Aysanabee - “Ego Death”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Sam Smith, Joe Cocker, Hozier

Listening through Aysanabee’s 2022 debut Watin, the first thing that stands out is his voice, a deep, rich instrument able to quiver the heart and hit arena high notes within the same track. Singing over piano ballads and pop/rock expansions, Aysanabee doesn’t shy away from being unabashedly grand, creating songs that could jump between radio and a modern Broadway stage. Hailing from First Nation Oji-Cree in Canada, Aysanabee incorporates a northern frostiness in the spacious, often haunting accompaniment, but balances that with hook-focused choruses. Clean production and melodies grip Watin in an accessible way, again putting the focus on his engrossing vocals throughout the record. (Kevin McStravick)