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TOP Artists of the Week – Series 9
Nov
Hi Everyone
Here is another Week of the MONTH of November 2022, we are presenting our Top Artists of the Week Series 9 for your entertainment and fun. There are lessons to learn from each other as you look and listen to one another’s tracks. The selections are simply our opinion. All artists are great and super professionals in their calling.
How we select top artists.
Indeed, there are many interesting things that my job involves listening to live concerts by solo artists and ensembles whom we might showcase on a weekly series. You can learn a lot from watching their video or audio recording of course, but not everything. In fact, the most important thing you can learn from these commercial or demo recordings is that a particular musician or ensemble is probably not destined for the priority list.
In recent weeks we have found ourselves with the opportunity to hear quite a few concerts, live bands, and recorded works from different artists. It got us thinking about what criteria are we going to rank and prioritize each artist. We have narrowed it down to 3 areas: technique, interest (substance), and communication.
Technical ability is probably the least important, simply because there’s such a high level of proficiency among professional soloists and ensembles these days. Indeed, it’s probably fair to say that if you ever get the impression at a concert that a piece of music is really difficult and pushing the performer(s) to their limit, then it’s probably more a reflection on the limitations of the artist than the technical problems of a piece of music. Great performances usually transcend technical difficulties.
So, the more important question is whether a performance is interesting, meaning does it capture people’s attention, and unlocks their imagination? That comes down to choices a musician makes around musical colors and textures, variation, consistency of approach, creating tension, the overall shape of a piece, tastefulness, and context. Much of this is subjective, which is why it’s okay, indeed healthy, for people to disagree after a video, or live stage watch – whether they liked it or not.
Thirdly, there’s the issue of communication. Unlike a recording, an artist or ensemble on stage with a live audience has to acknowledge the audience is there and perform for them. Singers maybe have the advantage of words to articulate, but instrumental music is a language too, and the live concert experience is about communicating.
The most memorable concerts we have attended are those at which that communication has been strong and convincing. There are many, many musicians and ensembles across the world who deliver at the highest level. Our lives are more enriched by having exposure to them.
Here are the TOP ARTISTS of the Week – Series 9
Obi Alfred – Get It
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obialfredx/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2iN3LTCRu2q2kJtm6OgAn3?si=17kNGz7ETHq2KyFgK3_6PA
Obi Alfred is an artist based in the USA. Obi Alfred is carrying the torch of classic R&B for a new generation. Born in New Jersey and raised in Texas, the Nigerian-American’s distinctive style pays tribute to the legends of the genre while pushing into bold, modern territory.
Now, with the most compelling music of his young career, Obi Alfred is establishing himself as one of the most vital new voices in R&B. Growing up in Houston, Obi Alfred always dreamt of a career in music, but it wasn’t until he began attending college in San Francisco that he began to take those ambitions seriously.
Processing a painful break-up and adjusting to a new life halfway across the country, he found solace in music as he began pouring his emotions into his songs. Working with acclaimed vocal coach Tom McKinney, he embraced his inimitable voice and began making his first home recordings.
In the ensuing years, Obi’s artistry evolved rapidly. Working relentlessly to embody the best elements of R&B, he emerged in 2022 with a collection of songs showcasing his authenticity and emotional depth.
This is special music that is sure to make a meaningful impact on listeners around the world. Obi Alfred and his team of collaborators are committed to inspiring audiences and creating a better world through music. They are fully dedicated to their art and look forward to embracing their dreams. With a steady schedule of releases scheduled for the coming years, Obi Alfred is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the ever-changing world of R&B in this new track “Get It”.
Obi Alfred works around Hip-hop, Pop soul, R&B Catchy, Engaged, Unique, Intense, Dreamy, Psych, and Romantic, Available on Spotify
Eessa – Character
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eessa_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EoBhhQ7L2pVpFJZBgXGIX?si=aZoICQLZSKWI2bpcnktsJg
Eessa is an Artist and a Producer based in Las Vegas and California. Eessa produces all of her own songs and has been growing and gaining experience in working with others. Her music comes from her Heart and Soul. Her beats are made with feelings and so are her words. Music is more than just art to her. It’s really the best way she can express herself to others.
