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Tag: indie music

  • 4 Keni Titus Songs You Need To Add To Your Playlists

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    We can’t exactly tell you why, but winter is the best time to listen to indie singer-songwriters. Maybe there’s something about the cold weather that makes us crave the calming cadence of something we might call “sad girl pop.” But let us tell you, when it comes to Keni Titus, the smooth strumming of her acoustic guitar paired with her dazzlingly sweet voice feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day.

    If you like artists like Gracie Abrams and Alix Page, you will love Keni Titus. However, we don’t want to box her in with the sad girl pop movement. So captivating is the edge she adds to her music; sad will be the last emotion you feel. In fact, Keni’s latest single, ‘hands to myself,’ sounds like feeling the first bit of sunlight after months of cold, dreary gloom.

    You know that feeling when you’ve been floating along in the winter, and then you get the first warm day? You go outside in a T-shirt, even though it may still be too cold for that. But you want to feel the sun on your skin, and you feel alive again. That’s listening to Keni Titus. Even the cover art feels distinctly sunny. Her past single covers have shown her outside with the lush green grass behind her. She’s leaving no question about her music: It’s bright, it’s charming, and it might be our next obsession.

    ‘Hands to myself’ is the third single Keni has released ahead of her debut album, AngelPink, out February 6. Because we’re counting down the days until this release, we’ve decided to take you along with us. If you haven’t had the pleasure of discovering Keni Titus yet, read on. We’ll give you four songs you should listen to right now.

    ‘think i got a bad idea’

    We’re starting off strong with this one. Such a fun song, and it’s impossible not to feel her energy. It’s indie pop perfection with an alternative edge, and the combination is mesmerizing. Along with the genre blend, her lyrics paint a picture of a life unique to a young woman. What is a love song on the surface tells a tale of a complicated relationship that could only be that of a 22-year-old woman finding her place in the world underneath.

    ‘just keep driving’

    Another fun tune that we just can’t help but smile while listening to: ‘just keep driving.’ And the music video captures everything that Keni Titus’s music feels like. With the sun-kissed look and the hazy camera quality, it’s like we’re in an endless spring dream. We’re eating ice cream. We’re laughing with our friends. And honestly, in the winter, that’s exactly what we need.

    ‘You’re leaving soon’

    ‘You’re leaving soon’ has a fresh sound that still feels strikingly familiar. Her voice feels like a hug from an old friend. This song is a perfect example of what Keni Titus does best. Sad girl perfection but with an edge. The echo in her voice feels haunting as she tells a tale that may not have meant as much to her as it seemed. But if she just needed “someone to write about,” she got a pretty great song out of it.

    ‘hands to myself’

    We couldn’t make this list without directing you to her latest single. Teasing her upcoming debut album AngelPink, Keni has said that ‘hands to myself’ introduces the album’s theme of duality. With this song and everything else in her discography so far, there’s no doubt this album will be both honest and thoughtful. Through this record, she’s finding her place in the world, or maybe reminding herself of it. And we’re more than happy to figure things out with her.

    “When I wrote ‘hands to myself’, I kept circling back to the whole grass is greener thing. The temptation, the quiet wondering, and thinking maybe you took something for granted. It’s really just an honest exploration of that pull. The first line kind of sums it all up: ‘I look at you like my dog sees the back screen porch, could there be more?’ It’s about discovery and longing, and honestly just fumbling through trying to figure out what would actually make you happy.”

    Keni Titus on ‘hands to myself’

    Now that you’re caught up on all things Keni Titus, you can join the countdown to February 6. Until then, you can preorder AngelPink here, and of course, stream her music! And if you’re located in New York or L.A., her upcoming headline shows are sure to be magical. You can grab your tickets at the same link we used above. If you’re not lucky enough to see her in action yet, feel free to come chat with us about her on our socials! You can find us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KENI TITUS:
    APPLE MUSIC | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

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    Caitlyn Tarney

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  • Exclusive Interview: Kevian Kraemer Captures An Endless Summer With ‘Tan Lines’

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    Coming off of the success of his EP Jersey or Mars, Kevian Kraemer bottled up the feeling of summer love in his latest single ‘Tan Lines.’ The opening chords are riddled with nostalgia for the carefree energy that only exists in the heat of the summer. Everything is more exciting in the summer, especially, as Kevian reminds us, falling in love. With ‘Tan Lines,’ we have to take one last glance in the rearview mirror as summer slips away.

