5 Songs to Hear This Week: Flume returns, PJ Morton gets romantic, and more

Written by

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.

Australian, electro-pop wonderkind Flume has just dropped his first new single since a (pre-COVID) 2020 collaboration with Toro y Moi. Homeboy Sandman wanders through New York City, rapping stream-of-consciousness style on the minutiae of modern existence. And LA’s own band of teenaged riot grrrls, The Linda Lindas, are quite literally growing up before our very eyes. All of this and more awaits, so let’s get to it.  

Follow us on Spotify to keep up with our current obsessions, including 5 Songs to Hear This Week, Global Beat Australia, and our weekly sampler of KCRW’s Top 30 most played records


Flume - “Say Nothing (feat. MAY-A)”

Here’s a track that won’t hold back. Featuring big-time production, meaningful messages in both words and imagery, and the innovative sounds we expect from Aussie electro powerhouse Flume, this one’s sure to turn heads. Our very own Anne Litt got the scoop in an exclusive interview at the digital video release afterparty — so keep your eyes on KCRW Music, as there might just be some spicy Flume content soon.


floresflores - “Ocean”

It’s been too long… Let’s take a trip. This wandering sonic scrapbook of a track from the somewhat mysterious, Mexico City-based floresflores is packed with easter egg synths, unexpected twists, and kinetic musical treats. Paired with a video that serves as the ultimate woah-inducing visualizer, this track delivers on its promise of viajes cosmicos.


The Linda Lindas - “Growing Up” 

We’ve seen the future and… it rocks. Click quick for a killer group of girls on guitars. LA’s own Linda Lindas are a band whose natural chemistry accompanies ace-in-the-hole song structure and instrumental acuity. This one will surely call to mind every great pop-rock song that set the tone for all of those great teen movies that you half-watched at birthday sleepovers.


Homeboy Sandman - “The Only Constant”  

When’s the last time you shed a tear on some rhymes? This mellow hip-hop track from Homeboy Sandman features the kind of straight-from-the-soul lyricism that’ll play with your heartstrings. Topped by glittering samples and a sweetheart lullaby piano tune, this is one for your baby. P.S. I <3 NY.


PJ Morton - “Please Don’t Walk Away” 

Need a dress rehearsal for Valentine’s Day? Get your game right with this suave and stunning confessional from singer, songwriter, producer, and Grammy-winner PJ Morton — who you may also recognize from Maroon 5. Showing up for love with the horns, the tickled keys, and just the right words, this track will inspire what you crave from the one you adore.