Why aren't you listening?!
Five 2023 EPs you should be listening.
In a world of “Where is the album” and quantity over quality, I am one of the few people who are in love with the ideas of EPs. I love the the concept of going in, and getting out in a small amount of time. This especially works when I am just getting into an artist. It creates a picture of what I should look forward to in their music without having to consume a whole 40-60 minute album on the first go. I also feel like it works for people with short attention spans. I am also a lover of short albums too, so that probably explains why I am so okay with EPs. Give me all the EPs in the world I will gobble them down (lol). With this in mind I decided to write about five (5) of my favourite EPs by newer and/or smaller artists released in 2023.
Nearly Straight by Chlothegod
I remember the first time my friend introduced me to Chlothegod. He sent me a link through telegram where we normally message. Upon opening the link, I was blown away. He knew exactly the sound I like. It was her first single “Camille”, I was blown away by how well written, beautifully produced it was. I was absolutely obsessed with the melody and so I had to search if she had any other music. Sadly, she didn’t. Months later, I would meet her again on Amindi’s Take What You Need mixtape, and yes, their collab “Lady” instantly became one of my favorite songs of the whole fall. Fastforward, to November, I’m scrolling on spotify and I see that she had released an EP and I had to dive in right away ! Ofcourse, she opened the EP with Camille. I was the blown away by not only her neo-soul and R&B Jill Scott-Erykah Badu-esque sounds but when I got to Outta My Mind, the pop punk elements left me totally mesmerized. I had to open my phone and start suggesting not only the song but the whole EP to my friends. If you haven’t been listening, you have to tap in!
Fave Songs: Camille, Outta My Mind, UGOMDN, and Took A Trip
Oasis by AMAKA
In March of this year, Jess of the R&B sister duo, Vanjess, took to their group instagram to announce that Van had decided to step away from VanJess. She also announced that she will continue making music ass AMAKA. And what music might we expect you may ask? We were soon to find out with the Kaytranada produced lead single Cruisin’. This single would serve as the start of the OASIS era. Oasis did not surprise me as a fan, especially because of VanJess’s collaboration with the likes of Kito, TokiMONSTA and Kaytranada. AMAKA is no stranger to dance music, and her and Kaytranada (who produces the entire EP) make sure that you acknowledge this reality. To me, this project boasts some of Kaytra’s best work as a guest on somebody else’s hosted project. But you could also say it’s a collaboration EP even though Kaytranada is only listed in producer credits. I urge you to dive into the oasis, let yourself go, dance, sweat, get wet, drink from the waters of this magnificent gift that AMAKA bestowed upon us.
Fave Songs: Unfamiliar, Hold Tight and Leave It Behind
METTENARRATIVE by METTE
Some times YouTube comes in very handy when it comes to “discover” music. I remember the day I found “Mama’s Eyes” - the lead single to this EP. I was at work, scrolling through YouTube, I don’t remember how we ended up on the video, but we ended up on the video. Some people would be totally put off by how the melody of the chorus almost completely switches up from the verses. But, not me! I was blown away. Mesmerized even. This is what I like in pop - experiment, experiment away. Make it always chaotic but beautiful. And that’s what I get from the METTENARRATIVE EP. METTE, could possibly change the pop landscape if given the chance. This project goes from heavy hitting choruses, to experimental beats, to rap-sung verses. Almost all songs sound a bit different, but they fit so well in this narrative.
FAve songs: Van Gogh, Mama’s Eyes, and Psycho (NAH NAH)
The Interludes by Ojerime
2022 brought Ojerime into my life with a silky smooth entrance into my life. When I found out she was about to release another EP this October, I got excited. Thank heavens I was not disappointed. The way she is able to take from 90s R&B with such a velvety experimental feel is so mesmerizing. Her chorus melodies are just easily tattooed into my brain. I find myself constantly putting this 4 song interlude EP on repeat and repeat. I would definitely love to see her collaborate with the likes of Bambii and Kaytranada. It would be even cool to get a dance project from her too, in the likes of Kelela and Rochelle Jordan. I am absolutely excited for what the future of this talented musician holds.
Fave songs: TIDE, Pissed Off, and One Hit Wonder.
Southern Delicacy by Jai’Len Josey
Jai’Len Josey, is literally one of the best vocalists of this current generation of musicians. The Broadway star, with her old music AND Southern Delicacy is able to give us some of the best R&B music of the 2020s, not only vocally but lyrically and melodically. With Southern Delicacy, Jai’Len takes us into her culture of being a black woman from the south. She gifts us with interludes of family members giving her advice, to also giving us the traditional R&B storytelling of relationship and relationship problems. On Man In Your Bed, Josey seemingly “comes out” by telling the love interest that they should be with her instead. Take Me Higher is also so reminiscent of B’day’s Bey but you can still feel Jai’Len stamped over it. I also feeling like that just also emphasizes how Southern this project is meant to feel. Grab your earphones and get ready to be blown away by one of today’s best talent!
Fave Songs: Man In Your Bed, Take Me Higher, and Pay For My Drink
HONORABLE MENTIONS;
FLO - 3 of US
BAMBII - Infinity Club