FerD.K – Delight
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferd.kofficial/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3caAQjol87qSdcgSTnPAV4?si=rR6k8OkwRS6Uif_TFOSo-w
FerD.K is an artist based in Germany. FerD.K is really an R&B artist living in Germany and has released his music project called “Delight”. The successful singer FerD.K, who came to the fore with the Turkish TV series ‘Zemheri’ last year, is this time coming with his music project. The famous TV actor, who has been taking music and singing lessons in Germany for a long time, became one of the hot topics of social media with his sexy and mysterious R&B sound.
FerD.K managed to add many activities and projects to his musical adventure, which he started at a young age. The first inspiration for the young artist who was born in Nordhorn, Germany is his father. He started his first compositions and recordings at the age of 13. FerD.K caught attention in the TV show “Teen star” on RTL2, one of the important TV channels of Germany, and remained in the top 50 among 7000 people.
European managers, who followed his successful steps, organized club tours for the artist, enabling him to meet with more listeners. FerD.K, who found the opportunity to produce more comfortably in his private studio, which he established after his singing and music production training in Europe, is also an educated actor. The young artist takes part in the TV series “Zemheri” on Show TV in Turkey and continues to develop his acting career as well as music.
The new, hot release “Delight” took its place among the most listened to in all music stores, especially Spotify. FerD.K established musical ties between Germany and the States, and that at this point, global music producers, working with Grammy-winning artists, showed a special interest in him in terms of experience and energy. “Delight” seems to be a candidate to be indispensable for the whole cold season with its unique and warming sound.
FerD.K works around Afrobeat, Dance-pop, House music, Oriental music, Pop soul, R&B, Soul, Urban pop authentic, Good vibes, Groovy, Unique, Melancholic, Midtempo, Romantic, Sensual, Available on Spotify, Composer, International potential, & Unsigned artist.
Archie McKeown – Goodbye In The Movie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archie_mckeown_music/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nhQKRQS41TJXfourFivWm?si=dBN9OcTUTkeLCMAehK_n9A
Archie McKeown is an artist based in the United Kingdom. Where most artists mature into their sound, Archie McKeown seems to have ‘immature’ into his own kind. His music has evolved to more unashamedly reflect of his pop influences from his youth, drawing on the likes of Busted, Scouting For Girls, and The Killers.
Over the last few years, he has played a variety of venues across the South Coast of the UK as well as supporting artists such as The Lottery Winners and The Overtones. His latest single “Goodbye In The Movies” had received several plays across BBC radio Solent, Sussex, and Surrey. Hope you will enjoy it!
Hafnia Pop – Always Hope
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Hafniapop/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/51wnpgxtrFw79xFKpVSXXG?si=LkVccqztTaevs6wNgA_nlg
Hafnia Pop is an artist based in Denmark. Hafnia Pop was formed in the first dark months of the Covic-19 pandemic, Hafnia Pop produces misty heartbreak music about loving, longing, and hoping. The duo’s signature sound combines dreamy vocals with melancholic soundscapes.
Manje Khan – Sweetest Pie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmanjekhan/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6HiBauRMSq7LtoDy7XgbrL
Manje Khan is an upbringing that combines Nigerian heritage with the American dream. Manje Khan tells the tales of his two contrasting worlds through his finely-crafted lyrics, pivoting between the roles of Manje Khan (the smooth harmonizer) and his alter ego Slum Kid (the interpersonal rapper). Throughout his introspective strain of hip-hop, he has a deeply personal approach to music that’s curated in a sound that captivates with soulful grooves and witty lyrics.
“When the pandemic started, so many new people were coming to Atlanta and I met someone new to the city. What always captivated me about her was her smile… I thought it was the sweetest thing about her. Even though it didn’t work out, it made me realize it’s the little things about someone which brighten up your day.”
Manje Khan focuses on writing music that’s fun and catchy, yet incredibly deep and personal. His upcoming release, “Sweetest Pie“, is a catchy song that features influences of alt-pop and hip-hop, which highlights his versatility and range. The song has an 808 groove, with a deep kick drum and some hi-hat that drive the rhythm. This all comes together in “Sweetest Pie” which is a refreshing song for expressing how you feel about someone in your life. He hopes to develop a great long-term relationship with those who are able to give you an opportunity on their platform.
