"i used to believe change is all i wanted"

photo by Rebel Rae (@rebelraemusic)

After releasing perfectly simple and extremely aesthetically pleasing visuals for "Tomorrow" and "War is Over," R&B songstress Rebel Rae has dropped the third visual from her EP, Twenty16.

"Tears on the Altar," directed by Josh Sikkema, is set in a abandoned town in the middle of the desert. Throughout the video, Rae is seen roaming through the town alone while exploring the various structures and art pieces.

Once again, Rebel Rae has delivered an incredibly beautiful visual and I can't wait for her next release. 

Happy Listening (watching),

Robert

"keep those words locked in a bottle"

Though November is a month that many of us would like to forget, I did try to stay positive because it marks the beginning of the holiday season and I got to celebrate my 20th birthday (!).

My playlist for November is filled with uptempo, dance-floor worthy songs like Shakira's "Chantaje," certified bops (that can only be played at full volume) like Travis Mills' "I Doubt It," and songs that you'll want to scream at the top of your lungs like Greyson Chance's "Hit and Run."

Below are the twelve songs that served as my soundtrack for the month of November:

1. "Fake Love" - Drake
2. "Chantaje" (feat. Maluma) - Shakira
3. "On Hold" - The xx
4. "Hit & Run" - Greyson Chance
5. "Murder" - Lido
6. "Nobody's Better" (feat. Fetty Wap) - Z
7. "Super Powers" - Terror Jr
8. "Hands Free" - Keke Palmer
9. "Ain't My Fault - R3hab Remix" - Zara Larsson
10. "Black Beatles" (feat. Gucci Mane) - Rae Sremmurd
11. "Otra Vez" (feat. J Balvin) - Zion & Lennox
12. "I Doubt It" (feat. Blackbear and Skizzy Mars) - Travis Mills

Happy Listening, 

Robert

"fighting flames of fire"

Historically, my October playlists have been very gloomy, often filled with slow, somber songs about heartbreak and regret.

However, I'd like to think that I switched it up a little bit in 2016. With a mix of bangers (sort of) like Bruno Mars' "24K Magic," feel good tracks like Phoebe Ryan's "Dollar Bill," and slow jams like Solange's "Don't Touch My Hair," my October playlist is more "chill" than gloomy.

Below are the eleven songs that served as my soundtrack during the month of October:

1. "All We Know" (feat. Phoebe Ryan) - The Chainsmokers
2. "Trust Nobody" (feat. Tory Lanez & Selena Gomez) - Cashmere Cat
3. "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)" - Dua Lipa
4. "Body Moves" - DNCE
5. "Dollar Bill" (feat. Kid Ink) - Phoebe Ryan
6. "24K Magic" - Bruno Mars
7. "Flex Your Way Out" (feat. Blackbear) - Sofi de la Torre
8. "Edibles." - JoJo
9. "The Loudest Silence" - Maurice Moore
10. "Drum" - MØ
11. "Don't Touch My Hair" (feat. Sampha) - Solange

Happy Listening,

Robert

"i got fake people showing fake love to me"

photo by Drake (@champagnepapi on Instagram)

Just ahead of his 30th birthday, Drake announced that he would dropping a new project in December titled More Life. In addition to relieving the title of the project during a special birthday episode of OVO Sound Radio, Drake premiered four tracks, including two singles "Fake Love" and "Sneakin'" featuring 21 Savage.

"Fake Love," an infectious, tropical hip-pop, and unmistakably Drake record about fake people, has gained more traction than its more rap heavy counterpart "Sneakin,'" even claiming the top spot on Spotify's United States Top 50. 

With it's Instagram caption worthy lyrics like "yea, I know they wanna take my place" and "look you in the face and it's just not the same," "Fake Love" is destined to be a hit. I expect to hear it blaring through the speakers at every after-hours holiday party this fall and lip-synced in thousands of Snapchats. 

Happy Listening, 

Robert

"sometimes i ask for the sun and get rain"

photo by Rebel Rae (@rebelraemusic on Instagram)

Following the release of R&B newcomer Rebel Rae's sweet and soulful EP, Twenty16, the singer-songwriter has unveiled the wonderfully simple and aesthetically pleasing visual for the project's closing track, "Tomorrow."

Donning a cut off "Generic Brand" denim jacket and equipped with a portable CD player, Rae sings about not letting the past impact her, instead, choosing to focus on "Tomorrow."

Hopefully she'll be creating and releasing for visuals for the other songs on Twenty16, but until then, I'll just keep hitting the replay button. 

Happy Listening (watching),

Robert

"this life can make you so jaded"

August marked my return to one of the most fast paced and chaotic places in the world, New York.   The apartment hunt proved to more of a struggle than I was prepared for, so I spent most of the month stressing and couch-surfing, with the occasional trip back down to D.C.

Starting off with the undisputed song of the summer "Closer," and wrapping up with the perfectly cool and dreamy "Moon" by newcomer Tysm, August is pretty low-key with mid-tempo jams from Kehlani, Glass Animals, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Ansel Elgort, who released his debut single, "Home Alone" at the end of July.

