Bartees Strange

Bartees Strange (Bartees Leon Cox Jr., b. 1989) is an English‑born American artist based in Baltimore, Maryland, whose music defies genre labels. Raised in Mustang, Oklahoma, he blends indie rock, soul, hip‑hop, post‑punk and more into a powerful and emotionally rich sound.

His debut album Live Forever (2020) introduced his genre-hopping style—ranging from emo‑tinged hooks to lo‑fi folk and rap‑rock—earning critical praise and establishing him as a boundary-breaking voice. His 2022 album Farm to Table expanded his scope, featuring stylistic variety and socially conscious lyrics recorded amid pandemic reflections.

In February 2025, Bartees released his third album Horror, a concept-driven project co-produced with Jack Antonoff that grapples with insecurities, fear, and the struggle for connection. Tracks like “Lie 95,” “Sober,” “Baltimore,” and the explosive “Wants Needs” illustrate his evolving mix of soul, rap-rock, and nostalgic retro sounds. Critics praised the emotional depth while offering mixed views on the slicker production style.

Live, Bartees commands attention. In 2025, he toured North America promoting Horror, delivering genre-blending performances with his backing band that highlight both high-energy rock moments (“Sober,” “Too Much”) and introspective pauses (“Baltimore”).

Bartees Strange is also known for his identity as a Black queer artist. He weaves his personal experiences—including childhood isolation and intersectional reflections—into his music and lyrics, creating work that is deeply personal and culturally resonant.