ListenUp
Singers Nao and Flo Morrissey show off their distinctive vocals, J Dilla lives on in a new Slum Village album and more in new music this week
Major Lazer feat. Wild Belle: Be Together
Since debuting their album Peace is the Mission at the Grammys this February, Major Lazer (created by record producer Diplo) has had a big 2015. While their album is already widely known for the single “Lean On,” featuring MØ & DJ Snake, the group recently released “Be Together” featuring Wild Belle. It’s a slow-burning track that’s being described as “chill trap”—with Natalie Bergman’s sultry, jazz-influenced vocals lending a super-alluring vibe.
The Arcs: Stay in My Corner
Dan Auerbach’s latest project The Arcs is a band made up of his long-term music collaborators, and they’ll release their full-length debut Yours Dreamily on 4 September this year. Until then, stream “Stay in My Corner“—a song inspired by the recent “Fight of the Century” between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. That said, underneath the filtered guitar and swells of organ it’s really an all-too-relatable plea for a lover to stay by one’s side.
Flo Morrissey: If You Can’t Love This All Goes Away
London-based singer/songwriter Flo Morrissey may just be 20 years old, but her stirring vocals evoke a maturity and elegance unusual for such a newcomer. Her ballad “If You Can’t Love This All Goes Away” follows a simple piano line down a rabbit hole of swirling strings and haze. Morrissey’s debut full-length releases this July—and for those interested in seeing how the song has evolved over time, Morrissey’s Soundcloud has the demo version of the song, recorded two years ago.
Nao: Golden
London-based neo-soul singer Nao (pronounced Na-yo) has a sensual, delicate voice that shows its richness and edge when the tempo picks up. “Golden,” off of her now available February 15 EP, is a quick-paced track that shows off Nao’s upper register vocals, lyrical quips and musical versatility. A fresh fusion of R&B and dance music.
Slum Village: Yes
Detroit-based collective Slum Village made their 12-track album Yes available to stream in its entirety this week. Featuring artists like Bilal, Black Milk, BJ the Chicago Kid and hip-hop royalty De La Soul, the record credits the late, great Jay Dee (a one-time SV member) as a producer on every track—and the sound is nothing if not Dilla. With hints of jazz, soul and plenty of clever lyrics, the album is effortless, smooth, dramatic at times, and sure to be touted as “real” hip-hop by many purists.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
