My Favorite EPs of 2020

Here is my list of my personal top EPs of 2020

You can find my separate list for top albums of 2020 here [UNDER CONSTRUCTION].

My Previous monthly lists from 2020: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

My list last year for my top EPs of 2019 can be found here.

The Best:

BAYNK - A Study in Movement Genre: Electronic / Future Bass

A mesmerizing little EP from the New Zealand producer following up his two Someone’s EP’s from 2017 and 2019.

Proof: HIGH  / Kiss Me (Feat. Mood Talk) / TESSELLATE (w/ Tei Shi)

Channel Tres - i can’t go outside Genre: Hip Hop / R&B / House

Compton rapper/singer Channel Tres continues his dramatic accent with his third EP in three years of his unique blending of house with hip hop and soul music. 

Proof: skate depot / take you time (Feat. Tinashe) / unfinished business

imnotshane - imnotshane Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

This EP was my introduction to the warped moody alt-R&B sounds of iamnotshane. His tracks effortless meld from straight forward pop soul tunes to manipulated industrial complexes in effecting and interesting ways.

Proof: Afterlife / Security / Right Now

James Blake - Before // Covers Genre: Indie Pop / Synth Pop

Despite releasing one of 2019’s highlights in Assume Form, James Blake still kept busy in 2020 releasing these two mellow and soothing EPS and a few one off singles. The songs in Before have a Jaime xx feel to them, which I am not mad at at all.

Proof: Before / Do You Ever / Summer Of Now // when the party’s over (Billie Eilish Cover) / Godspeed (Frank Ocean Cover) / When We’re Older (Beyonce “OTHERSIDE” cover)

The Japanese House - Chewing Cotton Wool Genre: Synth Pop

Following up her great debut in 2019, the American singer releases this project about a break up thats so sad but so soothing st the same time.

Proof: Sharing Beds / Something Has To Change / Dionne (Feat. Justin Vernon)

Joey Bada$$ - The Light Pack Genre: Hip Hop

The New York rapper Joey Bada$$ drops off this tiny EP that’s a sampler of his mellow and lyrically potent hip hop we know from him.

Proof: The Light / No Explanation (w/ Pusha T) / Shine

Little Simz - Drop 6 Genre: Hip Hop

UK rapper Little Simz keeps her fans content with this EP of her patented lyrical prowless.

Proof: might bang, might not / one life, might live / where’s my lighter (Feat. Alewya)

LOONY - JOYRiDE Genre: R&B / neo-Soul

I was introduced to this singer by this soulful and smooth EP. Theres a feel of 90’s R&B interlaced in a modern R&B pallet.

Proof: iN CODE / WHiTE LiE / NO !

Matoma - RYTME Genre: Electronic / Dance

This might be my single favorite EP of the year. Shhhh don’t tell the others. The Norweigian DJ teased fans with this EP that leaves you catching your breath after and wanting more.

Proof: Don’t Stop The Rhythm (Feat. Bryn Christopher) / Beside You (w/ Captain Cuts Feat. Georgia Ku) / Embrace Your Life (Feat. Alida)

Meg Myers - I’d Like 2 Go Home Now // Thank You For Taking Me 2 The Disco Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

I’ve been a big fan of Meg since her initial EP Daughter in the Choir, back in 2012. These two EP’s released on the same day are some of the best rock made in 2020. 

Proof: True Liars / End of the World / Sweet Liar // Any Way You Wanna Love / Breaks My Back / i hope you cry (w/ morgxn)

mxmtoon - dawn // dusk Genre: Indie Pop

Oakland based singer mxmtoon expands on her ukulele based sound of her debut last year with these two soothing bedroom pop EP’s. These were originally released separately then later in the year combined.

Proof: Fever Dream / Lessons / 1, 2 // Bon Iver / ok on your own (Feat. Carly Rae Jepsen) / Asking For a Friend

Outwild (PKA Inukshuk) - Everbright // Wallflower Genre: Electronic / Dance

Formally known as Inukshuk, the Canadian electronic DJ joins Seven Lions ever impressively expanding collective with these two short but enticing EP’s. He made the name change this year from Inukshuk to be more culturally respectful.