    ‘Tan Lines’ is a perfect introduction to the world of Kevian Kraemer music. But it barely scratches the surface. If ‘Tan Lines’ highlights the serenity of summer, the rest of his discography feels like one endless summer. It takes us through the first feeling of sun on your face after a long winter, to watching the sunset on a cool midsummer night, and all the way the the first chill of fall that makes us wonder how summer flew by so fast. The mix of pop, alternative, and indie adds up to a sound that’s uniquely Kevian Kraemer. And he doesn’t stop at the sound. With lyrics about growing up and learning everything you can about life, Kevian could easily soundtrack a coming-of-age film. Keep reading this exclusive interview to hear all about his music, from creating it to everything that comes after!

    Introducing Kevian Kraemer

    Welcome to The Honey Pop! Could you introduce yourself to our readers who may not be familiar with your music yet?
    Hey! My name is Kevian Kraemer, I’m 19, from New Jersey, and I make indie rock music!

    Your latest EP Jersey or Mars was released right at the beginning of this summer. The sound of the EP is perfect for a summer day. How would you describe the shift from Jersey or Mars to where you are at the end of summer with ‘Tan Lines’?
    I think in making ‘Tan Lines’ I chose to pursue a more alternative sound compared to the familiar pop-rock world of Jersey or Mars. This last single was a ton of fun to make, and I’m for sure going to explore that area of my sound moving forward.

    Jersey or Mars focuses a lot on transition, moving on from a past relationship, and looking forward to whatever comes next. Looking forward to this next chapter of your music, what would you say you most want to accomplish?
    My number one goal is to put together my most cohesive project yet, and I would also love to tour and play my first round of festivals in 2026.

    One thing you excel at is capturing the feeling of nostalgia. With the acoustic sound and the reflective lyrics, we feel like we’re looking back on everything that’s ever happened to us. How do you get into the mindset to write these songs?
    I think that it’s just the ability for my friends and me to be vulnerable and honest when writing each and every song. It’s always my goal to capture exactly how I felt when writing about a certain time, no matter how complex the emotion or situation.

    Of course, you also perfectly captured the feeling of summer love in ‘Tan Lines.’ If you had to pick one song to soundtrack this summer for you, what would it be?
    I think my soundtrack of Summer 2025 is ‘Golden Days’ by Whitney. I grew up listening to their music since I was super young, and with such rapid change and growth this summer, it became super nostalgic while on the road touring.

    Image Source: Sean Schmitt

    You seem to have no problem capturing the exact feeling you’re going for in your songs. If you had to describe the ideal setting for someone to listen to your music for the first time, what would it be?
    I feel like my music is definitely best suited for driving in the car with your friends and the windows down, or, in contrast, lying in your bed alone staring at the ceiling and blasting each song in your headphones.

    The way you filmed the ’Tan Lines’ music video wonderfully adds to the feeling of nostalgia for the summer. It feels like watching a home video, and getting a glimpse into the lives of people who love each other. What was it like to film?
    It was such a fun experience to get a bunch of my hometown friends together with our film team. The whole video was shot on a 1960s Super 8, which posed some challenges but paid off tremendously. The beach day was perfect, and I’m so incredibly proud of the work that everyone did on it.

    The ‘Tan Lines’ video feels like something that a historian would unearth in the future and use to describe what a summer was like. How would you want to be remembered in the future?
    I want to be known as someone who was unapologetically themself. Other than that, I just would love to keep playing electric concerts and have people continue to see themselves in my work.

    What one song from your past projects would you want to show to people to describe yourself in the future?
    ‘June is getting old’ is one of my favorite songs I’ve made, and I hope more and more people find it 🙂

    Tour Life

    You’ve been playing these songs for crowds all over on the Jersey or Mars Tour. What has it been like seeing these songs take on a new life on tour?
    It was pretty much the most unreal experience of my life so far. To see every single crowd scream every word to every song was incredible and an out-of-body experience, frankly. Also, just playing this new music was so much fun and really translated well in making people jump up and down and go crazy.

