Music Recommendations Based on Artists You Already Like

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 updated Spotify playlist here and monthly SoundCloud playlists here.

One song in, Obongjayar has already proved himself a master craftsman. The feedback, strings, and lyrical delivery on "Creeping" are all working towards a singular sound, one that crystallizes in the eerie, beautiful video. NPR called him "fully-formed and fearless," and "Creeping" notched a King Krule radio placement.

From the opening notes, it feels like Obongjayar takes his music seriously, studying idols and pondering choices. That, and his ability to float over the beat like a jazz solo—and while we're here, that raspy, gut-wrenching voice—are reminiscent of one of 2016's biggest breakout stars, Anderson .Paak. Big things ahead for this Nigerian-born, London-based artist.

British singer Aaron Taylor's music has the same kind of warm soul that D'Angelo has mastered. The drums crack, the bass walks in step, the layered vocals melt into the instrumental, and every piece that makes up songs like "Just Gon' Wait" serves a purpose. We're still getting familiar with Taylor, and his music seems to lean slightly more toward a pop direction, but if you like D'Angelo's brand of modern soul with a vintage flavor, check this guy out.

Blonde Maze is making indie pop with purpose—"Antarctica" has a catchy hook and follows rules for music structure, but there's a real intimacy to the track's understated optimism and heartsick vocals. It's the kind of vibe that has Lorde approaching superstar status. "This track is my way of expressing the realization of just how close you can get to someone," Blonde Maze said of this new release, "and how beautiful that can be."

When "Succubus Slides" starts, you can kind of tell where Baby Tears got her name. It's cheery and deranged in a charismatic, infantile way—then the beat drops, and an onslaught of molly-laced, sing-song raps starts zooming through your speakers. It saccharine sweet and very raw, but Baby Tears is on to something with this one. 

Sonder is a new project with Brent Faiyaz on vocals backed by producers Atu and Dpat, and their chemistry is clear to hear on "Too Fast." It's a smooth, gorgeous piece of modern R&B with production that evolves throughout, moving through three distinct sections in its five minute run time.

The warm live instruments and Faiyaz' vocals give the song a soulful feel, and anyone looking for something to add to the dvsn songs on their late night vibes playlist needs Sonder on their radar.

This comparison is a bit of a stretch because sonically, Tara Carosielli doesn't have much in common with Lana Del Rey. But she manages to pull off the same balance between sweet, intimate vocals and a darker side. So far, Tara only has one song out, "Leave You Lonely," but it's a gorgeous, catchy piece of frigid pop with just the right amount of bite to it.

More amazing music coming from the youths of Toronto. EBHONI is still a teenager, but she's absolutely floating over this crazy XELΛRΛIN (also from Toronto)​ beat—there's a whole lot of Auto-Tune and twinkling bells, but EBHONI's voice makes it special. 

"I look for production where there is room for me to bring something different vocally," EBHONI told us. "Something more creative, that will complement the song." That's definitely the case on "BYE BABY," and if you're feeling it, check out "LET IT OUT."

Rahm is a new project from an artist who is also in the experimental rock band altopalo. On "Wet Words," his first single under the new moniker, as well as his first release on Terrible Records, Rahm flexes his unique and memorable vocals over sparse, tense production. 

It's a case study in knowing when to strip things back and when to let loose, but just like Autre Ne Veut, even when things get weird, there's an underlying pop sensibility. Rahm's new EP is on the way via Terrible Records—read more here.

The best indie music doesn't take time off—each part introduces some sonic variation, another spice in the stew. Sometimes those changes are obvious, like the ringing metallic synth that takes Saro's "TEST" into screwface territory. Others are subtle, like the second harmony that sneaks in before the bridge. But most importantly, the L.A. producer holds your attention throughout.

Saro's debut EP is coming soon, and it's being produced by Robin Hannibal—when Hannibal's not fronting Rhye, he's producing with the likes of Jessie Ware and Jamie Woon. All those artists make excellently melancholy dance music, and Saro's keeping the tradition alive.

But he can slow it down, too—check out Saro's impressive vocal range on "Two Suns."

The funky, fantastic "Foreplay" was our introduction to Charlotte, North Carolina rapper Jalen Santoy. It's the standout from his upcoming EP Charlie Eastern, out this week, which is a homage to his departed cousin who lost his life to police brutality.

Across the EP, Jalen keeps it real over jazzy, soulful hip-hop beats, knowing when to slow things down to get his point across, and when to speed up to double time flows. Like TDE's Isaiah Rashad, Jalen is clearly a talented rapper, but just as important, he knows how to construct a varied but cohesive project. 

The Charlie Eastern EP is out November 18 on Jalen's Soundcloud here.

Ghostface Killah comparisons usually boil down to the vocals, but Avenue doesn't have the same way of saying things (he's from Boston) or the same intense rapping style (he's way more lowkey). But if you like Ghost for his ability to paint vivid street imagery and pull listeners in with descriptive storytelling and smart wordplay, give Avenue a shot.