Following the release of his latest single 'Papers', Flex caught up with US R&B-Pop artist Martcus Skeen to find out more about what influences his eclectic sound. If you enjoy Marcus' picks be sure to check out 'Papers' at the end of the article.
1. Good Luck Babe! - Chappell Roan
This song was my introduction to Chappell Roan, who I believe to be a full-fledged pioneer of the industry going forward. I think, even beyond how objectively good this song is, her artistry and her character have done things in the first year of her superstardom that other artists wouldn't dare dream of doing; she's a brave new spirit in the industry. Good Luck, Babe's chorus is masterful, but the bridge is genuinely one of the greatest segments of a song I have ever heard. It's so well done.
2. As Good As It Gets - Katie Gavin, Mitski
My music tastes have been shifting as I've gotten older and more appreciative of the world of live music, and through that I discovered Mitski's live music history last year and subsequently began listening to her ENTIRE discography. Since then, I've kept up with lots of her stuff, and seeing this song with her and Katie Gavin, a beautiful piece about a near-hopeless relationship, it's a treat. It's a sweet, well mixed/mastered song, and it's currently one of my favorite songs, a cute little hyperfixation.
3. I Want You To Love Me - Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple is a VERY recent thing for me, but I wish I had known her far earlier. She's brilliant, and her character in music is so undeniable and so, so entrancing. This song was my introduction to her 'Fetch The Bolt Cutters' album, and I absolutely love and envy how charismatic and brilliantly structured the song is. I love doin' a little dancy-dance to the song, too. It's just a good time. Simply put, the song is like a little piece of a good time, and it feels like an escape to listen to.
4. Scorsese Baby Daddy - SZA
SZA is one of my all-time favorites. When she dropped LANA, I knew there'd be a few pieces I stuck with for a long time, and this is one of them. Scorsese Baby Daddy just feels so good to listen to, it's like an ear-scratch. It's the kind of music I enjoy making, too, as an artist, which is odd. Because I don't typically listen to the kind of music that I make, but it's SZA, come on. I HAVE to listen to this stuff.
5. Sports car - Tate McRae
Sports car is the kind of music that young Marcus would have queened out to in the backseat of his parents' car on the way to daycare. This song takes from a genre of music that I haven't heard done so well since the early 2000s and Tate brought it back, full force. Currently this is one of my favorite songs, and it's so unbelievably fun to listen to. It makes me feel like I'm in a music video literally just listening to it, so... it's been on repeat. I also feel like it encapsulates the side of me that comes out when I make confident music, it's just sultry and devious and sexy, and I love that.
Listen to Marcus Skeen 'Papers'
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