Tycho: Easy

The multi-talented Tycho (aka Scott Hansen) has just released the first track from his upcoming fifth album—his first since 2016’s Epoch. The dreamy song, called “Easy,” is filled with pulsing and groovy bass lines, airy synths, and hazy vocals by Saint Sinner. Hansen says of the tune, “‘Easy’ is about coming to terms with my past and defining a clear vision moving forward. It’s a …

Four Tet: Teenage Birdsong

Four Tet (aka Kieran Hebden) has just released a new track and it’s a sweet, flute-and-synth-led tune called “Teenage Birdsong.” Minimal to begin with, the song becomes more and more layered, shimmery and beguiling. While it’s meditative and ambient, the song’s flawless production makes it deeply engaging. Hebden announced on Twitter that he’s been working on new music, but it’s not clear if this song …

fold: Teacher

Over fold’s jazzy new instrumental, a recording of James Baldwin’s moving 1963 speech given at Oakland, CA’s Castlemont High School plays. The speech, for predominantly black students, is about education and self-worth, and begins, “If I were your teacher, I’d beg you to fight me and not let me get away with anything.” The psych- and funk-infused “Teacher” layers several organic movements—and works seamlessly with …