Wales’ Rising R&B Collective ‘SOURCE’ Ready to Take on the UK With Debut Single, ‘Never Be’

If you’ve been anywhere near Cardiff’s music scene lately, you’ve probably heard the name SOURCE floating around — whispered in gig crowds, shared in late-night playlists, and now, firmly buzzing across the city. The Welsh R&B collective has been steadily building something special, and on November 23rd, they’re finally giving us their long-awaited debut single, “Never Be.”

And yes, I’ve heard it — it’s smooth, soulful, and seriously addictive. The kind of track that makes you close your eyes, sway a little, and let yourself feel everything.

But let’s rewind for a second. Who exactly are SOURCE?

Born in Cardiff, the group has quickly become one of the most exciting voices to emerge from Wales’ growing soul and R&B scene. Dubbed “the voices of the future” by Sian Eleri (BBC Radio 1), SOURCE fuse the warmth of old-school soul with the pulse of today’s R&B and electronic grooves. Their sound feels both nostalgic and new, think the emotion of Sade meeting the bounce of KAYTRANADA, all wrapped in a Cardiff attitude.

It’s no wonder they recently scooped up the Triskel Award at the Welsh Music Prize 2025, cementing their place as ones to watch. Their fanbase — who’ve been packing out live shows across the city — have been patiently (and loudly) waiting for this release.

The collective started in 2023 as the creative project of Calum Conaghan and Lily Webbe, two session musicians who met while working with London-based artist Harry Jowett. What began as post-work jam sessions slowly evolved into something much bigger. When they pulled in other local talents — including Adjua, Jessika Kay, BRUNA GARCIA, Ruth Zewgee, Talulah, and Sage Todz — SOURCE became less of a band and more of a movement.

“It was meant to be a gig,” they joke about their first show. “But it turned into a jam night that never really ended.”

That collaborative spirit still defines everything they do. SOURCE is less about a single voice and more about a shared vision — a creative world where music, visuals, design, and storytelling all live in harmony.

Their debut single, “Never Be,” captures that energy perfectly. It’s a groove-based neo-soul track, pulling inspiration from the likes of D’Angelo and Sade, and recorded at Migration Studios in the Cotswolds — the same space that’s hosted Michael Kiwanuka and Joy Crookes. The track builds gradually, weaving in layers of harmonies, a steady rhythmic bounce, and a mantra that hits deep:

“We lose but we find, we fall but we rise.”

It’s a message about self-doubt, acceptance, and the beauty of being human — something that feels especially fitting for a group still finding its voice, together.

“Never Be” was mixed by Richard “Dicky” Addicott, the studio’s lead engineer and owner, who has helped shape the track’s rich, polished-yet-organic sound. What makes SOURCE so exciting isn’t just the music. It’s their vision. They’re building an entire world around their art — working with designers, stylists, dancers, and visual artists to bring the SOURCE aesthetic to life. It’s not just about sound; it’s about atmosphere, storytelling, and community.

And the community has shown up for them, from local gigs to fan-led listening parties, Cardiff has embraced SOURCE like hometown heroes. Their recent performance at the Welsh Music Prize, where they met legendary bassist Pino Palladino, marked a full-circle moment for the group, who count D’Angelo’s Voodoo era as a major influence.

Next up? A second single, “Tell Me,” set to drop later this month, and a 2026 EP that will spotlight more members of their growing collective. With “Never Be” just days away, SOURCE stand on the edge of something big.

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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo

All Images by Joe Andrews