Here are 5 songs Muse discovered recently. Sometimes they're new artists, sometimes they're seasoned artists. So if you have a song that you would like feedback on, feel free to comment and it might find its way into a future post or video.
An important note: I am studying music production and often talk about the production of songs. I also mention other songs or artists that come to mind. This isn't to compare talent, but to provide a reference point to what I'm hearing or describing. I will often critique, but please don’t confuse this with being negative. If I honestly dislike something, it won’t be featured on the site because I’m not in the business of being mean.
As always, the tracks are in chronological order by the release date. So as to not look like there is a favorite. ^^
ih8usm! by han.irl featuring Atlas in Motion
han.irl has newer songs and I was going to talk about one of them but this song has been stuck in my head since I heard it. I was walking around the day job humming it today, made coworkers and friends alike all listen to it. This song is such a vibe, that I knew I had to talk about it. February was all about glitch/hyper for me. So when I found her, I was excited. And then the lyrics to this track are perfect. Sometimes you need that song you can shout the lyrics to in a rage and at the same time dance out all the aggression and resentment in your body. And this track is that song. "I'm better off now that you cannot control me." Is just such a punchy line. But Atlas in Motion has a line that makes me go, damn I wish I wrote that: "Pardon my volume, I'm speaking up. I like everyone but I hate your guts." Perfect delivery too. 10/10 plus this on your dancey ragey playlists asap.
Chance by Choi SuHwan
Another older track but has been stuck in my head since I heard it. SuHwan's voice is so smooth, R&B is a great choice for him. The bass drum is is super prominent in the music and it balances his higher tone so nicely. Such a slick track and he delivers it so well. Super airy vocals are usually a serious hit or miss with me. But this was hands down a hit in my book. And it's a shame that I hadn't heard it until recently. And only because of him being on Build Up. Obviously I need to dig deeper in my search for music.
(TW: quick flashy editing towards the end)
with me by Solos
Speaking of digging deeper, lets look at an indie artist who mixes English and Mandarin. This is such a soft R&B track. That guitar picking feels like early 2000's R&B in the best possible way. And the way he seamless slips between Mandarin and English is incredibly satisfying to listen to. And listen to those harmonies and ad libs! The amount of times I've played this song this week is ridiculous but a testament to how good this track is. And he did everything himself!
Blackout by YANGDONGHWA
This song is so groovy and bouncy. His vocal color reminds me of one of my favorite indie artists, Jhameel. I love the jazz vibe this song has, with the funky bass and the snaps. The bass taking center stage behind his vocals is such a good move. I kinda wish he didn't get lost in the mix at time, but I think it works for the song. I just really like the sound of his vocals and wish they let it ride above the music in the chorus. But despite that, this song is already on a playlist. Such a groovy ride! And make sure you listen to She Makes Me, the other track on this debut single because it's straight R&B fire.
(TW: Flashing lights)
So in Love by Breezee
Possibly the cutest music video you'll see all year. Young love at it's finest. But the lazy pace of the song really reminds me of summer days spent pining after someone. And the harmonies build the tension so well. His soft vocals are incredibly solid and he's only 16. He hits this nostalgic yet present quality with his voice that I generally attribute with a much older artist. But the undercurrent running along the song speaks to youth so beautifully. Breezee is definitely a name you wanna remember.
Demon by from20 Let's go back to the Jazzy/retro feel that Blackout had and ramp it up with Demon. This one has Michael Jackson vibes (down to the dance moves in the video). But then the whistle reminds me of musical theatre, think La La Land perhaps. But I love how it starts with this action movie intensity first. And then lightens to this bouncy groove that you can't help but to move to. And then there is the vocals. I've known about from20 but I hadn't listened to him, obviously a mistake on my part. His voice suits this rhythm so nicely and then that drum and guitar breakdown leads us to his Michael moment. Such a vibey track. He should do a collab with DPR IAN because the vibes match for sure. Or Jackson Wang. Very much a song that suits the theatrical style music video.
(TW: Flashing lights)
Thank you for joining me! And I hope you leave a little lighter than when you arrived. ^^