let us take a look back at the 22 records that defined 2022.

And we’ll do so through The Kollection lens of music criticism, of course:

How did it make you feel? What impact did it have on culture? Is it sexy? Would you share it with those attuned to music snobbery? Does it matter? Will it live on? And so on and so forth.

Without further ado, enjoy and be sure to let us know what we missed!

Each writer is credited under their respective review.

22. Denzel Curry – Melt My Eyez See Your Future

At this point in Denzel Curry’s historically consistent career, he doesn’t have much to lose or prove. And yet, he manages to find a powerful urgency and bold new direction in his latest effort: Melt My Eyez See Your Future. This Sci-Fi Hip Hop odyssey is a stunning piece of modern Afro-Futurism. It’s vulnerable and expansive. His best work both sonically and lyrically.

At its core, Melt My Eyez See your Future is a concept album about growing through personal trauma. A familiar thread in Denzel’s work, but an iteration with a widened lens. Trauma isn’t a singular event here, but rather a setting, a constant, and an agent for change. As thesis track “Walkin” tells- adversity, trials and tribulations are not singular moments. So we must press onward: I keep walkin, I keep walkin, I keep walkin.

Sonically, is Denzel’s most innovative work. The dark, introspective, psychedelic themes persist from albums past- but a futuristic and sci-fi twist gives the feel of Spaghetti Western married Blade Runner in a Florida setting.

The diabolical flow on the “John Wayne” hook, the silky smooth sultry keys on “Melt Session #1,” or that absolute bombshell of a feature from T-Pain feature on “Troubles” are worth mentioning. But ultimately, all of these elements are heightened in context. Melt My Eyez is a journey- justice only felt if you embark on it yourself.

21. alt-J – The Dream

The dons of high-brow psychedelic, cinematic tunes stayed true to form in 2022 with The Dream. The trio, forever adored for the ability to innovate, took a lighter approach to storytelling – presumably a test of their age and the difficulties the last year presented.

“Get Better,” the power-folk single of the album, was one of the best tracks of the year – and with it came their deep-rooted imagination embedded in lyricism. The lyrics pushed the band to imagine: what if a loved one hadn’t survived from COVID? This dark exercise in emotion is validated by the pain heard in melody, the rumination grounded in song structure, and the authenticity felt in vocal cadence.

Once a trippy, cinema-and-symbolism obsessed experiment, alt-J continues to succeed in their ambition to be a defining voice of our generation. Through and through, few other acts have led a career that has defined the pursuit of relatable, creative expression- a constant reminder that it’s ok not to be ok. And better yet, proof that there is forever beauty to be found in the darkest of times.

20. JID – The Forever Story

JID owns his artistry on The Forever Story. He’s the same flow-switching, double entrendre flipping lyricist- but now he’s a storyteller whose album’s cohesiveness and vulnerability elevate the experience. The confidence shows on his owned-hooks and melodies that perfectly punctuate his verses.

The album is well orchestrated, with the star-studded list of features adding flair without distracting from the narrative. Clever bars initially missed reveal themselves with each new listen. We see an album defined by its references: “Lemme bear it all when I’m telling God / You know Imma rant when I talk to Jah” – an obvious reference to his faith but less obvious shoutout to NBA star Ja Morant on “Dance Now.” Cheeky without being self-indulgent, this is the fine balance that JID has brilliantly grown into.

The biggest testament to his development? He goes bar for bar with his idols, including Lil Wayne and Yasiin Bey (FKA Mos Def), and keeps up – in some cases he even outraps them. We want more of JID. You will too after you listen, so join us in going back to DiCaprio 2 and The Never Story – two great albums that preceded it.

19. Alvvays – Blue Rev

After 5 long years, Alvvays returned in 2022 with a statement piece. 14 carefully crafted and (to no one’s surprise) ultra catchy jams that could unite a room of Swifties to bop along with Lush fans, arm in arm.

With this third album offering, Alvvays has dialed in their revered pop songwriting to a level we’ve yet to see, blending influence from the ’60s New York scene, alternative/indie pop darlings from every era, and Shoegaze heroes like My Bloody Valentine (the glide guitar being an obvious joy for any music nerd).

Alvvays have always (sorry) been known as stellar songwriters- even with just two albums under their belt. Though with Blue Rev, they’ve actually made too many good songs for us to confidently single one out- a problem all artists dream of achieving and the indicator of a legendary album. Their song aptly named “Tom Verlaine”, where the harmonics interplay and offset tremolo usage, succeeds in evoking a misconception that Tom himself is featured. A personal favorite, “After The Earthquake”, sees a punchy driving rhythm section with a thumping bassline that play out alongside glassy chorus effect-laden guitars straight from the ’80s. As the two weave in and out of each other, they eventually explode into a fuzzed out lead line to wrap up chorus sections. Awesome.

These tracks are what really made the record so fantastic- among a million other reasons. The bold brush strokes the melodies are fleshed out with. The technique, skills, and effects they use to boost the quality of isolated moments. The playfulness with structure, such as delicate sections instantly transitioning so bombastically into energetic ones. And really giving the songs a sense that they’re alive. It’s safe to say that this record was worth the wait- a must listen at that.

18. Röyksopp – Profound Mysteries I-III

Everyone knows the French robots, but what about the Norwegian mushrooms? Easily the most ambitious project on this list, Röyksopp’s return to the album format is a sprawling three-part multimedia journey through the sounds that have inspired their 20+ year career. Across 30 tracks, the duo flaunts their mastery of all things Electronica while effortlessly–and sometimes jarringly–weaving elements of Downbeat, Ambient, Breaks, House, Disco, and Techno into their analog-driven Synth Pop opus. Seriously–these guys are all over the place, and it’s awesome.

Profound Mysteries moves from soothing rainy day piano intros and interludes into a heaving warehouse with “This Time, This Place…” and back again. The listener is at one moment relaxing in their living room with Random Access Memories tribute “Let’s Get It Right”, at the next moment, their hands up in the club for 90s piano weapon “Unity”, and yet then finds themselves in the depths of despair with the gut wrenching ballad of heartbreak and denial that is the orchestrally cinematic “Tell Him.”

But wait, now they’re back in “The Night” warehouse again, right before taking a sunset cruise up PCH with the tastefully Poppy “Just Wanted To Know”??

While it’s difficult to identify a unique theme for any of the three parts alone, they’re unified in each treating with the profound mysteries of life: burning desire and crushing loss, the warmth of love and chill of loneliness, the euphoria of life and the devastation of death. All these non sequitur sentiments and sounds combine to give the experience of a fever dream, somehow wrapped into a single project like only artists truly worthy of being called legends could. Bravo Röyksopp, don’t make us wait another 8 years for the next one!

17. Ty Segall – Hello, Hi

Ty Segall is recognizable through his heavy synths, sounds, and ability to make pure noise sound melodious. His music is like a tie-dye of escalating riffs and keyboard settings that swirls through your hyperactive younger brother’s garage. His latest album, Hello, Hi, gives us insight into what Ty Segall is doing when he’s not turning up every keyboard setting to the maximum.

