PaperCity Sounds

PaperCity Magazine hits the stands with an evocative theme each month. From June’s “Incandescent Summer” to July’s “Solar Powered” cover, every theme sets a tone for coverage. With PaperCity Sounds, we present a playlist inspired by the month’s happenings, from fall fashion to the dog days of summer.

Just because the fourth of July has come and gone doesn’t mean there isn’t time for summer activities: cookouts, pool parties, outdoor movies. And, what’s a hot Houston summer without an equally exciting soundtrack? This month, we’re obsessed with The Weeknd‘s new pop sound on “Can’t Feel My Face” and Major Lazer‘s biggest breakthrough yet, “Lean On.” The Beyoncé-approved D.R.A.M. delivered the sleeper jam of the summer with “Cha Cha,” a Super Mario-sampling, attention-deficit-influenced party track. Ninety-five-degree days, of course, lead to hot nights, but instead of turning it up, how about slowing it down? Toro y Moi returned with a more guitar-driven album, What For?, earlier this year, and “Buffalo” is an easy highlight. Janet Jackson has her best song in years with “No Sleeep,” a reminder that the R&B queen was doing it better before this year’s of-the-moment divas. Thundercat and Dam-Funk continue to release consistent pop-infused takes on jazz, electronic and funk music, and few things are better this time of year than a groove prefect for listening to while hitting the open road.