Why This Fall Will Be The Best For Experimental Artists And Fans
CAMPBELL HARVEY
Coming off of incredible music summers like the one we just left, fall hits hard for fans of good music in need of something better. After Gemini Rights and Mr. Morale, I could not expect to see this much music be released and not be washed out by all the noise of TikTok and dance crazes. Just three weeks in, autumn has proven to fans and artists that right now is the prime era for this new wave of black-alternative, metal pop, and indie artists. Artists, even though we are seeing so many sound blending projects and releases, now is such a good time for you to drop! Fans are seeking out similar sounding artists to go into winter with a “new” taste of music and artists. So far we’ve seen plenty of well rounded albums, singles, and music videos by some of the best young artists who refuse to be boxed in by any genre, and there is still so much to be released. Listed below are some of my favorite works of fall so far, with some teasers of what’s yet to come!
Kenny Mason - RUFFS
This late September album featured some of my favorite artists, put me onto wild sounds and transitions, and is such a magical contrast to the anti-pop I indulged in this summer. RUFFS, an elemental and hard hitting masterpiece stacked with melodies, grunge, and heavy (and I mean heavy) guitar, is on its own stage. Mason’s work through songs like “MINUTE FOREVER” and “BOA”, adding bouncy vocal aspects on synthy and electric instrumentals, was by far my favorite from this piece. “DIP! (feat. DavidTheTragic)”, the highest performing track from what I have seen, will be one of his most versatile songs to use I feel. Originally released on Mason’s PUP PACK EP, this song is the least rock influenced but creates a great bop for fans of his more vibey hits. In all, RUFFS is well-rounded with heavy features in the middle including Amindi and Jean Dawson for some ear-piercing rock tracks. The album ends with “WESTSIDE”, a homey but heart shaking outro with what reminds me so much of the beautiful Shiloh Dynasty samples of late last decade. Overall, RUFFS is an incredible staple piece for Mason. This project defines his sound and has helped his standing after huge appearances on JID’s The Forever Story and Dreamville’s D-Day.
This project alone shaped my whole mindset towards this blog post. It says so much that I only find influence to write when Jean is involved. CHAOS NOW*, the third studio album from this musical genius, win’s best project rollout by a long shot. The teasers, the skits, the singles, the artwork, it was all just a working and breathing machine. If you want to see just how creative a human being can be, watch the skits and IG releases from Jean’s Youtube, in-effing-sane. My biggest takeaways I took away from the album was that Jean is flexing space, blending sounds, and diversity in moods.
This album does not have much rest or “skips”, as the placement of his singles allows for a clean start to finish consumption. Of the new tracks, “KIDS EAT PILLS*” stands out to me as one of the most energy drawing and lively tracks that I’ve heard in recent months. I jam in my room, my car, while cooking to this song. The track has such a heavy rock intro contrasting with Isaiah Rashad, who brings in an outstanding rap verse that we did not see from outside features in Jean’s earlier work (minus Rocky). “BAD FRUIT*”, one of the softer works in the album, is overall angelic noise from an acoustic production and Earl’s ability to deliver vocally in such a space. Jean draws out some heavy bass and smooth George Clanton outro in “BLACK MICHAEL JACKSON*”. Singles like “THREE HEADS*” and “PIRATE RADIO*” stick out on the front and back end as burner tracks to package this as a no-skip project. Jean follows this album up with a tour, coming to Atlanta’s Masquerade Oct 25th.
Jordan Ward - “IDC” with Joony
St. Louis native and nationwide crush Jordan Ward followed up his 2021 EP Remain Calm with this fall vibey hit “IDC” with Joony. The single and video dropped October 5th, with a hum like chorus by Ward standing on the notion that he’s done with this romantic interest. Time after time Jordan Ward gives us catchy hits in his singles “Lil Baby Crush” and “OkOk (hibachi)”, and this time around it doesn’t fail. The visual aspect of this brings a themed story of big suits and moving companies in NYC. What I love so much about Jordan’s vibe is that he is always gonna have that homey St. Louis feel to him, no matter how his content looks visually or sounds.
One of my current favorite Atlanta based artists and marketing genius is Swavay. The man makes incredible directed skits on his TikTok that belong on Atlanta. Swavay’s 2020 project B4DALBUM introduced me to a Georgia sound that I hadn’t yet experienced when I first moved here. Swavay’s flow and lyrics have landed him on the Into the Spider-verse soundtrack and many other of my favorite albums. This month, he blessed fans with the smooth but sinister “GO SHORTY”. The track features his loss for love of the struggle and chasing perfection. The beat switch in the second half of this track ditches the heavenly smooth intro for a choppy new flow and message. This track prepares fan’s for his project ALMETHA’S SON with a confirmed G-Herbo feature.
Elujay - “RISEN” with JANE HANDCOCK
One track that deserves some recognition is “RISEN” by Elujay and JANE HANDCOCK. Elujay is a new introduction to me, but this track is so addicting to me. The soft verses and hook on this track is absolutely remarkable, and the production too. If you love groovy study tracks or even stuff to cruise to, this is a great one. Elujay is an outstanding artist for fans looking for a smoother indie work, definitely on the side of new age R&B and modern soul.
Flwr Chyld - “Worth It” with Flozigg
A true instrumental masterpiece with an even groovier chorus from Flozigg, this mid-track on Luv N Chaos is heavy. So many complicated sounds and blends throughout the beat add a full ensemble feel to the tone of the track. “Worth It”, one of three singles by the production maestro Flwr Chyld in preparation for the album, features a heavy contrast from its previous single “Good Mornin’”. I know I am only targeting two singles on this, but the whole album is heart soothing and will be diving into it later this week.
Also Joe - “Lightspeed”
Battling struggles of worth and value is something that indie artists tackle frequently. Also Joe’s radio-like heartbreak track “Lightspeed” gives me chills. I love the vocals, the raspiness and crunch of this rock melody, and the guitar outro was just such a jam to me. Having listened to his self titled album, this track is more alt and less West Coast indie to me. I love it. Overall, Also Joe has caught my eye as someone who isn’t afraid to tweak the mood for singles and I hope to see hits like this on his future albums.
Kinrose - “you can miss me”
DMV and lyricism has always gone hand and hand. Kinrose adds to the city a remarkably cozy and smooth flow, with catchy hooks on what I would call “easy to skate to” beats. I definitely consume this type of music on flights, little drives and cruises, and getting ready. “you can miss me” features heavy keys and percussion, an amazing flow and transition into the chorus, along with a great family themed video. For fans of good indie rap and chill beats, Kinrose is the artist for you. Kinrose is one-hundred percent an artist I would love to see live, his music reminds me so much of my early college days.