by Mia Zarrella, 92profm.com
Music never sleeps and neither will you once you realize how expansive your Summer 2015 playlist is about to get. Based on the artists and genres that you are already enjoying on the radio, here is a cheatsheet that will expand your music library.
For those that like Walk the Moon’s upbeat, indie-rock songs and want to find another band with similar pop, sing-a-long, dance vibes, give Magic Man a listen. Hailing from our own Providence, RI, as well as Boston, MA, the five-person indie-rock band produces synth-pop, dance-influenced music. Magic Man creates similar vibes and melodies to Walk the Moon through their catchy choruses and high-energy live performances. Their songs “Texas,” “Paris,” and “It All Starts Here” are perfect additions to a summer playlist.
Ed Sheeran’s sweet-sounding, power-house voice and acoustic guitar styling has made him famous worldwide. Like him? Give another English acoustic singer/songwriter—Ben Howard—a try. Howard creates indie folk music with undertones of beach vibes inspired by his love for surfing. However, his recent album “I Forgot Where We Were” branched out from folk with darker lyrics paired with electric guitar. To start you off: listen to “Only Love,” “Black Flies,” and title song “I Forget Where We Were.”
You already know and love Tove Lo, and you are familiarized with Kieza because of her song “Hideaway.” You are also probably listening to Major Lazer and DJ Snake’s song “Lean On” featuring rising artist MØ. However, Danish singer MØ, A.K.A Karen Marie Ørsted, has other, arguably better, songs with lyrics that are far less repetitive, but still just as dance-y and catchy. Here is your starter pack: “Say You’ll Be There,” “Walk This Way,” and “Don’t Wanna Dance.”
If you like those artists, then I know you like AlunaGeorge, a duo made up of vocalist Aluna Frances and producer George Reid. George produces the electronic-pop beats and Aluna’s voice brings an R&B flare. You have probably already heard DJ Snake’s remix of “You Know You Like It,” but listen to the original version and while you’re there check out “Kaleidoscope Love” and “Your Drums, Your Love.”
Need another artist to top-off your EDM playlist? Go with Grimes. Her songs “Go,” “Entropy,” and “REALiTi” might just drive you insane. Canadian singer Claire Boucher’s sweet sounding voice hidden beneath layers of house beats creates density and depth, building a lo-fi electronic dance sound.
Has Hozier pulled on your heartstrings? Of course he has. Now it’s time to let a couple comparable artists into your music library. James Vincent McMorrow is another Irish singer/songwriter in the folk-indie genre. Unlike Hozier, McMorrow’s voice is much higher and more airy. His sweet, melancholy lyrics and mellow instrumentations produce easy-listening music similar to that of artist Bon Iver. “We Don’t Eat,” “Red Dust,” and “Higher Love” are good samples of McMorrow’s music.
If you want an artist more upbeat than McMorrow, try James Bay. Folk pop singer/songwriter James Bay’s soulful voice creates tuneful melodies in his popular songs, “Hold Back The River” and “Let It Go.”
Now that your genre-based playlists have broadened, happy listening!
