California Palm Trees (Erin Ramirez/Instagram)

The melodic sounds that have filled my ears recently can be accredited to one of my co-workers who introduced me to the sounds of Tennyson. This brother-sister Canadian combo have made my ears relax with their dream-like music, which brings me back to the days of playing RPG game MapleStory. One of my favorites from this combo is “With You,” a smooth techno instrumental, that has a lovely voice looped over saying “With You” — making me think about being in an utopian relationship. 

St. Paul native Spooky Black's "Without U" was initially shown to me by one of my housemates, accompanied with the interesting to say the least music video. Immediately, I was a little thrown off by him, completely engulfed in the alternative music video, making me think he was not serious. But after a second listen, he began to touch me. His voice, would seep into my mind, and like a watercolor picture, made me think of the ambitious mix emotions of being with someone. At times, this track gets a little dark, but give it chance mates, it can really take you somewhere else in your psyche. 

If you’re ready to have your heart moved away by lyrics that are not only creative, but beautiful in texture, listen to RKCB. RKCB is a songwriting group that first was brought to my attention by a professional colleague of mine. Immediately, his voice rushes over you, with meaningful and carefully crafted metaphorical lyrics. One of my favorite lines is from their track “Baptize”-- “Let’s not make it complicated, We don't want this love to break, but I can't stop from falling through.” Simple in form, but powerful in the ambient tones it is able to set. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the smooth house sounds that help slow down the consistent grind work style that many of hustlers out there understand. But when I need to pick up the pace a little, I go to French Producer -Tchami- and the remix of Aluna George “You Know You Like It." The funky beat allows for a steady build up that breaks into a quicker half beat, that would have you do the “Harlem Shake” side to side in a heartbeat. 

To all my Chicago goons that I’ve meet out here, you will be no stranger to the sounds of Donnie Trumpet. Nico Segal, a.k.a. DonnieTrumpet, has made the walls of room come to life with his track “Zion,” featuring Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa. The sounds of trumpet bring back the soul and grain of music.

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On the topic of soul, let me introduce one of my recently favorited groups Gamebrand. This dynamic duo consistent of Brandon Canada and Derek Combs (producer), two low key USC students that really are making ya boy dance in the morning as he bikes to class. Of their EP “Pilot,” it is consistently of one my favorites to listen to titled “J.B.S” —- with the sounds of soul and funk, mixed with an uplifting tone. After you're done bumping to the sample James Brown track, enjoy the rest of EP while you sit back and relax from a long day. 

It’s been amazing having these tracks to listen to for the past couple of weeks. We all go through our fair share of struggles, and as the stars to the never-ending sitcom called “Your Life,” we learn to realize more and more how life decides to let us know that it can pause us at any moment. These new tracks have all allowed me to breath — to take a second and simply — think. 

Contact Staff Reporter Michael Kyei Boateng here