Quebec-born artist Loui Grandson has carved out a bold, uncompromising space with his latest EP, MiddleMan. Entirely self-produced, composed, arranged, written, mixed, and mastered in his home studio “The Aquarium,” the project is a raw, unfiltered dive into frustration, self-discovery, and defiance against the pressures of both the industry and society. If you’re looking for something unique, unconventional, and charged with emotion, this EP delivers it with intensity.
The central theme of MiddleMan is anger—both at others and at himself. As Loui explains, the “middleman” is the figure who’s cut out of conversations when they’re no longer useful, exploited for their effort, and left behind once the favors are done. Through this metaphor, he reflects on being taken advantage of in creative collaborations, disillusioned by fake promises, and burned by empty words. That frustration becomes fuel for music that feels urgent and cathartic.
Beyond personal betrayal, the EP takes aim at the broader culture of the music industry. Loui critiques how artists are forced to mold themselves into “content creators,” chained to algorithms and constant promotion, while authenticity and artistry risk being swallowed up by the grind. This tension—between creativity and commodification—is at the heart of MiddleMan. The project is both a statement and a refusal: Loui rejecting naivety, reclaiming his agency, and stepping into his identity as a main force rather than a background player.
Musically, MiddleMan draws inspiration from alternative hip-hop and CloudRap, with heavy nods to the scene of the 2010s. But Loui’s sonic palette is anything but predictable. He experiments with classic sampling techniques, layered textures, and unconventional choices that keep the listener on edge. The beats carry grit and weight, while his delivery moves between rap and song, unafraid to stretch across English vocals despite criticism aimed at him as a French-Canadian. That defiance only sharpens the edge of the project.
Two standout tracks capture the essence of the EP. Still An Hermit is a deep reflection on isolation and identity, threading personal struggles with a broader sense of cultural detachment. Alfred Pennyworth balances philosophical musings with sharp, visceral emotion, culminating in the powerful line: “Come the same difference, I blame you out of anger. And deep down I knew, it would be the death of me.” Both songs exemplify Loui’s ability to fuse raw honesty with layered production, creating something that is at once personal and universal.
The recording process, fast and direction-driven, channeled the energy of his anger directly into the music. Nothing feels overproduced or forced—every sound carries intention. The result is a body of work that doesn’t just showcase Loui’s talent as a one-man team but also his resilience as an artist navigating a flawed system.
MiddleMan is not just an EP—it’s Loui Grandson’s declaration of independence, an artistic purge, and a refusal to be sidelined. By turning his confrontations with anger into sound, Loui has crafted a project that is both fiercely personal and widely relatable. This is the sound of an artist stepping out of the shadows, burning bridges that never served him, and running forward stronger than ever.
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