The Red Bull Music Academy Nights, which has been bringing legends of music together with new age musicians from all over the world since 1998, launches its new season with one of the 21st-century queens of soul, Alice Russell. With a blend of jazz, funk, gospel and neo-soul, British soul music's most prominent figure is set to rock the stage on Feb. 7 at Babylon in Istanbul. Moreover, those who want to talk to Russell about music before her show will have a chance to attend a free chat session with the singer at the SALT Beyoğlu Open-Air Theater at 2:00 p.m. Before Russell takes over the stage, Ahu will warm up the audience with her DJ set dominated by soul and funk music. Russell, whose name is listed among such new age British soul singers as the late Amy Winehouse and Adele, is highly lauded by music critics from the New York Times, Mojo and Rolling Stone Magazine. Performing a mix of jazz, soul, funk and gospel music with her incredibly strong voice, the British singer follows the footsteps of Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan, while also gaining inspiration from Stevie Wonder. While the BBC describes her as "the queen of soul music," The Independent notes that she is "one of Britain's hidden treasures." Additionally, Rolling Stone critics claim that her voice is so powerful that she could topple Adele from her throne. Russell, who played an important role in making soul music famous again in the 2000s, became famous while she was the vocalist of the Quantic Soul Orchestra. The artist is known for her powerful, pure, striking and unique vocals on stage as well as in the studio. The artist secured her position in the music industry through her collaborations with Massive Attack, Fatboy Slim, Mr. Scruff, De La Soul, David Byrne and Lonnie Liston Smith, and has expanded her fan base with her song "Breakdown," which is used in the promotion of the hit TV series "Mad Men's" seventh season.When: Feb. 7Where: Babylon