Who is Brent Faiyaz?
Early life and musical beginnings
Brent Faiyaz, born Christopher Brown, grew up in Columbia, Maryland. He first started writing and recording music as a teenager, teaching himself how to engineer beats and produce songs on a basic home studio setup. Faiyaz was inspired by artists like D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and Frank Ocean from a young age. Though he was mostly self-taught, he honed his vocal skills by singing in school and church choirs.
Solo projects and EPs
Before joining forces as Sonder, Brent Faiyaz built a name for himself releasing solo material. His breakout moment was the 2014 single "Sonder Son," an atmospheric R&B track that highlighted his falsetto vocals and introspective songwriting. He followed it up with the 2016 EP Fuck the World, which contained his hit "Crew" featuring GoldLink. The project expanded his sound with elements of hip-hop and electronic music.
Unique vocal style and songwriting
As a singer, Brent Faiyaz stands out for his emotive crooning and masterful use of falsetto. His vocals have a hazy, melancholic tone that pairs perfectly with vulnerable lyrics exploring relationships and inner turmoil. He writes poetic, metaphor-laden lyrics tackling themes like love, loneliness, and the struggles of fame. Songs like "Let Me Know" showcase his penchant for stripped-back, late-night R&B confessionals.
The Origins of Sonder
The R&B collective Sonder was formed in 2016 after singer-songwriter Brent Faiyaz connected with producers Atu and Dpat. The three artists met through mutual friends in the music industry and quickly recognized an organic chemistry when they started collaborating in the studio together.
Faiyaz brought his soulful vocals and evocative songwriting to the table, while Atu and Dpat added their talents for crafting lush, atmospheric beats. The smooth synergy between Faiyaz’s singing and the producers’ instrumentals formed the foundation for Sonder’s signature sound.
Atu and Dpat have cited artists like KAYTRANADA and Frank Ocean as influences on their production style. Their beats often feature mellow basslines, warm pads, crisp drum patterns, and subtle vocal samples. In the studio, the trio would vibe out and let the music guide the creative process. The collaborative environment allowed each member’s individual talents to shine.
The name "Sonder" actually comes from a made-up word that refers to the realization that every person you encounter has an equally complex inner life. This meaning resonated with the group, as they wanted their music to tap into intricate human emotions and experiences. The name Sonder captures the essence of their introspective lyrics and intimate sound.
Sonder’s Breakout Album: Sonder Son
Sonder Son, released in 2020, served as the breakout debut album for the R&B collective. Spanning 13 tracks and just under 50 minutes long, the album showcases Sonder’s moody, melancholic take on contemporary R&B. Themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and introspection permeate the lyrics, as Faiyaz’s velvety vocals float over atmospheric, hazy production.
"What You Heard" stands out as one of the most popular tracks, with Faiyaz crooning vulnerable lyrics like "What you heard is true/I’m still in love with you" over a woozy, bass-driven beat. Other highlights include "Over!" featuring vocalist Sabrina Claudio, which blends R&B with electronic flourishes, and the stripped-down ballad "Nobody But You." Faiyaz flexes his impressive range on songs like "It’s Only Up" and "Rise," belting soulful high notes.
Critically, Sonder Son was met with acclaim, with critics praising the cohesion of Faiyaz’s songwriting and vocals with Atu and Dpat’s production. Commercially, it peaked at #54 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, powered by strong streaming numbers. Sonder earned praise for their musicality and emotional vulnerability on a genre-pushing debut.
Sonder’s Musical Style and Influences
Sonder’s music seamlessly blends elements of modern R&B, hip-hop, and soul to create their signature sound. At the core, Brent Faiyaz’s smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery embody contemporary R&B. However, the beats crafted by producers Atu and Dpat incorporate hip-hop textures like crisp snares, deep basslines, and chopped soul samples. There’s also a noticeable influence from old-school R&B and soul in the warm piano melodies and emotional songwriting.
Compared to R&B peers like Daniel Caesar, HER, and Summer Walker, Sonder stands out for their darker, more moody aesthetic. The minimalist production allows Brent’s vocals to shine as the focal point. There’s also a vulnerability and introspection in the lyrics that channels Frank Ocean. At the same time, Sonder isn’t as experimental or psychedelic as The Internet when it comes to song structures. The music is sensual without being overly explicit, contrasting raunchier acts like Trey Songz or R.Kelly.
