This is part of a series highlighting 10 independent artists each month. Artists are presented in alphabetical order. To be considered for future entries, you can submit your music via the email address provided below.
Billy Blunt
Producer and session guitarist from Austin
One Song Introduction: "Last Time" with Chris Patrick
One Sentence Pitch: Billy Blunt is the not so secret weapon of Crossroads Music Group, providing production and signature guitar solos on many of the best tracks to come out of the ascending collective.
Donte Thomas
Rapper from Portland
One Song Introduction: "Tired of Smoke In My Eyes" with Bocha & MFnMelo
One Sentence Pitch: Donte Thomas clearly values his skills as a wordsmith as much as his skills to make melodic, enjoyable songs.
Innanet James
Rapper from Montgomery & PG County
One Song Introduction: "Way Up" ft. Rexx Life Raj
One Sentence Pitch: Innanet James has a natural charisma that makes his clever, nimble raps sound completely effortless.
Jeph Early
Rapper and producer from Jackson
One Song Introduction: "SMS" with Kingjp
One Sentence Pitch: Jeph Early is an elite rapper with voice to match, spitting dense, personal bars with conviction in his baritone.
Kweku Collins
Rapper, producer, and singer-songwriter from Evanston
One Song Introduction: “The Dust"
One Sentence Pitch: Refusing to be boxed into a single genre or category, Kweku Collins makes music that blends myriad influences from Outkast to Bob Marley to MGMT.
Lou Ridley
Singer-songwriter from Houston
One Song Introduction: “Waters"
One Sentence Pitch: Lou Ridley is one of the most exciting voices coming out of modern country music, embracing sonic elements of the genre while infusing outside influences and reckoning with harmful elements of its culture.
Nate Joël
Rapper from Silver Spring
One Song Introduction: “CALL ME WHEN YOU NEED ME"
One Sentence Pitch: Nate Joël has a youthful energy, but sounds like he's been rapping his whole life with the ease of his flows and the maturity of his reflective verses.
olde.
Rapper from Chicago
One Song Introduction: “HIM" with ChessNotCheckers
One Sentence Pitch: Olde.'s music is equal parts heavy hitting bars and earworm hooks, showcasing his chops as both a rapper and a singer.
Tyler Lauren
Singer-songwriter from the Bay Area
One Song Introduction: "come pick up the phone"
One Sentence Pitch: Tyler Lauren's smooth, layered melodies and vulnerable lyrics may not be coming through your radio quite yet but it's only a matter of time before she becomes a star.
YAEYGO
Producer from Vacaville
One Song Introduction: “Can't Breathe" with Kiran the Nomad, Gio Genesis, & Morgan Gold
One Sentence Pitch: The producer behind much of Kiran the Nomad's best work, YAEYGO provides rich, textured instrumentals that feel warm and lived in; every sound fits perfectly into place.
Written by: Tyler Blankinship, @TylerBlankCQCX on Twitter.
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