Bring Back The Summer (Instrum Remix)

The title of this song could not be more appropriate right now. It hailed where I am today. I'm still sporting a wool scarf every day. Bring back the summer already, or at least the sunshine please!!! Request to form a formal manifestation. The anticipation of summer is at its peak.. you know it's coming any day now and it'll sneak up on us, as always. Anyways, it's Friday and you should def get down to this one tonight. Instrum has been absolutely crushing it lately and this is no exception! Keep it coming dude.

Rain Man - Bring Back The Summer (INSTRUM Remix)

Someone That Loves You

Well this is truly beautiful. Honne always comes in with the super soft and relaxing vibes (Re: "Warm on a Cold Night") and this latest collaboration with singer Izzy Bizu capitalizes on both of their silky voices. It kind of makes me feel warm and fuzzy and makes me forget about some of the bad things. How nice is that?

HONNE & Izzy Bizu - Someone That Love You

Learning For Your Love

Sorry for the lack of posts.. again.. I've been on the road lately and it's hard to set aside time to write decently about new tunes. I've hardly been sitting still, let alone in a place with steady internet. But I have been listening to this latest one from the awesome collab between Marcus Marr and Chet Faker and really enjoy it! I'm glad they went the upbeat route with this one and the piano/funky synth throughout it really adds a nice touch. Hope you like it as much as I do! If I get internet again soon, I'll try and post more!!!

Marcus Marr & Chet Faker - Learning For Your Love

Luxuries

The softly hypnotizing and consistent vocals in "Luxuries" situate themselves perfectly amongst the gamut of instrumentals, especially the constant 5 guitar notes in the background, to lull you into a pleasant daze. The electronic elements of this one are also super well done and it's an overall relaxing track. This one might help you unwind at the end of a long day.

Folded Like Fabric - Luxuries

Better

I could definitely use something that makes me feel better, and this song might just have to do it! Wingtip, who I imagine is totally crushing the sartorial game based off his name referencing his fancy dancing shoes, lets us let go with his most recent "Better." Look at that embrace in the album artwork, does it get any better than a massive hug? I don't think so. This is just a nice, upbeat boogie jam and I love how easily it gets stuck in my head.

Wingtip - Better

You

If anyone else has had a somewhat traumatizing Monday after this weekend (hello, bender).. I can only hope that this song will soothe your soul as much as it has mine. To me it feels kind of like Bon Iver's vocals but Fleet Foxes rhythms/acoustics with electronic elements awesomely swirled in, which brings us to who it actually is: Kyson. His album A Book of Flying will be out April 1, but for now I'm just going to listen to this beautiful track on repeat as I wind down this evening.

Kyson - You

On & On

I'm loving this uniquely blended track, the most recent original by naxxos, an Austrian power duo who blew up in 2013 thanks to their banger "New Orleans." This latest one of theirs slows things down a bit and takes a smoother approach with the silky vocals by Chrissy Quadros, but it's a nice steady balance of fast and slow--leaving the song impossible to label as one or the other, which I think is quite cool. I hope to hear more from them soon, but for now this one is just fabulous!

naxxos - On & On (feat. Chrissy Quadros)

What's Your Sign (Mason's Capricorn Remix)

Of all the hokey things to believe in, I honestly do think astrology has some truth personality-wise. On that note, I don't think I would say yes or no to someone based on what they are, but "what's your sign" has always been a great intro question, right? This track takes the question much further and goes into a straight-up boogie thanks to Mason's sexy house edit (I guess he's a capricorn...). Next time you're out, I would love to hear if that pickup gets you anywhere, but for now I think this track should do the trick.

Keljet ft. Holychild - What's Your Sign (Mason's Capricorn Remix)

Badaboum (Alle Farben Remix)

Well, this sure is a nice way to ring in the weekend. This remix by Alle Farben just reels in endless energy and makes you want to get up an boogie... time to jam. Happy Friday!

Hooverphonic - Badaboum (Alle Farben Remix)

Silicon Tare / Diffraction

I've always enjoyed the master of therapeutic 80's synth sounds that is Com Truise because there's truly nothing else out there like it. Most of his songs are transcendent and take you to another dimension with the intricate blend of beats. Songs without words are always a good way to forget real feels and just be and Com Truise's, for the most part, upbeat tracks really let you wander into exploration. The 80's vibes really give you the sense of Back to the Future--they give respect to the past but also look forward in a super futuristic way. These are the latest from his upcoming album Silicon Tare due out April 1, soak 'em up!

