Trey Kennedy and Zayn Malik

Today I have some music for you which comes from the world of Vine. Now, I have to admit, this was one of my favorite platforms for a little while. You can't go wrong with funny! But it is so cool to see how we have seen many artists and singer come about because of vine. In fact, today's artist comes from the world of vine. And you may know him from his popular cleaning + WOP videos.

Trey Kennedy has been a very low key singer since the inception of vine. Recently, there have been some singing videos which have popped up with him in it, and that eventually led to him creating and releasing his own music. This track is an absolute bop. The energy is level headed and has a fantastic vibe associated with it. Overall, this track is a great one to just relax and lounge around to, just soaking in the atmosphere and sounds.

It's cool to hear this song and how influenced by the early 00's it is. The grooviness that we hear in the track, is partially attributed to the use of those older R&B flows. The synth work we hear in the background is the main source of that vibe. There is a specific synth line which really captures that older R&B sound. It is a keening synth note, sustained and switching between pitches. I am not entirely sure if that is a specific kind of synthesizer or keyboard, but that high pitched sound is one that we heard quite often in hip hop and R&B. From Missy Elliot to Ciara to Mary J. Blige, that particular sound is found throughout 90s and 00s urban music. The overall 90s and 00s vibe that we get from this track seems to really suit Trey Kennedy and the atmosphere he is trying to create with this track.

In general, it is so easy to get lost in the groove of this song. That slightly funk and completely fun sound will get you moving. I find it impossible to sit still while jamming out to this track. There is too much bubbling energy and a nifty sound to stay still. Trey Kennedy brings us a beautiful marriage between modern pop and R&B and the classic 90s and 00s style of R&B. He even throws in some Michael Jackson inspired sound effects. They are subtle but add a little flavor to the track. Trey Kennedy clearly defines where is influences come from, which is not something I haven't necessarily heard before. With many artists, it is easy enough to tell where they want to go with their music, or who their artistic idols may be. And with Trey Kennedy, we get to hear not only who inspired him, but which genres sparked him to make music. However, what makes Trey Kennedy stand out in this regard, is the fact that he brings multiple influences together into one song. And he does so while still giving the track a modern flair.

The way the synths and programmed sounds come together, oozes the groovy and molasses smooth R&B of today. Trey Kennedy's voice is also a wonderful compliment to this style of music. He brings us a slightly gravelly voice, one that is full of texture and movement. While he nails the lower notes, he is also able to level up and hit those falsetto notes. He isn't afraid to put some power into the vocals of the track either, which is an odd and refreshing take on R&B. I would have definitely liked to have heard a bit more of his vocal range in this track. But I cannot deny how well this song comes together. Trey Kennedy delivers a groovy and ambient jam, a suave wave of sound for our ears.

Today's instrumental track is by Zayn Malik, and is taken from his debut album. There was something about the vibe from the first track which made me think of this song. Maybe it's because both songs rely on musical motifs and characteristics of older decades of music. Maybe it's because both tracks have that same lounge worthy yet energetic sound. Either way, they seem to complement each other! Zayn Malik's track pays a bit more homage to the 80's rather than the 90's and 00's, but this song still shows mastery over bridging the gap of time. The blend of modern and 80's groovy guitar and dynamic synthesizers is simply splendid and exciting. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!




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