Michael's Highlights of January 2023
Learn about my favorite songs of January 2023, ranging from the techno world-building of Fred P to the nostalgic crooning of 2016 Lil Yachty
Happy Black History Month!
Welcome to a new Hummingbird avenue of sharing music. One Hummingbird per month will share their recent musical highlights and inspirations.
Here’s my January 2023 listening report on Last.FM. I’ll be using it as a guideline to talk about the music I’ve been enjoying in 2023 so far.
Top Artist: Fred P
I came across Fred P through one of my most-listened-to artists in 2022, Dirty Bird. Dirty Bird’s soulful, jazzy house and techno keep me calm and focused in all kinds of situations. I trust the critical lens through which he views the world, and his co-signs are some of my most valued.
Fred P is an artist, DJ, producer, remixer, and a/v designer. Dirty Bird describes his music as deep house, a genre with incredible emotional capability. He can just as well send you into a trance as he can get you on your feet.
I’ve been mostly listening to The Incredible Adventures of Captain P (Escapism), but Transcending Worlds is also up there for me. Here’s a mini-documentary on what Escapism means to Fred P.
Not to be defeated, Fred P dropped an album, States of Bliss, on January 29th. There’s a great chance I’ll be talking about it if I recap February.
Top Album: Lil Boat
Lil Boat is an endearing album for me. Lil Yachty builds a sort of Jekyll & Hyde narrative, taking on the Lil Boat name when he’s getting his flexes off, while the Lil Yachty persona is for his autotune crooning that defines so much of the mixtape.
Given the success of “One Night” and “Minnesota”, these styles from Yachty are nostalgic for many. Hearing the drawn-out vocals of “Good Day”, “One Night”, and “I’m Sorry” takes me to a simpler world.
Honorable Mention: Wede Harer Guzo by Hailu Mergia & Dahlia Band
I found this album through a Tik Tok from a certain mustachioed individual. In it, Dylan talks about how Hailu Mergia and the Dahlia Band created a beautiful assortment of freeform improvisational music under an oppressive government.
The album ranges from jammy improvised sections to danceable tunes and is consistently pleasant on the ears.