By Clare Kocher
Mura Masa
Who He Is: Alex Crossan, better known as Mura Masa, is an up-and-coming DJ and electronic music producer. He plays multiple instruments and loves to sample from more famous musicians, such as A$AP Rocky in his most popular song “Love$ick.”
The Vibe: Mura Masa’s songs range from upbeat to calming, yet they all share a common aesthetic that gives the listener a feeling of familiarity. Their diversity means that these are great songs to listen to before a night out or a rainy day in.
Hippie Sabotage
Who they Are: Hippie Sabotage is duo of brothers, Kevin and Jeff Saurer, hailing from California. Although young to the music scene, they have performed with stars like Ellie Goulding and Tove Lo and have already been at the top of Billboard’s Next Big Sound Chart.
The Vibe: This duo is reminiscent of the ’70s with a modern electronic twist. The vocals are usually kept to a minimum, and the alternative electronic music is prioritized.
Grimes
Who She Is: Claire Elise Boucher, known by her stage name Grimes, is a record producer, songwriter and visual artist from Canada.
The Vibe: Grimes’ music is very unique and has been noted for her creative use of many musical influences, including medieval music, pop, hip hop and R&B, all with an electronic feel.
Jessie Reyez
Who She Is: Jessica “Jessie” Reyez is a singer and songwriter from Canada. Just recently, her most popular single “Figures” from 2016 reached high up into the Canadian Hot 100.
The Vibe: A Rihanna-esque fierceness is evident in Reyez’s style. Even though she currently only has seven songs, her rap-influenced work has solid beats and catchy melodies, and she is sure to gain popularity soon.
Kehlani
Who She Is: Kehlani Parrish is a singer, dancer and songwriter signed to Atlantic Records. Kehlani often performs at big festivals, such as Lollapalooza this past year. Her initial fame comes from being a member of the teen pop group called Poplyfe.
The Vibe: Kehlani’s songs tell stories while maintaining a catchy beat that leaves you wanting more. Her songs are influenced by R&B and hip-hop, and they are perfect to listen to during a good workout.
Glass Animals
Who They Are: Glass Animals is an English indie rock band hailing from Oxford, and its members consist of Dave Bayley, Edmund Irwin-Singer, Joe Seaward and Drew McFarlane. Glass Animals was also at Lollapalooza this year.
The Vibe: Glass Animals mixes alternative and electronic, creating the perfect background music for any chill hangout. With a very otherworldly feel, Glass Animals never fails to provide calm and peace.
Must-Listen Playlist
Lotus Eater: Mura Masa
Love$ick: Mura Masa
Your Soul: Hippie Sabotage
Devil Eyes: Hippie Sabotage
Genesis: Grimes
Medieval Warfare: Grimes
Figures: Jessie Reyez
Gatekeeper: Jessie Reyez
Keep On: Kehlani
Distraction: Kehlani
Gooey: Glass Animals
Youth: Glass Animals
Click here to listen to this playlist on our Spotify account, thespreaduiuc!
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The Spread 