Below are the fifteen songs that served as my soundtrack to the month of August:

1. "Closer" (feat. Halsey) - The Chainsmokers
2. "I Met This Dude at Coachella" (feat. Rykeyz) - Brezy
3. "Hurts So Good" - Astrid S
4. "Perfect Strangers" (feat. JP Cooper) - Jonas Blue
5. "Let Me Love You" (feat. Justin Bieber) - DJ Snake
6. "For Free" (feat. Drake) - DJ Khaled
7. "Youth" - Glass Animals
8. "Home Alone" - Ansel Elgort
9. "Distraction" - Kehlani
10. "Not Nice" - PARTYNEXTDOOR
11. "Come First" - Terror Jr
12. "In The Name Of Love" - Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha
13. "Lies" (feat. SZA) - Felix Snow
14. "Gone" (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) - Afrojack
15. "Moon" - Tysm

Happy Listening,

Robert 

"high like amphetamine, maybe you're just a dream"

photo by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga on Instagram)

After a three year hiatus from pop music, Lady Gaga has managed to reinvent herself, yet again, and she's back with a vengeance.

Produced by Mark Ronson, Bloodpop, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, and Gaga, herself, "Perfect Illusion," is a loud, powerful, punk-rock infused banger that explores deceitful relationships with lyrics like "I still feel the blow / but at least now I know" and "it was a perfect illusion mistaken for love."

With its anthemic chorus and bridge, "Perfect Illusion" is destined to become a break-up classic, but this fall, I can guarantee that it will be blasted at ear-drum shattering levels at clubs, in cars, and through headphones across the world.

Happy Listening,

Robert

"shut up i love you, you're my best friend"

I spent 5 and a half incredible months studying in and traveling around Europe. I saw some of the most beautiful churches, bridges, towers, and monuments in the entire world, and I also explored a decent amount of shady underground (literally) bars, clubs, and pubs (shout out to Prague). July marked the end of what felt like a dream, and I was so quickly woken up by the daily grind of my internship and the never-ending process that is trying to find an apartment in New York City.

Per usual, I needed my music to get me through it all and while I often say that my playlists are a roller-coaster, this one is just really confusing. July marked my return to country music, meaning that in a span of fifteen minutes, you will listen to country, pop, and latin music from a wide range of artists like LANY, Sam Hunt, and Alkilados.

Below are the sixteen songs that served as my soundtrack to the month of July:

1. "Tongue Tied July" - Michael Brun x Roy English
2. "Where I Wanna Be" - A R I Z O N A
3. "The Ocean" (feat. Shy Martin) - Mike Perry
4. "Carry Me" (feat. Julia Michaels) - Kygo
5. "Please Don't Go" - Joel Adams
6. "Leave The Night On" - Sam Hunt
7. "Picky" - Joey Montana
8. "Heathens" - Twenty One Pilots
9. "pink skies" - LANY
10. "Gonna Wanna Tonight" - Chase Rice
11. "La Bicicleta" - Alkilados
12. "Cruel" (feat. ZAYN) - Snakehips
13. "Aloha" (feat. Merryn Jeann) - Møme
14. "DonaldTrumpMakesMeWannaSmokeCrack" - Ledinsky
15. "Starving" (feat. Grey & Zedd) - Hailee Steinfeld
16. "Cold Water" (feat. Justin Bieber & MØ) - Major Lazer

Happy Listening,

Robert

"so baby pull me closer in the back seat of your rover"

photo by The Chainsmokers (@thechainsmokers)

Six weeks ago, as "Don't Let Me Down" featuring pop newcomer Daya was rising up the charts, The Chainsmokers posted a picture of them alongside Halsey, teasing that she would be featured on their "next one." 

The next one's with this beauty ❤️ @iamhalsey 📷@rorykramer

A photo posted by The Chainsmokers (@thechainsmokers) on Jun 11, 2016 at 8:22am PDT

Today (July 29th), after a very long six weeks, their collaboration was finally released and it has the potential to be their biggest song yet.

"Closer" tells the story of a couple who are rekindling their romance after a four year break. Spliced with the narration of their reunion are references to memorable moments from their relationship.

With Instagram caption worthy lyrics like "so baby pull me closer, in the back seat of your Rover" and "we ain't never getting older," "Closer" is destined to be a viral sensation and it's low-key, synth heavy production makes it better suited for long drives and late summer nights than jam-packed clubs.

The Chainsmokers are currently working on a full-length follow up to their 2015 EP, Bouquet.

Happy Listening,

Robert

"so take a deep breath and let it go"

photo by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber on Instagram)

With "Light It Up" infiltrating airwaves and dance floors around the world this summer and "Lean On" becoming the most streamed song of all time on Spotify with over 800 million streams, Major Lazer is having a pretty great year.

Their year may have just gotten even better with the release of what will become the undisputed song of the summer, "Cold Water," an all-star collaboration with vocals from Justin Bieber and Danish singer MØ, who was featured on "Lean On," and writing credits from Benny Blanco and Ed Sheeran.

Falling in line with this year's trend towards more mid-tempo bops instead of first pumping powerhouses, "Cold Water" mixes dancehall, house, and europop elements to create the perfect pop song in just over 3 minutes (a Top 40 radio DJ's dream).

In less than a week, "Cold Water" has managed to ascend to the number one spot on Spotify's Global Top 50, racking up over 5 million streams a day.

I look forward to seeing "Cold Water" being featured in everyone's story on Snapchat and hearing it being blared through the speakers at every pregame, party, family cookout, and club for the next few months. 

Happy Listening,

Robert

"can we make the most out of no time"

photo by Alessia Cara (@alessiasmusic on Instagram)

Last month, singer-songwriters Troye Sivan and Alessia Cara teamed up on the re-release of Sivan's dreamy love song, "WILD."

