Los Angeles based, Boston raised songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist artist Khamari releases new single “On My Way.” Produced by Khamari and Trackside and co-written with Merna Bishouty, this new offering weaves a sample from Al Green’s 1972 classic “Love and Happiness” and showcases Khamari’s comforting vocals as he poeticizes his journey from Boston to LA. Listen to “On My Way” HERE and watch the visualizer, directed by Rachel Blackman, HERE.
Speaking on his new release, Khamari shares: “In the middle of the pandemic I packed everything I owned into my car and drove across the country from Boston to Los Angeles. On My Way is a song about my move, my confidence in knowing I was making the right decision starting fresh so I could build something from the ground up.”
Khamari grew up in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, MA. His artistry wraps his powerfully earnest songwriting around contemporary sonics. Skilled as a vocalist and musician, Khamari‘s music is distilled from influences ranging as wide as The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Sly Stone, to Frank Ocean, Kid Cudi, and Mac Miller. After releasing his debut EP Eldorado to a warm critical reception, Khamari seemingly disappeared for over a year. His heart breaking single “Doctor, My Eyes” – released a full year after his debut EP, followed by “Drifting” and “Tell Me” – bridged the gap between eras as Khamari now prepares for his exciting next chapter.
Khamari‘s career debuted with a trio of Spotify New Music Friday placements, including a #10 spot with his sophomore single release “The Heat.” His editorial support rounded out as the cover artist for Spotify’s Fresh Finds, and further playlisting on Apple Music FEELS, Amazon’s The New Black and Breakthrough R&B, and as cover artist for Tidal’s Pop: Rising. With over 10 million cumulative streams in his first 3 songs – including 500k in “The Heat” first week on Spotify alone – Khamari was also nominated for R&B Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards and is now looking forward to the next exciting chapter.
His next step is to continue the hunt for the intersection of timeless musicality and contemporary style, all without losing the honest accessibility which made him relatable from the start.
Check out “On My Way” and stay tuned for more music from Khamari coming soon.
Apollo Liberace is definitely an artist to watch. With his eccentric style, one would not look at him as a typical rapper. When he flows, he has the cadence to stand with some of the most prolific hip-hop conscious and freestyle artists in this era. With the social media commercialization and clout chasing being the influence of rap today, Apollo challenges that stigma through his music. As a multifaceted artist, Apollo can deliver music for the culture and for the progressive thinkers. Overall, Apollo would refer to his music as an experience.
“I would describe my music as mood music, it’s something for every mood you’re in. I start most of my projects out with rap and then it transcends into my more musical elements” he tells Remixd Mag.
Apollo Liberace just released his self-titled album, Apollo Liberace, and this 12-track offering is packed with hard-hitting songs that highlight Apollo’s journey within the music industry from being signed to a group, leaving the group, and finding his way. Apollo also expresses the perpetuation of violence and hate heard in rap music.
In songs such as, “Love For Rap”, and “Love From You”, listeners get insight of who Apollo is as an artist. He wants to stay true to his process and passion of creating music without the stress of music politics. Listeners even get a feel of his more fun side in songs such as “Meow” featuring Salma Slims.
“Without music I don’t know how I would cope with life in general. I get inspired by life events, the happiest moments to the worst moments. The highs and lows inspire me the most.”
Apollo looks forward to showcasing his unique ability to merge melodic sounds with social commentary rap lyrics focusing on themes of drugs and violence in the black community, the perpetuation of gun violence and systemic racism, systems of greed and the pressing need to break from a model built on idolizing material possessions.
Get to know more about Apollo’s story and read his interview with Remixd Mag below.
Stream, Apollo Liberace, out now!
Check out “Love For Rap”
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I was raised in a military family so I’ve lived all over actually. I went to elementary for 2 years in Japan and spent 2 years in Korea during high school. I’ve spent most of my years in San Antonio, Texas so I would say I’m from there though.
What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
Apollo Liberace… I’d rather not say my government name haha… Apollo for the Greek God of music and also I’m always somewhere outer space so there’s the tie into the Apollo space missions from Nasa… and the Liberace comes from my kind of in your face style and my love for fashion and flashiness.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
It’s an experience … I would describe my music as mood music, it’s something for every mood you’re in. I start most of my projects out with rap and then it transcends into my more musical elements.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
I’ve always been passionate about music. My sister started singing before me and made me want to get into it. I wrote and recorded my first song at 10 and I’m still here. Without music I don’t know how I would cope with life in general. I get inspired by life events, the happiest moments to the worst moments. The highs and lows inspire me the most. Traveling abroad is also something that inspires me.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Probably lil Wayne and Kanye West to keep it short.
Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project?
It’s self titled, Apollo Liberace. It’s my first project since going solo with my previous group Minus Gravity after our deal with Capitol Records. So going lost my life long friendships and life after the record deal inspired me to put this together and I believe it’s the best work I’ve been a part of.
Date that this project dropped or is set to drop?
February 27th on my birthday actually
What is this project about in your own words?
Evolving and making sure when I say something in my music it has some kind of message. I tried to have a message with almost every song but sometimes you just have to have fun..
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
I’m almost finished with my next project but for now I’m just excited this one has just released and all the positive reviews I’ve been getting from people saying it’s my best work, that keeps me going.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?
Well I think that’s up to the people. I just hope they enjoy the music.
Where can we follow you on social media? Include links.
Emerging R&B sensation Dende is taking no time off in 2023, fresh off his last EP release Before We Crash his gracious return to music is a memorable one, with newest album ’95 Civic Produced by Billy Blunt. Texas-born talent kept his momentum and followed up with a complete album staying true to his continuation of his road trip-themed string of releases. The emotional ride of this album offers up a perfect blend of harmony from guest appearances by Lilly Aviana, Eimaral Sol, and Chris Patrick.
A perfect mis between soul, R&B and classic ballads Dende showcases his passion for story telling and creating a stronger connection with his audience. Though the project is seen to be a sad one, the sonic elements of love, heartbreak, and passion, blends with each other throughout the transition of tracks.
The album in its entirety is an emotional roller coaster and listeners are on board for a journey throughout the project. You can check out the new release ’95 Civic below
R&B standout Jordan Ward comes fully into his own with the release of his debut album, FORWARD, and delivers on the promise that has made him one of the most encouraging and anticipated breakthrough acts of 2023. On FORWARD, available today via Interscope Records, Jordan crisscrosses an array of sounds and moods, but whether he’s tackling an infectious, radio-ready bop, a somber contemplation or a tender love song, Jordan Ward stamps his unique style of R&B on each track. Drawing influences ranging from old-school funk, alternative rock and hip-hop, FORWARD, as the title implies, sees Jordan Ward elevate the genre’s current sounds and offer a glimpse of where R&B’s future possibilities. The entire 14-track album is executive produced by Lido, whose credits include collaborations with Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, Chance the Rapper, Ella Mai, Halsey, Smino and more.
Behind the track
FORWARD holds layers of significance for the singer, both as an artistic triumph and a personal moment of reflection. “FORWARD, not only pushing our sound and creativity, but pushing to evolve and break cycles” Jordan says of his album’s name. “FOR WARD, a dedication to my family and our future. FOUR-WARD, my fourth project, but also a FOREWORD in my story being the debut album!”
Album highlights include “IDC,” with Joony, which was hailed as an “utterly relatable funky anthem” and landed a spot on Billboard’s Fresh Picks of the Week, as did “WHITE CROCS,” with rising rapper and fellow St. Louis native Ryan Trey. Plus, Complex spotlighted the flirtatious “CHERMIOYA” in their inclusion of Jordan Ward as one of the 20 R&B Artists to Watch in 2023, complimenting him as such: “Bringing words to life through music is a special talent, which is why you should be paying attention to Ward.” The “CHERIMOYA” release, just before Valentine’s Day, included its official music video starring Baby Rose and captures the perfect atmosphere of a sweet morning at the farmers’ market. Watch the “CHERIMOYA” visualizer HERE. Plus, FORWARD also features collaborations with Joyce Wrice and Gwen Bunn, who are generating critical buzz and millions of streams as two of the freshest new voices in R&B.
More from the artist
As Jordan Ward releases FORWARD, the former professional dancer is also readying an exciting schedule of live performances to bring his talents to the road. Just last week, he began his stead as an opening act on JID and Smino’s Luv Is 4Ever Tour on Feb. 26 and will continue supporting the pair through the tour’s conclusion on March 29. A few days later, he will take the stage at the legendary Dreamville Festival in North Carolina, on a lineup that includes J. Cole, Drake, Summer Walker, Burna Boy and more.
Purchase your tickets for the Luv Is 4Ever Tour HERE and for the Dreamville Festival HERE, and see why Jordan Ward is ready to ascend to even greater heights in the R&B realm.
