Shamir Sent Us This Artist, So You Know They're Important

When "accidental pop star" Shamir Bailey slides into your DM's with a new artist, you listen--no questions asked. Released this morning on the independent musician's "fake Soundcloud label," GrassHopper's three-track EP offers lo-fi, self-made pop evocative of Bailey's own surprise sophomore album, Hope.

Related | How Shamir Abandoned the Pop Machine

The genderqueer musician's project is aptly titled GrassHopper Is Your Friend, and sees her singing through fuzzy washed-out effects amidst whimsical, sludgy production. With woozy R&B vocals and rough, alt-pop instrumentals, Bailey perfectly describes GrassHopper's underground sound as "mystical bedroom pop."

After first discovering GrassHopper on Instagram, Bailey said she sent him a "fire demo" he immediately fell in love with. "Getting to know her better, I come to find out she's also a desert baby from New Mexico with a knack for lo-fi pop music," he said, adding that he thinks the two were likely separated at birth.

Bailey's endorsement of GrassHopper follows the release of his project with longtime friend, RESA. Together, the two created a three-track effort, featuring more deconstructed lo-fi pop--the unofficial, official sound of Bailey's burgeoning "fake" Soundcloud label. "I love making REAL music with my REAL friends and as always, more to come," he said, foreshadowing GrassHopper's debut today.

Befriend GrassHopper, below.