MUST LISTEN 105
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 Ditch Days, Tobias Dray, and Lolo Zouaï.
After a fast emergence into the Portuguese indie scene with their debut album Liquid Springs, the Toronto/Lisbon band returns with their latest single “Private Eyes.” Navigated by hypnotic vocals paired with velvety synths, they create a sensual atmosphere that backdrops a common threat in many relationships: mistrust.
A new era of hip-hop is calling, and Philly-based rapper NxG has answered. Collaborating with highly acclaimed rising artist Iayze on their engaging new single, “Next Up,” the two deliver a hard-hitting anthem that’s simultaneously uplifting and vicious.
Coming down from the espionage vibes off of his last single, Tobias Dray releases his atmospheric track “Bottle of Bombay” along with a hazy video. Juxtaposing tender melodies with glitchy production stylings, Dray further proves his propensity for sidestepping any mold he comes close to fitting into.
Singer, songwriter, and multimedia artist, sticktype, releases his debut single, “HAND ME DOWN.” The track has cinematic energy to it that fits perfectly for any coming-of-age story. The moody ambiance of the production paired with sticktype’s vocals holds your hand through an intimate journey of nostalgia.
Eora/Sydney-based collective Mel Blue return with their energetic new single “Everything About You”. The single sees the band propel their party energy into another dimension - dance floor-ready beat, velvety vocals, and straight-up vibes combine with hints of early 2000s dance music to create a track that will sit very comfortably on your feel good and weekend playlists.
Paul Hernandez, under the moniker Katzù Oso, releases his second single, “Thinking Too Much” from his forthcoming debut album due out later this spring via Cosmica Records. Showcasing a new sonic venture for the indie-bedroom artist, the groove-driven R&B single wraps its vibes in the soft melodic harmonies with help of Honeywhip, which also marks Oso’s first guest feature.
Just as the word Ludic describes, spontaneity and undirected playfulness perfectly represent how the Vancouver alt-pop trio makes music. Exuding a delightfully bright and unique brand of groovy tunes, Ludic seamlessly blends vintage and present soul, funk, jazz, and pop. “Brain Food” is a standout track from their debut EP, Grown?, inspired by their experiences in the education system. Finding it difficult to fit inside of the box, feeling simultaneously too smart and too dumb for it.
Lolo Zouaï is back today and bigger than ever with her new single, “Give Me a Kiss.” A track fitting to carry the pop princess into a new era of her artistry, Lolo channels moody and seductive energy while evoking a romance that twists blurred lines into tunnel vision.