MUST LISTEN 042
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 5an, Kara Marni, and HIDDEN PPL. Turn up, tune in, and tune out!
5an - UP
Orlando-based artist 5an kicked off the new year with the release of her new EP ##ChromeDreams. Following up from the rapper’s project REIGNofVIRGO - WISHED YOU WELL (Deluxe),the 14-track project displays the rapper’s vocal abilities. Standout track “UP” meshes influences from Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert while fusing minimalistic production and heavy auto-tune to create her own signature sound. Having a few projects in her repertoire, hopefully we’ll see more of the promising rapper throughout the year.
daste. - somebody like you
Australian trio daste. closed out 2020 with news of their upcoming debut album dusk//dawn while also sharing its first single “either way,” and coming back to us this month with the album’s second single “somebody like you.” The creamy upbeat lo-fi track is layered with silky production that gives you a purely blissful listening experience.
Kara Marni - Trippin
Interpolating the 2000s smash hit “One Thing” by Amerie on her latest track “Trippin,” The North London singer-songwriter adds her unique flair to the famous chorus by creating a smooth-velvety pop/R&B hybrid; a rare find amidst the music space today.
Ayla D'Lyla and Miss Madeline - Life Could Be Sweet
The princesses of pop, Ayla D’Lyla & Miss Madeline come together on this very Y2K influenced pop banger. With a punchy chorus, energetic production, and clever lyricism, the song transcends the expectations seen in modern day pop music and leaves you floating on a cloud through candy colored skies with a lemon martini.
HIDDEN PPL - romance in the park
The anonymous hyper-pop group HIDDEN PPL shine on their debut track “romance in the park.” Slithering through the shadows, the dynamic pop innovators are hoping to highlight perspectives from marginalized groups through the method concealing their identity and focusing on the storytelling in their music. Excited to see what’s next from them.
tyler coolidge - PRIVACY (feat. Joyce Wright)
R&B singer-songwriter Tyler Coolidge teams up with celestial songstress Joyce Wright on their incredibly smooth & brilliant track “PRIVACY.” The track exudes absolute R&B goodness with a danceable production that has a hint of nostalgic energy embedded within.
Rook Monroe - Californialand
Fresh from his debut EP, Californialand, singer-songwriter Rook Monroe has been known to write for other artists but decided to use his expertise with the pen to his own advantage. Standout track “Californialand'' mimics the same energy that can be traced to care-free summer nights. Drenched in a sunsoaked production strung along with smooth indie-pop vocals, the singer-songwriter shows promise to be on your radar for 2021.
Dounia - f.ck me eyes
Dounia is the twenty-something who’s music is a slap of fresh air. Her latest release “f.ck me eyes” is packed with silky smooth vocals and sensual verses that float over a hypnotic, murky production. After a year of consistent and high quality releases, we’re eagerly waiting to see what's next from Dounia.
Zoes Wees - Girls Like Us
Eighteen-year-old Hamburg, Germany-based artist Zoe Wees kicks off 2021 with her brand new single “Girls Like Us.” Blending vulnerability with strength, Wees send a message of togetherness and solidarity to girls around the world who are feeling the pressures of society. It’s a middle finger to the impossible beauty standards that are still being peddled by brands, influencers and algorithms.