Over the weekend, Sivan released the video for "WILD" and it is simply a cuteness overload that will make you want to vomit rainbows and glitter all over your acid wash jeans and oversized denim jacket. 

Unlike the original version's video, which depicts a love story that never has the chance to fully bloom, the re-release is more of a celebration of love, friendship, and identity set in the most Tumblr world possible. Troye, Alessia, and their squad float between lush green fields, bowling alleys, empty suburban streets, and waterfront parks taking instax's, dancing, and just being cute.

Happy Listening (watching),

Robert

"that big wall is the new frontier"

photo by Ledinsky (@ledinsky on Instagram)

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a super catchy song with an extremely long title about about one of the candidates running for president in the United States. 

The song, "#DonaldTrumpMakesMeWannaSmokeCrack," was released just before the Republican National Convention where the Republican Party in the United States selected reality television star and real estate tycoon, Donald J. Trump, as the party's candidate in the race for the presidency.

In the annotations of his lyrics on Genius, Ledinksy said that his song is about "what capitalism has done to [the United States]" and that Donald Trump does not make him want to smoke crack, but that the title is "more a symbol of your desperation...than actually smoking crack."  

Clearly Ledinsky has struck a chord with many around the world as his song is now a viral hit. "#DonaldTrumpMakesMeWannaSmokeCrack" has over 1 million streams on Spotify and currently sits atop the Viral Hits playlist on the streaming platform.

In addition to his viral hit, Ledinsky also dropped an EP, "High Society," that can purchased on iTunes and streamed on Spotify.

Happy Listening,

Robert 

"ain't easy, you got to earn it"

photo by Terror Jr (@terrorjr on Instagram)

Making another stop on their road to pop music domination, my new favorite trio, Terror Jr, just released their fifth single and as always, it is a banger.

Produced by Felix Snow and Jerker Hansson, "Come First" has the perfectly light vocals, slightly suggestive lyrics, and 808-heavy production that have become a staple for Terror Jr.



Though the identity of vocalist, "Lisa," is still a mystery, the song has credits from "Campa, Zach Zorgen, Bill, Avena Savage, Double Helix, Lisa, Dr. Olov, David, Psycho Lisa & Kylie."

Maybe we will finally find out if Kylie Jenner is in fact part of the squad soon, but until then I'll gladly bop to the sounds of Terror Jr.

Happy Listening,

Robert

"in all this bitterness, you stay so sweet"

photo by Snakehips (@snakehips on Instagram)

As a follow up to their international smash hit and "get-back together" anthem, "All My Friends," London-based production duo Snakehips has teamed up with ZAYN on "Cruel."

Starting off mellow and slightly melancholy, launching into a massive, percussion infused chorus, and ending stripped down and only backed by a piano, "Cruel" is quite the rollercoaster and the perfect mix of electronic and R&B elements.

Snakehips are currently working on their debut album, due out early next year.

Happy Listening,

Robert

"live for the challenge, only makes me stronger"

photo by Kehlani (@kehlani on Instagram)

After a rough couple of months in her personal life and the surprise release of "24/7" a mid-tempo introspective record about battling with mental wellness, Bay Area singer-songwriter and tattoo aficionado Kehlani has bounced back with "CRZY."

With lyrics like "If I gotta be a bitch, I'ma be a bad one" and "They be trynna count me out, but I'm just counting counting blessings" over very low-key beat, the focus of the song is placed on what Kehlani has to say, and she emerges fierce, resilient, and unapologetic. 

Kehlani is currently working on the follow up to her Grammy-nominated mixtape You Should Be Here.

Happy Listening,

Robert

"two blue hearts locked in our wrong minds"

photo by Troye Sivan (@troyesivan on Instagram)

After releasing "WILD" last September as the lead single to his debut album Blue Neighbourhood, Troye Sivan has teamed up with Canadian R&B singer-songwriter Alessia Cara on a re-release and it is pure pop perfection.

Featuring a new verse from Cara and some added bells and whistles that breathe new life into the record, "WILD" makes you want to host a late-night beach bonfire and serenade all of your guests as you all dance the night away under the stars.

Happy Listening,

Robert

"i might drive myself insane, if those lips aren't speaking my name"

 photo by Adam Elmakias (@elmakias on Instagram)

Despite the fact that we all may try to hide it, most kids born in the late 90s went through an angsty pop-punk phase. For those who did not (or for those who don't really know what I'm talking about), this phase can be characterized by frequent visits to Hot Topic, graphic tees, skater shoes, and an obsession with bands.

My angsty pop-punk phase came during middle school, during which time, tracks from bands like All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, Boys Like Girls, and many others could be heard blaring through the terrible Apple headphones that came with my iPod nano (2nd generation).

As an ode to my middle school days, I made a playlist with some of my favorite songs from that era.

Below are the twenty songs that defined my early teens and solidified my love for music:

1. "The Beach" - All Time Low

"The Beach" was my ringtone for six months...I regret nothing. 

2. "Misery Business" - Paramore

3. "Thnks fr th Mmrs" - Fall Out Boy

4. "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" - Panic! At The Disco

5. "Shake It" - Metro Station

A staple at every middle school dance in the United States during 2008 and 2009.

