Out of the many Milwaukee artists who have been taking off over the last couple of years, Johnny Franchino has always stood out. This is not only for his notoriety but also for his style of music. He has had as much success as anyone from the city, and has gone against the grain while doing it. While most artists who have had success in Milwaukee focus on the infamous Slap music sound, Johnny has gone a different route. Instead, through his acclaimed AESTHETIX series, Johnny has created a style of music that is entirely his own. He combines modern R&B and Hip Hop sounds with classic EuroHouse and Hi-NrG music in a manner that’s unlike anyone I have heard. Johnny Franchino began this AESTHETIX music journey in 2023. Over the course of the year, he put out 12 singles and an EP; he was recognized by music publications locally and internationally, and became known as an artist to watch. In 2023, Johnny also put out music with his Rock band The New Grey, showing how wide-ranging an artist he is. Johnny Franchino worked just as hard in 2024, releasing several more singles under his AESTHETIX series. In addition to this, Johnny released a few more singles last year with a totally different, more Trap-oriented sound under the moniker INTERMISSION. These releases further exemplified how eclectic he can be. In 2025, Johnny Franchino is back on the AESTHETIX grind, having released two singles this year, both of which I wanted to briefly highlight below. Please let me know in the comments what you think of Johnny Franchino and these new singles, and also comment the names of any other local or independent artists you think I should look into!

Johnny Franchino’s first release of the year, ‘Caution,’ was dropped back near the end of January. This may be the most intense and high-key release of the AESTHETIX series so far, which is saying a lot. The melody that drives this one is ominous; it is driven by dark and melancholy synths complemented by metallic sound effects. The beat for ‘Caution’ has a harsh, pounding sound that will inject energy into anyone who hears it. The tempo is provided by pounding 808a with a timing that reminds me of Big Room House music. The snares and hi-hats that complement it add to the song’s massive, in-your-face feeling. Johnny Franchino delivers a vicious, brash rap on ‘Caution’ that more than matches the feeling of the instrumental. With this kind of best, his vocals had to bring the juice, and they certainly do so. ‘Caution’ is a raucous House track that reminds me of the raves I used to frequent growing up. Johnny Franchino’s second single of the year, ‘Why don’t you like me,’ came out a couple of weeks ago on March 7. This one turns down the pressure a considerable amount; it has a lot more of a low-key and easy-going sound than the preceding track. The melody for this one is a lot lighter and brighter. The melody is driven by a groovy bassline that is complemented by sleek, luscious synths that make the song charming. The beat has an even-keeled and steady EuroHouse sound that is reminiscent of the voguing music of the 1990s. Johnny Frsnchimo’s vocals on ‘Why don’t you like me?’ are pretty laid-back and cool as well. They certainly fit the more nonchalant feeling of the song.  This is the kind of track that would be perfect to play during a fashion show, as it has the kind of swagger that is perfect for a runway. With these two new releases, Johnny Franchino has kicked the AESTHETIX series off to a good start in 2025. I am excited to see what he does next with it throughout the year.