The album depicts what he might be playing on a cloudy Sunday morning, as the first song, “Good Morning,” introduces the day with lazy fingerpicking and hazy “la-la-las.” These instrumental melodies are found throughout the album, providing fans of previous hits like “My Lady’s on Fire” or “Orange Color Queen” with new iterations of the pleasant rhythms they’ve been seeking. Ty dives into themes of memories, identity, and sharing yourself with another person through simple yet highly poetic lyrics, such as those found in “Don’t Lie” or “Over”: “

“I want to start over. But who would I be? All the mistakes I’ve made are why I am me.” Hidden in these folk-inspired melodies are reverb-heavy riffs that mimic the sounds of his previous albums. In fact, this album contains similar chord progressions to his past works, but through an acoustic lens. It’s an album to listen to on vinyl, in the morning, and in your bedroom when you’re not ready to go outside. You may find yourself jamming along to “Hello, Hi” or “Looking At You,” the songs you’ll enjoy on the first listen.

While Hello, Hi may not contain the crescendo of guitar solos found in Freedom’s Goblin or Manipulator, the album lays Ty’s personal truth and raw sentiment out for listeners to hear, without the cover of noise to hide behind. 

16. Alex G – God Save the Animals

Alex G is a name you’d have to be blind to miss if you’ve ventured into the Indie landscape these last few years- especially in music sub-Reddits, Pitchfork posts, and other sites where music snobbery shines. With each new offering, deft songwriting is presented through a shinier jury-rigged lens. And this one they love, with the cleanest production out of the cult DIY God to date.

Alex’s trademark acoustic guitar rings out drearily through songs- dueting with piano and his signature vocal delivery. The musical embellishments and quirks that are ever-present in his work keep even the most simple, straightforward sections engaging. Take “Blessing”- drenched in a Pixies vibe but made his own through creative guitar play.

It is a joy to see Alex flex his seasoned production chops: the autotune on “Cross the Sea” bookended by ominous synth riffs dancing over dramatic sounding keys and the pitched up vocals and avant piano section littered with synth noises that close out “Immunity”. Or the raw composition on “Runner”- the guy can flat out write.

It’s easy to be a fan as it becomes apparent that as he grows as a human being, the subject matter of his music follows.

15. Melody’s Echo Chamber – Unfold

Melody Prochet, or Melody’s Echo Chamber is, well, THE French Psych-Rock artist. Unfold is a lost album of sorts- a follow up to her 2012 self-titled debut ten years delayed.

Now we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Melody’s Echo Chamber. The dreamy and dazzling album, co-produced by none other than Kevin Parker during his Lonerism era, is the appropriate treat for the occasion. A passenger seat player- the Impala front-man’s sound shines through but doesn’t overwhelm. Press releases reveal Parker did not see the production process through completion- certain songs lost, cut, or forgotten as a result. Lost. And so, we are beyond grateful for the sensational new tracks that survived the test of time.

Title track “Unfold” seamlessly blends in the sound of her debut album- everything that follows is familiar or even seen in glimpses prior. Nonetheless, the release is a mesmerizing Neo-Psychedelic compilation of songs that further compliment the talent of Melody Prochet. 

14. Hablot Brown – Hablot Brown

Earlier this year, we had the honor of showcasing Hablot Brown and friends for what was one of the most wonderful music showcases in recent West LA history. Where would we be without Hablot Brown’s debut, their self titled LP? Certainly in a sadder state, lacking the soul, emotion, and groove they offer. The group filled this void with the 12 unpausable tracks that make up Hablot Brown. The trio’s Neo-Soul, R&B, Funk, and sense of pure bliss begs to be played out during a car ride, date night, or more specifically, motivational speech rehearsal.

Upon opening, “Wait For Me” introduces us to the powerful soul progressions that define the album- vocal harmonies that would impress R&B singers of the ’70s. “Longest Time” and “Electric” with Leven Kali and Floyd Fuji elevate the ensemble- prompting a need to snap your head to each and every snare. “Deep in the Night” plays with 80s pop drums and atmospheric vocal twinkles while “The Act” wraps up the LP with an incredibly emotional ballad that is nothing short of angelic. Each track stands alone as unequivocally Hablot: Singapore singer meets Boston-born twin brothers united to redefine West Coast Soul. At risk of sounding ambiguous, it’s the overall steeze of this project that has this grand debut on repeat for us, front to back. Can’t wait for more.

13. Bonobo – Fragments

Bonobo has been a constant fixture in Kollection playlists and promotions for years. His seventh album, nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album, reminds us exactly why: damn does this man make some pleasant sounds. With lush soundscapes filled by vibrant synths, exotic instrumentation, and hypnotically crisp percussion, Fragments contains everything we have come to expect from the English producer.

After a downtempo intro, the groovy, piano-driven “Rosewood,” up for Best Dance/Electronic Recording, calls us to the dance floor before “Otomo” cranks the energy to 11. The O’Flynn collaboration features entrancing Bulgarian chants before crescendoing into a tribal thumper equally suited for festivals or AUX cord car sets. Akira fans will be intrigued to hear that this track was likely inspired by the classic anime, with its shared world music and eerie thematic elements, that was written/directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. Aside from its other mesmerizing high point, “Age of Phase”, Fragments plays out with the signature tranquility and easy listening of Bonobo’s strings-focused production.

Bonobo’s tapping of contemporary R&B’s most exciting names- Jordan Rakei, Jamila Woods, and Joji – firmly plants one foot in his willingness to grow into mainstream appeal. The other, thankfully, hangs back in his underground roots. We can only hope that as our favorite Electronic acts continue to mix and mingle with the music scene at large, they do so with the same integrity that Bonobo has done here.

12. The Weeknd – Dawn FM

Abel Tesfaye flaunts his ability to reinvent himself with his latest record as The Weeknd, Dawn FM. He takes on the disguise of an old man and sings about transitioning to the afterlife with help from Lil Wayne, Tyler the Creator, and Jim Carrey.

The album listens like a radio show out of the Twilight Zone- infomercials and radio station chatter included. He retains the nihilism and self-destruction that has permeated his discography. The addition of nostalgic 80s synths and R&B is new. With this record, The Weeknd showed the world that he excels in the face of the pressure of an explosive career- something few can accomplish. This record shines as his most cohesive storytelling, haunted by a familiar smooth voice.

The favorite, with its disturbing and energetic energy, is “Gasoline” on which he tells his lover that he knows she won’t let him overdose. But, if he does die “in peace,” he requests that she burn his body. The club beat and fun sound of the song so eloquently juxtapose the dark lyrics. A close second, the closing track “Less Than Zero,” is a slow and heartfelt tune where The Weeknd finally admits that he can’t escape the dark truths of who he is. And it hits, despite fans knowing he’s admitted this all along.

The album ends with a haunting and thought-provoking spoken word poem read by Jim Carrey. All previous listening feels like a night of madness and reckoning filled with past regrets. Then, in the poem, “Phantom Regret by Jim,” we feel the sun rise. A step into the light. Dawn FM cements The Weeknd as Pop royalty. If this is Abel’s goodbye to The Weeknd character… what a way to go out.

11. Kevin Morby – This is a Photograph

Kevin Morby’s seventh record, This is a Photograph is an ode to life, love, family, and childhood dreams. We see a window into Kevin’s travels in Memphis, TN- during which such bittersweet feelings of sorrow, joy, and longing arose and collided into one sonic journey. It begins with a photograph of his father. The title track kicks off as Morby holds this photograph, “a window to the past” and stares at his father in an unfamiliar state, full of youth and “ready to take the world on.” The song titles that follow- “Bittersweet, TN,” “Forever Inside a Picture,” and “Stop Before I Cry” foreshadow how self-reflection evolves. 

