Word Around the Sound is… Tacoma native, Keys Open Doors has released a fresh new album titled Beta and it’s truly INCREDIBLE.
When discussing the project on his Bandcamp, Silas (the man behind the moniker) said, “It is compiled with new songs, interludes and throw back joints that have either never made it to streaming or are returning! These songs all tell the story of what I like to call my FIRST phase as a ‘Recording Artist’.”
Appropriately opening up with some dusty keys, the delicate introduction transitions swiftly into the heavy hitting “Cheese Cake Freestyle” and within just the first couple minutes of the album, I was already in love. By the time I got to the fourth track, “Tricked,” it was evident to me that he is a beast with the melodies.
There’s a rich overall quality to this album with a warm, full-bodied tone to the final mix that is comforting. Then, you have the layered and diverse compositions that effortlessly combine the production and lyrics. The way he writes, he treats the lyrics not as an addition to the beat, but as another instrument with which he can compose the production with.
By the time I got to “North West Approval,” I was really starting to appreciate his pen game. From the relatable emotional moments to the witty and humorous one-liners, his lyrics are the Keys that Open many different Doors throughout the album. You can see that same degree of exploration through the different instrumental sounds and feelings heard throughout the production.
See, the thing about Tacoma is that it breeds the rawest creativity that in return produces some of the most compelling art. We really get to see that play out beautifully with the new Keys Open Doors album Beta.
Keys Open Doors Beta
Kenshi Killzzz “MAYA”
Kenshi Killzzz is an artist that I’m quite excited to be watching out for this year. I had only just started to get to know her music towards the end of last year, and now she’s already starting 2024 off strong with a new single titled, “MAYA.” Her sultry voice slinks across the beat with a rolling bounce to her delivery that pairs well with the dreamy beat that backs the track.
Terror/Cactus “Encuentro Surrealista”
Psychedelic electro-cumbia project, aptly named Terror/Cactus, has released a new masterpiece entitled, “Encuentro Surrealista.” Coming from the Seattle-based producer Martín Selasco, the song infuses the traditional sounds of Latin-America with the modern sounds of the digital era to make for a truly hypnotizing and surreal encounter with Terror/Cactus.
Rell Be Free x Don Grey “Last Lap”
Rell Be Free, Don Grey, and Noah Coinflip all linked up for a smooth new joint titled, “Last Lap.” Not only did they give a new song, but they put together a cool little video directed by Abdul Kassamali too. Although on the surface it seems easy, breezy, beautiful, when you look into the lyrics it’s pure poetry with deep messages about pushing through the pain and suffering of what it takes to be alive in the world today, especially as a young Black man.
TeZATalks “SILYMI”
If you’re going to talk about TeZATalks, you better fucking say it like you mean it. In her latest single, “SILYMI,” TeZA delivers a high-octane performance that gets you up on your feet instantly. The electro-pop-centric song shows us yet another side to her music and personality and I’m seriously so stoked that it’s finally out for the world to enjoy.
Da Qween “Playstation”
Da Qween is playing no games with their latest single “Playstation.” Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the song speaks to those tumultuous situationships where the lines between lust and love are blurred by the games people play. Between their vocals, lyrics, and melodies, it’s no question that Da Qween has defined their own brand of spit fire femme rhymes and “Playstation” is another great example of their talent.
Holly Michelle “Buss It”
You want to talk about strong women in the rap game? Let’s talk about Holly Michelle. The confident and down-to-Earth artist consistently puts out banging songs that highlight her strength as a woman with sex at the forefront of a lot of her songs. Her latest single, “Buss It,” features a squeaky bed frame as part of the beat while she discusses taking charge in the bedroom. Although raunchy as all hell, Holly follows in the footsteps of empowering artists like Megan the Stallion, Cardi B, and the legendary Lil Kim who have flipped the hip-hop script to say that women get to be in charge of their own bodies and that it’s okay to like sex and make music about it.
Blake Anthony “Pink Lace”
Blake Anthony is sliding into 2024 draped in silk with some “Pink Lace” and a brand-new track. The latest from BA features electric dance floor energy in the production from Pheso that really sets the tone for how this year is going to go. Currently, the song is exclusively available for download on his Bandcamp, with it releasing to a streaming platform near you at the end of the month. However, for just a couple bucks you can be a real one and support independent art today instead.
Campana “Feedback” featuring Shelby Swims
Campana is back with another icy track, this time featuring the talented vocalist, Shelby Swims. His latest song, “FEEDBACK” reflects on life and the important things within. No stranger to emotions in his music, Campana delivers his lyrics in a way that you can feel his growing pains. Allowing those feelings to shine through the music is a vulnerable thing to do, but when done right the result can make a major impact and resonate strongly with the audience.
Don Dishes “Coin Star”
I been rocking with Don Dishes for a hot minute now, but I’ll admit I’ve missed a lot of what he’s released in the past year or so. Thankfully, the algorithm took note of this and threw his latest track, “Coin Star,” into my feed for me to check out. Don’s always been the kind of artist I like to listen to late at night while smoking, and this track is no different. It’s perfect for cruising through the city when the streets are quiet and you’re puffing on that loud.
