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If you're like me, you don't like keeping a ton of emails in your inbox. But, if you're also like me, you need a system to keep track of the things that you want to remember from those deleted messages. For those of you who are enjoying the new RWM Music section of the Friday Six Minute Mile newsletter, I have created this post that highlights each song and the story behind it. That way, if you're trying to remember a song from 17 weeks ago, you don't have dig through old emails to find it. Because let's be honest, none of us have time for that. Listen. Like. Share. Repeat. #turnitup
9/8 - ‘The Streets’ by Double Vision
Double Vision is a band that is composed of the duo Aleesha Dibbs & Billy Wright from Sydney, Australia. It’s got an old school, mellow vibe with electric undertones. The intro is slow and spacey before upping the pace when the vocals kick in. I can’t stop replaying this gem.
9/15 - ‘Run’ by Night Panda, feat Anjulie
Night Panda never fails to disappoint with their super upbeat, highly motivating jams that often make you want to drop what you're doing and cut a rug or go for a run. Or both. Their entire catalog is worth a deep-dive if you’re looking for more uptempo tunes for your playlist. I went with their song ‘Run’ this week for obvious reasons.
9/22 - 'Tide' by JDM Global
Released in 2021, the song is not new but both the song and the artist are new to me and I am digging all of it. I can't stop listening to this gem, in particular, that has a colorful, psychedelic edge to it. Makes me want to get my surfboard out and hit the water. And I don't surf. So running will have to do. Close enough.
9/29 - 'Attack of the Ghost Riders' by MØ w/ The Reveonettes
I love The Raveonettes and have been listening to their old school, alt-rock music for many years. But this recent twist on what was already a killer tune is borderline jaw-dropping. I also happen to love MØ and have a plethora of her songs on my various running playlists. This particular collaboration is off their most recent album ‘The Raveonettes presents: Rip It Off’ which is a celebration of their original album "Whip It On" released 20 years ago, on which they invite friends to join them for covers of their songs. The entire album is worth your time but "Attack" got my blood pumping and had me picking up my pace without even realizing it.
10/6 - 'Big 7' by Burna Boy
Burna Boy is an Afro-beat artist from Nigeria. 'Big 7' is off his latest LP, "I Told them..." which was released this past August. I'd never heard of Burna Boy prior to discovering this new song but the guy is prolific & if you're into this sound he's actually got a total of 7 albums to explore. I love his quote in Stereogum about this song in particular, "‘Big 7’ is a melodic tribute to embracing new heights in my musical journey." Amen to that! This song definitely takes me to new heights in my run journey every time it comes on. Play it loud!
10/13 - ‘My Whispers Are Wildfire’ by Ida Mae
The band is composed of husband and wife duo, Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean from the UK. 'Whispers' is off their second album, "Thunder Above You" which was released this past August. Jean's voice is smooth and sultry but it's Turpin's guitar that mesmerizes. Listen to the whole song start to finish and then listen again as you hear something new and different each time. They are labeled folk/blues, a category you may not usually throw into your running mix. This time I think you will.
10/20 - ‘Bloom' by ill peach
The NYC based duo is composed of Pat Morrissey and Jess Corazza. Both were already working together as professional songwriters for other artists such as Icona Pop, SZA & Weezer. Then finally, and to our good fortune, someone suggested they take their self-described "weird" music and start their own project. And thus "ill peach" was born. 'Bloom' is on their recently released EP, 'COLLIDING'. Pop, punk, alternative, sweet, salty - all of it. Please and thank you. In my humble opinion, every song is worth your time. Run, dance, do what you do. They all work. For all of it. #turnitup
10/27 - ‘Dramamine’ by Middle Kids
Middle Kids is a Sydney-based, alt-rock band led by Hannah Joy who also happens to be married to bassist Tim Fitz. I discovered them back in 2021 upon the release of their second album, “Today We're the Greatest." I was running ultras at the time and found myself listening to both their second and their first albums on repeat regularly. “Dramamine” was co-written by Joy and Fitz and is off their soon-to-be-released third album “Faith Crisis Pt. 1” set to launch early next year. It's a happy, hazy, upbeat gem that inevitably lifts my mood every time I put it on. Which in turn tends to get me excited to lace up and run. So, yeah, for obvious reasons, this one is typically a daily pick.
