Mouse Powell isn’t your typical rapper. He emerged from the Arizona desert and now weaves thoughtful lyrics into a laid-back sound that blends indie hip-hop, alt-pop, and reggae-adjacent vibes.
His latest single, “Home,” leans into that blend beautifully—an introspective, easygoing track featuring Logan Rex, the powerhouse vocalist from Artikal Sound System who’s been turning heads with her soulful delivery and magnetic stage presence.
A Mellow, Memorable Hook
The song opens with a mellow guitar loop and a hook that hits like a familiar breeze. There’s a sense of comfort baked into every bar, with Powell reflecting on belonging and the subtle ways we find peace in a chaotic world. It’s smooth but sharp—like something you’d bump with the windows down, letting the beat ride while the message sinks in.
“‘Home’ was such a fun track to make,” Powell told us. “It started with a guitar riff and the hook that I brought to Stravs and Ryan [of Katastro] at Kamp Recording Studios in Tempe…”
The Power of Collaboration
Once the bones of the track were laid out, Powell shaped the verses and mood—but he knew it needed another voice to round it out. Someone who could bring warmth and depth without weighing it down. Logan Rex was top of mind—and luckily, she was game.
“Fortunately, Logan was one of the first people we thought of, and she was down,” he said. “We knew she’d do something really rad—she absolutely killed it.”
Logan’s feature brings a gentle strength to “Home,” gliding through the chorus with a mix of clarity and cool. She doesn’t just show up—she locks in, giving the song an emotional balance that takes it from solid to special.
“She’s such an amazing performer, and working with her was a real treat,” Powell said. “She came to town to do her feature for ‘Time Tho’ on the Katastro album, and the next day we all made ‘Home’ together. It was a really fun session. It just felt really comfortable.”
Adding Gritty Texture
That creative ease is what makes the track resonate. There’s no trying too hard here—just a group of artists in sync, building something that flows. With an added layer of gritty electric guitar from Tanner, the hook pops just enough to linger without overstepping the chill.
“Tanner added some gritty electric guitar on the hook, and it really just all came together naturally,” Powell added.
From Studio to Stage
But, the connection between Powell and Artikal Sound System didn’t stop at the studio door. Not long after cutting “Home,” Powell joined the band on tour and turning that creative spark into real-life chemistry.
“I’m just super grateful to Artikal Sound System,” he said. “We got to do the East Coast together last year pretty shortly after we made ‘Home,’ and they were all such genuine people.”
I caught that tour when it rolled through Asbury Park, NJ—and trust me, it was something special. The energy, the crowd, the vibe between Powell and the Artikal crew—it was clear they were in their element. It was one of those shows where you just knew everyone on stage was fully connected and loving every minute of it.
A Smooth, Heartfelt Single
“Home” from Mouse Powell isn’t trying to be loud or flashy—it’s smooth, heartfelt, and rooted in real connection. It captures that rare sweet spot where the vibe is chill. The message hits home and the collaboration feels completely natural. Powell and Rex cooked up a track that hits deep and rides smooth from start to finish.
If “Home” has you craving more from Mouse Powell, you’re in luck. The track is one of six already-released singles from his upcoming album Don’t Trip, I’m Fine, dropping May 16, 2025. You can presave it now on Spotify so it’s ready to spin the second it lands.
Check out the 2-part interview we did with Mouse Powell earlier this year and keep an eye out for more.