One of the most unparalleled parts of summer is the ability to listen to feel-good music set to the backdrop of a sunny day. Admit it, we all have a playlist of happy jams that we start spinning the second the temperature hits 60. If they aren’t already, California-based alt-rock band The Mowgli’s deserve a spot on that list.
Since we were first introduced to The Mowgli’s with “San Francisco” (and their subsequent major label-debut LP, Waiting For The Dawn), we haven’t been able to stop listening to them. The group’s music takes feel-good to the next level—it’s bursting with a breezy, upbeat energy that has the ability to instantly lift your spirits.
At the close of a whirlwind decade (four LPs and appearances on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Conan), the band has recently gone independent and dropped two EPs, the latest being American Feelings, released in March of this year.
In support of four-track album, the group—Joshua Hogan (vocals/guitar), Katie Jayne Earl (vocals), Matthew Di Panni (bass), David Applebaum (keys/guitar), and Andy Warren (drums)—will be hitting the road on their Summer Vacation Tour. Kicking off in DC on July 14, the run will take them to venues across 10 states.
We caught up with the band to find out which songs will be on heavy rotation while they’re on the road. Check it out below, then hit the track button to stay up-to-date with all their touring news!
"George was always my favorite Beatle. I realized the significance of this song when I was singing it, walking thru London as the sun came peaking thru the clouds." (JH)
"This song is the first track on one of my favorite albums in high school, so it will stick with me forever." (JH)
"We listened to this track about a million times during our first summer of touring and playing festivals. Still holds up!" (JH)
"This song just feels like summer. The key hits behind the simple drum beat, and the beach-y guitar solo all add to the summertime feel." (JH)
"Talking Heads are hands down the coolest band of all time. This song just feels good and it was the first song I heard this Summer that made me truly feel like we had arrived at the season." (AW)
"This song reminds me of one of my favorite recent summers. I just feel like I’m hanging at a pool in Vegas with all my friends with no worries." (AW)
"This classic brings me back to my youth and spending summers at pool parties with the homies in my teenage years. Though the meaning behind the lyrics is disgusting, it’s such a fun song." (AW)
"Sunflower has this awesome psychedelic California vibe to it that feels so summery." (KE)
"To me, Plantasia sounds like what it feels like to sit and watch summer stars on warms nights." (KE)
"'Like A Girl' is a fun song and I’ve been listening to it to celebrate the soccer stars who just won us the World Cup!" (KE)
"This has been a summer anthem of mine for years. I had to put it on the list." (KE)
"The perfect summer vacation song. Anything by The Beach Boys works, but Kokomo is so fun and flirty and it makes me want a piña colada." (KE)
"A reminder of my first Warped Tour experience." (MD)
"Many trips down the coast listening to this song after a long day at the beach." (MD)