Moses Sumney

Biography

Moses Sumney is a Ghanaian-American singer, songwriter, and multidisciplinary artist known for his genre-defying blend of art pop, soul, jazz, and experimental music. Born on May 19, 1991, in San Bernardino, California, Sumney moved with his Ghanaian-born parents back to Ghana at age 10, before returning to Southern California during his teenage years. His early musical exposure ranged from country music in California to soul, pop, and R&B in Ghana, shaping his eclectic taste and approach to songwriting. Despite a deep interest in music from a young age, Sumney was not permitted to play instruments as a child and only taught himself guitar at age 20 while studying at UCLA, where he began performing and writing songs in earnest[2][4][6].

Sumney's career took off with the self-recorded EP 'Mid-City Island' in 2014, followed by the EP 'Lamentations' in 2016. His debut album, 'Aromanticism' (2017), received critical acclaim from major publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times, establishing him as a unique voice in contemporary music[1][2]. His sophomore album, 'græ' (2020), further cemented his reputation for pushing boundaries, incorporating themes of identity, isolation, and nonconformity. Sumney's music is characterized by intricate vocal layering, falsetto, and minimalist yet emotionally resonant arrangements, often exploring topics of love, solitude, and selfhood[1][2][5].

Beyond music, Sumney has made notable appearances in fashion and film, walking the runway for Burberry and contributing to soundtracks for major films and TV series. His work has influenced a new generation of artists who value authenticity and genre fluidity, and his songs have appeared in shows such as 'Orange is the New Black', 'Westworld', and 'Insecure'[1][4]. Sumney continues to be recognized for his artistic independence and commitment to creative freedom, making a lasting impact on the art pop and indie soul landscape.

Fun Facts

• Sumney recorded his debut EP 'Mid-City Island' entirely by himself on a four-track recorder.
• He did not learn to play guitar or perform publicly until age 20, despite writing songs since age 12.
• Sumney has walked the runway for Burberry and appeared in Vogue World, highlighting his influence in fashion as well as music.
• His music has been featured in major TV shows like 'Orange is the New Black', 'Westworld', and 'Insecure'.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Stevie Wonder - Cited as an early musical inspiration, influencing Sumney's appreciation for soul and songwriting. (General influence) [Childhood]
• India Arie - Early influence on Sumney's approach to songwriting and vocal style. (General influence) [Childhood]
• Usher - Cited as an early influence, shaping his interest in pop and R&B. (General influence) [Childhood]

Key Collaborators

• Solange - Collaborated on Solange's album 'A Seat at the Table' and performed together. (A Seat at the Table (2016)) [2016]
• James Blake - Toured together and performed at live shows. (Live performances) [2015–2017]
• Beck - Shared stage and performed together. (Live performances) [2015–2017]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging indie and art pop artists - Sumney's genre-defying style and vocal techniques have inspired a new wave of musicians who value experimentalism and authenticity. (General influence on contemporary indie/alternative music) [2017–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Around the world in a day (feat. Moses Sumney) (Right Place, Wrong Person)
2. To Believe (To Believe)
3. Make Out in My Car - Sufjan Stevens Version
4. Hey Girl(s)
5. Show Me Love (feat. Chance The Rapper, Moses Sumney and Robin Hannibal) - Skrillex Remix
6. Me in 20 Years (græ)
7. Plastic (Aromanticism)
8. Doomed (Aromanticism)
9. Cut Me (græ)
10. The Other Lover (Little Dragon & Moses Sumney)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-r&b, #art-pop, #indie-soul