Endless Summer: 5 Bands Holding Onto Heat
It’s August and summer will be coming to a close soon for most (not for me, I live in LA now). It’s an unfortunate reality that you’ll soon be exchanging your swimsuits for sweaters & cardigans. Lucky for you though, I have 5 bands that keep the sunny vibes going year round with enough heat to shed those extra layers. Just because the seasons are changing doesn’t mean the bops have to! In no particular order, let’s dive head first into our list of artists providing Endless Summer vibes:
Blood Orange
The most successful project from musical prodigy Dev Hynes, the one-man band hit a sweet spot as Blood Orange, blending synths and electroncia with old school R&B sensibilities. Blood Orange has been bringing beachy tones since his debut album Coastal Grooves, introducing his silky falsetto and sticky guitar licks to the world. Though the album is inspired by New York after hours, as the album title implies it brings up feelings of dancing through the night with the summer breeze between your feet. With 3 albums already and his 4th Negro Swan on the way, Blood Orange has plenty of tunes in its catalog keep you warm at 2:00AM.
Sweet Summer Jams: Champagne Coast, Charcoal Baby, You’re Not Good Enough
Men I Trust
They may be from Canada but don’t worry, this dream-pop trio knows how to bring the summer heat. Men I Trust is known for their smooth, laid-back melodies pairing with popping bass grooves. Lead singer Emma Proulx’s light vocals are reminiscent of reading a book on the beach. Their earlier work features more electronic influences and features with small success, Men I Trust has come into their own the past couple of years with singles hopefully leading to a new album. Men I Trust has embraced their identity as a breazy alternative to traditional summer party playlists, which should definitely land them on your summer playlist.
Sweet Summer Jams: Lauren, Tailwhip, Show Me How
Future Islands
One of my favorite sunny day bands is Future Islands. Hailing from North Carolina, these guys are no stranger to the water. A lot of their music revolves around nature, inspired by the warm rays of the sun. The indie-pop group is known for their inspiring and comforting lyrics set to infectious, move-inducing beats. Not only are Future Islands a go-to for road trips with the sunroof open, they are a must see during summer festival season. Lead singer Samuel Herring puts on one of the most electric live performances I’ve been lucky enough to see in person. Get these guys on your summer playlist asap. Chances are, you’ve already been dancing to their summer anthem Seasons (Waiting on You) for years.
Sweet Summer Jams: Beauty of the Road, Doves, Back in the Tall Grass
Miami Horror
If you’re gonna have Miami in your band name, it’s pretty much assumed you’re making music to make people sweat on the dancefloor. Miami Horror definitely lives up to their namesake with their fusion of electronic pop and late 70s disco sensibilities. The group has collaborated with the best in indie-electronic scene, including Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo and New Zealnd songstress Kimbra. Their music reminds of a song you’d hear playing behind a teenage summer montage during a movie (in a good way). The group knows all about high temperatures based out of Australia, they also know about getting your heartrate up with synth-driven tracks to keep you dancing through the long summer nights.
Sweet Summer Jams: Colours in the Sky, Out of Sight, I Look to You
Kali Uchis
Gotta end the list on a steamy note with the Columbian Crooner, Kali Uchis. The alternative pop singer has very much been inspired by her culture, integrating her Columbian roots to her soulful sound, creating the perfect music for a hot summer night with your person. Kali Uchis discography is equal parts smoldering ballads and sultry dance tracks. Her voice has so much personality and texture to it, you might as well be lying on the beach with your feet buried in warm sand. After many EPs, Kali’s first full length album Isolation dropped in April and has quickly become a staple to Summer of 2018 playlists.
Sweet Summer Jams: After the Storm, Loner, Know What I Want
And there you have it! Summer may be almost over, but the sun doesn’t stop shining here at HVNLY. Whether you’re looking to dance til you drop to Future Islands or get sexy under the stars to Blood Orange, hopefully I provided you with enough tracks for the perfect summer day or night. I know many of you look forward to snuggling up to a bonfire with Bon Iver in the background this fall, but make sure to squeeze the last drops out of summer this month first before it’s too late! Stay cool, y’all