11/3 - 'The Secret To Life by Fizz
The band is composed of Orla Gartland, dodie, Martin Luke Brown and Greta Isaac, all better known for their budding solo careers in various genres including indie, rock, punk & folk. You often hear the term Supergroup associated with bands that are made up of well-known individual artists but they have rejected this label outright and instead claim to be a cohesive unit grounded by their friendship and their desire to do something totally different on the side. With Fizz they are taking a break from their day to day work and jumping into something creative and fun that also feeds their other interests as musicians. 'The Secret To Life', released just over a week ago, is an upbeat, toe-tapping, high energy jam that hooks you in right from the start. I can't help but smile every time it comes on. Perhaps they have the Secret?
11/10 - 'Do The Right Thing' by HAARM
This Liverpool based trio met in a bar and has been together since 2016 which is surprising because despite how good they are, I'd never heard of them until last year when I discovered their song 'Foxglove'. They're unique in that they have two lead singers, both songwriters, which leads to a different sound that's a bit more trippy and sonorous, almost oddly beautiful. 'Do The Right Thing' was released last month and is one of a string of singles they'll be putting out every six weeks as they build up to the release of their debut album which is set to come out in the spring of 2024. Personally, I will be waiting eagerly for more.
11/17 - 'Blame the Moon' by Cain Culto
This one is totally different from the last few and that is on purpose as I don't want to get stuck in one genre for these weekly picks. Cain, born Andrew Estevan Padilla, began as a pastor making electronic Christian music. In 2020, they chose to take things in a new direction and used their music as a way to express themselves during this transition and to share their new perspective. 'Blame the Moon' is a funky, pop groove that sinks right under the skin; starting with the upbeat percussion and then enhanced by Culto's eerie, falsetto vocals. They have a ton of new music in development and will undoubtedly be a well known name across many genres in 2024. In the meantime, get your funk on with all the gems that are out now.
11/24 - 'Easy' by Misterwives
Formed back in 2012 and based in NYC, Misterwives is led by singer Mandy Lee. Apparently, the band came together because Lee wanted an 80s cover band to play for her birthday. And that's all she wrote. Pun intended. The well-known indie-pop band was dropped by their first label mid-pandemic and "Easy" is about being resilient, managing heartache and eventually getting back up and starting again. The message, even when things are difficult, they will get better, resonated with me and, I'm guessing, likely does with most. I can't help but nod my head to the beat as Lee sings, "I'm still standing and my heart's still beating. It gets easier, but it's not easy." Tell me that doesn't apply to almost everything we deal with in life. Especially running.
12/8 - “What Now” by Brittany Howard
This talented artist, of Alabama Shakes fame, has one studio album to her name and will be releasing her second, also titled "What Now," next year. She took her solo path back in 2019 and snagged a Grammy for her song "Stay High" in 2021. She's back with this powerful, almost dark lyrical masterpiece that legitimately makes you want to dance – a combination that's wild and oddly magical. It kind of feels like there is nothing this woman can't do. I will be waiting anxiously for the full album. Until then, I will have this single gem playing daily.
12/15 - 'Lies for a Liar" by GERD
Before hearing this song, I was not at all familiar with this artist. And after listening to it many, many, times, as well as the rest of the songs that she has released, my question to you today is: How is that even possible? Holy hell, this woman's voice. Well, young woman. Born in Sweden in 1995, Elin Gerd Mona Lundgren's love for music began the moment she could walk. She pursued a career in music after high school and following some tough hurdles while getting started, a couple moves and multiple enrollments in schools, she landed in London and started what I can only imagine will be a very lucrative career. "Lies for a Liar", her debut single, was released in 2021. And the rest is history. I will be shocked if we don't hear more from this freckle-faced phenom in the near future.
