BALTIMORE, MD – Many people who live in and around Baltimore, Maryland know it for its unfortunate nickname, “Murdaland.” It’s a name that stems from its extremely high crime rate and a homicide rate that puts its capital city, Baltimore, among the most dangerous cities in the world. But East Coast artist Alex Fraze is on a mission to help his hometown have a different reputation, one that embraces love. His latest EP, “Lover and a Fighter,” is a project that pays homage to Michael Jackson, one of his biggest influences. MJ was known for saying he was a lover, not a fighter, but Fraze said he’s flipping it to say that he’s a lover and a fighter because he has deep love and passion inside him, but his music and energy is intense. It’s a project that comes with a lot of passion and good vibes that Fraze describes as “very wavy,” while also showcasing how much of a fighter he is when it comes to things he wants in life and things he’s passionate about.
“I feel like I strive to bring older elements of music back into today’s sound,” Fraze said. “I feel like a lot of today’s sound is very manufactured – that’s just my opinion. And I want to create choruses that really connect with people and music that makes you feel. I want my sound to be infectious. You don’t even have to know the language of what you’re listening to, but you can feel it. That’s the kind of passion I came with on this project. It’s very wavy and really explores a lot of love situations.”
The standout single he’s highlighting from the EP is “Bonnie.” It’s a song that Fraze said highlights the perception of someone engulfed in a toxic relationship. The story of the song is about having a girl by your side who is toxic at the same time. Fraze said “Bonnie” is an archetype that he uses to describe that kind of woman.
“The woman is in your face in love and shows a false sense of transparency and trust, but has a different motive and intention,” he said. “It’s ironic because the original ‘Bonnie,’ who is the counterpart of Clyde (an infamous couple that banded together to commit crimes around the country in the 1920s), was his true love until their last breath. The title ‘Bonnie’ was chosen because of the fact that she shows the traits of a loyal ‘stay down’ woman, but is the complete opposite at heart.”
Fraze said the inspiration for the story cam from real events in his own life. He was wrapped up in a toxic relationship for a while and was jaded by feelings he had for her. He said he viewed her as a “Bonnie” and put her on a pedestal.
“I used that experience to channel how I felt in that time to create the lyrics and vibe of the song,” he said. “The instrumentation of the music is the opposite of the message in the song. The wavy chords and 808s give the song a relaxed, laid-back energy. Groovy is the best way to explain it.”
Fraze said the production was the most important factor in the process of creating the song. He said he wanted to give listeners two different vibes. When listeners hear the instrumentals, he hopes they feel a sense of tranquility. But when they listen to the words and are able to digest and understand their deeper meaning, he hopes they appreciate the illusion the message is portraying.
“The beat sounds very wavy, but the deep message in the song evokes a feeling of being stuck on someone and their toxic tendencies,” Fraze said.
Another standout single from the project is “I Was Your Worst,” which is about recognizing the mistakes you’ve made in a relationship and vowing to do better in the future. The hook of the song says, “You was my best and I was your worst. I move like some trash, this love got your soul on hurt.” Fraze said it’s a song that’s a little more groovy than the rest, and as such will definitely stand out as one of the premiere tracks.
Ultimately, Fraze said he wants his music to serve as a kind of “renaissance” for the music industry. He wants to bring something new and something that adds to the evolution of music and the direction it’s heading.
“I want to shift the game a little bit,” he said. “I take inspiration from a lot of the greats – like James Brown and Michael Jackson and Sam Cooke – and create music that is psychedelic and sets a mood. My drive is to be a pioneer in the industry and to innovate a new lane of sound.”
To listen to Alex Fraze’s music, or to follow him on social media, please visit the following links:
Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview’s weekly space for playlists curated by our friends, rivals, and lovers. In recent weeks, we’ve featured mixes from Harris Dickinson, Maggie Lindemann, and Macy Rodman. This time, we’re handing things over to one of New York City’s most exciting new talents—DJ Thank You.
Currently opening for Frost Children on their tour, DJ Thank You has become a fixture in the city’s nightlife scene, spinning regularly at venues like Bossa Nova and Paragon. Her debut album Roller Coaster more than lives up to its name, with tracks like “Zane Lowe (F*YouInTheA)” and “Headless Horseman” blending pounding basslines and experimental synths to capture the rush and chaos of pure club euphoria.
To celebrate the release, we asked DJ Thank You to create a playlist for us—one that takes listeners on a ride through heartbreak, fury, and absolute freedom.
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How do you dance? I’m either jumping around doing the most (trying to get my workout in). Or I’m like, nodding along lazily.
What song do you have on repeat? “Stuck in July” by Lil Tay.
What was your first concert? Glee Live lol.
Describe Roller Coaster in three words: Simple, Effective, Thrilling.
Dream collab, dead or alive? For a long time it was Rye Rye, but that dream came true. Now it’s probably Munchi.
Name your favorite artist no one knows about: Twerk Miami. He has 8 monthly listeners. There’s no trace of him beyond his Spotify artist page. Twerk, if you’re reading this, holler at me ????. I have no clue what he looks like but I lowkey need that.
The world is ending. What are you wearing? Probably something I got at TJ Maxx or Temu. Def a canal street Goyard. The usual ?♀️
What’s your worst habit? Working on beats when I have actual responsibilities to attend to. ?
What’s the most unexpected thing on your tour rider? A minimum of 6 bananas. So yummy.
What’s your favorite rollercoaster in America? El Toro at Six Flags Great America. It rocks.
What’s a music taste red flag? Thinking you have good taste in music.
Name three things you always have on you at the function: CBD, Condoms, Sunscreen.
Where do you find new music? Uber drivers.
Who do you trust most with the aux? Uber drivers.
What music do you associate with high school? Alpha brainwave binaural beat meditations.
Who’s the most famous contact in your phone: Angel money ?
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