Inside the Marshall Series First Listen With Amaria BB, A Refreshing Voice for a New UK R&B Era

Few artists right now channel the magnetic pulse of eclectic UK R&B quite like Amaria BB. Emerging as one of the most unique talents to come out of the UK in recent years, Amaria BB is steadily carving her lane within a fresh generation of genre-bending voices pushing the sound forward. Her music balances nostalgic nods with a distinctly modern swagger, placing her alongside peers as a musical force, while echoing the carefree warmth.

We got a chance to sit and talk with Amaria BB on set of the Marshall Series First Listen, supported by New Wave. This intimate studio experience truly embodies the essence of a refreshing vibe, exactly what Amaria BB says she feels when she’s in Paris. “Bonjour” sets the tone for her upcoming project, inviting listeners to dive into the possibilities and emotions that unfold throughout the album.

Photography by Megan Jordan

"It reminded me why I do this, to share stories and feelings that resonate," she shares. That raw, immediate feedback loop with her audience has helped her appreciate the impact of her songs on a whole new level. Having access to a comfortable, focused space like the Marshall Studio allows her to experiment freely, push sonic boundaries, and get lost in the tiny details that shape her sound.

With the Marshall Series First Listen, Amaria BB joins a wave of artists using intimate sessions to break the fourth wall between performer and listener, echoing the authentic feel of a studio session from conception to the final product. But while the setting nods to the past, her presence feels unmistakably fresh, laidback yet intentional, sweet yet self-assured.

The industry that often rewards loud moments over quiet craft, however Amaria BB’s approach, part nostalgic romance, part fearless experimentation feels like a necessary breath of fresh air. If this First Listen is any indication, she’s ready to soundtrack a whole new chapter for UK R&B, one that’s intimate and refreshingly free.

When you walk into a session, what needs to be in place for you to feel like you can really be yourself?

firstly that I need is I need to have iPhone, my iPhone, because that's what I write on I don't really, I used to write, like on paper, but long

‘Bonjour’ feels so bouncy and fresh, and how does it tie into the story you’re telling on 9PM in Paris?

Thank you! The word “Bonjour” perfectly describes the vibrant and upbeat energy that was important to the story I wanted to tell. It truly embodies the essence of a refreshing vibe, which is exactly what I experience when I’m in Paris. Bonjour” sets the tone for the album, inviting my fans to explore the possibilities and emotions that unfold throughout the project .

Who or what did you create the song for?

I created this song mainly just for enjoyment. To be honest, I feel like music nowadays is losing it's fun. It doesn't not a lot of people are dancing, so it's like a little dancing song to get everybody back. You know, club vibes, yeah.

Photography by Megan Jordan

9PM in Paris has such a clear sense of mood and place, what does Paris represent for you creatively?

Paris has always been a second home to me. From a young age I used to go on regular trips there with my mum. I’ve always been really inspired by the culture in France and I like French music so I wanted to do something different that also felt authentic. 

How much has that culture played a part in you making music and creating?

culture played a part a lot. Because I feel like I kind of got two different experiences, like a British experience, and then obviously my actual where I'm from, my place experience, and I feel like residing in the UK is is good, because I can take from that culture that, like, I embraced, and I don't know, like, pull it in my music and my everyday now culture

You joined us for the First Listen project. What did it feel like to see people connect with your music in real time?

Being involved in  the project was honestly an incredible experience. Seeing people connect with my music in real time brings a powerful sense of validation and excitement. It’s one thing to create music in the studio, but witnessing fans genuine reactions and emotions unfold right then and there made me feel deeply connected to them. It reminded me why I do this—to share stories and feelings that resonate. That immediate feedback helped me appreciate the impact of my songs on a whole new level.

Photography by Megan Jordan

What’s something you’re still working out in your process, something that still challenges you? 

 I record, like I engineer myself to how I want myself to sound in it, but sometimes having what you understand doesn't sound right to other people. So I'm just trying to find that balance of how to still have it my way, but a way where people can listen and still enjoy so yeah, trying to find that balance.

What’s one ‘first listen’ moment, not your own song,  that’s stuck with you as an artist?

I grew up listening to artists like Patti LaBelle, Xscape, and Brandy, so anything with great melodies is essential to me. When I first heard them, it was eye-opening—it showed me the power of music to instantly shift your mood and perspective. It definitely inspired me to push my own artistic boundaries and reminded me of how important those first listens can be. It’s moments like that that fuel my passion to create something that resonates just as deeply with my fans. 

How does being in a quality studio space, like Marshall’s, shape the way you record or experiment? 

I have had the opportunity to work in a lot of great studios in London so being in Marshall’s studios felt right at home. The environment itself inspires me—it’s not just about the equipment , but the vibe, the acoustics, and the energy in the room. Having access to a  comfortable, focused space allows me to experiment freely without limits. It pushes me to take risks, try new sounds, and really dive into the details of my music. 

What was your first experience listening back to the full recorded track?

I wanted to dance immediately. Feel like everyone around me wanted to dance immediately as well. So I feel like I met the standard that I wanted.

What do you hope people feel the first time they hear Bonjour and 9PM in Paris all the way through?

I want people to feel incredibly good about themselves, and to have that  feeling  stay  with them long after the music ends.

Watch full episode on the Marshall Instagram HERE