Music

Genre: Indie pop
Sound: Sassy, empowering and queer pop music
If you like: Ralph, Maggie Rogers, Japanese Breakfast
Why you should listen: There’s something for everyone in MUNA’s self-titled third LP — it’s cheeky, anthemic, a little bit country and a whole lot of fun. Lead single Silk Chiffon is an unbeatable summer hit, made sweeter with a featured verse by the beloved Phoebe Bridgers.
Best track: Silk Chiffon f. Phoebe Bridgers

Genre: Indie folk
Sound: The hopeful soundtrack to new romance
If you like: The Head And The Heart, The Lumineers, George Ezra
Why you should listen: Vance Joy charms listeners once again with his indie-folk musings. Each song feels like it encapsulates a cherished memory of a loved one.
Best track: Clarity

Genre: Indie rock
Sound: Brooding, dark
If you like: Snail Mail, Lucy Dacus, Big Thief
Why you should listen: Soccer Mommy channels her inner pain like a weapon rather than a burden. The album expands on her already-established sound and pushes deeper into the experimental.
Best track: Shotgun

Genre: Jazz
Sound: Downtempo, mellow vibe suited for a ritzy, romantic date night
If you like: Kamaal Williams, Jazzbois, Melodiesinfonie
Why you should listen: The Parisian collective’s cinematically charged and laidback EP harkens back to the neo-noir detective scene. It features sensual piano riffs and groovy basslines designed to make romantic nights cozier.
Best track: Slonnie Tendo

Genre: Hip hop
Sound: A swan song filled with boom bap beats and razor-sharp bars
If you like: Lupe Fiasco, Action Bronson, Wu-Tang Clan
Why you should listen: Logic’s seventh album marks his final release with Def Jam Recordings. The Maryland rapper goes all in with passionate bars pulling back the curtains on his career, featuring voicemail skits from Morgan Freeman to Chicago rapper Earl Sweatshirt while referencing legendary hip hop producer J Dilla.
Best track: Tetris

Genre: Hip hop
Sound: ’90s West Coast hip hop flavour mixed with funky, turntablism action
If you Like: Madlib, Potatohead People, Handsome Boy Modeling School
Why you should listen: Los Angeles-based turntablist and producer J.Rocc’s third gritty album paints a raw picture of Los Angeles using old-school instrumentation and various samples from artists to add an underground and grimy atmosphere of an everchanging city
Best track: L.A. Anthem ft. LMNO, Key Kool

Genre: Electronic/Hip hop
Sound: Warm, meditative lo-fi hip hop made for longer road trips
If you like: Beatchild, J Dilla, The Kount
Why you should listen: The Guelph-based producer’s titular album serves as a reflective journal of being indoors during the pandemic. Inspired by a friend’s tweet, the album features dreamy lo-fi hip hop instrumentation with slick transitions as an escape from reality and to explore the outdoors.
Best track: Tokyo Sunset ft. Manami Otsuka