Today's Top Tune

It’s been roughly ten years since independent artist Rachael Yamagata put out a new studio album(!). Trust us, Starlit Alchemy (due October 3 via Julian Records) is worth the wait. Yamagata calls the forthcoming LP a “deep dive record,” with each song flowing into the next; a map made after the journey that nonetheless tells a cohesive story. “Birds” is a message song in disguise.

P.S. If you think you aren’t familiar with Yamagata’s sonic stylings, think again. She’s worked extensively behind the scenes with a wide variety of our favorite artists including Liz Phair, Toots and the Maytals, and Bright Eyes. 

Jeb Loy Nichols is on a lifelong journey through the roots of Americana, bringing his fresh perspective to the genre all along the way. “Step In” is just what you need to sample his dusty storytelling, it's even got a little Southern Rock thrown in for good measure. Plus, he’s got Cold Diamond & Mink’s swinging soul for back up. This one’s a total knockout.

Producer, songwriter, and DJ HAAi is busy putting the finishing touches on her new album, HUMANiSE (due Oct. 10 via Mute). The album wrestles with what it is to be human in an increasingly digital world. But don’t worry, one thing a computerized world will never have is a sense of mortal connection… especially on the dancefloor. Grab “Hey!” while it’s free as Today’s Top Tune.

Indie rock hit maker Kurt Vile just dropped Classic Love, a new five-track EP made in collaboration with his Nashville-based pal Luke Roberts. Drawing heavily from their friendship and creative partnership, this EP checks all the best boxes: infectious, raw, and extraordinary. All of which goes double for the title track so grab that free download right now.

“A Lesson in Leavin’” had an impromptu debut at Stagecoach Festival earlier this year and was simply too good to abandon in the desert. So Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane have teamed up once again to record and release their harmony-dripping version of Dottie West’s classic country song. You can (and should) download it now to live forever in your digital library.

What happens when you pair a great guitar player with a badass bassist? You get mind-bending sounds from gifted producer and multi-instrumentalist Blake Mills — known for his work with Alabama Shakes and Bob Dylan — and Grammy-winner Pino Palladino who has reshaped how we hear the bass. See: Palladino’s collaborations with everyone from Erykah Badu to Nine Inch Nails. “Taka” is hard to pin down, but easy to take in. And you can take it in IRL, because Pino Palladino & Blake Mills are hitting The Ford on Friday, Sept. 26.

Men I Trust are winding their way through the USA on their biggest tour yet. It’s happening in the wake of two albums released just a few months apart in 2025: Equus Asinsus and Equus Caballus (Latin for donkey and horse, respectively). Early in the process of writing and recording, they realized they’d written songs with two distinct energies, each equally meaningful to the band. So they decided to put two albums out at (basically) the same time. “Come Back Down” is from Equus Caballus. 

In just a few days, Big Wild (aka Jackson Stell) will release the vibrant new album Wild Child (Aug. 29). After making 2022’s The Efferusphere, he sought to connect to what originally drew him to music. That journey led him to resume communications with his inner child — his alias “Wild Child” — leading him to a wider, more emotionally resonant sonic palette. “Too Loud” was written by releasing his thinking mind and relying on pure excitement. Plus, it features Phantogram (!). Catch Big Wild at The Wiltern on Oct 4.

LA-based sonic acrobat Gelli Haha takes a running leap into her arthouse theatrics with frisky energy to spare. Her newly released debut album Switcheroo blooms with contrasts: playful, profound, and back and forth between the two modes many times over. If this is your first time in the Gelliverse, “Pluto is not a planet it’s a restaurant” is the perfect entry point. 

More: Gelli Haha: KCRW Guest Selector Set

Ozomatli is a band of activists who use music as a weapon for confronting inequity on their new song “Red Line.” “This track is a statement of solidarity,” says founding member Raul Pacheco. “We’re singing for everyone trying to make a life in a system built to hold them back.” 

The Grammy-winning ensemble is currently celebrating their thirtieth anniversary as a band with shows all across the country. If you’re reading this in SoCal, you have plenty of opportunity to see the legends in action: Friday, Sept. 12 – Monday, Sept 15 Ozomatli will be part of the Super Legends Cruise (departing from from Long Beach), Friday, Oct. 17 they’ll be at The Venice West, and Saturday, Oct. 18 they hit Warehouse 9 in San Pedro.