In the fall of 2017, NPR Music and VuHaus' public radio network kicked off Slingshot, a collective effort among taste-making music stations to elevate exceptional emerging artists.
The inaugural class included Big Thief, Jamila Woods and Lo Moon. As the three artists traveled around the country, public radio stations produced videos, conducted interviews and recorded live performances, both on-air and on NPR.org/Slingshot.
In 2018, each music member station selected one Slingshot artist in January and will add more to the list throughout the year. Many, like WebsterX (nominated by Radio Milwaukee) and Haley Heynderickx (nominated by opbmusic), are important players in a station's local music scene. Others, like Jade Bird (nominated by KXT), are rising stars from abroad. Keep an eye out for new additions throughout the year on our 2018 page.
Check out the NPR Slingshot page.
WEBSTERX
In the center of Milwaukee's growing hip-hop scene is a tall, skinny kid ready to take over the world.
Goes well with: feeling love at the end of the world, crowd surfing, inspiring a whole city
Should open for: Tyler, the Creator; Lupe Fiasco; Chance the Rapper
WebsterX, a tall, skinny kid with an awkward mustache, stands in the center of Milwaukee's music scene. Recipient of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's No. 1 album of 2017, the Critics Choice album of the year at the Radio Milwaukee Music Awards and his face on the cover of Milwaukee Magazine, WebsterX comes from a city that loves him. And he's had a strong hand in building that scene; he performs with the New Age Narcissism collective, a rotating cast of musicians, dancers and creatives who share stages and call each other family.
When he's not on stage inspiring an audience, he can be found in the community inspiring the next generation. WebsterX helped found FREESPACE, a monthly event designed to give high school students a venue to create, learn and perform with more established local acts. The event itself has created its own community — a sense of family for Milwaukee's young performers.
On stage and off, WebsterX is a dynamic person. He is electricity with a microphone, a big heart, a mentor — and he's ready to take over the world.
-Justin Barney, Radio Milwaukee