The Plug’n Play: June (‘22)
June 30, 2022
You can listen to the full playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal
Below are some of our favorite tunes from June! The first 12 songs were selected by me, Stanley, while the last 12 songs (songs 12-14) were selected by Kevin! We hope this playlist serves as a gateway: to new music or an artist you might not be familiar with. Importantly, we hope you’ll find something you like and check out the larger body of work!
Stanley: NOT THE TWOS — PARADISE
In the fall of 2017, following the release of his debut album, I got the chance to interview Tim Maxey, a producer-artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. In the interview, Tim talked about what he’d hope to accomplish with the album, how he wanted to use the album as a space to reference his influences, and the artists he hoped to work with in the near future. Shortly after our conversation, Tim’s vision came to fruition, producing for artists like Summer Walker, Baby Rose, Fana Hues and working with the likes of Robert Glasper and KING.
Earlier this month, Tim, who goes by NOT THE TWOS, released PARADISE, the lead-single from his sophomore project; a tune that Kendrick Lamar heard and loved so much that he included it 3 times throughout Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (MM&TBB). On MM&TBB, PARADISE served as the sonic and thematic anchor for the album. PARADISE is a beautiful and haunting tune, and I personally can’t wait to hear the rest of the album!
(I also have another interview with NOT THE TWOS coming soon, so be on the look out for that!)
Stanley: DOMi & JD BECK— WHATUP
Late last year, drummer, producer, and singer-songwriter, Anderson .Paak announced that he’d be starting his own music label in partnership with Universal Music Group, APESHIT! For .Paak, the goal of the label was to support the next generation of performers^ that can “play while performing,” an expressed emphasis on musicians.
Shortly after announcing the launch of his label, .Paak announced that DOMi & JD BECK had signed with him, a prodigious drum and keys duo who’d been making waves in the jazz scene for the past few years. WHATUP, the latest single from their forthcoming debut album, shows the duos immense talent, as well as their ability to meld styles. Their album is due to come out on July 29th, and features Herbie Hancock, Snoop Dogg, Anderson .Paak, Thundercat, and Busta Rhymes.
^ - There aren’t many “ventures” in music that excite me, but I found this to be particularly noteworthy, especially considering recent events with Omarion, Ray J, Giveon, and Durand Bernarr’s clarion call for singers to practice proper breathing techniques, note placement, being aware of one’s vocal range, and generally…singing well.
Stanley: Jacob Collier — Never Gonna Be Alone (Featuring Lizzy McAlpine and John Mayer)
From his early days on YouTube, Jacob Collier established himself as dexterous musician, often crafting videos with him playing multiple instruments at once. If not careful, one could read such a thing as a parlor trick or gimmick. But, in the years since Collier’s early days, he’s proven himself to be a gifted songwriter and composer. Most impressively, to me at least, is Collier’s penchant for collaboration, working with artists whom maintain their form, yet colorfully fit into his world. Collier’s latest single, Never Gonna Be Alone, is an example of just that. Singer-songwriter (and Philadelphia-area native!), Lizzy McAlpine shines, gracefully moving through the key changes composed by Collier, and John Mayer’s guitar playing is at its best and most tasteful. It’s a delicate and caressing tune.