As producers, Atu and Dpat excel at setting a vibe. Their beats often start with a simple loop or melody, then gradually build texture through the addition of drums, vocal samples, and ambient effects. Little flourishes like vinyl crackle or tape hiss add a timeless, vintage touch. Compared to the layered, dense production of Hit-Boy or Metro Boomin, Atu and Dpat aim for sparse yet atmospheric backdrops for Brent Faiyaz to emote over. Their restraint and tastefulness draws comparisons to the legendary production duo Dre and Vidal.
Sonder’s Discography and Other Projects
Prior to releasing their full-length debut album Sonder Son in 2021, the group put out two EPs that offered an early glimpse into their musical style. Their first project, 2017’s Into, showcased Brent Faiyaz’s emotive vocals over moody, mellow production from Atu and Dpat. It featured the popular track "Too Fast" along with "B.L.O.W." and "Veins."
They followed up in 2019 with the Too Fast EP, led by the bubbly single "Sooner or Later." While retaining their signature downbeat R&B vibe, songs like "Drift" and "Right Now" revealed subtle evolution in Sonder’s lush sound. Critics praised the EP’s cohesiveness and Faiyaz’s vulnerable songwriting.
In addition to EPs, Sonder has dropped various singles and music videos over the years. The hazy "Too Deep" arrived in 2020 along with a stylish video set in Los Angeles. That same year, they released the slinky "Wasting Time" as well as the laidback track "Ride."
Sonder has also collaborated with a range of artists, including Steve Lacy on "Somewhere In Between" in 2018. In 2019, they appeared on Drake’s song "Sacrifices" from his Care Package project. More recently, they teamed up with rising singer Deante’ Hitchcock for the 2021 single "So Gone." These features have expanded Sonder’s reach and showcased their chemistry with other talents.
Brent Faiyaz’s Rising Stardom
Brent Faiyaz has seen his popularity and stardom rise tremendously over the past few years. He now boasts a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow at an impressive rate. Faiyaz has over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his Instagram following sits at over 800,000. His shows routinely sell out, evidencing his widespread appeal.
In 2022, Faiyaz’s fanbase mobilized to push his single "Wasting Time" up the charts, demonstrating their passion and loyalty. The song ended up charting on Billboard’s R&B chart, a major accomplishment for an independent artist like Faiyaz. He engages closely with his fans online, which further galvanizes his base.
Along with his growing fanbase, Faiyaz has received effusive praise from music critics. Writers consistently highlight his "velvety vocals" and "confessional songwriting." The Guardian called him a "sorrowful R&B prophet," while Pitchfork described his music as "sheer magnificence."
Esteemed artists have also expressed admiration for Faiyaz’s talents. Drake co-signed him early and featured on his track "Crew." Superstar rapper J. Cole is also a fan, inviting Faiyaz to perform with him. Mary J. Blige has directly cited Faiyaz as one of her favorite new artists. This peer recognition demonstrates his reputation within the industry.
Capping off his momentum, Faiyaz received two nominations at the 2022 Soul Train Awards – for Best New Artist and Album of the Year. These prestigious nominations mark a breakthrough for Faiyaz. Winning would further validate him as a rising R&B star and bring more mainstream spotlight. Regardless, the nominations themselves represent acknowledgement from Soul Train Awards voters that Faiyaz is a notable talent on the rise.
Upcoming Projects for Sonder and Brent Faiyaz
Sonder and Brent Faiyaz have a bright future ahead with several upcoming projects in the works. Fans are eagerly anticipating new music and live performances from the R&B trio.
While few official details have been announced, there are strong hints that Sonder is working on a follow-up album to their acclaimed debut Sonder Son. The group shared photos and videos from the studio on their Instagram page, suggesting they are cooking up new material. An unnamed project was teased for a 2022 release, likely arriving before the year’s end. Singles featuring high profile guest artists would build anticipation for the full-length album.
On the live performance front, Sonder is slated to embark on a North American tour in early 2023. They are booked as headliners for their first official concert tour, hitting major markets like New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and more. This tour will mark the first chance for many fans to experience Sonder’s music live in concert.
As for Brent Faiyaz, rumors circulated in 2022 of a new solo EP coming soon. He has not released a project since 2020’s Fuck The World, so new solo music from Brent is overdue. Possible features from Drake or Tyler, the Creator could draw attention. Brent is also rumored to be planning a set at Coachella 2023, which would be his biggest solo gig yet.
