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This presentation of “Artist Spotlight” will focus on the likes of Q Steven Marsden. Q is a rising star in the music industry who still seems to find himself being underrated at times. In this piece, AJ Stone thumbs through his discography and discusses what sets Q apart from the rest.

Written By: AJ Stone (1/7/26)

For the first rendition of my series Artist Spotlight, I’ll be exploring the unique and beautifully chaotic world of singer, songwriter, and producer Q Marsden. The rising star, more commonly referred to as “Q,” has built a cult underground following by blending genres such as R&B, Reggaeton, and Soul, while introducing his own spin that creates a deeply intimate atmosphere for the listener.

Q, a Florida native, first burst onto the scene with a collection of shorter tracks called “Thoughts.” A deeply emotional piece of art, Thoughts provides what its name entails. Q presents the listener with an opportunity to deliberate and reason with pain while listening to vulnerable songs over acoustic melodies. The standout in Q’s repertoire of exhilarating talents is his raw vocals. The vocal range he owns has the makings of a star, and he struts about on Thoughts like he knows it. The headlining song on this collection of quick hitters is “Who Will?” A track full of romantic toxicity that speaks of a mutually detrimental relationship that Q feels like he may be overindulging in. The production throughout this record is bare minimum but well executed, which is to my liking. An early collection of musical nuance to showcase the raw vocal performance of a young artist coming into his own.

Following Thoughts, Q’s debut album “Forest Green” may have been one of his weaker works to date. Although later projects completely topple it, “Forest Green” is an intricate part of the young artist’s journey to finding himself. The production heard throughout the debut album was a huge step from the acoustic group of songs Q started off with. A few songs remained on the more relaxed end of the production spectrum, but songs like I Might Slip Away if I Don’t Feel Nothing, Pray Together, Lady, and Lavender all laid the framework for what Q would evolve into on The Shave Experiment (Director’s Cut).

The Shave Experiment (Director’s Cut) is one of those albums that entirely changes how you see music. I had never heard such an electronically pleasing album that also developed a brooding human element. Q’s unlimited vocal range presents a unique opportunity for experimentation. He covers so much ground, and it feels like he’s still off and running. The intro, Garage Rooftop, is most likely the best song on the album and competes for best track in Q’s entire discography. A discography, I might add, that is becoming quickly crowded with well-executed projects and sonically pleasing tracks. The amount of soul that is directly infused into the music on The Shave Experiment (Director’s Cut) is astounding. Q finds a way to blend retro vibes with modern heartache and arranges a space for mental healing and self-love. Take Me Where Your Heart Is captures the feeling of wanting someone but not knowing who you are to begin with. A tale as old as time in the music industry, Q finds a way to put his own trademark on with headspinning production and synths that will have you airborne.

It’s common for young artists like Q to hit a wall after such an early masterpiece like The Shave Experiment. Instead, Q draws a Wiley Coyote tunnel and walks right through. Soul,PRESENT wasn’t a personal favorite of mine, but it’s a testament to the growth that Q consistently pursues as an artist.

One of the most underrated features in modern art is continuing to internally push yourself after you’ve found a successful formula. Q could easily continue to provide moody acoustic songs centered around his entrancing vocals and minimalist production that we’d all love. Rather than that, he continues to pursue an ever-growing version of himself that we should all be grateful to get to enjoy.

Soul,PRESENT is followed by Hello, Everyday Changes. Even though it’s only three songs, these three are POWERFUL. The most intoxicating of the trifecta is the song Everyday where Q continuously reminds the listener of unconditional love. You can listen to this track from the perspective of projecting love into the lives of others, or you can listen to it from a vantage point that administers self-love in trying times.

Q piggy-backed off ofHello, Everyday Changes with an album in 2025 titled “10 Songs.” It may not be his most experimental piece, but it very well might be his best executed. All ten songs on this project are well produced, catchy, provide a unique listening experience, and also capture something Q hasn’t always possessed: replay value. Having replay value isn’t always a testament to artistic integrity. It can hint towards taking “the easy route” and creating art for clicks rather than for the purpose of creating. I don’t think Q sells his artistic soul by any means on this project; I just think he’s getting better. At times, his raw vocals over the peppier beats are almost reminiscent of industry enigma and RNB legend Frank Ocean. Q demonstrates his ability to create a loving and upbeat vibe while staying true to his groovy flows on songs like California girl and be with ya.

Stumbling upon the music of Q Steven Marsden has been a blessing to my listening journey. His range as an artist, vocalist, and even a producer isn’t appreciated nearly enough. I would expect Q to release something sooner rather than later that the industry won’t be able to ignore, which could launch his raunchy raw talent into the mainstream media of modern music. Q is a star; he’s been shining, maybe you just haven’t been looking.