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Music Wrap: The must-listen to tracks from January

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAUDIA FISCHER
WORDS BY ELIZA SHOLLY

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When I was a kid, my dream job was to be the person that picked the music that played on movies and TV shows. While watching anything on screen, I was obsessed with scribbling down lyrics, later googling them to find exactly which songs were playing during significant plotlines.

My parents weren’t really into playing music around the house, so this sophisticated method was how I first learned of artists that weren’t getting rinsed on pop radio. I now know that selecting the music for anything has an official title. It’s a music supervisor, and it’s also a notoriously hard industry to crack into. (If you have any contacts, please hit me up. I have grandiose visions.)


Looking for more music-centric content? Try our Music section.


The way Euphoria has taken hold of God’s good earth these last few weeks is truly something to be studied. On a micro level, I get it. But for a generation of people that prides itself on an anti-capitalist schtick, it’s interesting that a commercial juggernaut like HBO could capture their attention so masterfully. That’s the power of putting hot people on screen, I guess.

The way I see it, the magic of the Euphoria universe – aside from its much-talked-about cast, costume and make-up selection – is that the musical score is so dynamic, it’s almost a character in itself. Music supervisor Jen Malone has done an excellent job of satiating die-hard traditionalists (Rue rapping to ‘Hit Em Up’ by 2Pac and ‘Hypnotize’ by Notorious B.I.G on New Year’s Eve – an ode to the party scene in 10 things I Hate About You, perhaps?) and those who just want to listen to the next big thing.

I won’t lie, I am not personally a massive fan of Euphoria. It nudges too close to cringe for my taste. But it’s incredible to see any musical score take off like this. If you want to keep up with the sounds of season two, this running playlist should provide the goods as they happen.

Otherwise, because you didn’t ask, here are some of the shows I lean into for their music. Insecure, Underbelly (season one), Chewing Gum, Freaks and Geeks, Atlanta, Daria and my generation’s Euphoria, Skins.

Tame Impala – ‘No Choice’

Recorded during the sessions for The Slow Rush, it would be hard to differentiate ‘No Choice’ from the songs that actually made it to the tracklist. It’s classic Kevin Parker in execution, with a smooth psychedelic sound and a couple of lonely lyrics. The song was released to celebrate The Slow Rush deluxe edition, which is being (re)released on February 18.

FKA Twigs – Caprisongs

FKA Twigs loves a boundary push. Her 2019 album Magdalene cemented her as a pop shapeshifter, so a follow-up was hotly anticipated by pretty much everyone. On Instagram, the singer described her new mixtape Caprisongs as a soundtrack for preparing to go out: “It’s bronzer in the sink, alcopop on the side… a club pre-game… your bestie who is always late but brings the most to a party.”

While an unfamiliar precursor to her usual body of work, the 17-track release is filled with familiar musical signposts. Contrived authenticity with sporadic voice notes aside, Twigs does well to provide a playful soundtrack to “your next club pre-game” – whatever that means.

Earl Sweatshirt – Sick!

Before the pandemic, a music manager friend had an act opening for a certain American rapper. He was doing sideshows for a touring festival and had a few friends backstage after the show. It was extremely boring and very not rock and roll, however, I did get to sit on the same couch as Earl Sweatshirt. He was so enigmatic – everyone had one eye on where he was at all times. Like a friend’s older sibling who you really want to impress. He talked a lot about video games, and how the medium intersected with rap and hip-hop. I think I said a total of three words.

Whenever I hear his music, I think back to this encounter. It was clear that Earl Sweatshirt is a rap nerd, but on this 10-track, 24-minute release, it’s more obvious than ever. Sick! listens lighter and more melodic than his previous solo projects, and is something to appease those seeking something more vulnerable.

Young T & Bugsey – Truth Be Told

Not much to say about this album other than the fact it’s good. You might know Young T & Bugsey – AKA Ra’chard Tucker and Doyin Julius – from their TikTok-famous single ‘Don’t Rush’. The song soundtracked an aligned ‘glow-up challenge’ and helped them penetrate the US Billboard charts.

What’s good about Truth Be Told is the fact they haven’t just tried to click copy and paste on their viral hit. They spend 15 tracks flirting with the same successful formula, while experimenting with deeper waters with their same signature flair. If you’re keen on something familiar-sounding, start with ‘Roberto C’ and ‘Blessings’.

Sneaky Sound System

Over December, I saw a few people share this TikTok. In it, user @jerome.music alerts watchers to the Australian band Sneaky Sound System, and details how lead singer Connie Mitchell features on a few of Kanye Wests most iconic songs, including ‘Flashing Lights’, ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’ and ‘Champion’.

If you’re a fellow Kanye tragic, you’re like, duh. This is old news. And, if you’re also a Sneaky Sound System fan then you’ll be aware that this affiliation is potentially the least interesting thing about the band. I have long been waiting to write my thesis on how criminally underrated Sneaky Sound System are. Rufus, Flight Facilities, Flume – Sneaky Sound System walked so these contemporaries could run.

They released two of the greatest Australian electronic albums of all time (the first a self-titled debut, and the second aptly titled 2) featuring tracks that transcend. ‘Pictures’, ‘UFO’, ‘I Love It’, ‘Kansas City’, ‘Goodbye’, ‘When We Were Young’, ‘It’s Not My Problem’ – as far as Australian dance tracks go, the only other competitive hit-makers I can think of are The Presets. They were influential to the time in a very real way, and this is the hill I’ll die on. Revisit their music and watch your world open up.

Other honourable mentions

‘The Game feat. Kanye West’ – Eazy

‘This Morning feat. Arin Ray and Smino’ – Terrace Martin

‘Keep It Up’ – Rex Orange County

‘Beg For You feat. Rina Sawamaya’ – Charlie XCX

‘Promises feat. Andie’ – Hermitude

‘Running With the Hurricane’ – Camp Cope

‘You Belong’ – The Presets

‘Sacrifice’ – The Weeknd

You can follow Eliza here.

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