Com Truise - Silicon Tare

Com Truise - Diffraction

No Woman

You know, you can't always be the first to hear everything and I'm totally okay with that. That's what makes songs and sharing music worthwhile and an awesome experience. That being said, "No Woman" has been out for a few months but, boy, does it make me feel good. I love the slow chords of the chorus with the brass mixed in and the milky vocals are really something special. Whitney's album is due out later this year and I will be waiting patiently.

Whitney - No Woman

How Now

I don't know if it's just me, but I'm in a time where I'm figuring a lot of things out about my life and sometimes I just need a moment and this song gives me just that. It's a good, chill reminder to slowly inhale and exhale and enjoy where you are at this very moment. (Hence the Now). I love the extra slow, whispery vocals. It feels like someone is just telling you a story, which I guess is what most songs are. Also kudos with the slow sax instrumentals. Enjoy and don't forget to simply breathe.

Snowblink - How Now

Never Ending (Felix Cartal Remix)

Felix Cartal tagged this latest mix of his as #vibey, and I'm not going to argue with that. I like his take on this Rihanna tune and it's much more low-key than a lot of his other stuff but still shows off his skillz. There's a good beat in there and I like how he breaks up the ooh oooh oohhh's. I'm into it.

Rihanna - Never Ending (Felix Cartal Remix)

What if I go?

Since I was incredibly lazy last year, I never got to post my absolute favorite emerging artist of 2015, Mura Masa. I mean, he's 19. What am I doing with myself again? Seriously, if you haven't heard him already--or even if you already have--just do yourself a favor and check out his EP Someday Somewhere ("When U Need Me" is a personal fave... that harp! The ability to make me feel happy and sad and nostalgic simultaneously!)... just amazing. Anyways, he's back with his second single off his debut album, "What if I go?" that includes amazing vocals by bonzai mixed with his electronic mastery. It's full of happy-go-lucky vibes (dope steel drum instrumentals, btw) and it leaves me wanting the entire album!!

Mura Masa - What if I go?

Run

Absolutely YES for some new Tourist, one of my personal favorites because of his relaxing rhythms and because, let's face it, I'll always be a tourist wherever I go. "Run" is just the perfect blossoming into spring tune-- I think that's just how fast I'd like to get there. I love to follow Tourist's evolution and can't wait to see what's next, but for now, this one is pretty wonderful. Who else could create such an atmosphere based around only one word??

Tourist - Run

Alrite (Kaytraflip)

Oh JJ, where have you been? Thanks Kaytranada for bringing her back to me. This mix amazingly combines Janet's bossy vocals with a gameshow like beat and it sets me perfectly at ease even on this anxiety-ridden Monday.

Janet Jackson - Alrite (Kaytraflip)

Marathon

I'm absolutely not trying to run a marathon, but this track did get me through my huffing and puffing run today. Lost Kings have just been crushing it lately and this one, one of their few originals, only adds to the stack of awesome. Enjoy these chill house weekend vibez.

Lost Kings - Marathon ft. Cosmos & Creature

Utopia

After a stupid week, this song really has let me to the utopia of days: Friday. And that prism light album artwork! I obsess over prisms of light so, you know, this seemed to come to me just at the right time. I love a good electronic track sans words, because sometimes talk is too much and you just need feels. It's always amazing how sounds can create a poetry of their own. Happy weekend!

Digitalism - Utopia

Pool Party

It's one thing to realize that you're no longer in college, but then you realize one of the worst parts-- no spring break. I can't tell you how many tropical Instagrams I've seen this week that take away just about all the bliss from the fat falling snowflakes outside of my window. Nevertheless, here we've got a little gem that just might transport you (why isn't disapparation a thing yet, J.K. Rowling?) away to the crystal-clear watered destination of your choice. It's not summer, or even spring, but "Pool Party" just makes you want to dive right in. It's smoothly produced; the soft instrumentals (harp, anyone?) and whispery vocals feel like I'm falling asleep in a lounge chair in the sun. Show Clothes tagged this one as #feels and it's no wonder. Ready when you are, sunshine and summer.

