5 Songs I Love w/ vincethealien

Following the release of “TENDERNESS”, Flex caught up with queer singer-songwriter and producer vincethealien to explore the influences behind his genre-blurring sound. If you enjoy Vince’s picks, be sure to check out “TENDERNESS” at the end of the article.

1. Janet Jackson: “I Get Lonely”

This is one of the best R&B/pop songs ever written. The structure of the track, the way the hi-hat is swapped out for this dry yet comforting snap, Janet’s silky, technically jazzy vocals dripping with yearning, the overall sensuality and emotion of it all… I could talk about this song forever. Most of my friends are probably tired of hearing me talk about it, but I don’t care. It’s truly perfect.

2. Van Hunt: “Hello Goodbye”

Van Hunt is an artist I look up to so much. I’ve been very lucky to share music with him directly via Instagram and have even had the opportunity to hear early versions of some projects he has released in the last year, which still feels surreal to say.

“Hello Goodbye” is from his debut album, and I’ve always loved how the production explores a love that is present one moment and gone the next. There’s so much tension in the writing, and I love the way the track blends indie soul, rock, and R&B without feeling boxed into any one genre. My favorite lyrics from the track are “You don't laugh and you don't cry / Love can't live without emotion / You don't reveal and you don't hide / Wearing your disguise out in the open” because they capture a space I’m always drawn to creatively: the push and pull of lust versus love, hiding versus revealing, wanting intimacy but not always knowing how to hold it.

3. Nine Inch Nails: “Vessel”

Nine Inch Nails is hands down one of my favorite bands, and Trent Reznor is someone I admire in so many ways. His ability to write music that feels personally raw and brutally honest while still tapping into something deeply human is awe-inspiring. Also, his voice is perfect to me: gritty, raw, pure, consistent, clear, trained, and intentional.

I got into Nine Inch Nails in the early 2000s, and my mom was very worried about how much I loved them. To this day, I still play Year Zero, With Teeth, and Hesitation Marks like my life depends on them.

“Vessel” is from Year Zero, and the soundscape of that track is mind-boggling. Trent has so many examples of building sound that feels almost physical, but “Vessel” really hits the spot for me. It’s dark, heavy, crashy, cinematic, tech-y, glitchy, and creepily invasive, all while somehow still feeling quiet and subdued. It’s insane. Honestly, I need to go listen to this song right now. I’ll be right back.

4. Bree Runway: “That Girl”

The breathing alone at the beginning is so good. The beat is nasty - shout out to Finn Keane, who produced the track - and I love the braggadocio of it all. It’s unapologetic, confident, and completely committed to being a club banger.

I also love the ending of the song. It gets so aggressive, hyperpop, and electronically glitchy in a way that makes me wish the song were longer. But honestly, the length is probably part of why I hit replay every time. I am a Bree Runway stan because she really is THAT GIRL.

5. The Presets: “This Boy’s in Love”

I love The Presets. Their music has been part of so many transformative moments in my life, and most of those moments have happened on the dance floor.

“This Boy’s in Love” is insanely energetic and relentless. It keeps building and building, and for some reason, it has always made me emotional. I think it’s the euphoria the track injects directly into my brain. The song feels like a frustrating, electric roller coaster of audible pleasure.

It makes me sad that I’ve only heard it live at a Presets show and never in a club here in LA, because I want to sweat in a dark room with my eyes closed and let every care go on the dance floor, surrounded by other people feeling the same thing.

Listen to "TENDERNESS"