Despite the new setting, Morby’s seventh album does not stray far from his Midwestern Indie Folk-Rock sound. His collection of beautiful harmonies intertwine with guitar, banjo, saxophone, and gentle harp melodies to invoke empathy and a feeling of longing in the listener. A nod to the shared experience of growing up, looking back on simpler times, and wishing that we’d held on to those moments longer. The album’s closing track “Goodbye to the Good Times” bridges these feelings together: “I wanted to live and breathe inside a song. Well how ‘bout this one.” Morby doesn’t cease to inspire.

10. The 1975 – Being Funny in a Foreign Language

The 1975 are the kings of excess. Take any of the hour long records preceding Being Funny in a Foreign Language and you’ll find a hodgepodge of balladry, soliloquy, snot nosed punk rockery, and everything in between. Their latest effort is the tightest runtime to date at a brisk 43 minutes- a timely confession that they know how to reign things in. A refined style and execution leads to an extremely impressive output.

This must have been an incredibly difficult feat for the eccentric ringleader, Matty Healy, who seems to equate chaos with oxygen. The result is lovely- concise, uniform, and luxurious as ever. Illustrious power Pop gold.

Every track is decadent, sparkling, and larger than life. Wow– the pounding synths on “Somebody to Love” and that absolute candy vocal hook on “I’m In Love With You.” The uplifting tones force themselves on you and refuse to leave. Listen to “Caroline” once- then try not to hum it to yourself in the next 48 hours.

The cherry on top is the slam poetry meets Twitter rant approach to lyricism: “I know some Vaccinista tote bag chic baristas sitting east on their communista keisters. Writing about their ejaculations- ‘I like my men like I like my coffee, full of soy milk and so sweet, it won’t offend anybody.’ Whilst staining the pages of The Nation, oh, yeah.” Even at their most reserved, they can’t help but be raw dynamite.

9. ANOTR – The Reset

Just what we needed, right when we needed it. ANOTR’s debut LP, The Reset, brings us back to the roots of Funk, Disco, and House- distracting from the current scene of cheesy Disco Tech House remixes. The 12 tracks challenge all other dance records this year- funk guitar chucks, live studio drum samples, and disco string sections twinkle in just the right light. The LP derives from real instrumentalists, real musicians, and real funk. Pleasant.

“Make Art Not €” sets the scene with rich Disco chops and gives us a taste of the addicting guitar melodies sprinkled throughout the LP. “Your Mind” is one of multiple tracks alongside the duo’s friend and superb vocalist, Abel Balder, and the chemistry shows. Instrumental tracks like ““Canvas” offer powerful progressions. “Relax My Eyes,” our favorite track, evokes euphoric, end of the night dance floor memories…I’m with my closest friends in my happiest place. All in all, The Reset was refreshing. A perfect blend of palatable melody and deep disco cuts satiating any appetite for a groove.

8. Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

Has Adrianne Lenker’s pen left any topic untouched? Big Thief’s newest album takes us into experimental terrain and out of the despair of daily mundanity. “Radio singing from the corner of the kitchen, I got the oven on. I got the onions wishing they hadn’t made me cry.” To cosmic ecstasy and back again. How much can we take at once?

On a twirling 20-track saga, Big Thief takes on heady lyrics, off-kilter melodies and comical sounds of inanimate objects made musical (see “icicles” on the song credits). While the band throws down quirky country and solemn folk sounds, Lenker asks us to live inside our questions long enough to question that which we assume to be true. “I could never build a rainbow or any kind of flower. I could never make a sparrow or a meteor shower.“

Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You gives us double doses of tough realism and bright hope. It’s daring, playful, and refreshingly raw. The collection is complex by design, imploring us to explore what lies beneath the noise and urging us to witness the beauty of the subtle stuff. Let it sink into your skin.

7. Djo – DECIDE

While Stranger Things actor Joe Keery is well known for his snide screen presence, his hip artist moniker, Djo, for the most part flies tastefully under the radar. But where various other thespians and multi-hyphenates have attempted to dabble in making music without success, Keery not-so-quietly crushes the double life.

While you might first listen out of curiosity for what Steve Harrington would sound like as a rockstar, the sonic architecture will immediately captivate you. It is fair to assume that Keery’s on-screen career plays into the acidic simplicity of his tunes. Where his first singles weren’t groundbreaking, they did prompt a Spotify save and the occasional listen. DECIDE, Djo’s sophomore album, proves he is decidedly different.

Despite clear ties to ’80s Rock bands like Foreigner and Journey, and some Kevin Parker sounds here-and-there, the result is overall original. “On and On” is the opus- lyrics speaking to our social media existence and the algorithms designed to keep our reptile brains engaged. Weird enough to be beloved and on brand. The bridge builds into an overwhelming drum solo where synths pan and phase freakishly.  This chaos encapsulates our lives on the internet, Keery’s life as an artist, and the sentiment that music that feels good is great. Bravo.

6. SAULT – 11

“There are only two energies in all the universe: Love and fear. Within fear, you will find hostility, frustration, depression, guilt, shame and other unwanted emotions. Within love, you’ll find creativity, freedom, trust, hope and thankfulness.“

In a world seemingly so filled with hate, fear keeps us separated. SAULT reminds us that love is greater than fear. Love is worth fighting for. 11 is one of five albums that SAULT released in 2022 as offerings to God. The full list of members of SAULT remains unknown (as one now can be). Cleo Soul, Inflo, and Michael Kiwanuka are a few of the notable names attached to the group.

The album is a blend of music, inspired by R&B and Neo-Soul. Filled with catchy melodies that groove through genres while the vocalists span through ranges, it’s an easy listen. It seems that the album is predominantly split into two sounds, transitioning from upbeat into a laid-back ambiance.

The first half of the album grabs your attention immediately, with dramatic bass lines and emotion-filled vocals that make you feel like you’ve walked into a sexy church service in the seventies. This service paints a picture of what a world filled with love could look like, as seen in the lyrics of “Fear No One”:

“See, no one is lesser than no one. It make no sense to hate, no sense you underrate. Now why would you segregate- fear no one.“

The aforementioned album split occurs at “Jack’s Gift,” a meditation on love that will leave you feeling at peace. The second half of the album revives a more typical neo-soul sound, with seductive beats such as “Fight For Love.” Whether you believe in God, Allah, something else, or nothing at all, SAULT brings forth the message that most institutions fail to hone in on: love is the answer. This is an album that reminds us of the magical ability of music to make you believe. If Oprah and Erykah Badu smoked a joint together, it would be to 11.

5. Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights

Many words can be used to describe Steve Lacy’s stellar new record Gemini Rights: cosmic, sultry, lush, spacious. But I continue to land on “transportive.” Steve Lacy is clearly not from this earth and I can’t help but feel taken to that place where he resides as I listen to this album. It’s shocking how far removed from “that guy who plays guitar for The Internet” he has become. Now, Lacy creates scenes, soundscapes, new worlds.

Gemini Rights is special- the kind of record whose intimacy feels almost scandalous to listen to. Diary entries sing out over tracks “Static” and “Cody Freestyle.” Steve is as direct, raw, and vulgar as he’s ever been. This wasn’t made for us to hear: “Said, ‘I love you,’ never meant it. You was handsome with a heavy dick, a cannon, you do damage.” What’s most honest is the tone in which he delivers these confessions. He speaks from his chest, confident and shameless.

