The November 2024 New Music Mix Tape can be found on Spotify. Listen in-blog below for a more rich experience, or on Spotify for uninterrupted music. Please note below each song is a link to song lyrics for accessibility. Check out more details on how to best enjoy mix tapes.
Good day and welcome to the November 2024 New Music Mix Tape, right here on KMTJ-DB – Your Mix Tape Journey – Denver, Colorado.
I’m your host DJ Ponyboy and I am stoked to share with you all the very best music from the month of November.
Thank you so much for joining me today and the first Sunday of every month for my New Music Mix Tape; as always, I dare you to listen to one of my new music mix tapes beginning-to-end and then tell me there is no good new music.
Kicking us off, drawing influence from artists like The White Stripes, The Black Keys, The Kills, and Royal Blood, are the Velveteers, an indie rock band from Colorado whose sound is simultaneously aggressive and melodic.
Here are the Velveteers with their newest track, “Suck the Cherry” on KMTJ-DB, Denver.
“Suck the Cherry” by The Velveteers. They will be in Colorado two nights in February: at Hi-Dive in Denver on the 14th, and again on the 28th in Fort Collins at the Aggie Theatre.
If you are around my age, you’re likely familiar with the musical stylings of Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, an English musician, DJ, and record producer responsible for tracks like the 1998 hits “The Rockafeller Skank” and “Praise You”.
His new track manages to replicate his characteristic sound while remaining fresh and relevant.
“Yo what? Yo momma!”
Fatboy Slim (partnering with Daniel Steinberg) and “Bus Stop Please”.
Fatboy Slim and “Bus Stop Please”. He is touring this year, but isn’t currently slated to come to Colorado. The same with our next artist.
Owen Riegling is a rising country artist from Ontario known for his heartfelt storytelling; his newest song is deeply personal and explores themes of loss and grief.
Here is Owen Riegling with “The Call” on KMTJ-DB, Denver, Colorado.
“My Promise (90 Days)” – a collaboration between Cincinnati, Ohio singer-songwriter Jack Kays, and Travis Barker, best known as the drummer of Blink-182. That song off Deadbeat!, Kays’ latest album, exploring themes of relationships, addiction recovery, and personal growth; he will be touring that album next year, coming to Gothic Theatre in Englewood March 4th.
Owen Riegling before that with “The Call”.
If you too are grieving this holiday season, make sure to join me on December 22nd for my Christmas 2024 Theme Mix Tape (Side B): Tinsel and Tears: Grieving Through the Holidays.
No matter the reason for your grief, I will be here to hold space and grieve with you. We will laugh together, cry together, and share a mix tape with music specially curated just for you.
Continuing our new music, Colombian electronic artist Ela Minus, who initially gained recognition for her 2020 debut album, Acts of Rebellion, is set to release a new album next month titled Dia.
Enjoy the latest single off that effort: “Upwards” on KMTJ-DB – Your Mix Tape Journey – Denver, Colorado.
Ela Minus and “Upwards”; she is touring next year, but will not be visiting Colorado.
Changing gears a little, our next song is a country song. Sort of.
If you removed the steel guitar and added an electric piano, one might consider it an R&B track.
What genre would you call it?
Kashus Culpepper is an emerging artist from Alabama who blends elements of country, soul, blues, and gospel to create a unique sound that reflects his Southern roots. He will be performing at Ford Field in Vail May 25th.
Exploring themes of vulnerability and unrequited love, enjoy the latest tune from Kashus Culpepper: “Pour Me Out”.
Celebrated R&B artist Mario, with “Glad You Came”, the first single released to promote his upcoming album of the same name, his first album in six years – coming out in just a few weeks. You can see him live in concert at Ball Arena February 25th.
Kashus Culpepper before that with “Pour Me Out”.
I’m your host, DJ Ponyboy, on KMTJ-DB – Your Mix Tape Journey – Denver, Colorado.
Thank you for joining me today to celebrate the very best in new music. I’m so happy you’re here. 🥰
Lost Frequencies is a renowned Belgian DJ and producer known for his blend of deep house and pop influences.
Enjoy his newest song “Love Is the Only Thing”.
Interstellar is an instrumental tune and has no lyrics
Norwegian DJ and producer duo Kream with “Interstellar”; they will be at the Ogden Theatre in Denver December 20th.
Lost Frequencies before that; he will be touring, but unfortunately not in Denver – we heard his new track “Love Is the Only Thing” here on KMTJ-DB, Denver, Colorado.
Speaking of love, how do you show love to those around you, especially those you don’t know personally?
Think carefully on that while we listen to my next selection, the newest track from multi-platinum Canadian singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith, “Small”.
“Small” by Lauren Spencer Smith.
I ask again, how do you show love to those around you, especially those you don’t know personally?
Smith asks the musical question, “If I’m not happy and skinny, quiet and pretty, do I even matter?”
You might say “society” is to blame for making people feel poorly about themselves, but surprise – we are all society – you too!
In what ways have you participated in the bullying of people who are, “sad and fat, loud and ugly”, either actively or tacitly?
I like to remember the “five second rule”. You should not point out a “problem” with someone’s appearance unless it is something they can change in five seconds or less.
What steps can you take today to decrease societal bullying in yourself and others?
Our next artist is an indie rock band from Hamm, Germany. Founded in 2014, they released their debut album in 2020.
Here is their latest: Giant Rooks with “Mind Control” on KMTJ-DB, Denver.
“Mind Control” by Giant Rooks. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek help. I want and need you to stick around.
I’m DJ Ponyboy and I’m asking you to please don’t go; you still have so much to give.
