Teppen’s September 2026 Playlist
This month’s playlist marks a change in the way we do playlists. One of the key points of starting up Teppen was to still write about the music and art we care about without getting burned out. But going through this many tracks every month and writing a bit about them is quite time consuming. Honestly, it takes away from us giving releases the focus they deserve, and instead we end up with 50 different ways to say “A beautiful shoegaze track from an upcoming EP.” So starting in October, we’re going to no longer include the short write-ups with each track. However, we intend to give some tracks dedicated posts, where we can dive deeper into releases, like we were doing before.
That said, September was another month of some interesting releases, from Japanese shoegaze, to legendary stoner rockers, and a posthumous release from one of the greatest songwriters of all time, there’s a lot to enjoy on this month’s playlist.
Check out the full playlist on Youtube. The playlist also includes one track only on Bandcamp, check it out here.
Ålborg – “Safe Place”
An unbelievably beautiful track from one of the best young bands in Japan right now. With the world in the state it’s in, finding a place that truly feels safe is difficult, and the melancholic track captures that struggle brilliantly.
Stef Chura – “The Concrete”
A stunner from Chura’s upcoming record Dancing Alone on the Concrete, her first new record in seven years, which is out October 2nd.
Julia Jacklin – The Gem
Described by 4AD as “a soaring document of the songwriter’s journey back to herself.”, the most recent record from Jacklin is maybe her most powerful release yet.
Lydia Loveless – “Accolades”
Loveless pulls no punches and proves exactly why she’s a generational lyricist. From her upcoming EP Accolades, which is out October 30th.
John Prine – “Dogs In Burlington”
A posthumous release from one of the greatest songwriters to ever grace the planet. From an upcoming release called Found Dogs, an archival look at Prine’s 1995 record Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings.
Note: The featured photo for this playlist was taken in Burlington, VT.
dogco. – “utsusemi”
And if we’re talkin’ about dogs, we gotta talk about dogco. One of Japan’s promising young bands hit us last month with a hazy barnburner “UWTB”, and they just released a real throwback in “utsusemi”. Self-described as “Cute, and a little bit sad”, the track fits the bill, with singer Kana Matsumoto’s voice wrapped in melancholic nostalgia. From their recently released mini-album, ユニヴァーサル・ウィル・ツー・ビカム (Universal Will to Become)
oka yu – 『熱風』(“Burning Wind”)
The type of song to make you stop in your tracks. A true stunner. With some incredibly powerful lyrics, which have a full English translation in the pinned comment on the YouTube video.
Emily A. Sprague – “Rising”
From Sprague’s new record Cyano. An evolution on Sprague’s sound, mixing the electronic ambience of Sprague’s solo releases, and the whispered vocals that give each Florist release its warmth. The music video is equally gorgeous, created by Sprague’s partner V. Haddad.
Ex:Re – “Radio Station”
New track from the solo project of Elena Tonra, lead singer of Daughter. Tonra’s songwriting is as powerful as ever. From the upcoming record Save As, out October 30th.
サバノオミソニー (Sabanoomisony) – Point
A great, emotionally fueled 3-track EP from a band that draws from so many different genres, even within one song. Even on such a brief record, they take listeners to so many different places.
Horse Jumper of Love – “Orange Peeler”
My (Rich) first exposure to Horse Jumper of Love was their 2016 self-titled debut. It’s incredible to think it’s been ten years. Time for the anniversary release, and a perfect excuse to include “Orange Peeler”, which was recently re-released as a single to promote the upcoming deluxe edition of Horse Jumper of Love.
Greg Freeman – “Loser’s Prize”
Just a fuckin great track with some truly incredible lyrics. From All Set The Bone, out on October 2nd.
Todd W. Emmert – “Even Pioneers Of Industrial Music Can Succumb To Social Contagions Over Time”
Todd returns to Teppen’s list with an evolving sound, incorporating heavier elements to his previous gentler offerings. It’s fascinating to watch an idea evolve over each release in minute intervals.
