MULTIMEDIA CREATOR MAKES MARK IN MUSIC SCENE G By Lucie Martikan eorge Miller, better known by the alias “Joji,” solidifies himself as an artist to watch with new single “Run.” A genre I could only describe as part lo-fi, part hip-hop, and part R&B, this stylistic blend resembles many recent chart toppers, while maintaining a sense of individuality which makes Joji’s music decidedly his own. The song begins in a ballad-type form, reminiscent of Khalid and Frank Ocean’s contemporary R&B style. However, as the beat drops and Joji’s voice jumps up more than a few octaves, no other words come to mind, other than a simple “wow.” The guitar riffs that follow? An even bigger wow. The contrast between instruments and vocals is notable. Needless to say, I am impressed by this song. “Run” is a showcase of how far Miller has come as an artist. While many listeners may consider Joji as a breakout artist, older fans know that he has been making music - and other forms of media - since 2009. Known then as Youtube star “Pink Guy,” Miller made hilarious, albeit edgy and a bit controversial, comedy videos. He simultaneously paved the way for a new wave of comedic content and memes with his popular platform. Oftentimes filming alongside buddies “iDubbbz” (Ian Carter) and 23 The Jolly Roger | April 2020 “H3H3” (Ethan and Hila Klein), Miller’s content ranged from pranks, to skits, to joke-like music videos with original songs. Many people don’t know that before the song “Harlem Shake,” Miller actually listen to them (which I will not endorse), it’s clear that beneath the humor there is true musical and lyrical talent in them. I like to think that these were Miller’s first big start into his music career. In 2017, Miller left his Youtube channel to pursue music full time, then taking on his new alias, Joji. He released several songs through group 88rising, a media youtube channel company/ that includes other popular musicians, including Rich Brian, a successful rapper. His songs gained traction, singles such as “I Don’t Wanna Waste My Time” and “Slow Dancing in the Dark” did fairly well in 2017, and in 2018 “Yeah Right” was his first song to hit the charts, which was a big step for him as a serious artist. These songs can definitely be defined as “lo-fi,” their slow beats and soulful singing is a bit different from his newer releases. Following this success he dropped an album called “Ballads 1,” and completed a successful tour. In 2019 he released the single “Sanctuary,” and February brought a new single, “Run.” Miller’s last two releases signify that he has finally fully come into himself and his individuality as an artist. There is more variation in instrumentals and in tone, the riffs and chorus do not blend together as much as his slower songs tended to. These are songs anyone could sing along to, and need not be confined to a “Lo-Fi Beats to Study and Chill to” playlist. The jump Joji made from meme to musician is not an easy shift to make, and while he did face some pushback and ridicule in his journey to the more serious side of creativity, that hard work pays off in “Run.” As a longtime youtube subscriber, nothing makes me feel older created the dance and kick started that viral dancing trend in 2013. With titles like “Nickelodeon Girls,” “Club Banger 3000,” and many others I would rather not get in trouble for printing, it’s safe to say his songs were all made in good fun. However, if you than watching one of my favorite comedians become a serious and full-fledged musician. However, it’s a happy feeling too, and I’m convinced now more than ever that Joji is an artist to be watched this year. And if it wasn’t already clear, I give “Run” five out of five stars. American ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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