Every month, Magnus, our Head of Music Development, pulls together what he thinks are the most captivating and essential releases from that month for Startle Selects. 

Our curators can then pick and choose from this playlist as they see fit, so that playlist updates for the brands who work with us are always up to date. It’s a win-win - we get to appreciate new music, and our clients soundtrack their sites with the freshest tunes. 

Here are his top picks from May 2025.

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In My Years - Men I Trust

We featured Men I Trust in March’s Startle Selects - we’re huge fans of their work. 

“In My Years” was released at the start of May, featured on the album “Equus Caballus”, the second part of their two-album release in 2025. The song is built around airy instrumentation - soft synths, gentle riffs, and pulled back percussion that create a gentle sound.

The song likely explores how years in time shape us, feeling nostalgic and bittersweet. Men I Trust often write about the concept of time, as seen in tracks like “Stay True” and “Days Go By.” 

Men I Trust’s tour kicks off in July, and we are excited to hear more music from them in the future. We’re not greedy though, 2 albums in 1 year is plenty to keep us going. 

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Send It Back - Don West

“Send It Back” is a soul tune from Don West that blends nostalgia with modernity and confidence. It was a late entry in the month, but it definitely made its mark. 

The song is a testament to West’s artistry - smooth vocals (and we mean smooth) sitting over vintage-inspired arrangements, producing a vibrant blend of R&B and soul with funk-infused energy.

If you're into artists who pay homage to classic soul while adding a sprinkle of contemporary - like Leon Bridges or Jalen Ngonda - we think you’ll like this one.

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Cars Pass By Like Childhood Sweethearts - Barry Can’t Swim

In the lead up to his highly anticipated new album, “Loner”, due for release in July, Barry Can’t Swim gifted us with a glimpse of what’s to come with “Cars Pass By Like Childhood Sweethearts”. 

The Scottish electronic music producer provided us with a mellow dance tune here. With luscious pianos and pads creating a warm tone, it’s a laid-back and truly enjoyable listen.

Fans of Barry Can’t Swim might find that this song reminds them a bit of earlier works, with the nostalgic vocal samples alongside strings and piano arrangements. We can’t wait for the album in July!

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Bullet - Loaded Honey, Lydia Kitto, J Lloyd

“Bullet” is a tender, mid‑tempo love ballad from Loaded Honey, the side project of Jungle’s Lydia Kitto and J Lloyd. Released on May 21st as part of their debut album “Love Made Trees”, it encapsulates the gentle soul-pop aesthetic they’ve crafted outside their main band.

The song blends retro production - soft guitar, warm strings - with modern neo-soul sounds. The duo described the album as their “Sunday‑morning” music - cinematic, romantic, and deeply personal. This song definitely lives up to that.

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If You Don’t Believe In Love - Shura, Helado Negro

“If You Don’t Believe In Love” is part of Shura’s third album, “I Got Too Sad For My Friends”, released on May 30th. Quite a few of the songs on the album made it onto Startle Selects this month. 

Warm synths blend with woodwinds, gentle keys, and soft percussion. Helado Negro’s vocal harmonies blend gorgeously with Shura’s, making the song tender to listen to. “If you don’t believe in love, you don’t believe in much” is also a statement which sits with you long after listening.