Show Clothes - Pool Part ft. Gavriella

Silly Me

Wow, how refreshing it is to hear from Yeasayer again and also to hear a song about admitting that we can all be wrong!!! Silly me, I thought all people would be able to do that. It has been awhile since their wonderful "Ambling Alp" carried me through freshman year, but they sure have a sound that stays with you. I love the unique instrumentals and of course their outstanding vocals, both of which are definitely not lost in their latest release. With such a distinctive style, they stay in your memory and when I saw that they had something new, I was thrilled. This is just one of the singles from their upcoming album Amen & Goodbye coming out April 1.

Yeasayer - Silly Me

Hey Lion

Oh, I'm really enjoying Sofi Tukker's latest release here. It's interesting to see how many different influences the duo has been inspired by; in this one we definitely get some more African sort of sounds with the drums beating throughout the track. Also, it's kind of obvious with a title like "Hey Lion" I suppose. However, this is the first one of their songs with words totally in English, and boy, do I like them... I know a few "lions" who might deserve to hear them.

SOFI TUKKER - Hey Lion

Clay

I can't say I know much about Londoner Hudson Scott, as "Clay" is his first release, but I can say that I really enjoy this one. It exudes some nice peachy keen carefree feels that makes you forget about your troubles. The guitar carries the song from start to finish and the Scott's deep vocals keep things nicely balanced. Here's a nice laid-back Sunday slow jam for you to enjoy while not moving much today!

Hudson Scott - Clay

Down

If you haven't heard of Marian Hill, you might need to do some catching up on her Soundcloud page, especially regarding "Got It," which was released in late 2014. Not only is her soft and soulful voice entirely contagious, but each of her tracks is also meticulously produced with extremely awesome electronics mixed in when you least expect it. Honestly, the beat in her most recent "Down" caught me totally by surprise, but in every single good way because it's works wonderfully. I'm absolutely down to listen to this one for a good while.

Marian Hill - Down

Never Be Like You (Disclosure Remix)

Yes, it's possible--good can always get even better. This recent collab between Flume and Disclosure does their previous ones justice. Obviously, the original "Never Be Like You" was more than enjoyable, but who doesn't love a bit of added spice? Disclosure takes things up a notch, giving the track some phenomenal beats and synths, and it just makes me want to dance--in fact, I can't help but do so when listening to this remix. It's fantastic, as is pretty much everything released by these two artists.

Flume - Never Be Like You feat. Kai (Disclosure Remix)

IOU (Golden Coast Remix)

Annabel Jones, who you probably know from her track "Magnetic," and more specifically the mad popular AObeats remix, has come out with her newest song IOU and with it comes another spectacular remix of it by Golden Coast. Her dissonant vocals are bewitching and Golden Coast does an excellent job toying around with them, but more important is the stellar beat and bass. I like the "IOU" concept because in truth it seems like she doesn't really owe anyone anything and he's probably not going to get it because she cut his ass loose, but at least she admits it. YGG.

Annabel Jones - IOU (Golden Coast Remix)

Waves (RAC Mix)

As we know, I have an incredible respect for RAC and his melodious mixes and whenever I see that he has released one of his versions of an already good song, it's wise to prepare for the best. His flair on Miguel's "Waves" capitalizes on every existing strength of the original and delivers an astonishingly contagious beat, with his signature upbeat and bubbly exuberance. I always wonder what he'll do next, but for now this one is more than enough to keep me happy for awhile. Good stuff.

Miguel - Waves (RAC Mix)

Vice

Lisbon is without a doubt one of my favorite cities, but this band actually hails from the UK. They bring some fun and upbeat vibes to their latest song, "Vice." The guitar in it--the chords throughout and the solo--is also nicely done, without overkilling it. The soft vocals add a good touch too. Tracks like this one just make you smile because of their overall feeling!

Lisbon - Vice

Crystals

How about a little otherworldly tune to take you away from your hectic thoughts. I'm loving this super toned down beat by Ardency and the delicate snowflake vocals by Icelandia sprinkled on top. This one is just lovely, enjoy!

