First up this week, we have the new album ‘Glera’ from pianist Marco Benevento, his debut album on Big Crown Records. The album blends soul, funk, jazz, and rock, with a cinematic sense of wonder. Inspired by Italian film scores, this record was three years in the making, evolving into something with lots of infectious groove and catchy melodies. The result is music that travels effortlessly between chase scenes and slow dissolves, weaving jazz improvisation into orchestral textures and psych-pop vibes. Favorite tracks: Big Top, Houdini, Crema, Hip Then. (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up is the incredible new EP ‘Conversations’ from Australian-born, Oakland-based singer-songwriter Hazel English. Her smooth vocals sit perfectly within the classic indie-pop guitars and upbeat rhythms found throughout the EP. Check out the music video for the single ‘Different Story’ here and listen to the whole EP below. (Listen on Apple Music)

We’ll wrap up this week with the chill tune ‘Blend’ from California-based soul-psych rockers Brainstory from their forthcoming Shoebox Days EP. The EP is an homage to the time spent and recordings made at their now defunct Long Beach studio, aptly named Shoebox. While charming, the space was tiny, stuffed with gear, and riddled with constraints. As we often seen though, great art comes from difficult circumstances. This 7 song EP is further proof, officially out this year on November 13th. (Listen on Apple Music)

I started putting this list together and it was getting quite long, so I decided it deserved its own dedicated article. These are some of my favorite YouTube channels for listening to music and discovering new artists, labels, and DJs.

• Soulection (https://www.youtube.com/@Soulection)

• Anjunadeep (https://www.youtube.com/@anjunadeep)

• The Lot Radio (https://www.youtube.com/@TheLotRadio)

• Boiler Room (https://www.youtube.com/@boilerroom)

• My Analog Journal (https://www.youtube.com/@MyAnalogJournal)

• FLOOD Magazine (https://www.youtube.com/@FLOODmagazine)

• Elevator Music (https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatorMusicLive)

• Délicieuse Musique (https://www.youtube.com/@DelicieuseMusique)

• Hit Snooze (https://www.youtube.com/@hitsnoozerecords)

• Blogothèque (https://www.youtube.com/@blogotheque)

• Login.jp_ (https://www.youtube.com/@loginnjp)

• Cercle (https://www.youtube.com/@Cercle)

• Audiotree (https://www.youtube.com/@audiotree)

• Jam in the Van (https://www.youtube.com/@JamintheVan)

First up this week, we have the new album ‘Melting Days’ from Seattle’s Jeff McIlwain, aka Lusine, one of electronic music’s most consistent and imaginative producers. The album, out now through Ghostly Int’l, is a wonderful blend of melody and texture, weaving through techno, avant-pop, and ambient without settling into any one lane. Favorite tracks: Bird’s Eye, Pendulum, All Clear, These Walls (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up is the chill new single ‘Lichen Trip’ from the forthcoming album ‘Answers’ by Bibio and Dorian Concept. It sounds like this is going to be a really beautiful-sounding record. I’m excited to hear the full thing when it’s officially out on October 16th via Warp Records. (Listen on Apple Music)

Alright, the first two projects shared today were pretty chill, so let’s turn it up a bit for this next one. I’ve been digging the new songs that garage rock staple Ty Segall has been putting out recently. I’m not surprised at all, this dude has been steadily putting out albums and producing music since 2008. The guy knows how to get a band together and rock the f*** out! Take a listen to the new single ‘Running to Nowhere’ from his forthcoming album ‘Chrome’ set for release next Friday, August 28th. (Listen on Apple Music)

First up this week, we have the chill album ‘Big World’ from Austin-based indie-pop crew Hovvdy, released on Arts & Crafts Records. This album is perfect for a nice outdoor picnic or a short road trip with friends. (Listen on Apple Music)

I’ve really been digging the single ‘2054’ off the forthcoming album ‘Eight Ring Revival’ from composer, pianist, and producer Telemakus, out on October 20th. (Listen on Apple Music)

Erykah Badu and The Alchemist recently announced a joint album they’ve been working on will be released on Friday, August 28th via Control FREAQ Records / Young Recordings. Listen to the new single ‘Witch Doctor’ below. The co-produced album was recorded over 18 months in Dallas and Los Angeles. I’m really excited for this one! (Listen on Apple Music)

First up, we’ve got the funky sounds on “What’d You Say,” the new single off the forthcoming album Blue Collar Jazz from drummer Corey Fonville and organist Sam Fribush, due out on October 2nd via WarHen Records. The album also features guitarist Alan Good Parker. I’m loving the vibes on this one already, really excited to hear the full thing once it’s out. (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up is the chill Plazazu EP from artist/producer Briva, released through experimental/ambient label Ingrown Records based in North Carolina. If you need to relax and vibe out, just close your eyes, put some headphones on, and click play.

