Autumn ’23 – Bounce

After a LONG hiatus, I am finally back with a new playlist to inject some energy into these rapidly shortening days. These cloudy, rainy days lend themselves to melancholy energy and I am absolutely not here for it. To that end I’ve been curating this effervescent playlist to get myself through these morning commutes, and today I share it with you.

An eclectic mix of trap, house, garage, bounce, R&B and jazz, this autumnal playlist is sure to raise your energy levels and inspire a positive mood. With tracks from DJs including Sammy Virji, Conducta, Eliza Rose; R&B cult heroes like Bobby Caldwell and Marlena Shaw; and rappers from both sides of the pond, sit back and enjoy.

Keep an eye out for upcoming songs of the week and the resumption of the community playlist.

February Playlist

It’s been a while but it’s a new year and finally a new playlist. This iteration has a few of my most played tracks of the past few months from artists that I’ve featured on the blog before, as well as some new finds.

We start off highlighting some of my favourite producers in the scene right now with some bounce tracks from Kaytranada, LoVibe and Kaidi Tatham, as well as some more funk, dance and house infused tracks from Kaelin Ellis, Mild Minds and IAMNOBODI.

Some Zimbabwean funk makes a brief appearance before moving onto the most exquisite track of the whole playlist in Emile Mosseri’s “Infinite Love” from the soundtrack to the film ‘Kajillionaire’. R&B moment that has been the majority of my rotation the past few weeks. Tracks from up and comers Cruza and the reggae-inspired Yaya Bey are paired with some throwbacks including “Could It Be” by Tevin Campbell and last year’s renaissance of the Brent Faiyaz fronted group Sonder on “Make Me Stay”.

Finally we come to a more hip hop themed section with a pair of tracks from an artist who is creeping more and more into my rotation in Doechii, a hard hitting rap track from Texan rapper Wacotron, as well as tracks from personal favourites Kari Faux and Smino, Kojey Radical and Lava La Rue.

Check out the playlist below and make sure to keep adding to the Community Playlist, the winning track from its last version will be announced shortly! Keep an eye out for a series of new posts featuring some more themed playlists, so you’ll never be without that perfect playlist.

August Playlist

September is often a time of transition and with that in mind, I present a fresh update to the playlist for you to sink your teeth into. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone this month with tunes from Joey Badass, Lil Silva, Brent Faiyaz and Kenny Beats’ new projects, as well as some new UK trap from the likes of Blade Brown, K-Trap and new artist BlazeYL. I’ve also been obsessed with Piri and Tommy Villiers and their dance pop track “Words”. The playlist is then rounded out with some R&B hits by Sonder and Ogi, a golden oldie in “Slow Hot Wind” by Sergio Mendes and a hit by a Mykonos icon, Valeron.

Check out the playlist below and make sure to keep adding to the Community Playlist, the winning track will be announced in the coming weeks!

July Playlist

After a bit of a hiatus we’re back with another deluxe update of the Monthly Playlist. Summer is finally here and so far it’s still lacking that hit album. Jack Harlow and Drake’s latest efforts to seize the summer have fallen extremely flat and whilst Kendrick’s album was incredible, it doesn’t really capture that summer energy. However there is still plenty of time for the right album to claim Summer ’22 as its own, and we all know that Beyonce drop/house rene is right around the corner.

Now while there isn’t a hit summer album, this month’s playlist is packed full of them. With tracks from ENNY, Wet Leg and Beyoncé, take advantage of the good weather, get outside, touch some grass and relax to some impeccable tunes.

Check out the playlist below and make sure you add to the Community Playlist!

Song Of The Week: If You Love Me, Really Love Me – Esther Phillips

Spring has well and truly sprung. The trees have regained their leaves, flowers are blooming and hayfever casts it’s ominous shadow over it all. But as we move into May and exam season for many, take a relaxing break and enjoy the sunshine with this week’s Song Of The Week and my favourite from the Community Playlist.

“If You Love Me, Really Love Me” by Esther Phillips is a foreboding but sweet love song from the perspective of a completely smitten lover. The first thing that struck me with this track is Esther’s ability to capture so much emotion in three and a half minutes. With such a simple but beautiful message, the short verses combined with the powerful vocals, acoustic guitar and smooth jazz backing  tug on the heartstrings in such a visceral way that reflects the profound, inexplicable nature of love.

Make sure to check out this wonderful track below. Many thanks to all who contributed some stellar tracks to this month’s playlist, tell your friends and keep them coming for next month’s edition!