Michael Cammarata of Born Losers Records shouts out new wave, Milli Vanilli, jangly pop rock for Ears We Trust

Born Losers Records is one of the Philly area’s most popular independent record labels. Their roster includes local favorites such as Anthony Green, Wax Jaw, Johnny Dynamite, Euphoria Again, Bleary Eyed, and more in addition to a slew of other non-Philly artists; Zeta, Layzi, Hard Chiller, and Veronicavon to name a few.

For this week’s Ears We Trust, we asked co-founder Michael Cammarata to share what he’s been listening to lately for obvious reasons.

Check out his selections below.

Wishy — “Lovesick”

Probably my favorite song of 2026 so far. Their ability to blend late ’80s/early ’90s Sarah Records-style twee and jangle pop with a modern sensibility has made this on constant repeat. They also crushed it live at the Church last week.

The Sewing Club — “Complicated”

New release on Born Losers this year. There’s nothing quite like heavy and pretty, and The Sewing Club nails that balance. Kinda reminds me of the best parts of Weezer‘s Blue Album. Grab a record or catch them on tour.

New Order — “Lonesome Tonight”

New Order is easily one of the greatest bands of all time, and I wanted to shine a light on this lesser-discussed track because it deserves more love.

World News — “Don’t Want to Know”

Came across this band for the first time this year while digging around on Stereogum (grateful they’re still introducing me to great new music like it’s 2008). Sounds like Bruce Springsteen taking a more new wave turn in the ’80s.

Milli Vanilli — “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You”

Say what you will about Milli Vanilli and the lip-syncing controversy, but this song is an absolute banger.

Breakwater — “Release The Beast”

I love collecting records that are the original sample sources for iconic hip-hop and dance tracks. This one always gets a great reaction when I spin it live, and people realize it’s not Daft Punk.

Sade — “Paradise”

Sade is such a special artist. Her effortless cool is infectious. No matter what kind of music you’re into, what time of day it is, or what the vibe is, drop the needle on a Sade record, and the whole room is with you.

Gina X Performance — “Nice Mover”

’70s and ’80s avant-garde electropop and disco will always have a special place in my heart, and this record definitely deserves more love.

Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith — “What’s Wrong With Me”

I’ll admit, I’d never listened to a full Olivia Rodrigo song before this, but as a lifelong Cure fan, I was intrigued by the collaboration, and it actually brought me to tears.