We've visited so many emotions in the past chapters of O.M.O.S. and I'm excited to say there is no ordinary name for this week's chapter A.K.A. genre. 2020 has been a year. It's brought us new struggles, long awaited discussions on equality, togetherness, and much more. That said, have you ever heard a song so unique, so powerful that connects the world's emotions to your own? With REIKI it's not only one song but, for sake of time I'll focus on his single "End of Time".
REIKI, Michael Hall, is a Chicago born singer/songwriter and producer based in Minneapolis of Liberian-American descent. His music is heavily influenced by r&b, electronic, rap, alternative rock, and classical music. His artist name comes from a Japanese healing treatment called "Reiki" that his mother found relief in during the challenges of pregnancy. REIKI's love for music started at the young age of three and developed into 2019 when he decided to pursue it on a professional level and released his first song titled "4U", which also earned him his first radio spin. His passion in the creative vision has led him to be the master in his musical process. Working on the writing, composition, production, vocals, and engineering gives people a closer look into what REIKI's music sounds like in his head.
REIKI takes inspiration from artists like Jimi Hendrix, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Luther Vandross, Ratatat, Stevie Wonder, Tame Impala, Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, John Legend, and The Weeknd. Are you starting to see the versatility being presented here? Allow yourself to step into a dark, yet soul lifting, atmosphere birthed from different blends of melodically dark and heavy synths and bass lines, bright ear catching vocal layers, and cinematic production in every song.
"End of Time" begins with a hypnotizing pair of vocals and instrumentation and suddenly picks up with heart throbbing r&b sounds to create a whole new transcending experience. Every verse and sound was perfectly molded to fit together and boldly account the year 2020 from REIKI's point of view; one I know he's not alone in.
"Can't help but feelin' like we in the end of time. Losing our faith, losing our minds." -REIKI
This song aims to capture how many people felt this summer when fighting against systematic racism and also in individual mental health battles in a world taken over by a pandemic and a split people. REIKI reflects on the world from an empath's heavy shoulders in a beautifully crafted musical piece. I consider the following lyrics some of the most powerful in this song.
"'Cause all this hate it makes them blind. They pretend everything's alright but I'm heartbroken. Flowing I got all these emotions." -REIKI
For REIKI, the underlying message in "End of Time" is one that all people can connect with as we as a people face the challenge of life together. There is an immense power in togetherness and I have hope that after what's happened our world can learn to unite and relax. As I am immersed and taken away by heavy synth and drum layers and a wide array of vocal ranges, the heart-wrenching lyrics speak to me much farther than to the ordinary place music takes me to. And this feeling doesn't end with this song, it continues in songs like "The Fallen", "Set It Off" and "Power". Don't even get me started on "The Fallen"! You want to experience the ultimate combination of contemporary r&b and dark electronic with vocals reminiscent of John Legend plus sweet vocals? Listen to "The Fallen". If you're more interested in the rap scene take a listen to "Set It Off" and don't be surprised if you get hints of alternative rock. Lastly, embrace yourself for some heavy Tame Impala vibes in "Power". Basically, REIKI has it all, from production, to songwriting, to all the right emotions. Stay ready for his debut EP set to release later this year with some of his top tracks so far :)
"These days I can't spend too much time up online. Won't buy into the fear that they plant in our minds. Human race, we the same people, we fighting good vs. evil. So much for tryna stay peaceful." -REIKI