10 best Milwaukee songs of 2016
From empowering messages of love to heartbroken testaments inspired by true events, Milwaukee musicians produced exceptional music this year. Here are my 10 favorite songs from local artists.
The synthpop act’s first single showcased a massive leap in ambition and execution for the Banuelos sisters, previously of pop rock group Vic and Gab.
What’s stuck with me most isn’t the massive ’80s drums or irresistible, glistening melodies, but the song’s celebratory spirit and confident message.
On “Blue Streak,” the experimental rapper has descended even further into darkness, his flow — sticky and scolding — surrounded by grimy production from Four Giants. Yet there’s a bounce to the beat and a sense of awe in WebsterX’s words that lifts listeners just above the murk.
Launching his career with popular instrumentals and remixes, “Goodbye” marks a new beginning for the Cedarburg producer.
Surrounding Los Angeles-based newcomer MOONZz’s voice with a sonic wonderland of water drops, fuzzy synthesizer swells, finger snaps and mechanical clicks — constructed in less than a day’s work — Melvv hints at the mighty pop catalog that may lie ahead.
Loaded with vivid details inspired by real-life gigs, Newski sings of playing a barely full room of “hateful stares,” with a tip jar full of “pocket lint and 37 cents and one half-smoked cigarette” to show for it.
At least Newski’s soul-crushing misery paid off with a good song.
For all the hope and healing from “Spill Your Colors,” the Banuelos sisters also reached new levels of emotional despair.
Gabby Banuelos has never sounded so vulnerable, singing of a self-destructive fixation on an old lover.
Beginning with a breathy “Good morning” and falsetto run of “da da da”s, the alternative soul singer’s sensual jam is a feel-great pick-me-up.
Then a shocking sonic shift hits, as bubbly beats morph into foreboding bass and a devilish guest verse from WebsterX.
A few songs emerged in the aftermath of the unrest in Sherman Park. “Fire” was the most haunting; a simple and sparse folk tune penned and posted the day after the incident, that focused on the human heartache at the center of the seething anger.
The 20year-old breakout rapper’s “Broken Hearts & Bankrolls” is overflowing with catchy jams, but “Bandits” steals the show. IshDARR charms with a laidback, party-ready persona, blessed by a slick beat that merges shimmering, ’90s-inspired R&B with soulful, modern-day EDM wobble.
Mike Benign persuaded fellow Milwaukee native Allen Keller to return to songwriting after a 10-year absence.
If anything, Keller’s songwriting has grown sharper during the hiatus, evident on “Some People,” which juxtaposes bitter lyrics with sunny, Beatles-esque sweep.
The country gospel finale of the folk artist’s “hopefiend” album is like a musical baptism, with the artist born Sarah Marie Gilbert preaching the virtues of kindness, making you a believer through the power of her voice and the conviction of her words.