“Rebalancing might feel impossible, but it can be as simple as connecting with a friend who’s steady as a metronome — it’s science. Like a Nike slogan for the new year, ‘Right Back to It’ is ready to lock into that old rhythm together.”
So writes Pitchfork senior editor Anna Gaca, rightfully labeling Waxahatchee’s new single — a duet with MJ Lenderman — as their first “Best New Track” of 2024. I’m often quoting Pitchfork writers in this newsletter, as their top-tier critics usually find the words for the music that I can’t always find myself. So I was bummed to see that Conde Nast is folding Pitchfork into GQ and laying off many of the folks who made it so special.
There’s plenty to read about this news from writers with a stronger personal connection to P4K — like Jamieson Cox, Laura Snapes, Matthew Perpetua, and departing EIC Puja Patel. So I’ll just say thanks to everyone who made Pitchfork what it was — the ultimate tastemaker, an essential hub to discover emerging artists and celebrate landmark albums, and yes, sometimes a snarky but necessary check-and-balance on the mainstream. I can’t wait to follow this talented crew and keep learning from (and linking to) them, wherever they write next.
As always, follow the Hear Hear playlist to stream all the music featured in this issue.
Artist to know: Katie McBride’s psychedelic pop
The slinky synths, beeps, blips, and zaps of Katie McBride will catch your ear right away. Then her silky-smooth vocals will reel you in further. Ever since her 2018 singles “NBSL” and “Baby Blue,” I’ve been captivated by the Toronto-based artist’s boppy sound — reminding me of Sylvan Esso, Phantogram, and Purity Ring, and adjacent to the emerging hyper-pop genre, but still maintaining something distinct.
How does McBride describe that sound? “I often say electronic. Maybe throw in a little alt-pop, ambient, experimental,” she told me over email. “I’m always shifting my answer around this. Lately I like ‘psychedelic’ because it makes me think of an inward, existential journey, which has always been what it’s felt like to make music for me.”
Last week, McBride released her best album yet, THE ANGELS ARE CALLING. I chatted with her about growing as an artist, her inspirations (including Miles Davis, Animal Collective, and Björk) and her approach to self-production. Check out our conversation here.
Start with these two songs: “Maybe I Could See” and “MOUSE.” McBride says that “together they represent opposite ends of the spectrum that the album exists on, both in terms of mood and production.”
Top-tier mid-winter playlists ❄️
soft sweet winter 2024 from music supervisor Jules Zucker // “a cozy, joyous mix of new and old” featuring emerging artists like Mk.gee, Babehoven, TOLDEO, Runnner, Flyte, Shallow Alcove, PACKS, and PinkPantheress
Winter Mix No. 07 from curator of online record shop Time Out, Laura Filas // ft. calm, warming sounds from Cut Worms, Sam Blasucci, Michael Nau, Paul McCartney, Mapache, Hot Apple Band, and Rubber Band Gun (a great New Jersey folk artist recently introduced to me by Sean Slavin, famously the designer of Hear Hear’s logo)
Songs For Warmth Seeking Vol. 2: The Depths from writer + cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib // ft. a wide-ranging batch of songs “for the depths of winter” from fantastic artists like Cleo Sol, Shalom, Tomberlin, Bartees Strange, Strange Ranger, The Japanese House, Ratboys, Sade, Montell Fish, and Bruce Springsteen
Bubblebath 2023 from New Yorker staff writer Rachel Syme // technically not a winter playlist, but a mix of 2023 tunes that Syme used to soundtrack her baths last year, as she writes: “music that’s beautiful but also perfect for being with in the dark while candles are burning and you also need to disassociate a little bit.” Features some gems I missed in my “best of 2023” issue from Samia, Margaret Glaspy, and Haley Blais. (All added to the Hear Hear playlist!)
Songs + albums to stream
My Own Private Rodeo, Wagging. Another product of the Asheville scene + Drop Of Sun Studios, this harmony-driven pop-rock group has a hyper-specific sound, with shades of New Pornographers, Sunflower Bean, Adult Mom, Sidney Gish, and Yucky Duster.
“Moonstruck” // “Playing Favorites” // “All Lined Up,” Sheer Mag. Super fun retro-punk, ready-made for your local dive bar, from this reliable Philly band.
“NEVER AGAIN” // “GLOW,” MICHELLE. A wonderful pair of chill, sonically rich songs with warm harmonies from the six-piece NYC indie-pop collective.
“Sometimes, I Swear,” The Vaccines. Remember these British alt-rockers? They’re back with a fun, stadium-sized return to form. (The rest of the album doesn’t live up to this opening track, but has some solid tunes.)
“Sinner,” The Last Dinner Party. Speaking of British alt-rockers, this fast-rising five-piece is defining the future of the genre. Really love the theatrical, Florence Welch-style sound of this single, a belated discovery from Bob Boilen’s best of 2023 playlist.
“You First,” Paramore ft. Remi Wolf. Such a jam from Paramore’s collaborative “remix” of their 2023 album, combining the best of the two artists’ strengths for an addicting anthem.
Two playlists to jumpstart 2024
Finally, I liked these mixes to kick off the new year from the NYT — one curated by Questlove, meant to serve as an energy playlist to “get you moving,” and one from Lindsay Zoladz for general inspiration and optimism.