Ardency - Crystals (feat. Icelandia)

Profite (Kazy Lambist Remix)

The title of this track is pretty much the opposite of the last one I posted by Moi Je--"Fais Rien"-- because instead of "do nothing," "profite" means "take advantage of it/make the most of it," you know, one of those beautiful not exactly translatable words. Furthermore, what can be more French than having a French DJ mix a French group's song? I love this version of the track by Kazy Lambist, which feels like a day of frolicking and sunbathing. What a dream.

Moi Je - Profite (Kazy Lambist Remix)

Mess Is Mine (Casper Zazz & Droptail Remix)

Well, this is just fun. I saw Vance Joy in concert about a year and a half ago and I must say his voice just exudes such a happy spirit, you can't help but smile when you listen. Now on top of all this goodness comes a pretty spectacular remix by Casper Zazz and Droptail and they totally nail it. I'm really glad they didn't mess with the lovely vocals but the work they did add is quite nice. How about that drop, though? Oh yeah.

Vance Joy - Mess Is Mine (Casper Zazz & Droptail Remix)

In The Morning

Oh, ZHU, love you long time. And I mean, like, since 2012 long time. When I was clearing through my filthy iTunes library on my almost 6 year old computer, I came across some old school ZHU remixes from back in the day. Let's just say he's come far; it's incredibly cool to see how his style has developed and how he's really come into his own. That said, I missed posting his more recent tracks when I was MIA from the blog world, but this one is hot off the hard drive (did I just say that?) and it absolutely slays. It was actually the first thing I listened to this morning and it was just too fitting. I'm still not quite clear on whose voice he uses, but I always love those whispery tones and when it deepens into that ransom caller voice (what? you know what I'm talking about). The way that the piano and guitar instrumentals are integrated into his signature synth style is fantastic. It's definitely a completely different style from the other "In the Morning" I know by Nick Drake, but nothing like a little dirt and grime to kick off the weekend. Going to be listening to this one for a while, duh.

ZHU - In the Mornig

Water Water

Okay, alright, there's nothing like a good 10 minute long jam sesh of a song to reign in the weekend feels and remind you how much you love life. Those beats!!! And the lyrics,"I've been waiting on the summer, I've been waiting for the wintertime to end, I've been waiting for you my friend"--I think we all probably agree with this beautiful truth. I thought I was tired but now I say LFG, thanks to this magic "Water Water." Stay hydrated my friends.

HUMANS - Water Water

Sayonara (Speaker Of The House Remix)

Well this one opens with some spectacular first lyrics, because let's admit it, sometimes we all feel like "fuck the world, I don't care anymore." This is me most days, and then I just do what I want and things (for the most part) end up going okay. Anyways, we recently heard another awesome mix from Speaker Of The House, and it looks like he's on a roll since this one is just as fire. Girly vocals like this could be taken in so many directions and I think he tones them down nicely and did exactly what needed to be done very well. On that note, Sayonara suckerz...

Rebecca & Fiona - Sayonara (Speaker Of The House Remix)

Tuem

I am very into songs with a good electronic beat and sparse repetitive vocals. Sometimes I just like stuff that's solidly rhythmic; it can be meditational in a way, or it can really get you going on some writing projects, which is what I'm currently in the process of doing. This one is very relaxing and the beat never gets carried away--love that. Enjoy.

VIMES - Tuem

The Words

Perhaps you recognize the name Freedom Fry (not talking about our beloved frites here) from their feel good songs "21" or "Shaky Ground (Na Na Na)." If not, "The Words" is the most recent track by this French/American duo, and it takes things into a more minor key, making things sound a bit sadder than their previous tracks, but no less good. The vocals in this one sound a bit like the drawn out alternating intonations of Phoenix (French people, you know). But it still has some paradisal LA instrumentals mixed in there so that we don't get too confused! Digging this one.

Freedom Fry - The Words  

Fading

The first thing that came to mind when hearing this track a few weeks ago was how similar the vocals sounded to those of London Grammar (except that fact that this duo hails from Australia). Beautifully soft and eloquent, they really carry out the ambient vibes of this song. Of course, the low-key instrumentals flow nicely alongside them and I love how they pick up around the 3 minute mark. This one is perfect for the deadbeat feeling of a Monday night.. and on that note, it's time for bed.

