MkX – Ghost
URL: https://www.mynameismkx.com/
“Ghost” is the latest single release from blossoming newcomer MkX, but this young performer is only new to the solo ranks. He’s made a name for himself as an impressive talent working alongside some of the era’s brightest young pop stars, among them Ariana Grande, and made his jump into a solo career at a time when the full fruit of his talents began to assert themselves. His first popular single, “The Look”, garnered substantial critical praise and audience attention, but this new song raises the bar quite high and positions MkX to be a major new player in the pop world. His lyrical content, unlike many of his contemporaries, rates just as high in importance to his artistic vision as his musical compositions but there’s an abiding seamlessness in his performances that clearly indicates he knows well about balancing their competing concerns. “Ghost” is one of the more memorable offerings in a pop vein you’ll hear in 2017 and accompanied with an equally memorable video that elaborates on MkX’s song while bringing added imagery to bear.
SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/mkxmusic/ghost/s-T1Nkj
The video manages to summon the same atmospherics through visuals that the largely electronic backing conveys through sound. MkX may not yet enjoy the notoriety the pop giants he’s worked for enjoy, but both the single and video alike benefit from top flight production and a surety of vision that exudes confidence during every second. “Ghost” has precious little traditional instrumentation and what listeners will hear is filtered through post-production effects that envelop it with effective atmospherics. The synthesizers and electronic rhythm section actually create a discernible groove that illustrates the R&B influences in MkX’s musical vision and discerning listeners who catch onto that vibe will find the song further satisfies them because of its presence. Despite the electronic backing, MkX never overreaches and burdens the performance with an overwhelming synth sound – instead, the track has a surprising airiness and he shows the good taste that one might remark on with artists in other more organic and acoustic based styles.
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/track/29m0fpDtHcnBRlKTRhPG
His vocals are the other primary strength of the song. He has a strong message to relate and the dramatic talents to frame it as something listeners urgently need to hear and he needs to lift off his chest. The confidence he displays while winding his way through the lyric is reflected in his near effortless flow and the attention he shows towards locking his voice in with the musical backing. The lyric writing rates among the best in this style and doesn’t ever go in for the simple sentiments often populating so many modern pop songs. His desire to communicate with the audience is quite earnest and he’s blessed with the ability to pull it off. “Ghost” has a remarkably complex point of view for this style of song and the perfect musical backing for MkX to ensure it makes the maximum possible impression on listeners. His progress as an artist continues and there’s really no end in sight to his talent.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mkxmusic/
Image attached Photo by Anthony Grassetti
Mindy McCall