6. "Dirty Little Secret" - The All-American Rejects

7. "Dear Maria, Count Me In" - All Time Low

8. "Love Like Woe" - The Ready Set 

9. "Check Yes, Juliet" - We The Kings

10. "Everything I Ask For" - The Maine

11. "DONTTRUSTME" - 3OH!3

"DONTTRUSTME" was probably the first truly "explicit" song I downloaded on iTunes.

12. "The Great Escape" - Boys Like Girls

13. "I Wanna" - The All-American Rejects

14. "Welcome To The Black Parade" - My Chemical Romance

15. "About A Girl" - The Academy Is...

16. "She's A Lady" - Forever the Sickest Kids

Six years later and I still break out into song every time I hear the words "backseat driver." 

17. "Punch-Drunk Love" - The Summer Set 

18. "Nine In The Afternoon" - Panic! At The Disco

19. "Hello, Brooklyn" - All Time Low

20. "That's What You Get" - Paramore

Oddly enough, I heard "That's What You Get" for the first time when my dad's iPod was on shuffle.

Even though I call it my "Middle School" playlist, I still listen to it once a week and whenever I'm at parties, I play it just to see who will sing along with me...I guess some things will never change. 

Happy Listening,

Robert

"i left my consciousness in the sixth dimension"

After spending four months in Prague, I decided that I wasn't quite ready to leave Europe, so I went to Madrid!

June was filled with travel around the Iberian Peninsula, pre-games that started at 1 AM (everything starts later in Spain), long walks through Madrid's breathtaking barrios, afternoons in Parque del Retiro, and most importantly, studying and doing homework for my super intense Spanish course.

Starting with upbeat pop songs like "No Money" (which accurately describes my existence during my six weeks in Madrid), slowing down with R&B jams like "Juke Jam," and finishing up with slew of Latin records that I proudly screamed at the top of my lungs (despite not really understanding them until the middle of the month), June is perfect for a kickback, a wild house party, and everything in-between.

Below are the twenty songs that served as my soundtrack to the month of June:

1. "No Money" - Galantis
2. "Tears" (feat. Louisa Johnson) - Clean Bandit
3. "Can't Fight It"- Quintino & Cheat Codes
4. "Testament of Youth" - Rebel Rae
5. "Hasta el Amanacer" - Nicky Jam
6. "Afterlife" (Remix by Frank Pole) (feat. Frank Pole) - Greyson Chance
7. "Ai Se Eu Te Pego" - Ao Vivo - Michel Teló
8. "Juke Jam" (feat. Justin Bieber & Towkio) - Chance The Rapper
9. "Wait a Minute!" - Willow
10. "Fragile "(feat. Hailee Steinfeld) - Prince Fox
11. "Good Enough" (Michael Brun x The Ready Set) - The Ready Set
12. "Ginza" - J Balvin
13. "Bury It" (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore) - CHVRCHES
14. "Once in a While" - Timeflies
15. "El Perdón" - Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias
16. "DUELE EL CORAZON" (feat. Wisin) - Enrique Iglesias
17. "Light It Up" (feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG) - Remix - Major Lazer
18. "Snowflakes" (feat. Anuka & Lox Chatterbox) - AK
19. "Sexual" - NEIKED
20. "Youth" - leuan

Happy Listening,

Robert

"you need my power like a mophie"

photo by Terror Jr (@terrorjr on Instagram)

After dropping three incredible records over the past few months, Terror Jr is back with yet another banger. 

Much like "3 Strikes," "Sugar," and "Trippin," "Say So" pairs an 808-heavy synth-pop beat with beautifully light and airy vocals provided by the still unmasked lead vocalist, Lisa. 

"Say So" is definitely the most danceable of Terror Jr's records and is the perfect late-night summer bop that can be blared through the speakers of your car on the way to a party or through your headphones as you practice your twerking skills alone in your bedroom. 

I'm looking forward to see what's next for Terror Jr, but until then, I'll just keep dancing. 

Happy Listening, 

Robert 

"can we get to know each other, more than we already do"

May marked the end of my extended stay in one of the best cities in the world, Prague. After spending four months taking twenty credits, chasing trams, traveling around Europe, getting lost on purpose so that I could discover new neighborhoods, and work work working it out at Hip-Hop Night at Radost, it was finally time to pack my bags and head west.

From the return of Kehlani to yet another banger by my new favorite trio, Terror Jr, May is sort of an emotional rollercoaster. Feel free to cry with gnash and Olivia O'Brien and then turn up with Ty Dolla $ign, Flume, and Tove Lo fifteen minutes later. 

Below are the twelve songs that served as my soundtrack for the month of May: 

1. "This Is What You Came For" - Calvin Harris & Rihanna
2. "i hate you, i love you" (feat. olivia o'brien) - gnash
3. "Up to You" (feat. Chelsea Cutler) - Andrew Luce & Graves
4." Close" (feat. Tove Lo) - Nick Jonas
5. "Care" (feat. Madi) - R3hab & Felix Snow
6. "24/7" - Kehlani
7. "Hold Your Hand" - JAHKOY
8. "Wavy" (feat. Joe Moses) - Ty Dolla $ign
9." Sugar" - Terror Jr
10. "Say It" (feat. Tove Lo) - Flume
11. "Sex" - Cheat Codes & Kris Kross Amsterdam
12. "Fast Car" (Radio Edit) (feat. Dakota) - Jonas Blue

Happy Listening, 

Robert

"haters, i hit 'em real deep in the jugular"

photo by Azealia Banks (@azealiabanks on Instagram)

At the end of March, Azealia Banks, one of Hip-Hop's most underrated, versatile, and unapologetically black artists, dropped the eight-track mixtape, Slay-Z.