Devra Hoff – “Lightbearer’s Tether”
The second track from Hoff’s upcoming And Let Gravity, which is out October 28th. Another spacey, immersive instrumental journey. And like “Summoning The Comet”, “Lightbearer’s Tether” is accompanied by more of the short story Hoff wrote for the record.
The Olivia Tremor Control – “Timewaster”
Another “new” track from The Olivia Tremor Control’s upcoming final record, The Same Place, which is 20 years in the making. Completed by the band, after the loss of both OTC creative forces Will Cullen Hart and Bill Doss.
smush – “milkweed butterfly”
A great track from smush (all lowercase.) from their upcoming LP i’ll always wish.. which will be out next year. Definitely a band and a record to keep an ear out for.
yawn club – tender eyes
A great 8-track debut record from the Fukuoka-based trio yawn club. Draws influence from 90’s alternative, emo, and even a bit of shoegaze.
Spit lulu’s -「乾かない夏」 (“kawakanai natsu”)
A late single from Spit lulu’s mirumono subete? EP, which dropped in May. An emotional track about reflecting on a sorrowful summer, creating a dynamic between a warm, sunny season and a pain that accompanied it.
宇宙団 (Uchudan) – 「文明鎮座」(“Civilization Enthroned”)
Now for something completely different, an upbeat track with an insane synth and drum opening. Originally, this track was recorded by the band eight years ago, but re-recorded and seeing a rerelease as the current lineup celebrates 5 years together. They’re a special crew, and hearing them bring this song back to life is truly wonderful.
Shown Moriyama – “I Don’t Dream”
A fun, interesting modern new-wave track that’s infectious and danceable as hell. With a music video that features former TJPW ring announcer Sayuri Namba.
bill wurtz – “in the future”
I (Rich) am an unabashed fan of Bill Wurtz, while he’s typically considered silly and comical, there are so many layers to his music. From his surreal lyrics that somehow also hit hard on modern anxieties, to his complex instrumentation that pushes musical boundaries. “in the future” is exactly what I mean.
Not very much money grows on trees anymore
In the future
Not very many people like to breathe anymore
‘Cause it’s not allowed (Not allowed)
Nothing feels as strange as the way it did before
Some days it rains, but that makеs it worse
Not very many peoplе know what’s real anymore
In the future
So when is it?
Will it be soon? What’s gonna happen?
When will this thing get started?
How am I supposed to know if it all works out?
Clutch – “Wasted Lands”
Shifting gears again with the completely unclassifiable Clutch. “Wasted Lands” was inspired by an impersonator on Facebook scamming a fan, who then took it out on singer Neil Fallon. And of course he references Lovecraft and King while the band just rips behind him. From their upcoming record Wasted Lands.
This Is Lorelei – The Singer In My Band
A generational record from one of the best songwriters out there. I’m a bit sad we’re done posting these tracks in these playlists now, but what a way to end it, with the last single “The Kid With The Crown”, complete with a video featuring short track racing, a demo derby, an RV jump, and even some great monster trucks.
Superyou -「ゴーストワールド」(“Ghost World”)
A sunny and nostalgic track with a wonderful guitar tone and harmonies. The music video matches the warm vibes.
She Side Ship – 「ライク・ア・ラブ」(“Like a Love”)
A fantastic track from a band that keeps impressing us with each release. A dynamic sound, quiet moments, loud moments, all supercharged by a powerful voice.
They also dropped a cover of them playing “Kokudou Slope” by Kinoko Teikoku, which really showcases their strength.
333 (Sun Sun Sun) – おれんじ・にゅー・さまー (Orange New Summer)
A great 3-track EP with an energy that is just supercharged all throughout. Powerful vocal performances throughout, plus some great drumming, and inviting guitar playing make it such a great listen. It was released towards the end of August, but we had to go back and shout it out.
NaCL – 「メビウス」(“Möbius”)
Shimmering, emotionally-charged track from a great band out of Mie Prefecture.
