Wham, Jam, Thank You Ma'am
To help you get the party started, we asked some of our favorite local musicians to share their top summer songs. The result? A cool little playlist perfect for days of fun in the sun.
The first barbecue of the summer is right around the corner. And since your kabobs totally, err, kabombed last time around, you've been put in charge of tunes.
Sabrina Velazquez, singer: "Taken all together, the song’s lyrics encapsulate everything about summer. It's perfect to listen to after a long day at the beach and it’s about summer love. And who doesn't like that?"
1."July Flame," by Laura Veirs
Mike Pooley, vocalist and guitarist, Painted Highways: "This song makes me think of three blonde dudes who look like Johnny from Karate Kid excitedly jumping into a red convertible bug and zipping along the coastline—a perfect summer moment." 
2. “Let’s Go Surfing,” by The Drums
3. “Baby I’m Yours,” by Breakbot feat. Irfane
DJ Eskae, Nocturnal Sound Krew: "Summer love songs are my guilty pleasure and this Breakbot song is no exception. French disco house and declarations of love will definitely warm hearts and get dance floors hot."
John Cruz, singer: "It’s got a classic summer vibe and it features local boy Peter Hernandez, a.k.a. Bruno Mars, on vocals."
4. “Billionaire,” by Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars
Kasi Nunes, lead vocalist, Kings of Spade: "Not only does this song remind you to appreciate the beauty in life, but it’s so funky and upbeat you can't not dance to it. "
5. “Fresh Air,” by Brother Ali
Kitty Chow, dj and lead vocalist, Soul Revival Sound System: "This track is a juicy background for a lazy, hot, sultry day beside the pool. It will set the mood for you and that special someone."
6. "King Cobra," by The Budos Band
Tassho Pearce, a.k.a. Emirc, MC: "Creed Chameleon and Seattle and L.A. heavyweights trade bars over this soulful track, produced by Osna. The title says it all. It's definitely a dope track to ride out to this summer." 
7. “Paradise Life Relaxin’," by Creed Chameleon feat. Geo and Bambu
Ara Laylo, lead vocalist, Clones of the Queen: "When it's summer and hot in my house, I like to sit by the window, sip on a cool beverage and listen to grooves like this."
8. "Love," by Erykah Badu
Eric Lagrimas, drummer, Pimpbot: "Fresh and groovy, it’s classic exotica for modern listeners. The Waitiki 7 has roots in Hawai‘i, but is now based in Boston and performs at festivals all over the world."
9. “Tiki,” by The Waitiki 7
