Yebba Releases "Distance," an Immaculate First Glance at Her Long-Awaited Debut Album

Photo: Shervin Lainez

25-year-old soul, singer, and arranger Yebba has only a handful of solo singles to her name, but in those you will find the glimmer of a generation-defining and defying talent. The Grammy-award winning artist's voice commands with an air of mysticism and heartfelt sentimentality, bringing a decades-old love affair with soul and R&B into the modern-day.  

While the past couple years has seen her transcendent vocal range become a much-sought out feature for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Sam Smith, Chance the Rapper, Mumford and Sons, A Tribe Called Quest, and more, "Distance" marks the first single from her long-awaited debut album, set to release via RCA Records.

Produced by Mark Ronson and Yebba, and recorded with The Roots and Pino Palladino at New York's infamous Electric Lady Studios, "Distance" is a delicate moment captured in amber. Exploring the feeling of suddenly realizing a relationship was coming to an end, Yebba lends her light-as-air yet emotionally-laden vocals to an ethereal reflection seized in real time. She spoke further on the initial inspiration, sharing,

"Emotionally, physically, and spiritually we were trying, but the only thing that came naturally was the distance. So, I wrote a goodbye before we ever got the chance to fight."

There is not a sardonic note to be found in this timeless ode to parting ways. Instead, "Distance" is as much a love note as it is a breakup letter. The result is all the more heartbreaking.

Listen to "Distance" below:


Related Articles

Priya Ragu’s Joyful, Vivid, and Freeing Era Is Here

Priya Ragu’s Joyful, Vivid, and Freeing Era Is Here

September 10, 2026 Priya Ragu’s upcoming album, "Madras" is expected later this year, and after having the chance to listen to the first release of the project, we can hear Priya paying tribute to her past, present, and future, in a way that’s uniquely, totally, hers.
Author: Matt Keenan
pop
R&B
Ethan French Is Cognitive and Precise on “reckless and arranged – day 56 (extended)”

Ethan French Is Cognitive and Precise on “reckless and arranged – day 56 (extended)”

September 10, 2026 Both its shortened and full-length forms will be included on French’s upcoming album ideas of the day – vol. 1, set for release on October 1st.
Author: Noah Wade
R&B
How Tiny Habits Expanded Their Sound In Spellbinding Sophomore Record ‘Keepers’ [Q&A]

How Tiny Habits Expanded Their Sound In Spellbinding Sophomore Record ‘Keepers’ [Q&A]

August 28, 2026 We chatted with Tiny Habits about taking creative control, pushing themselves to use their voices in new ways, collaborating with The 1975’s Matty Healy and evolving.
Author: Giselle Libby
R&B
Pop