I’m Nicole Maroutsos, Manager of Music Services at PlayNetwork. I’m lucky that my job involves spending time every day exploring new releases and sharing them with people all over the world through in-store placement. While it’s impossible to narrow down the best, the two albums below were ones I often had on repeat.

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Artist: Chaka Khan

Track: Hello Happiness

Twitter: @ChakaKhan

The Queen of Funk returned this year with her first album in over a decade. Although she’s been in the business over forty years, she sounds as contemporary as ever while still staying true to her classic funk roots. Her seven-track album is uplifting, empowering, and sure to cement her icon status with the younger generations as well.

Artist: Maren Morris

Track: Girl

Twitter: @MarenMorris

Maren Morris’ 2019 album Girl has a little something for everyone; she takes the country roots that made her first album a smash and weaves them with the pop appeal […]

PlayNetwork Music Supervisor, Pete Greenberg here, joining in on this end of the year’s top picks list for 2019. Without a doubt the year has provided some amazing recordings and honestly, it’s been extremely challenging in deciding which few to present here. As I’ve shuffled through track after track trying to cull the list down to less than a billion awesome songs, here’s where I’ve managed to land for today.

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Artist: The Regrettes

Track: I Dare You

Twitter: @regrettesband

California rock band, The Regrettes released their 2nd album this year How Do You Love? And truthfully, I love every single song on this record. The album winds through all the stages of a new relationship, detailing the initial moments of recognition of interest to picking up the pieces and walking out the door ending. Pulling from influences like The Strokes, The Ramones, and even moments of The Replacements, “I Dare You” beckons you to look into your heart and remember […]

Here at the Octave Group, our dedicated music curators work with clients around the globe, listening to music for a diverse range of consumers, from high-end retailers to small one-off mom and pop joints that want to hear the best music for their specific brand and customers. From this unique perspective, we factor in music that is popular and familiar, but what makes our jobs so unique and enjoyable are the deeper more obscure cuts by an artist or band that just broke into the scene that no one knows about yet. This is what makes us stand out from the rest and is one of the many reasons why our clients love our work so much.

With that in mind, we are happy to announce the return of our year-end list for 2019. The list will showcase 10 of our music experts’ favorite songs and albums of the year. And to go along with each curator’s pick, we’re adding everyone’s favorite hits of the year to this month’s playlist. 

[…]

Hey, my name is Spencer Manio, Sr Music Supervisor at PlayNetwork. I listen to all kinds of music for work but I mostly listen to rap, ambient, and dad jazz on my own time. The playlist is a mix of stuff I’ve been rockin’ as of late.

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Artist: Sudan Archives

Track: Confessions

Twitter: @sudanarchives

“Confessions” is the first single from violinist, singer, songwriter, and producer Sudan Archives’ upcoming debut album Athena on Stones Throw Records. It’s one of my favorite songs of 2019 and it’s perfect for me.

Artist: DaBaby

Track: Intro

Twitter: @DaBabyDaBaby

“Intro” is the lead single off Kirk, the latest album from the current king of rap, DaBaby. Who knew you could turn up to a song that samples a *NSYNC Christmas song.

Howdy! My name is J.D. Tierney, and I’ve been working as the Music Services Intern here at PlayNetwork for the past three months. To celebrate my conscription into the workforce, I thought I’d make a playlist of new music exclusively from artists about my age who are likewise beginning to embark on their musical careers. All the songs on this playlist are made by, or feature prominently, artists who are “Gen Z,” or “iGen,” or whatever the term is this week. That means they were born in year 1995 or later. For reference, I was born in 1997.

The playlist is a Smörgåsbord of hip-hop, RnB, lo-fi pop, electronic, and indie rock. Come to think of it, most of the songs here will have two or three styles of those evident in its DNA. Below I’ve written about three songs I feel are particularly noteworthy. I hope you enjoy.

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Artist: Litany

Track: My Dude

Twitter: @litanymusic

Litany is a duo of […]

Hi, I’m Alex Ruder. I’ve been a Music Supervisor at PlayNetwork for nearly 6 years now, and outside of PlayNetwork I’m a DJ at KEXP and also run a small independent label called Hush Hush Records.

Women were responsible for some of the most exciting albums of 2018 and they’re continuing to crush it in 2019. Here’s a few singles from new and new-ish women artists I’ve had on repeat this year…

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Artist: Long Beard

Track: Sweatheart

Twitter: @longbeardband

I’ve been hooked on this gorgeous slice of nostalgic, melancholic, melodic guitar-pop from New Jersey’s Long Beard (aka Leslie Bear) which is the lead single from her upcoming sophomore album Means To Me, due out September 13th on Double Double Whammy.

