Selections from the Publicist Bin

A round up of new music sent to me by strangers

For context, in case you haven’t heard this story, I spent a number of years writing about music professionally for less and less money until it was no longer a viable way to make a living and I changed the direction of my professional journey. But I never stopped getting stuff sent to me by publicists from 2005 until today. My career spanned both physical and electronic press kits.

Sometimes I get sent songs I like and that merit sharing here. Most weeks, it’s just stuff I find while exploring the webs, but this round-up has a different provenance.

Here’s a bunch of new cool (if we’re to believe these artists’ publicists)… you can judge for yourself. #ListeningHabit

Previous Industries - “Pliers”

I would’ve shared this with you even if it hadn’t landed in my inbox because Previous Industries is an outsider rap trio consisting of Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave and STILL RIFT. And, for bonus points, the video is a bizarre riff on Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. This video has a lot of things going in its favor. I’m glad I didn’t miss this, actually. Their new album, Service Merchandise, will be out in mid-June.

Jay Worthy, Dam Funk & Dram - “Westside”

As soon as the trees start leafing out, I’m thinking about what’s going to be on the summer mix this year. This smooth-ass West Coast lowrider g-funk rap might be in the tournament. I first heard Jay Worthy on a song with Larry June, and he seems to consistently bring that blunted street luxury game, and I’ll open a minimum of 75% of the emails I get that mention Dam Funk, because there aren’t that many of them.

Chenayder & MAVI - “Colors”

I opened this email because I really liked MAVI’s record Laughing So Hard, It Hurts. I figured if he was popping up on a cameo, there was a good chance I’d like it.

This is a charming piece of music, and timed well for warmer weather. This things beats the heat with a stone cold ‘70s keys riff and a bouncing bass line that sets the table for Chenayder’s sweet-yet-postmodern vocal stylings and an on-theme verse from MAVI. Also, I should’ve read the publicist’s email more closely, because it wasn’t until I googled Chenayder that I learned she’s still in high school. Also, she’s signed to Alamo Records, which is an indie-looking subsidiary of Sony.

Whatever. This is a jam.

Saba & NO ID - “head.rap” ft. Madison McFerrin, Ogi, and Jordan Ward

You play this in the right room and the whole spot will soul clap along with it. A feel good jam about hair and hair styles. You couldn’t play this near people getting haircuts though because the natural head nod with this groove would have everyone walking out uneven. That’s the tragedy underlying this positive tune. Also, this is a song off Saba and NO ID’s joint album that has been “coming soon” since the first half of ‘23.

More picks continue below…