    It looks like you closed out your tour in your hometown of Asbury Park, NJ. How has your hometown impacted your music?
    I think my hometown has impacted my music in many ways, some of them even on a subconscious level. Growing up in Asbury Park was such a gift for me, being surrounded by so many different artists and musicians. I was able to thoroughly explore my identity and who I wanted to be, and I’m forever grateful for that.

    What was it like singing these songs that are so riddled with reflection in the town that must have inspired some of the stories you sing about?
    I’m not gonna lie, it was super trippy. I found myself losing track of the show a few times because it was just such a full-circle moment. Nonetheless, it was one of the coolest things I’ve done so far.

    Speaking of tour, you’re hitting the road with Smallpools! What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned on tour so far?
    Be kind and stoked for every opportunity and moment to play live music! It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to play for so many people in so many different places, and I just can’t wait to get back out there.

    Thanks for talking with us! Are there any tricks up your sleeve that you can tease about tour, or anything else you might be looking forward to?
    NEW MUSIC SOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!

    Image Source: Courtesy of Atlantic Records

    Count us in! We’re ready for Kevian Kraemer to be a part of our autumn. And our winter. And every summer, too. And if you love good music like us, you won’t want to miss what he comes up with next. If you haven’t already, check him out now and let us know your favorite songs! If you’re a die-hard fan, let us know what you’re looking forward to! Either way, we’re ready to discuss at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KEVIAN KRAEMER:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

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    Caitlyn Tarney

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  • Post Animal’s Album IRON: A Collaborative Masterpiece

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    On July 25th, Post Animal unveiled their anticipated album Iron. This release is significant for many reasons, primarily because it marks the first time in nearly a decade that all original band members have collaborated on an album. Joe Keery rejoined the group for this creative process, deepening both their musical progression and friendship. After Keery attended one of their New York shows about a year ago, the idea to craft new music together emerged. The band wrote and produced Iron collectively during several weeks secluded in the woods of Indiana.

    “This record felt like a revitalization of our friendships and our band,” Hirshland says. “We always work collaboratively, but it’s amazing how reintroducing Joe into the mix brought back that dynamic from 2017.”

    “We all felt it’d be great to do something like that again, to go somewhere and be isolated and work on music together. It was a labor of love.” Keery says.

    We have eagerly anticipated this release, and we are thrilled with the album we’ve received. It’s a stunning testament to the band’s deep connection and shared passion.

    Let’s dive in and discuss what we love about the tracks on Iron!

    Iron album cover
    Photography by Sam Dole, Courtesy of Grandstand Media

    ‘Malcoms Cooking’

    A delightful and whimsical instrumental opens the album, highlighting the band’s versatility and varied instrumentation. This track pays homage to their friend Malcom Brown, whose Indiana home hosted the band and who also served them chef-quality meals during their stay.

    ‘Last Goodbye’

    As the lead single from the album, we were introduced to the new sound of this era. ‘Last Goodbye’ addresses the obstacles each band member confronted over the past decade; a reminder that all things inevitably end. 

    Now I’m racing for what to do
    All roads lead my right back to you
    I know my life’s been changing
    But I’ll be pacing back on the road again

    ‘Maybe You Have To’

    The theme of loss continues as this track starts with voicemails from Toledo’s late grandmother. It deals with grief openly and serves as a heartfelt tribute for anyone who has gone through it. “The song is about coming to terms with death, with the absence of someone you love,” Toledo says. “She was a warrior.”

    I know that life, it doesn’t work like that
    Somebody goes, you can’t bring them right back
    Another life, it doesn’t work like that

    ‘Setting Sun’

    The band tried out this song during their tour with Djo, and it quickly became a fan favorite. The strong rock sound makes it easy to see why. Its energy is just right for shouting along in the mosh pit or up at the barricade. The lyrics also make it a catchy, feel-good rock song.

    Hit the gas, speed it up
    It’s time to make up for the years spent idlin’
    Donе givin’ in
    And tryna be somebody I nevеr knew

    ‘Pie In The Sky’

    The second single from the album captures all the wonder and whimsy fans have come to expect from the band. Friends, their instruments, voices, and shared love for music blend to create a fun and lively track.

    The sun hits me when I’m back in my home
    Day sleeper, sleeping alone
    Black magic, keep me alive
    Just wake me when she’s in the sky

    ‘What’s A Good Life’

    What IS a good life? It’s a question we all think about. The final single from the album explores this idea and suggests that the key is to accept yourself, flaws and all, before time runs out.

