Shura

Updating pop and R&B sounds from the '80s and '90s, West London-based singer/songwriter/producer Shura made an impression with the gauzy ballads "Touch" and "Just Once." The daughter of an English documentary filmmaker and a Russian actress, Shura taught herself how to use music production software by watching YouTube tutorials while working the night shift as a video editor. She began working with co-producer Joel Pott, and her official debut single, the breezy, bittersweet "Touch," arrived in February 2014. The like-minded follow-up "Just Once" was released that July, and "Indecision," a lively dance-pop cut, appeared in October. Late that year, Shura was longlisted for the BBC Sound of 2015 poll (which Years & Years eventually won). Her full-length debut album was expected in 2015. ~ Heather Phares