Weekly5
Five new songs delivered every Sunday. 100% algorithm-free, hand-picked for you.
Seventeen
Edition #90 brings you fresh tracks by Jamila, The Terrys, benzii, Kraków Loves Adana, and Spunsugar.
Welcome to the 90th edition of Weekly5, where a wide range of musical shades await you. There's something for every mood and taste: excellent pop, rapid rock, hard beats, 80s nostalgia, and drowning shoegaze.
Jamila – 17
25-year-old Jamila, a Swiss newcomer with Palestinian roots, has just released her debut EP, Fadeout. Her work, filled with room for reflection and vulnerability, still embraces the cathartic escapism of pop—perfectly illustrated in the track 17. Jamila is thrifty, doesn't indulge in opulence, but accomplishes electrifying quality with little effort: When the driven beat plunges into the bridge, and the vibrant piano hook emerges, there's ultimate proof of Jamila's promising future.
The Terrys – Silent Disco
Hailing from the small town of Gerringong, Australia, The Terrys rip through the scene with their fast-paced, uncompromisingly energetic rock song Silent Disco. Their sound is reminiscent of indie rock's great but long-gone heyday and yet sounds surprisingly refreshing. Silent Disco instantly demands attention, lurches and skids on its breathless ride.
benzii – sweat pearls
We've accompanied benzii, one of Germany's next generation of electronica, for a while now. Since her first appearance with Commodity, she has cultivated a recognizable style of meandering voice and hard techno beats. Her latest single, sweat pearls, hits exactly this notch: The track is as dreamy as it is explicit, almost violent and scary.
Kraków Loves Adana – (Feels Like) Heaven
Maybe you're already thinking of the classic Fiction Factory song from 1984. Deniz Çiçek, the woman behind Kraków Loves Adana, slowed the song slightly down, tainted it deeper in her melancholic soundscape, and decorated it with her beautifully low voice. Her version of (Feels Like) Heaven isn't trying hard to be different but an honest homage to the original.
Spunsugar – It Never Gave Me Anything
Malmö-based band Spunsugar celebrates the traditional shoegaze sound in their new single It Never Gave Me Anything. The thickly layered darkness is omnipresent, drowning everything in its deep pool of sinister beats and raw glide guitars. Although Spunsugar is an alternative rock trio, It Never Gave Me Anything proudly displays its post-punk insignia.
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You can listen to today's curation in the Weekly5 playlists. Head here for:
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Just Because I Regret It
Edition #89 features new tracks by Odd Beholder, Thumpasaurus, Les Big Byrd, Birdmask, and RABEA.
As announced previously, Weekly5 is a free format again. However, if you think our curation effort is worth it, we would love to welcome you as a paying subscriber—enabling the long-term sustainability of Weekly5 and Negative White. Discover our subscription options here. Thank you!
Before we definitely dive into this week's recommendations, you might wanna follow our playlists on different streaming platforms:
And also check out the Weekly5 Bandcamp to support your favourite picks. We lead by example and buy all available songs that are included in Weekly5.
Now, that we have gotten the administrative stuff out the way, let's dive into this week's selection.
Odd Beholder – Just Because I Regret It
With her latest single, Just Because I Regret It, Swiss musician Daniela Weidmann alias Odd Beholder announces her upcoming third album, Feel Better. The song juxtaposes a driven sound and pumping beat with Weidmann's melancholic-meandering voice, revealing the track's serious topic: the difficulty of leaving one's own problematic behaviour patterns behind.
Odd BeholderBandcamp New & Notable Aug 4, 2023
Thumpasaurus – I'm Cute
Thumpasaurus, a group of Californian funk lunatics, has recently released a new track called I'm Cute. Although their live performances are known to be full of energy, their music always combines an unbridled sense of wildness with elements of funk, jazz, and punk. I'm Cute is no different, with its saxophone-fueled rush of excitement and lyrics laced with sarcasm.
Les Big Byrd – I'm Living A Saved Life Now
Founded in 2011 as a duo in Sweden's capital, Les Big Byrd explore sound beyond the traditional boundaries of indie rock. I'm Living A Saved Life Now remains predominately instrumental, almost psychedelic in its expansive composition that grows throughout the song. I'm Living A Saved Life Now pushes ever-forward, yet feels mysterious and dark.
