Staff Music Picks: May 2018

None of the ArtsQuest staff would work here if they didn’t live for music and the arts. To share our passion, our programming and social media teams put together a list of new-ish songs they’ve got on repeat this month. We hope you’ll enjoy our eclectic mix of musical tastes and discover some great new tunes!

Ben “The Resident Metalhead” Youngerman
Marketing Manager

“Rats” – Ghost

Ghost’s hard-rocking plague is spreading. The lead single from the Swedish band’s fourth full-length album Prequelle features “new” frontman Cardinal Copia (it’s the same singer, with a new character at the helm) and the Nameless Ghouls welcoming the return of the Black Death. Combining award-winning musicality (GRAMMY winners in 2016) with unique theatrics and storytelling, Ghost’s small cult following has grown into festival headlining gigs and a pair of scheduled arena shows. “Rats” is the anthem that brings them into a new era. Hail Ghost! \m/ (*>*) \m/

Amber “Genre Trainwreck” Galdamez
Communications Coordinator

“OTW” – Khalid feat. 6LACK, Ty Dolla $ign

This recently released track from Khalid became an instant favorite of mine as soon as I heard it. OTW (an acronym for “on the way” if you were wondering…) is lyrically very modern but musically takes notes from 90s R&B. In fact, the instrumental version of this song could have easily played during the credits scene of any semi-serious Disney movie from the 90s and nine-year-old Amber would have been highly impressed. Khalid’s voice complements the track flawlessly while the features from 6LACK and Ty Dolla $ign add some nice variation and depth.

Cory “Don’t Put Me In A Genre Box” Stelzman
Performing Arts Coordinator

“Lift Yourself” – Kanye West

The man that needs no introduction – Mr. West himself – released a single last week on his website entitled “Lift Yourself.” I love it. I can’t get enough of it. People love to hate Kanye and I am just over hear counting the minutes until the new album gets released in June. The single is the perfect combination of absurd and fun which is exactly what I’m looking for as we finally get into warmer weather. ENJOY. #kanyeforever

Emily “The Funk Junkie” Cummins
Public Relations Coordinator

“Heat Wave” – Snail Mail

I just got turned on to Snail Mail, singer-guitarist Lindsey Jordan, who’s sound is simultaneously dreamy and irreverent. In “Heat Wave,” the latest track off her upcoming album Lush, Jordan delivers devastating lyrics like “And I hope whoever it is holds their breath around you, cause’ I know I did” all in an ethereal haze that captures the feel of a sad, suburban summer. It reminds me of the bright and cheery melodies of Laura Stevenson and Waxahatchee that are expertly fused with bleak words. I can’t wait to hear what she comes out with next.

Patrick “P. Diddy” Brogan
Chief Programming Officer

“Hit or Miss” – CERAMIC ANIMAL

My boys are back with a new single and this could well be their strongest yet. It opens with a spacey little ditty and then enters Warren Regan’s growling Alex Turner-like vocals. It is a great indie rock song with hints of country and almost constant synth from Elliot Regan which gives it a retro rock feel. I’ve long been a fan of these guys original music and if “Hit or Miss” is any indication we can look forward to even better stuff yet to come.

Matt “Hip-Hop & R&B Boy” Gotzon
Partnership Activation Specialist

“The Cut Off” – J. Cole ft. kiLL edward

J. Cole gave us his new album KOD, which is another thought provoking project from the Dreamville leader. It instantly broke the first day streaming record on Spotify (36.5 million), but was dethroned about a week later once Post Malone released Beerbongs & Bentleys (48 million). The most controversial track being “1985,” were some seem to think Cole disses new age/mumble rapper Lil Pump. To me it seems more of a song giving guidance and advice rather than hate. Cole is set to go platinum without any features yet again, if he hasn’t already. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. If you want to see him perform these songs live you’re in luck as Cole just announced a Dreamville Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina Sept. 15. My favorite track right now is “The Cut Off,” but I’m sure will be constantly changing as I continue listening. If you haven’t taken the time to hear this album, please do, and make sure to do so in its entirety. Another classic from Cole that you need to get into your rotation.

Helen “New Wave” Smith
Talent Buyer

“Go Out Fighting” – Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog just released their first fresh work in almost five years, Critical Equation. I love all of Dr. Dog’s albums and this one is no different. My favorite song is most definitely “Go Out Fighting” – it shows their renewed confidence and fresh direction after taking a couple of years off. The driving vintage Hammond organ is ever present, pushing the tune forward. These dudes have been together for almost two decades now and don’t show any signs of stopping.

Kimberly “The Wild Card” Koehler
Partnership Activation Specialist

“Wasted Times” – The Weeknd

If you were wondering why my music nickname is “the wild card”, this month’s pick is great example. Just when you thought you could narrow down my taste in music, a pick like this throws you off. I knew my extreme love for The Weeknd and his music would eventually be shown in our Monthly Music Picks but I wasn’t sure when it come out. My Dear Melancholy dropped in late March and I am pretty sure I’ve listened to it every day since. This EP has 6 phenomenal tracks that focus on Abel’s recent heartbreak & anger related to breakups. “Wasted Times” not only showcases The Weeknd’s great vocals but him as an amazing lyricist. This “darker” song reminds me of why I love The Weeknd’s music in the first place. I wish I could pick the whole album, so be sure to check out not only “Wasted Times” but the rest of My Dear Melancholy!

Alicia “Better in Boots” Rohrbach
Senior Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator

“Friends Don’t” – Maddie and Tae

There was a lot of new music that came out this month that I was a fan of – so this month was a hard choice! Maddie and Tae just released a new single a few days ago that started playing on a Spotify playlist I listen to frequently – and it’s quickly become one of my go to tunes. It’s a little more of a mellow tune to listen to at work – and the lyrics and their harmonies work together perfectly. I’m glad this female duo is releasing new music in 2018 as they are one of my favorites and I can’t wait to hear more from them!

Ryan “Comedian Who Likes Music” Hill
Programming Director

“I Still See It” – POP ETC

I usually like POP ETC best when they’re full-on with their 80s-tinged hooks (“Bad Break”, “Keep It for Your Own”, “Running in Circles”), but this track is just the right amount of laid back for me to imagine blasting it with the windows down and the sun on the horizon. It’s a big step up from the group’s other single released this year (“Losing Yourself”).

Anne “The Alternative Solution” Sturm
Senior Talent Buyer

“Hide” – Rainbow Kitten Surprise

“Hide” is from Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s newest album How to: Friend, Love, Freefall. This song is quirky, addictive, charming, and headstrong all in one. Rainbow Kitten Surprise, based out of North Carolina, is currently on a very busy tour performing to many sold out venues.

BONUS PLAYLIST!

Previous ArtsQuest Staff Music Picks:

April 2018
March 2018
Top Songs of 2017
Top Songs of 2016
Top Songs of 2015