Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Summer Music

Not sure where to start with your summer playlist? Have no fear. The next few months promise to bring a variety of new music from your favorite artists as well as a few need-to-know newbies.

Rock

Desire a contemporary spin on this classic genre? Check out these two groups who have a knack for seamlessly fusing the old with new.

Florence and the Machine formed back in 2007 and has since had a successful career both in the United Kingdom and all over the world. The group’s newest full album, “How Big How Blue How Beautiful,” is set to release June 2, though a few singles have already been released in the last few months, including the title track as well as “Ship to Wreck.” Based on these two songs alone, the album promises to stay loyal to Florence and the Machine’s beloved indie folk-rock sound. However, like always, expect a few surprises.

YEBO MUSIC
YEBO MUSIC

Both members of the Manhattan-based duo Jack + Eliza are only college sophomores. Their music, on the other hand, displays a musical maturity beyond their years and offers a cool twist on the sounds of the past. Often taking inspiration from 1960s surfer rock, this duo combines ’60s-style vocals with clean, contemporary lyrics for all-around unique tracks. Jack + Eliza offers perfect chill-out music for those long summer nights with your best buds. Its album “Gentle Warnings” is to be released June 9.

R&B

What’s a summer playlist without at least one love song? Put a soundtrack to your summer fling by picking up one of these up-and-coming R&B albums.

Following his widely successful album “Kaleidoscope Dream,” which was released back in 2011, Miguel is back with his newest album, “Wildheart,” due June 30. Categorizing an artist like Miguel is difficult. Based on his voice alone, he’s an R&B singer, but his songs go beyond that. Often dabbling in the genres of electronic, pop and rock, Miguel is known to experiment when it comes to his sound. But what does remain consistent is the underlying sultriness in his vocals, which creeps in no matter the subject of his song.

DEFJAM
DEFJAM

Three years after his first album, “Channel Orange,” Frank Ocean is finally releasing new music with his album “Boys Don’t Cry,” which has been confirmed to drop sometime in July. If there were ever a modern artist to be described as having soul, it would be Frank Ocean. Known for his very personal lyrics and his amazing gift of story-telling, Ocean is an artist who isn’t afraid to bare it all. Even for those who are not the biggest Frank Ocean fans, this is not an album to miss.

Electronic/House

Whether you are in need of some fun dance tunes or chill-out music to vibe to, these next two artists are sure to have something that will set your summer right.

YOUNG TURKS RECORDINGS
YOUNG TURKS RECORDINGS

A member of the London-based rock band The xx, Jamie Smith is going solo with his new album “In Colour,” due June 2. This remix artist has always surprised audiences with his unique way of manipulating sound effects to produce new beats, but the most surprising of his latest feats has to be his collaboration with Young Thug on the newly released track “Good Times.” The song offers up a strangely complementary blend of soul, funk, house and hip-hop. Smith is never boring in his production, so expect no different when it comes to this soon-to-be-released record.

GODMODE
GODMODE

Shamir Bailey, known onstage as Shamir, is a 20-year-old rapper, singer and songwriter. His debut EP, “Northtown,” was released back in June of last year, and his new album, “Ratchet,” is expected to drop May 19. The first word that comes to mind to describe Shamir’s music is “funky.” An experimental sound of electro-house fusion with roots reminiscent of ’80s pop tied together with his androgynous voice allows for stylized vocals and a unique, fresh feel. “Ratchet” is likely to be a perfect summer soundtrack for road trips with your friends or days at the beach.

Hip-Hop

RCA RECORDINGS
RCA RECORDINGS

A$AP Rocky, at his core, is a rapper. But that does not stop the artist in him from venturing out, as heard in his latest single, “Everyday,” which features Rod Stewart, Miguel and Mark Ronson, offering a cool fusion of blues and hip-hop. And if the rest of his up-and-coming album “At. Long. Last. ASAP” is anything like this single, then fans are in for a treat. The record is set to be released June 2.

Following the success of its singles “Versace” (2013) and “Fight Night” (2014), Migos is finally expected to release its first full-length album, “Y.R.N.” This hip-hop trio joined forces with wildly popular rapper Gucci Mane back in 2009 and has since produced a number of party hits, which often boast a love for the fast life. For a compilation of ultimate turn-up tracks, pick up Migos’ album June 16.

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