The first single off the mixtape, "The Big Big Beat," features a Notorious B.I.G. sample and demonstrates Banks' ability to do virtually anything, and do it well, as she ferociously spits bars over a Detroit house beat.

Slightly more compelling than the track itself is the visual. Directed by her fellow LaGuardia alum Matt Sukkar, the four-minute clip features Banks in strutting through the hallways of the projects, dancing in front of a New York City municipal building, and vibing on top of a cop car in Chelsea.

Banks took to Twitter to explain that she did not choose those locations randomly, in fact, she wanted to critique the cyclical nature of incarceration and poverty in her hometown, New York City.

I shot the big big beat video in the hallways of the projects and in front of central bookings because after being arrested in NYC

— BRUJA DEL BLOQUE (@AZEALIABANKS) April 26, 2016

More than once and having spent many of my teenage days hanging out in the projects you begin to see how public housing and jail are

— BRUJA DEL BLOQUE (@AZEALIABANKS) April 26, 2016

One of the paths laid out for black youth. The police actually patrol the hallways of public housing looking for people to arrest

— BRUJA DEL BLOQUE (@AZEALIABANKS) April 26, 2016

The materials used to build the projects are the same materials inside of jails and precincts. I see it all as a form of mental programming

— BRUJA DEL BLOQUE (@AZEALIABANKS) April 26, 2016

Almost as if poor Black Youth are being conditioned and groomed for jail from the start.

— BRUJA DEL BLOQUE (@AZEALIABANKS) April 26, 2016

In just under seven days, without promotion or support from a major label,"The Big Big Beat" has been viewed almost two million times and it looks like Banks might have a "Big Big" hit on her hands.

Happy Listening (watching),

Robert

"vans on like a skater"

April was filled with travel, school, planning for the summer, and just general shenanigans for me, and naturally, I had to have a playlist to get me through it all.

I started my April on a pretty high note by seeing Ty Dolla $ign live, and from then on, I knew that my playlist for the month would have to be filled with turn-up bangers, and with the exception of a slow R&B love song by KINGDM and a big pop euro-pop record by Molly Sandén, it is.

Below are the eleven songs that served as my soundtrack for the month of April:

1. "Saved" (feat. E-40) - Ty Dolla $ign
2. "One Dance" (feat. Wizkid & Kyla) - Drake
3. "Highlights" - Kanye West
4. "Circles" (feat. Vanic) - machineheart
5. "BeFoUr" - ZAYN
6. "Asking 4 It" (feat. Fetty Wap) - Gwen Stefani
7. "Baby" (feat. Kevin Garrett) - KINGDM
8. "In My Room" (feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Tyga) - Yellow Claw
9. "Tennessee" - Kiiara
10. "3 Strikes" - Terror Jr
11. "Satellites" - Molly Sandén

Happy Listening,

Robert

"we're not like the other ones, sucking up to anyone"

photo by Terror Jr (@terrorjr on Instagram)

After exploding onto the music scene about a month ago via Kylie Jenner's "Glosses" commercial with their debut single, the infectious electro-pop "3 Strikes," Terror Jr has continued to wow music listeners around the world with their follow-up, the bouncy and equally as catchy "Sugar."

The previously masked trio consists of producers Felix Snow and Campa, the dream production team behind Kiiara's low kii savage, and a singer named Lisa.

photo by Terror Jr (@terrorjr on Instagram)

Much like "3 Strikes," "Sugar" has an incredible beat, light and airy vocals, and a bridge so sick that you'll want to throw your headphones across the room. 

"Sugar" is a summertime/anytime jam perfect for blasting at full volume at your family's cookout, your friends darty, or through your car's speakers.

I'm super excited for whatever Terror Jr has planned, a based on what they've released so far, they won't disappoint.

Happy Listening,

Robert

"i'll take the blame for the both of us"

Between midterm exams, internship applications, and SPRING BREAK (let's be real, it's the most important one), March is one of the most stressful and fun-filled months of the year for college students.

During the first half of March, I was particularly into "alt-R&B." I needed some chill vibes to get me through a seemingly endless amount of work, but as the month rolled on, my dreams of tanned skin and white sand beaches became a reality, and my music taste shifted to more upbeat, club and dance music.

Like most of my playlists, March is a rollercoaster ride, filled with everything from slow grooves by newcomers Kiiara and Gallant, to EDM bangers from Jay Cosmic & Delora and The Chainsmokers.

Below are the sixteen songs that served as my soundtrack during the month of March:

1. "Hallucinations" - dvsn
2. "Feels" - Kiiara
3. "Work This Out" - Litany
4. "Fool to Love" - NAO
5. "No Words" - Erik Hassle
6. "Toothbrush" - DNCE
7. "Timelines" (feat. Rico Greene) - Wantigga
8. "With Me" - dvsn
9. "Weight in Gold" - Gallant
10. "Have it All" - Jay Cosmic & Delora
11. "I Won't Let You Walk Away" (Lost Kings Remix) (feat. Madison Beer) - Mako
12. "This Must Be My Dream" - The 1975
13. "Bourbon" - Gallant
14. "Wasted On You" (feat. ROZES) - Louis Futon
15. "Faded" - Alan Walker
16. "Don't Let Me Down" (feat. Daya) - The Chainsmokers

Happy Listening,

Robert

"behind the pen is a creator"

Northern Virginia born, L.A. based singer-songwriter Rebel Rae proves that she knows how to have a good time in the music video for her debut single, "Good Vibes."

