DECEMBER 2019
“BEFALLEN by Aja Eadson
While recovering from a surgery that minimized my mobility, I relinquished control in multiple aspects of my life. Things became slower while other things seemed to move at the speed of light. Some days felt like floating, other days I drowned into the depths of myself. “BEFALLEN” takes you on a listening journey through feelings of frustration, hope, desire, and strength
Winter is a tough season in New York. Daily life tends to feel the weight of itself more resoundingly, less romantically. With such little accessible space already, the loss of comfortable outdoor weather directs a lot of restless energy inward. Winter then, unsurprisingly, is also the time of year in which I’m most self-reflective. Impermanence feels more acute. Many of these tracks ebb and flow from ambient/drone to left-field techno to jazz/afrobeat through one form or another - making it easy to disengage with structure and focus more on texture. Here, I’ve found, it becomes really conducive to subconscious free thought. To small states of transcendence while in a tiny apartment, on a crowded subway, at a cold bus stop, etc.
I recently read Austerlitz by W.G. Sebald and a line of his really stood out to me:
“We take almost all the decisive steps in our lives as a result of slight inner adjustments of which we are barely conscious.”
Dusk Til Dawn by Emery Dalencourt
Sounds that’d score a film based on teenage shenanigans circa 1980 - 1990. Think “Dazed and Confused”. It starts with the cheery excitement of just getting to the party up until the frenetic pinnacle of the night. Following that is the somber come down as the sky fades to blue followed by the rejuvenation that comes when the sun breaks.
NOVEMBER 2019
Tour by Heat Ledger
A collection of songs compiled during a 14-day work tour, from NYC to PDX to LA to CHI back to NYC. Tour can be exciting and inspiring, as much as it is hectic and taxing; kind of like life in general. Some days you’re up. Other days not so much. But there’s beauty in the motion - in how time blends together and days become indistinguishable from one another; in thinking back to where you were a year ago from today, how far you’ve come, and how much further you have to go. So here’s to embracing the motion. Pray we never forget how it felt.
In anticipation of the long dreary season of dormancy and hibernation
When the loss of daylight translates to internal and mental dullness
A list of light afro sounds and rhythms meant to intrinsically ignite something;
Movement, joy, nostalgia, memories from the bright days
Especially on days or moments when its easier to wallow in the misery
A Sonically induced Escape
Black House by Anthony Coleman
What is Black Music? A question whose answer changes with time and generations. Through the years the evolution of the term has transformed whats has deemed popular music, yet its most influential artist and forms have not always been attributed back to what's considered "Black".
Black House is an audio journey through one of Black Music's most defining yet unheralded moments, the birth of Chicago and Detroit House. This is by no means a definitive list of greatest hits from this era. This playlist simply tries to recreate a moment in time, the feeling of living through one of Black Music's most globally influential periods.
Merci.
Don't Look Down by Isata K
Don’t look down is a reminder to keep ascending with no fear. The fear of departing from comfort ends here. For over a century we have trusted an aluminum fix-winged aircraft flying on average 35,000ft above ground to transport us worldwide. Aware of the risks of crashing, we fly. With this in mind I wonder why it’s difficult to possess this confidence within ourselves.It is said those who have a fear of heights are most likely to have a fear of falling.If we fly and believe our wings are manufactured to take us to our chosen destination, we cannot fall. The minds that conceived the planes that we solely trust can surely trust their thoughts and most importantly trust their dreams.Not looking down, means our only focus is, up. The aim is to move forward, most importantly with intention. I hope you all enjoy the songs I soar to
Rise Radio By Alfred
Rise Radio is a platform for the community and like-minded creatives. It is a launching pad for artistic expression, culture and wellness. Built on the pillars of inclusivity and respect, Rise Radio explores the intersection between enlightenment and hedonism. Together we all rise and vibrate at a higher frequency.
MAY 2019
QUEEN OF MY HEART
By Leala King
Mother. Mom. Mama. Madre. Ma. We’ve all got one. No matter the status of our relationship to our mothers, we can all say that we wouldn't be where we are without them. For me, there is nothing like my mom’s love, and being able to share music with her is one of my greatest pleasures. These artists take it a step further, dedicating their music to their moms. The playlist spans all genres, as our love for our mothers spans all cultures. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who make our world a more supportive, loving, and enriching place to be.