One band that was deeply affected by the self-unaliving of a member is nu-metal legends Linkin Park. 😢 After long years of struggling through their grief and working to find a way forward, they are finally back with a brand-new album.
From Zero marks a return to their nu-metal roots after the band’s seven-year hiatus following the death of lead singer Chester Bennington. Their new song “Two Faced” features vocals by co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda and new band member Emily Armstrong. For a little treat, turn up the track during the last five seconds. 😜
Just released to promote their new album From Zero, here is Linkin Park with “Two Faced”.
“Blah” by Kota the Friend, with Statik Selektah and Logic.
Linkin Park before that with new track “Two Faced”; they are coming to Ball Arena September 3rd, so you have plenty of time to save up for tickets!
Our next track is unique in that the intro is over two minutes long. Two minutes of complex, layered instrumentation before the lyrics even come in, which warrant a close listen as well.
Here is Mount Eerie with “Non-Metaphorical Decolonization on KMTJ-DB – Denver.
Non-Metaphorical Decolonization Lyrics
Mount Eerie will be coming to Fox Theatre in Boulder February 22nd.
Musical genius Jon Batiste is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and bandleader who is probably best known for appearing nightly with his band Stay Human on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 to 2022.
Batiste’s new album, “Beethoven Blues”, offers a unique fusion of classical and blues music, re-imagining Beethoven’s works, like “Für Elise” or “Symphony No. 5”, alongside original compositions inspired by Batiste’s New Orleans heritage and classical piano training.
Enjoy his fantastic new track, “Dusklight Movement”.
Dusklight Movement is an instrumental tune and has no lyrics
Jon Batiste with his new track “Dusklight Movement” on KMTJ-DB – Your Mix Tape Journey – Denver, Colorado.
I’m DJ Ponyboy, and … it’s December 1st, everybody! Happy holidays!
We’re kicking things into high gear here this month, releasing three new Christmas Theme Mix Tapes. I mentioned Side B: Tinsel and Tears earlier.
Next week I release Side A: Snowflakes and Surprises: A Non-Conformist Christmas, where I introduce you to newer Christmas tunes you may not be familiar with, and near the end of the month, the Christmas tunes will wrap up with Side C: Twisted Tinsel: Reworked Christmas Classics, featuring my favourite updated versions of traditional Christmas tunes.
At Mix Tape Journey, we recognise there are many holidays celebrated during the month of December and Christmas is only one of them; while it is the only holiday represented on this year’s mix tapes, I am excited to explore the music of other December holidays in future years, and I would love your help!
What non-Christmas December holiday(s) do you celebrate, and what is your favourite song of that holiday? Share your answer in the Mix Tape Journeyers Facebook group!
As you are shopping for gifts this year, don’t forget Mix Tape Journey! I offer my guide Chasing Sunshine: A Guide to Educating Yourself on Popular Music, custom curated playlists, and Patreon subscriptions, with five different tiers of support with five levels of rewards!
When shopping on our website this month, receive 20% off your entire purchase using the code SANTA20 at checkout. That’s SANTA20 for 20% off your Mix Tape Journey Christmas gifts.
Let’s get back to the music! The bass on my next track is off the chain; if you aren’t hearing/feeling it, try listening using good headphones or a full-sized speaker (not your phone 😉).
Enjoy new rapper BabyChiefDoit’s newest track “Nachos” on KMTJ-DB, Denver.
Country artist Blake Shelton and “Texas”.
Before that, BabyChiefDoit with “Nachos”.
I’m DJ Ponyboy.
Our next artist channels rockabilly artists of the 1950’s like Elvis Presley.
Elliot James Reay is “Boy in Love” on KMTJ-DB, Denver, Colorado.
American rapper Lil Baby with “Insecurities”.
“Boy in Love” before that from Eliot James Reay.
You’re listening to KMTJ-DB – Your Mix Tape Journey – Denver, Colorado.
I’m DJ Ponyboy, having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have. I hope you’re enjoying yourself also as we continue with the fantastic music!
Originally founded under the moniker Groundswell, here is Canadian rock band Three Days Grace with their newest track, “Mayday”.
Leap is the new project from London artist Jack Balfour Scott, formerly of indie-rock band The Mispers. His new track “The Downfall” here on KMTJ-DB, Denver.
“It’s hard to keep fighting when you’re barely surviving”. “Mayday” before that by Three Days Grace, who will be at Ball Arena in Denver, February 27th.
Our next track is unique, featuring a collaboration between Canadian artist Ikky and Indian-born musician, Punjabi pop pioneer Soni Pabla, who passed away in 2006.
Enjoy their new posthumous joint, “I Like You”.
I Like You Lyrics (I was unable to locate these and do not have the skills to transcribe them 😢)
New artist Savannah Dexter with “Damage”.
Soni Pabla and Ikky before that with “I Like You”.
I’m DJ Ponyboy on KMTJ-DB, Denver, Colorado.
Up next, Louisville rapper EST Gee tells us about his love of “The Streets”.
Born in Virginia to Nigerian parents, rapper Shaboozey has been active since 2014; that was his latest effort, “Good News”; he is touring right now, but doesn’t have plans to come to Colorado.
We heard EST Gee with “The Streets” before that.
If you are feeling weary from this year and fearful for what next year might bring, make sure to join me in January for my two theme mix tapes exploring themes of resistance and hope.
I have a lot of exciting plans in store in 2025 and I’m excited to share the journey with you!
Don’t forget to use the discount code SANTA20 all month long for 20% off your Mix Tape Journey holiday gifts!
You have been listening to KMTJ-DB – Your Mix Tape Journey – Denver, Colorado.
I’m your host, DJ Ponyboy.
Until next time, stay gold.