Hey! Did you know that there’s an entire aspect of KCRW music discovery that you might be missing out on? Fear not, because our 5 Songs to Hear This Week newsletter is now a weekly feature on our website. Watch this space for rundowns of the five songs that you need in your life immediately, curated by KCRW Music staff. Don’t want to wait for your latest taste of fresh tunes? Sign up for the Friday newsletter here, and always be the first to know.
Pachyman – "Sale El Sol”
Pachyman called. He wants you to know that his fourth LP Switched-On is out now, and the vibes are juuuust right. We absolutely need this sunshiney track — more a meander than a strut — to deliver us from these long hot days into what’s comin’ up next. Featuring reggae-tinged guitar, synths laden with echo, and minimal (but ace) vocal touches from the man himself, this track and its vintage SoCal video are your instructions to bring the vibe this weekend.
Laura Misch – “Listen To The Sky”
Ever been implored to keep your ear to the ground? Flip the script and go heaven-level with this dreamy flow-state single from multidisciplinary artist and producer Laura Misch, sister of UK jazz leader Tom Misch and experimental synthesizer/saxophone combiner in her own right.
Mother nature is Misch’s central influence, and this track will have you ready for a spritely forest bath in no time. Sample The Sky, Misch’s debut album and her first release since 2016, is out October 13th via One Little Independent.
untitled (halo) – “spiral”
Thank God the ‘90s garage rock revival has lost no steam, as evidenced by this standout shoegaze track from LA-based baby band, untitled (halo). We don’t know much about them yet, and mystery is a virtue. But this track speaks for itself, and with a danceable beat, fuzzy guitars, and a behind-the-cafeteria coolness factor, it harkens a big fat future for four LA musicians.
Mei Jun – “Typhoon”
We love a good song-as-movie here at KCRW. And this latest track from LA-based artist Mei Jun is a great example. It just feels like cinema — plenty of story, big sonic characters, unexpected twists, and a hopeful conclusion. This tune will feed your spirit, so those suffering from an end-of-summer creative block, take note. And catch Mei June live at KCRW’s School Night on Monday, October 9th.
Kah-Lo – “Karma”
Let’s bring some electronic heat this week with this sass-factory of a dance cut from Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer-songwriter Kah-lo. With classic UK dance sensibilities — including catwalk-inspiring synths and ‘90s electro beats — this one’s got “lip sync for your life” written all over it. Find your challenger and let’s go, ladies.