Katy-bred, Houston, Texas-based crooner Dende doesn’t necessarily want to bring yearning back to R&B (as many are asking for), but instead, he aims to reinvent that style. On his upcoming Def Jam debut EP, I am because you are…(released March 26), instead of singing about how he needs a lover, Dende muses about how he will do anything for someone. How he will shift himself to satisfy them if need be. This is what separates Dende from the pack of modern R&B vocalists: a focused and distinct intention that explodes into euphoric multilayered melodies.

As a singer raised in the church, where his father was a pastor, and as a vocalist who is also technically trained in opera, Dende’s vocal prowess is at an all-time high. His stacks and deliveries portray a singer who is equal parts playful and proficient. His talent has landed him a Sofar Sounds residency in London and features on podcasts hosted by Pharrell and Joe Budden.

With higher expectations comes higher concepts from Dende (after the success of his 2023 projects Before We Crash and ‘95 Civic). I am because you are… derives inspiration from channeling the zaniness of visual artists (including Basquiat and a few others) and writing songs from the purview of how they would write about their muses. This aligns deeply with his desire to write about shifting himself for romantic partners, as he literally takes on other artist’s psyches. But don’t worry, the vocals remain gorgeous and in full force.