Gen-Z has done it again: we have fostered a new generation of artists that are as equally celebrated by our peers as they are hated by music oldheads. There has been a Pangea in the music industry in the past half-decade, a change that is so undeniable, even by those who once swore off “mumble rap” and pleaded for the return of “real music.”
“TikTok music” and “BandLab bandits” are the direct products of the increasing accessibility within music production. The days of needing expensive studio sessions and extensive recording equipment are behind us. As a result, some of the most popular songs today, often derived from viral TikTok sounds, can be credited to a free subscription to FL Studio and a mic kit from Amazon. But despite what music critic Anthony Fantano might tell you, new does not equal bad. Amidst the saturated music scene, there is a meteor-like wave of potentiality coming from new artists who are not afraid to be raw, experimental and ruleless with their sounds.
Regardless of where you stand on the phenomenon of “new-gen” music, the opportunity to discover new songs is never a bad one. That being said, it has been a great week for underground music lovers — so here is the official Gen-Z guide to the hottest underground singles from this week.
Summrs has blessed us with another nonsensical banger. On the heels of the August release of his latest EP, NIGHTFALL, the Plug-n-b pioneer channels the same melodic-trap energy from the EP’s most popular single “Marble Floors.” Self-produced, mixed and mastered, “You Mind?” is a classic Summrs track on a classic Summrs beat, with the addition of an oddly beautiful instrumental break.
Nettspend is arguably the most discussed up-and-coming artist in the underground hip-hop scene today, and that discourse is not without reason. The 17-year-old Virginia rapper has become an internet sensation with songs like “We Not Like You” and “Nothing Like Uuu.” In anticipation of his debut project, Bad Ass Fcking Kid, Nettspend has released “F*CK SWAG” on October 4, accompanied by the usual striking visual; tThis time, a Cole Bennett-directed music video via Lyrical Lemonade.
While most might know him as the opener of Ken Carson’s “Chaos” Ttour, 2hollis continues to remind the masses the genius behind his singer-producer status. Released October 4 via Interscope Records, “gold” lives up to the multifaceted 2hollis discography that has seen knockout hits like “jeans” and ‘trauma.” “gold” features an array of electronic arrangements — staccatos, percussion and distortions — stimulating the eardrums in just the right way.
When discussing hyperpop, it’s hard to not bring up ericdoa. One of the most prominent pacesetters for the genre, ericdoa’s discography is evidence that there is still much to explore in the hyperpop space. His latest release, “do ya?” via LISTEN TO THE KIDS is the second single that has come out of the 321-hour-long live stream on Twitch where Eric simultaneously produced 11 songs for his upcoming project while raising money for Palestinian aid. Following the first single, “search & destroy,” “do ya?” continues to be genre-melding, beautifully produced and ever-so-catchy.
glaive and kurtains – “Live & Direct”
“Live & Direct” released on October 4 brings to us another collaboration between hyperpop darlings glaive and kurtains, after June’s release of “Just Not Sure.” “Live & Direct” opens with an electric guitar riff, introducing synths and the back-and-forth melodic cuts from glaive and kurtains.
Most might remember Riovaz from his 2020 TikTok viral hit “Prom Night,” but the New Jersey artist has given doubters a run for their money with a beautifully curated dance/house/pop stream of releases since. The latest is his self-titled sophomore album released on October 2, its opening electronic track, “radiolove” is equally bouncy and dreamy.