Slingshot 2018

Following 2017’s Slingshot launch with Big Thief, Lo Moon, and Jamila Woods – NPR 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!