I’m something of an old-school head. I dress and move through the world like a weary time traveler from the year 1973. And one thing that always makes this vibe complete is good soul music. There’s something irresistible about a slow, soul groove, a rare lowrider oldie or a raucous Stax classic–especially when paired with the right group. While the classics always hold a special place in my DNA, there’s a new generation of artists that aren’t simply mimicking the past; they’re continuing it. Here’s a spotlight on seven modern soul groups keeping that retro sound alive and well.
Thee Lakesiders
Thee Lakesiders, comprised of Izcalli Marie and Necalli del Lago, give that East LA-backyard-party-in-the-1970s vibe. Their sound is as authentic as it gets — a dreamy blend of lowrider soul and nostalgic melodies that instantly transport you to striking Aztec murals painted under viaducts. Whether it’s the soulful guitar riffs or the wistful harmonies, you’ll find yourself closing your eyes and swaying your head without realizing it.
Their music embodies pachuca(o) culture, blending Chicano soul with modern indie sensibilities. Tracks like “Parachute” and “Si Me Faltaras Tu” give you that warm, vinyl feeling, even if you’re streaming it on Spotify. Have you ever heard music that felt like it was meant to soundtrack a cruising scene in an Indie film on Sundance? That’s Thee Lakesiders.
Trish Toledo
Trish Toledo doesn’t just sing—she testifies. Her voice bridges that youthful innocence of the early 1960s to the present, carrying the torch for rare lowrider soul ballads with a distinctly modern twist. She’s one of those rare ones whose music succinctly captures that bygone era when unrequited love songs flowed out of car radios across Southern California. Back when people dressed up to go to church on Sundays. Back when graduating high school marked a transition into adulthood and grabbing a burger and a side of fries with your homeboys or homegirls at the local In and Out cost 75 cents. Back when dedicating a love song to your old lady or your old man actually meant something.
Toledo is no carbon copy crooner. Her voice is a catalog of Chicana singers before her. Tracks like “Crying in the Rain” and “Do You Love Me?” drip with devoted emotion. And while Toledo’s style is pure nostalgia, her dedication to the tone makes it feel brand new. Honestly, she’s what every cholo dreams of when they’re slow cruising on a Saturday night—the sexy, sultry reincarnation of Paula and the Latinaires mixed with a healthy dose of chingonas.
Durand Jones and the Indications
For soulful grooves that tug at your sense of Deja Vu’, Durand Jones and the Indications are your time capsule to the past. This American soul band, formed by Durand Jones, Aaron Frazer, and Blake Rhein, brought the soul revival movement into full swing around 2017. They’re like the cool cousins who used to sleep over at your mama’s house, albeit much more musically talented, seamlessly blending retro vibes with contemporary R&B.
Take “Is It Any Wonder?” for example. It’s smooth as whipped butter, falsetto-driven, and achingly beautiful. Then there’s “Morning in America,” which pivots to a politically charged and deeply reflective vibe. Jones and Frazer both lead vocals, bringing a dynamic energy to every tempo. The band’s commitment to analog recording gives their music that raw, vintage sound we old-school heads all crave.
I would be remiss not to give special mention to Aaron Frazer (drums), a soul revivalist in his own right. He’s got his hits, too. His track If I Got It(Your Love Brought It) heralds back to the infectious groove of Smokey Robinson’s Mickey’s Monkey; while the breezy, flute-laden Bad News is a must-listen for anyone with a heartbeat.
Leon Bridges
You can’t talk about modern soul music without mentioning Leon Bridges. With every album, he’s taken us on a journey through different eras of R&B and soul, from his Sam Cooke-inspired debut “Coming Home” to the funkier grooves of “Gold-Diggers Sound.”
Leon’s music is like a carefully curated record collection. Tracks like “River” tug at your heartstrings with their gospel influences, while “Bad Bad News” delivers a modern tempo that’s impossible not to groove to. What makes Bridges so special is his ability to reinvent himself without losing the essence of soul. He’s a modern-day blues traveler, and we’re lucky to be along for the ride.
The Teskey Brothers
Soul music from Australia? The first time I heard them, I couldn’t believe it either. And while ThePeopleAreFly is all about celebrating black and brown, The Teskey Brothers are proof that soul transcends borders–and colors. These two actual blood brothers from Down Under channel the raw, emotional intensity of Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett, but with their own unique spin.
Their live performances are legendary—just listen to reaction videos of “Pain and Misery” on YouTube and you’ll understand why. Their music has a way of hitting you right in the throat, whether it’s a slow-burning ballad or a high-energy anthem. The Teskey Brothers remind us that soul isn’t about where you’re from; it’s about where it takes you.
Thee Sinseers
Straight out of East LA, Thee Sinseers are leading the modern Chicano soul movement. Led by Joseph Quiñones, this group takes everything we love about old-school soul—smooth horns, tender vocals, and timeless melodies—and infuses it with a modern edge.
Tracks like “Seems Like” and “It Was Only a Dream” are pure magic, blending classic doo-wop influences with a distinctly modern sound. What sets Thee Sinseers apart is their commitment to the community. They’re part of a larger movement of East LA musicians who are bringing soul music back to its roots while simultaneously pushing it forward.
Suan & Starr
This dynamic duo started as backup singers for another retro-revival candidate, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, but they’ve since stepped into their own spotlight after the unfortunate passing of Jones in 2016. And trust me, it’s a bright one.
Their album “Look Closer” is a masterclass in retro soul. Tracks like “Hot Shot” and “Big Wheel” are irresistibly groovy, with vocals that feel like your cool aunties’ warm laughter. Saun & Starr have that classic Daptone Records sound, but their chemistry and charisma make their music uniquely theirs.
Why Modern Soul Matters
Soul music is more than just a genre; it’s a whole lifestyle. Whether you don a pachucha aesthetic or rock it like a billy, you know true soul when you hear it. It’s the joy and pain in the vocals, the groove of the bassline, and the heartache in the lyrics. These modern soul groups keep that spirit alive, reminding us why we fell in love with soul music in the first place while giving us something new to cherish.
So, who’s going on your playlist? Whether you’re looking to vibe out with Thee Lakesiders, cry it out with Trish Toledo, or get your groove on with Leon Bridges, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s keep supporting these artists who are keeping the old-school brand new.
