As summer comes to a close, sunny standards from trop-electronic and upbeat pop-lounge are due for a wardrobe change. Though Kygo may always have a place in your playlist, the time is ripe to swap out your beach party go-to’s out for heavier stuff. After huge releases for Big Gigantic, Glass Animals and ZHU, there’s a lot of quality electronic and indie variants coming out. And there’s even more on tap. Check out these lesser known releases for a fresh listen.
1. Lege Kale — Singles Series, which dropped a couple weeks ago, should fit its way into your new playlist. Usually you have to choose between a driving beat and an eerie, trippy melody. Lucking, “Lately feat. Ordnry Yngstr” gives you both.
2. Yung Wall Street — check out the edit “Somewhere Else - Move Together feat. Majid Jordan,” which came out in early September. Check out “Moonlight Tower” for another guaranteed jam.
3. Mark Johns — she’s got a tight production style and effortless vocals. Chill lounge beats, “In Paris (prod. Sable)” and “Mommy Issues” are worth a listen (or ten).
4. Palette — “Smino Flow” is an on-point remix of Smino’s “Ballet feat. Bari Allen.” For a straight-electronic cut, Palette’s “Bonita,” also a recent release, delivers a jazzy lounge vibe.
5. Kultur — the France-based producer released this mellow gem last month, and it’s a great focus song. Anyone who dug Alina Baraz and Galimatias’ Urban Flora will be right at home. Kultur’s collaboration with Khary on “White Door” is another great rap/electronic jam for a more upbeat listen.