In the Northern Hemisphere, as the heat of summer begins to unravel, and cooler days are ahead, our ears are becoming attuned to more mellow sounds — and it’s not just all about ambient music, either. When it comes to the idea of “relaxing” music, there are many sounds that can tap us into that state of being. In recent years, genres such as pop, folk, indie rock, R&B and jazz have all explored more downtempo elements. Drawing from an ever-expanding electronic palette, live musicians and vocalists have experimented with how to draw out sonic motifs in motifs typically associated with ambient electronic music.
The contemporary taste for shoegaze, for example, among rock fans, showcases a wider appetite for these pensive, strung-out sounds. Indie rock has incorporated more synthesizers and pop elements, while jazz and R&B are unraveling traditional song structures and finding new avenues to wander down. All together, there’s never been a broader genre spectrum to relax to.
Dive into this collection of tracks — featuring alternative rock acts American Football, mildred and Lozenge, to R&B acts like Steve Lacy and Kelela, electronic producers John Beltran and The Field, and many more — and get into a relaxing mode of listening.
LISTEN TO THE RELAX TRAX PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW
American Football, Wisp, “Wake Her Up”
The cult favorite alternative rock band American Football released this track with rising shoegaze artist Wisp on their May 2026 album, ‘American Football (LP4).’
she’s green, “graze”
Minnesota rock band she’s green fold ambient and shoegaze into their alternative rock sound. Their latest is July 2026’s ‘swallowtail.’
Avenade, “In Your Dreams”
On their 2025 album ‘Try Searching For a Lover,’ Illinois-based band Avenade tap into a seren vibe, blending brass, electronics and guitars.
Kelsey Lu, “What Can I Do?”
Vocalist, cellist and songwriter Kelsey Lu brings an avant garde edge to modern experimental pop music on her June 2026 album, ‘So Help Me God.’
Kiss Facility, “Plasma”
Kiss Facility is an experimental duo composed of Sega Bodega and Mayah Alkhateri. Their debut is February 2026’s ‘KHAZNA.’
Angelo de Augustine, “Mirror Mirror”
Californian folk artist Angelo de Augustine has collaborated with Sufjan Stevens. This track features on April 2026’s ‘Angel in Plainclothes.’
Bruno Berle, “Manhã”
Brazilian poet, composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Bruno Berle shares wistful stories on his July 2026 album ‘Sem Frontieras.’
Cocteau Twins, “Cherry Coloured Funk (Seefeel Remix)”
Long-standing electronic group Seefeel gives the iconic Scottish experimental band Cocteau Twins the remix treatment.
Carla dal Forno, “Under The Covers”
Mixing folk, pop and ambient electronics, Carla dal Forno weaves a tender soundscape on her latest album, April 2026’s ‘Confession.’
Hotel Leo, “Limerence”
Hotel Leo is the synth pop project of musician Stephen Roper. This is the latest single, following the June 2026 EP, ‘Notes In The Door.’
Nirosta Steel, “MY NAME IS NIGHT”
The mysterious Scottish musician Nirosta Steel has won critical acclaim for his June 2026 album ‘My Skyscraper,’ a career-spanning collection of tracks.
Aldous Harding, “Train on the Island”
On the title track of her May 2026 album, Aldous Harding explores a warmer side of her indie rock sound, with tender storytelling.
mildred, “Fenceline”
Blending their experiences in rock scenes in Portland and Oakland, the indie rock band mildred get deep in the pocket on April 2026’s ‘Fenceline.’
James Ellis Ford, “‘Till Our Days Are Gone”
On ‘Lost In Another World,’ James Ellis Ford taps into a deep pocket of ambient electronics and indie rock inspired by British ‘80s synth pop, among others.
John Beltran, “Sunrise and the Life We Live”
A core name in the underground ambient techno scene in the US, Michigan’s John Beltran latest album is February 2026’s ‘Canada.’
Green-House, “Dragline Silk”
LA-based electronic duo Green-House dropped this wistful earworm of a track on their latest album, March 2026’s ‘Hinterlands.’
The Field, “Hey Baby”
The Field released this track on their May 2026 album ‘Now You Exist,’ which dropped on Scandinavian electronic label Studio Barnhus.
Panda Bear, Cass McCombs, “Venom’s In (demo)”
Keeping it raw and live, Panda Bear and indie veteran Cass McCombs jam it out on this latest demo track.
Steve Lacy, “the feeling”
Rising R&B artist Steve Lacy expands his layered sound on July 2026’s ‘Oh yeah?,’ which features this track.
Night Tapes, “television”
On the 2026 deluxe version of their latest album, ‘portals//polarities,’ British-Estonian dream pop band Night Tapes hit new harmonic highs.
Opal Mag, “Goodbye Lavender”
Based in the British seaside city of Brighton, Opal Mag blends alternative rock and dream pop on her latest EP, May 2026’s ‘Goodbye Lavender.’
Lozenge, “Everything”
On their ‘Everything’ EP, Leeds-based band Lozenge blend post hardcore, dream pop and alternative rock.
Stone Anthem, “The Satirist”
Stone Anthem is the project of UK experimental indie artist Archie Ingram. His June 2026 album ‘Solus Rex’ mixes alternative rock and electronics.
Snail Mail, “Cruise”
Known for her deft pop songwriting in the indie rock space, UK artist Snail Mail dropped this track on her March 2026 album, ‘Ricochet.’
Thundercat, The Lemon Twigs, “What Is Left To Say”
Jazz bassist, songwriter and vocalist Thundercat collaborates with indie rock band The Lemon Twigs on this track from the former’s April 2026 album ‘Distracted.’
Glassio, “Atlantic City”
On the February 2026 album ‘The Imposter,’ NY-based Glassio gently blends indie rock, synths and psychedelic folk with a pop sensibility.
Quiet Light, “New Dream”
Hailing from Texas, indie folk artist Quiet Light explores a fresh take on pop songwriting on her April 2026 album, ‘Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2.’
Kelela, “linknb”
Known for her expansive palette within R&B, Kelela leans into trip-hop, electronica and post rock on her latest album, July 2026’s ‘new avatar.’
L’Rain, “borderline”
Vocalist, musician and composer L’Rain continues to evolve on her August 2026 album, ‘fata morgana,’ which features this track.
Purient, “Mwah”
Melbourne-based vocalist and producer Purient taps into a darker energy on this latest track.
.png)
.png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%20(1).png)
.jpg)
.png)
%20(1).png)
