What is there to say about the month of March? Other than the obvious, exasperated, long-awaited cry of “SPRING BREAK!” of course (although, let’s be real - spring isn’t anywhere near us here on the northeast coast). Luckily for the launch of Graphite’s Spring “Melodic” series, there have been a lot of successful track releases this month, from artists like Future Islands - who released their new album “Singles” on the 25th, Pharrell Williams - whose new collaboration with Daft Punk is just as catchy as the last, Sam Smith - with his gospel-inspired song “Stay With Me”, and Jamie XX - who officially released an untitled track he had debuted in an earlier BBC, naming it “Sleep Sound.” Another fresh release to look out for is Darkside’s remix of a St. Vincent song - which is now featured on their label’s website.
If you appreciate a good Bill Withers tune, Rare Monk’s cover of Ain’t No Sunshine will probably tickle your fancy. If not, at least it’ll give you something to talk about. For fans of Alt-J, Cosmo Sheldrake’s “The Moss” is definitely worth checking out.
I’ve recently been listening to a lot of Broods, a sibling duo from New Zealand. I’ve featured my two favourite tracks, “Never Guna Change” and “Taking You There.” Fans of Banks will definitely see somewhat of a resemblance between the two.
Craving some beach vibes? Then definitely blast Bumaye by Major Laser - it’ll get you daydreaming about drinking mojitos in the sand in no time! Other noteworthy tracks in this month’s playlist are Pretty Lights’ “Lost and Found” remixed by ODESZA, the two Kidnap Kid songs, SOHN’s Artifice, Cavalier by James Vincent McMorrow, and Banks’ BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge cover of Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?”.
If you’re in Montreal and not doing anything on the 4th of April, I’d recommend buying tickets to The Underachievers’ show. They’ll be performing at Cabaret Underworld that night for $20, along with Dillon Cooper and Denzel Curry. If you’re unfamiliar with them, be sure to look out for their two tracks in this month’s playlist.
WRITTEN BY NAIMA VOGT
IMAGE BY WESTON DOTY