Music should never overpower the room. It should hold the room. The right playlist does not perform. It enhances. It smooths transitions. It deepens the mood. It helps the room breathe. April’s sound should feel confident, sensual, polished, and culturally aware. Music that says: I’m already in the room.
Getting Ready Energy
This is mirror music. Soft glam music. Setting-the-tone music.
SZA — Snooze
Jhené Aiko — Spotless Mind
Cleo Sol — When I’m in Your Arms
H.E.R. — Damage
Snoh Aalegra — I Want You Around
This section of the playlist should feel calm, feminine, smooth, and quietly luxurious.
Getting Ready Energy
This is movement music. City lights music. Main character stepping outside music.
Drake — Hold On, We’re Going Home
Brent Faiyaz — Trust
Kali Uchis — Moonlight
Wizkid — Essence
This portion should feel sleek, confident, and slightly seductive.
Dinner Party Energy
This is the heart of the night. It should support conversation, not compete with it.
Sade — No Ordinary Love
Frank Ocean — Pink + White
Robert Glasper — Afro Blue
Daniel Caesar — Get You
Erykah Badu — On & On
This is elevated, soulful, and timeless.
Late Night Energy
This is for the softer lighting, deeper conversations, and the point in the evening where everything becomes a little more intimate.
The Weeknd — Earned It
PARTYNEXTDOOR — Break From Toronto
Summer Walker — Session 32
Giveon — Heartbreak Anniversary
Now the room has shifted. This is where the playlist gets slower, moodier, and more magnetic.
Across the Pond
Every VIVID playlist should carry some international awareness. It keeps the sound modern and globally tapped in.
Burna Boy — Last Last
Raye — Escapism
Jorja Smith — Blue Lights
Ayra Starr — Rush
This adds sophistication and range without disrupting the mood.
Who to Watch Now: Music
shaping the moment right now, keep your eye on Tyla, Victoria Monét, Tems, Ice Spice, and Cleo Sol.
Each of them is carrying a distinct kind of visibility—whether global crossover, polished musicianship, cultural presence, or quiet luxury artistry.
THE NEXT WAVE: Artists to watch
Tash Blake
Genre: Dance Pop / Electro Glam
Why They Matter:
• Blends Madonna/Britney-era pop with modern edge
• Strong visual identity + choreography-driven performances
• Fusing grunge energy with glam theatrics
Vibe: Fashion. Movement. Attitude.
Khamari
Genre: R&B / Soul
Why They Matter:
• Bringing R&B back to its emotional, storytelling roots
• Multi-instrumentalist with a deeply intentional sound
• Focused on identity, purpose, and vulnerability
Vibe: Smooth. Honest. Soulful.
Yune Pinku
Genre: Electronic / UK Garage / House
Why They Matter:
• Part of a new wave redefining global electronic music
• Blending underground club sounds with emotional depth
• Represents the future of dance music storytelling
Vibe: Late night. Underground. Euphoric.
Destin Conrad
Genre: R&B / Alternative Pop
Why They Matter:
• Viral rise + strong industry collaborations
• Fearless, expressive, and unapologetically himself
• Bridging queer culture, R&B, and mainstream appeal
Vibe: Confident. Emotional. Magnetic.
The Deep
Genre: Hyperpop / K-pop Fusion
Why They Matter:
• Represents the rise of genre-blending global pop
• Combines hyperpop, electronic, and K-pop influences
• Part of a wave of artists breaking traditional industry boundaries
Vibe: Futuristic. Playful. Internet-born.
Dove Ellis
Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative
Why They Matter:
• Stripped-back, emotionally raw songwriting that cuts through noise
• Building buzz for prioritizing substance over spectacle
• Represents a return to authentic, lyric-driven music
Vibe: Quiet storm. Intimate. Haunting.