Our monthly hotlist for February

Summer sessions deserve some new bangers.

Well, summer is most definitely in full swing, and what better way to enjoy it than with some hot new tunes? Get around these tracks recommended by our very own New Music Ambassadors.

Lighthousekeeping by Have/Hold

Impassioned vocals soar over walls of ambient guitars and a rhythmic section that invites the listener to sway with fervour – ‘Lighthousekeeping’ is the opus of Melbourne band, Have/Hold. Lee

Daddy Issues by Pip Blom

This song just has so much attitude and you just want to stamp your foot to it. Sian

Unwind by Majic

Who doesn’t love a summer track? Perfect for the incoming heatwave in Aotearoa, Majic is chasing away sad vibes and lifting chakras with this reggae-infused song. Based in Auckland, New Zealand and hitting radio stations with her other track ‘Likkle Man’ she gives us a little insight into her up and coming album. Shaideigh

Old Man by Stella Donnelly

Stella Donnelly is the outspoken, hilarious, and confident breath of fresh air we all need in the male-dominated media industry. After her incredible and bold EP Thrush Metal I have been dying for more, and now we’ve got the first taste of her debut album. Built around a breezy, sunshine-bright guitar melody, Old Man is anything but light-hearted. The lyrics and tale are a scathing commentary on unwanted attention, and when built around such a playful melody her masterful lyricism shines. Thanks Stel! Gloria

Follow Your Heart by Rat Boy

Tim Armstrong (AKA Tim Timebomb) from Rancid and Transplants fame teams up with young British punk rapper Rat Boy on an album that harks back to the golden age of ’90s Californian punk. This laid back summer ska jam stood out for me, pushing some great chilled summer vibes. Ollie

Actually by Money For Rope

Money for Rope continue to impress with the second track off their forthcoming album. It’s been seven years since their awesome debut album, so the hype is real for the new one. Anthony

True Colors by Barbora Mochowa

If you’re a fan of Lana Del Rey, then you’ll love the latest EP by Barbora Mochowa that dropped earlier this month. It’s an eerily beautiful, atmospheric song that would go perfectly with a rainy day or to listen to when you’re winding down. The song also made it into the national finals of the ESCZ, a competition held by the Czech Republic – the winner of which becomes the artist that will represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest. Brenton

Anxiety by Julia Michaels ft Selena Gomez

Julia Michael’s career just seems to be soaring from strength to strength and this track from her second EP shows why. With guest vocals from global superstar Selena Gomez, this song is a beautiful, catchy commentary on anxiety. A very honest, great track. Sian

In Your Head by Nilufer Yanya

British indie-soul singer-songwriter Nilufer Yanya is one of my most favourite discoveries of 2018, and with In Your Head she continues her incredible run of singles. The magic of Yanya is that she does so much within such a sparse soundscape, but what makes In Your Head stand out is that it’s one of her biggest tracks yet. It’s poppy, gritty, and catchy-as-heck. I can’t wait for a whole album. Gloria

Same Things by Cassian

Here’s a straight up feel good jam from Cassian, love child of Rose Avenue records label started by Rufus Du Sol. Vanessa

Burn It by Fever 333

It’s furiously angry, with blistering riffs, politically charged screams and a pounding drum beat but it’s also got a slick, glossy sheen. Rage for the modern age. Can’t wait to catch them at Download. Ollie

Into The Night by Wolf and Willow

Melbourne duo Wolf and Willow are kings of creating warm, tender, folky ballads, and their latest single Into The Night has me absolutely captivated. Between the dreamy harmonica-led intro and the surprise outro (we’ll let you get there), Wolf and Willow don’t need much more than smooth vocals, honest storytelling, and stripped-back guitar to keep me hooked. Gloria