Your Favorite Artist Has a Side Piece
Well, not actually (that I know of)… But, if you haven’t heard, María Zardoya of The Marías recently announced her solo project, “Not For Radio,” set to hit streaming soon. Exciting as it is, the news also serves as a reminder of how important it is for fans to embrace versatility and evolution throughout an artist’s career. Rather than boxing musicians into what they’ve created under one name, we should see their artistry as the sum of their past, present, and future work. This playlist celebrates that journey, featuring side projects, supergroups, and early bands that reveal the many creative layers behind some of your favorite artists.
“be mine” by strongboi
Although strongboi has been around since 2019, their recent run supporting Men I Trust on tour this fall has brought some well-deserved attention to this musical duo. Composed of the ever-whimsical Alice Phoebe Lou and her bandmate, Ziv Yamin, strongboi invites listeners to wade blissfully through a pool of shimmering synths and funky basslines. It’s a project tailor-made for fans of Alice Phoebe Lou’s delicate vocals who are craving something a bit more playful for their playlist.
13 (Demo) by Abhi//Dijon
With the release of his long-awaited sophomore album, Baby, and his major contributions to Justin Bieber’s summer project, Swag, Dijon has been everywhere this year—and no one’s complaining. Hearing new Dijon music had me feeling nostalgic, and I revisited a project I don’t hear nearly enough people talk about. Dijon and Abhi Raju first met in high school but truly found their sound as college seniors, as Abhi//Dijon. Throughout the mid-to-late 2010s, the duo delivered lush R&B gems that earned praise from Pigeons & Planes, NPR, and a loyal fanbase, cementing their position as an underrated duo of the era.
“Sunset Canyon” by Foxwarren
Foxwarren is a Canadian quintet made up of Andy Shauf, Avery and Darryl Kissick, Dallas Bryson, and Colin Nealis. If the name Andy Shauf rings a bell, it’s because of his acclaimed solo career, renowned for his cohesive and narrative-driven storytelling. “Sunset Canyon” appears on Foxwarren’s self-titled 2018 debut, and earlier this summer, the band returned with their first album in seven years, 2. This fall, you can catch Foxwarren on the road for their North American tour, bringing their signature indie twang to a stage near you.