12/22 - 'newrules' by Sjowgren
Pronounced "Show-grin," this indie pop trio is based in San Francisco and prefers to keep themselves somewhat under the radar which, for a band, is both rare and – in my opinion – very cool. They formed back in 2015 and gained substantial attention when their song “Seventeen” was in a commercial. They've since released multiple singles and an EP through their own label, all while maintaining their behind-the-scenes vibe; focusing primarily on songwriting and artistic direction. There is a lot going on in “newrules.” It has a dreamy, almost psychedelic beginning that eventually flows into an upbeat rhythm as it draws out all the different vocals. I dig it. I think you will, too.
**** 2024 ****
1/5 - Gently, Dreamer by Cayo Coco
I'll go ahead and date myself here but this song takes me back to my teenage years with its ‘80s vibe. Cayo Coco is the solo project of LA-based Lumen Loraine. “Gently, Dreamer” is the first song off his upcoming album set to be released this year. Loraine sings and plays every instrument on the track, a talent that always blows my mind for obvious reasons. He told Broken 8 Records in this interview that he doesn't know much about keys or music theory, but just that he knows how to "have fun and get lost in the sonic landscape." I mean, when I'm running, I basically want to have fun and get lost in the sonic landscape myself, so I get it. I think. Maybe not. But I love the song. And I'm clearly psyched for more.
1/12 - Bonfire by LANNDS
LANNDS is comprised of Rania Woodard and Brian Squillace and “Bonfire” is off their latest album, “Music for the Future.” In the spring of 2021, the duo holed up in a remote cabin in Northern Georgia with the goal being to just wake up each day and create what felt right at that moment. The two of them produced, engineered, mixed and provided vocals for the entire album. Their music has a funky, electro-pop sound which is enhanced by Woodard's really cool vocals. “Bonfire” has so much going on but is also oddly simple. You have to listen to it a few times to catch all of the intricacies. Which I did. And highly recommend you do as well. Then dive into the entire album.
1/19 - Terrible News by Middle Kids
I discovered this band back in 2021 when I was a wee bit obsessed with their song “Cellophane (Brain)“ off their first album “Today We're the Greatest.” Originally from Sydney, the trio made up of Hannah Joy, Fitz and Harry Day, snagged an ARIA award for that first album and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the past few weeks they've been dropping singles off of their new album, “Faith Crisis Pt. 1,” which is set to be released next month. Personally, I'm digging all of these teasers but “Terrible News” is a straight up banger and I cannot get enough. Joy's voice is sharp and snappy and together with Day's drums, they manage to keep the whole vibe upbeat despite the fact that the song happens to be about a dark and challenging time during the pandemic. I freaking love this band. Go check them out. I think you will, too.
1/26 - 'adore you' by Fred again and Obongjayar
This one is pretty out there and I love it for that reason. British producer and DJ, Fred Gibson (aka Fred again) teamed up with Nigerian-born/London based Obongjayar who provided the absolutely stunning vocals on top of GIbson's trippy keyboards. Released back in August of last year, the song has a vibrant, whimsical feel that inevitably makes me smile the minute it begins to play regardless of my state of mind. And these lyrics, "And I pray, pray you never lose your star, I'm so proud, proud of all that you are. Ooh, I adore you." I get chills every time I hear it. Apparently, the song is dedicated to Gibson's sister which is just so touching. Share this one with someone you love. Then dance around the kitchen while you listen to it, preferably with that person.