Jump aboard this slow jam trip of vibey tunes from the shores of Denmark. A mainly downtempo playlist of the finest Danish artists that I think deserve to be shared outside of Denmark too. It takes me back home to Copenhagen when I need to escape the crazy streets of New York and covers me with a blanket of soulful voices and softs beats. Crammed with strong females, some wistful male artists and a few electronic tracks it brings a mix of melancholy and joy-complementing the Danish culture of happiness and a comfortable life mixed with concerns, norms, and fears of failing. Enjoy it on a Sunday morning with the newspaper and an "ostemad" - the Danish way.
How can the distinction between fucking and making love be expressed through art? Here’s my attempt to answer—through 1 poem, 2 playlists, and 3 images.
VIVSUAL X BASEMNT VOL I
by Viv Zhang
Fucking is stress relief
A sharp breath in before each verse
Emphatic slaps of a bass-heavy bridge over troubled lyrics
VIVSUAL X BASEMNT VOL II
by Viv Zhang
Making love is life relief
The warm crackle of static between each track
Smooth fades that forgive and forget my rougher edges
This jazz fusion album was inspired by the amalgamation of culture, art, and music in Oakland, CA. While it has some nods to Oakland funk greats like Tower of Power, it was also heavily influenced by musicians like John Scofield, Stanley Clarke, and Jaco Pastorius—the latter two driving much of the bass-forward nature of the album, and my own playing style. I am, first and foremost, a bass player, as evident in much of my compositional style and process. Then I fill in the rest, having played all the other instrumentation on this record.
APRIL 2019
NOT 97 is a home for discovering new music from talented, under-the-radar artists around the world. On each episode, three hosts and an industry guest meet around a table at Noah to discuss fresh music found in the depths of the Internet. They present two tracks each, released in the last six to eight months from artists with under ten thousand followers. Discourse and context round out each show, as the team breaks down what they hear and what each sound means to them.
This is a playlist featuring songs from NOT 97's fourth and fifth season.
NOT 97 is now in its fifth season, available on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, and Podbean.
https://www.not97.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_not97/
https://twitter.com/_NOT97
This assortment of songs, much like the curation of the store, Is eclectic and covers a variety of genres and sounds. Jared and Ed make coffee in the mornings, source new items, deliver couches, take out the trash, and connect with customers to these songs. This is a snapshot of whats going on in their ears and might help whoever is listening to understand our vibe and how we do what it is that we do on a daily basis.
Warmth and positivity.
Enjoy,
Lichen
RICO's WINSON PLAYLIST (unauthorized)
by Erica Hall
I get a lot of freedom to play what I want during dinner service. I select music based how I feel that day, how the room feels and what I want the vibe to be... which is usually a 2000s gangster love movie.
Brooklyn Label
By Ambrosia Parsley
After a series of unfortunate yet terribly interesting events, I felt compelled to obtain a diploma in bartending. Now you can find me at Brooklyn Label, playing thousands of my favorite songs and trying not to piss off the chef.
Kindly,
Ambrosia Parsley
MARCH 2019
Deep Cuts & Belt Outs
By Ella Hussle
"All of these songs have some sort of musical memory attached to them, whether it being from my mom playing the oldies station on the radio and “Never knew love like this before” by Stephanie Mills comes on and her belting out the song word for word, letting me know just how much she was in love with my father. To my sister getting her first car and us blasting our favorite Whitney songs or making up dance routines with my cousins to Blaque, each of these songs hold nostalgic memories of me and my favorite women in my life."
Live in the Nowadays
by Annamara
"I’ve made hundreds of playlists over the years. It started with a binder stuffed full of burned CDs and has continued well into the digital age with my meticulously-curated Spotify playlists. They are a time capsule, a glimpse into my headspace, a snapshot of my inner conscious from a moment in my life. Playlists are my emotional release. They help me grow, heal, surrender and release.
The next time you are alone, I invite you to enjoy this blend of indie, hip hop, world, R&B and house. Start at the beginning, light a candle, put on some mood lighting, and dance your fucking heart out"
"This "NéList" is all about women empowerment BY women. It's a collection of different moods and genres, but the common thread is that each song has boss ass women behind it and will make you feel yourself! Women should be feeling themselves every single day when we wake up, but life is a WHOLE lot for us. The pressures, the work, the inequality, the periods, the relationships, kids, etc. While a lot of these are blessings, it's still a lot to balance and if we can put on a soundtrack that boosts our confidence and our attitude to go out give it everything we've got, that's what we should do! Also, there is SO much good music out there by women and we need to be giving them as many streams as possible and encouraging them to make more!
