At the beginning of every month, I compose a playlist of all of the songs I’m listening to. The 50 or so tracks consist of complete, recently released projects, single-song discoveries I’ve made on the web or tracks that I’ve decided to bring back because, well, why not. Here are ten hand-picked songs from my August ’15 playlist. Enjoy.
XYLO - “America”
LA-based sibling combo Paige and Chase Duddy have raised their worth from 100 Facebook fans to over two million collective plays on their Soundcloud- all within six months. Their debut track “America” is breathtakingly powerful, crowded with dramatic orchestral sounds and deliberate marching drums. The thunderstorm of a song culminates on lead singer Paige Duddy’s angelic vocals, lending the track its spectacularly theatrical sound.
Robert DeLong - “Long Way Down”
DeLong’s sharp vocals cut deeply into this well-balanced sci-fi instrumental, a steady blend of ripping synthesizers, dissonant pianos and distorted vocal samples. The Washington-based musician has rooted his sound in electronica, with an overly emphatic Death Cab-esque delivery that inflects it with notes of alt-rock and dance/pop.
Jamie xx - “Girl”
Over the past six years, Jamie xx has cast himself in a few differently lights, from the two full-length studio albums has one third of the cloak-and-dagger British inide-pop band The XX to his 2011 compilation of Gil Scott Heron remixes. His highly anticipated solo debut represents everything that he’s capable of as a producer, collaborator and DJ. While the entire album is strong, “Girl” is a standout. It’s a trance-inducing banger, filling the floor with cascading vocal samples and a distant crying horn.
Jazz Cartier - “New Religion”
Jazz’s in-house-producer describes his sound as “cinematic trap music”, a description that accurately encapsulates the striking, in-your-face combination of chainsaw synths, snapping snare drums and horror movie choir voices. The glorified trap beats that Jazz raps over work well with his Travi$ Scott-esque flow and delivery.
The Internet - “Girl (feat. KAYTRANADA)”
On “Girl”, California collective The Internet flirts with elements of hip-hop, funk and acid jazz while staying anchored in R&B. Their sound has been labeled "alt-R&B", a sub-genre popularized by the likes of Frank Ocean, The Weeknd and Miguel.
Alabama Shakes - “Gimme All Your Love”
There’s a lot to say about Alabama Shakes’ second LP, Sound and Color. Like lead single “Gimme All Your Love”, the cross-genreal album is powerful and melodramatic. Brittany Howard’s voice is incredible; possessing allusions to Janis Joplin, Curtis Mayfield and Otis Redding.
Kevin Abstract - “Not on DOASM 02 (feat. Matt Champion”
Despite it’s rough mix, Abstract’s “Not on DOASM 02” knocks. The instrumental’s menacing drum kit and moaning 808’s flood the background, making any Travi$ Scott beat sound soft.
Shelter Point - “Cut Me Loose”
UK duo Robin Hearn and Liam Arnold have thrived on a style similar to the likes of James Blake and James Vincent McMorrow: hazy, dream-like electronic instrumentals and soulful, effortless vocals. “Cut Me Loose” is nothing short of that, as the numbing beat provides the perfect contrast to Arnold’s elegiac falsetto.
Jai Paul - “Zion Wolf”
British electro-R&B artist Jai Paul has been a peculiar case. In 2013, a 16-track LP was posted to his BandCamp, followed by a statement that the project wasn’t actually his album, instead, a leak that his fans were discouraged not to buy. Despite the fact that he has yet to release any new material (or even release a complete mix of any of those songs), tracks off of the faux-album landed on Pitchfork’s Best 200 Songs of the Decade.
Miguel - “...goingtohell"
Both The Weeknd and Frank Ocean have found a niche for themselves, a lyrical and emotional discontent that are subtly apparent in their material. While the two contrast in their musical styles, they share an ability to uncover the darks of their lives with the same sort of numbed indifference. Sonically, Miguel's Wildheart represents the trend that R&B has taken. The LA-native's idolization of Prince and Jimi Hendrix have never been more apparent; as his pure falsetto rings over the wining guitar.
