Your New Music Monday picks for July 11 feature stunning, summery and soothing.
Producer and songwriter (and onetime Houston resident) Dev Hynes moonlights as Blood Orange. On his new album Freetown Sound, he doesn’t shy away from the realities of the personal and political — or the moody almost-celestial vibes that serve as a foundation for his distinct brand of chillwave. What the world needs now is love, love, love – and a song or two to lower our emotional temperature. “Best To You” – featuring the soothing tones of singer-songwriter Empress Of – does the trick rather nicely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFPWfW5gquQ
Those expecting more of the brooding, sucker-punch feel of tracks like “Forgiven/Forgotten” and “High And Wild” from Angel Olsen’s 2014 album will delight in the fact that she’s keeping it visceral and raw, but this time she’s flirting with pop-tastic hooks and lyrics, along with slight traces of synth. My Woman is the long-awaited follow-up to Burn Your Fire For No Witness, landing September 2 via Jagjaguwar. We’re enamored of the lead single, “Shut Up Kiss Me,” and the video, directed by Ms. Olsen herself.
While the L.A.-based indie artist LP has co-written mega-hits for the likes of Christina Aguilera and Rihanna, her solo material is where she shines the brightest. Her new EP Death Valley hasn’t even been released yet, but one of the songs – “Muddy Waters” – was used in the emotionally-charged finale of this season’s Orange Is The New Black, and the title track showcases that voice, along with her knack for hooks and poignant lyricism. Catch her on tour with Bryan Ferry on his summer tour, and until her EP lands, enjoy this On The Road video she shot with us during SXSW 2012, and this stellar 2014 KXT Live Session.
XOXO
Gini.
