Music Recommendations Based on Artists You Already Like

No algorithms, just great music.

cosmo pyke king krule
P&P Original

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cosmo pyke king krule

We got tired of getting music recommendations from computers. Maybe one day, computers will be able to understand music and automate music discovery better than human beings. But so far, there hasn't been a music discovery app that has gotten it right. No algorithm, social networking service, or customizable radio station has been able to nail it down. There's still nothing quite as effective as a friend saying, "You like so-and-so? Check this out."

That's why we started our recommendations series. It has all been in an attempt to help, but it's probably one of the more controversial things we do. Every time we say, "If you like [insert artist name], then check out [insert artist name]" we see replies: "STOP COMPARING ARTISTS TO OTHER ARTISTS." It's not about that. If you're looking to discover new music, the fastest way to do it is to dig in based on what you already know you like. We hope you find something you like. Don't forget to check out our weekly Spotify playlist here and monthly SoundCloud playlists here.

If you like MØ, listen to Sigrid.

Sigrid

Like a lot of the best Scandinavian pop, MØ combines fantastic songwriting with interesting production and a charismatic delivery. It's one step to the left from most mainstream, polished pop music, but still catchy enough to have mass appeal. On her debut single "Don't Kill My Vibe," Norwegian singer Sigrid accomplishes this balance perfectly, and it's paying off. The song just dropped a few months ago, and it's already got 9 million streams on Spotify. Check it out below, watch the video for it here, and stay tuned for more from Sigrid.

If you like MF DOOM, listen to Emay.

emay blaow

We're still bumping MF DOOM music on the regular—check the latest P&P Weekly playlist on Apple or Spotify—but if you're looking for more sharp rhyming and left-of-center, often abstract lyricism, Canadian artist Emay's new album Ilah is a good place to start. The production, courtesy of Emay himself, is also packed with dusty drumbeats and strange samples, the perfect backdrop for his impressive rap style.

If you like Banks, listen to Anne Dereaux.

mourning

"mo(u)rning" is an incredible debut. So good, in fact, that it got the attention of Anne Dereaux's personal idol, Rick Rubin. What comes out of that connection remains to be seen, but Dereaux is coming with a fully-formed aesthetic that reminds us of Banks' eerie, sensual style. The video for "mo(u)rning," like the song itself, is a visceral, bold piece of art that has Anne Dereaux on our shortlist of artists to watch. 

If you like King Krule, listen to Cosmo Pyke.

cosmo facebook

If wavy guitars, intimate lyrics, and hoarse voices are your thing, you should already be listening to Cosmo Pyke. The young Londoner released his Just Cosmo EP last month, and it's overflowing with impressive guitar work, atypical arrangements, and irresistible melancholy. Fans of King Krule and The Kooks will find a friend in Cosmo—start with "Chronic Sunshine," but don't sleep on the EP opener "Wish You Were Gone" or "Social Sites."

If you like ILoveMakonnen, listen to Valee.

Valee

If you like Makonnen's knack for simple, slightly melodic flows and unique personality, check out Chicago rapper Valee. At times, his delivery almost seems too simple, but after a few listens, songs like "Shell" are so familiar and addictive. Listen to "Shell" below, and check out more from Valee on SoundCloud.

If you like Lorde, listen to Ella Vos.

ella vos soundcloud

Ella Vos is one of the most exciting new songwriters of 2017. She first garnered acclaim with the head-turning debut single "White Noise," and came back last month with the equally excellent "Down In Flames."

The Los Angeles-based singer has nailed the atmospheric synth vibes—her songs are simultaneously sparse and seething, and are filled with the understated lyrical wisdom that we've come to associate with Lorde. If you're feeling these singles, make sure to check out her newly-released Bon Iver cover on Spotify.

If you like The Internet, listen to Steve Lacy.

steve lacy demo cover

The Internet is one of those rare bands where the creative influence really comes from everyone—from Syd to Matt Martians, Steve Lacy, Patrick Paige, and Christopher Smith, the whole band is a fount of musical expertise.

But Steve Lacy recently put out his Steve Lacy's Demo EP—and worked on GoldLink's new album—so we're focusing on him today. This guy is a star.

If you like JMSN, listen to Jack Dine.

jack dine in the studio

R&B has become a resurgent genre of late, and that means there's a heap of trash music for every delectable slow jam. Jack Dine's "My Way" belongs to the latter category—to call the Will Fraker-assisted track "smooth" doesn't do it justice, but it's a start. The tender, careful production and unobtrusive vocals has the young NYC producer exploring musical space similar to that of JMSN and dvsn. 

The Fraker/Dine connection could lead to even bigger things, too. "My Way," released by upstart D.C. label Fête, came together quickly. "Jack and I quickly realized that we had a similar vision and complementary skills," Fraker told us. "Mine being keys and vocals, his being production. The first time we met in person, we worked in his home studio and produced 'My Way' in a couple hours." 

If you like Tobias Jesso Jr., listen to Bruno Major.

bruno major

Bruno Major has been releasing one song per month for over six months, and more and more people are starting to pay attention. Working at his piano late at night at his home in Camden, North London, Bruno's timeless pop songwriting and personal lyricism provides the backbone for all his releases.

Lsitening to Bruno Major, there's a similar sense of intimacy as on Tobias Jesso Jr.'s early singles, especially on the sweeping "Just The Same."

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