Manje Khan works around Chill hip-hop, Hip-hop, Rap in English Authentic, Catchy, Energetic, Groovy, Underground, Available on Spotify, Unsigned artists, & Young talents.
Lucid Evolution– Lucid Dream
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lucidevolutionband/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dY5xy6PtZVgHwTKOjWQAC?si=BXNWNlRWTISXfE5j-IFzEQ
Crashing on earth after traveling light years through outer space via the 5th dimension, a fearsomely talented foursome found themselves in the small city of Richmond, Virginia, bursting with sonic ideas that were gradually converging into a shared vision.
After some brief deliberation, a visionary female-fronted jam band called Lucid Evolution emerged and has been hightailing it down the path toward achieving its destiny ever since.
Founded in the fall of 2021, Lucid Evolution is still in the early stages of its musical journey. Yet, in a short space of time, Lucid Evolution has built a strong following behind their unique, genre-bending sound, the product of the otherworldly synergy between frontwoman Lynne Holloman’s strong yet angelic vocals, lyrics, and keyboard skills, guitarist Shaun Neal’s psychedelic blues sensibilities, bassist Sammy Stiles funky beats, and Brian Holloman’s creative soul percussion and backup vocals.
Blending elements of psychedelic, progressive, indie, and modern rock and channeling them through an amalgamation of musical philosophies from influences including Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Fleetwood Mac, and Portishead, the band’s compositions confidently evoke feelings that seek to fill a void through lyrics, melodies, and jams that are perfect for healing the soul.
Now, having just released Glow like the Sun, their first single, as well as an accompanying music video, Lucid Evolution is riding high on momentum and have set big goals for the future, with several new tracks in the works and plans for a tour already in motion, to be announced over the months to come.
Versvs – Water Falls
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/versvsofficial/?hl=en
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6XUsxNud8j33iC6AS8iHbK?si=r750Y7FHRaKIiueWBnvD3A
Versvs is an artist based in Canada. Versvs said while most of his catalog contains energetic and technical rap, this song “Waterfalls” is a melodic pop/rap ballad that can really appeal to any type of listener. The track explores the idea of dealing with heartbreak and not being able to move on from an ex, but does so in an original and creative way.
The hook is catchy, the instrumental has an orchestra feel that elevates the project, and the verses are as lyrical and deep as can be. The song is already performing well on my social media, where it has been promoted to more than 200,000 followers. It has high viral potential on Tik Tok, and my team and I are only beginning to push it.
Hermez – Must Admit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythinghermez/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/168iTeZjIZlN7Sc8ieZJl6?si=fKy4BOvRTESA1_3nB0DJnQ
Hermez is an Afro-fusion artist from Lagos, Nigeria. His music is a silky reflection of R&B and Afro-fusion sounds blended together, inspired by his trans-Atlantic roots planted firmly between Lagos and Atlanta.
His music is a silky reflection of R&B and Afro-fusion sounds blended together, inspired by his trans-Atlantic roots planted firmly between Lagos, Atlanta, and Houston, where he now resides. His raspy melodies and vocals have received heavy praise from the likes of Native Magazine, Harmattan Rain, and Culture Custodian. He has worked with some of Africa’s most renowned & comers including the likes of Le Mav, MOJO AF, Amaarae, Moliy, and AYLØ, Lojay and PsychoYP.
He’s received radio airplay from across Nigeria and the UK, including NTS Radio, Rinse FM, NTS Radio, Cool FM, City FM, Unilag FM, and Hot FM. He’s graced stages across the US, including at Elsewhere (NYC) and Loser Club, and performed alongside the likes of Don Toliver and Kevin Gates. He’s also secured cosigns from the likes of Tunji Balogun (RCA/Keep Cool), Doregos Camillo (Mr Eazi/Empawa), Olamide, Pheelz, KDDO, Amber, SPINALL, Snoh Aalegra, Prettyboy-DO.
