Ever since my first job at MTV working as a music programmer, I can't stop trying to match people with music they might like. So, I wrote a book called Record Collecting for Girls and started interviewing musicians. The Music Concierge is a column where I share music I'm listening to that you might enjoy, with a little context. Get everything I've recommended this year on Spotify, follow me on Twitter or Facebook, and leave a comment below telling me what you're listening to this week.
Chloe Lilac "Obvious"
Lilac is so talented that I can barely stand it. This fairytale nightmare of a song is full of the hallmarks of her style: an R&B croon to the voice, a dark tinge to the music, a big dollop of longing. Sway in your seat to this one, it pairs well with day drinking.
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Patricia Lalor "Sleep Talk"
Lalor may have clocked in with my very favourite song this week. I am already obsessed. It's just a song about a dream she had and hold on when I tell you this: she's only 14. I can't wait to get more dispatches from her dream world.
Get all our recommendations. Listen to the full New Music To Know in 2020 playlist on Spotify:
San Mei "Cry"
By now you should know I love a good jangly guitar and San Mei delivers at the top of this song with some chords that take me back a few decades to an era of indie rock that is hopefully having a revival soon! Her high, tight voice is a great accompaniment, giving me '80s movie soundtrack vibes.
Dana Gavanski "Small Favours"
Gavanski's voice and lyrics remind me of the albums on 4AD in the '80s and '90s that I liked. They were all idiosyncratic, quirky, and a little out there but often within dancing distance of pop music. She's got a hint of Nico in her deeper vocal tone and a hint of Belle & Sebastian in her music. That's some reflection.
Saint Bodhi "Bad Moon"
A fascinating new voice is emerging from Central L.A. Saint Bodhi hit a chord with me this week with her latest single, a little bit because this social distancing thing is starting to get to me and a lot because she's got an amazing voice. If you're looking for something more on the dark and twisted spectrum musically, this one needs to be on your playlist.