Music

TRENDING: 9 must-listen songs for the week of September 12th

by Chris Budd

BANKS’ “Drowning” makes the list this week.

This week has really flown by, I can’t believe its the weekend already. I spent the first half running between music related TIFF parties (Festival Music House and The Canadian Music Cafe), catching sets from Operators, Lowell, A Tribe Called Red, Sloan, and The Wilderness of Manitoba to name a few. The last half of the week was part recovery, part inspiration. I’m on one of those kicks where I’ve realized again why I love blogging, sharing music and connecting with people online.

Case in point, my latest “Trending Playlist.”  Catch up on what happened this week and pass it along.

1. “Swim Deep” by Brolin

I’m so stuck on this song. I found it on one of the blogs I check daily, a track from incognito British artist Brolin. The trend these days for artists really seems to be all about limiting biographic information, while slowly leaking songs online. I’m fine with that, the music should always come first and thats why I gravitated to “Swim Deep.” The song, produced by Raffertie, will be the first track on a debut album in the works for 2015.

2. “Young Wild” by FMLYBND

Last May, one of my co-writers on Indie Music Filter tipped us all to Isla Vista, CA group FMLYBND by posting the single “Electricity.” Fast forward to this week where I got a note from their camp that after taking a slight hiatus to reformat the band and start working with producer Eric Palmquist (Bad Suns, Wavves), FMLYBND is back with their new high energy single “Young Wild.” For fans of Miike Snow, take a spin of this new track off their EP, titled “Back to Life” and set to come out October 7.

3. “Hold Still” by Slow Magic

A few weeks back, I featured the song “Waited 4 U” by Slow Magic in my “Trending” playlist. I’ve found another track for you to fall in love with, check out “Hold Still,” also off the bands’ upcoming album “How To Run Away.” For fans of chillwave, you’ll love Slow Magic’s eclectic mix of handcrafted samples, jazz-inspired piano, old school synths, and smooth percussion.

4. “Where Does This Disco?” by Yacht

I’m predicting this track to end up at #1 on the Hype Machine charts. LA-based electro-pop group YACHT is back with new music, releasing “Where Does This Disco?” with news of their signing with Downtown Records. Take a close listen to the lyrics, this song is about love and compact discs. The band state “They’re both on the edge of becoming obsolete, and they both get scratched if you play them too hard. They’re both mirrors, but one is still the best medium we have for connecting with each other.”

5. “Drowning” by BANKS

The mysterious LA artist BANKS has got a song here with some real legs. “Drowning” hit the blogs a few months ago, followed by a video, both keeping helping the song continue to stay on the charts and in our playlists. For fans of honest lyrics, soul and sultry vocals, check out BANKS.

6. “I’m Not The Only One feat. A$AP Rocky” by Sam Smith

As of right now, this track is #1 on the Hype Machine charts. “I’m Not The Only One” teams two artists at the top of their game; UK wonder voice Sam Smith with rapper A$AP Rocky contributing old-school style verses. Take a listen.

7. “mini pops 67 [120.2][source Field Mix]” by Aphex Twin

I’ve never been too much of a fan, but I’ve always listened, and gone back and re-listened to the music of Aphex Twin. This track is the first song in 13 years actually, off the forthcoming album “Syro”, re-introducing us to the music of experimental electronic pioneer Richard D. James.

8. “Bad Habit” by The Kooks

I regret missing the boat when new tunes were being put online from Brighton band the Kooks. “Listen” is the bands’ fourth album (out via Astralwerks Records) and “Bad Habit” is a great way into the album with it’s stomping beat, gang vocals, handclaps and crashing tambourines.

9. “Inferno ft. Lizzy Plapinger” by Sir Sly

Here’s another great collaboration for this playlist. Los Angeles alt trio Sir Sly have a winner in “Inferno,” featuring the dark and compelling vocals of MS MR’s Lizzy Plapinger. Take a listen.

That’s all for this week, looking forward to seeing what hits the charts in the coming days.