RouteNote’s Songs of the Summer 2021: The team’s sounds for the sun
The summer has come and the sun is here… well, it is sometimes. Whilst we might not be celebrating the season as usual for another year, we can still enjoy an eclectic range of tunes that perfectly accompany those sunny days.
Summer 2021 is set to be a summer like no other (except perhaps 2020). Whilst we might not be making our usual summer trips to lounge in the sun in some far off land, we’ll be making the most of what we do have and – of course – it will involve good music.
These are not necessarily new or up-and-coming tunes that we in the team have selected, but they are quintessentially some of our favourite tracks to roll down the top to, whip out the deckchairs with, cruise to the beach playing, and most importantly: feel good listening to.
Alanna (People): Upside Down by Jack Johnson
For a song to be classified as my Sound of the Summer it has to be something that you can imagine playing on a sunny day at the beach or driving with the windows down, this does just that. This time 11 years ago I was at a Jack Johnson concert and remember the crowd being so happy when he played this song.
Dan (Moderation): Amidinine by Bombino
Driving feel-good Saharan riffs from Algerian band Bombino! You can practically feel the wind on your face as you roll down the coast.
Ed (Artist Services): Heavenly Mother by Pip Millett
This is definitely the song of the summer for me, it will always remind me of my amazing significant other and the exciting yet slightly daunting journey we are about to undertake as new parents.
Gio (Marketing): Năo Me Deixe Só by Vanessa Da Mata (remix)
Summertime is brought you by Brazilian drum n’ bass wherever you are in the world!
Isi (Development): Hunk Night Summer by Let’s Make A Music
Ah… remember that great time last summer when the hunks arrived and there was a big party? …No?
Well, not to worry: the fine folks from the podcast Let’s Make A Music committed the whole thing to song, using crowdsourced Twitter suggestions for the lyrics, and produced an absolute banger of a summer hit!
https://letsmakeamusic.bandcamp.com/track/hunk-night-summer
Jacca (Marketing): Moisture by The Residents
This song just screams summer vibes, right? It’s like you’ve washed ashore on a tropical island and everyone there parties all the time. Except that by some sardonic twist of fate you discover that the party-goers animation was just a deranged machination of your dehydrated mind and they are all in fact wax people. You watch as they melt in the blazing heat and this sunny paradise quickly becomes a confusing nightmare of cocktail umbrellas, hollowed out pineapples, and gloop. Still… cool guitar solo, huh?
Jamie (Distribution): Good Times by Genesis Owusu and Callum Connor
Just a funk-soul feel upbeat up and coming artist. Song is just an easy vibe whilst we are in these times to just relax and watch the clouds pass you by.
Johanna (Marketing): Jerk It Out by Caesars Palace
It’s the noughties. The side fringe is strong. Jerk It Out is on. It’s the coolest you’ve ever felt in 27 degree heat.
Jordan (Moderation): The New Effect Freestyle by TNLE and Aitch
This track is my ultimate summer banger because it’s uplifting, bouncy and it makes me wanna bop around my lounge.
Katie (Support): What A Day by Ben Howard
This is one of those incredible songs which provides an excellent accompaniment to closing your eyes and feeling the sun penetrate your eye lids – it’s oddly uplifting and chilled while being melancholic and reflective. If you have a chance to check out the video too, it’s worth it!
Kieran (Marketing): Ready for Tomorrow by Babe Rainbow
A delightful and breezy track that is layered in good vibes, a perfect soundtrack for those warm summer days.
Lee ‘Pixie’ (Moderation): In The Army Now by Status Quo
“Waiting for the inevitable, with this song on repeat” – General Hum, 2021
Luke (Marketing): First Date by blink-182
I was revisiting my teenage years and rediscovered this summer banger. I will undoubtedly be blasting this out of my car on my travels this summer.
Maddi (Marketing): Pictures Of You by PREP
I expect I’ll be listening to PREP’s debut album an awful lot once the sun comes out to stay. Especially the unashamedly funky pop of “Pictures Of You,” with its light harmonies. PREP love a bouncy beat and give off distinct Steely Dan and Phoenix vibes. They’ll put a spring in your step as you leave your house, bound for the beach.
Rich (Moderation): Deranged for Rock & Roll by Chelsea Wolfe
It was a long hot summer, dreamy days and crazy nights, leaving a trail of heists and adventure. Never looking back for fear something would tie us down, trap us in the moment and finish our endless journey into ‘Rock N Roll’ …those were the days.
Simon (Moderation): Horse Outside by The Rubberbandits
Whilst the world has had more issues to deal with this year or so, with restrictions, people missing their families etc., it is important to remind yourself that materialism should come second to looking after your fellow man. Don’t be superficial, it doesn’t matter what others have or what car you drive, be happy with what you’ve got.
I can’t think of a song that represents an inner-peace attitude better than this one.
Love Thy Neighbour. Ride a Horse!
Stan (Moderation): Short Court Style by Natalie Press
Maybe I associate this song with summer because that was the season when I first heard this track, but I don’t think a single soul could deny that the whole track feels like speeding down a country road towards the beach on a sunny afternoon in July. From saucy grooves to soaring vocals, this track has everything you could look for in a summer jam!
Tan (Support): Allen Street by Pretty Sick
I stumbled across this band and it quickly became one of my favorites. This track has this grungy upbeat feel that I haven’t heard in such a long time, 90s riot grrl vibes. It now has a forever home in my sunny weekend driving playlist.
Tom (Marketing): Pretty Boys by Paul McCartney and Khruangbin
Who TF is Paul McCartney?! This is why I love Khruangbin, for shining light on unknown artists.
Tristan (Artist Services): Ventura Highway by America
This one reminds me of family road trips as a kid, I can picture this playing in the background as we fight over who’s fault it was that the coolbox got left behind at the last place we stopped (mine).