Teppen’s July 2026 Playlist
Last month, we decided we were going to keep our playlists to 50 tracks, so here’s our July playlist, a few days late and with… over 75 releases. So much great music dropped last month, as did a ton of great live vids. We’ve assembled our favorites, and while it’s a bit delayed because of other coverage (Great South Bay Music Festival, etc), we’re finally ready to share our July playlist with the world!
Check out the full playlist on Youtube.
Spit lulu’s – “Weird World“
Explosive gazey rock from Japan. I love how the loud, cutting guitar intertwines with a hypnotic, low-key synth part.
Wednesday – “Fine”
Massive, immersive soundscapes from Korea. Not to be confused with the American band of the same name.
リーガルリリ (Regallily) – “コニファー” (Conifer)
Catchy new track from J-rock veterans Regallily. Released as the ending credits for the anime, 『これ描いて死ね』(Draw this, then die!).
橋本絵莉子 (Eriko Hashimoto) – OVER LIFE
Charming 3rd full-length record from former Chatmonchy vocalist/guitarist Eriko Hashimoto.
くらやみ-ざか (kurayamisaka) – “hikari”
Originally written for 長瀬有花 (Yuka Nagase), much like “sagittarius” was for RAY. This version showcases the song in a much more raw form. These alternate-universe peeks into kurayamisaka’s collaborative works have been fascinating.
She Side Ship – “はじまりのしたく” (Preparations for the Beginning)
Utterly addicting pop-rock.
シーサイドスー (Seaside Suu) – ドーナツ (Donuts)
Gorgeous dreampop with some really great guitar parts mixed in. Their first EP, どうか健やかに！(Wishing you good health), is out now, by the time you’re reading this.
Lucie, Too – フルカウント (Full Count)
Music video release of a fantastic, upbeat guitar-pop track from Lucie, Too. A new baseball anthem.
パターソン (Paterson) – Hey,
Wonderful first EP from Paterson. Four great tracks, especially “Utopia”, which is a total vibe. An artist to keep an eye on for sure.
RAY – ぞめき (Zomeki)
RAY continue to expand their sound, this time going in a more traditional direction with music by shamisen player 川嶋志乃舞 (Shinobu Kawashima) and collaborating with dance troupe, TAKARABUNE. Its early moments are a lot of fun with the members of RAY introducing themselves, but it goes into some really interesting, hypnotic and spacey territory thanks to some of the other collaborators on the track, especially the guitar part laid down by カワコウ (Kawa Koh) of GET BILL MONKEYS. Also, apparently all recorded in one take.
ITAZURA STORE – “recipe”
Just an infectious and joyful track from a band that does things their way. The music video is both incredibly fun and incredibly cool.
望月志保 (Shiho Mochizuki) – 中華食べたい (I Want To Eat Chinese Food)
Uchudan singer Shiho Mochizuki simply wants to eat Chinese food. A really fun track from a uniquely creative artist.
Gum Girl – Dramatic!!!!
Super fun 4-track EP. Kicks off with a pair of poppy rockers, then there’s the wonderful change of pace with “ムーンバウンド” (Moonbound). All wrapped up nicely with the big rock ending of “アカバネナイトフローターズ” (Akabane Night Floaters)
Robot Atama – “ヒトヨ” (Hitoyo)
A beautiful cinematic track from a truly one of a kind artist. Released late last year in Japan, but finally seeing a worldwide release in July.
シベリアンハスキー (Siberian Husky) – 痺れる恋とビー玉 (Electrifying Love and Marbles)
Very cool band with a ton of potential. This track has a little bit of everything in it, and all 3 members get a moment to shine.
タナカノコハル (Tanaka no cohalu) – さかなのじかん (“Sakana no Jikan”)
A fun music video that belies the serious tone of the song, a wonderful juxtaposition that shows artists are complex multifaceted people.
Johanna Samuels – “Full Story” (ft. Jordan Lehning)
Gorgeous new single from Samuels’ upcoming record Sorry, Kid
Hazel English – “Conversations”
The latest in a batch of new singles from Hazel English. Nostalgic, dreamy and hazy, it’s right where Hazel’s music is at its best.
Tessa Violet – “Something To Lose”
“I like to imagine I had already died, but was given the chance to come back. I would feel the breath in my lungs, the grass beneath my feet, and the pure luck and gratitude to be spending this beautiful life with you.”
A beautiful sentiment from Violet, and a beautiful song to match it.
