Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
By Saachi Gupta, Astrid Ortega & Isabella Vega
joan - “magnetic”
After spending two years building their sound, which included touring around the world and stealing hearts of people all around the globe, joan is here to land. Their newest track, “magnetic”, shows their carefully cultivated sound, which has a mix of dance party elements along with 90’s R&B, and their skillful gift for meaningful lyrics, such as the refrain “I’ve been around the world, but all i think about is you.” The duo of Steven Rutherford and Alan Benjamin Thomas call their newest alt-pop ballad a “sentimental” track. Rutherford shared “We started writing together while we were still in two separate projects. When I heard Alan working on “magnetic” for his band in the studio, I fell in love with it. We joked back and forth for several years about making it a joan song. When we were in Asia last fall working on lyrics for a few songs, this song just fell into our laps again and made sense to release under our name.” The accompanying music video seems to have been made for our social distancing times, which shows a city-dweller’s dream of escaping to a greener pasture.
Kenny Hoopla - “plasticdoor”
KennyHoopla releases his new EP, how will i rest in peace if i’m buried by a highway, full of genre bending songs that transport you into a dreamlike world. “Plasticdoor” is a track off the EP that continues to show the sound Kennyhoopla masters. It creates a sense of nostalgia while still grasping into the present with hazy dreamy sounds. Mixing experimental indie and synth pop, KennyHoopla will reach into your heart and take you down a series of bittersweetness that you’ll be stuck in your head while listening to him sing, “Thank you for letting me in,” and smooth fairy like vocals following. This song is truly an adventure of feelings. You’ll feel like you’re in a movie where the character is reaching some clarity of circumstances. KennyHoopla is definitely rising, as he gains more attention worldwide, and we’re happy to see the rise right in front of us. Check out his new EP and create yourself a little movie in your head.
Cape Weather - “Falling Asleep”
Los Angeles band Cape Weather's newest track “Falling Asleep” has a name that represents it well– the song is a soothing, gentle ballad– something that we need more of in these tense times. The sweet vocals mix with the music flawlessly, creating a tune that is sure to be loved by anyone who listens to it.
Despite having released only two songs, Cape Weather has already received support from outlets such as NPR Music and The Line of Best Fit. They have also been supported by Spotify, where the band has been added to almost every major Indie Playlist.
A collaboration between best friends Natalie Smith and Eric Jackowitz, Cape Weather was created when the two decided that it was time to make something of their own. Both students of Berklee College of Music and members of other bands, Natalie and Eric started writing songs over the internet while Eric was on tour– and thus, Cape Weather was born.
Feng Suave - “Magnetic”
“Half-Moon Bag” makes you feel as if you’re floating, with soft, flowy vocals and an acoustic guitar riff that transports you to better days. Feng Suave, the Dutch psych-pop duo, released the single as part of their upcoming EP, Warping Youth, due out June 26th. The duo describes their style as “the line between Bill Withers-esque ‘70s soul and quarter-life crisis bedroom-pop. Like a lens flare, these influences of the old and new refract and form their own heavily evocative and hazy marque of hypnagogic pop.” With their witty lyricism that is evocative of deep emotional experiences, “Half-Moon Bag” cements the change in Feng Suave’s bedroom-pop route to something that more deeply expresses their souls, resulting in a relaxing tune that is there for us in a time that we need the most.
Mounika - “Tender Love”
A soft tune with a fun beat to move it forward, “Tender Love” blends indie and electro chill beats for a unique feel. A collaboration with duo, Ocie Elliot, “Tender Love” is accompanied by a tasteful and entertaining music video directed by Louis Faury, Mounika.'s long-time friend. The layers of simple instrumental and production elements flow effortlessly with the sweet vocals to create an inviting atmosphere.