Artist: Clairo

Track: Bags

Twitter: @clairo

Two years since breaking through online thanks to some viral YouTube videos, and one year since her impressive label debut EP, Boston-based artist Claire Cottrill (aka Clairo) is dropping her debut full-length […]

Hello! I’m Mark Campbell, Music Supervisor here at PlayNetwork. For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to electronic sounds. From the voice of R2-D2 to assorted audio logos heard in television shows and commercials, these noises have always grabbed my attention. So naturally, this fascination is reflected in a large portion of my musical tastes. Here’s a few new tracks I’ve discovered that feature my favorite musical instrument of all time (the synthesizer) front and center. Enjoy!

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Artist: Tycho

Track: Easy

Twitter: @ISO50

Scott Hansen, known professionally as Tycho, recently dropped this track as a prelude to his forthcoming album. Mostly instrumental (with some nebulous background vocals), this track features a successful and compelling blend of electronic and acoustic elements. Moreover, the buttery-smooth synth lead almost makes you forget you’re listening to electronic music altogether.

Artist: Robotaki

Track: Beaches

Twitter: @Robotaki

Fun fact: Preston Anthony Chin, better known by his stage name Robotaki, has […]

Happy March everyone! I’m Pete Greenberg, Music Supervisor here at PlayNetwork. So, here’s the deal. There are some great songs out there (no surprise) and I’ve collected a few in a playlist for you to check out this month. Personally, I’m loving these songs right now and am hopeful you will too. If for some reason you don’t, it’s okay. We can still be friends. But chances are you just lost your ride to the airport. I’m only kidding. Kinda.

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Artist: Telekinesis

Track: A Place in the Sun

Twitter: @_TELEKINESIS

Telekinesis is back! Okay, it’s not like they actually went away and have finally returned or anything. Just that there’s a new album and I’m beyond excited. I love this band and love this return to indie rock form for them. Such great tones on this recording. There’s a real crispness to the track that does a great job of hooking you in and lifting you up.

[…]

This month’s Music Discovery Blog comes from one of our Associate Music Supervisors, Patrick Milgram, who discusses why it is important to leave the music algorithms behind. Along with his three featured tracks, Patrick has hand picked 25 songs he recommends to get your playlist out of it’s feedback loop. 

  LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

A world of automation and algorithms should be utopic for an indecisive person, right? More and more, it seems that we’re relying on our technology and applications to spoon feed us the next best thing based on our listening and viewing habits. While I was grateful for my streaming services queuing up the next best thing that fit my interests, over time, I began experiencing a creeping feeling of unease that I was missing out on something. I felt some relief reading this article about independent online radio stations, which spoke to the eclecticism and unpredictability of human curation – it validated many of my feelings about automated recommendations.

Rather […]

In 1998 the French music duo Air (Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel) burst onto the scene with their impactful and highly-praised album Moon Safari. Now, 20 years later, Dunckel has taken a solo flight delivering a sonic gem with his album H+, and according to Music Supervisor Mark Campbell, it is worthy of consideration for album of the year.

Although the content doesn’t veer too far from the standard Air sound palate (delicate vocals, sleek arrangements, downtempo grooves, electronic textures) the songs are still exceptional and noteworthy, featuring superb songwriting and first-rate production levels throughout. The tracks “Hold On” and “Transhumanity” are standouts on an album’s worth of great music – a must-have for fans of Air and their iconic sound.

Artist: JB Dunckel

Tracks: Hold On

Twitter: @JBDunckel

Here at PlayNetwork, our creative music experts work with clients around the world to curate music for a diverse range of clients, from high-end retailers to small mom-and-pop places that want to hear the best music for their brand and audience. From this unique perspective, we tend to look for music that is popular and familiar, and we dig deeper for more obscure music by an artist or band that just broke into the scene that no one knows about yet. Below is a small peek of some of those artists and songs that were used the most by our clients here at PlayNetwork.

And to continue our annual end of the year list, we will be posting some of our Music Supervisor top albums and songs that they loved and most likely curated for their clients in 2019. And make sure to check out our December playlist and discover some great new tracks to add to your rotation, handpicked by our entire music team.

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S […]

This month’s music discovery comes to you by Nicole Maroutsos, who is one of our Music Service Managers within our Music Team. Our November BrandRadio playlist has been handpicked by our entire music team to enhance your playlist with this month’s music discovery.

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

In the past few months, we’ve seen a new trend arise: the ode to throwbacks. Songwriters seem to be more nostalgic than ever before, singing about the good old days and referencing iconic tracks of yore. These three tracks were released within the past six months and all take it back to the old school.

