August 5

Calvin Harris – ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2’

• It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Funk Wav Bounces Vol 1, featuring the inescapable tracks “Slide”, “Feels”, and “Rollin” that completely dominated the radio. This month Harris returns with a fresh collection of collaborative tracks including features from Pharrell Williams, Dua Lipa, Charlie Puth, and Halsey among others. If this record is anything like its counterpart, then it’ll surely be the funky soundtrack we’ve all been waiting for.

Lauv – ‘All 4 Nothing’

• Pop sensation Lauv is set to release his sophomore record All 4 Nothing this month, featuring the endlessly catchy tracks “26” and “Kids Are Born Stars”. Full of cutesy lyrics and synthy production, All 4 Nothing oozes nostalgic vibes and finds Lauv emotionally looking back at his childhood with bright eyes and a big heart. If you’re a fan of Jeremy Zucker, The 1975, or Troye Sivan, definitely check this one out.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again – ‘The Last Slimento’

• One of the most prolific rappers of the last five years returns with his third record of 2022, The Last Slimento. This record finds YoungBoy continuing his hot streak of tastefully blending heavy flows and catchy croons over hard beats, as showcased on singles “Proud of Myself” and “Vette Motors”. Known for his brilliant feature on Tyler, the Creator’s “WUSYANAME”, YoungBoy has since proven through consistency that he’s one of the best in the game right now. Set a reminder for this drop to see what I mean.

Eminem – ‘Curtain Call 2’

• Calling all die-hard Eminem fans. Your GOAT is ready to drop his star-studded collection of hits in his upcoming Curtain Call 2. The album has been framed as “the sequel to his 2005 greatest hits album Curtain Call: The Hits”. It is set to be a 2-disc, 34-track album that features tracks released between 2009 and today, including “Love The Way You Lie” and “Not Afraid”. Eminem dropped the tracklist announcement, just one day after the “Crack a Bottle” music video was released which he claimed came “unlocked from the Shady Vault.” You always need something new to go along with something old, and thankfully the album will also feature two new tracks, “The King and I” with CeeLo Green from Elvis and “From the D 2 the LBC” with Snoop Dogg.

August 12

Pale Waves – ‘Unwanted’

• Emo is not a phase, and Pale Waves keeps the spirit going. Their last record Who Am I? was a tribute to the legends of 2000’s emo, like Avril Lavigne and My Chemical Romance, and their new record Unwanted looks to take that sound to another level. Full of angsty songwriting and gutsy vocals prominently displayed on singles “Jealousy” and “Reasons To Live”. Unwanted looks to be the pop-punk and emo record that will send you to your bedroom, close the door, and play on full blast while contemplating existential dread and the meaning of life.

Sylvan Esso – ‘No Rules Sandy’

• Electro-pop legends Sylvan Esso are back with No Rules Sandy, their first record since 2020’s stunning Grammy-nominated Free Love. Full of quirky lyricism and punchy electronic production, No Rules Sandy is reflective of the duo being their “freak selves” and marks a new era for them. With this new no-rules approach, comes the inescapable earworm singles “Sunburn” and “Didn’t Care” setting up the album to be a fun release full of good vibes.

Hudson Mohawke – ‘Cry Sugar’

• Iconic producer Hudson Mohawke is set to release his third studio-album Cry Sugar this month, his first since 2015. Since then, he’s released a handful of mixtapes and contributed production on some of the biggest records of the last 10 years such as Yeezus, Nothing Was The Same, and The Life of Pablo. Known for his trademark glossy synths and metallic beats, Hudson Mohawke’s influence on production in the last 10 years is undeniable but being behind the scenes means he doesn’t have mainstream notoriety—yet. Evidence suggests Cry Sugar can change that, as the singles have all been mind-blowing. Listen to the single “Stump” and be transported to another dimension.

August 19

Panic! At The Disco – ‘Viva Las Vengeance’

• Pop-rock band Panic! At The Disco return with their seventh studio album Viva Las Vengeance this month, featuring the single “Middle of a Breakup”. Recorded live into a tape machine, the record sees frontman Brendon Urie looking back on his life as a young musical superstar and incorporating his feelings into a ‘70s rock sound that he listened to while growing up. Urie described the record as a “cinematic musical journey about the fine line between taking advantage of your youth, seizing the day, and burning out.” Relatable.  

Hot Chip – ‘Freakout/Release’

• English synthpop group Hot Chip is back with their first record in three years, Freakout/Release. The record was written and recorded in London and embodies the band’s lively energy that is showcased during their live sets. While the subject matter that inspired much of the band’s lyricism is quite dark, the album sonically presents the group’s full-band sound that put them on the map. “Eleanor” is a great place to start, especially for those who aren’t as familiar with the band.

August 26

DJ Khaled – ‘GOD DID’

• If you follow DJ Khaled on Instagram, you may have noticed a teaser on a post questioning if we are “believers” and that he can show us better than he can tell us. Well, we’re all about to be of DJ Khaled faith. He’s set to release GOD DID at the end of the month, with a list of impressive collaborations of course, including Jay-Z. Prior to his album release, he revealed that the lead single “Staying Alive” will be dropping on August 5 and is featuring Drake and Lil Baby, continuing to validate the Khaled and Drizzy alliance.

Julia Jacklin – ‘PRE PLEASURE’

• Indie-pop darling Julia Jacklin returns with her third studio album PRE PLEASURE featuring the knockout singles “I Was Neon”, “Lydia Wears A Cross”, and “Love, Try Not To Let Go”. Recorded in Montreal, Julia found herself writing on a keyboard rather than a guitar for the first time, which has led to a much poppier and punchier sound. About to embark on a world tour, Julia is poised to break out as the next big singer-songwriter of our generation. If you’re a fan of Phoebe Bridgers, Tomberlin, or Julien Baker, check out PRE PLEASURE at the end of the month.

Muse – ‘Will of the People’

• Arena-rock staples Muse continue their venture into maximalist rock music with Will of the People, their ninth full-length record. This record sees the band tackling many different areas of the rock genre, including glam rock on the title track “Will of the People”, industrial rock on “Kill Or Be Killed”, and disco rock on “Compliance”. While Muse may not be the same band we all fell in love with 15 years ago, this record will at the very least be another interesting offering from Matt Bellamy and the gang.

Stella Donnelly – ‘Flood’

• Australia’s best young songwriter is back with her sophomore record Flood, which follows up her groundbreaking debut Beware of the Dogs. Featuring the dazzling singles “Flood”, “Lungs”, and “How Was Your Day?”, this record is sure to cement Stella as one of the most poignant yet fun songwriters of the last few years. If you’re a fan of Faye Webster, Julia Jacklin, or Hand Habits, set your eyes on Stella Donnelly.