Staff Picks 1/23/23
Sparky Staff Picks is a series where our writing and editing team comes together to talk about what’s been stuck in our heads and on repeat in our playlists. it doesn’t matter if it’s new or old, popular or underground, it just needs to have us in a chokehold. Follow Sparky on Twitter and Instagram @sparkywtf for more.
Braden Ross, “Balance”
With the recent popularity surrounding hyper-pop, pop-punk, and emo rap, I present to you Braden Ross. Braden has a very catchy and addicting sound, effortless vocals, with a noticeably impressive production that instantly caught my attention. Releasing music for the past three years, I am glad that he was able to cross my TikTok feed. His style has evolved immensely since 2020, from mellow and heartfelt songs to the upbeat and intense hyperpop that we see today. If you are a fan of artists such as Brakence, you’ll love Braden’s catalogue. -Trevor Chau
Zac Greer, “crazy”
Have you ever had one person in your mind that constantly, subconsciously takes over your every thought? That is the embodiment of the song “crazy” by Zac Greer. Zac’s discography and style is a mix of alternative and pop. This track displays his impressive vocal range and diversity in his flow. When pairing petty and relatable lyrics with a catchy tune, this track was destined to be a hit. -Trevor Chau
Nio Garcia, Flow La Movie, “Dividimos (Bachata Version)”
Nio Garcia is already a well known reggaeton artist from Puerto Rico. Dividimos was a well known track, but when Nio dropped the bachata version I genuinely think the world stopped. Bachata is a very particular genre of music known for its tove stories and syncopated rhythm. The genre has been mostly known in recent years for artists like Romeo Santo, Aventura and Prince Royce, who share a distinctly high pitch voice. Nio Garcia, who is not a traditional bachata artist differs from tradition in this sense, and offers an interesting and unique sound. The song came out in 2021, but this week was the first time I had ever heard it. I know I’m late… but I love it. -Eva Maria
Sophie Faith, “Late Nights”
Late nights is a moody RnB track and Sophie Faith's voice is powerful. The track feels deep and seductive, but manages to tell a very different story. I imagine in my fantasy where I am a capable, and talented singer, that I would sing this at a jazzy bar, my ex would be somewhere in the crowd admiring me, and I would make him feel terrible. Of course, this exists only in my head —BUT! I imagine that is what Sophie was trying to evoke. If that is the case and I believe it to be, tens across the board, wonderful work, chefs kiss! I feel completely entranced and totally delusional listening to this song, the sound is hypnotic and brings me to another world. -Eva Maria
$uicideboy$ and Germ, “Champagne Face”
During one of many listenings of “Champagne Face,” I was so immersed in the track that I knocked over, and nearly shattered, a full eight ounce glass of water. The haunting intro of a children’s chorus sing-songing,“Check the clock/We’re running out of time” sets the tone for one of the hardest songs in the trio’s recent history. The track is a $uicideboy$ classic, factoring in every feature that makes their music so irresistible. “Champagne Face” is a masterful cohesion of the grimey, gothy, head banging beats that characterize the DIRTYNASTYSUICIDE album triad. Scrim of $uicideboy$, one of four producers on the track, professes an ode to Swisher Sweet blunt wraps--a motif of the New Orleans’ cousins’ work--after Ruby da Cherry delivers a murky verse probing his own mind: “A thousand thoughts at once and now I'm focused/Feelin' atrocious (Yeah, yeah).” Being a late 2021 release, “Champagne Face” may never see a “Best Of” list, so it’s only responsible to dub this not merely a staff pick but a Staff Pick. -Liz Foster
MIKE, “What Do I Do?”
MIKE is one of the more experimental artists that rap has to offer. His catalog includes a few collaborations with Earl Sweatshirt, which has helped expand his audience past his hometown in New Jersey. His flow is very monotone for the most part, but his music does not lack emotion. MIKE appears to have a loyal following, and “What I Do” is a great song to start with if you have never heard his music! -Jay G
R3 DA Chilliman, “Crash Da Coupe”
Coming from the Moreno Valley, R3 DA Chilliman is taking California by storm. Released in 2022, “Crash Da Coupe” is track 3 off of R3’s mixtape, “Bling Bling Boy”. The 7 song tape is produced by RTBWEST. R3 offers a twist on classic west coast hip-hop with his nonchalant cadence and effortless delivery. You can follow R3 on Instagram @da.chilliman. -Jay G
Nix Northwest, “Sun In My Eyes” - @youthful.wizardry
First pick of 2023 has got to be the latest track from Nix Northwest. If you're not familiar it’s time to start getting acquainted. Nix has had some hits with many of his top tracks landing millions of streams on Spotify. There’s something truly captivating about his flow and delivery. He’s laying down catchy and punchy bars in a gentle and charming manner. The production is hip-hop inspired with jazzy elements showcasing fun instrumentals and a bouncy beat. You can’t help but feel entranced by his suave London style and flow. Not to mention the cinematic visual that was released alongside the track bringing an early 2000s house party feel. I’d say if you’re a fan of artists like Mac Miller, Masego, or Anderson.Paak you’d take to his tracks quickly. There’s definitely something for everyone in his catalog dive deeper and find your favorites. -Milly Wensley
Dear Sunday, “Suzie” - @dearsundayband
A new favorite I stumbled upon recently is this feel-good anthem from Dear Sunday. Their single “Suzie” is everything I think of as the soundtrack to a perfect summer day. The sun is out, you’re getting together with all you’re friends with not a care in the world. It’s such a sing-a-long type of vibe with the chorus having every element of a catchy tune. The production is filled with fun instrumentals a steady drum beside the guitar strumming right along. My favorite part of the track comes in right near the end when they’ve got the whole chorus echoing like the whole room is singing right alongside them. You can easily clap, dance, and move to their music to brighten up your day. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to what’s in store this year as this track was from 2020. -Milly Wensley
FLO, “Feature Me”
FLO was easily my top artist in 2022, bringing back that classic RnB sound following the footsteps of TLC, Destiny’s Child, Brandy, and Monica into the 2020’s. From the tracks groovy hi-hats (Love the Timbaland influence), plush vocals, and catchy hooks, the group has brought back that nostalgic early 2000’s RnB with their own modern touch. This track’s lyricism brought out that sexiness that is needed in the RnB genre with the build up to the pre-chorus, “Oh/ He’s got me actin like I’m some kind of animal/ The way he looks at me, I don’t feel like a girl no more/Arch my back like it’s supposed to be.” If you haven’t listened to their EP The Lead I would highly recommend you do. I cannot wait for what they have in store for 2023! -Jake Cooper
Rise Carmine, “1979”
When you hear a cover of a song it is hard to say, “this band’s version is better than the original!” Well, Rise Carmine’s version of 1979 is better than Smashing Pumpkins (and I am not sorry for this statement). Lead vocalist Liam brought a breath of fresh air to the track by stripping it down, adding a bit more of clarity to the vocals, and beautiful harmonies by the band. The group released this cover along with two other cover tracks to cap off the end of the year: “Someday” by The Strokes and Tame Impala’s “Lost in Yesterday.” The Toronto band has been building traction over 2022, and they are definitely on my ones to watch list this year. Also, if you do like their sound go see Rise Carmine perform live at Lee’s Palace in Toronto on January 27. -Jake Cooper