Artist: Anne-Marie

Track: 2002

Twitter: @AnneMarie

Nostalgic reference weave in and out of this ballad that Anne-Marie co-wrote with Ed Sheeran and Julia Michaels. In just the chorus alone, there are six references from tracks released in the late 90’s and early 00’s; “Oops, I got 99 problems singing ‘bye, bye, bye’ / Hold up, if you wanna go and take […]

This month’s music discovery blog is brought to you by Grady Tyree who makes it all happen in procurement and label relations! Our playlist is all new and has been handpicked by our entire music team to hopefully help you stay cool during the hot summer month of August!

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

This month’s selection of tasty ear-worms come out of pure discovery, as in I’m trying to refrain from rehashing content that is a known quantity to your ears. This month, I’m tipping you listeners and readers off to my own exploratory work and discovery, new artists that were unknown’s to me until 2018. This is no easy task, but I’m always up for a challenge.

Artist: Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Twitter: @RKSBandOfficial

Track: Fever Pitch

Hailing from the mountains of Boone, NC, the genre-blending, harmonizing quintet known as Rainbow Kitten Surprise pack a formidable punch that will have you reflecting, at times, on the early releases of Modest Mouse or Kings […]

This month’s music discovery blog is brought to you by one of our newest Music Supervisors, Pete Greenberg! On his off days, Pete dedicated to his small vinyl release label that celebrates some of the great artists of the Northwest who have released some phenomenal albums. Our playlist is all new and has been handpicked by our entire music team to get your summer officially started!

  LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

This month, I selected songs that have caught my ear recently–in the way that great songs just sort of come to you when you’re not really expecting it. Having been a Frightened Rabbit fan for a while, I kept Mastersystem on my radar, and was curious as to how their debut album would distance themselves from their respective associated bands (Frightened Rabbit, The Editors, and Minor Victories). Their track “The Enlightenment” does an excellent job of illustrating a more angular shaping. Hatchie’s “Sugar & Spice” was just one of those songs that once you hear […]

This month’s music discovery blog is brought to you by Alex Ruder, not only is he a multi-year Music Supervisor vet, he is also a part-time KEXP DJ, and runner of DIY label Hush Hush Records. Our playlist is all new and has been handpicked by our entire music team to set your playlist in the right direction for the month of June.

  LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

The summer season is approaching, so it’s time to get some tasty tunes ready to go for your BBQ + patio playlist. I’ve combed through a stack of new and upcoming releases and selected a handful of standout choice cuts to sprinkle into your mix. These tracks are sure to add some mouth-watering slow-motion underground funk to compliment the inescapable summertime pop anthems.

Artist: Bluestaeb

Twitter: @Bluestaeb

Track: Left & Right

Splitting time between Berlin and Paris, electronic producer Leon Giseke (aka Bluestaeb) has consistently provided smooth beats since debuting in 2013, and the early singles from […]

This month’s music discovery blog is by our seasoned Music Supervisor Alex Espinosa who has over 30 years’ experience in the music world. Our May BrandRadio playlist has been handpicked by our entire music team to set your playlist in the right direction with this month’s music discovery.

  LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

My earliest memories of music are from the spring and summer months; where the days got longer and the music blared on the radio. I still remember where I was when I first heard “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, or asking my mom to turn up the radio when “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers would come on. These songs have always had a lasting impression on me, as they evoke the perfect chill vibe that is perfect during the warm days and nights this time of year. Below are some new cuts that are all about this vibe, as well as an older classic that will sure to bring […]

This month’s music discovery comes to you by one of our Music Supervisor, Chris Robles who is missing Sade and her old band mates. Our April playlist has been handpicked by our entire music team to get you in the mood for spring!

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Artist: Sade

Twitter: @SadeOfficial

Track: Flower Of The Universe

In early March we were blessed with the first new song from Sade in over 7 years. “Flower Of The Universe” was made for the soundtrack to the movie A Wrinkle In Time. I wasn’t sure what to expect when it was announced that a new song would be coming, but it was a pleasant surprise to hear that familiar stripped down, mellow style with soothing vocals. 

After hearing this song, I was left wondering if we’ll be hearing more new material from Sade or Sweetback (the group the band members formed without Sade Adu at vocals)… Until we find out, I’ve been listening to the old

This month’s music discovery comes to you by one our Associate Music Supervisors, Christian Zabala. Our February BrandRadio playlist has been handpicked by our entire music team to set your playlist in the right direction for the New Year.

LISTEN TO THIS MONTH’S PLAYLIST >

Hello world! I’m Christian and I’m an Associate Music Supervisor at PlayNetwork. For our Music Discovery post, I’ve decided to share some music knowledge with the readers on the nightmares of clearing samples. Let’s go down this rabbit hole together, shall we?! HERE WE GO!!!

