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.
Hector Morlet – “We’re So Tight It Hurts”
Ouch! Click quick for a funky, sexy, and fun track from Aussie producer Hector Morlet. Perky enough to get you going while equally suitable for a laid-back hang, it’s the lo-fi pop track your playlist’s been missing, ideal alongside the likes of Thundercat, Tame Impala, Anderson .Paak, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. One to watch since his under-the-radar debut a few years back, Morlet’s latest offering is more undeniable proof that the generation of bedroom producers with skills honed by lockdown-focus and accessible software are comin’ up from behind.
Billy Woods & Kenny Segal – “Soft Landing”
Grounded and contemplative, this heavy track from cult-favorite rapper Billy Woods and local hip-hip hero producer Kenny Segal is a reflective surface: hit play and find out what you see. Featuring stylishly languid production from beatmaker Segal, who can be seen in the video alongside a masked Woods actively crafting on a handy little beat pad, plus an ironic take on a Sinatra classic, this track will have you feeling... good. Without the B.S.
Sans Soucis – “Merchants (Sofia Kourtesis Remix)”
It’s been a long cold winter in LA… time to find a pool. Luckily, you’re halfway there: this sunny-days remix track has all the poolside vibes you need. Enjoy layers of lite-touch sampled percussion, breezy echoed vocals, and a hip-boppin’ BMP that’s grooveable whether you’re chilling at the swim-up bar, floating on an inflatable, or splayed out on a chaise lounge. San Soucis is the artist, producer, and songwriter responsible, and their mission statement says it all: to make “music that invigorates the soul.” Yes please.
Kwes. – “Open Up (Feat. Sampha & Tirzah)”
Get ready to go there: this track’s a roadmap to finding a deeper connection with your chosen person. According to this beautifully produced, rich-like-dark-chocolate single — from the original score for “Rye Lane,” a South London story of love, loss, and general antics which was celebrated at Sundance last year — quality time and vulnerability are the keys to going all-in on love. Celebrated vocalists (and more) Sampha and Tirzah represent the couple in the song’s lyrical narrative, each bringing the warmth and openness signaled by UK staple producer Kwes.’ honey-sweet production. Rinse and repeat bathed in Sunday morning light with your lover to know true nirvana.
The South Hill Experiment – “Gabo's Last Resort”
Heads up: you should know The South Hill Experiment. The brother duo based right here in LA (presumably, making music on DTLA’s S. Hill St) first caught our attention with their psych-rock single “Chameleons,” which was written up for this newsletter and swiftly added to personal playlists among our staff. We’ve had our ears perked for more ever since — and lo, an album has come. MOONSHOTS is out today — click play on this single for a harmonic mishmash of music-teacher piano chords, disco pews, chanting choral vocals, synth fly-by’s, and a happy lil’ bass groove.