Ikea Damone's 'Release' Marks Artistic Return with Wammie Award Nomination

Argo Vibes has announced the worldwide release of "Release," the new single from Contemporary Soul and Alternative R&B and Jazz artist Ikea Damone. The track became available across major digital platforms on December 19, 2025, marking Damone's highly anticipated return to the music scene after a creative hiatus. This release introduces a fresh chapter in her artistry, characterized by intimate, soul-driven storytelling and harmonious melodies that reflect her musical heritage and influences.

Just days after its debut, "Release" earned a nomination for Best R&B/Soul Song at the 37th Annual Wammie Music Awards, announced on December 21, 2025. This recognition highlights both her return to music and the immediate impact of her latest artistic direction. The single has gained early momentum with placement on Spotify's Release Radar, indicating strong listener engagement and industry attention for this comeback effort.

Damone described the creation of "Release" as arriving "in a moment of instinct" that was "effortless and unplanned." She noted that once the music was released, "it became something bigger than me," emphasizing the communal nature of artistic expression. The artist explained that "Release" captures the comforting experience of unwinding with someone trustworthy, with lyrics and melodies that reflect talking through the day and allowing emotions to settle. The song's subtle musical arrangement underscores this sense of honesty and vulnerability, creating what Damone calls "a heartfelt invitation to connect and find solace."

The nomination at the prestigious Wammie Awards represents significant industry validation for Damone's artistic evolution and could potentially elevate her visibility within the contemporary soul and R&B landscape. For listeners, the track offers emotional resonance at a time when many seek authentic connections and musical comfort. The early streaming success suggests the single resonates with current audience preferences for genuine, vulnerable storytelling in music.

Argo Vibes, which began as the nation's first mobile music label and has evolved into a global multimedia creative house, continues its mission of developing independent artists through this release. The company provides a platform where talent can "create with vision, move with autonomy, and build work that stands the test of time," as detailed on their website at https://www.argovibes.com. Damone's artistic background includes a family musical heritage, with her grandmother having performed with The Shirelles and her great-grandfather singing with The Rays, influences that inform her contemporary yet classic sound.

Listeners can access "Release" through all digital entertainment platforms, continuing the accessibility that has become standard in today's music industry. The combination of artistic authenticity, industry recognition, and emotional resonance positions this release as potentially influential within the contemporary soul genre, offering both personal connection for listeners and professional validation for the artist's creative direction.