Toronto's Maya Killtron says her latest retro-funk tune was inspired by a childhood memory of hearing Michael Jackson on the radio for the first time, while washing the family car. We suspect Prince was in the mix somewhere too. This is called "Whiplash."
Mitski Miyawaki (aka Mitski) started her career while attending SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, where she self-released her first two albums. Her fourth album, "Puberty 2," was named Pitchfork's Best New Music. Here she is with a playlist even the biggest jazz snob can enjoy.
Beth Ditto made a name for herself as the lead singer of indie-rock group Gossip, and her standout voice has been compared to Janis Joplin and Etta James. Her debut solo album "Fake Sugar" is available now. She spins us a playlist of songs by Cat Power, Nina Simone and more to go with grits and perfect potatoes.
In the '60s, Lynn Castle was the go-to hairstylist for Los Angeles' music scene. The Byrds, Sonny and Cher, and the Monkees came to call her "the lady barber." She also cut a few tracks, but only a few saw the light of day. Now, she's back with her first-ever LP of her music. Listen as she recalls two of her early loves.
Phoenix's blend of rock, disco, and abstract lyrics has made their music the soundtrack for dance parties from Tokyo to their hometown of Paris. Their 2009 album "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" went gold and won them a Grammy. Bandmates Thomas Mars and Laurent Brancowitz mix up a playlist of songs by Chick Corea, Bryan Ferry, and more for your next sushi soirée.
By now, most people know The War on Drugs is the name of a band as well as controversial policy position. Their new album comes out in August, it's called A Deeper Understanding. Here's a new single from it -- called "Hold On."
Sam and Danger Mouse produced a series of songs inspired by the TV series "The Man In The High Castle." Each track is a dark, eerie cover of a tune from the '50s or '60s. The album is called, "Resistance Radio." The duo dropped by our studios a few weeks back, which explains why their playlist is designed to give your party a certain je ne sais quoi.
French band Phoenix have been making ear-friendly international pop since they first met as teenagers in the Paris suburb of Versaille. Their new album comes out in a couple of weeks. Here's a track called - "Ti Amo."
Alternative hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces have a new album, "Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star," that is coming out in July. Here's a track from it called, "Shine a Light."
Along with his catchy, hazy guitar-rock, Mac DeMarco has become famous for his sense of humor... and for antics, like putting his home address at the end of a track from his mini-LP, "Another One," and inviting fans to visit him and his girlfriend to their home. He delivers a playlist with tunes by Dean Martin, Nino Rota, and more for the Italian-American in all of us.