Four Chill Songs For Your Summer Vacation...

We have been in summer for a second now, but there is still one month left and, for most of us, we are just getting the opportunity to fully enjoy some semblance of vacation (but please don't put fun above being safe y'all!). Anyways, I want to recommend some songs along the indie/pop vein that are perfect for chillin' in the sun, a picnic hangout, or just vibing out.

For indie, neo-soul, and pop lovers, as well as those who want to hear something new, here are five songs to add to your chill hangout playlist...

#1. be cool - LOONY

I discovered LOONY fairly recently and with a recent album from her, I figured I would show some love.

LOONY mixes RnB, neo-soul, and several other genres, combining them all for a full and vibrant feel which reverberates in "be cool". It's just a good feel song about friend-zoning someone essentially. Fun right? If you've ever heard Umi's song, "Friendzone", I think you'll enjoy this.

Okay, staying on track, "be cool" has got this soft bounce with punchy keyboard hits and plucky bass notes to match. Plus, violins are brought in in the pre-chorus that solidify the nonchalant tone in the instrumental.

However, it is LOONY's vocals that truly put this song on the list. What is great about it is that her voice is basically "bro, calm down, I'm tryna chill" in harmony... It is resolute, light, and sparkly. Plus there is a run she hits in the chorus that is just *mwah* chef's kiss, honestly. Her vocals are just clean. That's all there is to it.

#2. The Way Things Were - edbl, Isaac Waddington

If you listen to Tom Misch, you'll dig this song (do people say that anymore?). This song has it all: the groovy bassline, the minimal but addictive drum hits, the smooth vocals, and the familiar rhythm guitar you'd think would be found on a D'Angelo track. What else could you as for?

The vocals from Isaac Waddington are just cool. He sounds and feels as if he were made for this track. His trained and confidently relaxed voice blends so well with the help from the instrumental accompaniment.

Grooving to this song is easy. Don't miss this song. You've been warned...

And if you love this song, then I would recommend you go and check out "Enjoy the Ride" by Joe Beard, Isaac Waddington, and Mathilda Homer.

#3. Lost a Little - Her Songs

Her Songs is a collaboration between female artists Emily C. Browning, Dani Murcia, The Naked Eye, and Marie Dahlstrom (with the occasional partner, Emmavie). They move around RnB, neo-soul, and pop sounds, and do not disappoint!

"Lost a Little" is just one example of their fun tone, which is present throughout their projects. It is a simple record about their desire to just experience life without the confidence of a specific destination. The core message is to just experience life rather than become paralyzed by plans and familiarity. With this at its center, "Lost a Little" reminds you that it will be okay and to return to simplicity. And utilizing their voices as the anchor to their tone, acoustic sounds, and light production, this song feels organic.

"Lost a Little" has joy embedded in between its harmonic teeth. And if you need a little positivity in your spirit that will push back anxiety, this is the perfect selection.

#4. Oceans Away - Sofia Valdes

Here is another new addition to my library. Sofia Valdes. She just released an album this year named Ventura, and it is certainly worth a listen. "Oceans Away" is just one song off of a solid album.

This track has a soft, flowery tone reminiscent of artists like Young the Giant and Phum Viphurit. I love it Sofia Valdes has a mellow voice that fits in the track like it's a blanket. Plus, it sounds like it was made for two instances: you're taking a drive while the sun is up, the wind is blowing, and the windows are down, or when you feel like swaying side to side as you open the house windows while you clean (or maybe you feel like frolicking... you can do that too...).

Make sure to check out Sofia Valdes' new album, Ventura!

There you go! Four chill neo-soul, indie-pop songs to add to your summer playlists. Now get off of here and go listen to these songs... then let me know what you think!

Lastly, be safe out there!

With love,