Proof: Everbright / Before We Start (Feat. XYV) / The Way You Are (Feat. The Ready Set) // Chasm / Wallflower (Feat. Rouxx)

Pink Sweat$ - The Prelude Genre: R&B / Soul

Most likely to blow up on this list for me is American Singer Pink Sweat$. He’s starting to get more notoriety and this funky soulful EP only helps that cause. It’s a Prelude but I wonder exactly to what? hmmmmm

Proof: Give It To Me / Icy / Not Alright

Seven Lions - Find Another Way // Find Another Way (Remixes) Genre: Electronic / Dance

It’s well documented on here how much I love Seven Lions, one of my favorite artists working right now. This EP and Remix EP are just more blasts of his euphoric and transformative music that hits me in all the feels.

Proof: Only Now (Feat. Tyler Graves) / Another Way (w/ April Bender) / What’s Done Is Done (w/ HALIENE) // Only Now (MitiS Remix) Feat. Tyler Graves / What’s Done Is Done (Delta Heavy Remix) w/ HALIENE / Senseless (Arpyem Remix) Feat. Tyler Graves

Super Duper - Prelude Genre: Electronic / Dance

Nashville producer gives a glimpse of his debut album to come out later in the year with this exhilarating EP. The depth and expansiveness of his music is on full display, along with the just sheer joy his music can evoke.

Proof: Feel My Way / Spiritual (w/ Mr Gabriel) / Do It For Myself

Techami - Born Again / Buenos Aires Genre: Electronic / Dance

Another sampler tray for an album to come later in the year. The French producer has been around for a few years but this is his debut album and it is quite a strong one at that.

Proof: Born Again / Buenos Aires / Proud (Feat Daecolm)

Trivecta - Everyday // Everyday Remixes Genre: Electronic / Dance

Another impressive project from Seven Lion’s Ophelia camp. Trivecta shares the knack for a soft mellow chorus lulling you into a false sense of security only for a crashing drop and vibrant chorus.

Proof: Leave It All Behind (Feat. Fagin) / Wasteland / Everyday (Feat. Rico & Miella) // Leave It All Behind (Nurko Remix) Feat. Fagin / Wasteland (Au5 & Chime Remix) / Wasteland (Wooli Remix)

X Ambassadors - Belong Genre: Pop / Soul

The New York band gifted fans with a little offering of a few songs that don’t quite fit on their upcoming third album. These aren’t throw away songs ast all though. This is a little collection of a few stellar love and break up songs. .

Proof: Everything Sounds Like A Love Song / Happy Home / Belong

Others:

My Favorite EPs of 2019

Here is my list of my personal top EPs of 2019

You can find my separate list for top albums of 2019 here.

My Previous monthly lists from 2019: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

My list last year for my top EPs of 2018 can be found here.

*Indicates someone I saw live in 2019

Best:

AUGUST 08 - Happy Endings with an Asterisk Genre: R&B / Soul

Part of the 88rising crew as the main songwriter, AUGUST 08 has been influential in their rise behind the scene. He stepped out on his own last year with the compelling EP Father. Happy Ending with an Asterisk picks up where Father left off with emotionally identifiable and relatable, soulful tunes.

Proof: Simple Pleasures (Feat. GoldLink) / Blood On My Hands (Feat. Smino) / Swim

Autograf - Love & Retrograde / Love & Retrograde (Remixes) Genre: Electronic / House / Dance

Chicago based Electronic trio has been one of my favorites wince their 2015 EP Metaphysical. They have a skill of incorporating horns and strings in their electronic music, yet not making is a “thing” that defines them (artists like Big Gigantic, Brasstracks and GRiZ). Not that it’s a bad thing for artists that have that, but it shows their ability to establish diversity in their electronic music pallet. 