2/2 - 'Last Time' by Lovpune
Based in LA, Lovpune is an independent artist who started making music at the age of 15. She experimented with a few different bands before stepping out on her own into the ethereal world of alternative synth-pop. This song doesn't come out swinging; you have to be patient and let it build. Her voice is smooth and dreamy and she hooks you in with that alone, but when the synth is added and the song's rhythm picks up it's like....whoa, now we're rollin'. That's when you turn the volume up and let it sink in for the rest of the song. The legs are almost moving on their own by the end. It's the perfect song for a warm-up, perhaps, when you want to ease in slowly for a beat or two and then switch gears and take it to the next level. Lovpune's first album, “By Design” is set to be released this March. I'm definitely fired up for more from this artist.
2/9 - 'Still Getting It Done' by Ghost of Vroom
Ghost of Vroom is an alt-rap band featuring Mike Doughty and Doughty's long time collaborator, Andrew Livingston. I've been doing a lot of training on the treadmill lately to avoid the icy roads outside. For me, the indoor grind can be, well, a grind. But good music always makes it better. It doesn't matter what kind of headspace I'm in or how I'm feeling when I get going, when this song comes on everything is good and right in the world. Doughty, formerly of the band Soul Coughing, created this solo project, Ghost of Vroom, in 2020 and “Still Getting It Done” is off his third album, “Ghost of Vroom 3.” Produced by Beastie Boys collaborator, Mario Caldado, Jr., (IYKYK), this gem is an absolute funk fest. I don't believe you if you tell me you don't want to cut a rug when it comes on. Play it loud, my friends.
2/16 - Falling Apart by Nyassa
This is a new artist for me and I am smitten. I know, I say this a lot. I can't help myself sometimes. That is the power of music, I suppose. Originally from Australia, this mesmerizing pop-artist, whose father was also a musician, taught herself to sing when she was a little girl by listening to other musicians on her CD player and teaching herself their vocal melodies. She spent several years developing as a singer-songwriter, doing much of her work with her dad who played the instruments for her songs. Released in October of 2023, “Falling Apart” was written on her bedroom floor with her partner who provided the beat as she sang the chorus which she made up on the spot. What started out as a project that was just for fun became this brilliant single. Expect new music from her in 2024 and check out her videos as her fashion game also happens to be out of this world.
2/23 - Explode! by Mother Mother
Sometimes a song comes along that is so good it literally stops me in my tracks and makes me want to turn around and high five a stranger. This is one of those songs. Mother Mother is a quintet that hails from Canada but tours all over the world and has a very loyal following due to their intense connection with their fans. I love that. “Explode!” is off of their second album “Grief Chapter” which was released about a week ago. I did a deep dive into the album and I was not disappointed. I honestly think I could run to every single song, which is very rare for me. And freaking wonderful. But this one? This one really sizzles. For me, it's all of their voices together and the mix of both mellow and intense laced throughout the song. It's like nothing I've heard in awhile. Run, don't walk, my friends.
3/1 - Jaguar by Yaeger
In her “About the Artist” page on Spotify, she puts herself in the “emotional rave pop” category and I am here for it. In many ways, it's the same category I put myself in on race day; emotionally ready to rave and pop. So, obviously I want this gem playing in the background as I get myself amped up and ready to go. Yaeger, also known as Hanna Jäger, is an up-and-coming artist from Sweden. “Jaguar” is off her recently released EP, also titled Jaguar. This song has an almost spooky vibe at the start and she hooks you right in with her beautiful, airy vocals. As the song picks up you almost feel like you're on the hunt with her as she sings "Jaguar, I'm runnin', even though I'm stunnin' / It's enough to call it the baddest b*%&h of all here / Jaguar, I'm startin', no way out." I won’t believe you if you tell me you don't want to start running, dancing or moving in any way, when this song comes on. But, see for yourself. Play it loud. ROAR
3/8 - Silence is Loud by Nia Archives
This is straight up dance music at its finest, and sometimes, that's just what you need and/or want to get you moving. Born and raised in England, this 24-year-old phenom, who happens to be a singer, songwriter, DJ, and producer among other things, broke onto the scene back in 2020 and gained momentum as she toured all over the world. She is often categorized as a Junglist – “Jungle” being dance music that developed out of the UK rave scene in the 90s. “Silence Is Loud” was just released this past February and while the track has a lot going on, there is a beautiful madness to it. I suggest you take a minute to sit and listen to this one, let it sink into your bones. You'll feel it. It's that good.
