Everything
As we move into July, we are already witnessing more of a shifting world. The pandemic looms on with more velocity and speed, the 2020 U.S. election is promising bizarre developments and in more positive news, the Black Lives Matter movement is the biggest in American history. We’re grappling with change at whiplash speeds, so perhaps that is why we seem to be turning to music now more than ever for a sense of escapism.
Whether that be a party tune from StaySolidRocky, or the soulful, low key release of Henry Green’s LP ‘Half Light’, we are craving a break from the dystopian news channel. Of course, we can’t ignore the current affairs surrounding Juice WRLD’s post-humous album Legends Never Die, which is set to break a slew of 2020 records. Alas, staying informed is crucial, but staying sane is just as important.
Scroll below for what ICON is listening to in July – the recipe for a calm mind. And if you’re looking for more artists to discover, check out last month’s picks.
‘Happiness in liquid form’ by aLFIE TEMPleMAN
Praises have been sung for Alfie Templeman amid the release of his latest EP Happiness In Liquid Form. Dubbed as “one to watch” on numerous occasions by the industries top publications and companies, the self-taught artist is sending out good vibes, good tunes and a new thrilling chapter of music. And this is only the beginning of what we expect to be a long and successful career.
‘half light’ by Henry green
If you’re familiar with the likes of Bonobo, then music producer Henry Green should also be on your listening radar. His catalogue has garnered over 60 million streams, with his 2017 cover of MGMT’s ‘Electric Feel’ sitting at over 22 million streams – later receiving a remix from Norwegian producer Kygo. Now, the British artist has combined his lush soundscapes with androgynous vocals for sophomore LP, Half Light.
‘lIGHTSWITCH’ BY CHAII
New Zealand-based, Persian rapper CHAII is on a trajectory to become one of the industry’s hottest artists. Unlike anyone who has come before her, the artist intersects traditional Persian music with Western hip-hop influences for dance-worthy, hard hitting sounds. She has already clocked a number of career highlights including soundtracking a Fendi campaign and has a track in Charlize Theron’s newly-released film The Old Guard on Netflix. ‘Lightswitch’ is sure to be another.
‘lEGEND nEVER dIES’ BY juice WRLD
It is perhaps the most anticipated album of 2020. Following the tragic death of Juice WRLD at a Chicago Airport in December 2019, his estate released the third aptly-titled studio album last week. It caused Spotify and Apple Music to crash as hundreds of thousands of fans flocked to the streaming services to listen. Now, the rap album is expected to surpass The Weeknd’s album After Hours for biggest release of 2020.
‘14 steps to a better you’ by Lime COrdiale
The latest album from Aussie, brother duo Lime Cordiale is exactly as the title states; a parody on a self-help book. But speaking to ICON in the lead up to its recent release, the duo agreed in unison,“I think we have better advice than Anthony Robbins and probably better exercise routines than Jane Fonda.” I would have to agree.
‘party GIRL REMIX’ BY staysolidrocky, featuring lil uzi vert
It is hard to believe that StaySolidRocky is just 19-years-old. His original hit, ‘Party Girl’ has smashed charts across the globe and peaked a number 9 on the Spotify Global Chart. Now, the rapper has returned with Lil Uzi Vert for a fresh remix. Tune in below.
