Four Songs You Should Hear Right Now: Kygo, Lianne La Havas, Aquilo, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone”

This Portland-based band keeps getting better and better with each release. On their newest single, they really bring the FUNK!

They go all in on “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” from the album “Multi-Love” out later next month on Jagjaguwar.

The album is an upbeat catharsis reflecting on the difficulties of being in a relationship. On this song, they accomplish it with synths and a bouncing bass line.

Aquilo – “Better Off Without You”

Jason Bentley has been spinning this UK electro-soul duo’s new single, which will be featured on their upcoming EP, “Calling Me“, due out June 1st.

It’s a cool R&B slow jam that fans of Frank Ocean and James Blake should dig. Rolling Stone recently dubbed them an Artist You Should Know so keep your eye on these two.

Lianna La Havas – “Unstoppable”

(by guest writer Brandon Devine)

The London-based folk-soul songstress delighted fans yesterday with the debut of a new single off her forthcoming sophomore release, “Blood” (out July 31st on Nonesuch)

Dreamy and downtempo, “Unstoppable” feels like a five-and-a-half-minute cosmic-crescendo, with a perpetual groove that has La Havas almost floating with a casual confidence — singing “I was like a satellite, spinning away / Almost lost forever, leaving no space … It’s just gravitational / We’re unstoppable.”

Kygo – Stole The Show (ft. Parson James)

This young producer from Norway is making waves in the EDM world.

He’s been in the biz since he was a teenager and became well known for his remixes (in particular, this one of Ed Sheeran). Now, he’s stepping out with some excellent solo material, led by piano melodies which he plays himself. We’ve only heard three songs so far – each with a notable vocalist – but it’s clear he’s on his way to fame.

We recorded a live session yesterday which will be airing on MBE on May 4. Do NOT miss it. Trust me.

RR