3/22 - The Confession by Sam Feldt
Let's just go right to his X (Twitter) bio, shall we? "Through my music, I hope to make a difference and bring joy to others." Please and thank you, Sam Feldt. You almost don't need to hear the song to know it's going to be a game changer. But then you do and you get out of your chair and bounce around the room like a 10-year-old school girl. OK, maybe you don't do that. But you get what I'm saying. A Dutch DJ, producer, entrepreneur and environmental activist, Sammy Renders, whose stage name is Sam Feldt, is well known throughout the world for his electronic, dance pop music. While his catalog is prolific, “Confession,” just released this year, is at the top of my list. This gem will definitely be playing while I'm running down the streets of Boston in April among many of his others, I'm sure.
4/5 - Too Slow” by Maude Latour
The 22-year-old singer/songwriter from NYC wrote her first song at 15, went viral with her “One More Weekend” during the pandemic, signed with Warner records the next year and the rest is, as they say, history. Although she's really just getting started. “Too Slow” is a straight-up pop explosion in the best way possible. She has a deep, rich voice with multiple layers and textures that enhance each song and give her a sound that's all her own; something that is often hard to do within this genre. Fun fact, Lautour sat next to my niece, Katharine, on a bus ride to a track meet a few years ago and they became fast friends. Katharine is the one who introduced her to me back in 2022 with her song “Cyclone” and I've been a big fan since. It's fun to follow someone you kind of know through six degrees of separation and watch her progress as she puts the pieces together and enjoys success. My hope is she'll be around for a long time. I need more music like this in my life.
4/12 - Incredible" by Sia, featuring Labrinth
I make an effort to choose songs by artists who are not as well known for these SMM picks, as I hope to introduce new music that I'm liking whenever possible. That said, the Australian phenom Sia really needs no introduction. She is, as far as I'm concerned, the dance music queen and personally my favorite artist to listen to while I'm running. Her album “LSD” that she made with English singer songwriter, Labrinth, and American DJ and producer, Diplo, is easily one of my top picks. So, while Sia doesn't necessarily need a leg up at the moment, I can't help but share this song, which just feels so perfect for those of us who are lining up for the Boston Marathon next Monday. The song opens with "Hey, you know the world gets tough, Say the word and I'll lift you up.” Damned if she's not speaking directly to you as you get ready to take on the beautiful but brutal Boston course. And then, yes, you ARE incredible, a line she repeats multiple times throughout the song. And yes, you should be repeating this to yourself the entire time you're out there. Believe it, my friends. You are.
4/19 - Our Time Is Now by NONONO
I love this band. I first stumbled on them back in 2013 when their song "Pumpin Blood" came out. Also a great cut and worth adding to your run playlist. The Swedish, indie-rock trio are known for their high energy vibe and lead singer, Stina Wäppling's, songbird voice that has a ridiculous range. This upbeat gem makes you want to stop what you're doing and call a friend to tell them you want to do that thing that you've always talked about but never done. Because your TIME IS NOW. Or, at the very minimum, go for a run. Because it's always time for that.
4/26 - California Screaming by Liz Lawrence
English singer-songwriter, Lawrence, has two self-produced albums and her third, “Peanuts” is set to be released this June. “California Screaming” happens to be from 2020, so not hot off the press, but still relatively fresh. Her voice is both unique and alluring and goes so well with the upbeat rhythm of the song that builds steadily into a high energy ballad with some funky twists at the end. In digging a little deeper, I learned that Lawerce is also the second half of the duo Cash + David, one of my favorite bands to listen to while I'm running. Who knew?? Since discovering Lawrence, I've spent some solid time with both of her albums and if you like this song, I highly recommend you dive in. You will not be disappointed. Scream it loud, Liz!
