Teppen’s June 2026 Playlist
June 2026 was another great month of new releases from around the world. Going forward, we’re going to try to hit around 50 tracks for these playlists. Be sure to check out the playlist on YouTube here
Featured photo from the last days of Exton Square Mall in Exton, Pennsylvania, which closed on June 30th. Taken by Rich.
This Is Lorelei – “Billy Came Back”
Nate Amos is one of the great modern songwriters, and few songs showcase his storytelling prowess quite like the latest This Is Lorelei single “Billy Came Back”. Just a great laid back folky rocker. From the upcoming LP The Singer in My Band which will be out September 11th on Matador.
Fenne Lily – “Uh Huh“
From the upcoming Win Win, out October 23rd. Building on the folk influence early on in this playlist, the English singer-songwriter brings a sprinkling of banjo and powerful lyrics on “Uh Huh”.
Ålborg & Yuransen – The other day,
Technically not out yet, but Ålborg and Yuransen have teamed up for a three-track EP. Out now are the wonderful “Skagen”, with steel guitar, horns, and a huge build. As well as jazzy instrumental interlude “Keep in Touch”. We’re waiting on one more track when the full EP releases, “Accord”. But these two songs alone score The Other Day, a solid spot on our list.
Todd W. Emmert – “Weight And Sea”
A delightful collection of folk with strains of experiential melancholy running throughout. A twinkling recurring theme ties this album together. The sound of an afternoon walk in a small town without internet. Timeless and somewhat removed from whatever this world we have thrust upon us daily is.
Beth Orton – “Otherside” (live) / The Ground Above
Beth Orton is a legend. This live performance of “Otherside”, the closer of Orton’s latest LP, The Ground Above, is undeniable proof of that fact. The whole album is yet another brilliant masterpiece.
Johanna Samuels – “Blue vs Pinkerton”
Great lil’ rock track from Johanna Samuels’ upcoming Sorry, Kid. Samuels wrote the song thinking back to when she was younger and was asked about which album she preferred of the two. An age old question at this point. (It’s Blue, even if Samuels’ words suggest it truly does not matter)
Weezer – “We Might As Well Be Strangers” (feat. Wednesday)
Blue and Pinkerton are where most people go when they’re gonna spin some Weezer. But, there’s 17 albums after that, soon to be 18. Weezer are putting together their 20th album, and if “We Might As Well Be Strangers” is any indication, it has potential to be among their best. Especially with the inclusion of Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman and Xandy Chelmis on the track. The song just rips. Check it.
みどりいせかい (Midoriisekai / Green World) – PARALLEL
Really rad youthful J-pop/rock record. The 7 tracks pass by like a breeze.
ハク (haku.) – “宇宙船ハート号” (“Spaceship Heart”)
haku. continue to chart new territory with each release. While they typicaly get a lot of attention for their cuter, poppier tracks, they show their musical ability so brilliantly on the weirder stuff like “Spaceship Heart”.
Iga Nana – “Good Together”
Our good friend Sonoda sent this over with the words “She just materialized I had never heard her before. I couldn’t ignore that voice.” Good vibes from a rising star.
ITAZURA STORE – “Highlight“
Where the last three tracks are from younger bands & artists, ITAZURA STORE show that age has nothing to do with creating refreshing, youthful sounds. “Highlight” is a great groove from seasoned musicians, all in their 30’s and 40’s. Combining a ton of different styles in a way that’s so distinctively ITAZURA STORE. Just a delightful pop track you’ll have in your head for days.
Carly Rae Jepsen – “On Wires“
The queen of pop has returned with a certified banger and also a baby bump reveal? “On Wires” rocks especially hard for a Jepsen track, especially with he heavy hitting drums and guitar during the chorus. The video also features what I feel like is a nightmare Matt Berninger has had multiple times. Wandering the streets singing into a microphone cable that keeps getting caught on stuff. Seriously, a great pop track from someone who rarely ever misses.
Jim James – “Come Again”
Jim James’ solo output has been a bit unpredictable the last decade or so, from political messages to heavy hitters to some of his most beautiful work. We’re hoping “Come Again” is a sign of things to come on Wowed Out. Jim’s lyrics are front and center with a fairly sparse underlayment of tom-heavy drums, piano, and bass. Its ending is a chill guitar solo that just fits the vibes perfectly.
Robot Atama – ANSWER OF FANTASY
Robot Atama’s 2023 3-track EP ANSWER OF FANTASY has gotten a rerelease this month. Super creative, captivating stuff from Teppen’s favorite robot headed girl. Ranges from shoegazey stuff, ambient stuff, dream pop and much more. Check it out if you missed it the first time around.