When I’m not at work helping our music team get the freshest records out to our clients *wink* – I’m usually at home working on some sort of music project or idea while some rerun of The Flash, The Office, Friends, Modern Family, or late night television is playing in the background. As I stare at my workstation, I sometimes will pull up a folder of some soul samples I found just to see if I can […]

The music supervision team at PlayNetwork saw over 6700+ albums, EPs and compilations added to our extensive music library in 2017. With so much amazing music to pick from, our Music Supervision team finally narrowed down their top 10 albums of the year.

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted our Procurement and Label Relations guru, Grady Tyree. Without Grady, the Music Supervision team would be lost-as he is the gatekeeper for all the music that comes through the PlayNetwork doors. Grady writes on why the new Benjamin Booker release WITNESS is one of his favorites of 2017.

Artist: Benjamin Booker

Album: WITNESS

Track: Believe

Twitter: @bennybookmarks

Thousands of songs passed through my ear canals this year, but out of all, one album bore its way into my subconscious and became a worm in my apple… WITNESS by Benjamin Booker, released in May on ATO Records. The sophomore release from the singer/songwriter finds a slow-burn of a record, leaving its mark in your psyche as […]

The music supervision team at PlayNetwork saw over 6700+ albums, EPs and compilations added to our extensive music library in 2017. With so much amazing music to pick from, our Music Supervision team finally narrowed down their top 10 albums of the year.

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted seasoned Music Supervisor and Manager, Dean Carlson, who has over 25 years’ experience in the music industry. He got bit by the music bug early, first DJ’ing at his high school radio station, and then having a successful 15 year radio career afterwards. Dean even launched his own syndicated radio show heard in over 25 countries. Dean writes on why the new Mura Masa self titled album is one of his favorites of 2017.

Artist: Mura Masa

Album: Mura Masa

Track: What If I Go?

Twitter: @mura_masa_

I can remember exactly where I was the first time I heard Mura Masa and his single “What If I Go?” It was in my car listening to […]

The music supervision team at PlayNetwork saw over 6700+ albums, EPs and compilations added to our extensive music library in 2017. With so much amazing music to pick from, our Music Supervision team finally narrowed down their top 10 albums of the year.

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted Music Supervisor Alex Ruder who has over 15 years’ experience in the music industry. Besides his work here at PlayNetwork curating music for brands, you can find Alex hosting variety and electronic on-air shows at KEXP or mixing it up behind the decks in nightclubs around Seattle. If that’s not enough, he also runs his electronic label Hush Hush records. Alex writes on why the new Kelela release was one of his favorites of 2017.

Artist: Kelela

Album: Take Me Apart

Twitter: @kelelam

Track: LMK

It was five years ago when I first heard the stunning voice of Kelela Mizanekristos. She appeared on arguably Teengirl Fantasy’s best song ever, “EFX,” from their 2012 album Tracer. […]

The music supervision team at PlayNetwork saw over 6700+ albums, EPs and compilations added to our extensive music library in 2017. With so much amazing music to pick from, our Music Supervision team finally narrowed down their top 10 albums of the year.

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted Associate Music Supervisor, Ruben Lira, who prior to his time here at PlayNetwork worked with record labels and wrote blog post for Tour Worthy. When he’s not procuring, editing or cataloging music here at PlayNetwork, Ruben enjoys playing his guitar and piano while tutoring a music theory lesson here and there. Ruben writes on why the new Hoops album was one of his favorites of 2017.

“Because this album brings the nostalgia and innocence lacking today.”

This album was honestly one of my favorites. I don’t know, something about the shimmering notes and dancy drums, combined with heavy reverb vocals, really spoke to me. With all the negativity going around, the entire album, […]

The music supervision team at PlayNetwork saw over 6700+ albums, EPs and compilations added to our extensive music library in 2017. With so much amazing music to pick from, our Music Supervision team finally narrowed down their top 10 albums of the year.

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted Music Supervisor, Mark Campbell, who has over 25 years experience in the music industry. When he’s not curating playlists for our many brands, he loves spending time in his home studio where he creates his own music using his array of vintage analog synthesizers. Mark writes on why the new Bicep release was one of his favorites of 2017.

Artist: Bicep

Album: Bicep

Twitter: @feelmybicep

Track: AURA

Great electronic music always features a good balance of the expected and the unexpected. On their eponymous debut album, the Irish DJ duo of Andy Ferguson and Matt McBriar deliver on all levels – providing the proper blend of club-ready comfort and surprise. Elaborate analog synth textures, punchy […]

The music supervision team at PlayNetwork saw over 6700+ albums, EPs and compilations added to our extensive music library in 2017. With so much amazing music to pick from, our Music Supervision team finally narrowed down their top 10 albums of the year.

