You Need These in Your System!

 

Your Spotify playlist is probably shit. 

There, I said it. 

You have songs that Spotify has fed you based on people you've never met, and industry plants that have paid millions to make sure you see their latest pop-hit - probably about a summer fling, or something. Don't you miss the feeling of discovering the unknown? Showing a friend your favourite hidden spot in your hometown; putting people on your personal weird food combos; finding songs made by someone on GarageBand who couldn't explain music theory to you if gave them a tenner and a couple mcnuggets? 

I don't know about the beginning two, but I can help you out a little with the last one.

Here, I'm gonna put you on to beats you couldn't even find if you tried - well, probably, though it would take a bit of effort. Insane sample opportunities, songs by your favourite artists that prove you know them best, and just things that are gonna make you do that little stank face when you hear something that hits.

And I promise, this shit is gonna hit.

So, to set the tone - and to show you that I ain't playing around here - I'm gonna show you a couple of songs across different genres that I've had on repeat recently. From highest to lowest play count.

1. Selfish - Babyfather (Dean Blunt) and A$AP Rocky (Prod by Timbaland) (41k views)

"Wanna dead the rumours and the lies. Just wanna be alive, next time I see her"

At 41k views and posted officially on no other platform than Youtube (with 2 or so reposts on Soundcloud), this track that features the huge likes of A$AP and Timbaland is remotely unknown outside of the scope of true lowkey music lovers. The hypnotic repetition of "selfish" mixed with Dean's sleepy "uh huh" adlibs against the twinkly piano makes for the perfect late night drive tune, or just something to sing along to on your snap story. 

2. Ghost McGrady - doorway 2 my soul (13k views)

I'll admit I haven't been able to find a quote for this one, mostly since I have no clue what he's saying. But the video is COLD. The dark, grimy black and white colour scheme makes the (unknown) rapper look like a shadow in the scene, only being able to see the flash of his teeth whilst he's spittin'. It's insane. GodsConnect is the perfect YouTube channel for finding kinda trippy lofi rap remixes like this. Unique sounds with vaguely familiar artists - super good stuff.

3. The Marias - Care for You (Charlie Mees cover) (5.7k views)

Okay, I know adding this one is cheating a bit - the original song has over 2 million views on the official video alone - but this cover puts a whole new spin on it. Currently unlisted, Charlie Mees' guitar only version of the song, according to one commenter, makes the "romantic song sound even more romantic" - and I could not agree more. The slight echo and looping guitar chords in the background have played on repeat for me during my late night study sessions, or simply when I'm reading a book or two. Perfect, perfect cover for a perfect, perfect song.

4. Plasterbrain - Dream Awake (4.8k)

"But I cant recall your face. Will you remember mine when the war begins?"

Plasterbrain is most known for "Nimbasa Core", a song posted around 8 years ago now which garnered millions of views and plenty of remixes. "Dream Awake" lives up to its name, creating a dreamy, melodic feel for the listener with its beautiful synths and delicate piano - in an abstract sense, you feel like an angel falling from heaven. Its tear-jerking lyrics make it a perfect addition to any breakup playlist, or just a good song to cry to

5. Wendell - Bloody Nose (337 views)

"Sleep well my sweetest, everything is fine"

"Bloody Nose" is an old SoundCloud favourite of mine - something I used to bump back in 2017. With barely any views to enjoy this cute campfire guitar session-type song, it's a hidden gem that needs to be appreciated by way more underrated indie song lovers. Will definitely be one to look out for if you're into Frankie Cosmos, Joy Again and the like. 

See? Now you have plenty more songs that none of your friends have heard of. You're gonna have to do a lot of convincing to get them to pass the aux but I promiseeee they'll love it too. 

Hope you got your hit today,

Mimi

(PS: Next post we'll look at an artist from a Tyler the Creator rec. Let me know if you have any songs that other artists incidentally or accidentally put you on. Later!)