Friday Tunes: Peyton, Jenevieve, Jordan Rakei, Trip Lee, Conor Albert, Mac Ayres, and Busty and the Bass...
It’s another edition of Friday Tunes! Over the week, I’ve found music that I loved and music I didn’t care for. But I’ve put together six songs that I found intriguing and wonderful. I hope you’ve never heard of these people or these songs because I want the privilege of putting you on game:) Regardless, I really do want you to find at least one song you love and/or connect with.
Aight, let’s get into it...
#1. Verbs - Peyton
Houston native Peyton is another great recent find for me. The most obvious reason is that she’s from my city, Houston, and after hearing “Verbs” I had to take deeper dive into her music. Steve Lacy joins her on “Verbs”, perfectly complementing her. They both fall into similar veins of hollow, vintage drums and ethereal toned instruments, paired with groovy bass riffs, all of which find their place on this track. Overall, it is enjoyable and sonically blissful, which can mostly be attributed to Peyton’s breathy, sharp, and inviting vocals. It’s perfect for a friends’ hangout or a study session, exuding a relaxing atmosphere.
#2. Moonlight - Conor Albert, Mac Ayres
Yes. Mac Ayres is back on my list. He can do no wrong. I’m convinced. Mind your business.
Mac joins 22-year-old, multi-instrumentalist Conor Albert on a bouncy, soul and jazz-infused single. There is a lot to say about this collab from the pocket groove both artists find in the chorus, Mac’s relaxed vocal performance, and Conor’s distinctive guitar riff in the chorus. It but most of all, it’s a beautiful blend between Conor and Mac’s sounds, especially coming off the heels of Mac’s recent work, ‘Magic 8ball’ earlier this year. “Moonlight” makes you want to grab your friends and head to the rollerskating rink. It’s pretty addicting.
#3. Time Don't Make Me A Stranger or Clouds - Busty and the Bass
I love this song. It reminds me of the unique and playful sounds of AJR, specifically their vocal movements and the use of trumpets, with a dash of Hiatus Kaiyote or Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment instrumentation. This song is wistful and soulful, sonically and tonally, with an incredible chorus. But before the chorus, I enjoyed the song, but I wasn’t sold until it played. It truly brings the entire song together brilliantly. It’s butter smooth and has the pace of a lullaby that will have your head nodding (in the best way). “Time Don’t Make Me A Stranger” is a song you may hear at an open mic in the city park or bar that makes the entire crowd swoon. It’s such a great listening experience. Tell me I’m wrong.
#4. Resume - Jenevieve
Here’s another 22-year-old artist, at the time of this post. Her name is Jenevieve. You’re welcome. “Resume” is her latest release, and it’s a smooth vibe reminiscent of 90s RnB, containing minimal, glittery synth and sparkling sounds. But it’s mainly her voice that will hook you in. It’s straightforward and honest, valuing communication over flourish, and it’s simply nice to listen to. She easily glides from verse to chorus and back, between choppy guitar riffs and an elastic bass kick-keyboard duo. To sum it up, “Resume” is a cool weekend jam that deserves a spot on your playlist.
#5. You Got It - Trip Lee
Trip Lee has been operating for well past a decade and has the accolades to prove it. However, his last project released in 2016, and while he stuck primarily to singles, features, leading a church, and other endeavors up to this point, it was amazing to see him once again remind us he is in better musical (and lyrical) shape than ever. “You Got It” found its place on Reach Records’ annual 116 summer playlist, easily securing one of the top spots for ‘best song on the list’ this year. Frankly, this track put my stank face on. Trip came out swinging, rapping over a track that will catch Trip Lee fans by surprise. I wouldn’t have expected to hear him on a watery, trap, Rnb vibe like this one. But it’s clear that it’s a new direction for him that can’t be said to be anything other than fresh and exciting. Still, he never departs from his vulnerable lyrics that never shy away from bearing open wounds. In that way, this track subverted expectations and showcased, once again, his aim for healing through lyrics.
He hasn’t released a music video for “You Got It”, but I could definitely see him hanging out the passenger window on a cloudy day with a sunset on the horizon. I don’t know... just what I was thinking... anyway, onto the last song.
#6. You & Me - Jordan Rakei
Jordan Rakei is a masterful artist. “You and Me” is simply a reminder that he is one of a kind. This single is full of unique, jazzy movements and oddly satisfying shifts to the point that I have to believe Jordan had a field day with this one. And as is Jordan Rakei fashion, “You and Me” has plenty of piano improv, dancing bass guitar, confident drums, and an empathetic, trained brass accompaniment. It’s a musical feast for musicians and a welcoming performance for music lovers.