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted Associate Music Supervisor, Christian Zabala, who has been DJ’ing since he was 15 years old and has also DJ’d some of our client’s events. When he’s not working on finding new cool and hip songs for our clients, you will find him always with a deck of cards at arm’s length ready to perform a magic trick. Christian writes on why the new album Flower Boy was one of his favorite albums of 2017.

Artist: Tyler, The Creator

Album: Flower Boy

Twitter: @tylerthecreator

Track: 911

One of my top albums that I kept on repeat in 2017 was Tyler, The Creator’s fourth studio album Flower Boy. Up until this album, I wasn’t the biggest fan of […]

The music supervision team at PlayNetwork saw over 6700+ albums, EPs and compilations added to our extensive music library in 2017. With so much amazing music to pick from, our Music Supervision team finally narrowed down their top 10 albums of the year.

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted Music Supervisor, Blake Kirpes, who has over 12 years in the music industry. Blake can also say that he helped shape the sound of bands such as Death Cab For Cutie and The Shins where he worked as an audio engineer in studio. When he’s not curating music for his many brands, you can find him collecting cassettes and vinyl while also designing abstract art. Blake writes on why the new Alvvays album, Antisocialites was one of his favorite albums of 2017.

Artist: Alvvays

Album: Antisocialites

Twitter: @alvvaysband

Track: Dreams Tonight

In 2014, the Indie music scene was flush with bands, that on the surface, sounded like Alvvays; bands with a sunny day reverb sound […]

The music supervision team at PlayNetwork saw over 6700+ albums, EPs and compilations added to our extensive music library in 2017. With so much amazing music to pick from, our Music Supervision team finally narrowed down their top 10 albums of the year.

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted Music Supervisor, Chris Robles, who besides having a background in production, is an amazing graphic designer who creates posters for our in-house PlayLive series. He has also helped booked live shows for legendary artists like George Clinton & Parliament, Pete Rock and Questlove to name a few. Chris writes on why the new SZA album, Ctrl, was one of his favorites of 2017.

Artist: SZA

Album: Ctrl

Twitter: @sza

Track: Supermodel (contains explicit lyrics)

This album stood out to me as one of the best of 2017 because of SZA’s clever (and sometimes sassy) songwriting; her unique, smooth, and soulful vocals as well as her ability to experiment with a variety of music […]

Continuing our theme of top album write ups, we’ve enlisted Senior Music Supervisor, Leroy Henry, who has been at PlayNetwork since 1999 and has spent his entire career in music. His passion for music runs deep going back as far as the 70s where he was a DJ at Seattle’s rock station KZOK. Leroy tells you why Barefoot in the Head is one of his favorite albums of 2017.

Artist: Chris Robinson Brotherhood (The CRB)

Album: Barefoot in the Head

Twitter: @TheCRB

Track: Behold the Seer

“Who the heck is The CRB?” I asked as I unsuspectingly inserted a new CD. The very moment I heard the opening bars, I was struck by the beautiful, open sonic quality and level of musicianship and arrangements. This was the new Chris Robinson album, formerly of the Black Crowes! The album instantly became my favorite of the year and it’s never wavered. And it’s not what you would really expect – it’s not hard rock but instead is an […]

Ready for some amazing summer jams? Check out our July playlist, curated by our Music Supervisor team – with featured tracks from Blake Kirpes!

Late-Winter through Spring can be hit or miss for new music releases; there are always a handful of great albums, but there are also long stretches with little movement. However, now that we are in full-on summer mode, there are amazing singles and albums coming out seemingly every day.

In addition to the songs detailed below, be sure to check out the brand radio link which features great new releases from Japanese Breakfast, Algiers, Benjamin Booker, Amber Coffman, Chad VanGaalen, Grizzly Bear and Seattle band Great Grandpa.

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite summer releases for 2017.

Artist: Alvvays

Twitter: @alvvaysband

Track: In Undertow

If you’re looking for a melancholy summer jam, then this is your track. It has been three years since Alvvays released their amazing debut self-titled debut album, and after […]

Artist: Cass.

Facebook: Casswheel

Album: Youth Sessions

Emotional Response records released this hauntingly beautiful 9 track LP from German Ambient producer Niklas Rehme-Schluter AKA Cass. Following on from his amazing collaboration with Wolf Muller “The Sound Of The Glades” on International Feel. Youth Sessions, moves seamlessly between beat-less ambient soundscapes and otherworldly pensive slo-mo electronic house grooves. Soothing and evocative in equal measures, truly a work of art.