5/10 - Do It For You" by Little Monarch
I don't have a lot of disco music on my running playlists and for no good reason, to be honest. The genre itself is pretty legendary. And this song is an absolute funk fest. Led by singer-songwriter Casey Kalmenson, the band has been around for a while but is reintroducing itself with this new release; their first in about a year. I stumbled upon this band back in March of 2023 when I found and shared their song “Tangerine”. Also worth a listen. But this? This is totally different. This one makes me want to put on my skates and hit the roller rink. (And, yes, I used to do this with my friends.) I can't get enough of this single but I do hope we get more from Little Monarch like this in the near future. In the meantime, I'll try to track down a roller rink.
5/17 - Here We Go by Norman
After digging for more time than I'd like to admit, I can find absolutely nothing about this band other than it is composed of three musicians, all of them well known in both the TV and movie world, who met in 2016 and simply agreed to start making incredible music together. The lyrics in this song are what grabbed me when I first heard it: “I will run, I will rise, I will grow, I will climb to the place I belong, I will fight like the world′s never known, Like the world's never known, Here we go." Tell me that doesn't make you want to immediately go and achieve great things? And, honestly, who doesn't need a song like this in their lives? Here we go, baby.
5/24 - On the Game by the Black Keys
This duo, composed of guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney have been playing together for over 20 years. I'm guessing most of you are familiar with their music and/or know of them in general. If I'm being honest, I wouldn't intuitively turn to this band for workout music. But "On the Game" is unique in that it holds that blues-rock sound they are so well known for while also being incredibly upbeat and, for lack of a better word, snappy, which is really different for them. This song is off of their 12th studio album, “Ohio Players,” which was released in early April. I'm loving the entire album, but “On the Game” is the one that makes me want to lace up and hit the road. Plus, as we roll into Memorial Day weekend I can see this album being a staple for the picnics and barbeques. Or, in my case, bus rides to track meets with my headphones on. Hey, whatever works.
5/31 - Eat Them Apples by Suzi Wu
I'm taking a hard turn after last week's blues-rock pick by The Black Keys. This one jumps right out and grabs you from the first beat. Well, there are a couple Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nahs but then she dives right in. And it's a full on sound explosion. Suzy McDermott, stage name is Suzi Wu, is a 23 year old electro-pop sensation from London and while “Apples” was released in 2020, she's relatively new to me. Naturally, I spent some time going through all of her music and there is nothing I don't like. She has released multiple EPs but has yet to launch a full album. I really hope we get more from her in 2024. Not to worry, though, there is plenty to bite off in the meantime
6/7 - All A Mystery” by Phantogram
This New York duo, made up of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, have been making really good music together for more than 14 years. They have released four studio albums and their sophomore effort, “Voices” is one of my all time favorites for running. Barthel's vocals along with their “mind-bending guitar and hazy synths,” as described by “TSIS,” produces a sound that's very unique to them and is likely a big reason behind why they have been so successful. “All A Mystery” was just released this spring and will hopefully be on a fifth album, predicted to launch this fall. We haven't had new music from them since 2020 so I'm overly excited for this one. Based on this single, I'm guessing the album will be a lock. I do love a good mystery, though. Don't you?
6/14 - Diamond by Soran
Based in Montreal, Soran, a half-Japanese and half-French singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, has an incredibly unique sound and a really, really cool voice. His music is inspired by everything from R&B to Pop and you can hear the full spectrum across all of his songs. His latest album, “Loneliness Confetti,” was released this year and it is worth a listen; perhaps a couple times in a row, as you will likely catch something different the second time. There is something for every mood - chill music, run music, dance music - which you don't often get on a full album and is a big reason why I dig it so much. “Diamond” opens with a twinkly intro and moves smoothly into a sweet groove that hooks you from the first couple beats and locks you in further with his vocals, which are funky and, to be honest, kind of soothing. I'm a really big fan of this one; both the song and the artist. And, yes, very eager for more.