Les Big Byrd__mr__sinister__
Birdmask – Way Out
Manuel Gagneux isn't just Birdmask, but also Soft Captain, GEIZ, and—most notably—Zeal & Ardor. With his solo project Birdmask, Gagneux will release a new EP in November, and the single Way Out already gives a taste. Created as a balance to heavier songwriting, Way Out delves deep into soul—full of pain, pleas, and love. A powerful track.
BirdmaskMachine Head
RABEA – Rest In Peace
German artist RABEA has released Kingdom, a fascinating alt-pop EP, inviting us to a monumental world of captivating beats, eclectic electronica, and the cello. Rest In Peace slowly creeps up but builds up to imposing heights. Combined with RABEA's voice, the song becomes a monumental thing that will stay with you.
RABEABandcamp New & Notable Nov 23, 2021
Weekly5 Will Be Free Again
The music curation format will be unlocked from its paywall.
After careful consideration, we change Weekly5 back to a free offering by Negative White. As a result, you will receive again five new songs every Sunday morning.
If you are a paid subscriber in the Weekly5 tier, we update your subscription to Premium for the remaining runtime. You will have access to the full range of our reporting.
The Reasoning Behind The Change
Weekly5 switched from free to paid at the beginning of 2023 in a push for the financial sustainability of the platform. The curations were, therefore, only available to the paying subscribers, while free subscribers received a monthly recap.
However, with the revival of Negative White, there is now a broader range of reporting besides the music curations. And our in-depth stories and reviews provide a more attractive offer for paying subscribers.
Additionally, the goal of Weekly5 was always to share new music with a wider audience and introduce upcoming artists to people who value handcrafted curations. The paywall contradicts that goal.
With that said, if you think Weekly5 provides a valuable service, you can still support the project by starting your Premium subscription today.
Specials And Other Formats
While the regular Weekly5 will be freely available again, special curations and formats like reLISTEN will remain a treat that usually paying subscribers can savour.
Weekly5 is currently still on summer break. It will return to its regular schedule on August 27. Until then, we highly recommend diving into the Weekly5 playlist:
My 10 Favourite Songs of 2023 So Far
So far, I have curated 90 new songs this year for Weekly5. Here are ten of my personal favourites.
Our playlist curation Weekly5 is currently in its summer break. So far, I have selected 90 tracks in 2023. So, it's the perfect opportunity to reflect and rewind.
While I still enjoy every song in the playlist, some stand out. Songs that I listened to a lot and became part of my personal heavy rotation.
Although I've tried to limit myself, I once again couldn't help it. That's why it became a top ten, which already was hard to pull off. And if you're curious about the other song recommendations, browse through Weekly5's archive here.
TOMPAUL – Porto
Launching full of anticipating brass waves carried throughout the verses by Tom Paul Fischer's longing voice, Porto switches into a different gear in its instrumental parts with a dark and mysterious synth hook and a deep beat.
J Mahon – Deadstar
Deadstar is a thought-provoking reflection on how musicians often romanticize self-destructive behaviour. Despite its intricate nature, this indie-rock track is skilfully crafted and will undoubtedly linger in your mind long after you've experienced it.
June Recap
Check out five of our favourite tracks in the last couple of Weekly5 editions with ANGER MGMT., Yet No Yokai, Luna Morgenstern, Bully, and Maria Basel.
Today's recap features some of the best picks from the past couple of Weekly5 editions to give you a taste of what you've been missing.
Indulge in the heavy, fast-paced noise of Swiss trio ANGER MGMT. or dive into the dreamy-psychedelic ambience of Yet No Yokai.
Then, Luna Morgenstern awaits you with a magic blend of UK Garage and captivating pop melodies while Bully spreads a punkish rock vibe. Finally, Maria Basel brings you down again with her hauntingly beautiful composition.
ANGER MGMT. – Don't Blame It On Me
The trio ANGER MGMT., hailing from Winterthur, Switzerland, are Weekly5 veterans. Their track This Is It was featured in 2022. Now, the band has released their debut album, Anger Is Energy, and Don't Blame It on Me is a perfect example of their explosive sound that is as catchy as bold and untamed. It sounds like PG-13 pop-punk entered puberty and made dangerous new friends.
Yet No Yokai – Aufzug / Liebe Liebe
After years of playing and recording music, it's finally here: Wir Sind Da, the debut album of Switzerland's psychedelic rock heroes Yet No Yokai. As already hinted in Nebelmeer, the record is a blast of explorative, expansive Krautrock, and one of these highlights is the album's closer, Aufzug / Liebe Liebe. The track, starting heavy but then led by mesmerising rhythmic guitar and ancient drumming, explodes into infinity and beyond. It's a timelessly great song of transformative stamina.
