3 Genre Breaking Musicians

Listen in on these musicians bending the rules within the music realm.

James Mantis

The producer, songwriter and vocalist skillfully crafts his tracks from intro to outro, bouncing outside the lines of genre-confining playlists. Diverse song titles like “CRUMBLE” and “[swiffer]” intrigue listeners to discover who’s behind the tracks. The artist transforms common tunes found inside the alt-indie-rock genre, pushing the limits of melody making.

Photo by Nate Guenther.

This is noticeable in his track “dead_leaves,” where he proclaims: “Can’t contain the sound, I do what’s not allowed!” Expressive lyricism and signature sounds are ridden throughout his single, “catf!sh,” exploring beats anyone can bob or bang their head to. Adding James Mantis to your music roster will not only open your mind to exploration, but invigorate your spirit with newness.

To listen to music by James Mantis, see his profile on Spotify or follow him on Instagram @wowitsjamesmantis.

Unflirt

Drown out your senses with Unflirt, a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer- songwriter whose recordings reflect her aptitude for authenticity. A plethora of nostalgic pop, folk and indie-infused tunes brighten up her discography alongside airy vocals and soft lyricism.

Photo by Noah Griffin.

In her latest single, “Stains,” Unflirt executes storytelling through a variety of pitches overlaying electronics, crescendos, strings and chords, drawing the world into her emotional experiences. Her last EP, “Bitter Sweet,” took listeners to a dreamy soundscape to further emphasize her ability to eclipse the realm of rhythm routines. No matter which track you add to your discovery list, Unflirt will never cease in expanding your taste for novelty sounds and vibrations.

To listen to music by Unflirt, see her profile on Spotify or follow her on Instagram @unflirt.

Akshara

Transcend time and space while listening to Akshara. Rooted in culture and her love of instrumentals, Akshara shatters the universal laws of genres by embracing her artistic identity. Known for her soulful spins on R&B and nonconforming style, Akshara reimagines sounds by introducing gradual tempo changes that rejuvenate listeners worldwide.

Photo by Andre Nuestro.

Her third single, “Universe,” invites her audience into her solar system through hauntingly hypnotic vocals and melodies. Akshara assures fans that it’s OK to exist beyond one genre, style or language, evident through her bilingual verses in Hindi. Lyrics composed of short to long phrases empower listeners and encourage those looking for love. Tracks like “Settle Down” and “Eyes” will seduce anyone into accompanying Akshara as she expands her music catalog and ascends traditionality.

To listen to music by Akshara, see her profile on Spotify or follow her on Instagram @aksharuh.

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