The video, directed by Alexi Papalexopoulos, is a mix of 90's nostalgia and Los Angeles swag, with acid wash jeans, bucket hats, crop tops and flannels in abundance at the party that serves as the backdrop for "Good Vibes."

To make the video more authentic, Rae actually threw a party, inviting all of her friends to come perform alongside her. With solo cups and iPhones in hand, party-goers dance along as the R&B newcomer belts out the lyrics to the song. 

Rebel Rae is currently recording her debut album, and I am definitely looking forward to it. 

Happy Listening (watching),

Robert

"taking my time on my ride"

Just like December and January, February was a pretty intense month for me. On top of starting classes and having to learn how to survive in a city where I do not speak the language, I also traveled every weekend.

During those twenty-nine jam packed days, I needed something to get me through long tram rides, long bus rides (both domestic and international), awkward trips to the grocery store, late night walks and getting dressed for Hip-Hop night.

This playlist really only explores two moods: chill and turn-up, which pretty accurately describes what I wanted to do throughout the month.

Below are the thirteen songs that served as the soundtrack to my life during the month of February:

1. "Work" (feat. Drake) - Rihanna

2. "Ride" - Twenty One Pilots

3. "Not Above That" - D∆WN

4. "PILLOWTALK" - ZAYN

5. "Kiss It Better" - Rihanna

6. "Bang My Head" (feat. Sia and Fetty Wap) - David Guetta

7. "Skipping Stones" - Gallant and Jhene Aiko

8. "Don't Be So Hard On Yourself" - Jess Glynne

9. "Dreaming - The Chainsmokers Remix" - Smallpools

10. "Something New" (feat. Chris Brown) - Zendaya

11. "Ain't Nobody (Loves Me Better)" (feat. Jasmine Thompson) - Felix Jaehn

12. "Iced Tea" - crwn

13. "Work from Home" (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) - Fifth Harmony

Happy Listening,

Robert

"i personify the adolescent on a phone, speaking like i'm bigger than my body"

photo by The 1975 (@the1975 on Instagram)

Since the release of their self-titled debut album The 1975 in 2013, music critics and causal listeners have often struggled to categorize The 1975.

Are they a boy band? Do they make pop music? Would they be considered alternative?

The bands sophomore release, I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It, proves that Matty Healy, George Daniel, Ross MacDonald, Adam Hahn and their music are all of those things, and more.

Upon the first listen I Like It When You Sleep can seem pretty confusing. The album features so many different sounds that it is easy to feel lost.

In just under seventy-four minutes, the album somehow manages to hit nearly every genre with R&B and funk inspired bops like "UGH!" and "She's American," David Bowie-esque rock anthems like "Love Me" and perfect synth-pop radio records like "This Must Be My Dream" and "The Sound."

I Like It When You Sleep is all over the place, and that is precisely what makes it a great album. It is unapologetically imperfect, it dip and dives between light, fun jams you want to dance to at a party, love songs you want to serenade your crush with, and melancholy ballads you'll want to cry to in the shower.

The 1975 seem to have struck gold with I Like It When You Sleep as it has already peaked at number one on the UK Albums Chart. Matty, George, Ross and Adam are also predicted to land their first number one album on the Billboard 200 in the coming weeks.

Hopefully, all of this success is a sign that these boys from Manchester will around for quite some time.

I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It is available on iTunes and paid-for streaming services including TIDAL and Google Play Music

Happy Listening,

Robert

"a truth so loud, you can't ignore"

photo by Troye Sivan (@troyesivan on Instagram)

Since the release of his debut album Blue Neighbourhood last December, YouTube vlogger and singer-songwriter Troye Sivan has been on the cover of Rolling Stone, performed on Ellen and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and is now on  a world tour that will hit theaters, music halls, and nightclubs all over the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Sivan will have seemingly conquered the world all before his twenty-first birthday. 

Two weeks ago, Sivan continued his quest for world domination with the release of the music video for "YOUTH," the light, playful electro-pop third single off of Blue Neighbourhood.

The music video, directed by Malia James, takes place at a house party, and like everything Troye Sivan related, is the perfect mix of pretty neon colors, tumblr aesthetics and awkward dance moves. 

"YOUTH" also features a cameo from actress and activist Amandla Stenberg, but the real star of the video is a "Make America Gay Again" snap-back, which is shown as Sivan and his fellow party-goers cuddle in a sheet fort. 

After watching "YOUTH," I'm sure you'll be prepared to bring roller skates and Care Bears to the next house party you attend, I know I will.

Happy Listening (watching),

Robert 

"i just shot an amateur video, i think i should go pro"

photo by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian on Instagram)

After a three GOOD Fridays, a plethora of Twitter rants, and a few name changes, Kanye West finally debuted his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo, during his Yeezy Season 3 presentation on February 11th at Madison Square Garden. 

The twenty thousand ticket-holders at MSG and millions at home who were streaming the event via TIDAL listened as songs featuring Kelly Price, Chance the Rapper, Rihanna, Frank Ocean, Chris Brown, Post Malone, and many others blared through the speakers. 

