What to Listen to This Month – Best Songs of August

Rapper Labrinth has joined forces with Australian singer Sia and American producer Diplo to form supergroup LSD (get it?). The trio have already released several pop bangers and ‘Thunderclouds’, their latest offering, is no different. It’s a bouncy love song with Sia and Labrinth exchanging lyrics about a tortured affair over punchy beats.

Hackney’s Stefflon Don shows how seriously talented she is with the release of her second mixtape, Secure. The release features collaborations with DJ Khaled, Sean Paul, Future and Popcaan with 16 songs of genre-shifting brilliance. The musician moves effortlessly between hip-hop, grime and rap as she unapologetically sings about female sexuality.

Sports Team originally formed at Cambridge University but are now based in Harlesden. The indie band channel lo-fi rockers Pavement in ‘Margate’, their new single which is an infectious ode to good old-fashioned British summers.

Rising star Millie Turner is just 18 years old but has an ear for a great pop hook. ‘She Was a Dancer’ is just the latest beautifully crafted track from the singer, who has a knack for coming up with catchy electro ballads.

Tirzah has released one of the best albums of the year so far with Devotion. Produced by her old school friend Mica Levi, it’s a stunning debut of slow-burning soul and languid R’n’B. ‘Go Now’, a moody and evocative slice of loveliness, is one of the oldest tracks on the LP, one that she’s been working on since she was a teen.

London duo Still Corners have also produced a strong album with Slow Air, the track ‘The Message’ showing off their slinky 1960s retro-tinged dream pop.

There are also tracks from Honey Lung, Gaika and Ella Mai to enjoy, so sit back, relax and press play to sample the best of London talent this month.