THE NEW WAVE: HAZL IS BRINGING THE MOVEMENT BACK TO R&B

W: Mandy Morgan

Pioneering a fresh fusion of R&B and Hip-Hop, West London’s own Hazl is developing a sound—and a physical energy—that is currently unmatched in the UK scene. A singer and dancer by trade, Hazl infuses his music with a charismatic, cheeky personality that defines his artistic identity. For those yet to discover his work, he describes the sound as a blend of bouncy drums and silky vocals, creating an energetic yet smooth style of R&B that fills a long-standing void in the British music landscape.

Hazl’s drive is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His parents, both dedicated NHS workers, instilled in him a relentless work ethic and the importance of striving for excellence. This dedication to "honing the craft" is inspired by icons across all arenas—from Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, and Anita Baker to the elite mentality of Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry. For Hazl, his music is a promise to deliver the highest quality to his fans and to the inspirations that came before him, fueled by practice and a pure love for the art.

In a modern culture dominated by filming on phones and standing still at shows, Hazl is one of the few artists actively trying to revive dance culture in the UK. He believes that music is something meant to be felt in the body, a philosophy he champions in his latest work. His new single, "LIKE THAT," serves as the first of many upcoming projects to feature high-energy dance breaks reminiscent of the early 2000s, reminding audiences how to experience music to the fullest through cinematic, movement-heavy visuals.

The inspiration for "LIKE THAT" stems from Hazl’s own approach to romance, specifically the desire to treat a partner with royalty-level respect. The song’s origins are surprisingly specific, born from a date night where Hazl found himself enjoying expensive wine despite not being a fan of the drink. The lyric “I can’t believe it, you’ve got me drinking wine” became the foundation for a track that celebrates the transformative power of a great connection. This ability to capture specific emotional moments and translate them into music is one of his greatest strengths, alongside a keen ability to envision how a song will sound in every environment, from a car stereo to a live arena.

The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. In his early days, Hazl struggled with vocal stamina and severe performance anxiety, often facing panic attacks before taking the stage. Through meditation, introspection, and "exposure therapy," he learned to let his love for music outweigh his fear of the spotlight. Today, his pre-show routine of honey tea, meditation, and vocal exercises ensures he delivers the stamina and confidence he once lacked. As he moves into this new era, fans can expect a refined evolution of his sound: smooth vocals, cheeky wordplay, and a bold commitment to the high-quality performance art that first inspired him to pick up a microphone.

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