    For the first time in my life
    It’s fine that I’m not perfect
    Nobody’s fool
    Nobody’s cool
    It’s who you are

    ‘Main Menu’

    Like something out of a video game, this second instrumental track gives a good split to the album. As the music progresses, random voicemails are played on top of each other, and it mixes into a twinkly-sounding instrumental. 

    ‘Dorien Kregg’

    By far the most unique song on the album. We are introduced to this character of ‘Dorien Kregg’ by surreal lyrics and a psychedelic tune, and it ends with an angry voicemail that Williams actually received. This is the type of music that really reflects the band’s creativity and imagination as a whole, and they always exceed our expectations. 

    No, I don’t recognize any of this
    What’s that sound coming through the abyss?
    Do, do things really change on a dime?
    I feel so sure that that life isn’t mine, oh!

    ‘Common Denominator’

    The album starts to wind down with this track, an acoustic guitar in the forefront and soft vocals from the band. It feels like the wind running through your hair as the sun beams down on your face. The lyrics question if they are the common denominator, and how it feels to navigate that situation.

    Who would you see, if I could be
    A fraction of the one I dream about?
    A million ways I could’ve been
    Infinitely lost in time

    ‘Iron’

    Coming in with the piano keys and hazy-sounding vocals, Iron ends the album with its reflective lyrics about life & friendships, and the power of acceptance. It’s a healing track to end an album that tackles so many vulnerable topics.

    You said, “Iron sharpens iron
    But a blade is still a blade”
    Were we real or just unbridled?
    Guess I thought they were the same

    Photography by CJ Harvey
    Courtesy of Grandstand Media

    Praise For Iron

    Fans and critics alike have greeted this album with a wave of excitement. Iron marks a bold leap forward from their previous work, Love Gibberish (2020), with many calling it their finest release since their breakout debut, When I Think Of You In A Castle (2018). The return of Keery marks an important moment in their career, and fans have been waiting for this for a long time. Iron reveals a more personal side of the band and hints at exciting possibilities ahead.

    Make sure to listen to Iron on all platforms, and catch Post Animal on tour this fall! Let us know over on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram what you like most about the album!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POST ANIMAL: 
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

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    Eva B.

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  • Sombr’s Debut Album I Barely Know Her is the Soundtrack to the Summer of Yearning

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    There’s no doubt about it; it’s been the summer of yearning. If it’s not our hearts breaking as Conrad pines for Belly in the new season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, it’s falling into Raif’s devotion to Maria in Madonna in a Fur Coat (which we’re thrilled to see reclaiming space on bookshelves). And now, we have the soundtrack to it all: Sombr’s debut album, I Barely Know Her.

    The ten-track project blends fan favorites like ’12 to 12’ and ‘Undressed’ with brand-new songs that capture nostalgia, longing, and the thrill of experiencing such intense emotions for the first time. Written entirely by Sombr (born Shane Boose) and co-produced with the legendary Tony Berg, the album feels both intimate and expansive. No wonder he shot to number one on Alternative Radio faster than any new artist in the past decade. This is raw talent, undeniable and magnetic.

    Image Source: Courtesy of Warner Records PR

    To celebrate the release (and to fully indulge in the yearning that’s taken over our prefrontal cortex), we’re breaking down the album I Barely Know Her, track-by-track.

    ‘Crushing’

    The alt-pop opener sets the tone of the project. Sombr wears his heart on his sleeve, wanting to hold his lover out in the open and revel in that joy. But then the chorus hits, and we’re thrust into the reality of their ending. Wrapped in a groovy beat, the song paints vivid imagery, like Sombr stumbling past the corner store, drunk with heartbreak. As a Lower East Side native, his city roots pulse through the track. It’s the perfect introduction to the album’s world of lust, love, heartache, and possibility.

    ’12 to 12′

    Who knew Sombr was a poet? Actually, we did! He’s already proven himself to be one of the most compelling lyricists of his generation. With a line like “I don’t want anyone else from the hours of 12 to 12,” he manages to turn obsession into something achingly romantic. 24/7 is out, ’12 to 12′ is in! Released as a single with a music video starring Addison Rae, the track carries a Parisian city-night vibe we can’t get enough of.

