[Invisible Children Music: We firmly believe that music has a necessary role in giving social movements tremendous amounts of momentum. It is a universal language, and at Invisible Children, it’s important for us to be a part of that language.]2878BA82-0A3E-41C7-A345-209E18E66F22

It’s officially summer here in the Northern Hemisphere, which is lovely, but it honestly feels like summer every day in San Diego (spare circa three days in December). Alas – good tidings.

Summer for Invisible Children Music means Vans Warped Tour, where our team is posting up every day and working with incredible artists and brands (special s/o to Epitaph Records, Tilly’s, William Beckett and The Summer Set.) You can see all the fun on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Summer (and fall/winter/spring) also means more music recommendations from us. Here are the seven new songs we’re into. And yes, there’s some Aubrey Graham.

01. M.I.A. – “Bring the Noize” :: The urge to only include this song on the mix was strong. M.I.A. only operates in future ideas.

02. THE PREATURES – “Is This How You Feel?” :: I’ve been repeating this song like mad lately. It’s a groovy throwback track with such a subtly catchy guitar riff. Big sounds.

03. MIKKY EKKO – “Kids” :: Nashville songwriter (and Rihanna collaborator) Mikky Ekko might have just dropped the new generational anthem. The sound is a shift from his previous work, and it’s sheer genius.

04. DRAKE + SAMPHA – “The Motion” :: I have such love for everything Drake does. Add my usual interest in his work with a guest feature from one of the most underrated singers/producers Sampha, and you have my current emotional state re: this new song. If this can catapult Sampha into international fame, I wouldn’t be mad. If you’re into those smooth vox, check his perfect track “Indecision.”

05. BALL PARK MUSIC – “Bad Taste Blues (Part II)” :: Another Australian band crushing it. The vocals on this do it for me. It’s a really quality driving track, this one.

06. EDWARD SHARPE + THE MAGNETIC ZEROS – “This Life” :: Alexander has been a great supporter of Invisible Children, and we love his band. Their new song is immense. Throw a choir on any song, and it’s my fave (cc: “Sacrilege” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs).

07. DUSTIN TEBBUTT – “The Breach” :: On some Justin Vernon level, and we love it. Very excited to see what else this gentleman has to offer.