IN MY MIND: The Playlist (Vol.12) + April Album Arrivals

This April marks a much-needed "turning point" in the music industry since the start of the pandemic last year. It's getting warmer outside and many covid restrictions are being lifted, which means the people want new music! Here's some music that I've compiled for the past month that is sure to help you gear up for Summer.

Coco O. - It's a Process: After years of anticipation, Coco O. (half of the Danish duo Quadron) has released her debut album. Coco's smooth, ethereal voice along with her production is reminiscent of the soulful sound of decades prior while maintaining its own uniqueness. I've been waiting for this album since I first heard her voice on The Internet's debut album Purple Naked Ladies. Now that it's here, I'm willing to bet it'll stay in my rotation for quite some time.

*Favorite Track: Something Real

Shelley FKA Dram - Shelley FKA Dram: The artist formally known as Dram has shown a lot of growth in the past few years. While I was a fan of the earlier, more playful style of Dram, Shelley has taken his talents to a new level. Shelley's self-titled sophomore album has a more mature, soulful feel to it. His music becomes more intimate as he brings the listener into his world. Dram was cool, but I'm a big fan of Shelley.

*Favorite Track: The Lay Down with H.E.R and WATT

Rochelle Jordan - Play with the Changes: The Toronto-based R&B singer is back with a new album after seven years since her previous release,1021. As the title suggests, there's been a lot of growth since her previous album. Play with the Changes features a more polished mix of R&B and electronic/UK garage music we've come to love from Rojo. Her strong, yet sultry voice is on full display with this album, and it's here to stay.

*Favorite Track: Dancing Elephants

Flying Lotus - Yasuke: The enigma that is Flying Lotus is back with his new album Yasuke, which serves as the soundtrack for the anime of the same name in which he serves as an executive producer and composer. Yasuke, while maintaining the sound we've come to know and love from FlyLo, features many Japanese sounds and instruments and more synths than expected from him. What's so great about this album is that while it exists as an OST to compliment the anime, it also exists in its own space within the FlyLo discography.