Hey! Did you know that there’s an entire aspect of KCRW music discovery that you might be missing out on? Fear not, because our 5 Songs to Hear This Week newsletter is now a weekly feature on our website. Watch this space for rundowns of the five songs that you need in your life immediately, curated by KCRW Music staff. Don’t want to wait for your latest taste of fresh tunes? Sign up for the Friday newsletter here, and always be the first to know.
James Blake – "Fire the Editor”
As one *powerful* YouTube comment observes, “as an editor who was fired earlier this year... this is my sh**.”
Us too. James Blake’s “Fire the Editor” has become a fan-favorite standout off of his freshly-released LP Playing Robots Into Heaven. With raw vocals and haunting lyrics like “I’m not afraid / I’ve already failed so many times,” Blake touches on subjects that we’re all a little too familiar with: self-doubt, personal development, taking those first steps into unfamiliar territory, and, of course, owning your sh**. – Arielle Torrez, KCRW’s Social Media Manager
Cleo Sol – “Go Baby”
A track designed to hit you right in the feels. With Cleo Sol's velvet vocals and heartening lyrics, “Go Baby” is a smooth reminder that, “Love, I need to know you are special.” With a combo of silky production and an even silkier bassline, this one’s sure to soothe the soul in the best way.
“Go Baby” is just a taste of Cleo Sol’s freshly-released Heaven, her third album since 2020. Fun Fact: Sol is rumored to be a vocalist for the mysterious music collective SAULT, but hey, you didn’t hear that from us. – Arielle Torrez, KCRW’s Social Media Manager
Ashnikko – “Cheerleader”
“Cheerleader” is dark alt pop queen Ashnikko at her most idgaf. She channels her inner gremlin for an empowering anthem about being your grossest, sexiest self. The dark, gritty track is an f-you to modern beauty expectations designed to bring out your inner badass. Beloved for her absurdist fantasy lyrics, Ashnikko’s outlandish bars across the track somehow make perfect sense. Or, as she puts it, “I’m not a girl, I’m a swarm of bees / Wrapped in a skin suit, perfect teeth.” Defying genres, Ashnikko may not be the textbook definition of punk, but her latest album Weedkiller proves she’s sure got the right mentality. – Malorie McCall, KCRW Social Media Dept.
The Aquadolls – “Spotlight”
The Aquadolls have been a mainstay in the LA indie scene since frontwoman Melissa Brooks was a young teen. Their latest album, Charmed, serves as a reintroduction: Still true to their surf rock core, the all-girl band now features drummer Jackie and bassist Keilah, who each bring new influences to the sound. “Spotlight” incorporates fresh injections of dream pop and a rock ‘n’ roll bassline, punctuated by spot-on vocals splitting the stylistic difference between classic girl group and total punk. – Malorie McCall, KCRW Social Media Dept.
Often – “Brightstar”
Singer-songwriter Often describes herself as the “sad disco queen,” and while it’s an apt title, don’t mistake her for a one-style artist. “Brightstar” sees the musician incorporating the grungy pop of the late 2000s indie scene with stripped-back yet cinematic production. Layered harmonies and just a touch of distortion make this one perfect for when you just want to succumb to the music and disappear.
And don’t sleep on the lyrics: Often says the track is about “confronting a religion that altered and impacted my sense of reality, ‘Brightstar’ is the beginning of crafting a new origin story as I find a new pathway to self.” – Malorie McCall, KCRW Social Media Dept.