Proof: Test The Waters (Feat. WAYNNE) / Casual Love (w/ The Griswolds) / Hold Me Back (Feat. John Splithoff) // Casual Love (SLVR Remix) w/ The Griswolds / Hold Me Back (Syence Remix) Feat. John Splithoff / Test the Waters (Cofresi Remix) Feat. WAYNNE // Bonus: Ain’t Deep Enough (Feat. Jared Lee)

BAYNK - Someone’s II / Someon’s II X Genre: Electronic / Future Bass / Dance

It took awhile for us to get BAYNK’s 2017 debut EP Someone’s from when he first started dropping music. Luckily we didn’t have to wait quite as long for the follow up which is a subtle and touching group of electronic bops meant to may you feel as well as get up dancing. 

Proof: Settle (Feat. Sinead Harnett) / go with u / Simmer (Feat. Habolt Brown) // Settle (Daju Remix ) Feat. Sinead Harnett / go with u (Louis La Roche Remix) / Off Limits (Ark Patrol Remix) Feat. Glades // Bonus: HIGH

Channel Tres* - Black Moses Genre: R&B / House / Hip Hop

I first found Channel Tres’ exhilarating house music from his debut EP a year ago earlier in the year and was instantly hooked. Luckily shortly after this EP dropped as well. The Compton based artists melds house seamlessly with sexy hip hop and soothing soul music with a touch of G-Funk influences for quite the unique and groove inducing blend.

Proof: Black Moses (Feat. JPEGMAFIA) / Sexy Black Timberlake / Raw Power // Sexy Black Timberlake (SG Lewis Remix) / Ready To Go (w/ Baauer Feat. Danny Brown)

Dog Blood (Skrillex & Boyz Noize) - Turn Off The Lights Genre: Electronic / Dubstep / Dance

The electronic super duo of Skrillex and Boyz Noize returns for their third short EP installment since their inception of Dog Blood back in 2012. Turn Off The Lights is a breakneck paced album of trap, house and dubstep meshing in a way only these two can deliver and remain not only listenable but something that fucking bangs. Keeping a neck brace handy is highly encouraged. 

Proof: BREAK LAW / 4 MIND (Feat. Josh pan & X&G) / TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

Elohim - BRAINDEAD Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Dance

Producer/DJ/Singer/Songwriter Elohim as quickly risen up the ranks in my personal favorite artists list. Her self titled debut full length last year was one of the most enjoyable first listening to an album in all of 2018. This surprise EP drop was up there for 2019. As Elohim’s status rises she is being a bit forced to confront her social anxiety, but being the genuine person she is, she is letting us into those struggles. Her hope is making those issues public could help many others dealing with similar things. 

Proof: running / tv / flagpole sitta (Harvey Danger Cover w/ AWOLNATION) // Bonus: Paradise

Emotional Oranges - The Juice, Vol. I / The Juice, Vol. II Genre: R&B

The mysterious R&B duo popped up last year with some soulful singles that caught my attention. They were super generous, despite keeping their identities secret, dropping two EPs in 2019 to introduce the world to their understated and subtle funky soul music. 

Proof: Personal / Unless You’re Drowning // Just Like You / Not Worth It // Bonus: Motion (Rejuiced)

G Flip - Drink Too Much Genre: Pop

Last year, when I first heard Georgia Flipo’s debut single “About You” it was one of those musical religious experiences. Since then I have made a point to keep an eye on the Australian singer. Early in the year she gifted us with this four song EP as a teaser of what was to come later in the year (check out my Top Albums list for more on that). Drink Too Much was a perfect enticing introduction of G Flip’s music before her full release. Her tender and emotionally packed voice along with her knack for pounding and thrusting drums make a very impacting and lasting impression in a somewhat minimalist package.

Proof: Drink Too Much / Killing My Time / About You

ilo ilo - wish i said this to u sooner Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic

LA based duo have been dropping great tracks since last year cultivating in this debut EP, yet there still is not much known about the group at this time. Despite the mystery this music looks to be a potential creative force in the EDM world with some crossover appeal. There’s hints of Mura Masa influences with their use of distorted vocals and guitars, but also very differentiated in their own right. I can’t wait to see where the group pushes the boundaries to next.

