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Aurision's Top 5 - Volume 6


Walker The Producer - No Substance


Walter The Producer's latest 11 track project, "No Substance Mixtape" is a testament to his creative journey and a glimpse into the potential of his future music endeavors. In putting together this mixtape, Walter says he embraced a free-flowing creative process, deliberately avoiding overthinking and allowing his ideas to flow organically. This approach seems to have paid off, as the project serves as an introduction to his evolving musical style and artistic vision.


For Walter, "No Substance Mixtape" holds significant meaning, representing a pivotal moment in his musical career. It marks a step forward, showcasing his growth as an artist and his willingness to explore new sounds and concepts. Throughout the creative process, there were undoubtedly ups and downs, but these experiences contributed to shaping the mixtape into an authentic reflection of his artistic expression.


When asked about his favorite track on the project, Walter finds it difficult to choose just one. However, he gravitates towards "Dr. Mr Old Man" due to its introspective nature and its role as a letter to his future self. The track serves as a poignant reminder of where he is in his life at this moment, and he envisions it becoming a cherished memory to look back on as he grows older. Additionally, tracks like "Both Of Us" and "Lay Down" also hold a special place in his heart, further adding to the emotional depth and connection he has with his music. As a 20-year-old artist from the south shore of Boston, Walter The Producer has undoubtedly made an impressive mark with "No Substance Mixtape," leaving listeners eager to witness his continued artistic evolution.



Kenarri - Toga


Atlanta-based artist Kenarri has recently released her two-track EP titled “Mania”. If you’ve read any of my writing over the past few months, it’d be no secret that I am a big fan of almost all the music coming out of ATL. I couldn't even try to hide my love for their music if I wanted to, because you have artists like Kenarri that will catch you by surprise with their limitless creativity. It's one of those “best of both worlds” situations, as her greatest strength is her duality.


“Mania” is what you get when you allow an artist's creative spirit to run freely. My personal favorite track from the EP is “Toga”. Tapping into her softer side, her delicate lyrics will gently tuck you into your bed. When you have such a vibrant beat and catchy flirtatious hook like “Toga”, you basically have an almost perfect recipe for success. To me, this song marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for her. All it took was two songs for Kenarri to show the world that her creativity has no bounds.



Holden McRae - Pretender


Holden McRae, the talented 21-year-old musician from Los Angeles, California, recently released his captivating new single titled "Pretender" on July 7th. Holden's passion for music was instilled at a young age, influenced by his sister's love for the art form and nurtured through piano lessons from the tender age of 4 or 5. Over the years, his songwriting skills blossomed, and at the age of 14, he began to take his craft more seriously.


"Pretender" holds a special place in Holden's heart as it was an entirely different experience for him. Collaborating with his friend Truman Sinclair, they wrote and recorded the song in just one day, an impromptu creative process that added a new layer of excitement to his work. The song explores the complexities of past relationships, drawing from Holden's own experiences and those shared by his friends and family. With the invaluable contributions of Alix Page on background vocals and Lorenzo Wood and John Buser handling the mixing and mastering, respectively, the track became a seamless blend of emotions and artistry. To top it off, Tanner Deutsch provided the stunning cover art, creating a dream team for Holden's single.


Holden's musical influences have been diverse, ranging from mainstream radio artists like Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, and Drake, to soulful and talented individuals like Alicia Keys, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Sara Bareilles, thanks to his sister's influence. Recently, he has drawn inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA, Charlie Hickey, Holly Humberstone, and The Japanese House. With such a varied and powerful musical background, it's no wonder that "Pretender" resonates deeply with listeners and showcases Holden McRae's exceptional talent as a rising artist to watch in music.



Kenn. - Till the Wheels Fall Off


Kenn. the 20 year old versatile artist hailing from New Jersey, has been on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Growing up with a single mom and being raised by both his grandmothers, Kenn.'s diverse upbringing exposed him to various lifestyles and genres, shaping his unique perspective as an artist. Before delving into music, Kenn. was deeply involved in motocross and even considered pursuing it professionally if his music career didn't take off. However, it was the captivating music of artist Jon Bellion that ultimately inspired him to venture into the world of music, drawn by the intriguing production, mindset, and structure of Bellion's artistry.


Kenn's latest release, "Till the Wheels Fall Off" carries a personal significance as it stems from the experience of his car breaking down just two days before recording the song. Instead of letting setbacks bring him down, Kenn. found the resilience to keep pushing forward. Taking the train independently to the studio, he was greeted by the infectious beats cooked up by his producer TBreck, which led him to freestyle about the thoughts swirling in his mind, centered around his car situation. The result was a candid and heartfelt track that speaks to Kenn.'s ability to transform life's challenges into expressive and relatable music.


Throughout his musical journey, Kenn’s influences have been ever-changing, but some constant pillars include the likes of Frank Ocean, Jon Bellion, and old Logic, as well as the occasional venture into R&B territory inspired by artists like Brent Faiyaz. Currently, Kenn. is exploring Spanish and indie music, finding inspiration in old bachata artists and indie acts like Current Joys and Surf Curse. His ever-evolving tastes have contributed to his dynamic and versatile style as an artist.




Ryen - leave


At 20 years old, ryen's latest offering "leave" is a powerful expression of his journey through self-doubt and insecurity. After months of struggling with his music and feeling unsatisfied with his previous work, ryen found the inspiration to create a track that represented his desire to break free from these doubts and fears. The creative process was a mix of highs and lows, with the first half of the song flowing effortlessly, coming together in just 15 minutes as he punched in his emotions naturally. However, the second half took nearly two weeks to complete due to real-life challenges and limited time and energy. Nevertheless, the final product stands as a testament to ryen's perseverance and determination to deliver a meaningful and authentic piece of music that resonates with his audience.


The production and mixing of "leave" were a collaborative effort between two talented individuals. The instrumental was initially discovered on Derno's SoundCloud page, and ryen took it upon himself to create a reference track. After sending it to Derno, he worked his magic, flipping the track and adding his own touch. Subsequently, the song was passed to Typhoon, another skilled producer, who contributed to the finishing touches and added his unique flair to the final product. This collaboration between ryen, Derno, and Typhoon resulted in a well-crafted and emotionally charged single that reflects the essence of ryen's artistic thus far..


ryen has been honing his musical craft for an impressive six years. Throughout his artistic evolution, he has faced challenges and moments of self-doubt but has emerged stronger and more determined to share his authentic voice with the world. "leave" stands as a testament to ryen's growth as an artist, and it showcases his ability to channel his emotions into music that connects with listeners on a deeper level.



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