On February 14th, after epic performances of "Ultralight Beam" and "Highlights" on Saturday Night Live,  The Life of Pablo was officially and exclusively released through TIDAL.

The Life of Pablo is probably Ye's most sonically diverse record and its takes listeners on an eighteen song rollercoaster ride, starting with the gospel and soul infused "Ultralight Beam" and ending with the sample heavy, mid-tempo "Fade." 

From more traditional hip-hop records like "Real Friends," "30 Hours," and "No More Parties in L.A.", to R&B grooves like "Waves" and hype records like "Highlights" and "Facts," Pablo proves that West can do virtually anything, and do it well.

The Life of Pablo can be streamed on TIDAL and despite reports that the album has been downloaded illegally over half a million times, Uncle Ye has no intent of releasing the album through traditional means. 

Happy Listening,

Robert

"if you had a twin, i'd still choose you"

photo by Rihanna (@badgalriri on Instagram)

Last month everyone's favorite "bad gal" from Barbados, Rihanna, released "Work," the lead single to her long-awaited eighth studio album, ANTI. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the mid-tempo Drake assisted dancehall and reggae infused record was met with commercial success, topping charts and invading dance-floors and SnapChat stories around the world.

Jennifer Lopez, the undisputed queen of "booty," gave Rihanna and Drake one of the best gifts any artist could ask for by twerking to "Work" during an installment of "Ew" on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Today, Rihanna and Drake continued to fuel the buzz around "Work" by dropping, not one, but two videos for the song. 

The first video, directed by Director X, takes place at a sweaty party at "The Real Jerk" in Toronto and it is everything you hoped it would be. Plastic cups and Red Stripes bottles litter the floor, everyone is whining like their life depends on it, girls are fanning themselves with "Work" flyers, Drizzy is posted up in a OVO sweatsuit (you know he was sweating), and Rihanna is in the middle of it all. 

The second video, directed by Tim Erem, is slightly less eventful and only features Rihanna and Drake. Drenched in neon-pink light in what looks like someone's living room (but is most likely a soundstage), Rihanna and Drake simply vibe off of each other for roughly four minutes, delivering a plethora of GIF-worthy moments.

Following the release of the video, I'm pretty sure "The Real Jerk" will have lines out of the door and Google will see an uptick in people searching "How to Whine." 

Happy Listening (watching),

Robert

"you vandalize my perception but can't take style from me"

photo by The Grammys (@thegrammys on Instagram)

This year, the Recording Academy and CBS made the bold decision of broadcasting The 58th Grammy Awards live on both coasts on a Monday night. Unfortunately this year's broadcast did not fair so well, The Grammys received its lowest ratings in six years. Despite the low ratings, tweets about The Grammys were viewed over two billion times and I thought it was a pretty good show overall.

From Kendrick Lamar's five wins to Lionel Richie's star-studded and talent-filled tribute, there were an array of amazing moments at music biggest night. Below are my favorite moments from the show. 

5. Tori Kelly and James Bay's Duet

Best New Artists nominees Tori Kelly and James Bay wowed the audience at the Staples Center and charmed their way into the hearts of millions around the world using only their voices and guitars with a mash-up of their songs "Let It Go" and "Hollow."

4. Demi Lovato's "Hello"

Demi Lovato performed "Hello" as a part of the tribute to Lionel Richie. Backed by John Legend on the piano, Lovato solidified her position as one of pop music's most powerful vocalists.

3. Alabama Shakes winning"Best Rock Performance"

It was a big night for blues rock band Alabama Shakes. They brought home three Grammys including one for "Best Rock Performance." Shakes' lead singer Brittany Howard, who is the spitting image of her mother, put a smile on my face with her acceptance speech, so I had to include this moment.

2. Lady Gaga's Tribute to David Bowie

Though her performance has been met with mixed reviews from critics, Bowie's fans, and Bowie's son, Gaga's tribute to David Bowie was one of the most talked about moments of the night. While it did seem a little rushed, and slightly cluttered, Gaga sounded great and the performance marked the return of the "weird" Gaga who has been M.I.A. for quite some time.

1. Kendrick Lamar proving that "We Gone Be Alright"

Kendrick Lamar was the biggest winner of the night, taking home five Grammys, including "Best Rap Album." During the show, Lamar delivered an extremely power and visually stunning performance of his songs "The Blacker the Berry" and "Alright." Lamar began his performance by walking out as a member of the chain gain, then rapped his heart out in front of a bonfire, and ultimately finished in front of image of Africa with the word "Compton" inside of it.

Hopefully next year's Grammys will have just as many incredible moments as they did this year.

Happy Listening (watching),

Robert

"back to high school love, the kind without the drugs"

From working in New York to saying my goodbyes in D.C. and finally moving to Prague (after patiently waiting for almost five months), January was an incredibly jam packed month for me. In order to do it all with a smile, I had to have a playlist to serve as the soundtrack to long drives through the suburbs, hours of packing my entire life into two suitcases, and getting dressed for my first nights out in Prague.

With slow, sultry jams by Niykee Heaton and Sofi de la Torre and club bangers by GOLDHOUSE, Karen Harding, and Mike Posner (who, unlike he claims in "I Took A Pill In Ibiza," is no longer a one-hit wonder), my January playlist is a wild, slightly confusing ride.