Emily A. Sprague – “Sing To”
Whether it’s their music as Florist or under her own name, Emily A. Sprague has created some of the most beautiful music to ever grace my ears. Electronic, acoustic, it doesn’t matter, and “Sing To” continues that trend. Haunting, repetitive, stunning. We can’t wait to hear her upcoming record Cyano and how “Sing To” fits in.
Julia Holter – Fantasy
Few things are more exciting than hearing a new Julia Holter track. Even more exciting is news of a new record, Materia, out August 21 on Domino. The lead single off the record is the haunting, and undeniably Julia track “Fantasy”. Its early moments simple and welcoming, its later moments gigantic.
角銅真実 (Manami Kakudo) – クジマ歌えば家ほろろ (Kujima, Why Sing, When You Can Warble? OST)
40 wonderful, whimsical tracks from a great slice of life anime. Even on its own, it’s a fantastic work by one of Japan’s best composers. One we’ve written about in the past. It’s a record we can’t recommend enough, and while we’re not in the business of Anime, (we’re woefully underqualified there), Kakudo’s soundtrack truly does bring the world of Kujima to life.
Maya Akechi – peki peki peki OST
Maya Akechi’s brilliant soundtrack for the short film peki peki peki is widely available now. It’s a fun listen on its own, a mix of her songwriting on tracks like “When you’re gone”, then instrumental interludes like the bouncy “kanai” and snippets like “K” and “adventure!”. Then there’s the dynamic between the stomping “my side walk blues” and the intense electric sounds of “a newly-emerged trauma”. It’s an excellent example of why Akechi is someone to always keep an ear out for, whether it’s her work with The Tiva, her collaborative efforts, or anything solo.
Josaleigh Pollet & Crowd Shy – “Like a River”
Pollet’s just an incredible wordsmith. Its intricate, electronic percussion pulses under just acoustic guitar. Crowd Shy’s Jordan Watko has been a frequent collaborator with Pollet, going back to Pollet’s incredible 2020 record No Woman Is The Sea. Since then they’ve been a dynamic duo, and their cross-pacific collaboration is indeed very Teppen. And honestly, Pollet does what we do even better, her weekly playlists are not to be missed.
Phoebe Bridgers – “Lost Boys”
It’s been 6 years since Phoebe Bridgers released Punisher. Since then, she’s inspired a whole new generation of songwriters, some trying desperately to fill that void. “Lost Boys” is her first solo track since then, and it’s a solid reintroduction for Bridgers. It feels both fresh, and like it could fit in nicely on Stranger in the Alps. We’re looking forward to hearing more as Lost Weekend approaches.
She’s Green – “Close Your Eyes”
Ethereal dreampop that’s just easy to get immersed in. Another great track from their upcoming swallowtail EP.
BAILEN – “SWIM!!!”
Sometimes you just need to celebrate moving on. The bright summer vibes of “SWIM!!!” remind us how liberating buring those toxic bridges can be.
Hazel English – “Phone Booth”
Gorgeous, nostalgic track from one of the best songwriters at creating an atmosphere with her music. “Phone Booth” is mostly just Hazel English’s layered vocals, with a guitar that barely hints at its own existence, and a thin layer of electronic ambience. Spellbinding.
Modest Mouse – An Eraser and a Maze
Over the years, I’ve lost touch with Modest Mouse, a band I flew a few states over to see over a decade ago. A formative band that occasionally I’d check in on. But in the last 10 years, they fell to the side, until the build for An Eraser and a Maze began. I gravitated to it the instant I heard “Picking Dragons’ Pockets” and then “Life’s a Dream”. Both reminded me exactly of why I was drawn to them in my youth. And the entire record does not disappoint. And how could any Modest Mouse fan not love “Speak ‘N Spell”?
Trooper Salute – “埒” (Rachi)
We’re cheating a little with the inclusion of two Trooper Salute tracks from the same record, 友達がいました (I had friends) because their cinematic, building music creates a perfect set of bookends to build on, “Rachi” is an incredible, stunning build with a whirlwind of drums, strings, piano and so much more.
tiny yawn – “sparkler”
tiny yawn truly are one of Japan’s finest up and coming bands. Their blend of styles makes them completely unclassifiable, a dash of shoegaze, a heap of math rock, jazz, and so much more. Powered by one incredible voice, they’re truly a band waiting for you to do a deep dive.
