“Millennial” may be one of the most hated words in recent years. It seems that every other article is about this generation of young adults that is either going to save the world or somehow destroy it. Sadly, there is even a Google Chrome extension that is dedicated to wiping out the word that describes our generation.
But, it’ll take much more than a computer application to make Generation Y disappear. In fact, a millennial baby probably made that computer application, because it is a widely known fact that young adults these days are extremely tech-savvy.
These days, music goes hand in hand with technology as it has become easier than ever to create music in your bedroom and upload it straight to the Internet for millions of people to hear. Countless musicians have found success this way, starting their 15 seconds of fame way before they understand the music industry to develop a sustainable plan, often leading them to a one-and-done career. However, if you know the right places to look on the Web, you can find some pretty great music coming from different corners of the country.
Not only are the musicians listed below part of the millennial generation, they are also a handful of artists that college kids are able to relate to, whether that be through the lyrics or sound of the music. And let’s face it, everyone likes to get the scoop on new artists before their friends do. So, why not discover some Gen-Y kids just like yourself?
Brothers From Another
Brothers From Another is a trio out of Seattle, Washington that not too many people have discovered just yet. The three friends — Coleman, Isaiah and DJ Beeba — are recent college graduates (University of San Francisco, Whittier College and Franklin & Marshall, respectively) who have put the business suit life on hold to chase their musical dreams. Their social media accounts are filled with tweets and posts that emphasize the spreading of “good vibes” and their music carries that same message. In their songs, one can find plenty of references to pop culture that '90s kids will enjoy, including name dropping Topanga, Benny the Jet from "The Sandlot" and many more hidden gems.
Their debut album was released in the last half of July and is appropriately titled "This Summer." Throughout the project, the trio takes you on a ride through vast soundscapes that often involve jumpy beats with drums and trumpets, like on the closing track "One More Time" that has a chorus crooned by fellow Seattle native, Otenio Terry.The two MCs play off of each other during the whole album, as they do on all of their songs, weaving the listeners in and out of conscious lyrics that go as deep as:
I don’t mean to be
on my sentimental shit
but time is just as important as
who you choose to spend it with
All the way to more fun side of the spectrum with lyrics such as:
I don’t know what time it is
I’ve got a 6-pack in my trunk
I’m always told I’m impatient
It’s about time that we get turnt.
Why college students should listen:
Just about every college student understands the struggle of waking up in the morning for a lecture, still feeling the consequences from last night’s decisions. BFA, as they sometimes refer to themselves, make music for all of those students that can relate to that feeling.
"We always have rapped about what we know and for four years that was being broke college students," assures Coleman, "The bar on Tuesday night, the library on Wednesday morning."
They have a song titled "Day Drink," which usually isn’t even a thing unless you’re in college. Anyone that has lived on a campus can tell you that you often find yourself budgeting money for your next meal or night out with a group of friends.
"Our music really embodies a lot of the experiences and problems that a lot of college kids probably do. We were just a bunch of broke college kids rapping about what any broke college kids rap about," says Isaiah, about the themes and inspiration that frequently can be heard in their music.
In BFA’s song "Drunk Talk," they admit that they are no different.
I can tell you like to feel the champagne chilled
I don’t break big meals, $2 on a meal
I can tell you like to feel the brews on frost
We only got Rainier, Coors costs too much
Once again on the song "Broke Talk," they remind you of the constant college struggle when it comes to money by admitting
Movies are expensive
lets just watch the bootleg, tacos on a Tuesday
and if they take cash, then I've only got a card
and if they take card, then I forgot it in the car
Dive into their song catalog below and be sure to check out their debut album.
Matt Burton
Matt Burton emerged from the City of Roses very quietly during the last few months of 2014, with his first song "Child’s Philosophy." Since then, Burton has started his slow rise to becoming a household name, with his voice that tilts more towards raspy than clear, but in a way that is a breath of fresh air to the ears of the listener.
For a kid that just graduated high school, the Portland vocalist is surprisingly introspective with his lyrics, sounding mature beyond his years while he sings on his song "Long Days":
Find a long day to get lost in
because they don’t come around often
Approaching everyday issues and events with his own spin on a genre that falls somewhere between alternative and hip-hop, Burton makes music for those that like to relax and listen to lyrics, but also enjoy songs that fill the room with a great aura.
Why college kids should listen:
Although Burton hasn’t experienced college yet, he has plenty of music that students can listen to that will have them bobbing their head in relation. One of his latest songs, "Tequila Sunrise," exudes the feeling of a late afternoon or early evening drink after some hard classes. If you’ve never had a “tequila sunrise when the sun sets” have you actually been in college?
During "House Party" Burton sings and emphasizes the struggle to understand why cops shut down parties where “we’re just some kids having fun when are you going to get that?” before he assures the officers that “it’s just a house party.” In fact, Burton may be one of the few singers that could spew the words “f*ck you and your donut shop” and make it sound so elegant as he rides the beat as it drones on as a party does into the night.