6/21 - Like I Say (I Runaway) by Nilüfer Yanya
Yanya, a British singer-songwriter, learned how to play guitar at age 12 when she dove straight into rock and roll. She is most known for her breakthrough album, Ms. Universe, which was released in 2019 to rave reviews. “Like I Say” is the latest single off of her highly anticipated fourth album, “Method Actor,” set to be released this September. There is so much going on in this song and I am enthralled by it. It begins with a cool acoustic groove and gives you a taste of Yanya's unique and absolutely beautiful voice. Then it's a slow but steady build to a slamming refrain with bold guitars that light the song up in a totally new way. Back and forth like this for the whole song. Her music has an indie-rock-jazz vibe with a touch of psychedelic and electronic. So, yes, a little bit of everything. I've really never heard anything like it and that is so rare these days. I probably say that a lot, but that's the goal of these song picks, to keep things interesting and hopefully a little left of center. Hope you dig it as much as I do. I say that a lot, too.
6/28 - Hey Jane by Leaving Irene
I'm just going to come right out and say this one isn't gonna make the walls shake as it's a bit mellower than my usual picks. That said, it's a pleasant, upbeat gem that will likely put you in a good mood as it sinks in. Ideal for your warm up or cool down or to pop up in the middle of your easy, long run. As we know, beautiful things often stem from loss and this EP, "Basement Springs' is definitely one of them. Cousins Rocco and Jake DeRosa formed Leaving Irene in 2023 after the passing of Jake's dad (Rocco's uncle); using it mainly as a way to process the grief and heavy emotions that went along with their shared loss. I'm really enjoying all four songs on the album and am hoping we'll hear more from these guys in the future. I love how things come together like this, unexpectedly, perhaps, but potentially leading to something wonderful that all of us get to enjoy.
7/5 - HUMAN” by Until The Ribbon Breaks
The group, often referred to as UTRB, is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Pete Lawrie-Winfield from Cardiff, Wales. Lawrie-Winfield has been producing this unique, somewhat seductive music with bandmate, Eliot Wall, since 2012. His first album, “A Lesson Unlearnt,” is absolutely spellbinding. Electronic, pop, rock, hip-hop; there is a little bit of everything with a really cool alternative undercurrent running throughout all of it. “HUMAN” is off of their third album, “The Visitor,” which was just released this past June. The entire album is so good it was really hard for me to pick just one track to share here. Take some time with this song and then consider a deep dive into the entire album as it truly works for all moods. After that, assuming you like what you hear, emerge yourself fully into the rest of their music. You will be moved. I'll put money on it.
7/12 - Smoke by Nia Akins
Yes, Nia Akins. The professional mid-distance runner who just won the 800 at the Olympic Trials and will be competing for the US in Paris at the end of this month. I'm sorry – if this doesn't blow you away, I don't know what would. Somehow, while training her ass off to be one of the best athletes in the world, she manages to find time to write and produce really good music. And here's what's so cool about it all. When she discovered her love for singing and started her career back in 2020 she had zero knowledge of anything. Her words: "I feel like a fetus in a sumo wrestler's body." She's clearly putting the pieces together as she has released five songs in 2024 and plans to issue her first full album, “Roses,” later this year. "Smoke" is the first song she put out but it is my favorite so I can't help but feature it here. That said, they're all lyrically and melodically beautiful. Both fragile and strong. She's got something special and I'm so fired up to hear more from her.