I’d be remiss to discuss this record without focusing heavily on its lead single, “Bad Habit.” Despite being criminally played out on socials, it encapsulates everything great about Gemini Rights. Mmmm… painfully intimate. Rich production. Impeccable vocal work. It’s yearning, gorgeous, and fleeting. It’s one of those tracks. It also presents a sweet reflection on a past Steve Lacy. One younger and more naive, one afraid to take a chance and shoot for something greater. What a pleasure to know that version of him is long gone.

4. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – When the Lights Go

For any artist facing the daunting venture of the album format, there’s ever the curse of the sophomore slump to contend with—can they follow up their debut? After 10 years of collaborating with everyone from Banks to Porter Robinson, and from Mark Ronson to Boys Noize, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs has emphatically answered YES in his return. If that wasn’t already information overload, the Englishman’s real name is (fittingly) Orlando Tobias Edward Higginbottom…we’ll just call him TEED.

When the Lights Go showcases each of TEED’s many musical talents as he unpacks the risks, rewards, trials, and tribulations of love. Known for his club remixes in recent years, TEED shows the completeness of his development as an artist in this album. 80s-infused synths and snares, downtempo Jazz rhythms, and uplifting top lines form the foundation of what is less a dance LP and more a continuation of the hybrid electronic explorations of “Leave a Light On” and “Don’t You Forget About Me”. 

While those previous masterpieces focus on breakup and what follows, WTLG looks at the emotional climaxes before and during a relationship. TEED croons over light, euphoric standouts “Never Seen You Dance” & “Be With You” with the longing and flirtatious excitement for a crush. On “Forever” and “Treason,” he takes a tone of solemn reverence for the tender love and companionship of having your person. TEED himself has said that it’s mostly his “sad album about losing love, depression, and the apocalypse,” and the brooding, blunt honesty of the lyricism throughout reminds us that the thing most all of us are searching for is rarely easy or simple.

“Love is a danger;” giving someone else so much power over you is heavy and oftentimes painful. But despite the hurt he’s felt, despite being “fucked on arrival” by the “poison [of] desire,” TEED still thinks that we should “risk it all, stay alive” for love. This is an album for lovers, just not the ones from fairytales. It’s real, it’s bittersweet, but it’s worth it in the end. A complete album from a complete artist.

3. Rosalia – MOTOMAMI

MOTOMAMI. Motomami. Motomami! Combining allusions to Japanese pop culture, high fashion aesthetics, self reflective meme-ry, and lyrical themes grounded in love, Spanish legend and beloved internet icon ROSALÍA works miracles on the mic.

There’s a youthful energy to the Reggaeton-centric production and singing, rapping, and flamenco-wailing we hear on this project. This blend stimulates her cult fan base that is diverse in every regard. As a listener, there’s a certain confidence that what we hear is authentically her.

On the first track, the Spanish Pop legend asserts: “Yo Me Transformo,” or I transform. And that she does: the stark difference between the Flamenco focus on El Mal Querer is the transformation we see – from vocal prowess to unparalleled style and range.

Throughout the album, Rosalia references herself as a “Drag Queen” – if you’ve been to a proper Drag Brunch, it makes sense. Each of the two offer unwavering stimulation grounded in extremist performance and metamorphosis of personality. In the case of the album, this unfolds methodically. The CHICKEN TERIYAKI to HENTAI to BIZCOCHITO pipeline is a highly calculated, visceral experience. The range and ridiculousness manifest as both hilarious and haunting over a 5 minute spell.

On HENTAI, one of the only tracks with English lyrics, she repeats the line: “So so good, so good, so so good.” If you can understand that much, you’ve got our main takeaway on this outstanding piece.

2. Beyoncé – Renaissance

Renaissance is Beyoncé’s first solo studio album since Lemonade in 2016, and like clockwork, this record-breaking project reminds us why she is, and always will be, The Queen. Upon it’s release, Renaissance became Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day by a female artist in 2022. It also led to Beyoncé becoming this year’s top-nominated Grammy artist with 9 nominations, including ‘Album Of The Year’ and ‘Best Dance/Electronic Music Album’.

Beyoncé flawlessly reinvents her sound, strutting proudly into the dance music scene. Some have said she’s “saving dance music” but in reality she’s popularizing it for the better. With a colorful blend of Disco eroticism, Afro-beats, and House, Renaissance is a perfectly potent concoction for the club. The hypnotic beats cause an insatiable craving for dance and creative expression.

Beyoncé’s empowering and unapologetic lyrics work to bring the marginalized out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Themes of escapism, sexual agency and self-expression are apparent throughout. The 70’s Disco wet dream “VIRGO’S GROOVE” takes on owning your sexuality, while the self-love anthem “COZY” suitably features the Black trans icons Honey Dijon and Ts Madison. Everything is thought out, precise, and right at each touchpoint.

This album inspires a reclaiming of self, the freedom to take up space, and a permission to disassociate. It is for everyone- but served especially hot for the girls, gays, and theys. Renaissance is said to be Act I of a much larger project to come, and there’s already enough flavor here to last a lifetime.

AND NOW, THE K’S TOP ALBUM OF 2022

1. Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers

Good Grief! Charlie Brown’s catch phrase doubles as the meat and bones of King Kendrick’s return to greatness, Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers. To deem something the best, you must address the hymns of the haters. “It isn’t as good as his last albums” and “It’s too woke and preachy” were the main skeptic sayings. Kendrick satisfies: “I am not for the faint of heart.“

For many, 2022 was the grand culmination of self-care, self-reflection, and self-criticism. The departure from forced solitude that led to a much needed exorcism of trauma and the proactive disposal of flaws which burdened us long before the pandemic. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers shows this process of internal bleeding turned emotional exfoliation through Kendrick’s weaving of “some true stories to tell.” To put it bluntly, if the album didn’t resonate with you, you may have some more bleeding to do. And Kendrick is understanding of that. “Shit on my mind and it’s heavy. Tell you in pieces ’cause it’s way too heavy.”

The peak of the album is “Father Time”. Rapping about “daddy issues” strikes a certain chord – it’s inherently bizarre in the grand scheme of rap culture. Or any male-led conversation at that. And to hit it “with no chaser,” metaphorically, and drag Kanye and Drake in the process while self-deprecating to silence any clap back is insanity. To work closely with Eckhart Tolle, beloved spiritual guru and author of Power of Now, is INSANE. Kendrick is insane- and he affirms that in insanity lies genius. And yes, the lesser romanticized pairings- pain, anger, and loss -are eloquently exemplified on “We Cry Together.”

While the breadth of stories range in theme from familial identity politics, to depression, to poignant critiques of the oversaturated and underwhelming creative landscape, they’d be nothing without delivery. A drop of empathy will leave you moved, aggravated, inspired, and shooketh by the 19 course menu of some-new-some-old tones, flows, and adlibs that Kendrick cheffed up during his 5 year absence from LPs. We are quick to agree with New York Times’ “Kendrick is the greatest rapper of our generation” co-sign and happy to follow that with “Kendrick is responsible for The K’s top album of 2022.”