Vacations – “I See Myself In You”
Another beautiful sentiment – thoughts of generational conversations, seeing ones self in their parents, and also their children. Just so warm and human. From upcoming album Pursuit of Anything, out in October.
Squirrel Flower – “Not Me” & “Sick Tooth“
Two kickass tracks from Squirrel Flower. The countrified “Not Me” and the brief, but heavy hitting “Sick Tooth”. Honestly, the stuff of legends. Grab their record Say A Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going”, when it drops August 21st.
青葉市子 (Ichiko Aoba) – さよならペンギン (SAYONARA PENGUIN)
A track with the charm you’d expect from a song about “a penguin who exists as one of Aoba’s imaginary friends”.
Endless Season – A Different Sway o’ da Weep
Daniel Carter and Ayumi Ishito weave jazz, improv, and electronic techno into drifting new ambient realms. The two giants of the New York experimental scene are joined by Yuko Togami on drums for “Wake of Shards”. An immersive album that can help you heal if you give it a spin.
Julia Holter – “My Lost One”
Julia Holter describes “My Lost One” as “a witchy folktale inspired by children’s books with creepy rhymes and nonsense syllables, trees growing through living rooms, and animals doing things in clothes”. Its early moments walk right on that line of whimsy and eerie. The track builds, flows, moments of peace, wonder. Then it comes to a truly incredible close. From Holter’s upcoming record Materia, out August 21st.
Oriental Love (aka Kaya Takada) – Ancient Vibrations
Massive industrial scale space noise, at times you could smell the hydraulic fluid and it went perfectly with a humid summer day, Takada is building worlds with sounds. He also runs the amazing club Oriental Force and he is an integral supporter of the underground scene, Japanese and globally.
Composer Shin-ya Ohno, aka KiMiMI, brings a wonderful slice of modern experimentalism that combines field recordings and jazzy classical compositions into a snapshot of life. It contains snippets of musicians and construction workers at the Arimaston Building in Tokyo, including a collaborator of mine, Kyoko Yamamoto. These along with PA announcements instantly transport you to Japan with its distinct sounds; sometimes these recordings are reversed for dreamlike effects. Highly recommended.
細野 晴臣 (Haruomi Hosono) – “Note of Mothership”
Released on Hosono’s 79th birthday, the opening track from Hosono’s upcoming record Yours Sincerely, his first in seven years. A beautiful track that still finds a way to expand the musical universe of one of Japan’s greatest artists.
Julia Jacklin – “I Wish” (feat. The Maes)
Great acoustic track with stunning harmonies from one of Australia’s best. From her upcoming record, The Gem.
Slow Pulp – “Not for Nothing”
Powerful, yet understated electric piano-led ballad. From the upcoming Melodie, out September 18.
Sophia Bel – “Rat Race”
A track that features both pristine vocals, and a lo-fi underlayment. A dynamic that makes the song completely compelling. From Bel’s upcoming record When The Cows Come Home.
Babehoven – Lasagna
Folky perfection from Babehoven’s upcoming I see them, I see me, out September 18th. Accompanied by a really great music video.
Told Slant – “Manhattan”
I’m not gonna lie, I’m biased. Told Slant has been one of my favorite bands for well over a decade. Few artists hit the mark quit like Felix Walworth, and “Manhattan” proves it. A bit of a rocker, with Walworth’s signature lyricism. From the upcoming What’s Up, which is out in September on Mtn Laurel Recording Co.
God of War – “Mickey Don’t Pose”
Really cool track from the project of Douglas from They Are Gutting A Body Of Water with Scott Turner and Sam Silbert of Hooky. A great beat, inviting instrumentation, guitar loops, and some pitch shifted and distorted vocals. Creative and addicting.
残響 (zankyo) – zankyo (残響)
Lyrically cathartic and confessional with uplifting airy keyboards with a touch of whimsical melody that heals. This duo is set for great things
ellis – “all that i’ve got”
As dreamy as dreamy gets. A stunning slow build with an incredible close.
Josaleigh Pollet – If I Let It Quiet
Josaleigh Pollet’s latest album is one of the year’s best records. Pollet’s songwriting is as powerful as ever, and it’s only amplified by the collaboration with Jordan Watko, aka Crowd Shy. That collaboration also defined so much beyond just the record’s sound. Watko is based in Japan, and Teppen knows as well as anyone how difficult that dynamic can be. The whole album is fantastic, but if “Bed of Quiet” doesn’t hook you, it makes me wonder what will.
