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.
Little Dragon & April + VISTA – "Layers”
We know you got layers, so what’s underneath? Get to peeling with this contemplative soul-searcher from Swedish electro-poppers (and longtime KCRW darlings) Little Dragon, in collaboration with eclectic production duo April + VISTA. Featuring a persistent synth beat teeming with sexy tension, and singer Yukimi Nagano’s signature cool-girl delivery crowned by sighing strings and faraway piano — this track is yours for the yearning.
P.S. Catch Little Dragon: KCRW Live From HQ on Friday, September 29th during the 11aPT hour of Morning Becomes Eclectic.
Dua Saleh – “daylight falls”
Take some time to process whatever you’re pushing down by following the example heard here. Ascendant Sudanese-American rapper Dua Saleh alternates between whispered admissions and belted, raw-edged vocals in this standalone single — their first release of 2023. Hit play for commanding verses over earnest campfire guitar strums, and some truly excellent facial jewelry. Pro-tip: if you don’t recognize Saleh from their role in the Netflix series Sex Education, you should probably work on that.
Sampha – “Only”
Snaps, y’all: UK rapper and producer Sampha brings mad poetry slam energy to this slick ‘n’ gorgeous track off of his new album LAHAI, which graciously drops next month. Plentiful creative license is taken with structure and form, resulting in delights at every turn whether in the form of lyrical elegance, or visual metaphor.You’ve waited long enough, so hit play. You may find that this track is the only one you need.
Joel Culpepper – “Free (Feat. Tom Misch)”
Strap in, we’ve got the perfect carefree groove for your weekend on wheels. Londoner Joel Culpepper is the R&B singer-songwriter your catalog’s been missing, and the breezy funk-jam style courtesy of KCRW fave Tom Misch provides a welcome invitation to flow freely past whatever’s got you down. Fans of R&B icon D’Angelo, take note; this track will be perfectly at home on your decks and in your heart.
More: Tom Misch Live From Morning Becomes Eclectic (2018)
Rocky Dawuni – “Shade Tree”
Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve been craving ‘til it’s served up on your plate. Grammy-nominated Ghanaian artist and activist Rocky Dawuni identifies his musical style as “Afro-Roots:” A signature blend of reggae, afrobeat, highlife, and soul. It’s a buffet of meaningful and joyful influences, crowned by an inspiring message to set the tone for a weekend of coming together.