Brevin Kim – “swim!”

By: Shamus Hill

Brevin Kim, a duo of brothers from the Greater Boston area, release “swim!” and announce that they have a collab EP with Lil West that’s set to drop this upcoming Friday.

Consistent with the majority of the pair’s discography, both Bren and Cal play somewhat of a balancing act throughout “swim!”. Bren sings with an overwhelmed, almost aching torment that revolves around the various hurdles that life throws one’s way. Just when his thoughts seem to spiral out of control, Cal arrives with the important reminder to “swim” as Bren belts out, “it’s hard to forget, when you’re focused on forgetting”. Not only does their lyricism evoke a vast amount of emotion, but the manner in which they deliver these lyrics takes that feeling and expands it exponentially. In short, “swim!” is a powerful anecdote that emphasizes the necessity to persevere through the depths of life’s tumultuous moments. No matter how bad things may seem — we can never give up.

Listen to “swim!” below:

Photo Above by Oliver Peric

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Garrett Merk – “AWOL” (Prod. by Shag) [Official Music Video]

By: Shamus Hill

While we may presently find ourselves within the dark, gloomy depths of a freezing cold December, Garrett Merk is here today to deliver us some uplifting energy as he recently dropped the official music video for his new single, “AWOL”.

Directed by Frace Media, this visual features scenes throughout Brockton as Garrett reminisces on both the city and people that have assisted in molding him into the individual that he currently is. Anyone who’s followed Graduation Music over the course of the last few years will undoubtedly recognize Garrett’s name, as he’s consistently released music of a ridiculously high caliber. He manages to infuse each component of his discography with an infectious aurora that is distinctly unique to him, and it’s because of this that Garrett’s fanbase has grown at the rate it has. He’s gearing up for the release of his debut album in approximately a month, and if “AWOL” is any sign of what this project is going to be sounding like, then it may ultimately be one of the best to come out of the state of Massachusetts in several years. If you’ve yet to explore Garrett’s discography up through this point, then there’s no better time to do so than right now.

Watch the official music video for “AWOL” below:

CLICK HERE TO STREAM “AWOL”

Coop – “Sorry I’m Not Enough” (Prod. Tundra)

By: Shamus Hill

One name that certainly doesn’t get enough recognition within the spectrum of Massachusetts artists is Coop, who recently followed up on his successful Runaway album with a brand new single titled “Sorry I’m Not Enough”. Making a name for himself through his usage of raspy, emotionally-charged sounds that take the listener on a sonic adventure, Coop utilizes a slight switch-up in style here that allows for an entirely new range of feelings to be captured.

“Sorry I’m Not Enough” is based around the heart-wrenching feeling that accompanies moments of inequality within relationships. Once we’ve found the person we want to be with, we want to be everything that they’ve ever desired, however Coop details how this isn’t always possible. Coop knows what he wants to strive towards in life, however is met with the difficult moment of realizing that his significant other doesn’t align with his goals and ambitions. Something that many of us can relate to in our own lives — Coop, once again, successfully portrays a moment of reality that can be difficult to comprehend through his music. This is what separates good artists from great artists, and with that being said I’m sure that Coop will achieve monumental things throughout the course of his musical career.

Listen to “Sorry I’m Not Enough” below:

CLICK HERE TO STREAM VIA SPOTIFY + APPLE MUSIC + MORE…

Jxylen – “MAD MEN” [Official Music Video]

By: Shamus Hill

In preparation for his upcoming SAVE YOURSELF EP, Jxylen just dropped the official audio and visual for his vigorous single, “Mad Men”.

Making proper use of some out-of-this-world production at the hands of Origami Beats, Jxylen wastes no time with respect to hitting listeners with a continuous stream of hard-hitting lyrics. He’s here to claim his stake within the flowering Massachusetts music scene, and this release is a telltale sign that he’s certainly on pace towards doing so. The energy he radiates here is unparalleled, with it being one of our personal favorite drops up through this point in 2019.

Watch the official music video for “Mad Men” below:

“MAD MEN” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO LINK

CLICK HERE TO STREAM VIA SOUNDCLOUD

CLICK HERE TO STREAM VIA BANDCAMP

Gogo. – “Sauced.” (Prod. Rilla Force)

By: Shamus Hill

In order to properly celebrate his birthday today, Gogo. just unleashed an intoxicating single titled “Sauced.”.

As mentioned during our coverage of soap.wav’s “Did It Again”, Cambridge has quickly become an important hotbed for music within the state of Massachusetts. Gogo. is one of the artists from Cambridge that’s been working tirelessly to maintain his city’s notoriety. Possessing a catalog of music full of alluring bops that take influence from a wide variety of genres, “Sauced.” is only the most recent addition to Gogo.’s already powerful discography.

Rilla Force, who was recently featured on Jymmy Kafka’s “Still There”, showcases exactly why he’s one of the most recruited producers in Massachusetts on this release. The electronic, dancehall-rooted instrumental suits perfectly on Gogo., who makes use of “Sauced.” to exhibit his braggadocios, confident state of mind. He’s more than aware of his talents, and is determined to make 2019 the year that everyone knows exactly who he is.

Listen to “Sauced.” below:

Brevin Kim – “Haunt Your Dreams”

By: Shamus Hill

Brevin Kim are back on Graduation Music today with an exhilarating single titled “Haunt Your Dreams”.

This self-produced masterpiece serves as yet another genre-bending offering from this duo. Based around the tumultuous ending to a long-lasting, resilient relationship, Brevin Kim pour their hearts out on this transcendent release. The vocals bounce back and forth between states of tranquility and agitation, something that is also represented within the alternating production of this track. A perfect depiction of the rush of emotions felt during periods such as this — “Haunt Your Dreams” is assuredly one of the most potent additions to Brevin Kim’s discography.