Last one for today is the fresh “Catch n’ Release” EP from R&B singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Fana Hues. (Listen on Apple Music/YouTube)

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First one for today is the new single “All This Time Together” from folk soul singer, songwriter, and classically trained guitarist Ruby Alexander. Beginning with simple electric guitar and smooth vocal lines, the song gradually builds into a cool, dreamy vibe. Everything (apart from the vocal) was recorded at The Bunker Studio in Williamsburg, engineered by Grammy-award winning producer John Davis. (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up we’ve got the relaxing new SKY EP from South Korean duo TENGGER, a traveling musical family, made up of Pan-Asian couple, itta and Marqido, who create their own brand of psychedelic new-age. TENGGER means ‘unlimited expanse of sky’ in Mongolian and also means ‘huge sea’ in Hungarian. My favorite tracks off the EP are Blue and Atmosphere. (Listen on Apple Music)

Last one for today is the new single “Look Up” from Melbourne singer, writer, and producer Sasha McLeod, aka Sycco. The track comes from her highly anticipated second album of the same name, due out in October. She’s got a great sound. I’m really excited to listen to the whole album. (Listen on Apple Music)

It’s been a while since I’ve published a longer article and I’ve been writing a lot more these days, so I figured it was time to share some personal updates, plus some additional thoughts about my experiences and what’s next for me.

First, I want to share that I’m no longer at Studio71 following the acquisition by Fixated. I got laid off a couple months ago along with many other folks (hence the “writing a lot more” note above). This was the second time in the past two years for me, so definitely not ideal! I’ve been here before, though, and while it’s hard to see it in the moment, I have to believe everything happens when it’s supposed to. Looking back, my career has never really followed a straight line and I’ve often found myself living life on a tightrope of sorts, balancing two worlds that exist at the same time, but on different ends of the spectrum.

A brief history of how I got here: I moved to Los Angeles in 2010 and landed a couple entry-level music industry gigs (shout out Music Reports and A&R Worldwide!). After learning a lot about myself and the industry through those experiences, in 2012 I ended up in my first YouTube Content Claiming position at a new startup in Venice during the early days of what we now call the “creator economy.” This role gave me the opportunity to learn about YouTube, Content ID, and all of the mechanics that go on behind the scenes. It was also at this time that I started getting involved with music blogs, covering new music, interviewing emerging artists, and attending local shows and industry events.

Since then, I’ve been a part of content ops teams at places like ZEFR, Maker Studios, Spotter, and most recently Studio71. Along the way, I’ve met some really amazing, creative people that made it fun to come into work. Also, a quick note that YouTube ops teams are often the backbone of companies, doing much of the heavy lifting and unglamorous work that provides the foundation for them to operate. They rarely get the recognition they deserve, so I just want to give a big shoutout to those teams right now and let you know that you’re killing it and I see you!

Now, while it’s true that I have a background within this corner of the industry, I’ve spent an equal amount of time as a music curator and tastemaker. Outside of any job titles I’ve had, music has always been the constant. I love discovering new music, writing about the records I love, and building relationships in the local and global music community. For me, it’s never really been about building a personal brand. I simply love discovering artists and helping people find great music they might not have heard otherwise.

Sometimes it feels like the environment online is one where we can’t always share all of who we are and it feels like we have to portray a certain image or fit a certain aesthetic to get attention. But the game feels a little stale these days. I think it should be ok to be more than one thing and celebrate all of the different sides of yourself. It shouldn’t make you any less viable for employment just because you’re a multi-faceted individual that doesn’t fit into a box, but the modern application and interview process feels like it hasn’t changed since I started my career in 2010. Author Emma Gannon said it best in a Substack article in 2024: “we are often told to pick a lane and not be a ‘jack of all trades’, but the old career ladder has crumbled.”

The reality is that of course we are more than our resumes, but not everyone is willing to take the time to really see the whole you. I’m starting to realize that’s ok because not everyone is meant to be a part of your journey. Whatever your calling may be, if it really means something to you, then I urge you to continue to seek the fulfillment, the challenge, and the freedom that comes from using that part of your brain outside of your job. Create your favorite things on your own time, the way you want, with no one telling you what’s right or wrong.

