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Jon Bap- “Gooder Than Before/Forced”

It’s impossible to categorize Jon Bap. While certainly a soul crooner, he’s clearly not just “a soul crooner,” as his sweet croonings are backed with sounds that are in from way out. Without question however is the fact that Jon Bap is one of the most forward thinking artists on the Buffalo music scene, and based on some of the Internet love he’s starting to get it looks like his footprint will be expanding beyond WNY with the re-release of his 2014 EP Let It Happen and lead single “Gooder Than Before/Forced.” We loved it before, and that love affair has only gotten hotter thanks to his engrossing live shows over the last few years. Keep an eye out for this reissue in the coming weeks, and enjoy this slice of avant-garde soul. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/263800226″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Tonight: Lesionread

Lesionread, the brainchild of local performance art prodigy, Shawn Lewis, is as much of a physical experience as it is a musical statement. His newfangled approach to electropop marries sensory stimulation with authentically catchy production (pepper in a little haphazardness for good measure). Lewis cites influences from the likes of Death Grips, Bjork, St. Vincent, J Dilla, and a slew of other artists that are fairly distinct from one another. Surprisingly, I feel as though I can differentiate the hodgepodge of influences in his music, though the blend may seem chaotic at times. Somewhere in that Frankenstein-esque mix, you get a pretty confident sense that he has a knack for organizing that chaos. The show is a “re-release” of his latest album, Lesionread’s Great Hits! Vol. 1, as the original date for the album release was postponed due to sub-zero weather conditions back in February. Equally dynamic openers, Ay Fast,[...]

Jon Bap Releases New EP, Let It Happen

Previewing his idiosyncratic songwriting style on releases with the Get Money Squad and hip hop trio Network, along with a solo single last year, Buffalo based singer/songwriter Jon Bap has shown a vast range of influences from indie rock and folk to soul and hip hop. On his latest EP, Let It Happen, the artist presents six tracks of mellow rhythms, jazzy bass lines and soulful vocals that results in a multitude of compelling musical ideas. Despite somewhat minimal instrumentation, Jon Bap is able forge engaging drum grooves, paired with melodic guitar and rich bass allowing for a hypnotic effect like on “The Ending,” where an interesting breakdown is led by sprawling percussion. Other tracks like “Forced” and “Marissa” offer a more straightforward indie soul approach, with guitar reminiscent of Mac Demarco and more laid back, r&b vocals and rhythms. Certainly not short on refreshing songwriting ideas, the Let It Happen EP is a[...]

The Get Money Squad Drops Debut Single, “Back Again”

Last night, Quinton Brock of Network and producer Jon Bap debuted an interesting new project called The Get Money Squad. The pair is prepping the release of a debut EP and have shared their first single, titled “Back Again.” Those familiar with Network’s Death Grips inspired live shows will be pleasantly surprised to hear laid back, chiming guitars, and the smooth vocals of Brock, drawing comparisons to the latest albums from both Mac DeMarco and Ducktails. Check out “Back Again” below and keep an eye on the band’s soundcloud page for future tracks.

Producer/MC Jon Bap Readies New Album

Buffalo based singer/songwriter and producer Jon Bap has an eclectic sound that ranges from experimental rock to soul, jazz and hip-hop. In addition to boasting impressive skills as an MC, the artists remix work which includes tracks from Beyonce, The SEVENth, and an ethereal, spaced out take on 50 Cent’s “What Up Gangsta.” Evident from his diverse Soundcloud uploads, Bap is capable of incorporating countless influences to create a truly unique sound, like on the track “The Best Out” which features a mellow beat and soulful vocals sampled from UK singer Sampha juxtaposed with fiery Drake sample from “Too Much.” In anticipation of his upcoming album, the artist recently shared a collection of demos and studio takes that didn’t make it onto the album. The nearly ten minutes of material includes smooth vocal melodies, a comical impression of Atlanta rap group Migos and an experimental track that borders on noise[...]