大象體操 (Elephant Gym) – “公路” (Highway)
Taiwan’s math rockers Elephant Gym are back with an incredbile ride with “Highway”. Those distinctive intricate rhythms and guitar parts are just so powerful. Its huge early moments give way to a quite middle section with just guitar chords ringing out, before the band joins in with a flurry of sound.
荻町カノ (Kano Ogimachi) – “青” (Blue)
A great new single from Kano Ogimachi that draws from all types of influences. At times it’s mathy, other times it’s this incredible j-rock, there’s an explosion of sound, too that’s led by Ohimachi’s voice. A stunner of a performance throughout.
その感激と記録 (sono kangeki to kiroku) – 獣 (Kemono)
Fantastic slow build throughout. Jangly guitar, powerful vocal performance. The song builds to a huge climax, and a beautiful release is the calm after the huge storm.
higari no – くだる (kudaru)
Brilliant debut EP from higari no. Laid back vibes, slow builds, lush soundscapes, it’s all here. A band to keep an eye on and an ear out for. We can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Heavenstamp – “Exp.”
Just a very cool j-rock track. Great guitar work throughout, an interesting and intricate drum part, and some dreamy vocals.
After Louise – Nothing’s Accidental
Great EP that both sounds like it’s from the past (“No Fun”) and the future (“Angel”). Dreamy guitar, lush synth, creative electronic use, and perfect vocal manipulation throughout. It’s a whole vibe that you gotta check out.
THAO – “Fossils”
THAO is simply one of the greatest voices of the last 20 years. And if the groovy sounds of “Fossils” are indication, her solo era is only going to add more to that case. A mostly minimalistic track that builds into a huge, cathartic sing-along. It’s the perfect THAO track.
Swapmeet – “Halfway“
Off their upcoming record Mount Zero, out July 17th. Really great track with an inviting vocal performance and perfect guitar parts to accompany it, until the track’s huge ending.
cymvidia – 風車 (HWSHA)
A record that will floor any listener. Powerful, immense, beautiful. At moments it’s delicate and warm, and others it’s a heavy monster. Sometimes those transitions happen within an instant, without warning. “かたち”, the record’s closer and the most recent single is a huge example of that,
IAN SWEET – “Silver Screen”
IAN SWEET simply does not miss. Another wholly unclassifiable artist, Jillian Medford brings her all to every release. Her upcoming record Shiverstruck is shaping up to be no exception. Hell, even just the dynamic on “Silver Screen” exemplifies her willingness to take huge leaps.
Hammer Head Shark -” ぼくらふたりきり” (Bokura Futarikiri / Just The Two Of Us)
For a band that’s still very young, Hammer Head Shark are making a name as one of Japan’s best bands. They released their first full-length record almost exactly a year ago. They just announced the launch of their own independent label, “Yougaze”, and then dropped this fuckin incredible track on us. It’s a hell of a ride, Hiyu Nagai’s voice goes from beautiful to haunting. Asahi Goto’s bass performance is completely unrestrained. Fukuma’s drumming hits so damn hard, especially when accompanied by Eita Fujimoto’s completely unhinged solo at the end.
インターネット温泉 (Internetonsen) – 梅雨前線の向こう側 (feat. 歌愛ユキ) (baiuzensen no mukougawa (feat. Kaai Yuki))
Really cool alt-rock vocaloid track. Incredible guitar hook int the intro. Captivating instrumentalism throughout. It’s both incredibly familiar for fans of alternative J-Rock and Vocaloid music but also feels completely unique and foreign.
Trooper Salute – 友達がいました (Tomodachi ga Itama / I Had Friends)
Closing out our fawning over this record by shouting out 友達がいました (Tomodachi ga Itama / I Had Friends)‘s title track. The record itself is a true masterpiece, and among the year’s best releases. Cinematic, emotional, powerful. I’ve long prescribed to the notion that the penultimate track is the most important song on any given record. It sets up for a powerful end, which is so important for such emotionally driven music. “友達がいました” does not miss the mark, and excels in its role brilliantly, especially with its fucking incredible closing, cathartic sing-along moments.
POLTA – “輪廻自転” (Rinne Jiten)
Kumamoto duo POLTA are just a fantastic band. They’ve been around for over a decade now, which feels like a long time for a Japanese band. “輪廻自転” (which translates to Reincarnation) is a fairly upbeat J-rock affair about the constant change, shift in things.
Mopar Stars – “Wreck The Bike”
Philly’s Mopar Stars shared their 3rd single from their upcoming record Official Researchers Of The NJ Devil, out July 31st. Great guitar-led rocker that echoes The Replacements, while still feeling unique. Honestly, big “song of the summer” potential for anyone whose ears are lucky enough to hear it.