Wishing all of my women an amazing Women's History Month, and I hope you all spend time celebrating yourself and each other this month and every month! CHEERS!"
"A playlist consisting of covers comparable and/ or arguably better than the original, for listening enjoyment."
"Nothing Matters is a monthly disco, house and techno party I throw with Clay Cornelius and R. Cole. And more than that, Nothing Matters is a mantra, a mindset & a sort of “fuck you” to the stress & monotony of everyday life. An outlet and antidote to the relentless stream of conscious and default setting that is a symptom of “adult” life. Enjoy my live set featuring artists Romare, Polo & Pan, A.A.L., Disclosure, S.G. Lewis and more."
Adipop (NO) has her heart set on black music from around the world. The Norwegian DJ, with Nigerian and Norwegian roots - currently living in New York - plays a personal curated blend of Afrobeat, Kizomba, Dembow, Reggaeton, RnB, Dancehall, Baile, Hip Hop and everything in between. Adipop is inpired by rythms that makes your feet move and dreamy melodies which hits you. Adipop has been on several festival lineups in Norway over the past years. She has thrown both gigs, held radio shows and made guest mixes for Radar Radio and NTS Radio, and played in cities as London, Stockholm, New York and Oslo.
FEBRAURY 2019
TEARS IN THE CLUB
by Anthony Coleman
"It's 3am. The smoke from the haze machine blinds you from any attempt of a exit from the relentless pressure your body feels as bass and synths pour over you. Yet you feel loved; comforted. Tears in the Club barely scratches the surface of the love affair that exist between club music and melodic RNB vocals. This grey area that simply shouldn't be. Where agressive BPM tempo changes and notion of romance unite to make some of the more compelling music today. It's familiar yet as alien as Prometheus. It's not a genre per say, but a collection of thoughts and rhythms that can be found in Montreal, New York, Berlin, Chicago, and South Africa. Enjoy."
"This selection of sounds goes out to all my fellow lovers who are constantly dreaming, thinking, and wondering what if. This is music curated for the tender-hearted who aren’t afraid to feel; those who have a lot of love to give, but need to be handled with care. You're not alone. Let these songs serve as an affirmation that whatever you desire will be yours. Music allows you to get lost in your mind, piece together your emotions, and remain hopeful that you will receive the pure and precious magic of love one day. You’ll go on a journey with these lyrics. They may uncover buried memories, make you fall in love, make you sad, give you goosebumps, or inspire you to call your crush—embrace all the feels, they’re valid. Light a candle, and indulge in this free therapy."
"I’m writing a tv show at the moment, and I don’t know shit about writing a tv show... so these are the songs That have come to me over the past 30 days to guide me along that journey... each one has made my ears perk up and I hope it does the same for y’all. .. much love to Kwame for putting me on this... I needed this more than it needed me, that’s for damn sure. Hope y’all enjoy
WITH MINIMAL EFFORT
By Cory Katuna
With Minimal Effort is a soundtrack for our collective transition from a slow, reflective, low-key Winter into a fresh, focused, creative Spring. But it sustains the best of both periods: it’s effortless and funky yet clever and edgy. It feels like the moment you burst out of a meditation with some genius insight you needa act on.
JANUARY 2019
"It’s hard to choose a genre that best fits ones day. Life is a mixed bag that is constantly changing and evolving. This playlist is designed to reflect the different moods and feelings we experience in a given time. Whether it’s indie, alternative, electronic, R&B, or hip-hop – this playlist has it"
"Take some time to jive. Listen to your beat within. Music is a special gift we all get to share. It can transport you right out of a mindset & directly into another.
Who you were at the beginning of a song might not always be the same at the end of it. Immerse yourself. Follow the playlist and it will take you for a ride the wave within. Take in some of my favorite tracks to elevate the spirit."
ONE GIANT REPOST RADIO 01/16/19
By YellowTech
"Welcome to a brand new episode of One Giant Repost! Featuring ONLY songs that have been released within the past month, plus 2 weekly wheelups!!! Remember, it’s not about genre... it’s about vibe!!!"
"This playlist is meant to follow the progression of an evening out, flowing from one genre to another. it’s full of deep cuts that weave in and out of world music and soul, disco and early hip hop"
ELSEWHERE LIVE SHOW
By Joyce Tang
"This is the live recording of my most recent set at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, New York for my friend Ma Sha's party. This mix is filled with some acid & Chicago house, electro, disco, and sounds outside and in between that I can't and don't know how to categorize. All these tunes make me feel real groovy and spicy, so I hope those on & off the dance floor get to feel the same way."
