8th&M - Something Proper

8th&M 

Something Proper
8th&M Music; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ethan Skeleton

8th&M is beginning to show his strength and longevity within the music industry. Better known by his stage name, 8th&M, Michael Alvarez is an American music producer and singer who was raised in the San Diego indie scene. His music is unlike much of what exists in that landscape today so be sure to check it out and get inside the mind of this trail-blazing electronica maestro. He was introduced to music surprisingly through gospel and soon after picking up a few instruments in his early teens, Alvarez began figuring out he had a great ear for music and pursued production following a successful string of choirs and bands along the way.

He got his first shot at production through his older brother’s record label, Kingspin Records. This door opener was just what he needed to launch notoriety and buzz for his work. The radio picked up his single and soon he had studio dates lined up left and right. It was then that he broke down the barriers of independent electro with Something Proper. 

The first track “Fly Over To Sweden” reminds me of Drake’s beat on “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” No complaints here, that stuff is gold. It really moves the song along and works as a great start to the album. “I’m So Low” is almost too dreary; I had to pass this one up. “Slow Down a Bit” has a perfect tempo and glides along with new wave moments. Auto tune vocals blend with an ear piquing keyboard textures. It’s a slow jam for the introspective. “For The People” has a strong sway and bounce, ideal for the club but also as a wheel pounder in the car. Some elements are very R. Kelly and it works because 8th&M uses R&B sensuality to leave that pleasure imprint on the listener.

Something Proper will go down as a seven-track escapade of emotion and intention. The production is innovative with melodies to match, while his lyrics touch on real life issues. He really moves through the spectrum of what a music project can and should be, by using his experiences to relate outwardly in a public sense. This is a crafty and inspiring way to mold one’s material and I’m all for it.

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