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 Blondage.
If you like MØ then you're going to be in love with Blondage. The Copenhagen duo uses an intricate balance of tender songwriting, futuristic production, and sultry singing to make a transformative sound. The style and smoothness of their music is definitively pop, but keeps an electronic edge that could burst at any moment.
Their self-titled EP was just the beginning for the pop duo, and they keep the same energy going with their latest releases "Stoned" and "Boss." We're excited to see what's next for Blondage, but in the meantime check out their video for "Stoned."
If you like Gallant, listen to Jacob Banks.
R&B is branching out into all sorts of new directions, but artists like Gallant and now Jacob Banks keep the soul in it. Their keen ability to move you with stupendous vocal range and stripped-down production is unmatched in today's musical landscape. Jacob Banks' unique use of blues and gospel influences results made for an excellent EP, The Boy Who Cried Freedom. Check out one of the best tracks on that release, "Mercy."
If you like Lil Yachty, listen to 6 Dogs.
Georgia-based artist 6 Dogs makes the kind of music so far removed from hip-hop that it's hard to even call him a rapper. Like Lil Yachty, his deliveries are melodic and hypnotizing, and his songs are tailor made to fit the tastes of kids who grew up on the internet. 10 years ago, this shit wouldn't make sense, but it fits nicely into the wide range of unclassifiable music in 2017, and it's catching on. Songs like "faygo dreams" and "flossing" have millions of plays each, and 6 Dogs is just getting started.
If you like Lil Pump, listen to Squidnice.
If you're here with the Miami trap movement being set off by artists like Lil Pump, then you should give Squidnice a listen. The Staten Island rapper has his own brand of wobbly, hard-hitting lyrics, unique delivery, and wild production.
His single "Trap by my Lonely" is a perfect snapshot of his wordplay and raw ability. Take one listen and try getting these lyrics out of your head.
If you like Arcade Fire, listen to Est-Her.
It's hard to believe Est-Her's "Sympathy" is his debut track. It's an incredible ambitious effort, full of driving drums, dramatic synths, and one of the rawest vocal performances we've heard in recent memory. The former ballet dancer is making waves in his native Toronto, and if "Sympathy" is any indication, there are some seriously grandiose things to come from Est-Her.
If you like The Cool Kids, listen to Injury Reserve.
If your looking for some music that taps into the same vein as The Cool Kids, check out Injury Reserve. The Arizona trio builds unique beats by mixing disparate genres like jazz, trap—they're even bringing back scratching. It's a unique listening experience that has cultivated a massive following online, one that exploded after the release of their sophomore album Floss in late 2016. The Phoenix-based trio has another EP coming soon, but get familiar with their abrasive, addictive style on "OH SHIT!!!" below:
If you like Brockhampton, listen to Deem Spencer.
After the thoroughly impressive "soap," we tagged Deem Spencer as a talented, downtempo rapper with a knack for creative wordplay. But with "eve's titties," he's proven to be much more. Not only does Deem have a riveting singing voice, his arrangements and production have unexpected twists and turns that recall Brockhampton. When you listen to his music, there's a sense that Deem hasn't even begun to show us his final form. The good news? His EP is coming real soon.
If you like '90s R&B, listen to Trinidad Cardona.
Trinidad Cardona's story is one that could only happen in 2017. The "Jennier" hook started as a freestyle recorded on a cell phone, but it caught fire online. The Phoenix-based teenager has been making music for a couple of years, but nothing like this had happened before—he woke up to millions of views, turned the freestyle into a real song, and shot a music video shortly there after.
He just graduated high school, but Trinidad Cardona has a voice that would fit right into the golden era of '90s R&B, and his head's in the right place. "This is already my full time job," he told us. Music is right now my life. I decided before “Jennifer” even blew up, I wanted to take this very serious so at this point, music is my full time job."
If you like Kid Cudi, listen to White Gold.
After honing his craft as a producer, Bronx artist White Gold finally stepped into the booth with "Celebration." It's a head-turning debut, full of confident raps and a suave hook that reminds us of Kid Cudi. He's been a songwriter in the pop and indie world for years, but now that his own career is starting, White Gold sounds most comfortable rapping. " I just like writing and arranging songs," he told us. "My friends told me to put shit out and get serious with it, but I never planned on being an artist until my friends gave me that push."