THAO – “Sick of the Times” ft. Tune-Yards & The Linda Lindas
A legendary combination of artists collaborating in a big way. Its early moments electronic, distinctively Tune-Yards. Its later moments loud and uncompromising like The Linda Lindas. All driven ahead by THAO. From THAO’s upcoming Show Me, out in October.
Sylvan Esso – “Concrete Glen”
A laid back track with the creativity you’d expect from Sylvan Esso. The way “Concrete Glen” bounces between two worlds, Amelia Meath’s crystal clear vocals over some heavy drumming – then transitioning into a modulated voice, and compressed drums. It’s magic when it all comes together in the end.
Deep Sea Diver – “Teardrop”
A powerful performance of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop”. Builds upon the original with some unpredictable instrumentation, and a powerful as hell vocal performance.
Kiwi Jr. – “Photos Of The Reenactment”
Upbeat rocker from the upcoming Blowin’ Up. Just some great, smart, observational lyricism and jangly guitar.
Meaningful Stone – “1+1= 0” (feat. Jay Som)
Dreamy track recorded with Jay Som in Los Angeles. Some great 90’s vibes.
Absolutely Yours – “Margaret”
Absolutely Yours released one of our favorite records a couple of years ago. They’re following it up with Desire Path, and its first single, “Margaret” is one hell of a start.
Starcleaner Reunion – “Never Odd or Even”
Really rad track with some great shifts throughout. From their upcoming record Umbrella.
miida – “Young Dudes”
Both a throwback to the 80’s and completely modern. Infectious synth, some great guitar underneath, a killer bass groove, and a really great vocal delivery.
Jūji – “Gimme A Rest“
Modern Japanese City Pop by a band from Thailand. Just some really great stuff that builds on what made the genre resurge recently, and brings a lot of modern style to it.
petalhead (ペタルヘッド) – 初夏のエスケイピズム (“Shoka No Escapism”)
Charming, and utterly addicting pop track.
Cornershop Ft Bubbley Kaur – “Bounce & Salute”
Great pop track with reggae roots and Punjab lyrics. A great dynamic that makes the song irresistible.
Sharp Pins – “Saturday Sun”
Throwback rocker that’s reminiscent of the British Invasion, and the music it immediately inspired. It doesn’t fall into the trap of a too direct inspiration (like Greta Van Fleet), but more a conglomeration of influence, and “Saturday Sun” is a great ride because of it.
Shearwater feat. Laurie Anderson – “You And Your Dog”
A song to stop you right in your tracks. Haunting instrumentals and a spoken word vocal from Laurie Anderson. From Shearwater’s The New World, which will be out by the time you’re reading this.
Todd W. Emmert – Jean Jacket Blues, On Being Observed, and Art
Jean Jacket Blues is more of Todd’s rural type instrumentals but this is inspired by heavy metal patch (battle jacket) and perhaps the good feelings that come with rediscovering these bands.
On Being Observed is a mix of instrumental and singing, in the most Teppen moment of the year Todd says “I only eat cardboard and I collect records, relationships never work out”. Folk style tunes but through that Meat Puppets or Roky Erickson type kaleidoscope.
The familiar themes and motifs are back for the third time on Art but have the additional layer of electric guitar. The songs really take a new psychedelic direction with the lead lines ripping along.
Matt Berninger – “Martini Me Fatso”
Matt Berninger doing Matt Berninger things.
The Olivia Tremor Control – “The Same Place”
“The Same Place”, the song is not exactly a new release, it was released on the day that Will Cullen Hart’s death was announced in 2024. In July, it was announced that a new record of the same name would be released, featuring 27 tracks recorded before the death of Hart and his bandmate Bill Doss. Despite the tragic circumstances, we’re eager about the long-awaited third, and final studio record to finally be completed.
No Joy – “Barking At The Sun”
Talk about completely unpredictable and unclassifiable. “Barking at the Sun” has double bass drum, record scratches, acoustic guitar, lush synth, and some of the dreamiest vocals you’ll ever hear. Fuck yeah.
サニーデイ・サービス (Sunny Day Service) – 青空であること (Aozora de arukoto)
Just a great rock track from one of Japan’s great rock bands.
博物館ズ (Hakbutzkans) – 淵野辺 (“Fuchinobe”)
Really rad track that seamlessly bends a handful of styles. Slide guitar opens things up, then there’s some really intricate guitar picking, reminiscent of midwest emo. A sing-along chorus, and then a kickass couple of solos.
Tanzana – “Without A Sound”
A track that starts out with some beautifully played acoustic guitar, before it all gets turned on its head. Things get distorted and heavy real quick, with one hell of a vocal performance driving it all.
