Thank the Lord, May is over. This month seems to have been the longest and most tedious in my (almost) 20 years of living, so I'm happy to have it out the way and finally be looking forward to summer. In this edition of the monthly playlist, make sure to look out for revision motivation and end of uni celebrations, along with some old songs and a few new releases. 

1. Klaves - Come On

Mikiłaj Gramowski (a.k.a. Klaves), is a young DJ from Poland to be keeping an eye on in the next few months. This Eton Messy release is one of his latest; it's upbeat and appealing, apparently something I desperately needed to push me towards my essay word counts. His next release is an EP, due at some point this year. 

2. Childish Gambino - Sober (LeMarquis Cover)

Who knew LeMarquis could sing. This cover by the French producer is much more mellow and sedated than Childish Gambino's original. It's one of the heavier tracks on the playlist, yet remains similar to the others in terms of it's steady beat and distinctive vocals. It's a modern rendition of one of Childish Gambino's most familiar sounds. 

3. Major Lazer & DJ Snake - Lean On ft. MØ 

At the beginning of the month, I managed to get hold of tickets to Major Lazer at Manchester Academy, hosted by Warehouse Project. Since then, I've been on a bit of a binge. MØ's vocals add a softened element to this, not present in other Major Lazer's other wok, which makes this one of their standout tracks. 

4. Disclosure - Holding On ft. Gregory Porter

On the 27th, in the form of BBCR1's hottest record, we were brought this new track from Disclosure and Gregory Porter - a collaboration I held incredibly high hopes for. It's an electrifying mix of signature Diclosure beats combined with Porter's silky smooth vocals that will 

5. Stefano Ritteri - You're My Lover

Released by Glasgow Underground in March this year, a track sampling the vocals from The Emotions' 'I Could Never Be Happy'. It's an unexpected crossover, starting with a strong foundation of tech house for the fun disco vocals to be built on top of. Definitely one for the dance floor. 

6. Kaasi - Those Days

Released this coming Tuesday (2nd June), will be Kaasi's latest EP 'Tramuntana'. In true Kaasi style, Those Days is incredibly laid back and light, everything he creates seems to float. It's minimalist and refreshing, something to chill out to in the late afternoon. Imperturbable would be a good word to describe this sound.

7. Flume - Some Minds ft. Andrew Wyatt

The top rated comment for this video is from TheSoundYouNeed and it states 'There is a god and his name is Flume'. My personal affinity with him began in the summer of 2013 and I feel everyone who encounters his music, can't help but love him intensely. This new release seems a bit unfamiliar at first, but around the 3 minute mark becomes unmistakably 'Flumey', and so my loyalty as a fan of his continues as I remain hopeful for a 2nd album. 

8. James Bay - Let It Go (Jack Steadman Remix)

Although James Bay isn't someone I saw myself listening to, if you throw Jack Steadman in there, I'm up for anything. A classic Steadman remix cushions Bay's vocals, to massively enhance the original track. 

For more frequent updates on what I'm listening to, head over to my Soundcloud. 

After living in Manchester for the past 9 months, I'm surprised I've not seen more of the city. My friend Conor and I decided to take a trip to Manchester Art Gallery, to have a look at some of their current exhibitions. Following this, we headed to a bar in Northern Quarter, where we learned that The New York Brass Band were playing on the roof of a car park that evening!