AND LASTLY, THE K’s TOP DEBUT OF 2022

Wet Leg – Wet Leg

Wet Leg is one of the most exciting acts that has broken into the music industry in years. And break in they did- the witchy duo made a pact at the summit of the ferris wheel to captivate the world and that they have. There’s no doubt that their sound, self-described as “sad music for party people, and party music for sad people” will soon define a whole new generation of pop stars and punk teens.

There’s a beautiful provocation at play intended to piss off your grandma but leave a smile on your dad’s face. The sound is cute at a glance but increasingly powerful once you become intoxicated by the melodic banter. The duo exploded into the public eye after dropping “Chaise Lounge”- proving perspective formed on a small island in the UK can be made universal through punk guitar riffs and melancholic poetry.

And they love beer. “I’ve got a chaise longue in my dressing room and a pack of warm beer that we can consume.” They know your mom gets worried! “Is your mother worried? Would you like us to assign someone to worry your mother?” They don’t seem to give a single damn what you think. With an impressively sold out tour under their belts, opening performances for Harry Styles and Florence and the Machine, an invite to Gucci’s fashion week, the perfect cover of The Chats’ Smoko, remixes by Soulwax, and a blank slate in front of them to innovate… this Wet Leg duo is, well, really fucking cool.

For the rebellious teen inside of you, give the self-titled album a listen and you might just remember that cathartic feeling of sticking a middle finger up to nobody at all.

Well love, thanks for reading! We’re going through an exciting rebrand of sorts and we appreciate your attention and support as we do so. Keep up with the updates to come on KLCTN.

No strangers to these powerhouse artists, we’re ecstatic to hear this collaborative project is moving full steam ahead. Earlier this year, Escapade released their second single “Ballroom” out on Rules Don’t Apply– hypnotizing us with a masquerade era house track.

Check out what Walker & Royce and Ardalan had to say about their track rotation and how it has inspired the Escapade project!

Walker & Royce’s Picks:

“Howsmusik” – Dam Swindle

This track from Dam Swindle (formerly Detroit Swindle) perfectly fits our Escapade project. It’s sample based, fun and quirky disco house. Doesn’t always fit what we do for Walker & Royce.

“Cups (Salt City Orchestra Remix)” – Underworld

Escapade is not just about disco, it’s about groove as well. This Salt City Orchestra remix would go down very well in one of our sets. Definitely an old favorite of ours.

“You Dont Know feat. Tim Fuller (Ruff Cut)” – DJ Ali 

This is one of our favorite tracks from Classic Music Company. It’s a super funky minimal track with a great  soulful vocal. Been playing this since our days lugging vinyl around NYC. 

“Heat You Up (Melt You Down)” – Shirley Lites 

Just some dramatic over the top peak time disco. It’s good for your mind, body and soul. This song really bumps!

“The Crossing” – Trevor Loveys

Fantastic record from Trevor Loveys on Dubsided. When this came out years back it felt so outside the box at the time and it still holds up. That outside the box quirky vibe is something we try to bring to our Escapade project for sure.

Ardalan’s Picks:

“Fifty Dollar Bills” – Sworn Virgins

The vibe of this song incorporates funk, disco, and trippy vibes from one of my favorite producers, Quinn Whalley. The smooth vocals paired with the overall groove of this song make an all-around feel-good track.

“Quando Quango (Fac 79 Remix)” – Love Tempo

37 years later and this gem is still a timeless banger.  The layered instruments and the funky rhythm gives it a European-Chicago disco feel that I love. 

“Phreaky M.F. (Mike Dunn’s Original Phreak Mixx)” – Mike Dunn

When Walker and Royce ended their set with this before I hopped on, it was such a vibe and has quickly become one of my favorites. This track was definitely one of the bridges to our Escapade project – it includes funky elements that we all love and are inspired by. 

“Mathematische Modelle” – Der Zyklus

From one of Detroit’s finest, this track includes some dreamy cerebral influences that I’ve incorporated into my own originals. It’s so simple yet delivered so effectively. 

“See You When I See You” – Galcher Lustwerk 

This one really inspired us on the production side, notably when we created “Turn It Around.” I think you can really hear key elements in this track that have rubbed off on our releases [as Escapade] that make them unique in their own way.

The Foreign Family Collective signee released the first single “Deeper” from his latest project just last month with fluttering synths, soulful vocal chops, and percussion lines sure to move your feet. Inspired by the likes of Four Tet and Bonobo (the dons), the upcoming release has us closely monitoring the situation. We will ring all the bells as soon as obli releases more of the record on ODESZA’s imprint.

For now, listen through the playlist and check out what Chris (obli) had to say about each track on this week’s At Home With.

OBLI’S PICKS:

“Walking In The Rain” – Romare

Romare is one of my favorite electronic / sampling artists period. This one is a new one from him and it’s just so so good.

“Play” – iamamiwhoami, ionnalee

I was just getting into programming on Ableton when I first heard this song and I was so in love with the sounds and the drop that I must have tried replicating it hundreds of times, never getting close to as tasty as this one is.

“Alberto Balsalm” – Aphex Twin

Aphex Twin was probably one of earliest intros into electronic music and what else is there to say, absolute legend.

“Nova” – Burial, Four Tet

This song just got a wide release on streaming platforms in 2022. It had only existed on youtube and the likes before. Two of my favorite artists / DJs of all time and such a beautiful track.

“Dawn Chorus” – Thom Yorke

Gorgeous song and amazing short film that accompanies it on Netflix by Paul Thomas Anderson, if you haven’t seen go have a watch.

“Futile Devices” – Sufjan Stevens

Might be my favorite lyrics of any song of all time.

“Music for 18 Musicians: Section 1” – Steve Reich

The poly rhythms of Steve Reich are something I love so so much. Though I can never quite replicate it I’ll try to have some of my arpeggios / synths feel like his when I am working on music.

“Door” – Caroline Polacheck

She is one of the coolest singers in my opinion right now. This song is just perfect.

“Julia (deep diving)” – Fred again..

Julia is a friend of mine and someone I have played for as a musician so it was so rad to see her sampled on this track. This song was my first introduction to Fred again.. and he is such an incredible artist who harnesses social media and the internet in the best way possible.

“This Old House Is All I Have” – Against All Logic

One of Nicolas Jaar’s side projects. The David Axelrod sample in this is so good and the groove that eventually comes in is one of my favorites.

“If The Car Besides You Moves Ahead” – James Blake

This one came in 2018 out of nowhere from James Blake without much follow up or other releases and though it might not be his most popular I think the production and vibe is quite sick.

“Plastic Soul “- Mondo Cozmo

Mondo Cozmo (Josh) is one of my best friends and someone I have played bass / keys for for a number of years. This was the first song I heard of his and it’s still my favorite today. The use of sampling + the unbelievably sweet lyrics… (chef’s kiss)

“Change” – obli

Can I include my own song in this? It’s still one of my favorites of my own to date. Hope you feel the same : )

“Stratus” – Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith

So many amazing women right now making some of the most beautiful electronic music right now and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith is one of them. When I first heard this I was hypnotized and wish that I had made it.

The Sydney based songwriter and producer incorporates his love for tight bedroom pop drums, lush guitars, and glistening vintage synthesizers throughout his own catalog of music. KESMAR’s latest single “Out Of Luck” drives a certain pep in your step with bright piano stabs, twinkling bells, and an infectious chorus.