Listen to “Haunt Your Dreams” below:

DEADMALL – “PROM NITE” [Official Music Video]

By: Shamus Hill

Deadmall are back on the Graduation Music site today, this time with a well-tooled visual for “Prom Nite”.

After finding out that honeyfitz never had a prom, Gabe Gill decided to throw one in their basement, which sets the scene for the entirety of the music video. Both Gabe and honeyfitz offer some of their best work here — showcasing just how much they’ve developed as artists since the formation of Deadmall. They compliment one another’s sound without flaw, and each of their releases comes packed with a plethora of raw emotion that you can literally feel with every listen. If you’ve never tuned into to Deadmall prior to today, then there’s no better time to start.

Watch the official music video for “PROM NITE” below:

song by deadmall

video by rat castle films

directed by zachariah suto

mixed & mastered by rafael moure

[PREMIERE] Maka – “Animal House” (Prod. Connis)

By: Shamus Hill

Cambridge natives Maka and Connis combine forces to construct a powerfully intoxicating track titled “Animal House”.

It isn’t everyday that you’re blessed with music that possesses the ability to uplift your entire spirit, but this is exactly the case with “Animal House”. Connis has steadily made a name for himself throughout the state of Massachusetts via masterful additions to his discography, and has recently been branching out and lending his production talents to other local artists. It’s safe to say that he hit this one out of the park, with Maka gracefully surfing atop the well-tooled instrumental whilst giving listeners some perspective towards his current mindset.

“Animal House” circulates around Maka’s cannibalistic attitude that he has going into this year. There’s only one thing on his mind and that’s developing into the best version of himself. Instead of looking around to see what his peers are up to, Maka’s determined to overcome anyone (or anything) that dares to get in-between him and his dreams. In addition to the lyrical content of this release, the sonic structure is simply unparalleled — making “Animal House” one of the most impactful songs to come out of Massachusetts up to this point in the year.

Listen to “Animal House” below:

Maka – “Animal House” (Prod. Connis) — SoundCloud Link

Snowhaus – “Flick My Bic” [Official Music Video]

By: Shamus Hill

Western Massachusetts has proven to be home to a variety of highly-listenable artists over the years. Hailing from Hadley, Snowhaus make their debut onto the Graduation Music site today with the official music video for their brand-new track titled “Flick My Bic”.

Directed by Deadmall, the visuals for this release wonderfully encapsulate the rollicking energy that’s persistent throughout the song. Consisting of Nathan Galloway (Vocals/Guitar), Andrew Ring (Drums), and Nick Capezzuto (Bass), Snowhaus’ romantically-driven offering circulates itself around falling in love right in time for winter. Complete with playful lyrics and soaring instrumentation that becomes more indulgent with each listen, “Flick My Bic” is certainly a standout release within Snowhaus’ discography.

If you find yourself in the Amherst-area this Sunday (February 10th), pull up to the Emo Valentine Show which will feature a performance by Snowhaus.

Watch the official music video for “Flick My Bic” below:

http://snowhaus.bandcamp.com/track/flick-my-bic

BoriRock ft. Dun Dealy – “La Vida” (Prod. Tremendiss)

By: Shamus Hill

Making their debut onto the Graduation Music site today are BoriRock and Dun Dealy with the official music video for “La Vida”.

This incredibly thorough, self-reflective offering circulates itself around the not-so-glamorized aspects of life within the dope game. Establishing himself as one of Boston’s top rhymers with this release, BoriRock is truly a force to be reckoned with.

“Dope game…gotta pay to play // if you blitz, they gon’ raid the place…meaning the safe ain’t safe”

BoriRock – “La Vida”

Following-up BoriRock with an equally as impressive verse is Dun Dealy, who gracefully rides atop the Tremendiss production. The chemistry persistent between these two Boston rappers is overwhelmingly apparent, as both compliment one another’s stylistic elements perfectly. Major props to all parties involved, as this release is one of the best out of Massachusetts so far this year.

Watch the official music video for “La Vida” below:

Video: Gil Videos

Gogo. – “Captian.” (Prod. abu617)

By: Shamus Hill

Making his return to the Graduation Music site today is Gogo., who recently collaborated with abu617 in order to gift fans with “Captian.”.

While the Cambridge-native maintains his usual melodic style here, this release doesn’t have the tropical, shimmering feel that’s typically attached to Gogo.’s discography. He possesses a more serious demeanor on this track, and abu617’s contemplative production allows for Gogo. to relay how he’s been feeling as of late. More than aware of his own talents, Gogo.’s not entertaining the thought of anything that isn’t assisting him in reaching his goals. Embedding himself seamlessly within the instrumental, this release is one of Gogo.’s most addictive to-date.

Listen to “Captian.” below:

Millyz – “The Prom”

By: Shamus Hill

Returning to the Graduation Music site today with his first release of 2019 is Millyz. The Cambridge-rapper is one of the more reputable in the state, and “The Prom” is yet another shining example of just how talented he is. With Blanco 2 currently in the works, Millyz is hopping into his bag, gearing up to make his next album his most prominent collection of music to-date.

“The Prom” simply serves a reminder of how Millyz has been living as of late. He’s gaining notoriety across the world, and the more he grows, the more he brings Massachusetts with him. He’s quickly become a spokesperson for the blossoming music scene within the state, so it’ll be interesting to see how he moves throughout the year. Prepare yourself for the release of Millyz’s upcoming project, and dedicate a few moments to hear his first song since “Strawberry Goya”.

Listen to “The Prom” below: