LOST IN THE GIRL (EP) | kwamie liv

After sharing a few tracks with us, Danish-Zambian singer-songwriter Kwamie Liv has finally released her Lost in the Girl (EP). Let us take the time to thank the music gods for their delivery today.

The track list:

1. Magic

2. What You Need (The Weeknd Cover)

3. 5 AM

4. Follow You

5. Lost in the Girl

6. comin THRU

7. Coming Down

We've already had the pleasure of hearing 4 out of the 7 tracks, so let's talk about the new tracks. To read my thoughts about those 4 already released tracks, visit my past posts 1. introducing kwamie liv and 2. new track tuesday "comin THRU."

MAGIC | the introductory track 

There's nothing significantly special about this track. As the introductory track, it serves to prepare you for the rest of the EP. "Magic" is meant to set you in the mood of what Kwamie is about to deliver with her next track, "What You Need." Track 1 smoothly transitions you into track 2. Is it necessary? No, but it is more of a guide to the sound of Kwamie Liv.

LOST IN THE GIRL | the standout track

My favorite of the new tracks. It is a nice blend of her Lana-esque and MIA influences. Though it starts by sounding like a lullaby, it then smoothly changes course toward a dance-friendly path. Her whispery voice lends itself nicely on this track to guide you through its non-linear structure. There are so many grooves in this track to get lost in, but just follow the voice and you'll be one happy listener. Complemented by some good beats, Kwamie's voice is undeniably seductive. It is no wonder why Kwamie named her EP after this track. It is so good --- definitely a good example of her talent. 

COMING DOWN | the closing track

After the danceable tracks "Lost in the Girl" and "comin THRU," Kwamie mellows it down for her closing track. She ends the way she began: grooving to a downtempo beat. 

Overall, Kwamie Liv delivers a well put-together debut EP of trip-hop/R&B material. Thanks for the musical goodness, Kwamie. Much love and respect from me, the Aesthetic Aficionado.

new track tuesday | feel the "sound" of telepopmusik

The French electronic collective known as Télépopmusik have just released their new single "Sound." Featuring subtle vocals by Mark Gardener, the track's focus remains on the soft ambient effect it produces.

"Sound" is a fitting addition to their collection of work -- the beats, vocals, and production collectively re-create their moody downtempo aesthetic. The track serves as a reminder that Telepopmusik knows how to work with a minimalist sound. Like the lyrics say, "feel the sound."

Telepopmusik's new album is expected to be released later this fall.

Merci beaucoup, Telepopmusik.

#fbf | "russian kiss" by annie (NSFW)

SFPride is right around the corner. Tonight, in fact, I will be attending the Big Gay Birthday in SF hosted by The Bold Italic. "Big Gay Birthday is the pre-Pride party that also celebrates SF’s birthday (238 this year)." Happy SF Pride, and happy birthday to SF. 

However, as progressive as SF is and other places have become, let us not forget that is not the case everywhere. We can simply look back at the controversy surrounding the 2014 Sochi Olympics. 

In response to the politics at play in the games, Norwegian pop singer Annie released a politically-charged tune titled "Russian Kiss." Furthermore, the music video explicitly challenges the Putin administration's anti-LGBTQ position. The video plays like an ad for an American Apparel x Urban Outfitters collaboration. I mean no disrespect to the creative minds behind this brilliant video. I very much enjoy the fruits of their labor, and wish the song and video had received more airplay and attention. It is worth watching and listening to. 

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Show your love for the lovers, the others, 

the fighters, outsiders,

people like you

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Press play, and let me know what you think.