7/19 - The Runner" by Anna Smyrk
The title alone should be enough to make you want to stop what you're doing, press play and turn it up. The lyrics suggest she's running from someone that she cares about. But when you're out on your long run, sweating your face off, does it really matter? No. Because you're a runner, dammit. And you should scream it out loud along with her. The song is an alt-pop explosion; a power ballad, if you will, and, yes, it makes you want to run. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Smyrk has become somewhat of a sensation recently and most of this is on account of her incredibly unique voice which Rolling Stone has described as "truly astonishing". After listening, I can't help but agree. "The Runner" is off of her latest EP, “Cortisol and Blue Light”, which was released in 2023. Fans are clearly smitten with Smyrk and she is definitely one to watch out for this year as there is more coming our way and based on what I've heard so far, it's gonna be good. I'm excited. I think you should be, too.
7/26 - Whatthehellishappening by Glass Animals
Perhaps you know them from their popular hit “Heat Waves” which came out back in 2020. That particular gem was off of their critically acclaimed third album, “Dreamland.” But this British indie-rock band has been making really good, incredibly unique, borderline psychedelic music since they formed back in 2010. "What the Hell..." is off of their newly released fourth album, “I Love You So F***ing Much.” Based on reviews and the first couple of songs that came out, I was really excited to dive into the full album. As expected, it does not disappoint. The day it came out I played the entire thing from start to finish on my run and I was totally blown away. It's rare that one band can hold my attention that long, especially when I'm working hard and crave variety. I have to say, it's still on a regular rotation both for running and in my car because I keep finding little nuggets of awesome as I explore it even further. In my humble opinion, you should spend some time with this band. Glass Animals...right now, they're what's happening.
8/2 - Born to Bleed" by Red Hearse
The band is a supergroup, if you will, made up of producer/singer/songwriter, Jack Antonoff, singer-songwriter, Sam Dew and hip-hop producer Sounwave, who has worked with hundreds of artists and often collaborates with Kendrick Lamar. The self-titled album was released back in 2019 but the guys had known each other well before that and would get together frequently to play for fun. According to Antonoff the three friends "just started making songs and they started making sense as a whole" and from there Red Hearse was born. The album is truly remarkable and totally different from the other music they tend to produce on their own. Honestly, it's pretty different from a lot of my "go-to" picks as well; more soul and significantly funkier, which I obviously love. I am totally digging the whole album but "Born to Bleed" has been on repeat for me this week. It really resonates when I'm out there grinding, for obvious reasons. Crank this one up.
8/9 - Death Valley High by Orville Peck with Beck
Okay, two things. I am not a big country music fan. And in my humble opinion, Beck is, hands down, one of the best artists of our time. So bottom line, I can be swayed to listen to a country tune if Beck is a featured guest. And I freaking love this song. Right out of the gate it's a toe-tapping, knee-slapping, jam and Peck is the ultimate storyteller. Peck, whose birth name is Daniel Pitout, is based in the US but grew up in South Africa and dabbled in voice-over work, ballet and the theater before fully dedicating himself to music. He's also known for wearing a mask in public and when he performs. He doesn't talk about it much mainly because he wants people to have their own take on it. It's a look. And it works. Think what you want. "Death Valley High" is off of his newly released album, “Stampede” which is chock full of good tunes, many of them with guests that you know and love such as Willie Nelson and Elton John. And, of course, Beck. I am not going full country at this point but I will absolutely keep this gem on rotation. Giddy. Up.
8/16 - Happy Again by Phantogram
Hailing from New York, they are Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel and I'm guessing many of you are familiar with this dynamic duo as they've been making killer electro-pop music since they formed Phantogram back in 2007. As you'd expect, I was smitten with their psychedelic vibe from the get go. So, naturally, when this new song popped up I was thrilled, both because I was sure it would be a total slammer (it is) and because it means we will be getting more new music from them in the near future (it does). They have four studio albums and all of them worth your time; especially for running or working out as the majority of their music gets the blood pumping almost instantly. They are touring this fall with Kings of Leon and I'm sure that show will not disappoint. At 49, I struggle to stay awake for live concerts these days (I know, pathetic) so I will be eagerly waiting for the next album. We will just have to be “happy” with this until then.
LISTEN HERE:
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