James Alynes – HAHAHA (2023)
Dedicated. Experimental. Intriguing. These are only three words to describe singer-songwriter James Alynes. In an interview with Illustrate Magazine, Canada-based Alynes shared that he is interested in music as “pure expression…I feel like you have a responsibility not to sugarcoat or change your words, but to find the right balance in that expression…” – and it’s clear he found that balance. A self-taught musician, James Alynes is turning heads across the globe with his enticing sound. From Illustrate Magazine to Less Than 1000 Followers, Os Gratos De Liverpool, TJPL News, Iggy Magazine and many more, Alynes is reaching far beyond his North American borders.
After completing the daunting feat of creating one song per day for a year, Alynes released his well-received debut album Que Ma Joie Demeure! in late-2022. Entering 2023 with a blast he released the single ‘HAHAHA’. A refreshing blend of soul and RnB with rap-inspired vocals piercing the charming melody, ‘HAHAHA’ effortlessly intoxicates listeners from the first chord.
Tossing you into a swirl of kaleidoscopic sound, the synth-driven song sends chills down your spine while engulfing you in a warm, comfortable sonic blanket. What I find intriguing about ‘HAHAHA’ is not the melting pot fusion of rap, RnB and soul, but the thoughtfulness behind the overall production. Confusion appears to reign in ‘HAHAHA’ but at the same time, each genre drips into the soundscape with exquisite sophistication.
Just as the swirling melody is evocative, James Alynes’ vocals bring a grittiness to the soothing melody. Rich and bold but with a slight haunting tinge to the gruff voice, he punctures the song with staccato rap bringing a unique edginess to ‘HAHAHA’. In the aforementioned interview with Illustrate Magazine, Alynes was asked about any successful or significant point in his music career, and he replied, “Maybe it’s not supposed to be a good thing, but I made people cry and I’m kind of proud of it…” I’m not sure if ‘HAHAHA’ will have me crying with its experimental beauty but it will definitely stick in my head for days or weeks to come.
For more from James Alynes, check out his Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