Best known as half of Manchester electronica duo Lamb, Lou Rhodes has been quietly fashioning a concurrent solo career in atmospheric, gently pastoral folk for some years. Her fourth album sees love balladry and witchy woodland acoustica collide. Cellos, plucked harps and electronic textures augment a sound that emerges somewhere between Nick Drake, Carole King’s Tapestry and the Wicker Man soundtrack. Out now on Nude Records.

Artist: Lou Rhodes

Twitter: @lou_rhodes

Track: All I Need

With summer still going in full force, we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite summer jams and summer related songs from 2016. Check out the playlist for the soundtrack for your summer, whether you plan to spend it on the beach, or on a road trip. Plus, one of our music supervisors, Blake Kirpes, has selected a few of his favorites to share below and they are definitely worth checking out!

Artist: Whitney

Twitter: @whitneytheband

Track: No Matter Where We Go

If you get a chance to see this band live, do it! I saw them live last week at the Sunset Tavern in Seattle, and they were amazing! This is my favorite summer song for hanging around the house or taking a drive. This is a timeless track that sounds as if was written 30 years ago or 10 years from today.

Artist: Avalanches

Twitter: @TheAvalanches

Track: Subways

The thought of “subways” doesn’t necessarily […]

As the founder of Finders Keepers and Twisted Nerve, Dom Thomas knows a thing or two about psychedelia. A renowned crate-digger, Dom has also been stockpiling a few left field gems of his own. New project Whyte Horses is the result. Fragrant psychedelia which steers clear of standard tropes, there’s a shade of Go! Team exuberance matched by the chiming guitars of, say, the Paisley Underground. Out now on CRC Music.

Artist: Whyte Horses

Twitter: @whytehorses

Track: Promise I Do

Pumarosa have been together for just over a year, developing from the core of Isabel Munoz-Newsome and drummer, Nicholas Owen, to the five-piece who released “Priestess” on Chess Club records. One seven-minute, epic song about freedom and dancing set to propulsive bass, spaced-out guitar, more than a hint of dance music, saxophone and hypnotic vocals. What’s not to like?

Artist: Pumarosa

Twitter: @pumarosamusic

Track: Priestess

Signed to the mighty 4AD record label, D.D Dumbo’s reverb-soaked songs erupt in thunderous rhythm and euphoric drone. Minimal in structure and complemented by Perry’s astonishing voice, they subtly reference traditional stylings from around the globe such as African desert blues, Tanzanian ilimba and transcendental Tuvan melody.

Artist: D.D Dumbo

Twitter: @DDDumbo

Track: Satan

Section Records released Subaquamarine – the 2nd LP by Roberto Sodano AKA Audioglider. “Aerial View” is just one of 11 beautifully crafted electronic soundscapes on this stunning new album. This collection of electronica gems mixes influences from the dance floor to the ambient sunset feel of classic Balearica.

Artist: Audioglider

Twitter: @AUDIOGLIDER

Track: Aerial View

Alicia Keys is no stranger – this Girl on Fire has been a household name for well over a decade. However, her style takes a new turn with “In Common,” her first single in four years. Keys has stepped away from her signature piano anthems and instead released a song that’s breezy, stylish and sun-drenched. “In Common” is in line with the growing tropical house movement and features breathy, understated vocals. Keys is not only evolving her sound and staying relevant, but she’s knocking it out of the park. This track is mesmerizing and addictive – you’re sure to have it on repeat all summer long!

Artist: Alicia Keys

Twitter: @aliciakeys

Track: In Common

Two giants of the underground dance scene join forces to produce a sure fire future Ibiza classic. Alex Metric & Aeroplane are Metroplane. The simple formula of this track works wonders on the more discerning dance floors. Loped vocal sample filtering in and out, disco stabs ghosting over a chunky house groove. Everything you need for a heads down slice of basement house.

Artist: Metroplane

Facebook: Metroplane

Twitter: @Alexmetric, @VitoAeroplane

Track: Over Me

David Holmes, Keefus Ciancia and Jade Vincent make up Unloved. The band comes from a fondness for moody rock noir and 1960s girl groups. Guest players are also on board – including Jim Keltner, Deantoni Parks, Wayne Kramer and Gus Seyffert, and together they evoke the sounds and spirit of The Shangri La’s, Bruno Nicolai, The Paris Sisters, The BBC Radiophonic Workshop and Phil Spector’s wall of sound.

‘When a Woman is Around’ is the second single taken from the LP Guilty of Love.

Artist: Unloved

Twitter: @weareunloved

Track: When a Woman is Around

The very talented South Londoner, Huntar has come out with quite a bit of music in the last year through his signings to Good Soldier Songs in the UK and Glassnote Records in the US. He has been supported by Pigeon and Planes as well as Noisey, both saying he is one to watch for the future. As the future RnB sound is becoming more mainstream, Huntar will be there to make sure everybody gets a fantastic fix.

