I find that my taste in music is pretty diverse. I can essentially listen to anything, from hip hop to ballads to pop to jazz. Music these days often morph different genres together to create something completely new and unique. So in hopes of starting a monthly series, I've come with On Repeat, because I basically listen to a couple of artists/albums through out the whole month (until I'm sick of it and find something new). These are a couple new artists that I have recently discovered and have been listening to nonstop over the past few weeks.
1. American Teen- Khalid
Favorite Song(s): "American Teen", "Keep Me", and "Another Sad Love Song" (but honestly, every song on this album is so good)
Not only is this one of the best debut albums of all time (coughInTheLonelyHourcough), but it has reached #9 on the Billboard's chart. Khalid just has a vibe and groove to his music that I haven't really seen in other artists. Even though "Location" is the hit single on the album, every song is equally bomb. He recently performed at SXSW in his home state of Texas, as well as made his TV debut on Jimmy Fallon over the weekend. If you watch his live performances, I love the fact that he dances and really grooves with the music. He doesn't try to look cool for the audience; it's not about the fame and the attention. Khalid genuinely enjoys music and you can see it through his songs and his actions. For the recent high school graduate, he's a busy man. He'll be going on tour soon, with the first location in Washington. Unfortunately, Atlanta is not on the list, but the closest city he'll be performing at is Charlotte, NC. I've been listening to him so much that I'm tempted to drive the 2-3 hours just to see him live. I'll keep you updated if I do go.
2. French Kiwi Juice - FKJ
Favorite Song(s): "Skyline" and "Blessed"
Now, don't let the name weird you out. FKJ or French Kiwi Juice is the stage name of a Parisian music producer that bends different genres of music, such as R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. His music has a chill and soulful groove with a mix of different instruments including, but definitely not limited to saxophone, bass, electric guitar, keyboard, and the synth. I've only discovered him last week, and was absolutely shocked that he was having a U.S. tour and that Atlanta was one of the cities. I saw him on Monday and was amazed at how he recreated some of his songs on stage by changing through all the instruments constantly to essentially recreate what was on his debut album. He talent definitely shines through as he picks up each instrument, it's kinda like being fluent in different languages. His languages are his instruments. I think that if you're looking for mellow hop-hop vibes, FKJ is definitely someone you'll like.
3. JamieBoy
Favorite Song(s): "Chunky, Rock With You, & Versace on the Floor", "Fake Love", and "Controlla"
Now, Jamie doesn't have an album out (YET), but he has a couple of songs and collabs, especially a new one that came out recently called "All For Me" with Jeff Bernat. However, I found out about him through his amazing cover songs. They're clean and professional. Jamie changes the song in a way that fits him and his style. He has more of a laid-back, R&B vibe with smooth vocals. He can even change some of the most hype songs to an R&B groove. Jamie is an artist that people should look out for, because this boy, he's gonna go places.
And that wraps up this month's On Repeat. I know that all the artists mentioned above are all guys, but hopefully I'll get into female artist for next month. I usually change between genres a lot, considering February was a lot of hard-core rap and January was a very "Sara Bareilles" month. Let me know any musicians or artists that you've been listening to recently, I'm always down to discover new musicians.
Cheers.
