Every Wednesday, the ugly hug shares a playlist personally curated by an artist/community member that has inspired us in some way. This week, we have a collection of songs put together by singer-songwriter, founder of new power-pop band Culture Tax, and Label Director of Brooklyn’s Double Double Whammy, Mallory Hawk.

Earlier this year, Hawk shared two singles, “All Your Troubles / Run Until They Catch You,” finding her embracing a new and vulnerable creative outlet as a songwriter. She is also a leading member of the new group, Culture Tax, a scrappy power-pop band with more music and shows on the way.

Beyond her own music, Hawk is a major advocate for the indie music community, bringing attention and solutions to the gender disparity in producing/engineering, sharing new ways to approach the music market and promotional campaigns, as well as helping artists navigate the unsavory terrain of the industry on her Substack, Senses Working Overtime.

In every aspect, Hawk reminds us that a shared love of music is what builds up communities. In the spirit of discovery and relationships, she shares this write up about the playlist:

“I considered a few themes for this playlist before catching myself shazamming a song at Honey Moon Cafe in Ridgewood, Queens this week. This is a common occurrence, I dwell there at least twice a week and a few of the baristas have impeccable taste. I thought it would be fun to just make this playlist the last 12 songs I shazammed, which could have been embarrassing or revealing, but all it revealed is I’m clearly going through a jangle pop phase. Some of these bands are largely forgotten, others a bit culty. All of it rocks and I totally see why I shazammed these songs. Shout out to Alex who works there, he unknowingly made at least 1/3 of this playlist. Enjoy!” 

Cutlure Tax will be having their first show 6/22, at the knitting factory with ducks ltd. and kiwi jr.