Artist: Huntar

Twitter: @HUNTARmusic

Track: SK1N

More music from Huntar

Two of the very best deep house producers come together on this new release from Local Talk. Atjazz’s “Fox Tooth” was a big track in 2015 and has now been remixed by Kaytronik AKA house legend Karizma. A deep brooding underground club bomb. Stripped back and lovingly rebuilt for the basement dancers.

Artist: Atjazz

Remixer: Kaytronik

Twitter: @martinatjazz, @KAYTRONIK

Track: Fox Tooth (Kaytronik Floss Dub)

As a music lover of all things new and fresh, I was checking out the many music blogs and stumbled upon the track “Young Rebels” by TW Walsh.  After the first deep bass drum kicks of the song, I was hooked.  With the mixture of synth sounds and keyboard swashes, this track by Massachusetts born Timothy William Walsh has a retro 80s feel to it that is popular with today’s indie crowd looking for something that stands out from the norm.  “Young Rebels” actually reminds me of my youth when I was really into Gary Numan and The Cars.

Working as a songwriter, producer and engineer, TW had his hands on different projects before joining Seattle Indie band, Pedro The Lion back in 2003.  He has since provided production assistance from anyone from Sufjan Stevens to Crystal Skulls.  After spending 18 months with a mysterious illness he attributed to insomnia and bad dieting, TW Walsh got into Eastern Mysticism which had him thinking of ways of bringing classic music production […]

For those who don’t dwell in the dark, foreboding world of metal, or heavy music, it’s easy to know why this band would be unknown to you at this point, but after you’ve read through this post  your excuses for not knowing are at an end.

Baroness is a behemoth of a band, incorporating elements of heavy metal, sludge, progressive metal, and more recently heavy rock. The band rose up from the swampy magnolia roots of Savannah, GA, to take the metal world by force in the mid-2000’s with their initial releases, Red and Blue. In 2011, the band released what I consider to be their Physical Graffiti-album, Yellow And Green, a heavy, melodic opus that was so big they had to make it a double album. While touring in Europe for Yellow And Green, the band was involved in a pretty gnarly bus accident that left their lead singer/guitarist with a broken arm and leg, while the original bassist and drummer both suffered vertebrae injuries that would force them […]

The brother and sister duo of Brandon and Savannah Hudson, originally from Boca Raton, Florida – now based in Los Angeles, rose to fame on the 2013 season of America’s Got Talent. Having since left behind their mainstream Pop/Rock sound, they now lead a 5-piece band that explores the world of Electro Pop.

“Lies” (the final track of the band’s debut EP, Ecliptic) is a bright and shimmery electronic gem – recalling the sounds of CHVRCHES and Lorde, while leaving their own unique impression on the genre. Sultry vocals, pulsing synthesizers, and a top-notch production level all conspire to deliver an exceptional, stand-out track.

Artist:

Twitter: @TheHeirsMusic

Track: Lies

Check out more music from The Heirs

Innerspace Orchestra are no strangers to musical genius. Tom Furse (The Horrors), Cathy Lucas (Fanfarlo) and Rose Elinor Dougall (Mark Ronson/The Pipettes) came together after a random recording session sounded more like something that shouldn’t be so random. Their debut track “One Way Glass” premiered online and will be released on March 4th via Different Recordings.

Artist: Innerspace Orchestra Twitter: @innerspaceorch

Track: One Way Glass

Learn more about Innerspace Orchestra.

Artist: Nicola Cruz

Twitter: ZZK Records

Track: Colibria

Nicola Cruz is a French producer and percussionist of Ecuadorian heritage. This track, Collibia (the name of the instrument played throughout the track) is a beautiful evocative slice of mellow acoustic electronica. There are touches of the Afro Cosmic sound and also the traditional folk sounds of South America. Deeply satisfying all round Nicola says “Colibria was born when I was living at the foothills of an active volcano where daily we watched it bleed, this track signifies an inward search and the journey of being reborn.” I think this sums it up perfectly. The track is taken from his stunning new album “Prender El Alma.”

Other tracks from Nicola Cruz

Artist: Young Gun Silver Fox

Twitter: @WestEndCoast Track: You Can Feel it

This is a beautiful sun kissed slice of Laurel Canyon California soul. Conjuring up images of David Crosby jamming with the Doobie Brothers and Hall & Oates. Based in London, Young Gun Silver Fox are Andy Platts (Mamas Gun) and Shawn Lee (Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra/Shawn Lee & AM). Close your eyes and let it wash over you. The single is taken from the amazing new LP, “West End Coast” available now on Legere Records.