Two People - Fading

Do You Don't You

I really like how dark and galactic this one by Haywyre feels. It's spectacularly produced and incorporates some awesome disco-like instrumentals but still keeps it modern. So much goodness swirled into one track.

Haywyre - Do You Don't You

Burn Fast (Louis Vivet Remix)

February has just passed by so quickly-- I can't believe there's just about one week left. I keep feeling like "now is my time" and then before I know it, it's over. It's like being nostalgic for moments that are currently happening. Strange how that happens. Anyways, this remix of "Burn Fast" seems to channel those kind of fleeting feelings of the quickest month of the year. I'm really loving the soothing vibes of this one. Check it:

Bryce Fox - Burn Fast (Louis Vivet Remix)

Shaded In (Palastic Remix)

Wow, I absolutely love this upbeat remix by Palastic. Of course, songs by filous are already awesome on their own, but this blend is really quite special. Turn it up and get ready to go!

filous - Shaded In (Palastic Remix)

Heaven (Two Friends Remix)

Two Friends have been releasing some spectacular I'm-going-to-dance-to-this-and-I-don't-care-if-you-don't-like-it remixes. Perfect for that run you aren't at all motivated for or cruising on a sunny and 60's day with the windows open, this one is sure to put a smile on your face and some groove in your step. The build up is just fabulous and then when it drops it might be even better. Enjoy!

Shaun Frank & KSHMR ft. Delaney Jane - Heaven (Two Friends Remix)

Games Continued

I am one who just cannot say no to some sassy sax integrated with an upbeat house groove. It's always going to be a yes there, no matter what. That said, Bakermat really takes things to the next level with this one and the soft vocals of Marie Plassard don't overpower the magnificent beat, but blend perfectly. Love it, enjoy!

Bakermat & Goldfish feat. Marie Plassard - Games Continued

It's a Memory (Amtrac Remix)

Of course, as we know, I love pretty much everything Amtrac releases and by the way, his recently dropped EP Lost in Motion is just swell. His remix of Fred Falke's track channels his his classic rhythmic style and it blends super nicely with the vocals of Mansions On The Moon. Love the beat, can't get enough of this one! Enjoy.

Fred Falke - It's A Memory (Amtrac Remix)

January 2016 wrap-up

In case you didn't know by now, I'm pretty lazy.. but I like to do what I like to do all the same! Since I don't have the time to post every single song I listen to during the month, I figured I'd share my playlist for January here! Hope you like it.

Never Forget You (Alex Schulz Remix)

Ok, the lyrics on this one are a bit #dark in the sense that this person will obviously never get over his ex (come on, man, let it go) but it's got a pretty fabulous beat. At least he's being honest with himself I guess? Kudos to Alex Schulz for remixing this one and closing off the sometimes overwhelming month of January pretty darn well.

Zara Larsson, MNEK - Never Forget You (Alex Schulz Remix)

Evil Twin

Love at first listen with this one. There's such a great beat throughout the song with the brass synths, and the soft, vulnerable vocals counter the severity of the electronics fantastically. Such a solid track-- enjoy!

Krrum - Evil Twin

Ridin Round

Oh shit. This is real nice. One of those immediate love stories with a song where you know you're going to be obsessed for awhile and may or may not need to learn all the words and it'll probably be something that you will always appreciate. I always have a lot of respect for women who take on the hip hop industry and bring their own flair (can I say swag here?) into the game. Mind you, Kali Uchis is just 22 (my age, shit--what am I doing with my life again?) and she's absolutely slaying. First off all, with a title like "Ridin Round" you just can't go wrong.. then, when you get into the actual lyrics there's some fire in there that I just love... "I know I'm some shit and I'm cool with it" // "Fuck me over, I'll fuck you worse then take off to Japan".. uh, YES. Some people might call these kind of lyrics "aggressive" and I would have to disagree with them by countering that having confidence is just empowering.. try it. So, despite my post yesterday that denounced the original of songs after hearing a dope remix, I knew with this song that I needed to hear the original even though I heard the remix by oshi first. And, not surprisingly, the original was equally as good, just had some slower vibes. Some nice tracks right here.

