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AMF Music | February '25
*Seasonal depression dissipates* 😮💨
Khalil Flemming
February 28, 2025
Today’s blast is short and sweet but with no less music, I promise.* As we settle into the rhythm of the new year I hope you’re staying healthy, keeping active inside or out, and spending time with loved ones. I recently had a conversation with a friend as we tried to describe how a song was making us feel - he said it didn’t make him feel sad, but it definitely sounded sad (we went with moody). That resonated with me because it describes part of my personal listening tastes over the past couple years, and it’s something I think about often now that I’m playlisting regularly. I may start to worry there are “too many moody songs” when I hear song after song start with a minor chord and a wispy vocal, but I’ve learned to stick with my gut. Part of this music discovery journey has been navigated that feeling, and this recent conversation reminded me that we all hear and feel music differently. Every now and then I get a text about a song that almost didn’t make the cut, but it turns out it actually made someone’s day.
As the weather improves and the sun keeps me outside a little later, I expect to listen to less moody music even if I’m feeling the same. I’d love to hear if any of you have had moments listening to music that have really stuck with you - and if not, just enjoy! 🎧
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w33kly #25
Click image to listen to w33kly on Spotify
New w33kly is in - listen, follow, share! Yes, I’ve been way into tennis lately 🎾
Featured Playlist:
The transition from February to March - and more importantly from Black History Month into Women’s Month - is as good a time as ever to appreciate the black women whose music keeps the industry moving. In a month that saw Doechii become the third black woman ever to win a Grammy for best rap album AND Beyonce take home the award for best country album, we should embrace this progress while insisting on even more. The spirit of joy, pride, and confidence showcased in this playlist can be for everyone - so as it warms up outside and some of us come out of our winter shells, keep this as motivation to feel yourself every day whether or not “they” see you.
If you consume a lot of music and recognize most of these artists, the playlist is a great reminder of how many have ascended to achieve notable success in recent years. If you don’t consider yourself a music head, you may be surprised by how many of these songs you’ve already heard and how many artists you’d be a fan of.
As usual, I suggest you pick a new favorite and dive into her catalog! Nobody on this playlist made it there without a team, a vision, and a community of supporters who saw them through the early days and onto the ~big stage~ of editorial playlists.
Featured Album:
Mapate returns this month to highlight another beautiful new album, this time from a talented R&B singer who has become a lowkey industry gem over the past few years. Durand Bernarr is the type of artist who isn’t known by everyone, but he’s a favorite of everyone who does - this album is a very strong case for more. Read Mapate’s commentary below and check out the album for yourself.
Referring to music as progressive instead of urban is a neat trick. It reminds us to describe the merit of music itself rather than who’s making it. It also concedes to playlists instead of albums. Even as he incorporates samples and elements from other genres, Durand Bernarr always has a story to tell. Traditions kept, progress made.”
I first saw Durand Bernarr on a competition reality show for artists on BET in 2019, and even as a TV contestant his star power shone through in every scene and performance. He’s crossed my radar over the years, but this new release strikes me as a more committed foray into expressing his grand ambitions. Thank you to Mapate for another great discovery, this is why we do it!
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As always, I hope you find something that you like in this month’s batch of discoveries. If you’re reading this going into the weekend, and March, put on some tunes while you get in your cleaning and relaxation. If it’s the start of the week, well…good luck! 😅🫡
*I lied, that wasn’t very short at all
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