Eli Derby drops ‘LOVESHY’ EP

Maryland-based singer,-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Eli Derby is bringing truly human back to the centre of modern R&B music. Eli’s music sits between two distinct sides of the genre, the slick, hip hop-infused R&B that arose from 90s and 2000s radio and the live musicianship inherited from its original practitioners. With expressive vocals, electric guitar and a knack for emotionally compelling songwriting, he finds the meeting point between the two, turning yearning, desire and emotion into music that feels both timeless and memorable.

In his sound, emotional honesty is not something to hide behind the production, it’s the whole point of his artistic expression. His belief that deeper meaning is a source of power runs through his approach to songwriting and performance, with the guitar becoming as important to his identity as his voice. His live shows and social posts place that musicianship front and centre, while his melodic flair gives his songs the warmth and aesthetic to connect beyond their musical influences.

His relationship with music began when he first picked up drumsticks at just two years old and soon found himself playing at church. By 10, he’d taught himself piano, approaching music with the same determination an athlete might bring to competition. A middle-school jazz band audition for drummer became another defining moment, amplifying a work ethic that would shape his development and while the guitar arrived later, when he was 17, the connection was instant.

Alongside that expanding instrumental vocabulary came an equally diverse musical inspiration, from Prince, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Whitney Houston, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey and Freddie Mercury. After turning heads through covers on social media, Eli broke through at 18 with the sweetly grooving 2021 single “Gaslight.” From there came a string of projects, including the Left on Read and More Than Friends EPs, alongside the fan-favourite “Lately” featuring 6LACK. He also established his own label, Polymarth Unit, while working with Relentless Entertainment to manage and elevate his brand.

Now, Eli Derby is stepping into a new romantic chapter with LOVESHY, his Warner Records debut EP that explores desire, attraction, uncertainty and the turbulent but beautiful experience of falling for someone. Blending R&B and pop with guitar-driven production, it’s ultimately a record about holding on to hope in love. Kicked off by “Who’s There For You,” the smokey blend of guitar chords and atmospheric vocals forms an immersive alternative R&B scene that rolls with snapping beats and infectious hooks, forming a stunning jam that’s catchy and grooving throughout.

“Fine as U” follows with pulsing percussion and soulful vocalisations before slipping into a smooth scene of bright vocal leads and bouncy rhythmic energy. With “What Then,” the intricate flicker of electric guitar notes and alluring vocals combine to cast a dreamy soundscape cut with memorable melodies and picture painting lyricism, taking listeners on an engaging voyage of intoxicating R&B songwriting and bold rhythmic sway.

Tracks like “Lost in the Moment” pairs woozy instrumentation, rattling drums and expressive vocal performance to serve up a transportive musical moment that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. “Trigger Happy” brings stuttering beats and crunchy guitar textures capped by Eli’s commanding vocals, offering an epic display of his poignant songwriting and the wide appeal of his sound.

“Nana Said” leans into a sphere of soft piano notes and vocal samples to offer a delicate sound before the EP’s closing track “Feels Like Home” glides into a downtempo groove of laid back percussive and intricate, bluesy guitar flourishes as Eli’s stunning vocals ring out above, presenting a stunning finale to his incredible new release. While emotion can easily be mistaken for weakness, Eli Derby is building his identity around the opposite idea and for this artist, feeling deeply is the strength and with LOVESHY, he’s turning that belief into the soundtrack for anyone still willing to take a chance on love.

Listen to LOVESHY below