Kali Uchis - Ridin Round ft. Tory Lanez (oshi redo)

Kali Uchis - Ridin Round

Also, FYI, Kali is a total babe of course:

To Have You Back

For those of you who didn't know, I love Tourist. It's really fun to follow an artist's work and see how it evolves. I still listen to one of his first releases, "Placid Acid," all the time. This most recent track of his just uses one phrase: "just to have you back." It's kind of crazy to see what can be built just around that, but it surely is a lot! The beat breakdown after the words around 2:40 is superb and it's awesome to hear it build back up after that.

Tourist - To Have You Back

Prisoner (Tomsize Remix)

Sometimes when I haven't heard the original of a song but a remix like this one first I'm like, nah I'll stick with this one. I love how Tomsize breaks down the beat here. It's the perfect amount of intensity throughout with some killer sad girl vibes sprinkled in thanks to my homie Lana.

The Weeknd - Prisoner (Tomsize Remix)

No Matter What

I'm not sure of Violet Sands' story, other than the fact that they're from New York. What I do know is that this track of theirs is pretty unique, mixing almost a soul/R&B voice with some really cool electronic beats. It's truly a good vibes only song and I just love it! I hope to hear more from them soon.

Violet Sands - No Matter What

Heading Home Ft. Josef Salvat

Woke up early this morning to discover this lovely and encouraging track, and then I danced to it at around 7am... no shame. Gryffin (also my high school mascot, so I love him even more) does a killer job with this one and the decision to pair up with Josef Salvat for some soft, yet powerful, vocals was a wonderful one. I love songs whose message roughly consists of "I don't give a fuck what people think, I'm going to do my own thing," amongst other good things. Preach.

Gryffin - Heading Home Ft. Josef Salvat

Gone (Instrum Remix) & More...

Oh, I found this song just in time to avoid responding to a pestilent text from someone who probably doesn't deserve a response.. aka I'm gone, BYE. Anyways Instrum, whose work I really admired this summer but never posted, does a fabulous job with this mix. It has a solid dance-worthy beat and I particularly love when it breaks down around the 2-minute mark. Really nice bass. I'll post my other favorite mixes by Instrum below as a lil' bonus!

Monogem - Gone (INSTRUM Remix)

***Bonus tracks***

You're a straight up liar if you tell me you don't like "Trap Queen" or any version of it, and in my opinion, this version takes the cake. Still not over this one, let's gooooo

Two Friends & INSTRUM - Trap King (Fetty Wap Ft. Adriana Gomez Cover)

Honestly I'm not sure if you're ready for this mix. It's so fire you just might get burned. Anyone who turns Whitney Houston tunes into something like this is a genius. This was a personal favorite of mine last summer.

Whitney Houston - Dance With Somebody (INSTRUM Remix)

Share My Dreams

Here's another one to help you wind down after a difficult Monday. The deep house duo Mynga takes this down a notch. The repetition is quite relaxing in this one and it just kind of puts me in a good mood! I don't know, maybe even light as a feather, ahem, album artwork. Ok that's a good sign it's time for bed (I won't share my dreams, ok rly bye)... enjoy!

Mynga - Share My Dreams

Midnight

In my case, it's already far past midnight, but I really like this track to help me relax and chill before I go to bed. There are no words to take in, just a good series of instrumentals that steadily build as the song goes on; hence, it's a pretty good thinking song. Nothing quite like an unexpected source of zen to make you feel at ease.

Lane 8 - Midnight

Cellophane (Loframes Remix)

I've always had a thing for Miami Horror ever since I heard their most well-known track "Sometimes" back in the day. Their 80s vibes came back and prospered in their latest album All Possible Futures. The original of "Cellophane" is a bit slower than this remix by Loframes, but I really like this version. It feels a good bit funkier and reminds me of Chromeo in a good way.

Miami Horror - Cellophane (Loframes Remix)

Say A Prayer For Me

It's Sunday night.. which means tomorrow is Monday. I'm luck I have Rüfüs to "Say A Prayer for Me" because it sure as hell is going to be rough. All cheesiness aside, I've really been enjoying his regularly released tracks. They consistently have a good rhythm and vocals. This latest one is certainly up to par, but I'd say it slows things down a bit from his other songs. Low-key chill vibes here, but if you'd want to boogie to it, you absolutely could.