For now, I don’t know what the future holds, but here’s what I’ll be up to in the meantime: I’ll be writing more, working on various music-related projects, and continuing to apply for full-time roles. I’ll continue sharing new music through my Sweet Tooth newsletter. I’ll do whatever I can to help great music get out into the world. If you made it this far, thank you for your time!

First up this week we’ve got the forthcoming album SOME SMALL FORTUNE from Glasgow-based artist/producer corto.alto. I’m absolutely transfixed by his sound. You can currently hear six tracks off the record and they’re all incredible. THIEF is already a new favorite and I really love the single WHODIS with Mick Jenkins. I can already tell this album is going to one of my favorites of 2026. (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up is the dreamy single “The Rain Felt Kind” from Foglights, the new project from Eva Cord (The Cords) and Archie (Stone Anthem). Blending Stone Anthem’s hazy psychedelia with The Cords’ heartfelt indie pop, the duo crafts washed-out guitars, hypnotic melodies, and emotionally direct songwriting. The music reflects their relationship, two distinct artists united by a shared commitment to creating with honesty, vulnerability, and heart. The full EP will be out August 21st.

Last one for today is the debut album “Are You Falling In Love?” from Melbourne rockers The Velvet Club. Here’s what they said about it on Instagram: “After 8 years of playing in this band together we are finally releasing our debut record. This has been the goal for us since we first got together and started learning covers of indie songs together in a factory in Mulgrave. We are so proud of this record and can’t wait for you to hear it.” (Listen on Apple Music)

First treat for today is the upcoming debut album from French musician and producer Gold Trip. The album promises chill, positive vibes throughout, blending indie, disco, and alt-pop elements together in a wonderfully adventurous way. I think this one is going to be great for road trips and hanging outside. You can listen to three smooth singles that are out now before the official release on July 27th. (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up, we’ve got the new single “Ragu & Prego” from LA hip-hop legend The Koreatown Oddity. I’ve been a fan of this dude since he was rolling around LA posting up at random places like Wendy’s or the Greyhound Station rapping in a werewolf mask with a boombox. It’s been cool to see him continue to grow and develop over the years. He brings his classic, straight-forward lyricism front and center on this one, displaying his incredible storytelling abilities. There’s a dope video to go along with the single, so definitely check that out. (Listen on Apple Music)

Last one for today is the fun single “Wild Romance” from the forthcoming album from Tahiti 80. Their albums are always so eclectic and genre-spanning, which I love. There’s definitely a throughline across many of their albums and at the same time, they’re also not afraid to step outside of their comfort zone and have fun melding multiple genres and influences together on the same record. I’m really excited to hear the rest of this one when it’s officially out on September 25th. (Listen on Apple Music).

Tokyo Tea Room is back with two new singles you can check out from their forthcoming album ‘Feel Forever’ due September 18th on French label Nice Guys. (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up, we’ve got a chill new single from Bay Area staple Tycho, always bringing solid vibes and super clean production. (Listen on Apple Music)

Last one for today is the fun, new album Monkey Mind from Los Angeles group Pearl & The Oysters, the French-American indie-pop duo of Juliette Pearl Davis and Joachim Polack. Originally formed in Paris before relocating to Florida and later Los Angeles, their music blends indie-pop, synth-pop, soul, and retro-inspired sounds from the 1960s and ‘70s. (Listen on Apple Music)

British-Dutch trio Cubicolor return to Anjunadeep with their first original material since the release of their acclaimed album Sometime Not Now back in 2022. I’m so excited we’re getting some new material from this crew, easily one of my favorite bands on the Anjuna label, well worth the wait! (Listen on Apple Music)

Denver-based DJ and producer Lane 8 returns with Cross Pollination II, the highly anticipated follow-up to the collaborative series featuring artists across the This Never Happened roster. (Listen on Apple Music & Bandcamp)

Last one for today is the chill new release from Los Angeles Lo-fi/Hip-Hop producer Sweeps. He’s back with another great instrumental album from start to finish, a perfect example of why he remains a steady, consistent, and respected producer within the scene. You can throw this record on and just kick back, relax, and let it take you on a soothing sonic journey. (Listen on Apple Music)

