Atwood Magazine is thrilled to present our Editor’s Picks column, curated and written by Editor-in-Chief Mitch Mosk. Each week, Mitch will highlight a selection of songs, albums, and artists that have captivated him. With so much amazing music waiting to be discovered, all it requires from us is an open mind and a readiness to listen. Through our Editor’s Picks, we aim to illuminate our music finds and feature a diverse range of new and recent releases.
This week’s selections include Olivia Dean, Ken Yates, Flock of Dimes, Angelsaur, Little Dog Star, and Glom!
**“Nice to Each Other” by Olivia Dean**
There’s a comforting quality to Olivia Dean’s “Nice to Each Other” that I’ve been seeking throughout the summer. It’s light, flowing, suave, and smoldering—a song that seeps into your essence without demanding too much. Dean’s voice shines effortlessly as she layers it over rhythmic bass and ethereal guitars, encapsulating the essence of being with someone, whether they are a friend, a partner, or someone in between. As the lead single from her forthcoming album, *The Art of Loving* (set for release on September 26 via Island Records), “Nice to Each Other” feels like a gentle breeze entering through an open window—a reminder to relinquish our worries and simply savor the moment.
Dean describes, “‘Nice To Each Other’ is a song that delves into the pushes and pulls of discovering your independence in dating. It’s about enjoying someone in the moment and embracing the lightness while finding meaning. I believe this song and video showcase a playfulness in me that I’m excited for listeners to experience.”
This playful honesty resonates throughout the song, especially in the chorus: “'Cause you know I’ve done all the classic stuff and it never works, you know it. So can we agree to avoid those old routines? Let’s just be.” It’s a straightforward, refreshing dismissal of pressures, expectations, and worn-out dating narratives—an open invitation to engage in something simpler and more genuine.
While her lyrics may touch on contradictions (“I’ll probably crash your stupid car and make your life a misery”), Dean maintains an underlying warmth. Even in her most tumultuous moments, she aims for something authentic without wanting to harm anyone—simply a desire for genuine connection, irrespective of its form. This essence is what renders the song unique: It does not call for clarity or commitment; it merely seeks kindness, warmth, presence, and connection.
“Nice to Each Other” is deeply profound and stunningly powerful, embodying Olivia Dean at her most relaxed and emotionally transparent—a fitting soundtrack for a sun-drenched summer.
**“Total Cinema” by Ken Yates**
Ken Yates’ songwriting has a familiarity that feels like home to me. His music and lyrics, rich in melody and poetry, often revolve around exploring life’s raw, simple truths and discovering beauty within them. “Total Cinema,” the title track of his latest album, delivers a strikingly heartfelt reflection on love, life, partnership, and perspective, especially resonant for those reflecting on living intentionally—being present, grateful, and taking stock of one’s life.
Yates’ evocative lines declare, “You said man it’s been so fun / Changing with someone / Wake me up in solidarity / I keep the lights off when inside / To preserve the natural light.” He masterfully balances restraint and expression; his lead guitar glimmers like the morning sun, with his warm, wise voice slipping seamlessly into focus. His deceptively simple lyrics convey complexities: “These little movies in my mind / they’re still playing all the time / but you know all the darkest corners of myself / and if I’m lucky when I’m done / I’ll have an audience of one.”
Yates reflects on his journey: “It was an assessment of my career, a check-in looking ahead. When you start as a young songwriter, the only measures of success you know are fame and fortune. While they might be subconscious goals, I realized they aren’t the true aims. The real goals are to write songs for a living, build meaningful relationships, and be genuinely happy. Sometimes the lofty goals obscure true fulfillment, and focus on nurturing relationships is what I’ve found to be more rewarding.”
He articulates poignant truths: “The kind of song that doesn’t need grand statements to resonate. It’s a clear, heartfelt reflection that fulfillment doesn’t always need to shout; it can simply be about sharing your true self with someone who genuinely sees you and being present in the essential moments.”
Yates describes his life and career with clarity: “The path didn’t align with what I anticipated. But I longed to write songs for a living, to reside where I am now, and to nurture a great relationship with my wife, as we begin a family.” That clarity resonates throughout
Selected by Mitch Mosk, this week's Editor's Picks showcases music from Olivia Dean, Ken Yates, Flock of Dimes, Angelsaur, Little Dog Star, and Glom!
