Lala Lala- Does This Go Faster?
This song by LA based artist Lillie West’s Lala Lala was released as a single in 2025 and is on her 2026 album, Heaven 2.
She is playing at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles on Saturday, 3/21/26, with lots of hands.
Morgan Nagler- Orange Wine
This song by LA artist Morgan Nagler, released as a single in 2025, is on her debut album, I’ve Got Nothing to Lose, and I’m Losing It, releasing this March.
She is opening for Mount Eerie at Sid The Cat Auditorium on Friday, 2/20/26, in Pasadena.
Julianna Zachariou- Dreamer Dreamer
This song by Julianna Zachariou was released as a single in 2025 and can be found on her latest album. It was also one of my selections for Best Songs of 2025.
Last May, Zachariou discussed the challenges of surviving as a working musician, how little artists are paid by streaming services, and more on KPBS‘s podcast The Finest. As a member of the United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW), she is advocating for better pay from these streaming companies. The podcast is worth a listen (or read the transcript) and she also performs a few of her songs live.
She is currently on tour and will be playing at Healing Force of the Universe in Pasadena on Sunday, 1/18/26.
Alex G- Afterlife
This song is from Alex G‘s 2025 album, Headlights.
On Saturday, 1/10/26, he will be one of the artists playing at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles for Artists for Aid‘s benefit concert. All proceeds from this show will support the Sudanese American Physicians Association and the Palestine children’s relief fund equally.
Every year I put together a list of my choices for the best songs released this year. These are songs I went back to repeatedly, even while checking out other artists for the monthly playlists.
The playlist includes some familiar favorites like Big Thief, Panda Bear, Ty Segall, and Open Mike Eagle. Older bands like Swervedriver made the list, along with younger artists like up-and-coming New Orleans rapper La Reezy. This time around jazz fusion also made an appearance with a song by Thundercat, and one from British band GoGo Penguin featuring Daudi Matsiko.
2025 was an intense year for many people. Depression and anxiety are topics in the lyrics of several of the songs. But there is also plenty of joy in this playlist too, or at least, making the best of it when you can. I hope you will check it out and make some new discoveries!
Wet Leg- catch these fists
Every month I listen to the majority of bands and musicians who are playing in Los Angeles and select some for a monthly playlist. It includes a variety of genres and usually newer work by the artist.
The song above is from UK band Wet Leg‘s 2025 album, moisturizer.
Below are December’s selections-