Check out what KESMAR loves about each track in his rotation!

KESMAR’S PICKS:

“Country Dreamer” – Wings

I’ve listened to a lot of Wings… and I mean a lot! But for some reason, I had never heard this tune found it about two weeks ago, and it has been on high rotation for me. There’s something I love about hearing Paul do the first verse low then going up the octave for the second. You don’t hear that often.

“Madison” – Drugdealer

This is the first new tune that Drugdealer put out in a while, and I was seriously blown away. Hands down my favorite new song of 2022.

“Bwana” – Lindsey Buckingham

I’ve been really fond of Fleetwood Mac, and I feel like they hold a big place in my heart for originality and songwriting. I can remember hearing them being played all through my childhood by my parents. After listening to [Law and Order] back to front countless times, I realized how much of a key ingredient Lindsey really is, from his little hooks to the arpeggiated guitar lines.

“Brazilian Skies” – Masayoshi Takanaka

Masayoshi Takanaka is hands down my favorite City Pop artist to ever live, and this album just sounds incredible. It was hard to pick one song from it. Usually, I would go with “Disco B,” but today I decided to go with “Brazilian Skies.” Its infectious groove and playful melody is something I have forever been chasing. Close your eyes, and you’re in Brazil… or maybe Japan? Whatever makes you feel good!

“Now That Everything’s Been Said” – The City

I’m a big Carole King fan, so finding this album and song was a great day. I love the rawness and the looseness of the takes. It’s just a bunch of amazing musicians in the same room playing music and hitting record!

“Between Me and Chicago” – Paul Cherry

Probably my 2nd favorite 2022 release. You really feel like you’re in snowy Chicago listening to it.

“Get Up and Go” – Pilot

Hands down my favorite Pilot track. Again, when I find an artist I like, I will obsess over them, go through every interview, demo recording, and multitrack. “Get Up and Go” I can just never skip. They have so many expertly crafted harmony guitar solos, but this just tops.

“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” – Dawn, Tony Orlando

Tie the yellow ribbon round the Ole Oak Tree is a song that instantly transports me to a time and place far from there. As I’ve grown older and have continued to work on my craft, I have found a strong love for the simplicity in a recording, using the only necessary tools to craft a great song, and this is a perfect example of that. I always find myself listening to it in times of confusion. 

“No Tell Lover” – Chicago

Sometimes a song can be overlooked by a good groove. I initially thought this was one of those songs. After multiple listens I kept hearing elements I had never heard, but most of all was blown away by the songwriting. A serious underrated Chicago song.

“Magnet” – NRBQ

My housemate showed me this song. I remember hearing it driving around in his car with the sun shining. The groove is seriously infectious, the sound of California! 

Percussionist/singer Brijean Murphy and multi-instrumentalist/producer Doug Stuart are no strangers to good taste, as proven across their discography and again on their latest EP Angelo, a lava lamp and 80s mirror-dice-inspired 9 track groove that mixes latin percussion with soulful dance pop, hints of disco, and drum machines just the way god intended.

Light a funky candle and check out Doug and Brijean’s playlist picks, their thoughts, and their latest EP Angelo!

Doug’s Picks

Gabriel da Rosa – “Jasmin Parte 1”

This is an artist I had never heard of, but was struck by his voice and the production of this song.

Sam Gendel – “Toridasuki”

I love how this song combines dissonance and consonance while maintaining a mellow groove.

Sam Wilkes, Jacob Mann – “Dr. T”

I love how this has a forward moving feeling but also stays very chill throughout.

Eddie Chacon – “Holy Hell”

This is the first single off Eddie’s follow up to his modern classic, “Pleasure, Pain, & Happiness”, and I can’t wait to hear the rest of the record.

Hailu Mergia, The Walias – “Tezeta”

Meditative and groovy, what’s not to love?

Pearl & The Oysters – “Mercury Comet Caliente”

Well crafted, dreamy, psychedelic, chill, pop music. 

Brijean’s Picks

Sofie Birch, Nana Pi – “Humidity“

As soon as I heard Sofie Birch’s music I was moved and inspired to know more about her and the art she creates. She is interested in the “healing nature of sound and vibrations and works across disciplines with other artists on expanding our understanding of mind and body through art.” This song is wonderful and a testimony to those intentions. 

Buscabulla, Ela Minus, Helado Negro – “close (Buscabulla Remix)“

We’re big fans of everything Buscabulla and was struck by this collaboration and remix with some amazing artists.

Meernaa – “Another Dimension“

I was lucky to get this album in time to soundtrack my heartbroken cross country trip across the states, dusted with moments of joy and awe. Carly’s voice and depiction of alternate dimensions is captivating and touching. 

Divino Nino – “XO“

This is the newest single from this rad band out of Chicago. The energy and visual accompaniment is ‘a vibe’ as it were. 

Nick Hakim – “Happen”

Turn it on and let it happen.  

“The sweetest angel
Fell into my world
She gives me reason
Was lost for a damn long time
She pours honey
Down my throat
We stay up all night
I watched the sun scan her body
And just
Happen
(Let it) Happen…”

Ned and Jon of Franc Moody have meticulously broken down the songs that have led them to this funkadelic masterpiece. From orchestral-driven film scores to the game changing electronic grooves of James Murphy, the group drew inspiration from all walks of life– making for an incredible record that we can’t wait to see live.

Have a listen, read through the group’s commentary on their selections, and be sure to stream Into The Ether this Friday, September 2nd!

Ned’s Takes-

“The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” – Ennio Morricone 

This is one of the most iconic film scores of all time. Morricone composed the song for the epic 1966 Sergio Leone classic of the same name. The epic, grandiose scale of both Leone’s “spaghetti westerns” and Morricone’s soaring compositions were seriously inspiring to us when writing Into The Ether. We wanted to create a vast, never ending, somewhat lawless soundscape packed with tales of adventure to mirror in some small way the escapades we’d had on the road ourselves and (at the time of writing the album) weren’t having due to the pandemic. Large orchestral arrangements, reverb drenched guitars and more than a handful of “yaaaaaaah’s” were all features we wanted on this record.

“The Word 2″ – Shigeo Sekito

Sekito is a Japanese composer and first arrived onto the scene in the mid-70s. The Word 2 is one of my favourite pieces of music ever. It’s utterly beautiful, and takes you somewhere else. It’s steeped in a kind of melancholy but it’s the song’s ethereal quality that really draws you in. That slowly brooding magic that transports the listener effortlessly to some far away place is exactly the spirit we wanted to capture on Into The Ether.

“Tepeu” – Thool

An underground classic from the mysterious electronic duo. Seeing them play live was a transportive experience, their show a meandering, writhing steam train that’s run out of track. They play tunes, build beats, create melodies on the fly. No two shows are the same. It makes for an incredibly exciting and heady brew. This tune has a surrealist grandeur and mysticism that was very inspiring when writing Into The Ether. 

“Johnny And Mary” – Robert Palmer

Love this song. The steady, relentless beat that is coaxed along by the synth bass line, the melodic counter line and the fragile, deadpan delivery of the vocals. The lyrics are amazing too, I read somewhere they were inspired by

some unsavoury political characters Palmer knew. That mixture of analogue and digital sounds is very much at the core of all that we do.

