If you’ve been following Tuned Up for any length of time you might have picked up on the fact that I, Ryan, have a tendency to gravitate toward dreamy, atmospheric music. This is regardless of genre. This tends to evoke “the feels,” as they say, in me on the most consistent basis.

This might be why, in the hip-hop realm I’ve gravitated toward the anthemic and atmospheric. That was certainly present on Kendrick’s acclaimed DAMN. record last year. Also with Chicago’s Bonelang, who played my personal favorite set at Steadfast Festival this year. And the more soulful Run the Jewels collaborators Until The Ribbon Breaks.

Enter Sarob. His is a name that has been tossed around the Columbus scene a whole bunch in the past year or two. I would propose that we are in the middle of a crossover movement of hip hop into the pop world and vice versa. Sarob is certainly a part of that. I mean, he was direct support for Effee, an electropop artist at a Spring show at Ace of Cups.

Premiering on Tuned Up today is Sarob’s second EP in a series, entitled Transitions: Phase II. Expect three smooth yet pensive tunes that will probably make you groove. I’ve had the chance to listen to a single off the EP in advance, and it’s the sort of late night drive burner that I need when I feel the urge to hit the road to collect my thoughts. Sarob wrote an essay regarding this EP, and you can read it below the embedded EP while you listen. Personally, I find it very relatable. There is tension between trying to produce something meaningful and popular. I feel it with this blog–there are so many artists I want to be heard, but in order to increase our audience there are certain social strategies and content I have to pursue. I’m continually figuring out what the right balance is, as is Sarob. Listen to Phase II while you read. You can also find the EP on iTunes and Apple Music.

Expressionism II:

Being different was cool until I eventually faced the reality of being different. I always wanted to make art that means something—art that pushes and provokes and challenges—but which can also be popular. Making something popular helps ensure that it can be widely impactful. Sadly, my effort to do both these things has caused myself a lot of confusion.

In my effort to create art that’s fresh and meaningful, I’ve experienced more fear than maybe I ever have. I’ve feared that in making my work fresh, it will be too unconventional and not readily received as meaningful. I’ve feared that in making my work meaningful, maybe it’s too easy and doesn’t push the envelope enough. (Think about any rapper using a regurgitated or critically incomplete political stance.) What’s compounded these anxieties is that at this point in my career, I don’t feel I’m in a place to make mistakes. Additionally, I’ve made a lot of sacrifices in my personal life, which has led me to believe, frankly, I can’t fuck this up.

Battling uncertainty, doubt and confusion are pretty normal things for any person and any artist. This is a fight people struggle with all their lives. I just hoped that, after finding something I appear to be good at, my fight would be over. The fact that it persists is both embarrassing and humbling. Being good at something doesn’t exempt me from normal human feelings. Being good at something doesn’t make me above anyone else.

I want to thank everybody for being patient with me as, perhaps unbeknownst to you, I’ve struggled with myself. I’m grateful for every step you’ve helped carry me, and I pray that, in return, this art means something to you. Here’s to Phase II.

Sincerely,

Sarob