There’s something central yet unspoken to the DNA of 100% Electronica—the label co-run by George Clanton and Neggy Gemmy, which recently added LA-based songwriter Caroline Loveglow to their roster—that makes the music it puts out particularly attractive in moments of transience. Like Clanton and Gemmy’s music, the vapory dream-pop of Loveglow’s debut album Strawberry feels fit for liminal spaces like airports and train stations, inviting you to soundtrack moments of groggy intermission with a unique vein of wispy pop that sounds like it could only exist in your current state of limbo.
Informed as much by first encountering Clanton’s music as it was by introductions to groups like Radiohead, Aphex Twin, and Wolf Alice at a younger age, Loveglow's debut melds guitar-centric rock with hyperpop-era flourishes, with tracks like “Zenosyne” perfectly integrating harsh shoegaze tones into a pristine pop song. Meanwhile, her talent for lyrical construction nearly goes unnoticed as her soft vocals blend into the surrounding noise.
With her Strawberry out today, Loveglow walked us through a few of her specific influences by putting together a playlist which she roots, appropriately, in the world of public transportation. Check out Strawberry here, and listen to her “Songs for Subways and Airplanes” playlist below.
Primitive Radio Gods, “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand”
If I had to listen to one song for the rest of my life, this would be the song. It's lyrically and sonically flawless. The drums, the fucking drums… This song makes you feel either everything all at once or nothing at all. The lyrics are at once humble and prophetic. Innocent and self-aware. This feels like what acceptance of apathy would sounds like.
Does summer come for everyone?
Can humans do what prophets say?
If I die before I learn to speak
Can money pay for all the days
I lived awake but half asleep?
CCFX, “The One to Wait”
When I found “The One to Wait,” I remember thinking, “This is the best song I have ever heard.” I played it incessantly during the months I wrote, and began building the bare-bones/structural ideas that would ultimately become my new album, Strawberry. The vocals are fucking wild, yet so catchy. It also rides on the most immaculate breakbeat. Yum yum yum.
Wolf Alice, “Freazy”
Look up the definition for “cool” and you’ll find Ellie Rowsell and Wolf Alice—one of the most unique, multifaceted bands out today. When I was younger, just beginning to make music, I won tickets to see Wolf Alice in San Diego. The show blew my mind, and the following morning I bought my first Fender electric guitar.
Radiohead, “High and Dry”
“High and Dry” by Radiohead. What more is there to explain? When the song ends, press repeat.
Black Marble, “A Great Design”
Black Marble is fantastic. “A Great Design” combines fragments from so many genres. A song for any moment. I've loved this song for years without being able to decipher the lyrics, so I was pleasantly surprised to read how wonderful they are.
Monochrome, it's a Saturn world
Lying beneath the rings
And they tell me we don't have a long time 'til our decline
All the grown men are set in their ways
Shining in the street
And they tell me we don't have a long time, a great design
Bowery Electric, “Freedom Fighter”
It took me 25 years to find Bowery Electric and this song, and that's upsetting. Every album is excellent. This sound has been emulated by so many people (myself included)—nothing can top this, though. I'm such a fan.
Aphex Twin, “Nanou2”
The genius glow of Aphex Twin… My older brother showed me this. We listened in silence and at the end of the song, we both had tears in our eyes. The most articulate, victorious, gut-wrenching story told without words.
Blood Orange, “Champagne Coast”
Dev Hynes is magnetic, continually great, graceful, and stylish. This song somehow makes melancholy feel sexy.
Phoebe Bridgers, “Garden Song”
I first heard Phoebe on SoundCloud in 2015, and I've loved every single song released since. She’s my favorite songwriter. “Garden Song” is from her latest album, Punisher. It’s stunning, witty, driving, and technically brilliant.
And when I grow up, I'm gonna look up
From my phone and see my life
And it's gonna be just like my recurring dream
I'm at the movies, I don't remember what I'm seeing
The screen turns into a tidal wave
George Clanton, “You Lost Me There”
“You Lost Me There” was my intro to the technicolor, virtuosic world of George Clanton. To say he inspires me would be an understatement. I've listened to this song more than any other song—ever. It’s still ungraspable to think George heard my demo and signed me to his label.
The first time I saw this song live was a bit emotional for me. I'd attached years of sunsets, car rides, and walks through CVS to something made by a (then) total stranger. Flash forward to this show; after just opening for him, I was in front of the barricade sitting on the floor watching my favorite (literally life-changing) artist, completely awestruck. When I die, I would like to be reincarnated as “You Lost Me There” in any form.
LCD Soundsystem, “All My Friends”
Listen to this song if you want to feel like you've done nothing wrong in your life. “All My Friends” is earth-shattering.
DIIV, “Healthy Moon”
The main (two?) lead guitar lines and the vocals are so fucking beautiful. Everyone should hear this song. I've been a huge fan of DIIV since I was 16. After I first saw them live, I searched what gear they use on Reddit, then bought it. I cornered Cole for absolutely way too long after their show a few years ago and forgot how to speak. So that’s what the music did to me… Anyway, you will love DIIV too, if you don't already.
New Order, “Leave Me Alone”
New Order is a revolutionary, iconic, and powerfully influential band. I can hear New Order in almost every song I've ever made. “Leave Me Alone” sounds sentimental, dissonant, electric, lovely, and unmistakably New Order.
Porches, “Car”
“Car” lands on every new playlist I make. The percussion is giant, chaotic, and yet still controlled. I've been obsessing over this production for years—Porches is definitely one of my top-10 favorites.
Kid Cudi, “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven”
It is universally understood that Kid Cudi is a musical phenomenon. His melodies are intricate, unusual, and always so catchy. I love how his intimately, self-referential lyrics are usually met with humor. There is no limit to the musical orbit and genre expression of Kid Cudi.
Ruby Haunt, “Jeune”
“Jeune” is playing in the background as I write this... Ruby Haunt was the most exciting musical discovery of 2021 for me. Their entire discography is beautifully remote and melodic. If Sunday night or childhood memories or winter sunsets had a permanent soundtrack, it would be “Jeune.”
What killed the moment will shut you down
Took you so long to figure it out
Every problem is over now
What took you so long to figure it out?
Interpol, “Untitled”
One of the greatest bands. Their music is timeless. I suggest listening to every Interpol song, but “Untitled” is at the top for me.