RÜFÜS - Say A Prayer For Me

Blue Lights

This is one of those songs that I would classify under "hauntingly beautiful," with an overall minor key and a slow but hypnotic beat. Moreover, the voice of Jorja Smith is smooth as butter and it pairs perfectly, full of soul, with the light xylophone instrumentals. Awesome tune and I look forward to hearing more from Jorja Smith.

Jorja Smith - Blue Lights

Home

This easygoing tune makes me want to maintain my frequent traveling for the rest of forever. It specifically draws from summer ideals and its beachy vibes go over quite well. Keep your imagination roaming and transport yourselves from the chill this winter! This is the first track released by the Australians of Islandis and I'm curious to hear more from them!

Islandis - Home

Peace Of What

It's always wonderful to see musicians who want to make people really think about something, other than themselves and their own problems. I guess that's the job of being an artist. Upon releasing this latest track, RJD2 said,"When I hear people talk of peace in America, the discrepancy between our words and our actions can get fatiguing. I was trying to reflect the experience of people I know, which often feels like, ‘We're not ACTUALLY trying to do anything about this problem in our country.’" A interesting question that could lead to some serious thinking... and a good tune and the soulful voice of Jordan Brown to help us get there. RJD2's album Dame Fortune will be released March 25.. so keep an eye out and enjoy!

RJD2 - Peace Of What 

Reichpop

It can be confusing sometimes to have such varied interests in terms of music because Wild Nothing is perhaps the exact opposite of all the electronic stuff I've been posting recently, but I still love them. I've been listening to them since 2010 and it's been awesome to hear how their sound has changed (still love "Chinatown" and "Wait"). It's nice to embrace such a plethora of tunes and their distinct types or classifications, which I've found to be constantly dissolving or morphing into other things as time goes on. We're pretty much spoiled now by having such liberal access to jams! Moving on... this upbeat track is the latest from Wild Nothing and, as the title suggests, there is a bit of "pop" involved, which I really dig. Anything with xylophones, really, please sign me up. I also enjoy the little laser sounds throughout the song and I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of Wild Nothing's album Life of Pause (great title), due out February 19.

Wild Nothing - Reichpop

Runaway (U & I) (Speaker of the House Remix)

I love a good mix between trance and dance where you could just chill to the track but also it could make you groove like nobody's business. Writing like this is a science, y'all, and clearly so is making a mix as fantastic as this. A job well done by Speaker of the House and of course having the impeccable Galantis as the original doesn't hurt either. Check it:

Galantis - Runaway (U & I) (Speaker of the House Remix)

Better Off (Lash Remix)

Filed under: guilty pleasures, dance music with cheesy lyrics, still love shit like this. Anyways, Lash does a particularly fabulous job with this otherwise sensitive tune (re: breakup lyrics). Clearly it's the bass that brings this to life and keeps things going. Nice dance jam, and you won't be able to deny that.

Emily Vaughn - Better Off (Lash Remix)

Never Be Like You feat. Kai

Oh baby. It's been awhile since we've heard any original material from Flume but this surely meets expectations. The pairing with the Canadian singer Kai--who has also collaborated with the likes of Diplo, Skrillex, and Childish Gambino--is a smart one. Her sweetly flowing voice contrasts perfectly with the beats and bass that Flume has laid down on this one, which never cease to amaze. I'll be listening to this one for a long time to come... so good.

Flume - Never Be Like You feat. Kai

Come Down

California Native Brandon Paak Anderson has been in the music world for quite sometime, but I have just found him with his recently released album Malibu. He fuses elements of hip-hop, r&b, and jazz together and it's absolutely fascinating--creating a unique and memorable sound along the way. My favorite track of the album is without a doubt "Come Down," and I don't know much about music technically speaking, but I know this sounds good. Enjoy!

Anderson  .Paak - Come Down

Proud (Autograf Remix)

I love the original of this song for many reasons, and that being said, it can be difficult to pull off a remix of a song so classic and so well known, but Autograf does it with ease. I really like the direction of the remix as well, it doesn't go to heavy but stays at a good level where you could just chill to it all the while maintaining a good beat.

