The rain is finally giving us a break today in NYC, just in time for What We’re Listening to Wednesdays 12! Some may call that a coincidence, I say we brought the sunshine. Let’s hope it lasts! The vibes are immaculate, the playlists are better and this week’s WWLTW is stacked. Let’s get into it.
My Selects
Track One – “Buttered Up” – Sycco
“Buttered Up” is pure sunshine in audio form. Sycco keeps things playful with a funky bassline, glitchy synths, and little vocal layers that bounce around like they’re in on the joke. It’s giving rooftop party, golden hour, sunglasses slightly askew, basically, summer in a song.
Track Two – “Illegal” – PinkPantheress
PinkPantheress has pretty much perfected the art of sad songs you can dance to. “Illegal” gives us jungle-inspired drums that skip and bounce under her featherlight vocals. It’s all breezy and bittersweet, like when you’re watching the sunset from a rooftop and trying not to think about the person you shouldn’t be texting.
Track Three – “Nettles” – Ethel Cain
“Nettles” is the first single off Ethel Cain’s upcoming album Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You (out August 8th), and it’s giving summer haze in the most Ethel way possible. The dragging strings feel like heavy air, the banjo slips in unexpectedly, and her voice floats right through it all like a humid breeze you can’t escape. It’s long, winding, and weirdly addictive — exactly what we want from her!!
Laneisha’s Selects
Track Four – “BUS RIDE” – Kaytranada (feat. Karriem Riggins & River Tiber)
This one feels like coasting through the city with nowhere to be. The jazzy percussion taps along while soft keys glide underneath, creating that perfect balance between chill and catchy. It’s laid-back in a way that only Kaytranada can pull off.
Track Five – “Leave Me Alone” – Kaytranada (feat. Shay Lia)
Kaytranada really doesn’t miss. “Leave Me Alone” locks into a hypnotic groove instantly, with glossy synths and a beat that practically dares you not to move. It’s sleek, it’s smooth, and it’s going straight onto every summer playlist we’re listening to from here on out. This isn’t the first time this song has been featured on Mic Drop, you might remember it from our Anti–Valentine’s Day article. If there’s one thing about the Mic Drop team, we’ve got good taste.
Nathan’s Selects
Track Six – “New York” – Addison Rae
Addison Rae’s debut album Addison just dropped (June 6th), and honestly? “New York” is kind of a perfect summer pop moment. It’s dreamy, glossy, and low-key romantic, like romanticizing your own life while sweating through a walk home in the middle of a heatwave. In love with everything Addison Rae is doing right now.
Track Seven – “This World” – Astral Weeks
This one slows things down in the best way. It’s soft and airy with gentle guitar and vocals that feel like they’re floating right out of your speaker. Perfect for when the sun’s setting and the whole city feels like it’s exhaling.
“Track Eight” – “BUM!” – Jack Orley
“Bum!” sounds exactly like a summer backyard hangout; messy, a little chaotic, but full of charm. The jangly guitars and lo-fi production make it feel like you’re listening to a live set while someone’s grilling burgers behind you. We love.
See ya next week! Miss you already!
