While major US cities like Los Angeles and New York City have claimed the title for “best” music epicenter(s) in the United States, it’s important not to count out Chicago just yet. A slew of successful artists (most independent) continue to build their careers on the third coast, making a name for themselves thanks to the city’s close-knit music community and DIY apartment shows. Artists like Chance the Rapper took it to the big leagues, eventually finding incredible mainstream success across the country and even the world. Chance is one of the biggest contemporary musicians to make it work independently, and it seems as though many artists are taking note of his strategy, implementing it in their own ways.
Cue Huron John, a self-taught songwriter, producer, and visual artist from Chicago. Born John Wallace Conradi, the 21-year-old musician has been releasing music independently since 2018. The brains behind the operation in all facets of the phrase, John is heavily involved in all steps of the creative process within making music, including the role as executive producer. John’s influences range from Daft Punk, Mac Miller and The Smashing Pumpkins, resulting in a fascinating sound that fits perfectly within the age of internet streaming. John’s last album, Apocalypse Wow, was created in his basement studio, eventually garnering incredible streaming success with over 12 million streams worldwide. Apocalypse Wow catapulted Huron John’s music to new heights, catching the eyes of major music publications like EARMILK, Ones To Watch, and LyricalLemonade.
Thanks to his music’s success, John has created Always Outside Creative Artists (AOCA), which is a creative house, label, and “place of mentorship” for other DIY artists.
Huron John’s first single of 2021, “Arthur,” comes ahead of his sophomore album Color Therapy, which is set to release later this year. The album is described as a “reflective experience contrasting the hurt of current society, up against sunny, indie grooves.”
“Arthur” features new production styles from John, including 2-step drum beats and an infectious melody that makes me want to go run through the fields of Grant Park during a hot summer night in Chicago.
Stream “Arthur” on your preferred streaming platform and check out the accompanying music video, set to drop tomorrow (2/11/21).
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