What Defined Storeplay’s Top Music Curation Picks for August 2025?

What Shaped the August 2025 Storeplay Music Curation Selection?
August Top 10 Storeplay Music Curation
It’s been another vibrant month in music, with Australian sounds bringing warmth to winter Down Under, and a few nostalgic anthems reminding us why we fell in love with them in the first place. Here’s August’s Top 10 from our music curation team:

1. HOW DOES IT FEEL?, The Kid LAROI

2. Oysters In My Pocket, Royel Otis

3. Send It Back, Don West

4. Spring Into Summer, Lizzy McAlpine

5. Luv Is Not Enough (Lazywax Remix), Miami Horror

6. You Get What You Give, New Radicals

7. Heart Beats Slow, Angus & Julia Stone

8. Highway Tune, Greta Van Fleet

9. Somebody Like You, Keith Urban

1. Why Does “HOW DOES IT FEEL?” by The Kid LAROI Lead This Month’s Curation?

One of Australia’s shining stars channels early‑2000s Justin Timberlake with this new one. Think high energy in this sleek bop that’ll get you feeling all sorts of feelings (see what we did there?).

2. What Makes “Oysters In My Pocket” by Royel Otis a Standout Pick?

This Sydney duo serve up a cheeky, carefree indie‑pop delight that’s equal parts dreamy and playful. On release of this track, the duo said that the song was their way of "showing appreciation to the bivalve molluscs that put some boost in our juice and some fire in the libido. Each one as unique as our very own fingertips. Heck don't pass up an opportunity when you come across these suckers. Stuff them in your pockets and be the life of any party."

3. How Does “Send It Back” by Don West Capture Feel-Good Energy?

Super-sunny soul straight from Sydney. Imagine golden hour sunlight in musical form. That's what we have here...pure feel-good vibes that warm the soul without needing sunscreen and a tan.

4. Why Does “Spring Into Summer” by Lizzy McAlpine Set a Seasonal Mood?

Spring’s almost here (for those down under), and Lizzy’s at the helm. This track is an intimate one...question for listeners...is this a love song or a breakup song? The optimist in us says love...but TBH, only Lizzy knows.

5. What Gives the “Luv Is Not Enough (Lazywax Remix)” Its Atmosphere?

A vibey scorcher. May we suggest you turn it on, the turn it up. This remix dials up the warmth and sets just the right mood for jugs of Aperol and late afternoons. In the words of Miami Horror themselves "We are obsessed with this remix from mysterious new Australian duo, Lazywax."

6. Why Does “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals Still Resonate?

An absolute retro classic banger. Nostalgia overload in the best possible way. Tthis one lifts spirits and brings comfort like a worn-in cardigan.

7. How Does “Heart Beats Slow” Reinforce Angus & Julia Stone’s Legacy?

A masterpiece comeback with Rick Rubin behind the scenes. These Byron Bay royals deliver silky easy-listening charm, reaffirming their place in chilled Aussie folklore.

8. What Makes “Highway Tune” by Greta Van Fleet a Modern Rock Essential?

Taking inspiration from early Led Zeppelin in the late 60s, Greta Van Fleet have owned the modern rock scene churning out riff-driven knockouts like this one. You can almost smell the dusty skylines and open roads through your speakers, with their classic US spirit and modern roar.

9. Why Is “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban a Timeless Crowd Favourite?

A classic track from Australia's hometown hero, Keith Urban. This banger of a track remains a staple in his set list, and a fan highlight from his recent tour around Australia. Somebody Like You is a country pop fave.

10. How Does “Drive” by Ed Sheeran Close the List with Impact?

Featured in the recent F1 movie, Ed Sheeran’s Drive takes everything we know and love about him, and adds some grit and rocky flare to the veteran singer-songwriters repertoire. A great track that showcases how pop-rock is still relevant. And if you love F1 (and seeing Ed dance on a race track)...be sure to check out the video.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is music curation in a brand or retail context?
Music curation is the strategic selection of tracks designed to influence mood, atmosphere, and customer experience in physical or digital spaces.

2. Why does seasonal music curation matter?
Seasonality affects energy levels, emotions, and behaviour. Curated music helps brands stay contextually relevant and emotionally aligned with audiences.

3. How does curated music influence customer experience?
Well-curated music can increase dwell time, reinforce brand identity, and subtly shape how customers perceive a space.

4. Why include both new releases and nostalgic tracks?
Blending discovery with familiarity creates emotional balance, keeping environments engaging without becoming distracting.

5. Is music curation only relevant for retail stores?
No. Music curation is increasingly used across hospitality, offices, events, fitness spaces, and digital brand experiences.

6. How often should curated playlists be refreshed?
Most brands benefit from monthly or seasonal refreshes to maintain relevance while preserving consistency.