“The Rainbow” – Talk Talk

Taken from the band’s epic fourth album released in 1988. This song is packed to the brim with atmosphere, and has been a favourite of ours for a few years now. Spirit Of Eden is such an incredible body of work, so cohesive. 

With Into The Ether we wanted to release something that worked as a whole, both thematically and sonically. Records like Spirit Of Eden are true examples of this.

Jon’s Takes-

“臉兒紅, 心兒笑” – 姚蘇蓉

Wan Chai Records went deep deep down into the vaults of the Chinese cinema industry and put together ‘Hong Kong Score’, a selection of tracks from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan, specially produced for movies and illustrations. I found this record right at the beginning of our journey writing Into The Ether, and it very much connected with the early ideas of the expansive desert and spaghetti western style landscapes that were starting circulation at that time. Only available on Bandcamp, go listen –  this is a bad-ass record!

“Get Innocuous!” – LCD Soundsystem

James Murphy and the LCD Soundsystem are masters of their crafts to me. They’ve always been a big inspiration in the way they marry electronics with organic instrumentation, and also how he clearly writes with one eye very much focused on how the tracks will transpire in a live environment. A few lonesome lockdown early morning walks around Hyde Park were soundtracked by ‘Sound of Silver’.

“Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter” – Nina Simone

This song was a big inspo behind the music of the last song on Into the Ether, ‘In Transit’. I got a chance to cover it at a funk gig once with Dan (our drummer) on drums and the energy was crazy. I was like we need to do something at that tempo but ‘FM’ it up and sling it in the desert. Like the band are on horseback galloping over the sand dunes. Worked out well!

“Joy” – Kadhja Bonet 

This record has been a big influence on our string and orchestral arrangements. She uses a lot of rhythmic ideas that link up to create beautiful intertwining melodies, all very close mic’d and exposed. A style that you don’t hear so much these days on pop arrangements. Something George Martin from The Beatles really coined back in those days. I love how she represents this sound but in the here and now. Maybe it wasn’t as deliberate as that, but I really rate it! I wonder if Anderson Paak had anything to do with it…I know they’re good friends!

“Mmm…Skyscraper I Love You” – Underworld

A friend showed me this record at one of the first get togethers we had post lockdown and I became obsessed. I think because that night was such a release, a buzz, sharing music and company again after being cooped up for a long time. That transportive feeling is something we always want to create when writing and in many ways is the foundation of Into the Ether. You also may notice quite a few phaser rototom style drum fills on the record..!

The music video is a frame-by-frame animation using physical and digital tools, plus a lot of committed hours. In conversation, Sterling tells me how his style evolved slowly through periods of organic play. But as the video plays on my phone screen, Sterling’s work feels right on time. His psychedelic wonderscapes are a perfect (and beautiful) contribution to our world’s chaos.

Sterling grew up in Nanaimo, a city on the east coast of Vancouver Island in Canada. At 18 years old, he bought his first 35mm film camera and learned to develop his own pictures. “I really like physical things. I like doing things with my hands,” Sterling says as a statement of fact. When he moved to Vancouver for film school, Sterling took up a DIY approach to music journalism, messaging bands on Instagram and asking to shoot their concerts for free. Shooting live music turned into directing music videos, and combining a toolbox of creativity.

As a film photographer turned collage hobbyist, he took his affinity for scrappy magazine clippings and applied it to video production. “I wanted to make movies. I used to like listening to music and closing my eyes and visualizing whatever I wanted. And you know, like, pretty trippy, weird stuff. Like Strawberry Fields Forever.” With the Beatles as his soundtrack, Sterling’s imagination ran wild.

There are no presets, filters or shortcuts in Sterling’s world. While many musicians opt to throw money at a music video to make it a grand scale Hollywood production, Sterling is hands-on and patient. When I asked him why he gravitates towards such a meticulous process, his answer retains the same crafty spirit of his youth. “It comes from me wanting to elevate projects that didn’t have the budget. One thing I could do is invest a ton of my time into projects where there wasn’t money to, you know, pay other people for their time.”

As an artist, Sterling has trained himself to be adaptable and resilient. After filming the music video for ‘Within You, Within Me’, Sterling printed every frame onto a piece of white paper. Then he spent weeks painting each frame by hand with the materials he found while raiding an art store (not literally, but insatiably). He’s more than detail-oriented – Sterling lives inside each frame, scratching away at the imagery, making colorful marks fraught with friction, and even dipping sheets of paper in watercolors. Each paper frame is scanned back into a digital format with his Epson V600, originally purchased to scan his film negatives. And the editing continues.

Sterling’s videos are quick and dynamic. Watching them, you sort of get the sense that he’s taking you on a roller coaster ride before you even know that you’re at a carnival. “I brought a three minute video to a colorist once and they told me I had more cuts than the 30-minute TV episode they just did,” Sterling laughs. 

In some ways, his style was a necessary innovation that enabled him to execute enormous visions, no matter the cash flow. But that being said, his best work emerges through partnership with clients who trust him wholeheartedly and have the means to call in a world-class team. That’s the kind of project that spells F-R-E-E-D-O-M. 

“I like where I’m headed. I feel like I’ve found my groove,” says Sterling. He moves with a fluid trust, joining hands with every interest and influence that he has to paint captivating stories in motion. Why not combine all your passions for a truly unique splendor? That’s always an option.

So which video are you most proud of?

“I really love Sink or Swim by Snotty Nose Rez Kids. It was just a lot of fun. I got to do one of my favorite integrations of mixed media that complimented the clean visuals. I’m really proud of that video.” 

What inspires you?

“Anton Reva has done tons of really great visual collage stuff. His stuff is absolutely bonkers. Anton has been doing it forever. He’s constantly putting stuff out, like true art pieces one after another, which I think deserves way more credit.”

What’s your dream project to work on?

“I was a huge Beatles fan as a kid. It’d be a dream to work with Paul McCartney – that would be incredible. I’m also a huge Elton John fan.”

Discover more of Sterling Larose’s work on his website and follow along on Instagram @sterlinglarose.

MAGDA. MAGDA. MAGDA. MAGDA.

In a British accent, Magda’s cadence pom poms between respectfully nervous and uncomfortably confident: “I guess it must be my upbringing. My background has prompted this kind of need for doing more and dabbling in everything.”

Her style is that of the perfectly placed “fuck” on the lips of someone who refrains from saying it.

“The more I was behind the scenes watching these creatives… [the more I] was like, ‘I want to be that person.’ … How I contort my body can be a bit weird … probably look[s] a bit mental from an outside perspective,” she admits, as if it is the first time she has considered it.

I’m jealous of those impossible folds and bends– reminiscent of that unmistakable comfort felt whilst curled up in a ball, hiding from the world.

As far as pieces go, the most experimental could be out of Nicole Mclaughlin’s workshop. Her best shots? They’d inspire Anne Imfoff.

In conversation, I mutter,

“Effortless… weirdly clean.”

“Everything has to be clean around me,” she agrees.

More than once, I can’t rely on the transcription of audio. I revisit the recording to discern who was being the cheeky misanthrope. While this quote came from Magda, I’ll exercise my vulnerability and admit having typed out similar thoughts: “I’m a cripplingly anxious person in real life. My Instagram is like a form of drag… a way of being this kind of self that I would love to be in my real life… In my personal life, I limit myself a lot with my anxiety and mental health.”

Cathartic discomfort. Of course! Or is it comfortable sadness? Anywho.

