The year 2021 has been astounding for music, especially for those within the independent music community.
Though there have been great major label releases, independent musicians have proudly carried the torch, and they deserve recognition.
For the next four days, I will release one playlist per day. Each set of songs will represent a shared characteristic among artists in their respective category. The categories will focus less on conventional rating standards and more on the feelings that the artists can evoke through their music. These feelings will inform the names of the playlists.
For context, these playlists will emphasize the work of a variety of independent musicians. While there might be a few entries from more prominent artists, those contributions will be minimal.
With the end of the year in sight, it’s time to celebrate 2021’s greatest musical achievements.
Category 1: Soul-searching Music.
Soul-searching (Noun)- Deep and careful thought about your feelings, especially in relation to a moral problem or decision.
Contained within this playlist are abstract stories. These songs tell complex tales through crafty lyrics, manipulated samples, sound collage, and many other creative techniques. These artists, collectively, provoke deep thought, mine personal traumas, unveil a light at the end of an otherwise dark tunnel, and much more. Give the playlist a spin and reflect on the year.
