MUST LISTEN 011
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 Lucía Martinez, SAAKB, and Jontha Links. Turn up, tune in, and tune out.
Lucía Martinez - “Something Like This”
“Something Like This” transcends you into a dimly lit room where you and your friends are carelessly dancing under a gleaming disco ball. Lucía Martinez, also known as DJ Saskia, or just Saskia, is a recent Harvard graduate who wrote his senior thesis, Saccharine, a personal and academic research of pop music - also the name of his most recent project.
Simon Grossmann - “Parte de Mi”
Simon is often referred to as the “Latin Jack Johnson”- his warm vocals and clever songwriting make singing along effortless. “Parte de Mi” is easily a favorite from Simon’s latest EP, he accompanies the catchy tune with visuals of a space journey he embarks on as he struggles to get over a girl he left behind on another planet.
SAAKB - “Pause This Moment”
SAAKB’s melodious voice and composition on his latest single “Pause This Moment” will inevitably have you in your feelings, similar to his other R&B singles.
Reyna Tropical - “Dolor”
Shoutout to “Discover Weekly” on Spotify for introducing me to this dynamic Mexican duo. Although “Dolor” is a song written around pain, reflection, and the process of healing, their beautiful layering of reggaeton beats and Afro-Mexican melodies creates a unique sound that makes it impossible to sit still.
Desire Marea - “Tavern Kween”
Discovering Desire Marea’s music was an introduction to Gqom, a genre of electronic dance music that emerged from South Africa. In his first studio album, Desire takes his Gqom influences and blends them with contemporary nightclub sounds. Tavern Kween, written mostly in Desire’s native Zulu, is a slow-burn disco anthem that has elements of healing and sacredness that are felt beyond the language.
Nsqk - “Tonos de Azul”
Nsqk’s EP, Botanica, graciously manifests him as a genre-bender across all five songs. “Tono de Azul'' stands out amongst the rest, and even those that may not understand the Spanish lyrics about the ups and downs of a romantic relationship, will find Nsqk’s voice to have a sedative effect.
AQUIHAYAQUIHAY - “Tiempo Perfecto”
The anti-boy band created a hit with “Tiempo Perfecto, released earlier this year. The five-member group seamlessly mesh their smooth vocals to formulate an R&B track that you’ll have on replay.
Noa Sainz - “MAYDAY!”
Mexico City-based singer and songwriter, Noa Sainz, is shaping R&B. This track has a smoky and smooth sound that borders on the line of being neo-soul. Being the title track from her recent EP, the project contains a compilation of songs that range from experimental hip-hop to an alternative R&B.
Jontha Links - “Hora”
Jontha Link’s latest single “Hora'' talks about confidence and moving on from immense heartbreak. The afrobeat influenced track is accompanied by a groovy animated video featuring the duo, which adds a playful element. The duo also puts on an incredible live show, leaving the listeners in anticipation for more.