MUST LISTEN 091

Every week, we’ll be bringing you Must Listen: a series that's a compilation of rising artists along with songs that must be added to your everyday playlist. This week’s playlist consists of emerging acts like FKA Twigs, BAYNK, and Donna Missal. Turn on, tune in, and zone out.

clear eyes

clear eyes is the passion project of producer Jeremy Lloyd, the non-vocal half of Marian Hill. Kicking off the new year with "FEELING" featuring Rexx Life Raj on vocals, together, Lloyd and Rexx breathe fresh life into a lo-fi hip-hop track that flirts with the chillwave vibes clear eyes have been experimenting with. Rexx Life Raj flows seamlessly between rapping and singing, as his fractured and autotuned vocals pull you in.

Elise Elvira

23-year-old singer-songwriter Elise Elvira returns with her latest track, “Eagles.” The song was born in the artist’s apartment where the walls were filled with anger and despair. Underneath the witty lyrics and playful melodies lies a darker theme of dealing with the loss of a best friend. 

BAYNK

New Zealand-born London-based artist BAYNK releases his highly anticipated debut album, ADOLESCENCE. Standout track “Naked” is a shimmering groovy pop tune that’s laced with infectious melodies, showcasing his dynamic range. 

Donna Missal

“Tell me the lie” is the debut single from singer-songwriter Ripsime, released alongside a moving visual with footage from a self-directed film. The self-produced track was written one week before the war in Armenia ensued, touching on themes of hope and change, we can’t help but want more from the multi-talented artist. 

Photo by Erica Hernández

Skillibeng

After having the wildest and much-deserved two year run, Skillibeng continues to prove why he’s Jamaica’s hottest artist at the moment. His newest single “Pick N Choose” is as catchy and braggadocious as his sound can get, with a classic yet hypnotizing production complimenting his gritty aesthetic, as he continues to keep dancehall fresh and exciting.

FKA Twigs

The inventive, multi-hyphenate artist returns with buoyancy and bounce on her latest mixtape, CAPRISONGS - an ode to her birth chart, her birth place, and her closest friends and fans. Throughout the project, the South London native lets other up and coming British stars shine alongside, including rapper Pa Salieu who delivers one of the best verses on “honda,” while Twigs keeps up with his flow flawlessly. 

Amber Mark

While New York based genre-bending singer/songwriter and producer Amber Mark is preparing to release her debut album, Three Dimensions Deep, next Friday, she’s making sure she keeps the heat intact by dropping gems on the way. Her latest remix of “Softly” features Popcaan, who adds the fusion of melodic dancehall to the already compelling and addictive track.

Horrid1 & Sav’o

The Ladbroke Grove drill brothers come through relentlessly on their latest joint tape, Violent Siblings. Songs like “Bine” are quickly gaining popularity within the underground UK drill scene, as the duo rap back and forth with their signature powerful bars: Horidd1’s strong cadence and Sav’o with his censored tic. The song also features drill legend Digga D, who holds his own alongside the siblings.