[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.]9CB333E6-17FF-47EE-A52B-40424C43E210

Here’s the thing – we fully realize that it is not Monday. Things have been quite cray, as they say, since we returned from Los Angeles from the epic weekend that was the 2013 Fourth Estate Summit, but we couldn’t not do a mixtape for this week. There are too many fresh offerings to keep it all hidden.

Before we get to the tunes, though, as Invisible Children Music, we would like to thank everyone who made the artists who volunteered their time at the Summit feel so welcome. We’d also like to extend a similar, “Thank you and we <3 you,” to the amazing performers – Andrew Belle, Noah Gundersen, IN-Q, Le Wrens, Ghost Beach, Carousel, The Jane Doze, Betty Who and Fyler Tordham.  Additionally, a MASSIVE virtual hug to Leland Cox who composed the original score to the Fourth Estate Summit.

With those Oscar-worthy salutations through, we bring your our newest collection of favorite songs.

Explore our previous mixes on our Soundcloud and financially support the artists you’re into.

01. SAM SMITH – “Nirvana” :: It’s becoming superhuman the ability Sam Smith has to emote and infuse soul into every one of his songs. This is the title track off his upcoming EP, and it could be an early career highlight. That chorus melody is heavenly. He’s the most refreshing new artist of 2013.

02. YADI – “Creatures” :: Utter gems make up Yadi’s current catalog. This one is especially left-field and brilliant. The Very Best’s (and friend of Invisible Children’s) Johan Hugo is on the production of this track. Solid work, you all.

03. JAYSWAYS – “Mirrors” :: This 17 year-old Sydney fellow has made one infectious pop track. Looking forward to seeing what else he has to offer.

04. MADEON – “Technicolor” :: Speaking of young dance/pop geniuses, Madeon crushes his new track. He cannot create anything underwhelming.

05. MIA – “Unbreak My Mixtape” :: Anything MIA gets an instant stamp of approval from us. Her album is sounding ambitious thus far.

06. WHEN WE WERE SMALL – “Untied” :: Mellow sounds out of Australia with this demo from rising band When We Were Small.

07. VANCOUVER SLEEP CLINIC – “Vapour” :: Chilly and beautiful. James Blake / Bon Iver fans, pay close attention to this one.

08. NIGHT PANTHER – “Delta” :: Not only are the members of this band quite talented, they are so lovely. We worked with them at SXSW and recorded a stripped version of their song “Fever.” This new song off their debut album – that is filled with pop masterpieces, btw – just carries us. We love them.

09. BANKS – “Waiting Game” :: Ever since we heard “Before I Ever Met You,” we were obsessed with BANKS. She’s released completely beautiful tracks since, but this one stops time. What a stunner.