Future Picks #020
5 Tracks
From 5 Fresh Artists
By Joe Vickrey
Hello from tmrw.
We’re back with another round of artists you need to know. We’re obsessed with finding what’s next, and this lineup proves it: five incredible tracks, spanning scenes and continents, all ready to take over your playlists.
Smartzee - "Back Down"
Hip hop
With all the vocal power of a young 50 Cent, and a beat that’s triumphant and catchy like Macklemore’s first album, Smartzee seems like he has it all. From the first synthesizer countermelody, I was all in. Those synths are wonderful! They would steal the show if Smartzee's flow wasn’t so majestic. His voice is fierce, and his message is positive. The song has a nice progression and Smartzee packs a punch throughout. Absolute slam dunk of a track.
Empara Mi - "Masochist"
Cinematic Pop
Perhaps the music video shaped my views of the track too much, but this is the perfect soundtrack for a choreographed sex cult. On a side note, if that doesn’t get you to check out the video, I don’t know what will. Cinematic, and eerily sparse, Empara Mi knows just how to reel your attention in with this arrangement. Her lower register vocal performance is haunting and yearning. I’m confident someone will give this song a club remix revolving around her gorgeous vocal, and every other bedroom producer in the world will be upset they didn’t do it first.
Henry Aberson - "Wouldn’t You Know"
Vintage Soul/R&B
If you’ve hung around tmrw for a while, it’s no secret I’m an old soul diehard. The electric piano and plunky guitar were enough to sell me on this track – but my goodness, that vocal performance is over the moon. Nariah Taylor has a million dollar voice, and this is a masterful performance from her. Roping in R&B with a couple of funky little turnarounds, “Wouldn’t You Know” is beyond delightful. Dare I say heavenly. The people need more, Henry. MORE.
Wabi Sabi - "In The Between"
New Wave/Ska
Wabi Sabi mixed all the coolest elements of ska with dance music for an out of this world funky pop tune. I wish this chorus would never end. The horn section is perfect, the synths are dreamy, and the filtered vocals make for such a colorful and fun listen.
There’s an element of mystery to the structure, and a hint of ELO in the production that feels so refreshing. Watch out Wabi Sabi, you’re someone we’ll be keeping our eyes on.
The Lone Canary - "13"
Country
I’m no country boy, but I’m quite powerless against a good fiddle part. The dually-fronted Americana group, The Lone Canary, make for a great duet with this track. This is Country, but not Stadium Country. I have no doubt Country fans will like this song, but raw emotion and retrospective make this a great tune for those who may be less versed in the genre as well.
"Gateway Country," if you will. My only complaint here is how criminally short the guitar solo was. It was so nice. Why couldn’t I get another round on the progression, y’all? Is this a trick to get me to listen to the whole album?!