Hermez will release his sophomore album OASIS on October 28th, released under London and Johannesburg-based label Outer South. The 14-track project is a soundtrack for the dual citizen, blending Hermez’s myriad cultural influences together into a sweet Nigerian Afro sonic mixed with the alluring confidence Atlanta brings, combining the two worlds to create a new futuristic symphony. The album features some of the afro-fusion scene’s foremost names including AYLØ, Suté Iwar, Tim Lyre, MOJO AF, DOZ, JoulesDaKid, and MAUIMØON from Uganda.
Kai 14 – Hollywood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kai14real/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tWzj6pJzp9vJz6xtIuiLO?si=SUXjJoxFS-iMhBCia7OzwA
Kaï is an emerging artist driven by his passion for producing soulful, expressive music, uniquely combining lyrical depth with calm delivery. Born and raised in coastal France, Kaï loves everything about his city, Marseille, and admires its central role in the French music scene.
From a young age, Kaï nurtured a deep love for music, drawing inspiration from the music he grew up listening to and finding his own style and voice through an ingenious fusion of genres and styles. With a passion for calm, lofi/cloud rap and RnB, he appreciates music with thoughts and meaning behind it.
An all-around talented artist, Kaï writes and records his own songs, writing his own thoughts into lyrics. His music reflects what influences his style, which he blends with genius wordplay, producing music that remarkably appeals to a wide range of listeners.
The connection between Kaï’s mixtape and his whole life experience is strong, specifically the connection with his father. He started making music one month after his father passed away, to express all the words and thoughts he kept to himself.
To nurture the emotional bond he shares with his music, Kaï loves to work with people that are close to him. In this project, his best friend and sister are contributing artists, bringing them closer since things have changed so much. Kaï has just graduated with a Master’s degree in communication, and after 2 years of making music in his garage, Kaï is finally taking a leap into the music industry and will be releasing his first mixtape in October.
The creative direction for the project combined a very dark mood with varied melodies. With this mixtape, Kaï takes his listeners on a trip into his world and his truth, starting off what will undoubtedly be a great future in the music industry by showing who he truly is.
8th House Obsessions – BLAH BLAH BLAH
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lS5-i-jrM5otrxX1es_yqnSSjFBcrwMsE
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5ApFFbPqMN3KVPTKtckoRV?si=lvhUxjoIRc6LldsSTHGggw
8th House Obsessions – is an artist based in the USA. 8th House Obsessions was released on Oct. 24th, 2022 just in time for HALLOWEEN! Take a trip to the underworld! His lyrics share his story.
Music speaks for itself. He will always be a student of music. Open to advise and feedback. Every project he works on CONSUMES him. Specifically for the song “BLAH BLAH BLAH”- 8th House Obsessions like this song because he uses a handmade shaman drum he received from a shaman of the Quechua People when he was traveling through Peru last year.
He functionally uses it as the 808 kick. He also used his brother’s acoustic bass in this song. As the bass is not an instrument he usually plays, his flamenco guitar skills pioneered these bass grooves in interesting and unique ways. At one point he tremolo on the bass.
8th House Obsessions find it groovy. He hopes you do too. All of the Music on this 8th House Obsessions album is composed, produced, recorded, and mastered by himself. All vocals are performed by himself.
Naves – Streets Anonymous
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Whoisnaves/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7eAGAvDoJJVJMPqzLCkyDc?si=SoklFAn3RFOLL1p8dZMlWA
Naves is an artist based in the USA. Naves really appreciate the fact you’re even reading this and about to listen to his song. He believes he has a refreshing sound that will draw listeners due to the fact it fits any environment but sounds different than what’s being played right now. This could be a great opportunity for both of us. This is just one song with plenty more in the stash. Hopefully, you can help bring awareness to his music while he helps you be known for providing new heat before anyone else
The magic in the music shines when it’s creative. When you hear the record and it embodies everything it is to hear a new song, with a fresh approach to the music every element of the sound work in perfect harmony to make something, that stands out as you discover something fun to dive into. That creativity in music is what makes you have to come to an artist, as they bring a sound you can only get from them, and that’s what you get from Naves on the new song “Streets Anonymous”.
Which is your favorite song? Drop a comment below in the comment section