Malcolm Todd

Malcolm Todd is a singer-songwriter and record producer recognized for his genre-blending approach in alternative R&B and indie pop. Todd began his musical development during the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching himself bass guitar at age 16 before expanding to acoustic guitar. While in high school, he collaborated with Charlie Ziman to write and produce music, resulting in the EP "Demos Before Prom." He also contributed to sketch comedies and played bass in the pit ensemble for his school's musical theater productions, experiences that influenced his songwriting style.

Todd's music career progressed while he worked part-time at an ice cream parlor and studied music production at the University of Oregon. He independently released his second EP, "Shower Shoes," and built an online following by sharing demos and engaging with audiences on platforms like TikTok. Todd gained significant attention by presenting his demos as unreleased Steve Lacy tracks, which attracted curious listeners and expanded his reach. He signed with Columbia Records after his singles "Art House" and "Roommates" went viral, both of which appeared on his mixtape "Sweet Boy." His live performance debut at Winston House in Venice, Los Angeles, marked his transition from online presence to live artist.

The mixtape "Sweet Boy" highlighted Todd's honest songwriting and eclectic production, while his self-titled debut studio album further defined his artistic identity. The album's lead single, "Chest Pain (I Love)," entered the Billboard Hot 100, and a duet with Omar Apollo, "Bleed," showcased his collaborative abilities within the alternative R&B and indie pop genres. The deluxe edition, "Malcolm Todd (still)," elevated the album's chart performance. His track "Earrings" later achieved international chart success, reaching the top 40 in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.

Todd's sound blends indie pop and R&B, drawing from the bedroom pop scene and alternative R&B influences. He cites Steve Lacy, Omar Apollo, Dominic Fike, and Rex Orange County as inspirations and has been compared to Smino, Kali Uchis, and Tyler, the Creator. Media outlets have described his style as featuring groovy production, intricate vocal layers, and a fusion of indie songwriting with alternative R&B. Todd often avoids traditional song structures, writing music that reflects his emotions in real time and describing his work as "emotional documentation."

Todd has performed at major music festivals, including Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival and Laneway Festival. His second studio album, "Do That Again," was preceded by the singles "Breathe" and "I Saw Your Face." With a substantial following on social media platforms, Todd continues to blend alternative R&B with the perspective of an indie singer-songwriter, establishing his presence in contemporary music.