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.
With the recent loss in federal funding, WNXP needs your support now more than ever. Give by 6pm CT on Friday, March 27 to be automatically entered to win a mini vacation for two at Wildwood Resort!
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With the recent loss in federal funding, WNXP needs your support now more than ever. Give by 6pm CT on Thursday, March 26 to be automatically entered to win two tickets to see The Black Keys on August 6 at The Pinnacle + an overnight stay with breakfast for two at the Omni!
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With the recent loss in federal funding, WNXP needs your support now more than ever. Give by 6pm CT on Wednesday, March 25 to be automatically entered to win a pair of tickets to see Paul Simon at FirstBank Amphitheater July 15 and a $200 gift card to Etch.
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With the recent loss in federal funding, WNXP needs your support now more than ever. Give by 6pm CT Tuesday, March 24 to be automatically entered to win sailing or powerboating lessons for two from Sail Nashville!
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With the recent loss in federal funding, WNXP needs your support now more than ever. Give by 6pm CT today (Monday, March 23) for a chance to win two tickets to David Byrne at Ascend Amphitheater on May 9 plus a $75 Acme Feed & Seed gift card.
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