Some songs just have a certain je ne sais quoi; when you hear them you start skipping down a crowded public street. Embarrassing? Absolutely. Will you care? Not likely.
Hypnotic instrumental beats from new artists who blend the funky, sample-based approach of J Dilla with the soothing, electronic flourishes of downtempo producers.
Relaxation. Meditation. Inspiration. Let this eclectic mix of soothing and melodic bass music calm your body and stimulate your mind. Enjoy the scenic path down the rabbit hole.
Indie R&B -- or PBR&B to the glib -- combines dreamy, synth-based indie music with contemporary R&B beats. This lush new sound has been influencing underground and mainstream artists alike.
Looking for a chilled-out take on that brain-splitting, wobbly bass? Liquid dubstep combines ambient soundscapes with beautiful melodies and, of course, visceral bass lines.
Coined by DJs Dirty South Joe and Flufftronix, luvstep is a journey into the sexier side of modern bass music that's smoothly visceral and uniquely melodic. Dim the lights and turn up the stereo; you can apologize to the neighbors tomorrow.
Not all electro acts aim for the dance floor. Explore the low-key, laid-back side of the style though these well-known names and under-the-radar indie acts.
Late night public transit has a way of setting the perfect stage for dark entrancing music with salacious undertones and plenty of bass. Transcend the cacophony.
Think of these progressive instrumentals as the ultimate "temp tracks" -- that is, the music used during the editing phase of a film production to set the mood for a scene. Great for budding indie filmmakers and soundtrack enthusiasts.
Take a trip into the hypnotic world of psychedelia and Goa trance music. Go on a celestial journey from the comfort of your own private chill-out room.
Coined by visual artist Byron Werner in the 1980s, Space Age Bachelor Pad music encompasses the hi-fi aesthetic of the 1950s and early '60s. Beloved by even its most tongue-in-cheek fans, let this playlist soundtrack your next party.
Thanks to an emerging crop of young talent, the Seattle hip hop scene has started to earn national recognition. Here are the best tracks from the artists leading the movement.
As a freshman, Derek Smith left college to focus on music production full-time. Today, as Pretty Lights, Smith runs his own record label and is headlining festivals around the country. Listen to the best tracks from Pretty Lights, his contemporaries and label mates.
The sequel to Songza's original French Hip Hop playlist (http://bit.ly/JB2GvZ), this playlist features more essential cuts from the world's second most important hip hop scene.
Not all electro acts aim for the dance floor. Explore the low-key, laid-back side of the style though these well-known names and under-the-radar indie acts.
Known for its distinctive vintage sound and house band, Daptone Records has become one of the world's premier independent record labels. Listen to highlights of the best soul, funk, gospel and afrobeat released by this Brooklyn-based label.
Since 2007, Dead Oceans has released a steady stream of critically-acclaimed indie rock from artists including White Hinterland, John Vanderslice, Phosphorescent and more. Listen to the best songs from this small but influential label.
A genre that originated in Eastern Europe, electro-swing combines the classic swing sounds of the 1930s with house and electronic beats. This'll get your body moving, big daddy.
Since its birth in the Bronx, hip hop has been interpreted in various ways by different cultures around the globe. See what happens when hip hop crosses the pond with this mix of the best French hip hop.
Listen to highlights from Los Angeles-based independent record label Plug Research, which specializes in dark, funky electronica with hints of soul and hip hop.
Listen to essential songs that have shaped South African music, from 1950s Zulu-influenced jazz to the traditional a cappella singing of isicathamiya music, and the contemporary songs they have inspired.
Some songs just have a certain je ne sais quoi; when you hear them you start skipping down a crowded public street. Embarrassing? Absolutely. Will you care? Not likely.
Known for its distinctive vintage sound and house band, Daptone Records has become one of the world's premier independent record labels. Listen to highlights of the best soul, funk, gospel and afrobeat released by this Brooklyn-based label.
In the 1970s a new genre of music emerged from Nigeria called afrobeat. Created by the legendary bandleader Fela Kuti, afrobeat combined funk, jazz and psychedelic rock with West African highlife music and politically-charged lyrics.
Since its birth in the Bronx, hip hop has been interpreted in various ways by different cultures around the globe. See what happens when hip hop crosses the pond with this mix of the best French hip hop.
Some songs just have a certain je ne sais quoi; when you hear them you start skipping down a crowded public street. Embarrassing? Absolutely. Will you care? Not likely.
This playlist of mostly acoustic guitar-centric songs is perfect for long, relaxing nights in your bedroom. By yourself, or with someone special, listen to this until the sun rises.
Originating in the 1950s, bossa nova (Portugese for "new trend") combined harmonies and rhythms from American jazz with Brazilian samba. Now these songs have become standard jazz repertoire.
A journey through the history of France's vibrant electronic music scene; from 1960s musique concrète pioneer Pierre Henry, to today's chill out masters. C'est tres cool!