MUST LISTEN 009
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 spill tab, boylife, and Bree Runway. Turn up, tune in, and tune out.
Konradsen - “Television Land”
This Norwegian duo is one of my favorite discoveries in the past few months. “Television Land” is a minimal gem, and their 2019 album Saints and Sebastian Stories is a collection of some of the most delicate melodies/writing I’ve come across in a long time.
boylife - “peas”
This is a public apology to my roommate for playing this song too loud everyday--sometimes on repeat. Ryan Yoo, also known as boylife, sings to a loved one over the course of the song’s ascent. With its lush production and reassuring lyrics, it’s easy to find solace in a track like this.
spill tab - “Calvaire”
Claire Chicha’s vocals are so effortlessly cool that it’s hard to not love this infectious track. Directed by Alex Kabundji, every corner of this visual that accompanies it is so buoyant and carefree and you can’t help but dance along with her.
Arlo Parks - “Black Dog”
This song delves into the experience of helplessness when watching someone you care about struggle with their mental health. Although it touches on a more serious subject matter, it is simultaneously heartbreaking and comforting. I’ve always admired Arlo for her vulnerability and smartly-written lyrics. I’m also a fan of her self-curated Spotify playlist, Arlo’s tunes.
Yenkee - “Lucy”
Yenkee’s feel-good single “Lucy” is a soulful and honest letter to a loved one, addressing his affection and concern amidst present-day complexities. Reminiscent of sounds like Unknown Mortal Orchestra and TEMPOREX, Yenkee is definitely one to watch.
Sorry - “Right Round The Clock”
“Right Round The Clock” is a captivating song with a hauntingly intriguing arrangement. The UK-based band has a slightly nostalgic feel with their debut album ‘925’ a slight recollection of the post-punk era. Signed to Domino, I’m excited to see where this band takes their sound.
Kudu Blue - “Are You With Me?”
This is a beautiful nod to UK Garage, and their EP of the same title carries a lot of sensuality and soul throughout the entire project.
Chuck Sutton - “Dissonance”
It’s hard to label where this song fits, but that’s what makes it so fun to replay. As one of the first singles he released following his 2019 album i know what i’m doing*, it’s clear that Sutton isn’t afraid of experimenting with his music and is unapologetically originative.
Bree Runway - “All Night”
My friends and I have a collaborative Spotify playlist called Hot Girl Quarantine, where I first heard this song. This is one of the more R&B-leaning tracks of her EP, but she’s always been a relentless genre-bender. The visual is also the perfect accompaniment for a track like this.