First one for this week is the fresh single “Butterfly Sticker” from Marci aka Marta Cikojevic (longtime member of Montreal soft-rock group TOPS). This is the first single off the forthcoming album Mask Lady and Late Night Girl, due August 28th. I always love the production on her tracks and her vocals are just so smooth. (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up we’ve got Sylvan Esso’s new single “Hot Slob,” their first release of 2026 and the next installment of a new chapter on their own label Psychic Hotline. Recorded at Betty’s, the duo’s studio in Chapel Hill, NC, “Hot Slob” is a loud, heated, hair-down invitation to party. (Listen on Apple Music)

British musician, producer, and DJ Simon Green AKA Bonobo, is back with a new single and an album on deck due September 11th on Ninja Tune. Bonobo is one of my favorite artists and someone who continues to stand among electronic music’s defining voices. (Listen on Apple Music)

(Photography by: Debra Hurford Brown)

I recently had the opportunity to catch British Soul singer-songwriter MT Jones perform live in LA at The Roxy, as part of the British Music Embassy showcase. He played a few songs with just his electric guitar and a microphone and it was a fantastic opening set full of smooth melodies and soulful vibes. I highly recommend checking him out if he comes through a city near you on his tour. Check out my interview with him below to learn more about his background and what he’s got coming up next. Cheers!

For those just discovering your music for the first time, how would you best describe your sound?

Happy, honest and emotional.

What sort of music did you listen to growing up? What were some of those early influences?

I listened to whatever was on the radio initially, but then as I started digging deeper, I got very into and became fascinated with singer-songwriters, like Beatles & Goffin and King, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Smokey, Stevie, Paul Simon…the list is long.

When did you first realize you wanted to make music or be involved with the arts?

I suppose it was when I first started in bands in high school, then when I started writing songs I noticed a shift, but it’s always just been for the love of it.

What’s the writing and recording process usually look like for you? Do lyrics or melody come first?

Most often melody, but sometimes lyrics first. I tend to mumble something until a lyric of significance jumps out, then follow from there. I think the recording process (well at least demo’ing process) and writing process are very intertwined to me. Like a beat or bass line are always super inspiring to write over.

I always love to learn about any favorite instruments, equipment, or gear artists have when recording in the studio. Do you have any favorites or essentials you record or tour with?

I think it’s more the instruments for me, in a studio setting, it’s great to have everything nearby at arm’s reach, but a nice mic and laptop just to get the ideas down is essential.

You have some amazing music videos! Where do the ideas come from? Do you ever get the video idea while creating the song or is it more of a collaboration with the director?

Thank you, I’ve been working with this incredible director, Ben Gladwin on the videos, and we shoot ideas off each other. But the song tends to lead where we’re stylistically going with things.

Are there any specific venues or festivals that you hope to play one day?

Glastonbury, and would love to play Red Rocks one day. Carnegie Hall. Soo many!

With Summer approaching quickly, what else is on the horizon for you this year?

I feel very happy to be playing a load of shows. I’m going over to America a lot this year and it’s so exciting to be hitting places I’ve never been before. Some of my biggest shows in England and Europe are happening this year too. And lots of festivals. It feels great to be getting out there, meeting people and playing the album.

Los Angeles–based artist, DJ, and producer Amtrac has released his new Civilian World EP on Anjunadeep. You can listen to the whole thing on his YouTube channel accompanied by some dope visuals. (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up is the incredible new ambient album from Foam and Sand (aka Robot Koch). The album is built from distilled elements, analog synthesizers, live vibraphone, chimes, and bells, all gently shaped through tape processing for warmth and saturation. (Listen on Apple Music)

Last treat for today is a tasty one, we’ve got the latest album Tezeta from Bogotá-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, label head and DJ Felipe Gordon. The album weaves in and out of deep house, jazz, acid, and trip-hop. It’s a beautiful mix of sounds and a wonderful sonic journey from start to finish. Here’s what he had to say about it: “This album took almost 2 years in the making, it was a long personal process and I believe it’s my best work to date.” (Listen on Apple Music)

First up this week is the amazing new album from London-based multi-disciplinary artist and composer Max Cooper. I’ve always been a huge fan of the way he builds songs and creates unique sonic worlds. He also has some of the coolest music videos, so definitely check those out! (Listen on Apple Music)

Next up, we’ve got the new album Orange from LA band White Fence, led by songwriter Tim Presley. The record was mixed by Ty Segall, who also played drums on the album. I’m really digging the vibes on this one! (Listen on Apple Music)

Last one for today is the new album Of Earth & Wires from LA-based Sudanese-American artist Dua Saleh. Released on Stones Throw Records, it’s a warm and emotionally charged album exploring home, identity, and renewal. Featuring collaborators including Justin Vernon, aja monet, and Gaidaa, the record weaves indie, R&B, and electro-pop with touches of Sudanese folk, UK dance, and reggaeton. (Listen on Apple Music)

First up is the fresh new EP from UK producer Laurence Guy.

