A few songs that might pull you away from catching Pokémon for a sec...might.
11. DJ Carnage
Don't Call Me (Feat. Young Thug & Shakka)
Carnage released his debut album last year with guests including A$AP Ferg, Rick Ross and Migos but he's not slowing down at all using this year to pop out singular tracks. The latest Don't Call Me features vocals from Shakka and raps from Young Thug. It effortlessly blends together electronica and hip-hop, sounding a little DJ Mustard with an altered formula. Young Thug steals the show with a verse that bleeds charisma.
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/djcarnageofficial/dont-call-me-stream[/soundcloud]
10. JOY.
Like Home
In a follow up to last year’s mesmerizing debut EP Ode, and earlier this year featuring onLone with What So Not & GANZ, Brisbane artist JOY. has today dropped her first new single of 2016 titled Like Home. Through the massive amount of airplay and high rotation that About Us received, to the purity of the stories on each of the four tracks told on Ode,. JOY. fully encapsulates why Australia is so rich for young talent in all genres of music at the moment. Like Home premiered last night on triple jand it is a slow, snapping piece of pop music demonstrating those soothing crisp vocals we have come to love. - Harrison Kefford
9. ALTA
Plans
Melbourne duo ALTA this week announced they have signed with Soothsayer (Dro Carey, Roland Tings) and dropped a new single Plans which was snapped up by triple j straight away. It's a smooth, percussive jam guided by the honey-soaked vocals of Hannah Lesser. You never quite know where the song is going to go but despite that the sugary melodies bring some comfort to the mix. This track follows on from their 2015 EP Awake For Days.
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/wearealta/plans[/soundcloud]
8. Machinedrum
Angel Speak (Feat. Melo-X)
Machinedrum is a producer who has worked on tracks with Azealia Banks, Theophilus London and Jesse Boykins III while also working up his own discography that spans more than 15 years. For his latest he's teamed-up with Beyoncé Lemonade producer Melo-X for a horn-driven piece of reggaeton. It's an energetic cut which is likely to be a party-starter in his own sets. Melo's vocals are sampled on this, taken from a previous unreleased Machinedrum track they worked on together.
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/machinedrum/machinedrum-angel-speak-ft-melo-x[/soundcloud]
7. Justice
Safe And Sound
After 5 long long years, a few whispers and a mysterious image of the Parisian electronic wizards signing what appears to be a contract, we now officially have our hands and ears immersed in some new Justice. Comebacks do not, repeat, do not get much bigger than this, with the duo nailing it on Safe And Sound. Expectation were high and thing could’ve fallen flat, but no. In classic Justice fashion, it’s a marvellous piece of booming disco. From the incredible layering of instrumentals to the symphonic sounds of disco, Safe And Sound is one mighty comeback anthem. - Harrison Kefford
6. Tinashe
Superlove
We’ve been waiting for Tinashe‘s second album Joyride for what seems like an age now but after a period of no releases, the wheels seem to be back in motion with new single Superlove. Superlove may be Tinashe’s most upbeat, flirtatious cut to date taking the best parts of Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass and Ciara’s Body Party to deliver an R&B summer anthem. It’s clear she’s eyeing a hit and this one may be her biggest yet. Her airy vocals are weighted by a rap in the second verse that adds a little extra oomph to the otherwise easygoing, free-flowing tune.
5. A.G. Cook
Superstar
PC Music head A.G. Cook is back for his first release of the year, taking vocal duties on new singleSuperstar. In true PC Music style it’s both inspiring and kitsch, going heavy on the hyperbolic lyrics and even heavier in the euro-dance synths. It may be one of the most straight-up tunes the label boss has ever released and it’s likely to take the label to audiences that are still left in the dark.
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/pcmus/superstar[/soundcloud]
4. Dreller
A Signal That Comes Back
Dreller is the new project of Papa Vs. Pretty member Thomas Rawle who is kicking some huge goals internationally. He's signed to CHVRCHES' Goodbye Records in the US and Terrible Records in the UK. This week he debuted his new single A Signal That Comes Back on Beats 1 and it's a monster of a song. It's a haunting track uplifted by a dance-ready beat. It bleeds melody and showcases sonic intricacies, creating something that's captivating from start to finish. If you're not sold at the beginning hang around until the euphoric synth comes in around the 2:20 mark. That's when things become truly glorious.
3. Shy Girls
I Am Only A Man
Many have attempted to master the impossibly smooth R&B vibe in the past five years but very few have actually succeeded. Portland artist Shy Girls AKA. Dan Vidmar is an exception to that having been very successful in creating velvety late night jams. I Am Only A Man is his latest off a forthcoming EP and it’s possibly his best effort to date. Beginning by crooning over warm synths, the song expands into grandiose, refined cut of electro-R&B. Vocally, it’s a masterclass and he chooses to optimum instruments to surround.
[soundcloud width="750" height="200"]https://soundcloud.com/shygirls/i-am-only-a-man[/soundcloud]
2. AlunaGeorge
Mean What I Mean (Feat. Dreezy & Leikeli47)
AlunaGeorge have been extremely busy this year. As well as guesting on tracks by Flume, Kaytranada and Yogi they have dropped I’m In Control, I Remember and My Blood off their forthcoming album. Now we have the next single Mean What I Mean which proves they’ve got plenty more left in their arsenal. The track perfectly marries together hip-hop and dance with rappers Dreezy and Leikeli47 jumping on board for a verse each. The duo just continue to work with the most exciting people around and as such, their palette is consistently refreshed while maintaining those classic AlunaGeorge vibes.
1. Snakehips & ZAYN
Cruel
Bet you didn’t think an act playing Splendour In The Grass would have a connection to ex-One Direction member ZAYN, but here we are. Snakehips have gone and recruited ZAYN for their latest single Cruel and we couldn’t be happier with their decision. Cruel has more gusto than anything that features on ZAYN’s debut album Mind Of Mine and only furthers Snakehips’ chances of having another hit off the back of All My Friends. The UK production duo do a great job at surrounding ZAYN’s voice with the right delectable sounds while also making him sound completely relevant. Good job team. Meet you in the Mix-Up Tent for a jam to this next week.
