria’s vocal presence immediately. Her delivery glides effortlessly over the syncopated rhythms, evoking the crisp articulation and rhythmic tension reminiscent of Beyoncé. The staccato hooks create an infectious groove, inviting listeners to engage with its repetitive, danceable patterns—a surefire highlight for anyone who appreciates modern R&B with a pop edge.
“In the song, I demand my peers to “make way” for me because I’m not going anywhere. I’m only getting started.”
The second track, Today, shifts gears into a more uplifting space. With warm pads and a major key, Semeria crafts an expansive, feel-good atmosphere. The ambient BV vocals, delayed like subliminal echoes, add depth and texture, reinforcing the positive energy. Her intention here is clear – constructing an engaging soundscape that feels both expansive and inviting.
On Pause, Semeria integrates a touch of sophistication, using jazz-club piano to improvise over a laid-back swing. The track stays true to its R&B roots with 808s rumbling beneath, adding a contemporary edge. Her lyrics offer a thoughtful perspective, urging listeners to take a step back and gain clarity—a message that feels especially relevant in a world of increasingly subjective realities.
LOML (Love of My Life) stands as the emotional centerpiece of the EP. It’s a pure R&B ballad that highlights Semeria’s vocal prowess, her dynamic phrasing, and her ability to infuse emotion into every note. Drawing inspiration from legends like Mary J, her tone carries an emotional weight that gives the track depth and sincerity.
“I wanted a balance of love and heartbreak songs so different mothers could relate.”
Not For Sale takes a more introspective turn, with lyrics that put Semeria’s storytelling at the forefront. Despite its brevity, the track’s minimalist approach allows the melody to build tension, supported by a low, robotic harmony. When the verses finally crescendo to the climactic line, ‘work on yourself,’ her delivery soars, highlighting the song’s true core message (personal growth, the very real cornerstone of any successful marriage). I find this kind of structure quite unusual but effective.
Got Your Baby Momma in the Club infuses a modern flair, blending Jersey Club kicks with granular synth keys. The filtered background vocals, washed in delay, add an atmospheric layer, enhancing the contemporary feel of the track. It’s sleek and polished, capturing a fresh, youthful energy that feels in tune with current R&B trends.
The EP closes with Callisto Step, another nod to Jersey Club, but this time with a classic R&B twist. The offbeat claps and subtle DnB influences anchor the track’s rhythmic structure, creating a groove that’s both danceable and engaging—a fitting, club-ready conclusion.
“Overall Free Woman is an r&b EP about love, heartbreak and motherhood. It was written and recorded over the course of 3 and a half years which is around the same time I became a mother.”
Free Woman is a bold and confident debut that highlights Semeria’s versatility as both a vocalist and a songwriter. Her ability to seamlessly blend personal experiences with contemporary production sets her apart in the indie R&B scene. By fusing classic R&B elements with a modern touch, this EP not only showcases her technical skills but also her distinctive artistic voice.
