Hello/Aloha/Howdy, my name is Theresa Wong. I'm a graphic design, and soon-to-be interaction design student at KCRW’s homebase, Santa Monica College. I recently had the privilege of working with KCRW’s Music Team (and assisting the Events Team) as a Summer Music Intern.
What an incredible time it’s been. I came into this role as a fan-girl, and since then have developed an even deeper appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes at KCRW. As a farewell project, please enjoy these five hand-picked songs, and my take on why each of them totally rules.
P.S. Wanna be the first to know the 5 Songs To Hear every week? Sign up for the newsletter now, and have ‘em delivered directly to your inbox.
Frankie and the Witch Fingers – "Futurephobic”
Freshly emerging from the dystopian depths of Ronald McDonald’s kitchen, “Futurephobic” appears on Data Doom, the seventh studio album from LA psych-punks Frankie And The Witch Fingers (out today). Their staccato vocals, futuristic synth textures, and mesmerizing harmonies will catapult you into another dimension. Once there, prepare for pure exhilaration as your call to action is ignited, and your awareness of media watchdogs, gatekeepers, and unsettling tech-savvy clowns climbs higher, and higher, and...
Catch FATWF on their tour of the US and Canada now.
Boyish – “Kill Your Pain (with King Princess)”
Queer indie duo Boyish always know how to hit us where it hurts the most, but in a soft gentle kind of way. Teaming up with the one and only King Princess, Boyish’s new track acknowledges the (extremely relatable) ups, downs, and surrenders of being in a relationship. It’s an instant go-to for all those “ugh” moments. Boyish is currently on tour with Claud, and if you love this tune, then you’ll want to save the date for their forthcoming EP, Little Demon Boy, set to release on Sept. 8.
Villager – “Never Gonna Be”
In the heart of the bustling music industry, there exists a hidden gem known as Villager, a visionary music producer and visual artist with an innate ability to blend genres and create aural landscapes that transcend time and space. Villager’s signature touch is an unmistakable blend of innovation and tradition, rooted in a deep love for music. So call your audiophile friends, and if you don’t have any, then make some, because you’re going to need to hear “Never Gonna Be” on quality listening gear. And did we mention that he created the track’s visualizer specifically for 5 Songs To Hear This Week? Dude’s talent is limitless. We can’t wait to see what he’ll come up with next.
DNMO x Wolfy Lights – “Bombalaya”
Get ready to set your soul on fire with DNMO’s (pronounced Den-mo) electrifying track, “Bombalaya.” The dynamic electronic producer joins forces with classically-trained multi-instrumentalist Wolfy Lights to craft a sonic masterpiece that envelops the listener in healing frequencies Wolfy Lights is known to produce. “Bombalaya,” is a twist on the Spanish word for “sway,” and when the piano hits you at 444/432hz, you won’t be able to resist grooving. As DNMO puts it himself, “I think it’s genuinely one of my favorite songs I’ve ever made.” And if you weren’t convinced of DNMO’s talents, watch him simultaneously chef it up and DJ, debuting as ChefMo on UKF On Air.
Melodiesinfonie – “Stay Soft”
Melodiesinfonie is weaving musical magic with every note he touches. The Swiss-born producer and multi-instrumentalist seamlessly fuses jazz, hip-hip, electronic, and soul into a tapestry of romantic, ethereal sounds. Whether you’re grooving to his harmonious rhythms or getting lost in the intricacy of his compositions, Melodiesinfonie’s music invites us to “spread love and positive vibes.” “Stay Soft” is from his newest album, Softboi, and features vocals from artists you’ll definitely want to know: Claudia Isaki, OG Florin, and Pedro Mizutani. A worthy contender for the Feel-Good Album of Summer 2023.