This is a Spotify playlist of ten songs that I am listening to in December. I try to listen to as much music as I can when working or whatever it is I do and I want to share some good new music that I find each month. Here is a link to the December playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6zBzZPeUdumZdL8kVXLqX8?si=cef84511b4844fe3
nthng – With You
This is a gorgeous ambient track that sounds pretty simple but it contains many layers of sounds that are working together. One female vocal sample repeats the words “I just want to be with you right now” throughout the song. According to the Youtube comments on this song, it is a vocal sample from the movie “Her” starring Scarlett Johansonn. With You is a very expansive track but also very intimate. The rhythm grows slowly but it takes you on a journey for sure. Go take a listen and see what I mean.
Aphex Twin – QKThr
I first heard this song on TikTok a few months ago and thought it was from a newer artist or something. I did not realize until a few days ago that it was from Aphex Twin. QKTHR is just a heart wrenching solo organ soundtrack that has one of those melodies that makes you think of everything and everyone. It opens your soul in a way that can’t be explained.
Nujabes – Feather
I’ve read on the internet that Nujabes is the father of lofi hip hop. I don’t know if that’s true or not but Feather is always going to be a classic. I recently started listening to this track again and it’s just a perfect example of superb sampling. It also sounds like December in New York City and Summer in the hills of the mountains.
Nick Hakim – Vertigo
Every time I listen to a Nick Hakim song, I am just so blown away by his vocals. He really carries every song with gorgeous melodies even if the music isn’t so complex. His lyrics are also deep and meaningful. Definitely check this one out.
Dina Ogon – Efter natten
Dina Ogon is a Swedish, Turkish and Colombian band and Efter natten means after the night. I don’t know what to say about this track except for the fact that it is one of the smoothest jam I have ever heard. A few instruments working over the same motif again and again until the final part where a horn comes in and brings it all together. Huge vibes!
Wisp – Your Face
Wisp is a new Shoegaze artist that popped up some time over the last year or so for me. Your Face is a heavy luscious soundscape of metal and Indie. The vocals are mesmerizing and the guitars are thick and warm. Your Face is a song that you could imagine hearing somewhere before but really it is very unique.
Entangleland – Andi Otto, F.S. Blumm
I don’t know much about these two artists but I will definitely be checking out more of their work together. This track is a peaceful fairy tale sounding song made up of many different string instruments. It sounds like waking up late on a cold winter morning in a cabin somewhere or taking a walk in the park during the late winter afternoon. Very relaxing feelings.
James Blake – I Want You To Know
James Blake always reminds me of Burial but with a bit more cohesiveness to the actual song. I don’t always listen to James Blake but when I do come across one of his gems, I am always very impressed. This track combines so many different genres and sounds. Besides James’ beautiful vocals there is also some serious vocal sampling going on in this track that really adds a new psychedelic dimension.
Mamalarky – You Make Me Smile (Audiotree Version)
Once in a while, Youtube will always recommend me a video from Audiotree or KEXP and it’s a great way to find some new awesome music. A few weeks ago, I got to hear You Make Me Smile played live on Audiotree by Mamalarky. The simple cute guitar riff, stop and go rhythms and female vocals make this a killer track.
Emile Mosseri – Darker Than This (Kajillionaire Soundtrack)
Emile Mosseri is an accomplished film composer and he always manages to capture certain moods in his tracks. He often combines electronic synth sounds and orchestral instruments to create beautiful complex soundscapes. I never watched this move where this song is from but maybe I will now.