Check out Young Gun Silver Fox on Tumblr

Every year, our Music Supervisors, who range from DJs to label owners, dive through hundreds of albums and thousands of songs to find perfect and unique songs that will fit seamlessly into the audio strategies for our brands. After many years of curating playlists myself, I’ve come to realize that our clients just want one thing: to stand out from the droves of other brands by sharing songs that pique the interest of their customers. Now that the end of the year is upon us, we’ve put our artistic audiophile brains together to come up with some standouts in music discovery, some of which you’ve heard already playing at your local coffeehouse or fashion boutique and some you’ve never heard before.

Artist: Wild Ones

Twitter: @wildonestheband

Track: Dim The Lights

Portland based band ‘Wild Ones’ starts us off with a track that made topped many of our Music Supervisor’s lists of their favorite songs of the year. Daniel Sullivan’s gritty voice sounds like she’s walking the streets under the dim lights of […]

Artist: Cosmo’s Midnight

Twitter: @cosmosmidnight

Track: Walk With Me

Cosmo and Patrick Liney are twins from Sydney that make up the production duo, Cosmo’s Midnight. Their name comes from Cosmo making a remix of a Lykke Li track “Little Bit” at midnight one evening. Their music is defined as instrumental, chill out and electronic, yet it fits into a lot of genre categories. Their new EP “Moments” is out now, so check it out!

Other tracks from Cosmo’s Midnight

Artist: Jane Weaver

Twitter: @JaneLWeaver

Track: I Need A Connection

Jane Weaver is a transformed woman. After years as a folky, slightly leftfield singer songwriter, her new LP, Silver Globe, sees her taking a full-scale leap into the cosmic void of contemporary space rock, and it’s fantastic. Working as an omnipresent pop figure in her genuinely independent micro-industry Jane Weaver is an example of a passionate and resilient Northern female artist who re-creates, re-invents and refreshes where many others come and go.

Other tracks from Jane Weaver

Artist: Natalia LaFourcade

Twitter: @lafourcade

Track: Hasta La Raiz

Mexican born Natalia LaFourcade has been making music since the late 90’s when she was part of the trio girl band called ‘Twist’. She then decided to go solo at the tender age of 17 releasing her first album in 2003 simply titled Natalia LaFourcade. She has since released 4 other albums, but her biggest breakthrough came with her much acclaimed and personal album to date ‘Hasta La Raiz’ that garnered 6 Latin Grammy nominations and 5 wins including Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for her song ‘Hasta La Raiz’ off the same album. Look for more to come from this amazing singer song-writer from Veracruz.

Other tracks from Natalia LaFourcade

Artist: Gwenno

Twitter: @gwennosaunders

Track: Chwyldro

Gwenno Saunders is a music producer, DJ, radio presenter and singer from Cardiff. She has just released her debut solo album, ‘Y Dydd Olaf’ following a string of critically acclaimed EP’s – ‘Chwyldro’, ‘Golau Arall’ and ‘Fratolish Hiang Perpeshki / Calon Peiriant’. Y Dydd Olaf takes its name from Welsh writer Owain Owain’s 1976 sci-fi novel about globalization, in which brain-invading robots overpower humanity – save for Welsh speakers, whose thoughts they can’t penetrate.

Other tracks from Gwenno

PlayNetwork recently organized live music for Trinity Leeds within their unique street food space, Trinity Kitchen. We had the pleasure of working with two amazing bands, Coasts and Dive In, who performed for the guests.

Coasts have performed on Made in Chelsea, headlined the US, and performed at Coachella. Their track Oceans was Zane Lowe’s “Hottest Record” in the summer, and they were invited to perform on BBC Radio One’s Live Lounge. Their new single You is being released on January 1, 2016 – check out the Spotify exclusive.

Dive In’s latest EP Change in the Weather premiered on Consequence of Sound, and they have performed on the BBC Introducing Stage at T in the Park this year. Listen to their new single Let Go. We like it a lot!

Artist: Ezra Furman

Twitter: @ezrafurman

Track: Lousy Connection

Ezra Furman’s third album has accomplished something many fail to do – he is self-deprecating, but his witty humor allows a glimmer of optimism. It’s an enlightening journey through the mind of an outsider, but an entirely relatable one. ‘Lousy Connection’ is the first single from the LP, and displays ‘50s doo-wop influences that are a big part of his current sound.

Other tracks from Ezra

Artist: Dane Taylor Facebook: Shining Bird Music Track: Lets Float

Dane Taylor is the lead singer in the Australian band Shining Bird who recently had a release on Uber recordings. This solo track captures the essence of the sundrenched, blissed out songs which Uber recordings is based on, and was immediately snapped up for a vinyl release.

More info and music for Dane Taylor