I pivot the conversation to music: “[My brother] helped me a lot with my Rock music taste… he gave me a little MP3 player and put everything on there. It was just Gorillaz, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Muse, System of a Down, all of Blink 182. It was great… And then living with three Techno heads [in] Leeds… like techno central….that kind of pushed me into enjoying it and then enjoying the kind of culture around it as well.” And how does that affect your quotidian style? “During the day it’s like baggy jeans, baggy t-shirt. That’s life.”

I flip the conversation back on its head:

“Given that, what do you feel is validating?” 

We both pause, searching for sincerity. She breaks the silence, “I guess it’s like, it’s the reaction.” In this moment, every suspicion I had rings true.

My ability to discern character from style is impeccable.

“It’s just those little bits of like, appreciation that I get from people… sometimes I’m like, ‘Am I delusional? Like, does this look good? I have no idea.’ Um, and then, and then you get [support] and it’s like, ‘Okay, no, no, no. I’m on the right path … Um, also when my family are proud of me.‘”

I joke that I’ve got her all figured out, “Music taste is the easiest way for me to assess character. Every song played tells a story or reveals a side of someone.” She laughs. “It’s kinda like a nosy thing, isn’t it? Like looking at someone’s playlist? Like, ‘Oh, this is a little snippet of what you’re going through right now, what you are like thinking right now, how you’re feeling.'”

I ask, “Do you wanna just pick one song off the playlist you shared and give a little brief on what it means to you and why you put it?”

“George Michael’s [Too Funky] is the cheekiest one. I saw the video [at an exhibition] of Mugler’s pieces in Paris. I was like, ‘Oh my God, no way.’ … When I was like 10 years old, my dad just had this George Michael CD. Every Sunday, we used to go swimming. My sister and I, he would take us in his really old, soft top … we would open up the top and then blast George Michaels …and I just love that. My childhood memory. And now it’s intertwined with my fashion.”

As we say our goodbyes, she makes sure to let me know that there was a track from the Princess Mononoke soundtrack that didn’t make it on. The thought of her listening to Studio Ghibli tracks brings me to a smile, and though I can’t see her, I can tell she is smiling too.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity. It’s so different from what I’ve done. As soon as I saw your message, I was like, ‘Yeah, this is really cool.’” Our conversation reminds me how much I rely on a varied creative output to better understand myself.

“Happy to have helped you dabble,” either of us could have said.

Here I am writing for the first time in months after all.

This week, Mild Minds takes us through some of the tunes that inspire, excite, and motivate his unique production style. An easy step over from our favorites Four Tet and Bonobo, this playlist is sure to have something for every listener!

Give At Home With: Mild Minds a listen. You’ll learn a little more about the artist, the world, and yourself along the way.

The Breakdown

1. Enfant Sauvage – “58500”

This song is a powerhouse, one of my favorites of 2021. The drums, distorted leads and vocals work together so well. Was amazed to find out Enfant is french and not from the UK.

2. Fasme – “Coton“

I love when a track can elicit an emotion with only an arpeggio. Something I like to attempt in my own music.

3. SOLOMON FESSHAYE – “STAR CITY“

One of my favorites of the year. Such a great mix and emotion in the track. Nostalgic and wandering. A great example of being able to tell a story with minimal elements.

4. Jack J – “Only You Know Why“

Beautiful nostalgic number by Jack J, reminds me of Arthur Russell vocally. I love when artists do something completely different and it’s still loveable. I feel like this one hasn’t got the attention it deserves. 

5. 2 Bad Mice – “Limit Of Paradise“

Some 90’s OG’s coming back for round two in 2016. Some solid drum chops.

6. Bad Tuner – “oxygen“

This Beautiful piano house tune by a buddy in Brooklyn. He’s doing a lot of cool stuff.

7. Piri, Tommy Vilelrs – “Soft Spot“

I loved listening to this last year cruising home in my convertible through the LA freeways after a late party.

8. Floating Points – “K&G Beat“

This is one of my favourite FP tracks. This was a big influence when I started making music and it excites me every time I hear it. 

9. Chrome Sparks – “Moonraker“

Coming back to another older hugely influential track in the early days of this project. I love the progressive structure and the way the track feels alive. It inspired me to keep things feeling organic and alive on my first album. 

10. DJU DJU – “I Need My Music“

Always need a summer disco or house jam and this is one of the ones I’ve been bumping lately.

Be sure to check out Mild Mind’s new single “Devotion”

Kah-Lo graciously breaks down a few of her favorite tunes below. Happy listening!

Give At Home With: Kah-Lo a listen. You’ll learn a little more about the artist, the world, and yourself along the way.

The Breakdown

1. “Touch The Sky”- Kanye West

One of my favorite songs of all time, and my go-to for when I want to feel ‘on top of the world’. So important to me, it’s the one tattoo I have

2. “Paper Planes” – M.I.A

This song and the Kala album completely shifted my perspective on how music could be made and what it could sound like. Forever iconic immigrant anthem

3. “Boomerang” – Yebba

Her voice gives me chills every single time I hear her sing 

4. “Thunderstorm in Surulere” – Lady Donli & The Lagos Panic

One of my favorite songs at the moment. Donli shines on this track and makes a Lagos thunderstorm sound like bliss – and I’m terrified of them. 

5. “Last Last” – Burna Boy

The brilliance of this track begins with the Toni Braxton ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’ sample that makes the entirety of it. Burna sampled one of my favorite 2000s pop songs and made it a 2022 anthem. I was sold immediately 

6. “HelGa.” – Phony Ppl 

I shamefully only just discovered them after Shazamming this while getting food after a night out. This song somehow gives me butterflies even though I’ve played it 1000 times since. The entire album is top tier

7. “Plan B” – Megan Thee Stallion 

This song. This video. The Coachella performance. Everything about this song and what it is to pop culture is everything. I wish Mugler himself was alive to see it. 

8. “Tales By Moonlight” – Tiwa Savage

This song is all that and then some. It has sex appeal, an iconic music video, and Amaarae. 

9. “Legalize” – Mr. Eazi

An ode to the love of his life, Eazi bares it all on this track with her starring in the video. I love it so much for him 

10. “Avoid Things” – Tems

A slow burn off her ‘If Orange Was a Place’ EP. I feel this the most when I’m at home and I want to soak in being in isolation. 

11. “So Nice (Summer Samba)” – Astrud Gilberto

Whenever I’m home and I want to feel bougie, expensive and at peace, I put on Astrud Gilberto and pretend my apartment is a scenic jazz bar. I cook a little, dance a little, and everything is fine! Her voice is like a cloud 

12. “Destiny” – Zero 7 ft. Sia

This is another one of my all time favorite songs. Sia’s voice and her brilliant songwriting make porn in a hotel room sound like an ideal escape 

13. “eMcimbini” – DJ Maphorisa 

I’m loving amapiano a lot lately! It’s like a more vibey version of SA kwaito, and it really taps into your gut and makes you feel something. 

14. “If I Lie” – Dan Onkar

It feels like the first time everytime I hear this. No matter how fast paced I’m feeling, this song always seems to bring me back down. Very wavy

15. “Green Eyes” – Arlo Parks

I love the way this song feels, she somehow makes heartbreak seem manageable

Be sure to check out Kah-Lo’s new single “Drag Me Out”