It’s time for our 11th round of What We’re Listening to Wednesdays and as usual, we’re amped to be back here with you! This week’s playlist is all about summer texture; from punchy basslines and ambient layers to hypnotic polyrhythms and disco-inflected synths. Whether you’re chasing sunlight or slipping into twilight, each track brings its own sonic heat to the season.
My Selects
Track One – “The One” – Jorja Smith
There’s something slow and stunning about “The One.” The strings stretch behind the beat, like they’re being pulled through heat waves, giving everything a dreamy drag. Jorja’s vocals are intimate and understated, gliding over a minimalist UK garage-style rhythm. It feels like dancing alone on a rooftop with sun on your shoulders.
Track Two – “Short Line” – Howling
“Short Line” simmers with restraint. The beat is steady and subtle, but the magic’s in the details; ambient synths, echoing vocals, and guitar loops that feel like ripples across still water. It builds slowly and patiently, making it a perfect track for quiet summer drives or zoning out as the light fades.
Track Three – “Maybe This Time” – Empress Of
This track is sad disco at its finest. Bright synth chords and a tight dance beat carry lyrics full of longing and second chances. Empress Of’s layered vocals ride just above the groove, giving the track both bounce and heart. It’s made for sweating it out under a disco ball with someone who might break your heart later.
Laneisha’s Selects
Track Four – “Water No Get Enemy” – Fela Kuti
Built on Afrobeat’s signature mix of funk, jazz, and African rhythms, this track moves with effortless grace. The horns swell and sway, the percussion loops like a heartbeat, and Fela’s voice weaves in like a conversation mid-flow. It’s a timeless groove; calm, warm, and endlessly replayable.
Track Five – “Expensive Sh*t” – Fela Kuti
This one from Fela Kuti brings more edge. The beat is sharper, the horns punchier, and the storytelling is bold and biting. Still, it never loses its groove. Fela packs protest into rhythm, balancing urgency with swing in a way that makes you move and think. It’s funky, fearless, and full of fire.
Track Six – “Oil On Water” – Pyxis
A total contrast to the Afrobeat energy, “Oil On Water” leans into ambient, atmospheric territory. It’s all about texture here: reverb-heavy vocals, slow-moving synth layers, and a rhythm that floats rather than drives. It’s perfect for decompressing after a long day or drifting off into a summer night.
Nathan’s Selects
Track Seven – “Save Room For Us” – Tinashe, MAKJ
Smooth and sultry, this track blends R&B warmth with a slick electronic beat. The production is clean and crisp, tight snares, soft synth pads, and a deep, subtle bassline. Tinashe’s vocals float right on top, soft but sure. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance slow and close in the summer heat.
Track Eight – “Mental Health” – Father John Misty
This track wears its irony with charm. It’s got the soft rock shimmer of a 70s radio hit—acoustic guitars, sweet string flourishes—but underneath, the lyrics unpack anxiety with dry humor. It’s nostalgic, self-aware, and weirdly comforting… like a therapy session in song form, served with a wink.
Track Nine – “Morphine” – Boy Harsher
Heavy on mood, “Morphine” pulses with darkwave energy. A pounding synth and steady drum machine keep the tempo locked, while airy, distant vocals haunt the edges. The whole track feels like it’s glowing under neon. It’s intense, shadowy, and a little dangerous. Perfect for night drives or leaning into the drama.
Add these to your queue and let the season play on. We’ll see you next Wednesday with more sounds we’re sweating to. 🎧☀️