    ‘I wish I knew how to quit you’

    The album slows down here, opening with a tranquil soundscape before Sombr admits how completely consumed he is by someone. This is yearning distilled into music, this project, and our entire summers. With echoes of 80s nostalgia, it feels like it belongs on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film. Some of our favorite lyrics include: “You’re the echo in my veins” and “I’ll write a book with all the reasons I could call you my home.” It’s almost as if we’re reading a 2025 version of Alex Turner’s letter to Alexa Chung. Oh, what a time to be alive!

    ‘Back to Friends’

    The track we all know and love sits at the midpoint of the album. Although it was released back in December of 2024, with each listen, it feels brand new. Written and produced solely by Shane, this track quickly became his breakout single and marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It truly cemented his sound as an artist and fits the theme of I Barely Know Her perfectly.

    ‘Canal Street’

    With what we feel has a country-tinged edge, Sombr explores a different side of his sound. Walking down Canal Street, he’s surrounded by temptation and spectacle, but everything is haunted by memories of a past love. No matter how hard he tries to move on (calling her name through the radio, searching for her traits in strangers), he can’t shake her ghost. We’re wiping away a tear as we write this.

    ‘Dime’

    Shifting the tempo upward, ‘Dime’ is an indie-pop love song full of longing and admiration. Sombr imagines himself imperfect but determined to give everything to a girl who feels like a 10/10. It’s playful, romantic, and quietly desperate in the best way. If we were on the merchandising team, we’d create a fun slogan tee that flips the lyrics and says, “We’re a fan that needs a dime.” See what we did there!

    ‘Undressed’

    The whole world has been talking about ‘Undressed,’ from the punchy sound to the poetic lyrics. In fact, the lyricism is what we love most about this track, lyrics like “I don’t wanna learn another scent, I don’t want the children of another man to have the eyes of the girl that I won’t forget.” You can read our deep dive into Sombr’s lyrics, including iconic lines from ‘Undressed,’ in our article here.

    ‘Come Closer’

    Fueled by electric guitars and a pulsing beat, this track captures the urgency of wanting someone fully. Half-love just won’t cut it. Sombr’s storytelling shines here, transporting us to a dimly lit restaurant on the Lower East Side. His roots ground the song in lived experience, making the imagery so vivid it practically plays out like a film in our minds.

    ‘We Never Dated’

    A personal favorite here at THP, ‘We Never Dated’ manages to do so much in just 3 minutes and 17 seconds. With an indie-rock edge reminiscent of classic alternative bands, the track leans into the comparisons fans often make between Sombr and full-band sounds (which, let’s be honest, only makes his artistry more impressive). At its core, the song captures the universal ache of yearning for someone you never truly had. They consume your thoughts daily, even without the history of a relationship. And really, haven’t we all been there?

    ‘Under the mat’

    The album closes softly but powerfully. ‘Under the Mat’ reflects on differences in upbringing and the realization that love transcends those divides. The locked door and the key hidden under the mat become metaphors for endings that still hold a shimmer of possibility. And it’s this youthful naivety that we can all relate to. It’s tender, bittersweet, and the perfect note to leave us on.

    For a project so anticipated, and with the question on the tip of everyone’s tongues asking for a release date, it makes perfect sense that the last line of the album is “That’s the album, man.” The closure is authentic, and it feels like we’ve been personally gifted this masterpiece. And to that, all we can say is, “Thank you, Sombr.”

    I Barely Know Her feels like opening Sombr’s diary; it’s personal, vulnerable, and unflinchingly honest. With raw storytelling, vivid imagery, and a sound that drips with nostalgia. Sombr has truly cemented himself as the new voice of modern yearning. Plus, with his upcoming tour across Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, we can’t wait to see how these songs transpire on the stage. Will you be catching him on tour? Let us know your thoughts on Sombr’s album, I Barely Know Her, in the comments or on social media across Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

    You can read more about Sombr here.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOMBR: 
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | OFFICIAL WEBSITE | TIKTOK | X | YOUTUBE

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    Joanna Rose

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  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To This Friday

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To This Friday

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    And we’re back with another Weekend Playlist! Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever grow tired of making cute little playlists for everyone to enjoy, but truly it never gets old. Especially when each week there’s new music released by artists everywhere.

