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Hidden Treasures: Discovering New Gems in Music

A New Music Playlist

By Christie CibereyPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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Photo: The Internet Ego Death album cover

Do you ever find yourself getting tired of the same old playlists? Turning your radio on and hearing the same overplayed songs? Would you like to find new music or discover new artists? If so, you have come to the right place. From new artists to veterans of the industry, there is new music to be discovered and loved a little more.

Anywhere from rap to psychedelic pop, I am certain there is a song for any type of mood or vibe you’re currently craving. I can open your eyes to some new underground artists that are on the rise or artists you may already be familiar with. These artists have the power to reach the hearts, soul, and body of many. If you keep an open mind, while listening, you may acquire a love for a new genre of music. The songs listed below are personal favorites, but I urge you to delve further into their work and discover. You can find all of the songs and artists mentioned on my Spotify playlist. It is attached as hidden treasures.

To start off, I’d like to introduce The Japanese House, an artist who is new to the industry and brings an updated definition to indie pop. I was introduced to The Japanese House when one of my friends saw them open up for the popular UK band, The 1975. Their song “Cool Blue” has been a big hit with everyone in my life. It starts off with a slow intro with some of my favorite lyrics “How could you wait in the rush of the rain, you’re soaked to your feet still you said you’d wait for me.” Even though the lyrics of this song are deep, it has a groovy beat to dance around to. If you are looking for more indie/alternative songs with a groovy, psychedelic, vibe, I recommend checking out these bands/songs in addition to “Cool Blue” by The Japanese House:

  • "Marinade" by Dope Lemon
  • "Adult Diversion" by Alvvays
  • "So Long Forever" by Palace
  • "Chronic Sunshine" by Cosmo Pyke
  • "Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind" by Tame Impala
  • "Wait a Minute!" by Willow
  • "Easy Easy" by King Krule
  • "Salad Days" by Mac Demarco

If you are constantly on the hunt for good music to drive around to, especially for long road trips, try mixing it up with some indie-folk like “From a Soon-to-Be Ghost Town” by the Fruit Bats or “The Gardener” by The Tallest Man on Earth. If the morning commute has you bogged down then try adding in some alternative rock like “Cigarette Daydreams” by Cage the Elephant or “Put a Light On” by Generationals. Both are interchangeable, and personally, I like to mix the two genres together for the ultimate road trip playlist. Some other good alternative or indie-folk cruising music includes:

  • "That Moon Song" by Gregory Alan Isakov
  • "White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes
  • "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
  • "Lisztomania" by Phoenix
  • "Float On" by Modest Mouse
  • "Violet" by Hippo Campus

For those days when I need a song to connect to on an emotional level, I always turn to British musician Sampha. He has collaborated with many artists such as Drake, SBTRKT, and Solange. His raw voice and piano in his ballad “No One Knows Me Like The Piano” touches my heart every time I listen. Sampha sings about his connection with music and how the piano in his mother’s home has been his comforting friend while he was growing up and pursuing music. Along with Sampha, here are some other artists I like to listen to on an emotional level:

  • "You" by Keaton Henson
  • "Atlantis" by Seafret
  • "bones" by Lewis Watson
  • "To Build A Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra
  • "Implicit Demand For Proof" by Twenty One Pilots
  • "Holocene" by Bon Iver

Next is a group of artists and bands that are bringing a new taste to hip-hop and R&B. Starting with artist Masego and his song “Girls That Dance” featuring Medasin and their jazzy twist to hip hop. They add some saxophone which gives it a smooth feel. Another group joining this new movement of jazz-hip-hop is a band called The Internet. Their song “Special Affair” has a heavy bassline that is infectious, once you hear it you instantly start bumping your head.

In addition to the jazz groove, a new group of rappers is on their way to conquer the hip-hop game. Specifically Chicago, IL native and artist Mick Jenkins where he samples the famous Nina Simone song “Strange Fruit” in his song “Martyrs.”

To slow down the pace is R&B artist Jorja Smith. She gets personal in her song “Carry Me Home” featuring Maverick Sabre. Jorja Smith’s raspy voice is so comforting it is like a warm blanket in the form of music. Here are some other refreshing hip hop and R&B artists to check out:

  • "Take Your Place" by The Underachievers
  • "Bounce" by Flatbush Zombies
  • "Dapper" by Domo Genesis ft. Anderson. Paak
  • "Reality Check" by Noname ft. Akenya, Eryn Allen Kane
  • "Blue Boss" by Sampa the Great
  • "Plastic" by Moses Sumney
  • "The Hill" by MTMBO
  • "Loner" by Kali Uchis
  • "Bad Blood" by NAO
  • "Hipster Girl" by Sango ft. Xavier Omar

Lastly, if you are looking for some chilled electronic music or songs heavily influenced with electronic beats, then I like to turn to DJs. DJs like Kaytranada, with their song “BULLETS” featuring Little Dragon, satisfy my fancy for laid-back electronic house music. Also, I like to check out American artist Spaulv. Originally making beats on SoundCloud, Spaulv has moved their way to Spotify with their electronic ambient song “Pure Leaf." If you are intrigued by more electronic-based songs, I recommend the following:

  • "1998" by Chet Faker ft. Banks
  • "Que Sera" by Wax Tailor
  • "Daydream" by Tycho
  • "HNSCC" by The 1975
  • "Football Head" by Flamingosis
playlist
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About the Creator

Christie Ciberey

Graphic Designer, Artist, Writer

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