Dark Surfers – “Falling Star”
A great laid-back old school rocker with a guitar tone that’s delightful. Love the vocal delivery throughout the whole song, nothing powerful but perfectly paired with the song’s underlayment. Also just love the low-key harmonies that truly tie the song’s vibes perfectly. Its b-side “Fading” also kicks ass so check that out.
Shearwater – “Slugs in the Marigolds”
From their upcoming record The New World, out July 31st. “Slugs in the Marigolds” has quickly ascended to one of my favorite Shearwater tracks. It’s got everything – Jonathan Meiburg’s unmistakable voice, and some really great instrumentation with piano, and saxophone. Driven by some rock steady and fantastic drumwork.
Bellows – Que Bello!
The latest record from Bellows, an incredible double-album. They’re a band I’ve been following for over a decade, and the maturation of their sound and Oliver Kalb’s songwriting has been incredible to witness. On their bandcamp, it states the record “focuses on disposability”, and specifically shouts out Kalb witnessing the life and death of the NYC music scene that Bellows once thrived in – and how it’s been “replaced with the unrecognizable New York of today’s social-capital driven art world”. As someone who was at those shows seeing Bellows, Told Slant, Sharpless, and so many others, it resonates deeply. What Kalb has created on Que Bello! is truly his most impressive work Vocal manipulation, looping vocal samples, moments of beautiful catharsis. It gets weird, it gets loud, it’s everything. And the cast behind bringing the record to life are people Kalb has worked with for a very long time, Jack Greenleaf (Sharpless), Ian Cory (Lamniformes), and Frank Meadows. It also contains guest vocal performances from Emily Reo.
Hakushi Hasegawa, HaHa And The Hairpins – “The Owner of Sweetness”
Killer track from one of Japan’s most unique artists. Loud, abrasive at times, but never too much to scare anyone away, and it’s incredibly rewarding to those who stick with it. “The Owner of Sweetness” will be on their upcoming record Honest Feeling Album which is out in August. The track also features Hosoi Tokutaro on guitar, who is also one of the most creative people on this damn planet. (check out these clips from their Paris fashion week performance).
Uh Huh Her – “Shook“
The first new music from Uh Huh Her in 12+ years. Not only that, a reworked version of their 2011 album, Nocturnes, is on its way.
Devon Gilfillian – Time Will Tell
Not only is Devon Gilfillian a fantastic guitarist and singer, he’s a top-tier storyteller. A rock and roll record with a ton of soul. It’s got rippers like “Black Dog Rabbit Hole”, gorgeous ballads like “Some Days”, and the absolute stunner “Moonflower”.
PUP – “If This Is It” / “Concrete”
“Concrete” was released over a year ago, but rereleased alongside “If This Is It” as its music video, that was recorded when the track was initally released, was finally complete. And it was worth the wait, no AI used in it, and it’s just a fuckin great ride of both a song and video, with visuals right out of the late 90’s and early 00’s, from magazines to computer screens, all using stop motion. The era that was so formative for the members of PUP (and also Teppen). “If This Is It” is a brand new single that rips just as one would expect from PUP. A great combo of tracks from an enduring band.
L’Rain – “soulless cycle”
Powerful track from upcoming record Fata Morgana, out August 14. Incredible ride from an incredible artist – loud, poignant, and undeniable.
A Place To Bury Strangers – “Time”
A song that comes with one suggestion: “Please play at maximum volume”. A Place To Bury Strangers are truly one of the most important bands, with a massive influence, even if you’re not familiar with them. “Time” is from a collection of stuff left aside, demos, b-sides, etc, called Rare and Deadly. It’s a barnburner of a track and shows that even stuff that was almost abandoned can absolutely kick ass.
Bonus 1: 羊文学 (Hitsujibungaku) – “声” (Koe) – Live at Nippon Budokan
Congratulations to Hitsujibungaku on winning “Best Alternative Song” at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN. To celebrate, they’ve shared a live performance of the song from their biggest headline show. It’s well-deserved, Hitsujibungaku are among the best Japanese bands of the last decade. And one that seems to have something very interesting brewing…
Bonus 2: Nana Yamato‘s “Horsin’ Around”
Nana Yamato’s art is cool as fuck. Whether it’s her music, which I spin often, or her handpainted portraits , any creative output she puts into the world is worth checking out. From June 26 – July 5, Art from Yamato’s new zine, Horsin’ Around is on display at Big Love Records in Harajuku. It features some interesting portraits, of people, horses, people riding horses, etc. If you can’t get down to Harajuku, be sure to check out some of the photos on her Instagram.