Proof: u don’t / come thru / transparent // Bonus: habits / On the Way (w/ pluko, Manila Killa)

Manila Killa* - 1993 (Deluxe Edition) Genre: Electronic / Future Bass / Dance

When Filipino DJ Chris Gavino left the duo Hotel Garuda it was a bit of a bold move as the group was finally starting to pick up steam. But he had plans that he didn’t want compromised and continued on as his solo project Manila Killa. Only about a year later that plan seems to be paying off with this marvelous debut EP. 

Proof: Wake Up Call (w/ Mansionair) / All 2 U (Feat. Sara Skinner) / skin (Feat. outsideOutside) // 1993 (Kuur Remix) / All 2 U (Covex Remix) Feat. Sara Skinner / Wake Up Call (Kwon Remix) w/ Mansionair

Loote - lost Genre: Pop

New York pop duo Loote follows up last years infectious debut EP with another one full of songs more catchy then a flu. Loote have a knack for making music that both can cover a wide net of audiences yet have enough complexity and human emotions to really connect with listeners that pay close attention. I’m waiting for one of those catchy tunes to really blow up. 

Proof: lost / tomorrow tonight / she’s all yours // Bonus: All The Fucking Time

PVRIS - Hallucinations Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock

This 5 song EP is a bit of a departure for the Massachusetts rock trio. PVRIS have always had pop and Electronic sensibilities in their generally Alternative Rock sound, but they are much more pronounced on these tracks than before. The band states this was a direction they have always wanted to explore but only their recent label switch have the support to branch out more creatively. The riffs are still guitar based but those guitars become more distorted with synth barging in. Some may be turned off by the new experimentation but if the music is good, then it’s a worthy venture and this music is still fun as hell. 

Proof: Hallucinations / Nightmare / Old Wounds

REZZ* - Beyond the Senses Genre: Electronic / Trance / Dance

REZZ has quickly made a name for herself in the EDM world with her unique, eclectic beats, and wild visually stunning shows. From her debut album in 2017 to this EP you can also really see the Canadian artist perfect her craft and get better and better. Beyond the Senses is REZZ at both her most ruthless and potent as well as most open and sensible. REZZ’s music is very constructed and mechanical in feel yet never artificial in it’s persona. There are plenty of rich textures throughout her elaborate atmosphere’s to grab onto while listening. 

Proof: Falling (w/ Underoath) / Kiss of Death (w/ Deathpact) / Lonely (Feat. Riggs) // Bonus: Criminals (w/ Malaa) / Hell on Earth (w/ Yutron)

Ruti - Racing Cars Genre: R&B / Soul

Can’t say I know too many of winners of The Voice that cross my way but this winner of The Voice UK’s song “Racing Cars” popped up on a blog and I instantly fell in love with the music. Ruti’s deep and warm voice is incredibly soothing and impassioned. A very comforting and pleasant listen.

Proof: Racing Cars / The Swan / Couldn’t Do This Without You

SG Lewis - Dawn Genre: Electronic / R&B

Smooth and sultry Electronic R&B producer SG Lewis finishes off his trio run of R&B and indie pop based EDM EPs. Just like last year’s Dusk and Dark EP’s, Dawn is full of atmospheric and tender Electronic beats with soulful vocals.

Proof: Throwaway (w/ Clairo) / Overdose (w/ HONNE) / Flames (Feat. Ruel) // Bonus: Flames (Lastlings Remix) Feat. Ruel / Pressure (w/ James Vickery)

Shay Lia - Dangerous (Deluxe) Genre: R&B / neo-Soul

France Born and Montreal based singer Shay Lia is most known for her collaborative work with fellow Montreal artists KAYTRANADA. Shay stays true to the funky Montreal sound on this EP of glossy and jazzy electronic R&B that you can both sit back and vibe to, or throw on to get a dance party started. 

Proof: Dangerous / Blue (Feat. KAYTRANADA & BadBadNotGood) / Good Together