Artist Recommendations Based on the Music 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, and don't forget to check out our weekly Spotify playlist.

Suzi Wu wasn't even alive in the '90s, but the 19-year-old London-based artist says she's always loved '90s British culture, and something about that vaguely comes across in her music. She's making catchy pop music, but there's a punk edge to it, and "Taken Care Of" is one of our favorite songs from a new artist that we've heard this year. Musically, there's not too much in common with Lily Allen, but if you enjoy Lily's contrast of accessible music delivered by a badass, you'll like Suzi Wu.

Read our interview with Suzi Wu here. 

TOBi has been working with cutting-edge producers like Clayjay and Take a Daytrip, but he's got a timeless voice. It's soulful, but he employs it for modern deliveries and unpredictable flows. It's something Anderson .Paak does well, and TOBi's still in the early stages of career but already flexing impressive songwriting skills and versatility. Check out "Ride" below, and hear more of his music on Spotify.

Seattle rapper Ghoulavelii grew up on everything from Dipset, Clipse, and DMX to Marilyn Manson and punk/metal groups like Millions of Dead Cops, Mayhem, and Type O Negative. Listening to his music, there's a dark edge to it, but it's mostly held down by an effortless charisma without much polish, something other newcomers like Playboi Carti and Uno The Activist have mastered. Surprisingly, Ghoulavelli says that his biggest influence is Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan. He told us through e-mail, "Our generation is open-minded as hell on top of that, and we bringing controversy back in a whole new way. People who think they've seen it all, just wait." This should be interesting.

"I still can't get enough of House Of Balloons by The Weeknd," Kevin George told us. "The Trilogy album is in my top 5 of all time. That album inspired me to sing and write my own melodies. I don't think an artist like me would even exist if that album hadn't been a backbone to inspiration for me."

Kevin George introduced himself to the world with "High Like This," and although there is some of that same dark, drugged out haze that was evident on The Weeknd's early mixtapes, the song already has the polish and pop appeal of Starboy-era Weeknd—it's a mixture of edge and mainstream appeal that 6LACK is doing so well, too. Kevin George has a project called LOVELAND on the way, and it's excellent. Look out for more soon and learn more about Kevin George with our interview here.

A complaint we hear often is that too many young rappers have nothing to say. We've always believed that good music doesn't require a message, but it can be more satisfying when it does have one. Without sounding preachy or condescending, California rapper Caleborate always has substance to his songs. If your taste leans more toward J.Cole than Lil Pump, you should give him a listen.

Still Woozy's music is colorful and full of texture, as the single art for "Goodie Bag" suggests. The beats are steady and the melodies stick, but there's a healthy dose of psychedelia that bleeds throughout. Sven Gamsky, the man behind the music, told us last year that his music is perfect for comedowns after acid trips. Even with the trippy touches, there's something chill and calming about the music. That's a quality that makes Portugal. The Man's music so enjoyable, and Still Woozy's got it too.

Ready our interview with Still Woozy here.

Zalma Bour is from Cleveland, Ohio and now lives in Los Angeles, and her latest single "Cleanslate" is her best work yet. Zalma blends experimental production with R&B vocals, and she told us that "Cleanslate" is a song in which she's saying exactly what she wants to say, without filtering herself at all. That's a quality that has always made the similarly genre-bending FKA twigs one of our favorites, and hopefully Zalma sticks to this approach in the future.

Col3trane is an 18-year-old singer, songwriter, and rapper from London and his debut mixtape Tsarina introduces us to an artist with a creative approach to pop and R&B. Over ten tracks, Col3trane (real name Cole Basta) shows his versatility, with woozy songs like "Momma Bear," detailed storytelling on "Malibu Sleep," and the multi-part "Penelope," which now has over two millions streams on Spotify. Col3trane has been making music for around three years, and the potential on display so far suggests he has a long career ahead of him.​

Gabriel Black hasn't shown his face yet, but he already has dedicated fans who are emotionally invested in his music and the world he's creating around it. Each new song comes with accompanying hand-drawn images and animated videos. When we spoke to him, he drew us some more pictures too, helping to explain his journey from depression in New York to a more positive outlook in L.A. What is constant, however, is the quality of music he's making, which blends elements of emo and rock with a rap twist. His debut "Sad Boy" still hits hard, but "Freedom," with its honest lyrics and wild guitar solo, is a lot of fun too.

Learn more about Gabriel Black here.

Sure Sure write the kind of upbeat indie pop songs that make you want to ride a bike through a field of flowers or go do some shit you'd see in a coming-of-age film. Full of addictive melodies and playful piano chords, the Los Angeles band has a knack for pairing deceptively deep songwriting with an overall accessible, fun sound. If you're getting tired of waiting for Ezra Koenig to finally drop a new Vampire Weekend record and you're looking for a new pop-leaning indie rock band to check out, give Sure Sure's self-titled debut album a try.

Los Angeles rapper 03 Greedo has some classic West Coast elements to his music, but for the most part, he's totally unpredictable. He doesn't stick to traditional song structures, he's got a penchant for catchy melodies that could strike at any moment, and even some of his best songs sound half-finished. Like Young Thug, Greedo is a creative force that does things his own way, and his prolific nature makes it hard to believe that anyone can have this many good ideas. Keeping up with Greedo is not an easy task, but it's worth it.

Read more about 03 Greedo and other rising California rappers here.

Shane Blanchard is living a carefree life in Long Beach, and his relaxed outlook on the world comes through in his music as Bane's World—even when he's writing about heartbreak. After days spent skating with friends and listening to King Krule records, Blanchard comes home and self-records mellow, jazzy pop songs in his garage. He tells us his music sounds best "in a bedroom with dim lighting or with friends in a car." If you like Mac DeMarco's laid-back music and friendly, approachable demeanor, listen to Bane's World.

Read our interview with Shane Blanchard here. ​