Kat Says: How's Them Resolutions Shaping Up?
The music industry is still on holiday, but I found a couple total bangers worth sharing
Hey friends!
I’m writing to you today from the comfy couch of my family’s cozy house in snowy Pennsylvania. It’s a frigid 20-something degrees F outside, and while I decided I’d rather sit here and eat cheesy Ruffles chips than face the cold and clock-in the run training I swore to faithfully pursue this January, my Florida-bred butt still finds snow to be quite wonderfully magical :)
How was your New Year’s celebration? I spent mine alone because everyone I know had Covid or came close to it. Don’t be sad for me. I video called my mom at midnight, so it still got pretty cute. I hope you and your family stayed safe during the holidays, even if you did catch Covid like pretty much the entire country.
I also hope your year is off to a bright start. I’ve definitely been wading slowly back into the workflow, but really, what’s the rush? We may have crossed the Solstice and entered the season of lengthening days, but last I checked the sun is still setting pretty darn early, and winter is still a time for rest.
The music industry seems to agree with me. About 75 percent of the promo emails I received this week were slangin’ tunes set for release next Friday. That being said, I still found some truly delicious drops worth sharing, and I just kinda felt like sending one of these. Guess it’s part of my 2022 resolutions to be consistent.
Speaking of consistency, I’ve got the last few Kat Calls of Season 2 coming to YouTube in the coming weeks, and I’m already started booking the guests for February’s big return. Is there an artist you’d like to see on the show? Let me know! I’ve got a few exciting names in mind. Cross your fingers for me.
Also, Cutie Club is most definitely coming back even sooner. In fact, we might have a show for you this Wednesday. Watch my Twitter for more updates. I’d love to see you as we get the new year off to a fun start!
Okay, enough chit chat. On with the tunes!
*I have not yet listened to The Weeknd’s Dawn FM. As I am with my family, I haven’t had the proper space and time to digest it. I’m sure I’ll have lots of thoughts next week, but I hope you are enjoying it!
Absolutely Necessary
(this is the part where I share songs that are so good, they’re absolutely necessary to listen to. That’s it. That’s the bar.)
Leikeli47 - “Chitty Bang”
Here it is, the first absolute fuckin’ banger I heard in 2022. This balaclava-clad rapper from New York comes out the gate ready to tackle. This is her first tune since freaking 2020, and I'm hoping this is sign of an impending album or something.
Tennyson - “Feelwitchu”
I’m am so so excited for Tennyson’s coming album Rot. I worked with him on the bio for the project, and the story behind this moment in his life is CRAZY. He lost his hearing due to some overgrown mold in his basement, and he’s still got this terrible ringing in his ears. I might have to get him to come on the show to talk about it!
Daniel Allan - Overstated EP
I highlighted Daniel’s “Too Close” in my first newsletter, and the full six-song project does not disappoint. The EP has a really wonderful way of juking my expectations, mixing all manner of unexpected beats into the sing-along vocals that would otherwise not sound out of place on alt-pop radio. Each track unveils itself to be wildly more sophisticated than you’d think. You should really dive into this all the way.
Justin Jay - “Hypnotized”
My boy Justin has truly grown into one of the most diverse dance music producers perhaps, like, ever. Here he’s giving us early 2000s garage with muted cool and a side of lofi freestyle.
HWLS - “Dithering”
Some space-age boom-bap for your head knock. The second half gets a lil funky, too.
Moore Kismet - “Parallel Heartbreak” Feat Pauline Herr
Kat Calls Season 2 guests Moore Kismet and Pauline Herr come through with a melodic, emotional bop. These two really love each other, and I’m really loving these wonky beats.
Dnz Amar - “Arc'teryx” Feat. Suicideyear
I don’t know if you know this about me, but I loooove Yung Lean. Suicideyear’s production on this mumble rap tune is just *chef’s kiss*
QRTR - “Fractals” (Digitalism Remix)
Wow, speaking of things I looooove. Digitalism is one of my old bloghouse faves, and here the German duo comes through with a sparkling space-funk remix of QRTR’s “Fractals.” (Spoiler alert: QRTR is coming on Kat Calls in February, almost definitely).
Thanks for tuning into my newsletter. Listen to the playlists on Spotify. One is updated weekly with all the songs from each edition. The other is cumulative with all the updates ever!