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.
Tunde Olaniran – “I’m Here”
In honor of 2023’s International Trans Day of Visibility, we’re kicking off this week’s rundown with this 2018 declarative banger from Flint, Michigan musician Tunde Olaniran. Featuring crisply produced layers of upfront samples, booming bass, and sharply defined vocal expression, this track will summon the opening credits of your whole new chapter. We’re anxiously awaiting more music from Olaniran; till then, play this one on repeat, babes.
Praise Kink – “Gold Star”
Prepare your lungs for belting, this stellar track from seemingly-undiscovered LA rock band Praise Kink might be lifted straight outta your stressed-out subconscious. Millenaills, sing it loud and proud: We’re unfulfilled! We’re unrecognized! We’re… unappreciated! VALIDATE US! But really, this track’s boss-level control of pop-rock tendencies and relatable, sing-speak-along lyrics make it an A+ earner, no participation trophy necessary.
The Bedroom Witch – “In This City”
Missing somebody? Connect to your inner longing with this gleaming synth track from your BFF in black lipstick, LA’s own The Bedroom Witch. Satisfyingly melodramatic, echoing with desire, and featuring a sensual, breathy roar utilized as vocal punctuation, this track is ecstatic goth glamor at its finest. Bonus points for viewers who can precisely identify the LA intersection Bedroom Witch wanders as she laments her lost love.
Ezra Williams – “Deep Routed”
Ezra Williams has arrived. The Irish singer-songwriter just announced their upcoming album — largely self-produced — fueled by lo-fi instincts, exploratory homespun production, and lifelong self-examination. This track, a sweet take on shoegaze strumming, is easy to embrace for any indie-folk fan, but moreover offers an essential and generous picture of their neurodivergent experience in life and love. Williams refers to the inner conflicts which many people on the autism spectrum navigate every day, in everything from tactile defensiveness to anxious attachment. It’s a beautiful invitation to get deep — and one you should accept.
JASPER – “Redefined”
Released specifically on this year’s International Trans Day of Visibility to spotlight the joy in trans identity, this track is a boldly flying flag for the community — and anyone brave enough to rewrite their own story. Featuring a motivating dance beat, undeniable pop structure, and lyrics honoring the power of being seen by another in mastering self-love, this track from fresh-on-the-scene artist JASPER summons visions of future stadium-level showmanship… go off!