Read our review of Wir Sind Da:
Negative WhiteJanosch Troehler
Luna Morgenstern – Jealous
Featured in 2021 with the pop ballad In My Head, newcomer Luna Morgenstern has grown a steady following since. And on her new EP, Dance Dance (Don't Go), Morgenstern shows her variety. Jealous draws you in with a fast-paced, UK garage beat and hooks you with the undeniable pop melody. Just great!
Bully – All I Do
Founded by Alicia Bognanno in 2013, Bully's music demonstrates a captivating mix of alternative, punk, and indie-rock. So All I Do, the opener to their latest album, Lucky For You, delivers precisely what you'd expect: an energetic instrumental composition paired with the distinctive, raspy, rowdy voice of Bognanno.
Maria Basel – Made For This
Born in Ukraine as the daughter of a pianist and a cellist, German artist Maria Basel's musical roots are still evident in her work. Made For This is just the latest example of Basel's thoughtful, harmonic compositions, filled with subtle, soft beauty and innocent vulnerability. As if it was the easiest thing in the world, Maria Basel cracks open chests and bears open our hearts. It's haunting, daring, and comforting in sadness.
Saturn Returning
Edition #88 with all-female performed tracks—from dreaming vibes and pumping dance to captivating songwriting craft.
We are thrilled to present an incredible selection of brand-new music today, featuring an all-female line-up of incredibly talented artists.
From irresistibly catchy hyperpop to exquisitely crafted songwriter artistry, the range of styles on display is dazzling. You won't want to miss a single note of these impressive tracks!
Angie McMahon – Saturn Returning
Melbourne-based Angie McMahon's music is a secret treasure chest of natural power and beauty. With her new single, Saturn Returns, she interlaces recordings of flowing water with piano, mighty organs, and thunderous guitars—all flowing into a mighty ocean of sound. Intimate and intimidating but always captivating.
Ikan Hyu – run ⊳⊳
Swiss duo Ikan Hyu pour indie rock vibes and pointy electronica into an electrifying cocktail. However, their latest release, run ⊳⊳, highlights analogue elements. The reduced composition, driven by a steady, pogo-inviting beat, feels almost punkish yet sparks indie rock's melodic excitement.
IKAN HYUBandcamp New & Notable Mar 12, 2016
Luna Morgenstern – Jealous
Featured in 2021 with the pop ballad In My Head, newcomer Luna Morgenstern has grown a steady following since. And on her new EP, Dance Dance (Don't Go), Morgenstern shows her variety. Jealous draws you in with a fast-paced, UK garage beat and hooks you with the undeniable pop melody. Just great!
Luna MorgensternBandcamp New & Notable Oct 26, 2021
LACODA – Here/Now
Not long ago, LACODA convinced me with Fear No Ghost. Further teasing the German artist's debut album, Here/Now is a synth-driven track wielding neon-coloured retro-futuristic aesthetic à la Bladerunner and a distinctive Kylie Minogue reference. But it's LACODA's sombre voice adding mystic intrigue.
Glasser – Vine
Following in the footsteps of Björk, US artist Cameron Mesirow, aka Glasser, paints extraordinary, meandering soundscapes. Vine sounds as organic as it does fantastic, even extraterrestrial. But in any case always superhumanly gigantic and incredibly thrilling.
You can listen to today's curation in the Weekly5 playlists:
🎧 Spotify
🎧 Apple Music
🎧 YouTube Music
Also, head toWeekly5 Bandcamp to support your favourite picks.
Safe Space
Edition #87 offers you a ping-pong of rougher sounds and tender tunes.
In today's edition of Weekly5, you can discover new music hailing from Australia, lingering in Switzerland for quite a while, and then travelling across the pond to the United States. Tender and soothing sounds complement the rougher and heavier tunes.
Soft Loft – Safe Space
We have already introduced Soft Loft, Jorina Stamm's band project, with their debut single, Is It Me. On Friday, the band released their debut EP featuring the song Safe Space. This hauntingly beautiful hymn speaks to our innate desire for safety, certainty, and peace through Jorina Stamm's songwriting, which is, above all, honest and vulnerable.
ANGER MGMT. – Don't Blame It On Me
The trio ANGER MGMT., hailing from Winterthur, Switzerland, are Weekly5 veterans. Their track This Is It was featured in 2022. Now, the band has released their debut album, Anger Is Energy, and Don't Blame It on Me is a perfect example of their explosive sound that is as catchy as brash and untamed. It sounds like PG-13 pop-punk entered puberty and made dangerous new friends.
