Evan Ballew, Music Director: Iron & Wine – “In Your Ocean”
Sam Beam puts on a masterclass in emotionally charged indie folk on his eighth studio album, “Hens Teeth.” The title suggests something impossible, but still delivers a rugged sound that’s as unmistakable as Beam’s songwriting, interweaving the stories of a quiet Southern lifestyle with modern struggles in a world filled with dissonance. The band’s jazz music expertise in the context of folk music lends itself to exciting results and their patient approach to the songs lean into gentle nuance over grandiose gestures. Out now on Sub Pop Records.
Dina Ögon – “Människobarn”
Ever wonder what’s coming out of Sweden these days? Look no further than the double album from dream-pop, retro-soul group, Dina Ögon. Drawing on influences from Khruangbin to ABBA, the quartet creates rich tapestries of risk-taking global sounds. The album’s title, “Människobarn,” refers to “child of man,” and in a sense, refers to the inner child the band members sought to channel during the writing process. Dina Ögon’s musical depth is one to be reckoned with as the group finds its identity and pushes boundaries in the world of melodic pop.
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Zoe Curran, Digital Producer: Carré – “Hibiscus” ft. Bbyafricka
Feed me energy. Released in late February on London’s Tempa Recordings, “Hibiscus” is balmy. Dub music often captures an echo in time, structured so that each breakdown is warm and deeply resonant. The track’s backbone achieves this, but it’s LA-based rapper Bbyafricka’s flow that sets “Hibiscus” apart. Confident and measured, she floats just above the lows, settling you into Carré’s forward-thinking production.
Sally Shapiro – “The Other Days” (Lifelike remix)
A complete surprise. Shapiro’s latest release, “Ready to Live a Lie,” satisfies my penchant for nostalgia. Based in Lund, Sweden, Sally Shapiro and composer Johan Agebjörn are responsible for this wistful Italo production. Lifelike’s remix adds his iconic French House touch: arpeggios and drama. There are several Scandinavian producers with this same skill for conjuring bittersweet subjectivity with their harmonies and layers (think Lindstrøm, Skatebård or Lauer), and “The Other Days” cements her in this realm.
John Garcia, Morning Host: Thundercat – “She Knows Too Much” ft. Mac Miller
Thundercat continues to roll out his new album with a brand new single, “She Knows Too Much” with the late Mac Miller. The song feels like a confession wrapped around velvet basslines. Thundercat’s signature funky, elastic groove gives the track a dreamy pulse, while Mac glides over it with a laid-back but emotionally sharp verse: “she’s way out of my league, I can’t buy her love.” Thundercat’s fifth studio album “Distracted” will be released April 3, 2026, marking his first full-length project in six years.
Kota The Friend – “LOVE ME”
“LOVE ME” by Kota The Friend is a warm, soft meditation on self-worth and emotional honesty. The song begins with a vocal sample from Eartha Kitt’s 1982 conversation on love and compromise. Kota’s conversational delivery makes the song feel like a personal affirmation rather than a performance; It’s simple, sincere, and quietly powerful. Perfect for moments when you need a reminder to slow down and show yourself some grace.
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