Photo by brenmna (CC BY 2.0)
Boys and girls. Summer is happening as we speak and we are quite aware of the fact that there are multiple ways of celebrating it. Well, in case you have something to celebrate. We know that the summer of 2015 is not one that is free of crisis and trouble in various parts of the world. But NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION always supports the power and believes in its magic to change things and give you strength and maybe just the right amount of distraction.
The hits of the summer should be filled with an uplifting spirit and positive vibes and since it’s far too easy to get lost in the large amounts of music out there we’re more than happy to provide some guidance. These are 12 hits of the summer that might have flown a bit under your radar. But this is about to change as we give this sun-drenched dozen the attention it deserves. Please feel invited to discover these tunes, add them to your playlist and support the artist in every possible way. Have fun with it.
SEAPONY – ‘Let Go’
Surf pop four-piece SEAPONY is always a guarantee for sun-drenched melodies and we surely can’t wait for the follow-up to 2012’s Falling which goes by the name A Vision and arrives on July 31. Their latest single is perfect material to listen to when cruising through the city via car or bike.
WORK DRUGS – ‘Hey Nineteen’
Old friends of NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION. They even did a fancy guestmix for us three years ago and are always a great choice when it comes to sunshine pop. WORK DRUGS are now preparing their new LP Louisa and deliver a great teaser in the form of Hey Nineteen. The video itself gives more than one tip what to do this summer.
THE GORGEOUS CHANS – ‘Marina & I’
We recently premiered this tune and can’t get it out of our head ever since that day. The lads from Nottingham deliver sunshine indie-pop in finest VAMPIRE WEEKEND tradition and will definitely put a smile upon your face.
TRAILS AND WAYS – ‘Downright’ (Falcon Punch Remix)
Also regular visitors on NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION the Californian four-piece finally released a full-length studio album this year in the form of Pathology. And one track from it, Downright, now arrives in the form of this shiny nu-disco rework by FALCON PUNCH which is perfect for preparing yourself for a Friday night out.
SWIM DEEP – ‘To My Brother’
SWIM DEEP are also preparing a new record called Mothers for a release on September 18 via Chess Club/RCA. And it looks like the follow-up to 2013’s Where The Heaven Are We is heavily influenced by classic Manchester rave sounds. Seriously, To My Brother sounds like a lost gem from the year 1992 and is therefor perfect material for this list.
THE VERY BEST – ‘Makes A King’
If the accompanying video clip to the latest single by THE VERY BEST doesn’t put you in a good mood we surely can’t help you. The African/British band delivers feel-good vibes with a lot of love and an important message. And you don’t even need a skateboard to enjoy this.
YUKON BLONDE – ‘Como’
YUKON BLONDE, the Canadian group, formerly known as ALPHABABY, released a new album last month. And although we slightly missed it back then it’s never too late to fall for the band’s charming indie-rock with its sunny vibes. Como should convince you right here and is definitely one of our hits of the summer.
ROOSEVELT – ‘Hold On’
Cologne-based dancefloor darling ROOSEVELT might still be one of pop music’s best kept secrets but the time might have finally come to give him the audience his sound deserves. His latest single Hold On is groovy and funky while delivering finest 80s pop vibes. Irresistible tune, don’t you agree?
LE VERY – ‘Palazzo Dell’ Amore’
The Berlin-based newcomers seem to have a certain amount of love for Italy. They already spent an exciting night in Rome in their clip for Numbers, now they invite us to join them for a smooth performance at the Palazzo Dell’ Amore. This is proper music for your next pool party or maybe when things heat up with your lover in the evening sun. The LE VERY debut album goes by the simple title V and arrives on August the 14th via Zukunftsmusik/Rough Trade.
DUCKTAILS – ‘Surreal Exposure’
REAL ESTATE member Matt Mondanile and his buddy MAC DEMARCO seem to have a good time in the latest video of Mondanile’s alter ego DUCKTAILS. But even if you don’t have the time to spend a proper bro day with Mr. DeMarco this tune will light up every summer day. The song is taken off the forthcoming DUCKTAILS record St. Catherine which arrives on July 24. Spoiler alert: the whole record is full of such sunny tunes.
THE RADIO DEPT. – ‘Occupied’
The first new single by Swedish indie-pop band THE RADIO DEPT. in a lot of years is such a smooth piece of synthpop, it will work actually everywhere. From the club, to the pool, from your balcony to the beach. Let the groove carry you away, right?
TILL VON SEIN – ‘Tilly’s Vibes’
A lot of music from Berlin-based label SUOL is fitting for a hot day in the sun. But especially Precious, the latest studio album by TILL VON SEIN is one of those records you could easily leave in your playlist the whole summer long. The sweet and almost melancholic Tilly’s Vibes is the only instrumental piece on the longplayer and one that is best played at the end of a long club night when you are facing the sunrise. We tried it and surely weren’t disappointed.
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