SUMMER
SONGS!
Get into that summer groove.
As winter slowly comes to an end, the sun has finally begun to rise earlier in the mornings, and the feeling of summer is closing in. Beach days and nights out seem to be just out of reach, so I turn to music. Every summer over the years has been filled not only with days spent with friends but also with a constant soundtrack in the background, whether it’s while we are tanning, walking or roadtripping. These ten songs are from multiple different genres and artists across the globe, because this summer is about reaching out and listening to new music, as well as supporting smaller artists.
Words by: Hannah Moya
Artist: Komanii
Hurra
With a soulful melody that carries on throughout the song and words that pierce the soul, Komanii, a Kenyan rapper, brings the power of music to its full potential. With a fast beat that carries a strong message, each time I listen to this song, my body is left covered in goosebumps, my heart beating just a little bit faster. Music is not just something we can use to escape, but is also a tool we can use to educate and protest against unjust systems.
Artist: Coco & ClairClair
Gorgeous International Really Lucky
Released in August of 2024, the fast-paced Pop-Rap song captures the listener from the first note. Mixing Coco & ClairClair’s sassy yet empowering lyrics with a mixture of electronic beats and strong bass, the song not only feels empowering but also fun. For me, it perfectly encapsulates the buzz of applying makeup and sipping on wine before the day comes to an end and the night begins.
Artist: Bon Enfant
Magie
This French song by Bon Enfant perfectly captures the Psych Rock theme for this Summer. Starting strong with the guitar, the song pulls you into a trance filled with fast-moving melodies and French lyrics that will make you forget about your problems as the heat rises throughout the day. I listened to this song for the first time whilst driving to the beach with a friend of mine – although it was not summer, I felt immediately transported; wind in your hair and the inevitable arrival of sand and cool water.
Artists: Shoka Sunflower, Moo Latte
Skin
Supporting local artists cannot be made any easier when songs like this are released. ‘Skin’ by Shoka Sunflower has lyrics that speak to the heart and drums and guitar that carry your ears along the journey. Talking about the difficulties of opening up, this song makes me want to pour my heart out – ironic, I know. This song feels like a breath of fresh air; its sincere meaning pierced my heart; a beautifully grounding track.
Artist: National Wake
Supaman
With Punk, Reggae tones and a hint of township-inspired Funk, the song fits the summer sun perfectly. By National Wake, a protest band founded in South Africa to fight the apartheid government, they manage to capture the essence of South Africa’s youth through the slow beat of the drum and words that capture your soul. This song makes me remember that although South Africa is not under apartheid rule any longer, music used to be one of the things that kept hope and the idea of freedom alive in many people’s minds.
Artists: The Avalanches, Blood Orange
We Will Always Love You
Your eyes are closed as the sun beats down on you. The sweet humming of this song plays in the background, with a relaxing, yet uplifting melody. Every time this song plays, I can feel my mind slowly drift off, thoughts that always plague me take a break, and the music takes their place. The low and high harmonies work in perfect symphony to create a song that is unskippable, and suddenly summer is here, and it’s brought to you by the song: We Will Always Love You.
Artist: Men I Trust
Tailwhip
Moving more into the Indie genre, Men I Trust is the perfect start. This song is uplifting and calm, with repeating lyrics and an intriguing bass, it immediately transports you into the summer vibe with the guitar that echoes in the background and the light lyrics that swim above. This song transports me into the feeling of sand between my toes and the laughter of my friends around me.
Artist: K.O.N
Empty Thrill
With a haunting R&B melody, overlayed with Hip-Hop vocals, this song is the perfect way to start a day. The Hip-Hop lyrics immediately drew me in, and along with the melody, my head never stopped moving as the song played through and through. It reminds me of a long trip across the coastline, the salt sticking to my body as the wind blows gently through my hair and, of course, music blasting through the speakers.
Artist: SZA
Sweet November
All of SZA’s music was made to be the anthem for this summer, but for some reason, this song stuck out to me. With an R&B melody and SZA’s tranquil voice, the moment I listened to this song, I could feel the slow onset of summer and the drifting away of the gloomy clouds that had scattered our skies for too long.
Artist: King Crimson
I Talk To The Wind
King Crimson is known for embodying Prog-Rock by including Jazz and Psychedelic Sounds in their music, and this song is a true representation of that. The song starts slow, bringing you in with what I imagine to be the wind’s voice, carrying you along the story as though you are a part of it, ending with a satisfying crescendo. This is the perfect song to end a summer’s day on.