Below are the fifteen songs that I endless played to start off, what will hopefully be, an amazing year.

1. "Skin LP Preview" - Flume

2. "Over (Radio Edit)" - GOLDHOUSE

3. "Bad, Bad, Bad" - LANY

4. "New Bohemia" - Transviolet

5. "Bad Intentions" - Niykee Heaton

6. "London x Paris" - Sofi de la Torre

7. "Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time" - Panic! At The Disco

8. "Devil Side" - Foxes

9. "Too Young" - Post Malone

10. "Holding On" - Disclosure

11. "Say Something - Zac Samuel Remix" - Karen Harding

12. "I Took A Pill In Ibiza - SeeB Remix" - Mike Posner

13. "They Know" - Luke Christopher

14. "All the Ways" - Wet

15. "Party Favors" - Tinashe

Happy Listening, 

Robert

"if the world came tumbling down, you'd still be holding me down"

 photo by Sasha Samsonova (@sashasamsonova on Instagram)

After two bands and six years with Diddy at Bad Boy Records, Dawn Richard (now simply D∆WN) decided to go solo and release her projects independently. 

In early 2013, with full control over her music, image, and career, D∆WN released Goldenheart, the first installment of her "heart" themed trilogy. D∆WN has since become a critical darling and is often celebrated as one of the most innovative artists in the music industry because of her thought-provoking visuals and willingness to tinker with traditional genre lines.

Blackheart, the electronic dance-pop follow-up to Goldenheart and the second installment in her trilogy peaked at Number 2 on the Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and became one of Pitchfork's Top 50 Albums of Year  and one of Rolling Stone's 20 Best R&B Albums of 2015.

Last week, after three years of bearing her "heart" to the fans, D∆WN unveiled "Not Above That" the lead single from Redemptionheart, the last installment in the trilogy. With some assistance from L.A.-based producer Machinedrum, D∆WN proves that she is down for anything, both in the bedroom and in the booth. 

Even though experimental electro-pop dance is nothing new to D∆WN, "Not Above That" is fresh, exciting, and perfect for head-bopping in the shower or going crazy on the dance floor at the club. Either way, the song will be stuck in your head and you'll have absolutely no problem with that. 

Happy Listening,

Robert

"soon as i'm back in the city, they throw a parade"

photo by Drake (@champagnepapi on Instagram)

Since announcing that Views from the 6 would be the follow-up to Nothing Was the Same in 2014, Drake has dropped a mixtape with Future, multiple diss records aimed at Meek Mill, and the international smash hit "Hotline Bling," which along with the visual, has become a pop culture staple.

Despite all of those releases, fans still had no salient news about the release date of Views or any of it's official singles. That is until two nights again when Drizzy sent out this tweet:

OVO Sound Radio Episode 14 tmrw at 3PM PST/6PM EST...it begins.

— Drizzy (@Drake) January 30, 2016

During Saturday's broadcast of the OVO Sound Radio show on Apple's Beats 1, the rapper dropped "Summer Sixteen," the first official single from Views.

"Summer Sixteen" features a fire beat and a gang of playful bars that will probably go down as some of Drake's funniest lyrics ever. The song opens up with a light jab at President Barack Obama, who claimed in a YouTube Q&A that Kendrick Lamar was a better rapper than the 6 God. In the second verse, Drake continues to take playful jabs, but this time at rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West. Drake raps about his pool being bigger than Kanye's (even though Ye's is nice too) and wanting to be on Rock-a-Fella until he turned into Jay.

Though "Summer Sixteen" is dope and will definitely be played at every club for the next few months, I must say that I expected a little bit more. "Sixteen" sounds like something that could have been on the 2015 mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late, which is not a bad thing, but I was hoping that Drizzy would be moving forward, sonically.

"Summer Sixteen" is available now on Apple Music and iTunes, with Views from the 6 expected to be out in April.

Happy Listening,

Robert

"it's our paradise, and it's our war zone"

photo by Zayn Malik (@zayn on Instagram)

Last March,  Zayn Malik shocked the world and shattered the hearts of millions of fans around the world when he announced that he would leaving One Direction after five years. Shortly after his departure from the band, Malik revealed that he had inked a deal with RCA Records and planned on releasing a solo studio album in early 2016. 

After an interview with The Fader in November, where the early cuts of songs he had recorded with Channel Orange producer Malay were compared to Miguel and The Weeknd, many began to question whether or not this new sound would appeal to Malik's core following. Would the teen and bubblegum-pop loving fans he gained during his One Direction days be down with low-tempo sultry R&B records? 

Surprisingly, the answer is yes.  

On January 29th, Malik, now known mononymously as "ZAYN" released his debut solo single "PILLOWTALK," which has been met widespread critical acclaim and has received overwhelming support from the One Direction fandom. 

"PILLOWTALK," pairs slightly racy lyrics (compared to that of 1D) with a combination of alternative R&B and electronic beats that complement Zayn's voice perfectly. "PILLOWTALK" sounds like the music Zayn should have been making all along, and hopefully is a sign of what is to come from the singer.

A few hours after dropping "PILLOWTALK," Zayn released the sexy and slightly confusing, kaleidoscope filled visual for the single. His leading lady is none other than supermodel girlfriend Gigi Hadid and the video has racked up over twenty-five million views in just four days. 

Zayn's debut album, Mind of Mine, is slated to be released at the end of March, and I am definitely looking forward to it.

Happy Listening,

Robert