ListenUp
A song for your younger self, a rap-dance hybrid, and more in this week’s musical wrap up
Louis Cole feat. Genevieve Artadi: When You’re Ugly
With some of the most sage advice we’ve heard (“Fuck the world and be real cool”) Louis Cole’s new track “When You’re Ugly” is funky, playful and kooky—in the the best ways possible. Singer/songwriter/producer/instrumentalist Cole (Knower band member, Thundercat collaborator) is set to release his third LP Time this August, and it’s sure to be as infectious as this glorious bop.
The Long Now: Restoration
Icelandic opera singer Finnur Bjarnason has partnered with electronic producer Richard Norris for a new collaborative project, The Long Now. Their debut single “Restoration” bridges multiple genres with a moody palette of vocal repetition and thoughtful instrumentation. The track’s been pulled from their debut EP of the same name. A full-length, live debut and corresponding visuals are all in the works, as well.
Ninja Sex Party: Danny Don’t You Know
With soaring ’80s gusto, vicious guitar work and the clever, comedic storytelling Ninja Sex Party has become known for, “Danny Don’t You Know” acts as a pep talk from lead singer Danny Sexbang to his younger self, played by Finn Wolfhard from “Stranger Things.” It’s joyful, explosive and relatable. The track will appear on Cool Patrol, the band’s album out on 17 August.
Midnight Kids feat. klei: Find Our Way
From its heartfelt lyrical optimism to warm melodies and soaring electronic orchestration, “Find Our Way” moves from a place of thoughtful reflection to party track and back again. The song is the first original release from Midnight Kids, who’ve amassed a cult following thanks to their dance floor-ready remixes of some of today’s largest pop acts. Vocalist klei brings a beautiful charm and the Midnight Kids duo—Kyle Girard and Dylan Lee—take it from there.
Mura Masa feat. Octavian: Move Me
London-based artists Mura Masa and Octavian have joined forces for “Move Me.” The track that sees Mura Masa moving in a different direction from his previous pop-inflected electro as it combines afro-pop and grime, a delightfully thumping bass line and Octavian’s smooth vocals—creating a layered, lush rap-dance fusion.
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.
