On Monday, we start off the week right with our #SongOfTheWeek (feeling down? Tai Verdes has the musical cure you need) and on Friday we end it on a good note with #RecsFriday.
Without further ado, here are this week’s recommendations.
From us to you. With love.
Dark Skinned – RAY BLK
As soon as I heard this song, RAY BLK’s words hit me right in the heart. On top of a catchy beat, she tells her story – that of a young Black woman who’s finally realized that she has things to say and can actually channel all the struggles, all the hurt into art. “I’m even glowing in the dark / It’s from my hеart, not because I’m dark skinned.” The Nigerian-born British-raised singer-songwriter is done letting society put her down, and it’s beautiful to hear. The outro is a recording from a phone conversation with someone (most likely her mother) who tells her about a piece of advice they’ve heard before: “Don’t let anything that you have in your mind and you think is a good idea– don’t be talked out of it.” ⬪ Ahlem Khattab
Summer Vibe – Forrest Nolan
Summer Vibe is an incredibly accurate title for this sweet summer fix. It only lasts for 3 minutes and 20 seconds, but it’ll warm your heart. Its music video (catch it in our YouTube playlist, down below) might make you want to plan your own road trip, and live in the moment just like Forrest Nolan who sings: “How bout tonight?” Just do it. Unless you don’t have a car nor a sunny coast near you, just like me. Then hit play and let the San Francisco-based artist take you there, mentally. ⬪ Julia Bergier
Stresshead – Harry Mold
When I listened to this song for the first time, I felt seen. If you, too, struggle with stressing over life and overthinking, and need at times to remind yourself to take a breath and actually let your mind rest, Stresshead is for you. Because sometimes, really, there’s “no point killing your mind so call it a night”. The tune isn’t just a quick and good pep talk, it’s upbeat and will genuinely lift your spirits, making you want to dance your troubles away. So press that play button and allow yourself a 3-minute-and-45-second break. ⬪ Ahlem Khattab
Harshest Critic – Allison Ponthier
In an Instagram post celebrating the release of Harshest Critic, the singer-songwriter said that “all of (her) feelings of ‘not being good enough’ poured out into the lyrics”. After listening to this song a couple of times (or maybe a dozen, who’s counting), all of mine rushed to the surface, too. If you’ve ever struggled with your own self-esteem and/or people’s opinions on your work or even yourself, it’s the perfect reminder that you’re definitely not alone. And yes, it might not solve everything, but it can be a really comforting thought. ⬪ Julia Bergier
