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.
Hataalii – “Brown Fool Eyes”
Arizonan and member of the Navajo nation Hataałiinez Wheeler is in possession of a triple-take voice. He sings with a bass, style, and gravitas that belies his relative youth while remaining playful — even through the mournful nature of this dusty-trail single. And maybe he was born to do it: Hataalii, his artist moniker and a natural shortening of his first name, is Navajo for “to sing.” Click play for that voice, plus crystal-clear guitar chords, uplifting percussion, and a video rich with symbolism.
Choses Sauvages – “En joue”
We practically broke into a sweat rushing to subscribe to all things Choses Sauvages after hearing this single from the Québécois six-top. Blending together elements of post-punk, alternative, indie-pop and more — the band presents an energized picture of musical joy and creation. So if you’re a fan of actual bands — ya know, a buncha’ real people with real instruments that are plugged into functional amps… all of whom are busting cool/freaky moves that come from within (not a choreographer)… AND you’re looking to be (re)inspired: click play, tout suite.
El León Pardo – “La Perica”
Ready to access your higher power? In this ecstatic track, Colombian maestro El León Pardo summons the energy of gaita, or gaita zuliana, a style of South-American music adjacent to salsa and merengue. And Pardo plays it with a contemporary flair through the addition of synthesizers and electric five-string bass. Maracas, bongos (delightfully referred to in this context as “happy drums”), and the instrument version of gaita (specialized flute) lead the pack. Click play for the musical catharsis you need to shed those November blues.
Les Amazones d'Afrique – “Wa Jo”
Check your timidity at the door, this track’s 100% major. Musical collective Les Amazones d'Afrique features an incredible slate of singers and musicians from countries across the African continent — all of them women. The supergroup’s name nods to their all-female intentions as it’s a reference to a female-led group of elephant hunters from centuries past. This track is pure power: from the mesmeric chorus, to the electro-funk bridge and the artists’ statement on body positivity. Wa jo!
Yazmin Lacey – “The Feels”
Cool down with this loungey groover from East London songstress Yazmin Lacey. Confidently offering a supreme blend of soul, funk, and R&B with juuuuust a touch of disco, Lacey’s smokey-sensual voice will work its way firmly into your heart. Don’t miss the video for a masterclass in what the kids call **aesthetic** ... Plus, some twosome choreo that’ll get you out of your seat for real.
