I’m kicking off summer by picking up where I left off with my monthly themed playlist series — a tradition I started a while back to soundtrack my moods and moments. Each month (depending on the vibe), I curate a playlist that’s available to all… assuming you have Spotify, of course.
To resume the series, and in honor of the sun shining a little brighter and tan lines making their first appearance, here’s a sneak peek into my pre-summer playlist — just in time for my favorite season of the year.
“SOFT GIRL SUMMER” – SAILORR
Leading her debut album From Florida’s Finest, Sailorr wastes no time setting the tone for the season: she’s deep in her divine feminine, operating from a place of ease, softness, and selective delusion. It’s a care-free anthem laced with attitude — a kiss-off to male-induced nonsense. If you’ve ever been emotionally finessed in the modern dating scene, her lyricism will strike a nerve. In the best way.
“One More” – Nippa
North London R&B crooner Nippa delivers a track that deserves a place at every function this summer. Closing out his latest project, Hope She Hears This, “One More” captures the hazy aftermath of seeing an ex after one too many drinks. I’ve found myself leaning into these melancholic-yet-moveable tracks lately, where the beat makes you dance, but the lyrics have you reminiscing of, and make you text your situationship. Just me?
“London Summer” – Odeal
Dare I say the Brits are poised to run Summer 2025? I’ve been riding with the “Soh-Soh” singer since Sunday At Zuri’s dropped last year, and Odeal hasn’t missed. This new Afrobeats-infused single is drenched in seasonal nostalgia — an ode to spontaneous joy, dancing with strangers, and the kind of carefree energy that only summer brings. Play it loud and often.
“Fast Money” – Drewbyrd (feat. Daboii & 22nd Jim)
The Bay came to play. Drewbyrd teams up with Daboii and 22nd Jim to deliver a track that could only be described as nostalgic and futuristic at once. Over a house-influenced beat that feels like it could’ve been sampled from a ’90s club classic, the trio rides it with a hyphy cadence that makes it unapologetically West Coast.
Sydney Wanguhu (she/her) is a Bay Area native and L.A.-based journalist covering entertainment and culture. Follow her on Instagram and Spotify: @sydneyy._
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