Music

TRENDING: 9 must-listen songs for the week of September 5th

by Chris Budd

It’s TIFF time again here in Toronto, which means I’m back out attending the music events associated with the film festival. I’m keeping my ears open for gems, perhaps for future “trending” playlists. In the meantime, catch up on what happened this week and pass it along. Here’s the trending playlist for the week of September 5th, plus read our assessments below the player.

1. “Giving Up” by HAERTS

This first track might induce a flashback to your favourite ’80s movie, although this song is brand new.  “Giving Up” is the lead single from NYC’s HAERTS upcoming self-titled debut, out October 28th. I’m a sucker for songs with driving drums, walls of synths and a track that just finishes so well.

2. “First” by Cold War Kids

Last month Cold War Kids tipped us to the upcoming release of their fifth studio album Hold My Home with the single “All This Could Be Yours.” I’ll admit, I liked the track, but didn’t completely fall for it like the way I did for “First,” which snuck online last week. Killer tune, pre-order the album to receive “First” instantly.

3. “Between Friends (ft. Jesse Davidson)” by Japanese Wallpaper

This will be the second time throwing Australian electronic wonderkind Gab Strum (aka Japanese Wallpaper) back into the playlist. This week, he had blogs salivating with a new song called “Between Friends,” featuring Australian artist Jesse Davidson.

4. “Happy Idiot” by TV On The Radio

Have you heard the latest from TV On The Radio? The band are back again with their first single (via lyric video) since 2011 called “Happy Idiot.” The song comes off their upcoming album, Seeds (out November 18th), and fits in that musical wheelhouse TV On The Radio fans have grown to love.

5. “Possum” by Flume

This isn’t really a new track, as “Possum” by Australian producer Flume has been floating around the blogs for a few years now. It is always nice to combine old with new though, plus, I think its one of those tracks that slipped through the cracks and didn’t get the attention it deserved. Transgressive Records put the song on their Soundcloud page recently, as they’ve been giving away rare or unreleased tracks every day throughout September to celebrate their 10 years. Flume’s tune showcases a different direction for the producer, trading chill for something more upbeat and sample based.

6. “In The Dark” by Cathedrals

San Francisco band Cathedrals are buzzing right now. The band (comprised of Brodie Jenkins and Johnny Hwin) have been tipping us blogs to their fantastic songs, one by one. Now, they’ll all live together, in an EP which they’ll be releasing on Neon Gold Records (September 8).

7. “Take Me Back” by Paperwhite

I thought I’d never heard of the band Paperwhite before when I casually clicked on “Take Me Back” this morning while checking the top 50 on the Hype Machine. Turns out I have the worst memory ever, as last month I had shared a link to this song from this Brooklyn-based brother/sister duo. For fans of shimmering, kaleidoscopic dream-pop, or a track to follow #1 in this weeks’ list.

8. “Need Ya (feat. Aela Kae)” by Kailo

Need a song to pick you up?  “Need Ya” no doubt will do the trick.  Australian producer Kailo, with the help of vocalist Aela Kae, remind me again of why I keep recommending their country as one of the best places for music these days. Check out this single, off the upcoming NINETIES GIRL EP.

9. “All That I Want” by HUNTAR

Ending this one with a slow jam from London electronic artist HUNTAR. Featuring billowing synths and programmed beats below breathy, soulful vocals, “All That I Want” may be that track that sticks in your head after checking out this weeks’ playlist.