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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.
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