The Mic Drop team is happy to be back for our fourth installment of What We’re Listening to Wednesdays, your midweek music refresh packed with handpicked tracks that have been on repeat. From genre-bending alt-metal to breezy pop and introspective ballads, here’s what we’ve got in our ears this week.
Laneisha’s Selects
This week, Laneisha’s picks all come from Sleep Token! She recently discovered the band, and hasn’t looked back since.
Track One – “Caramel” – Sleep Token
“Caramel” is a haunting slow burn from UK experimental band Sleep Token. With its lush, ambient textures and the signature emotive vocals of lead singer Vessel, the track feels like a midnight confession—raw, sultry, and completely immersive. The delicate balance of vulnerability and strength makes this one stand out as a moody anthem for anyone in their feelings.
Track Two – “Aqua Regia” – Sleep Token
Shifting from the darker tones of “Caramel,” “Aqua Regia” leans into a smoother, jazz-influenced sound while keeping Sleep Token’s signature mystique. The piano-led instrumentation is soothing yet enigmatic, and the lyrics are a poetic swirl of desire and introspection. It’s a surprising yet welcome pivot in the band’s evolving sonic narrative.
Track Three – “Granite” – Sleep Token
Rounding out Laneisha’s picks is “Granite,” an explosive and genre-defying track that weaves heavy riffs, hip-hop rhythms, and electronic flourishes. It’s an assertive anthem about self-worth and survival, delivered with unrelenting energy. Sleep Token’s ability to blend vulnerability with aggression is on full display here.
My Selects
Track Four – “G.A.D” – Jada Kingdom
Jada Kingdom delivers a sultry and empowering performance in “G.A.D” (an acronym for “Girls Are Drugs”). Blending dancehall and Rock influences, the track explores themes of confidence and independence with a catchy hook and lush production. It’s a modern-day power anthem for anyone owning their space unapologetically.
Track Five – “Adagio” – Stella
A gem from Greek pop artist Σtella, “Adagio” is a retro-inspired dreamscape with synthy warmth and lyrical longing. There’s a cinematic elegance to the track that feels like something straight out of a European indie film. This one recently popped up in Nathan’s “New Music Fridays” roundup, and it’s easy to hear why.
Track Six – “IFHY” – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Pharrell Williams)
A standout from Tyler’s Wolf era, “IFHY” is a brutally honest love song dripping in frustration and contradiction. Pharrell’s ethereal production and hook provide contrast to Tyler’s raw, unfiltered verses. It’s weird, it’s beautiful, and it perfectly captures the chaos of young love.
Nathan’s Selects
Track Seven – “Old Recliners” – ROLE MODEL
Nathan’s first pick is “Old Recliners.” ROLE MODEL returns with a mellow, melancholic ballad that feels like flipping through old photo albums. “Old Recliners” is built on soft acoustics and understated emotion, making it a perfect track for a slow afternoon or late-night self-reflection session.
Track Eight – “Golden” – Zella Day
“Golden” lives up to its name with glistening melodies and a retro-pop feel that evokes California sunshine and 70s daydreams. Zella Day’s voice shimmers across the track as she sings about freedom, nostalgia, and chasing that euphoric high.
Track Nine – “Coast” – Leon Flydal
Bringing things home is Leon Flydal’s “Coast,” a soulful, surfy track that captures the quiet serenity of the shoreline. With smooth vocals and understated production, it’s a meditative listen that reminds you to slow down and breathe.
Check back next week for more handpicked gems. Until then, happy listening!
