I know many of you reading this post will think that I’m late in writing about this song, but this week, I’ve had Thundercat’s “Them Changes” #OnRepeat. If you already consider Thundercat’s song awesome, or if you have read all of this before from countless other forums, blogs, or even tweets, then I apologize, but these #OnRepeat posts are about music that I discover and what I think; and I just discovered this song.
Stephen Bruner–better known by his stage name, Thundercat–is a bass player, producer and singer from Los Angeles. He is best known for his work with Flying Lotus and appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album, To Pimp a Butterfly. He has two solo albums and has also worked with musicians like Erykah Badu and Kamasi Washington.
First of all, I have to say, the music video for this song teeters on the line between cool and weird. This might be based on the fact that I can’t quite understand the lyrics that are being sung (which is basically my only complaint about this song). However, I will give the producers behind this video credit–the opening scene with the samurais fighting is definitely an attention-grabber. Check out the video below:
The heavy, funky groove mixed with hints of 70’s jazz fusion music and elements of George Clinton’s funky, electronic Afro sound produce a hypnotic groove that makes it hard not to bob your head or swing your hips to. Thundercat’s voice is mellow and vulnerable, giving the melody of the lyrics and the “ooo’s” a subtle like nature that floats perfectly over the rest of the music.
After hearing this song, I am anxious to hear what other stuff Thundercat is going to come up with. His bass lines groove and hit. Hard. The music that he collaborates on is so eclectic and full of many different musical influences. It is no wonder that people like Erykah Badu and Kamasi Washington have called on him for collaboration.
Do you guys have any new musicians or groups to listen to? Let us know in the comments below!