Spiral XP – “Blue Earth”
A killer track right out of the gate. Heavy and gazey with dreamy vocals barely floating above all the noise. From Spiral XP’s upcoming EP Blue Earth, out October 16.
Chutes – “Star”
Hazy sounds with dual vocalists from Minneapolis-based Chutes.
Absolutely Yours – “Let It Die”
A Dreampop pop dream from Minneapolis’ Absolutely Yours. Their upcoming LP Desire Path is out October 5th.
Also, while their songs are great on their own, we love the videos that are accompanying these tracks. They truly add a wonderful layer to each song Just check this one out for “Let It Die.” And check out the full video for “Margaret”, featuring a hand-animated video by singer Bridget Collins on Bandcamp.
Apophasis – “Hold My Hand”
Heavy and hypnotic. A perfect sequel to their previous single, “See You In Hell“, both from an album due out October 16th.
中川茉瑚 (Mako Nakagawa) – “21 Gram”
“21 Gram” is a brilliant gazer of a debut track from Mako Nakagawa. The track was produced and co-created by Yana Yanai of Burrrn. An artist to keep an eye on.
cephalo – 「ブーゲンビリア」(“Bougainvillea”)
At this point, cephalo have cemented themselves as one of the great shoegaze-influenced bands in Japan. “Bougainvillea” leans a bit more dream pop than some of their heavier stuff, but that only makes it a warmer, more inviting track. And you’re still gonna get killer vocal, guitar, bass, and drum performances from everyone involved.
小松成彰 (Nariaki Komatsu) & fuki – “summer”
Released on the final day of Summer. The dynamic between Komatsu, with a distinctive, poetic delivery and fuki, lead singer of cephalo, with a dreamy, melodic voice, is truly wonderful. The instrumentals are perfectly understated and let everything breathe in a way that’s just perfect for an end of summer single.
I’m sure I’ll forget – 「月光」(“Moonlight” / “Gecko” / “Gekkou”)
Great, heavy, emo-inspired track from Osaka-based I’m sure I’ll forget, who were previously known as FAWN. A re-release of a track they released under their previous name, with a brand new music video.
Ok, I gotta explain that interpretation of “Gekkou” to “Gecko”, but their EP literally has “Gecko” printed on it. And Geckos are cool, especially when they’re not selling you car insurance.
Mei Semones – “Howl”
Jazzy, intricate, smart, and immersive. Exactly why we’re drawn to Semones’ music. It’s the title track from her upcoming record, and we can’t wait to hear the whole thing.
細野晴臣 (Haruomi Hosono) – “Stella” (Yours Sincerely Version) (Live from LIQUIDROOM)
Rich caught Hosono at Radio City last month, and while the whole show was wonderful, a real stand out moment was Hosono’s solo performance of “Stella”, with the stage lit up with just red light reflecting off a mirror ball. A performance of that same song at LIQUIDROOM, with the same lighting was captured beautifully in this official video released by Hosono.
Johanna Samuels – “Rare (the Runner Song)” (Live from Dreamstar II)
A live session of a great track from Samuels’ wonderful new record Sorry, Kid.
宮野かえで (Kaede Miyano) – “a Silent Night” / “Awakening”
I’ve (Rich) been looking for an excuse to include Kaede Miyano (or her band momostolen) in one of these playlists ever since I stumbled upon a video of a live performance of hers. Luckily, Miyano posted a truly spellbinding and stirring performance of “a Silent Night” and “Awakening”. A slow build that becomes so massive, and Miyano’s voice is so dynamic, from its quiet moments to near screams. It’s exactly the type of thing that hooks you on an artist.
Spit lulu’s -「乾かない夏」 (“kawakanai natsu”) (Live in Nagoya)
A great live version of a track we included earlier in the playlist. Captures the roar of a live Spit lulu’s show.
Squirrel Flower – say a prayer to the gods of getting going full release show, Chicago.
Here’s an hour of a fantastic band celebrating an great record, taken on a handheld camcorder.