Between group projects for Sonder and solo moves for Brent Faiyaz, the coming year promises no shortage of new music, videos, and live shows. Fans are eager to see Sonder and Brent capitalize on their momentum and continue rising in the R&B world.
Sonder’s Impact on R&B Music
Sonder is having a major impact on modern R&B music through their unique sound and style. The trio of Brent Faiyaz, Atu, and Dpat are pushing the boundaries of the genre in exciting new directions. Their moody, mellow production and vulnerable songwriting represent an evolution from traditional R&B groups of the past.
Where older R&B groups like Jodeci and Dru Hill relied heavily on upbeat rhythms and powerhouse vocals, Sonder employs more subdued, introspective instrumentation. Songs like "What You Heard" and "Too Fast" demonstrate their penchant for down-tempo beats and layered synths that create a hypnotic, dreamlike aura. The vocals are often whispered and filtered, evoking a raw intimacy. This experimental twist on classic R&B tropes has expanded the possibilities for the genre.
Lyrically, Sonder explores vulnerable themes like heartbreak and loneliness with poetic depth. Songs like "so bad" unpack the pain of troubled relationships, while "let me know" pleads for reciprocated affection. Sonder’s willingness to bare their emotions in the lyrics, paired with their unorthodox production, has paved the way for more transparency and exploration in modern R&B.
Younger artists like Giveon, Chiiild, and Omar Apollo have all cited Sonder as an influence. Their impact can be heard in the melancholic melodies, confessional lyrics, and mellow vocals of many rising R&B stars. As Sonder continues to refine their sound and push boundaries, they inspire the next generation of artists to be equally bold and authentic. Their unique style has undoubtedly shaped the landscape of contemporary R&B.
Noteworthy Lyrics from Sonder
Sonder’s lyrics play a central role in their artistry, showcasing their poetic songwriting and ability to capture complex emotions. Here are some examples of particularly impactful lyrics from their catalog:
"What You Heard":
What you heard is my soul, what you hear is my heart
Pour it when the lights low, sippin’ wine in the dark
These opening lines set the confessional, introspective tone of much of Sonder’s music. Faiyaz equates his soul and heart with the vulnerability in his lyrics.
"Too Fast":
She like when I talk to her, feel like I’m singing a song to her
When I’m gone she holds on to the memories I’ve given to her
Faiyaz reflects on the fleeting nature of a passionate romance. His lyrical touch comes through in the poetic "singing a song" and "holds on to the memories" imagery.
"Something About Your Love":
This thing about you is spiritual, sensual
It’s everything that love could be
The group explores the all-encompassing, even transcendent, nature of deep romantic love. There’s a spiritual dimension at play.
"To Know":
I gave you all of me to know you weren’t ready
And I don’t wanna go unless you’re with me
Unrequited love and heartbreak are common themes. Faiyaz expresses feelings of regret and longing in crisp, evocative phrases.
Sonder has a knack for distilling complex emotions into concise lyrical snapshots. Faiyaz employs vivid imagery and clever turns of phrase, making their songs resonate on a deeper level.
The Future of Sonder
With their unique blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop, Sonder has clearly resonated with listeners and carved out a distinctive lane in contemporary music. Looking ahead, expectations are high for the group and frontman Brent Faiyaz.
Given the overwhelmingly positive response to their debut album Sonder Son, it seems likely that Sonder will continue gaining popularity and critical acclaim. Their soulful sound feels both refreshing and familiar, appealing to longtime R&B fans while also attracting younger audiences. As streaming continues growing globally, Sonder is well-positioned to reach massive new audiences.
Faiyaz in particular seems primed for a long, acclaimed career. With his velvety voice and introspective songwriting, he comes across as an old soul with plenty left to say. As he develops as an artist, Faiyaz may release more solo material alongside Sonder’s group projects. This could expose him to new listeners while also showcasing different sides of his artistry.
Sonder’s influence on contemporary R&B already feels substantial considering their short career thus far. As they release more albums, they can keep pushing the genre forward with subtle innovations. Given their talents, Sonder could inspire emerging artists to take risks and avoid creative ruts. Maintaining their chemistry and work ethic will be key to sustaining their ascent.
The future brims with potential for this promising trio. Their musical bond feels rare, and they’ve only begun exploring its possibilities. Perhaps most exciting is the prospect of Sonder’s sound continuing to evolve in surprising new directions. If they maintain their creative spark, commercial success seems guaranteed. Most importantly, Sonder’s journey promises to yield more of the soulful, heartfelt music that makes them so special.