“Dreams”– TV On The Radio

Ever since I have discovered TV On The Radio, not only do I find myself enjoying the casual listening experience but appreciating the technical brilliance (if you’re into that stuff) of the band. If you want the true TV On The Radio experience, “Dreams” has a bit of everything. So complex and savvy whilst at the same time not being an overbearing listening experience, it is pretty cool if I do say so myself.

– Jasper

Baby I’m the Wolf –  Ha Vay

I’m channeling witchy girl summer this year. Think candles, moonlight, crystal balls, and frolicking barefoot in a field of wildflowers. Ha Vay’s 2024 debut album Baby I’m the Wolf has all of the above and more. Her haunting and ethereal vocals remind me of a siren’s song, mysterious and laced with danger. This is music for casting spells on your ex. If Stevie Nicks and Lana Del Rey had a baby fairy in the forest, she would sound like Ha Vay. Stand outs on the album for me are “Moon Girl” and “The Huntress”.

-Kea

“What Did I Miss?” – Drake

Lately I find myself repeating one line over and over: “what did I misssssss”. Say what you want about Drake but the man knows how to make a catch phrase STICK and somehow it always hits just right. Waking up? “what did i misssssss”, Checking my emails “what did i misssss”, Joining a meeting? …You get the idea! I’m not a blind Drake follower (or am I???) but I do appreciate when artists lean into niche creativity. Driving the Iceman truck around Toronto for the album promo is something so random, so familiar and so creative along with the classic two step Drake dance moves in the video – I truly tried to resist but I’m hooked!

-Chanel

“Happen To Me” – Russell Dickerson

No shade, but there are only two conditions under which I somewhat enjoy listening to country music. The first is in a workout class of some sort, and the second is in the summer. If either of those applies, I go full cowgirl. “Happen To Me” by Russell Dickerson is the latest country tune to, ironically, fall under both of these categories. I first heard the song about a month ago in a workout class. Picture 45 minutes of high-intensity exercises, an instructor screaming encouragement, and a soundtrack of blaring “YEEDM”—the newest term for electronic country remixes. Normally, I’m usually too busy questioning all my life choices to focus on the music in these classes, “Happen To Me” stood out. While the first version I originally heard was, of course, a Steve Aoki remix, the original version has been dominating my “On Repeat” playlist ever since. Catchy, fun, and TikTok dance approved, I think it’s safe to say it will be staying there for the rest of the summer.

-Leila

“Just Keep Watching” – Tate McRae

Ughhh, this song owns me. I swear, the second those first few notes hit, my body enters autopilot and I’m full-on dancing like nobody’s watching…even if they absolutely are. I recently went to see the new F1 movie (which, by the way, totally lived up to the hype), and the moment Tate’s voice came on? I practically levitated out of my seat. Everything she releases is effortlessly cool, dangerously catchy, and honestly? I’m completely, unapologetically obsessed.

-Sophie

Love Made Trees – Loaded Honey, Lydia Kitto, J Lloyd

In this varied array of summer releases across the DSP’s, I’ve floated from indie-electronic, to hip-hop, to jazz. What I’ve found myself going back to for the sheer enjoyment of music that should be listened to for summer vibes is the first release “Love Made Trees” of the duo Loaded Honey. A new collaboration stemming from a magical alignment of musicians in the studio between J Lloyd and Lydia Kitto from group Jungle. This album feels built for bbq’s, road trips, park hangs and long days at the beach. If high powered vocals, instrumentation all falling within balanced arrangements is what drives you, Loaded Honey thrives in this space. The fans of Jalen Ngonda, Thee Sacred Souls, Durand Jones & The Indications and Hiatus Kaiyote will feel right at home. “Lessons”, my favourite track on the album, has an essence of timelessness that encapsulates the project, where you feel this album could have been released in another decade. Eagerly awaiting a tour announcement….

-Berk