Originally uploaded by headrush

I’m always a fan of an artist that can not only blend my favorite genres together, but who, in doing so, can create a unique and novel sound. I’m sure you’re saying to yourself that this has been done before, and you’re about to start listing the many bands and artists that have taken from a wide variety of genres to create a new sound. I don’t doubt this, but try to think of an artist who has incorporated soul, pop, rock, hip hop, indie, r&b, rap, and a bit of electronica into one, unclassifiable genre.

Curtis Santiago is one of the few (if not only) talented artists who have the ability to do this. Whether you’re a hip hop fan that loves the way his rhymes flow, a soul fan that loves how heartfelt his voice is, a pop fan that loves how catchy and danceable his songs are, or a rock fan that falls in love with each guitar riff, there will be something about Curtis Santiago’s music that you admire.

In an interview with Vue Weekly, Santiago mentions how labels will “avoid” him because his sound is difficult to classify. I say that is definitely their loss, as Santiago proves with every song that he is a very diverse and multifaceted artist. His music is difficult to classify, but that’s what makes him so brilliant—he gives a new meaning to the saying that “music is a form of art.”

The songs that Santiago features on his MySpace definitely gave potential fans a taste of how this artist takes from a wide variety of influences. “Automatic” featuring Mickey Factz, is definitely hip hop, yet there is something very “old school soul” about its beat. “She Da Boss” is indie hip hop (think Gym Class Heroes), and “Primal” sounds like it could be a good alternative anthem for this summer.

For your listening pleasure, we have added “Annabel”, one of our favorite tracks by Curtis Santiago. Let us know what you think about this artist!

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