Artists to support for Bandcamp Friday, 5/7
Possibly the last Bandcamp Friday for the foreseeable future? Then it’s time to make your dollars count towards artists who matter.
As we near the midway point of the year (JFC), I can actually start thinking about what I am enjoying the most artistically this year: Quinton Barnes’ As a Motherfucker, Dawn’s Second Line, Chase Icon’s “I’m Perfect,” Bad Gyal’s ignorant and undeniable “44,” Culture of Soul’s South African Pop Disco Hits compilation, every single Cosha release. Truly, music journalism is rip roaringly fast and rushed, like all journalism these days, meaning there’s little time for anyone to sit with a record and let it simmer. I’m just as guilty – I wrote a glowing review about “Boys” that I don’t quite agree with right now, though I will say that I’m a fantastic writer.
So what does this have to do with artists to support for Bandcamp Friday? Mostly that, after 4-ish months of 2021, I better understand what has given me the most enjoyment so far – and some of the tracks, albums, and artists featured here are among those favorites.
Jhariah
The moment I heard “Debt Collector” by Jhariah, it thrust me into a teenage flashback where I’m listening Taking Back Sunday’s exhilarating “Spin.” Except this is more theatrical, a tinge more upbeat, and a bit spookier (it’s the synths, and likely the subject matter itself). It’s easily one of my favorite songs of the year. For those whose scene (kid phase) was more the latter half of Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, the piano swing of “Flight of the Crows” is exactly where you’d like it, y’know? This is for the emo kids, theater nerds, and, visually, graphic novel fans, an overlap that is perfect for dramatic, melodic music.
Haich Ber Na
A brilliant 4 song EP (think Katy B’s Danger, Azealia’s 1991) will blow the most bloated Drake or Taylor Swift album out of the water. From Then ‘Til Now, the latest EP from Haich Ber Na, is one such example. Nowadays, where everyone could learn a thing or two from Kelela, Frank Ocean, and Jai Paul about scarcity, a concise piece of work is much, much appreciated. This EP is a tight, danceable mix of barely-there bedroom indie and upbeat dance music. Get your fix here, from the MJ Cole-esque skittering of “Both Ways” or the Jungle/Glass Animals tenor on “Think About It.”
Rochelle Jordan
A few days ago, my 2021 shifted, in the sense I’ve heard my front runner for Album of the Year: Rochelle Jordan‘s PLAY WITH THE CHANGES. Jordan’s vocals, understated, soft, and controlled, intertwine effortlessly with a variety of electronic beats, from R&B soundscapes to rubbery dance jams. Kaytranada and Kelela are easy but apt comparisons one can make here here, though Jordan expertly waves the former’s swinging, luscious beats and the latter’s restrained yet expressive vocals together. Only heightening the experience is the gorgeous album art, a holographic, oil pastel beauty that is giving what the “2099” artwork thought it gave. If I could, I’d recommend buying the T shirt, but it’s sold out, understandably so.
Auden
The artist who brought the Rochelle album to my attention, vocalist and producer Auden, is as catchy and compelling in their own right. Auden’s sound ranges from upbeat pop numbers to droning, melodic instrumentals tunes, blessing fans with different sides of their musical personality. With Element (2020), they immediately lock you into propulsive declarations of faith, fully taking the leap no matter the cost: “My world might explode/ But it’ll never be cold.” Spoiler: it does (“Hard to Love”), but their spirit remains unbroken, buoyed by an almost cheesy but ultimately sincere pipe on “Give Me Love.”