This week the interns chose their favorite songs that have been released so far this year, halfway through the year that is!
Gracie’s Intern Pick: “dustland” by Truman Sinclair
Gracie’s intern pick of the week is “dustland” by Truman Sinclair. Although he orginally released the song as a single in 2025, he also featured it on his 2026 EP, Rivers of Sugar and Blood. Currently based in LA, Sinclair is a Chicago-born singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer whose music blends indie rock, folk, and Americana influences. “dustland” stands out because of its catchy melody and reflective storytelling. It’s the kind of song that pulls you in right away, but the lyrics make you want to listen closer and dig deeper into what he really means. I chose “dustland” because it feels both easy to play on repeat and emotionally layered, making it one of my favorite songs from a project released this year.
Ella’s Intern Pick: “Hallelujah Trail” by Charley Crockett
Ella’s intern pick of the week is “Hallelujah Trail,” by Charley Crockett. I have had this song and its opening guitar riff stuck in my head for three months. Charley Crockett originally released Clovis in April, immediately after Age of the Ram, on his record label, $10 Cowboy. Two weeks later, the album was removed from all streaming platforms. I opened iTunes to hear that opening riff for the hundredth time, only to find no more “Hallelujah Trail.”
Crockett’s team has been giving out CDs to fans in person, and I went to Nashville during CMA Fest to try to get one. That’s how good the song is. Charley Crockett delivers again with a hard-driving outlaw country song with his backing band, the Blue Drifters, produced by Shooter Jennings. The best part is that opening guitar riff that instantly puts you in the American West. Once again, Crockett captures a bright and driving acoustic sound. I could write about this song and the importance of Clovis for a long time, but I am merely an intern who loves Charley Crockett, so go listen down below, and stream Clovis!
Josh’s Intern Pick: “Hold Still” by Kid Laroi
Josh’s intern pick of the week is “Hold Still,” by the Kid Laroi. This song is a part of the Deluxe version of his newest album “Before I Forget.” What is so amazing about the album is that he wrote it entirely within 4 months. He scrapped his oroginal project following his breakup with Tate McRae.The album focuses on how he feels after what happened. The Kid Laroi also never fails to have amazing beats and rhythms. The beat in “Hold Still” has such a great relaxing vibe. Overall, the album is great and is my personal favorite so far this year.
