Music

TRENDING: 9 must-listen songs for the week of August 8th

by Chris Budd

Its always great to make a playlist before heading out on a roadtrip. Mine starts in just over an hour and ends up at a cottage, where I’m hosting a bachelor party for my brother. Here’s hoping we don’t burn it down….

Catch up on what happened this week and pass it along. Here’s the trending playlist for the week of Aug 8th—and read our assessments below the player.

1) “OctaHate” by Ryn Weaver

1.5 million streams in a month on Soundcloud ain’t bad at all. NYC singer Ryn Weaver appeared out of nowhere with the song “OctaHate,” co-produced by Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos, along with contributions from Charli XCX, Norway’s DJ Cashmere Cat and producer Benny Blanco. It’s pretty damn catchy, no doubt on many best of summer playlists.

2) “I Should Know You Better” by Prides

Prides are a Scottish synth-pop band you should get to know. They’ve recently been touring the UK and US, opening for the red hot Magic Man, all with really just a three-song EP to their name. This track is out in September and signals a full-length on the way.

3) “Self Control” by Kate Boy

Stockholm-based collective Kate Boy have returned with the first single off of their forthcoming debut album. We can always count on stunning vocals from Kate Akhurst plus a driving, danceable beat to their songs, and “Self Control” is no different.

4) “The Bells” by Lowell

This video is a ton of fun. Here’s Lowell‘s latest video for “The Bells,” shot in Toronto by director and photographer, Norman Wong. The one shot clip opens with Lowell “surrounded by a ghoulish dance gang, cheerleaders, roller derby pals and a marching band in a twisted fantastical dance party”.

5) “Leave Your Love” by Young Summer

I’m still under 5 listens to this track from Washington, D.C.-based electronic pop artist Young Summer and I’m already hooked. Featuring singer Bobbie Allen’s soaring vocals “over thunderous drum rolls and synth-filled arrangements,” “Blood Love” is the third track to be released from the upcoming album Siren.

6) “Light It Up” by Eliza And The Bear

This song is going to end up in an ad, just watch. Probably because of the “oh oh ohs,” or the positive message through the chorus, I can tell it’s got that sound for synch. This London band is buzzing the UK right now, check out some of their earlier songs like “Friends”.

7) “Cavalier (James Vincent McMorrow)” by SAFIA

I really liked this cover of James Vincent McMorrow’s “Cavalier” by Australian band SAFIA. Slowing this playlist down for a slow jam.

8) “End Of The Affair” by Ben Howard

The BBC’s Zane Lowe surprised us all with a new track from Ben Howard the other day, the eight-minute grower “End Of The Affair”, off his upcoming second studio album. Wait for the build at the 5 minute mark, stunning.

9) “Blush” by Mr Twin Sister

And now for something completely different. New York indie pop band Twin Sister have recently resurfaced as Mr Twin Sister. To tease their just announced new album (out September 23), their first new song is called “Blush” and channels those down-tempo vibes Portishead was made famous for.