Staff Picks 5/08/23

Image via @yuna

Sparky Staff Picks is a series where our writing and editing team comes together to talk about what’s been stuck in our heads and on repeat in our playlists. it doesn’t matter if it’s new or old, popular or underground, it just needs to have us in a chokehold. Follow Sparky on Twitter and Instagram @sparkywtf for more.

Yuna , “Pantone 17 1330”

With words like "honey", "palette", "sand, sky and ocean" and vocals as delicate as a freshly bloomed flower, Yuna shows us how safe she is in her own skin. All the things that make us who we are should never be dulled by society’s push towards an impossibly simple narrative. I hope that this song can pull those blinded by such accounts out into a light that celebrates exactly who they are without changing a thing. In “Pantone 17 13 30”, Yuna reminds us that the colour of her skin is perfect the way it is, and is hopeful others can see the perfection in imperfections. Whether it is the colour of your skin, the way you dress, the people you like, I hope this song will help you stay true to who you are and give you the strength to stand proud of it all. - Kimberly Moon-Chong

Ella More, "You Know"

Ella More is one of my favourite artists currently rising out of the UK. With her recent track "You Know", she has perfectly blended contemporary RnB with Jazz to create her own unique sound. Her lyricism behind this song is brilliant as she perfectly depicts a story with ease, with smooth melodic transition that keeps the listener engaged. One key component of the song I love is the violin's that end off each stanza after the chorus which depict her growing as a person throughout the songs lyrics. A beautiful song that has been stuck in my rotation since its release back in late March. Really excited to hear what's next from her! - Jacob Cooper

The Weeknd, "Wanderlust - Pharrell Remix"

"Wanderlust - Pharrell Remix" by The Weeknd might sound familiar...this iconic track showcases the Canadian singer's impressive vocal range and production legend Pharrell's skills. The remix infuses the original song with a funky, upbeat energy that's impossible not to move to. The Weeknd's silky smooth vocals glide over the intricate beat, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that's both dreamy and danceable; giving the song a new life that serves as the perfect example for why remixes are essential to the exploration of a song. The lyrics, which speak to the desire for adventure and escape, are delivered with a sense of longing and urgency have definitely resonated with you when you listened to it on the radio in 2013. Overall, this is a must-listen for fans of either artist. - Anita Mazumdar-Moscato

Lupe Fiasco, “SentRock”

Lupe Fiasco is back in full effect! SentRock is his latest self produced single that is also a collaboration with the acclaimed Chicago painter SentRock. This song sounds like it came out during Lupe’s Food & Liquor era, a very nostalgic feel. As always you’re getting Lupe’s stellar lyricism but this time we also got blessed with Lupe’s production. The production on this song is impeccable, it features a flute sound-like sample that is simply infectious. I’d love to hear lupe produce more of his own tracks. This song is also accompanied by a beautiful art piece created by SentRock which visualizes what Lupe is talking about in the song. Let me know if you catch everything! - Marlon Gray

The Garden, "This Could Build Us a Home"

Coming down from their epic Coachella performances, SoCal twin duo The Garden has been living rent-free in my head. Their sound combines glitchy ambient and jungle with hardcore punk for a sonic blend unlike any other. “This Could Build Us a Home” opens with low-frequency ambient noise quickly leading listeners into swarming synths and up-tempo chords. Once their dramatic vocals enter, the song manifests into a cohesive new punk and electronic masterpiece. I can only ever listen to The Garden at full blast to truly embrace the hardcore nature of their sound and immersive myself in the listening experience. Lollapalooza goers be sure to catch The Garden if you wanna mosh in the middle of Grant Park. - Kiara Vaziri

Zenesoul, "Let me go"

Zenesoul has the soul within her! I really want to know who hurt Zenesoul; her lyricism throughout this song are heartbreaking and beautiful constructed melodically. The Canadian Juno nominated RnB singer is coming off a huge year in 2022 and has not missed a beat in 2023 with some of her best singles to date. Zenesoul has started off 2023 with making herself the face of RnB in Toronto. With her performances already around Toronto's big RnB communities CHMSTRY, FilltheBLNK, you have to see her in late June at Canada's biggest RnB festival: Fresh Up RnB Festival. Can't wait to see her perform live this year! Let me know what you think of my picks of the week on my twitter @jaake_cooper - Jacob Cooper

The Poles, "느릿느릿 지는 해를 바라보자 The Setting Sun"

"느릿느릿 지는 해를 바라보자 The Setting Sun" by Korean indie-pop group The Poles is a mesmerising and soulful track that blends traditional Korean instruments with contemporary pop sensibilities. The song's gentle melody and soothing vocals create a sense of peace and introspection, transporting the listener to a place of calm and reflection. The poetic lyrics talk about the beauty of life's fleeting moments, and are delivered with a heartfelt sincerity that is deeply stirring. The Poles' unique sound and musicality make them stand out in Korea's vibrant indie music scene, and "느릿느릿 지는 해를 바라보자 The Setting Sun" is a standout example of their artistry. - Anita Mazumdar-Moscato

BROCKHAMPTON, “37th”

Oh how I miss Brockhampton. 37th is truly a crushing song where Kevin Abstract talks about the dissolution of Brockhampton over a slowed down sample that just sets the tone. Kevin really takes the time to clear off the many things on his chest. He talks about how he failed to support the band and it’s members, specifically mentioning his former member Ameer Vann. Kevin’s emotions and lyrics clearly translate through this song. Although Brockhampton is no more, what they did was nothing but legendary. - Marlon Gray

The South Hill Experiment, "Gabo's Last Resort"

The South Hill Experiment is built on the foundation of experimentation and breaking traditional music norms. It’s no wonder their tracks sound like groovy jam sessions of carelessness and freedom as the two embrace their funk and jazz roots. The group consists of the Baltimore-born Acheson brothers who release music independently under the names Baird and Goldwash. Their March release “Gabo’s Last Resort” combines jazzy piano, funk-heavy basslines, and dreamy vocals to create a mellow modern psychedelia banger. One of those “my life is a movie” songs, “Gabo’s Last Resort” will have listeners manifesting that storybook ending. - Kiara Vaziri