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 Tuesday newsletter here, and have ‘em delivered directly to your inbox.
Brijean – “Workin’ On It (KCRW Live From HQ)”
We would never play favorites with our KCRW: Live From sessions, but the one that’s coming your way this Thursday (Jul. 25) from LA electropop duo Brijean is pretty special… It’s a carefully constructed set that starts languid and ends ecstatic, plus it reveals some serious intel about a KCRW Summer Nights event that set frontwoman Brijean Murphy squarely on her path to pursuing music full time. Whet your whistle for the full performance with this knockout rendition of “Workin’ On It,” a highlight from their uniformly excellent new LP Macro that everyone (Angelenos especially) can groove hard and hard relate to in equal measure. — Marion Hodges
More: Explore the KCRW: Live From archives
JEMS! – “FLIGHTS”
Sparkle and shine with this new track from JEMS!, a collaborative duo born from the love of the jam. Beatmaker J.Robb brings a production style that’s warm and welcoming like a summer breeze, punctuated with tropical flair, and… is that a sitar? Singer and lyricist Elujay, meanwhile, delivers casual intimacy in layered R&B bars. It all adds up to an extra delightful track. With musical chemistry and skill this clear to hear, there’s no choice but to jump in and take flight(s). — Adria Kloke
The Linda Lindas – “All In My Head”
Ever had the urge to chuck your phone into the sea and move to a cabin in the woods with a pile of books? This track brings that fantasy to life. LA’s Linda Lindas’ high-def-pop-rock style is the perfect vehicle for the playful “lemme alone!” message of this poutily-empowered single. It’s the latest cut to tease their forthcoming sophomore album No Obligation, due October 11th via Epitaph. Click play to indulge your inner isolationist… at least for a little while. — AK
Chime School – “Wandering Song”
San Francisco’s Chime School are self-described jangle-poppers (heavily implied when you call yourselves Chime School). This track definitely holds true to that central style, so click play for a plucky, sing-songy single that wouldn't be out of place at a summer camp fire pit. The whole endeavor is headed by electric 12-string guitar master Andy Pastalaniec and you’ll hear the instrument’s bright, jangly sound all over the rest of the arrangements, making for optimistic music that’s ripe for the season. Chime School’s new LP, The Boy Who Ran the Paisley Hotel, is due on August 23rd via Slumberland Records. — AK
Alice Phoebe Lou – “The World Above”
Rise and shine with this buttery track from Berlin-based, South African singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou. Her closely-held vocals, blonde pixie presentation, and dreamy do-do-do’s bring to mind iconic lady troubadours like Nico and Joni Mitchell. “The World Above” is a quintessential summertime single, like a beam of sunlight piercing through puffy clouds with gleaming keys, bright guitars, and a twinkling charm you won’t be able to resist. — AK