SoundClouds of the Underground: Faces of the Future Edition

ABOVE: ZOLITA. PHOTO COURTESY OF KAITLIN CHRISTY.

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough. 

As we head into holiday season and January 1 quickly creeps up, Internet users are hit with an arsenal of year-end lists summing up the best artists, songs, and albums of 2014. Simultaneously, new talents begin announcing their official arrivals with singles, videos, and the like. Below are three tracks from such acts–each artist made their presence known in the past, but with these new releases they seem to have their sights set on owning 2015. 

Kacy Hill: “Experience” 

Who: If you haven’t heard Kacy Hill’s name yet, expect it to become a trending topic of conversation over the next few days (if not hours). Known for her American Apparel modeling gig, the L.A.-based artist’s sultry coo recently caught the ears of Kanye West, who signed Hill to his G.O.O.D Music imprint.

The Song: “Experience” and its accompanying visuals have experienced a slow burn on the Internet, but with Hill’s recent power move, many are giving it a deserving second look. The track’s intimate production is in perfect harmony with the singer’s pure, entrancing vocal, yielding a blend between Bon Iver and Banks that seems perfect for West’s roster.

Current Project: Keep up with Kacy Hill via her website.

Spooky Black: “Worn“

Who: While many first perceived Spooky Black as a character, after one listen to his music, his talent was left unquestioned. The young, turtleneck/stocking cap-rocking Minnesotan has a whole lot of soul inside of him, with smooth vocals that may remind one of SBTRKT and Drake collaborator Sampha.

The Song: A track produced by Black’s collective The Stand4rd along with Shlohmo and D33j of WeDidIt, “Worn” is beautifully dark, with Black singing “I could tell what you want to hear/Wouldn’t you like that?” over slow and steady percussion and droning synths.

Current Project: Spooky Black–who, with this track, announced he’ll use his given name, Corbin, from here onward–is on Facebook. Get at him here. 

Zolita: “Kill For You”

Who: Since performing for the likes of Justin Bieber, Diplo, Usher, and more at the star-studded Galore Magazine fashion week party, Zolita has generated buzz as a pop princess in the making. The Malibu Barbie with a hard edge raps (see “Pussy Princess Bitch“) as well as she sings (“Teen Dream“), and even acts, as seen in her hilarious Pretty Wild parody short. 

The Song: Zolita takes a dark turn with “Kill For You,” a minimal yet aggressive track wherein the singer theatrically lays her heart and body on the line. The song sounds like it could soundtrack Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet, as it drips with the harsh pain of intense love.

Current Project: The video for “Kill For You” is on its way, but until then keep up with Zolita on Facebook.  

SoundClouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.