The Temptations - Proud (Autograf Remix)

Secrets & Lies

I love when you realize how obsessed you are with a song and that you can listen to it over and over again without it losing its impact. This one is just that, even though it clocks in at about 10 minutes long. Fort Romeau, aka Robert Johnson, recently released his EP titled Secrets and Lies, the eponym (had to look up that word) for one of its tracks that is truly mesmerizing. Ten minutes allows for quite the development of beats, and that they do--involving a wide range of mostly 80s synth, the song immediately took me back to some of my favorite old movies and Miami Vice episodes. Then the voice of Baby from Dirty Dancing from the speech to her dad comes in and it only gets better from there. A good reminder that if someone loves you, they should love all the things about you. Check it out for yourself:

Fort Romeau - Secrets & Lies

Baby's monologue.. love it.

London Thunder (Lakechild Edit)

I loved hearing from Foals again late this summer with their album, What Went Down. Of course, I still love to go back and listen to one of my favorites by them, "Spanish Sahara," but it's really nice to hear their style progressing all the while staying with their pleasing and familiar sound. This subdued and understated edit by Lakechild adds a nice touch to "London Thunder" and keeps a good beat without overdoing it.

Foals - London Thunder (Lakechild Edit)

Love Myself (Fareoh Remix)

Gosh I just love the cheesy pump up song sometimes. "Love Myself" is exactly that and Fareoh just takes it to another level but, in a way, by excellently toning it down as it builds. Another danceable remix to add to the books!

Hailee Steinfeld - Love Myself (Fareoh Remix)

Reach feat. Rozzi Crane

I don't know too much about liminl, aside from the fact that they can produce quite a good track. I love the vocals in their latest, "Reach," and the beat breakdown is quite nice--nothing too complicated about this one! Have a listen for yourself:

liminl - Reach ft. Rozzi Crane

Wonderlove

I first heard LarryKoek's track Premiere Fois (meaning "first time") last year and I loved the little funky vibes of guitar blends that it brought. Listening to it now takes me back to metro rides on ligne 4 between Denfert-Rochereau and Saint Sulpice to and from work. I love that power of nostalgia with a song, but also the ability to create new memories with it. Anyways, LarryKoek's latest is another upbeat and funky little track. "Wonderlove" continues the lighthearted vibes with the guitar blends and the vocals really add something nice here. I can't help but smile to this one!

LarryKoek - Wonderlove

***Bonus***

Matadora

The Brazil-inspired Brown graduate duo of Soffi Tukker is back with another upbeat and satisfying tune that makes you want to get up and dance, despite not understanding the lyrics. Side note, if you haven't heard their debut track "Drinkee" yet, get on it. It's quite refreshing to not fully understand the words, because it makes you appreciate other aspects of the song. Living in another country, I don't totally understand every little thing that goes on around me in terms of language and culture but I can still appreciate it and smile. It's pretty cool to experience this in a song as well-blended as this. Check it:

Sofi Tukker - Matadora

Me, Myself & I (Lost Kings Remix)

Nothing says "you do you" quite like a little me time. As a strong advocate for finding happiness in oneself I vibe with this song extremely well and when a dancing beat is thrown on top of it by Lost Kings, I can really appreciate it. What a turnaround for Bebe Rexha from "Drinking About You" to this... YGG. But for me, new year same bitch: Me, Myself & I.

G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha - Me, Myself & I (Lost Kings Remix)

Walk Walk (20syl Remix)

You can always count on 20syl for a well-balanced and soft electronic touch to a song. I don't think I've heard a track by him that's overworked, but instead he adds just enough of his own funky flair to make the song that much better. This latest one leaves me feeling extremely hopeful for the year to come, to walk forward, and keep going with a lightness in spirit and open mind! Enjoy the good vibes and keep them coming in 2016.

Yael Naim - Walk Walk (20syl Remix)

Smoke Filled Room (Truth & Lies Remix)

Not gonna lie, 2016 is coming in hot. I'm loving this recent remix of this sexy lil jam. Getting fired up for a good year to come... don't let it go up in smoke! Sorry, I'm tired, so of course I had to throw in some nuanced wordplay. Enjoy this gem!

Mako - Smoke Filled Room (Truth & Lies Remix)