Slothrust – “Burn the Deck”
Strange, surreal, and heavy, which is exactly how we like our Slothrust tracks ’round here.
The Garden – Bootleg
A kickass record that’s unbelievably cool. Loud, chaotic, and unpredictable. Just listen to the two singles “5 Mile Ponytail” and “Eve of Nothing”.
Nikoん (Nikonn) – “as it is / (not) as“
Coolest band in the world doing stuff on their own terms. A track that hits hard, between Otsuka’s wildfire guitar playing and Manami’s killer bass work. But don’t take our word for it. Hit play then order their records.
Shiverstruck is a pop masterpiece. Opening with an acoustic track with tape hiss in the background, the tone is set right out of the gate. There’s some bouncy pop on “Silver Screen”, the country-pop “Deadweight”, but things still get heavy like on “Hired Gun”. Really great stuff from an always evolving artist.
Interpol – “Iron City”
Always an exciting time when a new Interpol record is on the horizon. One of the most consistent bands over the years, and the three singles for their upcoming This Mirror Weighs a Ton only have us more excited.
Beck – “In The Night”
Gorgeous, haunting folk track from another musical chameleon. From his first new record in 7 years, Ride Lonesome, out September 18.
ホシノカオリ(Kaori Hoshino) / Kemokemo – Toy Box 4
Kaori Hoshino reminds me a lot of the early days of Frankie Cosmos, a young songwriter writing down and recording anything that comes to mind. Hoshino’s Toy Box series exemplifies just how much she records, each release in the series is 50 tracks long, some short jingles about wanting ice cream, others longer, and more substantial. Each Toy Box is a joy to listen to, because while she might be currently promoting a song about pooping, she also has stuff like 幸せなはず (“I Should be Happy”) mixed in.
きのこ帝国 (Kinoko Teikoku) – 夜が明けたら (“Yoru Ga Aketara”)
Okay, this is not a new song by any means, but Kinoko Teikoku’s first four records are being released on vinyl for the first time in September. These are some of the most influential records, and you can hear it in a good percentage of the songs on this playlist. 夜が明けたら (“Yoru Ga Aketara”/”As The Dawn Breaks”) from 渦になる (Uzu Ni Naru) (though I got a lil bias to interpret it as simply “At Dawn“…) is simply one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded, so I’ll gladly use this as an excuse to add it to a playlist. And maybe for something else. Just go order these. Use whatever proxy you got to get your hands on them.
LIVE TRACKS
kurayamisaka – “sunday driver”
Roaring performance from Shibuya WWW X. An undeniable example of why they’re one of the great Japanese live bands.
PEDRO – “弱虫のうた” (“Yowamushi no Uta”)
A fantastic live performance of a really fun track from PEDRO. It loses some points compared to the music video which featured Yappy and the Ice Ribbon dojo, but easily scored it all back and then some from the infectious live energy.
んoon (Hoon) – HEBITORA
A truly captivating performance that blends a bunch of differnt genres into something wholly unique. Every musician involved just turns in an incredible performance. Especially that bassist (Naoto Sekijima) tho.
リーガルリリー (Regallily) – 蛍狩り (“Hotarugari”)
An absolutely stunning performance, both sonically and visually from Regallily’s “Midsummer” show, which took place on July 5th in Osaka.
Mini Trees – “It’s Not You”
From Mini Trees’ Slow It Down series. A beautiful acoustic take on what already was a brilliant track.
ゆうらん船 (Yuransen) & Ålborg – “Skagen” & “Accord”
Take a walk in a park while Yuransen and Ålborg play two tracks from their fantastic split EP, The Other Day.
she’s green – “empty house”
Where the previous video ends on the banks of a river, she’s green turn in a gorgeous version of “empty house” beside a creek, with a small waterfall adding to the ambient noise.
RAY – ぞめき (Zomeki)
If you heard the RAY song earlier in the playlist and were wondering about the choreography, 1. you’re my kind of nerd, and 2. here it is. Really interesting seeing the focus shift between the members throughout the dancing, and even with a good portion of the song without much singing, they keep it incredibly engaging. Also, if you’re a RAY fan and not following KonKon, you’re missing out on some great live videos!
Trooper Salute at Shimokitazawa Basement Bar Full Performance and Interview
And we end the playlist with another long video. Trooper Salute have to be on your list of bands to check out live. It’s incredible watching them re-create their sound on a small stage. The video is mostly live performance, with some interview bits spliced in between the songs.