    Instead of searching through countless Spotify and Apple Music New Music Friday playlists and checking social media for the hottest new tracks, I collect the best of the best to make it easy on you. Yes, I do all the hard work and you just sit back and enjoy.

    As we soak up the last few weeks of sunshine and Summer Fridays, there’s nothing you need more than new music to get you through. And, as promised, we have a whole playlist’s worth of new music released today, August 16.

    So, if you’re ready for the weekend already like I am…here’s a new playlist filled with new music! As always, let’s get listening.

    Hozier- “Nobody’s Soldier” 

    There isn’t much to say about Hozier’s angelic vocals that hasn’t been said already. He’s lyrically complex, weaving tales and transcendentalism into his music with every new single. Now, he’s here with a trilogy of singles and each is more delicious than the next. My personal favorite, however, is “Nobody’s Soldier.”

    Almost gospel, Hozier builds this dynamic track into a crescendo of vocals, heightening beats, and an orchestral backing that makes this perfect. It’s equal parts stomp-and-holler and indie folk, everything you love about Hozier…but refined, mature, and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.

    Tiesto, AFROJACK, MC Ambush- “Light It Up” 


    We needed a huge EDM song for the playlist this week, and a few major names in house music stepped up for us. “Light It Up” is high energy from the very start, perfect for your pregames or when you need to get amped up. Seriously, this song is made for the club.

    Tiesto and AFROJACK are two of the biggest DJ’s out there right now, which is why this collaboration is all the more exciting. They know what they’re doing, and it shows with this track.

    Duke Dumont, Clemintine Douglas- “Ain’t Giving Up” 

    High energy and house driven, Duke Dumont has always made bangers. However, by adding Clemintine Douglas’ strong, electrifying vocals makes this track all the better. It’s great for clubs or intense workouts, getting your heart pumping as Douglas reiterates that she isn’t giving up on her lover.

    Duke Dumont is a titan in the electronic dance industry for a reason, and they’ve remained relevant by creating refreshing, yet consistent music. “Ain’t Giving Up” reminds us the summer isn’t truly over, and we can’t get enough of this track already.

    Post Malone, Jelly Roll- “Losers” 

    And so the summer of country music continues with Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion album out today. He’s got collabs with major country hitters on this album like Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and more. But specifically, we’re here to talk about “Losers” featuring Jelly Roll.

    A feel good song, “Losers” blends the voices of the two and melds them into one silky song. It’s reminiscent of slow summer days spent with friends and family, and the perfect addition to this playlist.

    Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars- “Die With A Smile” 


    They’re baaaaaack. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars are household names when it comes to music, we’ve basically grown up listening to them. Any song they have is guaranteed to be a hit, so when they come together…it’s magic. “Die With A Smile” is a sign of the times for the duo…both a culmination of their vocal power and ability to write a hit track no matter what.

    Expect this one to be a radio favorite, as both musicians are giving us all they have. It’s a mellow, yet hard-hitting ballad that brings out the best in both of them. It’s ethereal the way they can work with each other’s voices so well, but that’s what you get when you’ve conquered your respective sides of the industry.

    Elle Darlington- “summer crush” 

    Fun-loving, an easy listen, bubblegum bedroom pop. That’s what Elle Darlington delivers with “summer crush”- it’s a catchy song about a summer fling…and every time I hear an Elle Darlington song, I’m reminded we’re in good hands when it comes to pop music. Darlington is like a breath of fresh air, and “summer crush” is reminiscent of a young Ariana Grande.

    You’ll find yourself easily dancing along to “summer crush”, singing “I don’t wanna be alone” over and over with her. Again, summer isn’t over until we say it is. This song was made for the sunshine and good vibes.

    Foster the People- “Paradise State of Mind” 

    In their first album in three years, Foster the People hasn’t missed a beat (literally.) “Paradise State of Mind” leans heavy on the synthy, indie sound that we know and love, while transporting us throughout a groovy, well-produced track. It’s one of my favorites on the album for a reason.

    The eponymous track is a statement: they’re back and they’re better than ever. It’s a mixture of 70’s sounds with extremely modern twists. A thrilling listen til the very end.

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    Jai Phillips

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  • How Spotify’s “Lorem” Playlist Became Gen Z Canon

    How Spotify’s “Lorem” Playlist Became Gen Z Canon

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    Curated Spotify playlists can make a larger impact on the music industry than you might think.

