For WNXP’s Nashville Artist of the Month Henry J. Star, building worlds through sound is second nature. His debut album The Soft Apocalypse blurs the line between fantasy and self-reflection, using textured, vivid storytelling to process personal and global collapse. That same curiosity and emotional depth run through the playlist he made for us — a collection of songs that span experimental pop, rap and ambient sounds from artists who challenge convention much like he does. The playlist is a walk through some of the influences that shaped his own journey toward hope and catharsis.
Read about each of the songs he picked and listen to the playlist below.
“Hyperballad” – Bjork Needs no explanation. Incredible track, harrowing narrative, astounding vocal performances across all versions.
“Get Your Wish” – Porter Robinson My life changed forever after my first listen through of ‘Nurture’. The production was unlike anything I’d ever heard & the choruses are all entirely undeniable. A triumph in lyric and melody top to bottom.
“4ever” – Kenny Mason One of, if not the best rapper in Atlanta, in my opinion. Kenny is a wordsmith with incredible vision and creative range. A prophet.
“Simple and Clean” – Hikaru Utada This song defines a very formative era of my youth and has remained important to me throughout my adult hood. A “north star” song, if you will. Hikaru Utada continues to push the boundaries on their creative output. An artist that I’m very grateful to share a lifetime with.
“Love Power A to Z” – Instupendo I’m convinced that I’ll never tire of hearing this song. It is a beautiful labyrinth of sound design. I hear something new every time I listen. It’s just so elegant. Feels like floating peacefully through a fractal landscape. It leaves me more infatuated with each listen.
“Dead forever” – venturing One of Jane Remover’s many side projects. Discovered via the Bladee/Drain Gang fandom. Love this whole album, but something about “Dead forever” punctures my gut consistently. Jane Remover is one of the greats of our generation. No doubt.
