MUST LISTEN 055
Every week, we’ll be bringing you Must Listen: a series that's a compilation of rising artists along with songs that must be added to your everyday playlist. This week’s playlist consists of emerging acts like Lava La Rue, Johanna Samuels, Rachel Chinouriri, and more. Turn up, tune in, and tune out.
Magpie
Lava La Rue loops elements of psychedelic soul and R&B over lo-fi hip-hop beats to a stunning, nearly meditative result. The 22-year-old British-Jamaican artist has been building a loyal following the last few years for her angelic vocals and mellow vignettes. “Magpie” comes from her 2021 EP, Butter-Fly.
All Is Fine
The last single from Johanna Samuels highly anticipated debut album, Excelsior! (out this Friday), “All Is Fine” is piercing white, still delicate, a laissez-faire breakdown. Her somber, gorgeous harmonies breaking the news, “All is fine; sometimes I even keep what's mine; So take your time, I'm already gone.”
Blame Me
“Blame Me” showcases a mellow, jazz-influenced side to experimental artist L’Rain. Intimate vocals and meditative loops twinkle while the Brooklyn-based singer immerses herself in waves of grief and the track swells with emotion.
Darker Place
Zimbabwean-British artist, Rachel Chiniouriri, released her new EP, Four* In Winter, last month. “Darker Place” is a more mellow cut from the EP: catchy, dark, pulsing at once. Chinouriri’s soulful vocals move the listener along the bouncy bassline and cautionary tale of a track.
Catacombs
A heartbreaking mumble barely skates across a stunning arrangement on Canadian singer-songwriter Aaron Powell’s new single “Catacombs.” Calling to mind Ellioit Smith, the beauty of the track lies in its simplicity.
Look
Doss made her grand return with the recent release of her (aptly titled) new EP, 4 New Hit Songs via LuckyMe. “Look” is a euphoric, hypnotic, hyperpop dance cut. It’s pure fun.
Sleep Paralysis
The brainchild of LA-based artists Ynes Mon and Zahara, U.S. Velvet’s “Sleep Paralysis” – their first and only track to date – is a New Order-inspired punk dream. Their harmonies climaxing into a chant as the track falls further into the depths of their unconscious.
Please
Can Jessie Ware do no wrong? Nah. The London queen of nu disco returns with her first new single since her breakthrough 2020 album, What’s Your Pleasure? “Please” will be included on the upcoming ‘Platinum ‘edition of What’s Your Pleasure? and is another uplifting stunner meant for the dancefloor.
Lian ft. Luiza Lian
Brazillian artists Jadsa and Luiza Lian channel Sade in their jazz, soul, R&B, and funk-inflected track, “Lian.” Released via Balaclava Records, one of Brazil’s most renowned independent record labels, the energy on the track is almost palpable.