- Words Notion Staff
Canadian singer, songwriter, rapper and visual artist, SonReal, picks 10Trax for Notion, each song holding a deep meaning to him.
The moniker of Aaron Hoffman, Canadian artist SonReal has made a name for himself through years of international touring, more than 170 million global streams, and viral music videos.
Taking his genre-bending nature in his stride, SonReal continually pushes boundaries in both his music and visuals. On the scene since 2012, he’s become known for his popular singles “Can I Get A Witness” and “Everywhere We Go”, dropping well-received EPs and albums across his career.
Now, SonReal has shared his latest EP, ‘i can’t make this up’. Comprising of five uplifting and versatile tracks, showcasing his talent for storytelling and songwriting.
“This EP was a very full circle moment for me because I recorded the majority of it by myself which is how I started making music. Something is special about this body of work to me. My producer Trevor and I were forced to think outside the box. I had to get back to recording my own vocals in a bedroom. No flashy studio, nobody to do the work for me. There’s something special about that and it made me hungry to be better. Though this is only 5 songs it feels like a mini album and shows what we are capable of. This is only the beginning. I can’t make this up.” SonReal shares.
Hear SonReal’s 10Trax that he’s selected exclusively for Notion, all of which has deep meanings to him.
"right before my eyes" by SonReal
"This song makes me feel grateful for what's in front of me."
"Thinkin Bout You" by Frank Ocean
"This song is some of the most beautiful writing to me... The way Frank describes certain situations and just the overall vibe of this one is timeless."
"Great One" by Jessie Reyez
"This song makes me think about my family, love and what matters in life. It's beautiful."
"Chamber Of Reflection" by Mac DeMarco
"This makes me want to slow dance with my wife in our living room with a glass of wine. The textures in the synths and the drum break is just too good."
"Circles" by Mac Miller
"This song makes me reflect. It makes me want to call someone I haven’t called for a while just to say wassup. It gives me chills."
"Rare" by Nas
"This makes me feel happy. Hearing classic/evolving Nas in 2021 makes me know I can keep pushing my own envelope as long as I want to. This song makes me feel inspired."
"Love Galore" by SZA
"This song makes me feel melody and peace. SZA’s voice to me is just something else and her melodies are infectious."
"Prioutte" by Chiiild
"This song makes me feel classic. It has beautiful writing and makes me want to drive somewhere with this as the soundtrack."
"Doo Wop (That Thing)" by Ms. Lauryn Hill
"This song makes me feel nostalgic. Lauryn Hill was the first female rapper I became obsessed with and she inspired me to sing and rap."
"Highway 8" by K-OS
"This song is so beautiful. It makes me want to pick up my guitar and just write a song."