"When I put a mix together I ask myself, what’s going to go hardest from front to back? And this one is meant to be relentless. All bass-forward, heavy sounds that go hard. Robb Bank$, Lucki, Vinny Fanta. Turn this up until everything in your apartment rattles"
On Sight is a New York hip hop dedication peppered with J Dilla production and an eclectic mix of 90’s house, funk and soul mixed throughout. These soulful sounds are reminiscent of hot summers and crowded subway cars. With such a diverse mix there is something for listeners of all genres
COMMUTE
By John G
"With an hour and 15 min commute, just at the edge of suck, might as well have some music to help transition from stressful work environment to quality family time with the kids. Always tough to leave the family and safety of home but there's the magnetic pull of working in New York City that puts work in perspective."
DECEMBER 2018
@anthonycoleman | Design Director Nike
"You are your truest self when you are alone. When you look to your left and see space, when you reach to the right and feel nothing. In this moment your only point of reference is your inner soul screaming for you to wake up. This isn’t a playlist about love and warmth but it really stands as an exploration into the moments before we understand our emotional response. That uncertain state that we all find ourselves in where our heart and mind fight as our inner soul screams"
@nikkideeze | New York
“Music has the power to dictate or enhance your mood. Here’s a list of Afro sounds that evokes nostalgic cheerful, euphoric state of mind and memories from Ghana. No need to understand the lyrics, the drums and rhythm in these songs will drift into your happy place."
Alaska '18 - 19 by Justin Toomer
@justintoomer | San Francisco
“For the past few months I’ve been traveling back and forth to Alaska for work. It’s been a brand new experience for this Missouri boy to be in “The Last Frontier”, so music has been an anchor, keeping me grounded when my routine and habits are shaken by the change of environment. I have many long commutes and therefore significant amounts of time to myself, so my playlist needs to be more lengthy to keep the vibes going. I’ve selected some newer songs that connect me to the original spirit of the Basemnt, while also including a few new sounds discovered in the 49th state”
@harperwnelson | Denver
“Whether it’s from the monotony of our daily routines or the “we need to talk” conversation, we’re all just looking for a way to escape. Let this playlist allow for this sense of escapism through the downtempo electronic sounds of Rufus Du Sol to the uplifting highs of Panama. Find your spot, wherever that may be, and smash the play button.”
Graphic Artist | @mattwietingart | New York
DJ | New York
“LRNL is a limited-series of mixes meant to evoke the sentiment of honesty throughout different eras and genres of music. Each mix features a particular storyline told through its song selection & arrangement, intended to reflect the duality of the mix.
Volume I, also known as “Last Real N**** Left,” attempts to connect with the honest atmosphere of shared intimacy. Whether experienced with a current partner, past lover or a new flame, the precious gift of sharing a warm moment with a special someone is an almost indescribable one that doesn’t leave you once it’s within you.
-A Gentleman”
PILLOW TALK VOL III - Vicki Vibe
DJ | @vickivibe | New York
Pillowtalk volume 3 is part of an ongoing musical series and live residency created by Brooklyn-based DJ, VICKIVIBE.
Inspired by the feelings of young love and heartbreak, the Pillowtalk series is a throwback to hip-hop and r&b classics as well as modern edits to music that moves you. In Pillowtalk volume 3, you’ll hear remixes from some of Vicki’s favorite r&b artists growing up, from Ashanti to B2K. Also featured are a ton of independent producers flipping the script with their edits. Esta. Nick Pacoli. Don Mayor. Zikomo. Don’t sleep on them!
AFRO HOUSE MIX VOL 1 - LARRY LONDON
DJ | @larrylondon_ | London
“The LarryLondon ‘AfroHouse Mix’ is a mix of South African, West African sound with a London twist. Music from the Deepshakerz, Niniola, Black Coffee and Sai & Ribatone to name a few.This mix has a classical afrohouse feel with a lot of percussion, catchy melodies and soulful vocals.This is the first mix in the Afrohouse series with mix 002 coming next month”
DJ | @thehexkitten | Denver
Hex kitten is a young and local DJ in Denver. Her mixes are experimental vibey and feature unconventional samples. Here’s a 20 minute mix called SUCKER which features samples from “Tear you apart” By She wants Revenge plus Lauryn Hill and the Weekend which creates a sexual and energetic dancing song
DJ | @nasleber | York