Montréal is POPPIN, Folks
Get ahead of Spotify’s algorithm with Hummingbird’s Music Feeder, a bi-monthly dose of invigorating and soul-pleasing tunes
With this Feeder, we feature a funky album from Planet Giza, some words from Mo Sella, and new releases from Kiefer, Hyde, Bran Movay, and others. Make sure to subscribe, forward, or share if you’re enjoying the music!
Planet Giza — Don’t Throw Rocks at the Moon
Fresh off a KAYTRANADA cosign for their groovy, successful single “When the Movin Stops,” Planet Giza dropped Don’t Throw Rocks at the Moon a few months ago, their follow-up to 2019 album Added Sugar. While this new effort is far shorter, it is more developed and cohesive in its funk, rap, and R&B-inspired sound. Don’t Throw Rocks at the Moon sees the group settle into their talent, and these 15 minutes worth of songs suggest the group has plenty to share into the future.
This self-released EP is impressive, touching on a variety of sounds without feeling redundant or tired. Despite its enthralling charisma and rhythm, “When the Movin’ Stops” is a little misleading as the project’s lead single. Other than the funky breaks and claps on “When the Movin’ Stops” and “Icarus,” the group’s talent shines through in their ability to switch up the mood and tempo at a moment’s notice.
With the only feature on the album, Cousin Stizz fits like a glove into the group’s vibe on “Rocky Road,” a spooky ballad dedicated to their two-door whips with ice cream-colored interior.
While Don’t Throw Rocks at the Moon doesn’t last long, it displays a breadth of talent rare in a music industry that often demands artists box themselves into a certain sound if they’re looking to have commercial success.
Hear from Hummingbird’s Nest: Mo Sella
Mo Sella is a name you’re going to want to get used to. The Egyptian-born, Washington D.C.-based artist is on the come-up after his groovy album, Stories of a Manhattan Apartment, dropped in 2020. We had the chance to speak with him after the album’s drop last summer:
“Experiencing different cultures is always very empowering,” he says. “I convey what my experience was, and that’s a way of telling a story as well. So that’s the same thing as the way I tell stories through music.”
And on Stories of a Manhattan Apartment, he’s dedicated to telling stories of positivity — a ‘things are going to be okay’ mindset pervades the album.
Bringing the funk of D.C.’s music scene and the hip-hop and R&B of New York’s, Sella’s debut will win over many listeners looking for a fresh, balanced palette of danceable, positivity-centered music.
“There’s a lot of terrible things going on, and I’m just trying to stay positive, trying to make music that can be an escape for people,” he says. “If someone’s feeling down or something they can turn on a song and feel a little bit better… ‘Cause it does for me. Writing music, making music, it’s definitely a therapeutic process for me.”
Check out the rest of the interview here.
Tune In: Best Drops of the Past Few Weeks
Hyde ~ Poison IV
Dropped on Earth Day, “Poison IV” is a breakup anthem from talented R&B/pop singer Hyde, building on recent releases “Undercover” and “Salt on My Tongue.” Hyde described the song as a “proud acknowledgment of turning heartbreak into growth and affirmation.” Take this chance to process some recent heartbreak with the help of a talented and ambitious young singer.
Bran Movay ~ Hips Talk (video)
With a guiding message of “be quiet, let them hips talk,” Movay keeps it simple for an aesthetically beautiful and exciting video premiere. “Hips Talk” comes off his 2021 album, Flower Talk II, a collection of tracks that’ll have you shaking your hips with a big smile on your face.
Kiefer ~ Between Days
Pushing keyboard-driven freeform jazz forward, Kiefer’s latest project is more daring than any of his previous efforts. With scattered keyboard sections and well-composed dissonance that’ll jar you into attention, Between Days is a complete album, fit for a wide variety of listening situations.
Topaz Jones ~ Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma
Over a series of funky, bass-bouncing beats, Topaz floats along with ease. The Montclair, New Jersey rapper is out to prove he’s capable of providing substance behind hits like “Tropicana” and “Toothache.” And Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma does exactly that, with punchlines, clever bars, and endless charisma.
Shelley FKA DRAM ~ Shelley FKA DRAM
Known best for years-ago pop-rap hits “Broccoli” and “Cash Machine,” Shelley FKA DRAM slows it down on this one, opting for a more neo-soul oriented record. Features from Summer Walker, H.E.R., and most importantly queen Erykah Badu prove that Shelley has a long future ahead of him with such emotionally powerful outbursts as this album.
flutter
Get out and party! There’s plenty to be anxious about, as we slowly and safely return to being able to party, and we’re here to make sure music is not one of your anxieties. Tune into Flutter for all your merriment needs, and run free like the beautiful soul you are.
With age-old classics and fun new tracks alike, this playlist leaves nothing to be desired.
Music-Related News
YouTuber and social media presence DyloPillow recently announced he’ll be dropping out of school to pursue music journalism full-time. With a quickly-growing audience and dedication to supporting smaller artists, make sure to check him out for almost-daily uploads.