These days, it’s no longer unusual for future pop stars to get discovered while performing cover songs on social media. Social media has in many ways replaced the independent coffee house or open-mic night as the place for budding performers to explore their talents, and ever since Justin Bieber broke out from YouTube in 2009, it’s been a reliable way for young musicians to pursue success. Singer-songwriter SoMo is the latest up-and-comer to emerge from YouTube, thanks to his 2009 piano-driven version of Chris Brown’s “Crawl,” which was his first viral hit, and a 2011 medley of Drake’s Take Care.
Those covers and others help SoMo land an audience for his own original music, beginning with a 2013 mix tape and leading to his 2014 self-titled major-label debut, featuring the hit single “Ride.” SoMo’s own music draws on the pop, R&B and hip-hop he first drew attention for covering, with a personal, soul-searching perspective. His second album, Answers, was released in March, and All Music said it “finds SoMo digging deep and expanding both his musical and emotional palette.” For a guy who started by grabbing the attention of online time-wasters, he has plenty of depth yet to explore. –Josh Bell
Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq, 7 p.m. June 8, starting at $20 plus fee. 702.862.2695
