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Ta-ku – “Way Out (Feat. Milan Ring, Matt McWaters & Questlove)”
This way in, please: to a soulful R&B track from Aussie artist Ta-Ku. The Perth hometown hero has been cranking out original hits for a slow-burning decade with an LP project in three parts: 2013’s Songs To Break Up To, 2015’s Songs to Make Up To, and the upcoming final piece of the trilogy, Songs To Come Home To. And big guns are brandished: This excellent single features spoken-word singer Milan Ring, producer Matt McWaters, and the one and only Questlove on instrumentation. Tune in for a soulful groove that hits the sweet spot between radio-friendly play and joyful meandering.
Claud – “A Good Thing”
Hold this thread — it’s the beginning of a good thing. Bedroom pop-rock has never been better than in the capable hands of Claud. The young Chicago phenom first released independent tracks under the pseudonym Toast, found their footing with the 2021 viral hit “Soft Spot,” and ultimately became the first artist to sign with Phoebe Bridgers’ label, Saddest Factory Records. This track and its star-studded, adorably narrative music video are expertly crafted: Soaring guitars and big-bash drums but don’t overwhelm the warm, hopeful lyrics encouraging you to accept good things as they come.
dadá Joãozinho – “Ô Lulu”
Not sure what you want? Why not have it all? Freedom, innovation, and a heady, joyful maximalism run through this outstanding track, a sonic mood board from genre-busting Brazilian artist dadá Joãozinho. The São Paulo artist, who also honed his vision as part of a creative collective in South Africa, shapes an astounding experience with this loose-hipped tune, which feels as much like a masterclass as it does a total improvisation. Bounce between electronic flourishes, stacks of samples, and breezy beachside guitar chords, all rooted together by playful and often striking vocalization. Best enjoyed with… enhancers.
Hurri Haran – “Beyonce”
Freezeframe — now get your scrapbook, this track’s a tribute to one happy memory. Brooklyn’s own Hurri Haran offers this track in celebration of one perfect night, when everything was hitting right and nobody was saying no, a night when we all turned up to Queen B’s “Drunk in Love.” With super summery Afropop influence and shimmery-clean production that makes it endlessly playable — whether on radio or poolside decks — this track and its homesquad celebration video are an absolute kiddie pool of posi-vibes, so jump in.
Titus DMV – “Closure”
At first, this track from young East Coast rapper and artist Titus DMV hits like a musical Mad Lib. Standout tropes are present from across the musical spectrum: alternative, hip-hop, Top 40 pop, and even a dash of country music are represented in its bones. Get hooked by the warm invitation of a filtered guitar riff that wouldn't be out of place in the early 2000s indie-sphere, just in time for the undeniable force of a classic trap/hip-hop beat. But wait, there’s more… Titus’ rap bars are buttery smooth and artistically arranged, a smile-inducing creative rhymescape topped off with a forehead kiss of sweet melody.