June faves

curator

natalie neypes

June is such a lovely month–sweet summer beginnings with the sun setting later and later, the summer solstice, and endless beach days. To me, June always feels like a month to pause after the busyness of school and work, taking time to pursue new hobbies and spending as much time as possible outside. This month’s latest releases have exceeded all my “song of the summer” dreams with songs, EPs, and albums from artists I’ve been a longtime fan of and newer favorites. Whether you love indie rock, pop, R&B, or a little mix of everything, I hope you find new favorites to soundtrack your summer. Check out the entire playlist on Spotify.

minerals & diamonds — maude latour

Maude Latour is one of the artists consistently at the top of my rotation, and the release of her Twin Flame EP did not disappoint. I love how Maude incorporates unique synth sounds and heavy bass beats that feel out of this world. When announcing the project in her Instagram caption, Maude described the songs in the Twin Flame EP as “are for your wildest and most intense feelings, a shimmering summer, letting your heart lead the way.” I couldn’t word it better myself.

un millón de besos — niko rubio

Niko Rubio’s latest EP feels sweet, like a summer afternoon. I love how she sings in both English and Spanish–a contrast further complemented by the lyricism about the ups and downs of love and life. I will be keeping the whole EP on repeat throughout the summer.

big star — hunny

I’ve loved HUNNY since a friend played “Vowels (and the Importance of Being Me)” on a car ride four years ago. HUNNY’s blend of solid guitar riffs and upbeat rock beats oozes summertime, and “big star” is no exception. The song is the second single off their upcoming sophomore album, Honey’s New Planet Heaven, to be released on October 6th. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.

charm you – blondshell version — blondshell, samia

It is an understatement to say I’ve been obsessed with Samia’s Honey since its release. I was thrilled when she announced a version with Blondshell, another rising alternative artist I adore. The Blondshell version of “Charm You” combines Samia’s incredible lyricism with Blondshell’s rock edge. You’ll undoubtedly add this song to your on-repeat rotation.

walking the dogs — sophie cates

Sophie Cates has been an artist I’ve followed since the release of her 2019 album yikes! And I’ve loved how her sound has evolved from “Boys in Bands” to “Walking The Dogs.” Her lyrics are simple, like “sitting in a treehouse, drinking coffee, walking the dogs,” but tell a meaningful story of heartbreak with the reminder that having a lot of love to give is never wrong.

you’re gonna go far — noah kahan

“You’re Gonna Go Far” is my favorite new release on Noah Kahan’s Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever). I’m always a sucker for a well-placed instrumental cut like the one in the outro. His lyrics tie together personal experience and universal human emotion in such a beautiful way that causes me, and I’m sure you as well, to be obsessed.

maps — raffaella, hippo campus

I love a good cover song. Raffaella and Hippo Campus’ cover of “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs does just the trick. I love the back-and-forth between the two vocalists, making it feel like an actual conversation. This song is for all hopeless romantics and long-distance lovers.

ova — rc avenue

RC AVENUE is the artist to watch. All his releases alone have been spectacular this year and are a Pop-R&B lover’s dream. I love the slow melodies in “OVA,” and the flowy background vocals tie everything together. Stay tuned for the rest of the upcoming IF ANYTHING project from RC AVENUE.