Slingshot 2018

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Following 2017’s Slingshot launch with Big Thief, Lo Moon, and Jamila WoodsNPR Music and the Vuhaus public radio network selected 20 artists for the 2018 Slingshot initiative.

Slingshot utilizes the taste-making abilities of public radio stations across the country to elevate emerging artists and expose them to new audiences; with each station highlighting one artist. Following their buzzworthy 2017, KCRW nominated Lawrence Rothman (watch their recent MBE live session).

Here’s KCRW’s Music Director Jason Bentley on the selection:

“Come let me adore you / Adore your imperfections”: That’s the lyric that first caught my attention, a piercing line from “Wolves Still Cry” that seemed to navigate the most intimate of spaces. Intrigued enough to do a search online for Lawrence Rothman, images came up of a handsome yet battered face — swollen eye, busted lip. It was all quite strange, but I found myself drawn to it.

Rothman is a genderfluid artist, reflecting several personas through songs on their debut album, The Book Of Law. With meticulous production, interesting guests and creative affiliations, and a knack for slick pop songwriting, the album had me captivated the way all great art should.

With its ’80s power-pop sensibility, “Wolves Still Cry” remains a favorite from the album. But there’s enough of a vision here for this emerging artist to be one to watch in the year ahead.

Jason Bentley

Also on the list: Knox Fortune, rising LA-based troubadour Bedouine, Phoebe Bridgers, and many more discoveries.

Stay tuned for exciting music features and content coming down the line!