Photo Credit: Joshua Jackson Stewart
Brandon Arreaga, Edwin Honoret, Nick Mara, Austin Porter and Zion Kuwonu have embraced their place in the history of pop music. For a time, the future of PrettyMuch was uncertain. Simon Cowell brought the group together in 2016, and they debuted in 2017 with “Would You Mind,” which landed on Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 Airplay chart. But the group felt their music being pushed towards stock archetypes under Cowell’s Syco Music, and the dissolution of the label in September left them in limbo (Cowell departed earlier that July). After a year without a record deal, they finally have a new, supportive home at Sire Records, and they’re working towards a debut studio album.
I think over time this group has only gotten better. Following the release of their new single ‘Stars’ last week, five-piece group PRETTYMUCH have unveiled their highly anticipated EP Smackables. Released via Sire Records and completed in their home studios during the pandemic, the three-track EP also includes new tracks ‘Parking Spot’ and Free’, showcasing PRETTYMUCH at their strongest yet. With the band playing a hand in the writing and production of the songs, the five-piece are at their most authentic whilst carving their own lane.
Since there last EP, where PRETTYMUCH took control of the creation of their own music, the group has flourished. Smackables is an ambitious offering which marks a new beginning for PRETTYMUCH. Every inch of the EP is true to the band’s artistry and allows them to unapologetically be themselves. Be sure to check it out below.