words_juan antonio bisono. illustration_claudia fernandes-hernandez

Here at Distraction we’re obsessed with music. I myself broke up with a girlfriend once because she kept humming “Photograph” by Nickleback. Music is important to us. The most important moments in our lives are defined by music. When I was dumped by my middle school crush? I listened to Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and it damn near saved my life. The first time I got drunk? I was listening to “Basket Case” by Green Day. Music has a way of altering the moments in your life. As a result of this, we here at distraction have taken up the task of assembling the best new songs of the past week.

Flying Lotus Feat. Kendrick Lamar – Never Catch Me

Did you ever think you would see these two collaborate? Well, now you can. The result is pretty damn impressive too. Kendrick dons his usual better than the rest get-up on top of the Lotus produced beat. It’s a little bit jazzy and experimental, naturally. Sit back though and surprise yourself with the amazing work done here by two great yet very different musical geniuses.

Jessie Ware – Want Your Feeling

If you wear skinny jeans and ever tried to grow a mustache, then this song is for you. Produced by London-born and Brooklyn-based Dev Hynes of “Blood Orange;” the song is similar to everything from Hynes’ recent solo work on his critically acclaimed album, Cupid Deluxe. The glaring difference here though is the vocal performance by indie music’s new leading lady, Jessie Ware. In our opinion, this live performance is weaker than the studio version. So, go on Spotify or iTunes (or whatever) and listen to that baby. We keep this song on repeat in the office.

Kindness – This is Not About Us

I LOVE THIS DUDE. His Debut album World You Need a Change of Mind was the kind of critically adored simple pop that evoked Prince. His single “Swingin’ Party” was a hit in Britain and it seems like the Kindness craze is sweeping into American culture now. This guy’s music is layered, thoughtful, yet infectious and fun. “This is Not About Us” is notable because it showcases his style: a 90’s hip hop beat and an ethereal synthesizer, which are all throwback nostalgia staples.

Sinkane – Yacha

Full disclosure, we hadn’t heard of Sinkane before we found this single. After a little research though, it’s no surprise to see this dude is based in Brooklyn like many of the great new indie artists of today. If you favor The Weeknd, but on occasion prefer songs about sunny skies and Sunday mornings, then Sinkane is your best alternative. Sinkane’s soulful voice, thick even in its falsetto, echoes over the R&B influences in this song. The mood quickly changes to a funky bass-line and quick beat, making you want to bob your head to it. Go for it.

Counting Crows – Somewhere Under Wonderland

The name of the artist itself should explain enough, but…A NEW COUNTING CROWS SONG? Well, yes. It’s pretty damn quirky too along with happy and everything you’d expect from this band. Just like their older stuff, their main intention is just to make you smile.

Check back next week for a new playlist to cure you from a case of the Mondays.