    Those looking to get a jump on the next radio hits tune in to Spotify’s Pop Rising playlist, which has over two million followers. Hip-Hop heads often favor the frequently-updated Rap Caviar playlist, which has accrued a whopping 13 million followers and counting. The cleverly-titled Are & Be, the straightforward Rock Classics, and the workout-themed Beast Mode each have millions of followers of their own.

    But there’s one playlist that, despite not really fitting into a clear genre category of its own, is becoming one of Spotify’s fastest growing curated playlists: Lorem.

    Lorem quietly emerged on Spotify at the beginning of 2019 and has since grown to amass over 1.1 Million followers. With a nondescript title and a vast range of artists featured on the playlist, Lorem is curated with the intention to construct a “vibe” rather than limiting itself to one specific genre.

    It’s fascinating, then, how this “vibe” has become so popular—particularly among Lorem’s majority female, Gen Z audience. Its description reads: “songs u can send to ur, friends, or keep for urself,” with an intentional Internet shorthand that echoes the playlist’s Very Online nature.

    Lorem’s curator, Lizzy Szabo, keeps one specific question in mind when it comes to picking tracks for the playlist: “What type of music are younger audiences ready for, based on their other habits?”

    “With Lorem, we’ve honed in on artists that we really wanted to focus on, and I think it has a clear enough narrative that you can understand what the Lorem brand is,” Szabo told Pigeons & Planes late last year. “Yeah, it’s going to step out on different genres a bit, but not so much that it’s just a mix of who-knows-what. Now we’ve seen what works, what people engage with most on this list, and how we can put discovery artists next to top tier artists and make it work.”

    Lorem seems to be based around a certain aesthetic that feels like 2020’s iteration of the “art hoe.” As YouTuber-gone-singer-songwriter Conan Gray says in a short promo clip for Lorem, it’s “like if you took all the kids from art class and put them on a playlist.”

    Lorem is tailor-made for the zoomers who idolize Clairo, Gus Dapperton, and Omar Apollo, who probably went through a Brockhampton and Rex Orange County phase in 2017, who know what it means to ask somebody if they listen to Girl In Red, who likely bleached two face-framing strands of their hair in quarantine.

    #Loremwww.youtube.com

    Lorem feels heavily inspired by young artists who’ve broken the barriers of “bedroom pop” in a literal sense, but have maintained a remote sense of intimacy and authenticity among their listeners despite their meteoric popularity. “It’s sort of like bedroom pop gone to the mainstream and a lot of things adjacent going on around that,” Szabo explained.

    So on Lorem, you can find artists as mainstream as Billie Eilish, Lauv, and Harry Styles, who have each surpassed billions of streams on Spotify. However, the playlist also takes into account steadily-growing bands like Wallows and Goth Babe. Even if you’ve never heard of these artists, they pretty much all boast millions and millions of streams—thanks, in part, to the virality of Lorem.

    The aesthetic that surrounds Lorem doesn’t exactly have a title, but like “VSCO girls” and “e-boys,” it stems heavily from the Internet. It calls to mind the bold, vintage-inspired style of young Internet personalities like Emma Chamberlain and Enya Umanzor, who have the power to dictate what’s “cool” with a single outfit picture on Instagram.. (It’s worth noting that both Chamberlain and Umanzor have also been romantically linked to Lorem artists Role Model and Roy Blair, respectively.)

    The TikTok explosion this year has acted like an echo chamber for this carefree, colorful style to take over, as well as the type of music that’s now become inextricably linked with it. Artists like BENEE, Joji, and SALES have all been added to Lorem after going viral on TikTok. “I tried to put in some nods in there sometimes and create a listening experience that’s similar for an 18-year-old girl that’s having to go from app to app and from Twitter to Instagram to TikTok or VSCO,” Szabo said.

    What makes Lorem and its adjacent aesthetic so fascinating is that, since rebranding from Spotify’s Left of Center playlist, it’s almost become the new “center,” altering what it means for an artist to be “indie.” Szabo asserts that, despite occasional conspiracy theories, there has never been any heavy marketing around the promotion of Lorem.

    Still, Lorem has come to represent a playful, artistic lifestyle and an open-mindedness towards music—if hundreds of thousands of young folks online resonate with that, maybe the future does look bright.

    Lorem

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    Abby Jones

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