Mixtape Monday: Something for everyone

This week's picks include The Orphans, Anderson .Paak, and a deeper cut from The Smiths.

Welcome back to Mixtape Monday, where Activision Blizzard King employees share what they’re listening to while they’re creating the games you know and love.

(Digging this series? Drop us a line and tell us what you’re listening to. By the way: We’re taking Memorial Day off. See you June 5.)

Last week’s picks were all about that no-rush vibe; this week’s have a little something for everyone: pop, punk, hip hop, and our first-ever folk pick.

Without further ado:

Billy Woods and Kenny Segal, “Soft Landing.” A narrative, low-fi journey from the New York rapper and Los Angeles producer. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube. (Recommended by Amal Ehsan, QA localization tester, Activision)

Kings of Convenience, “Toxic Girl.” If a folk-pop song is sung in a Norwegian wood, does it make a sound? Yes—this. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube. (Recommended by Laurent Verret, recruiter, Blizzard)

The Orphans, “The Government Stole My Germs CD.” Quintessential (and defunct) punk from Pennsylvania with a Panic! At the Disco title. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube. (Recommended by Emilio Jéldrez, Associate UX/UI Craft Development Director, King)

Hailee Steinfeld feat. Anderson .Paak, “Coast.” A bouncy burst of pop songcraft featuring Oxnard’s omnipresent son. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube. (Recommended by Hailey Tindell, QA functional tester, Activision)

The Smiths, “This Night Has Opened My Eyes.” In honor of the late bassist Andy Rourke, a pensive post-punk pick from Louder than Bombs. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube. (Recommended by Kevin Silva Mentado, senior IT desktop specialist, Activision Blizzard King)

That’s it for this week!

To hear these tracks or add them to your library, check out our playlist on Spotify.