Get familiar with Matt Burton in the songs below.
Alessia Cara
Out of this group, Alessia Cara is the most mysterious. Not in the way that she conducts herself, but in the fact that she has only one major song released, so it may be a gamble to add her along with these other artists. Where she lacks in quantity, she makes a giant leap in the quality category. Her debut single "Here" could have been the song of the summer, if it wouldn’t have been for fellow Canadian, Abel Tesfaye; who goes by the stage name The Weeknd. Tesfaye stole the show with "Can’t Feel My Face," but Cara was not far behind with her sleek, but abrasive anti-party jam.
Her introverted take on a house party was something refreshing and easy to relate to when thinking about those nights where you’d rather be by yourself than being surrounded by tons of commotion. The music video has already eclipsed over 4.2 million views on YouTube and counting.
Cara got her start with music by posting videos to her YouTube page of her covering popular songs. Eventually, she was given the chance to record in a studio, after the founder of EP Entertainment heard a clip of her singing. As she learned the landscape of mixing rhythm and blues and pop music, she became more comfortable in her skin. However, she still sings for the outsiders and the people that don’t know exactly where they fit in.
Why college students should listen:
If "Here" is any indication of the brilliant music that the 18-year-old will be putting out once her debut album drops on August 28, then Cara is extremely important to pay attention to. The introspective, conscious thinking will settle well with college students across the nation. "Here" is a love song to all of the misfits, but young Cara could soon realize that she’s not alone in her thoughts about what takes place at your everyday house party.
Watch her music video below and be sure to check out her debut album "Four Pink Walls" on August 28.
William Bolton
While sharing the last name of famous musician Michael Bolton, Willy B as he is sometimes called, is a special type of talent coming out of Detroit. The Motown singer mixes his hometown roots of soul music with beats that contain drums that are typically reserved for hip-hop production. Bolton croons effortlessly on songs about love, simply hanging out and everything in between. It’s easy to pick out his old school influences, but Bolton also says that he find inspirations in the new generation of artists that he belongs to.
The Detroit singer relocated to Boston to pursue an academic career at Boston College where he will be a senior this fall. Since the move, he has been touring to several different states as well, including the nation’s capital. For a recently turned 21 years old, Burton sounds very comfortable with his voice and any effects that he uses to enhance the listener's experience. This comfort most likely comes with the control he has on his songs, which he frequently records instruments or creates the beats for.
He is currently working on an EP titled "Love Supreme." In an email to The Odyssey, Bolton confirmed that he has been in the studio, making music in NYC with fellow millennial artist, Skizzy Mars. With hopes and dreams swirling around in his head and in his songs, he hopes to one day get the chance to work with Pharrel.
Why college students should listen:
Not only is Bolton a fellow college student, but his music taps into the emotional part of our brains. “I'm going to these classes, feeling the same discontent with higher learning, trying to figure out what to do with my life,” said Bolton, when asked how students can connect with his music.
In a generation where feelings are resented for some reason, Bolton is not scared to pen a song about his latest love or his last relationship. Not only does he have a smooth voice, but he’s making it cool once again to be in touch with your feelings, and he’s doing it with a bunch of soul. Many of could learn something from this Motown kid.
Crack open a beer and relax with Bolton’s "Bud Light."Be sure to check out his other work here as well.
SZA
SZA rounds out this group of Millennials as the most popular musician of them all. However, she is still unknown to most listeners. SZA, born Solana Rowe, dropped out of college after her dreams of studying marine biology fizzled out and found her jumping from odd job to odd job. Her style of music is most closely associated with PR&B or alternative R&B, a style that she has mastered with her soft voice. On many songs, SZA’s voice sounds like it’s wrapped up in haze that lingers over the notes, bringing out the best in her ability to set the mood of the song.
In 2013, SZA announced that she had signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, which is most notably the label that rapper Kendrick Lamar calls home. Throughout the next year, SZA was featured on many songs with her other label mates, gaining her more popularity. On her next album, SZA promises to pick up the intensity in her delivery like she has done in her latest song, "Sobriety."
Why college students should listen:
Before even analyzing her lyrics, it’s very apparent that SZA’s music is roomy enough to fill an environment to study in. Seriously, every student needs some good study music every now and then.
Constant themes can be seen in her music that students will connect with immediately. The feelings of abandonment and nostalgia often pop up in her songs, as well as the themes of love and lust. SZA is not afraid to delve into sexuality within her music, whether that be through the lyrics or the pure feel of a song. These themes can easily be felt at any time in one’s college career, where you are trying to find and understand yourself.
In her song "Child's Play" that features Chance The Rapper, SZA pays homage to her '90s upbringing by name dropping everything from Ken and Barbie to Nintendo controllers. On the song, SZA and Chance trade verses about memories from the past. In the sultry fog that entrances the listener, one can see that the lyrics showcase metaphors for unrequited love.
Listen to this special millennial musician below, and be on the lookout for her upcoming album titled "A."