Next up is a chill new single from Vienna, Austria electro-pop artist Sofie Royer. (Listen on Apple Music)

Last one for today is the new album Quiet Fire from British producer, musician and Edition Records founder Dave Stapleton. (Listen on Apple Music)

First up this week is the new single ‘Once Seen’ off the forthcoming album Cordier from Metik, a Berlin based duo of guitarist Bram Stadhouders and drummer Luca Marini. They are longtime collaborators and international performers, combining over two decades of touring and recording into a focused dialogue between acoustic instrumentation and electronic sound design. (Listen on Apple Music)

Brooklyn-based rock group Bullseye are back with some fun jams. Their self-titled abum is due next Friday on NYC label ever/never, but right now you can enjoy three tracks on their bandcamp. These songs just make me want to be outside and be on an adventure with my friends. (Listen on Apple Music)

Last one for today is the incredible new 6-track EP, Dreams, from Paris-based producer/artist Tour-Maubourg, on French label Noire & Blanche. This record is yet another example of why he’s one of the best in the electronic music scene right now. The way he blends soulful house with rich jazz influences and clean production skills allows for a type of deep house that isn’t loud or flashy, but instead is expansive, mysterious, and introspective. Easily a contender for my favorite EP of the year so far. Cheers! (Listen on Apple Music)

London's Shy One released her long-awaited second album Mali. The album is solid all the way through, taking us on a journey between electronic grooves, r&b vocal melodies, upbeat house beats, and dancefloor-ready vibes. I’ll have this on repeat this weekend. (Listen on Apple Music)

I recently discovered this duo and I really love their sound. Check out London Ethio-jazz duo ZENA, made up of producer/keyboardist Yohan Kebede and bassist/producer Menelik. They will be releasing their debut EP TEMESGEN next Friday. I’m really looking forward to this one! (Listen on Apple Music)

Last one for today is from Tilman’s label Pleasant System’s, based out of Germany. Pleasant Panorama is an eight-track compilation album, bringing together returning artists and new arrivals. It’s a nice snapshot of the labels sound, featuring variations of different styles of house music. The full release is due April 3rd. Cheers!

This past Sunday night, I had the privilege of attending a really unique, intimate gathering with fellow music fans and vinyl lovers. Shoutout to Dust & Grooves, Only The Wild Ones, The Gaslamp Killer, and Force of Nature for throwing an amazing event. This was the last installment of the ‘Five Records’ series, hosted by local producer/DJ The Gaslamp Killer. During this one, TGK focused on one of my favorite genres Trip-Hop.

We listened to landmark recordings from albums including Dummy by Portishead, Mezzanine by Massive Attack, Mieso by DJ Krush, Simple Things by Zero 7, and Psyence Fiction by UNKLE. In between the songs, he took time to tell funny and interesting personal stories tied to the music, as well as stories about the artists and their recording techniques. We got to see and hear in real time the original samples that were used in some of the most iconic trip-hop songs.

Through five essential records, TGK showed us how space, mood, and texture became compositional tools and how this evolution reshaped electronic music, film scores, and modern production. I made a YouTube playlist of the songs that were played during the event, including some of the original samples that were used to make the songs. I really hope they continue doing this series! Enjoy the tunes below. Cheers!

East London producer IZCO announced his debut solo album POWERSCROFT, arriving May 1 via Brownswood Recordings. The lead single, “Strike a Pose” features Camille Munn. I have a feeling I’m really going to dig this whole album.

Next up is the chill new single “Real Person” by Benny Sings and Elijah Fox, an ode to love and “jumping into the deep end.” It was written in Amsterdam in just a couple of hours during a spontaneous studio session. You can check out Benny’s self-shot visualizer on his YouTube channel and listen to the single below.

Renowned UK label Anjunadeep just released their latest compilation album, setting the tone for 2026 and continuing their consistent track record of being a launchpad for the next generation of electronic artists. Anjunadeep 16 sees James and Jody curate a diverse array of melodic offerings across two expertly crafted mixes, spanning the Anjunadeep, Anjunachill and Explorations roster.