ANGER MGMT.Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 15, 2022
Bully – All I Do
Founded by Alicia Bognanno in 2013, Bully's music demonstrates a captivating mix of alternative, punk, and indie-rock. So All I Do, the opener to their latest album, Lucky For You, delivers precisely what you'd expect: an energetic instrumental composition paired with the outstanding, raspy, rowdy voice of Bognanno.
BullyBikeBoy29
RVG – Brain Worms
Praised as «one of the most vital bands on the Aussie scene today» by Rolling Stone, quartet RVG is definitely worth your attention. With their third album, Brain Worms, and the namesake track, RVG prove that they've mastered the contemporary fusion of scruffy indie-rock and post-punk perfectly while telling the story of a person falling down the internet rabbit hole and finding comfort in conspiracies.
RVGhoppykanga
Annie Taylor – Ride High
Annie Taylor, a Swiss quartet, is a poster child of mellow yet undoubtedly cool rock music—sometimes dusty, sometimes gazy, sometimes pop-like. In their latest single, Ride High, they once again ascertain their talent for laid-back guitar music while tendering to intense emotion. The sound's warmth transports a message of resilience and persistence.
Annie TaylorBandcamp Album of the Day Mar 12, 2020
Follow The Playlists 🎧
You can listen to today's curation in the Weekly5 playlists. Head here for:
And check out the Weekly5 Bandcamp to support your favourite picks.
Still Something
In Weekly5 #86, cinematic and monumental sounds await you, garnished with pop melodies and otherworldly rock grooves.
This week, we have the opportunity to delve into the immersive world of cinematic sound and indulge in the electrifying experience of expansive psychedelic rock. As we keep spinning, we may find ourselves feeling a thrilling rush, yet ultimately leading us to a more vulnerable, introspective place.
Lola Marsh & Red Band – Feel It Still
In an unusual collaboration with the kind of fictional Red Band, Israeli duo Lola Marsh took Portugal. The Man's undyingly groovy Feel It Still and stepped on the breaks. The result is a slowly stomping, Western-styled cover song that sounds inherently Lola Marsh but also honours the original's vibe. And the duet of Yael Shoshana Cohen's unique voice and Ari Pfeffer, who voices the character of Red Ohrbach, is simply stunning.
FLEEB – Still Something
Pushing the boundaries of pop definition, the German-Swiss duo FLEEB is about to release its second album, Moon. With Still Something, we get another piece to their avant-garde puzzle: a song that requires all attention to discover its hidden details—from the dramatic rumbling beat to the playful swirling synthesisers. But it's Anna Hirsch's soulful voice, seemingly independent from the composition, that creates the immediate intimacy.
Yet No Yokai – Aufzug / Liebe Liebe
After years of playing and recording music, it's finally here: Wir Sind Da, the debut album of Switzerland's psychedelic rock heroes Yet No Yokai. As already hinted in Nebelmeer, the record is a blast of explorative, expansive Krautrock, and one of these highlights is the album's closer, Aufzug / Liebe Liebe. The track, starting heavy but then led by mesmerising rhythmic guitar and ancient drumming, explodes into infinity and beyond. It's a timelessly great song of transformative stamina.
Yet No YokaiBandcamp New & Notable Mar 29, 2023
To Athena – Spinning
Tiffany Limacher, better known as To Athena, is a rising star in Switzerland's music scene. Especially the songs like Angscht—sung in the Swiss dialect—made an impression. However, To Athena also always sang in English—for example, in her latest single, Spinning. Accompanied by a staggering, flickering chamber pop composition, her kaleidoscopic voice shines bright, extending the theme of Spinning to the sonic perception: A breathless, ever-faster rotating thing of almost disorienting proportions.
To AthenaBandcamp New & Notable Nov 23, 2021
Maria Basel – Made For This
Born in Ukraine as the daughter of a pianist and a cellist, German artist Maria Basel's musical roots are still evident in her own work. Made For This is just the latest example of Basel's thoughtful, harmonic compositions, filled with subtle, soft beauty and innocent vulnerability. As if it was the easiest thing in the world, Maria Basel cracks open chests and bears open our hearts. It's haunting, daring, and comforting in sadness.
Maria BaselBandcamp New & Notable Mar 29, 2021
Follow The Playlists 🎧
You can listen to today's curation in the Weekly5 playlists. Head here for:
And check out the Weekly5 Bandcamp to support your favourite picks.
