New Music Monday #23

Lover/Friend by KAYTRANADA & Rochelle Jordan

A slick beat with electronic elements makes up this new hit. Lyrically flirtatious and playful, Rochelle’s vocals are breathy yet commanding. The hypnotic club beat along with the catchy chorus makes this a song you could never get sick of, “No defenses, satisfaction / Stopped your heart, just to get a reaction.”

Stars by Tai Verdes

Metaphorically clever, ‘Stars’ by Tai Verdes has elements from various genres making it a track anyone would love. His lyricism creates a catchy lovable chorus with an infectious beat and instrumentals to vibe to. Unshakeable drum beats in the background highlight Tai’s rapping as it moves into his smooth singing of the chorus, “I see stars in your eyes sometimes / With a little pain and they washin’ away.”

Wish You Wouldn't by Kali Claire & Shaé Universe

It’s an in-your-feels song that begins with a gentle guitar strum and then transitions into a steady beat. The vocals flow together effortlessly while depicting the varying emotions that occur after a fight. The lyrical storytelling is detailed and truthful combined with a smooth production, “Rip at my feelings, you settle the fire
/ Till we were frozen in time, why you so good every time?”

Pedestal by Lime Cordiale

Dazzling synths carry the chorus with powerful drums in “Pedestal”. While the track’s title gives away its meaning, the lyrics further express this all-consuming emotion of putting someone above yourself. The guitar smooths out the production while the vocal “ooh's” completes the song. To end the track off strongly the instrumental breakdown is both exciting and impressive, “Now I don’t mean to be, a full cliché / It’s one hundred degrees when I'm in her shade.”

Cherry by Rubi Rose

Incredibly bold, Rubi Rose made a bad bitch anthem with a killer beat and confident lyrics. The track showcases her ability to write music that's amusing yet skillful while also uplifting the listeners. The song's hook is well-written and memorable making it a perfect new track for your playlist, “I ain't talkin’ ‘bout no groceries, it’s green up in my bag.”

Sun Jam- Live 6/17/2023 by Wild Blue Yonder

The variety of instrumentals coalesce creating a unique and unforgettable listening experience. The diligent use of each instrument is heard clearly throughout and expressed in different ways, which is what makes the band so special. At the 7-minute mark, we have a slower guitar strum and drum beat along with cool slick vocals that transition into expressive longing songwriting. The last 3 minutes have a lovely guitar riff and funky bass that ties the entire song together with the final lyrics, “I’m gonna run to the heart of the sun / I might live I might die but I’m sure gonna try in the heart of the sun.”

I’ll Never Leave by Sen Zacarias

Rich and powerful vocals create a tranquil listening experience worth the play. The lyrics beautifully describe devotion to one person with a sweet melody and beautiful harmonies. A jazz track filled with fascinating instrumentals and loving lyrics, “Baby, baby I ain’t goin' nowhere / Honey, honey I’ll always be near.”

New Music Monday #22

I Just Want To Wake Up With You by Helado Negro

His iconic soft echoed vocals begin the song with a groovy melody. The refrain being the song's title makes the meaning behind it self-explanatory; the comfort of being with someone special within the safety of domestic love. The track has a relaxed psychedelic feel to it and an electronic distortion that creates an out-worldly atmosphere while listening, “Islands seem lonely now / Float miles to see your face."

Sadie Hawkins Prom by Eyedress

The soft, sweet melody contrasts the eerie vocals which gives layers to the song’s production and meaning. Lyrically we delve into the concept of growing up, the fact that time doesn’t slow down but we still have to keep going. Quick-paced drums and cool guitar strums at the start evoke head nods throughout and as the song comes to an end the instrumentals become more intense. Possibly showing the inevitability of time only moving by faster as we age, “Take your time, don’t let it burn you out / Driving too fast, you gotta slow it down.”

More Than Happy by WILLIS

A track that contains all the elements needed for a perfect soft rock vibe. The electric guitar takes you on a journey beside the drums that begin slow and pick up during the chorus. The vocals are distinctly deep with a sense of longing behind them and the mix of instrumentals amplifies the confusing and consuming emotions, “How did this happen? / I thought I was dreaming."

Arrivals by Absolutely

The powerhouse behind the vocals in “Arrivals” is Abby Keen, an artist from the U.K.; someone to keep an eye on. This track is filled with intensity with the help of her strong vocals and the instrumentals that take it to another level. The harmonization with herself along with the catchy melody creates a song that cannot just be labeled under the pop genre. She brings so much more to the table lyrically and musically, “When I’m further from you than the moon / Oh, how much love can I hold?”

the girl (that you can’t get over) by Lili-Ann De Francesco

The vivid storytelling in the lyrics takes the listener through the heartbreak Lili experienced. Her vocals are smooth and precise while the lyrics cut deep. It’s a call-out but also a bad-ass pop anthem that's uplifting to those who have been left hurt. The chorus ends the song with a haunting spell, “Is that what you wanted / Kill what you started."

Tell Nobody by Essosa

With R&B notes, “Tell Nobody” has a pop/dance production that makes the song one to dance along to. The piano loop paired with the bass further makes the beat a perfect one to get down to. The song itself gives insight into the excitement of keeping your sneaky link a secret. Essosa is lyrically direct and vocally smooth, “The tension’s too much / I’ll move with you, ‘long as you, Don’t tell nobody."

Lonely Times by Keep Shelly In Athens

The genre-bending duo has created yet another ethereal track that feels mystically unique. The song-writing is fascinating with the distant vocals echoing in the back. Incredible drums thunder with an electric guitar humming alongside the other instrumentals. The lyrics make the listener feel inquisitive, but also entranced by the meaning,  “Wear my evanescent soul / Now she’s coming to rip it away."

New Music Monday #21

23 by Baby Queen

Vulnerability doesn’t come easy but with the writing in “23”, it almost seems effortless. Baby Queen writes about the experience of being in your 20s. News flash— it’s rough. She perfectly encapsulates the confusion, fear, and existentialism. Through this, the lyrics are also introspective and allow for self-understanding, “I can’t help myself it’s just the way I feel”. She mostly speaks through the dialogue of truth and softly sings through the chorus ending on an encouraging note, “Live a little bit, you’re twenty-three”.

Never Change (feat. Philip Bailey) by BJ the Chicago Kid

An absolutely breathtaking track that is infused with gorgeous instrumentals and smooth vocals that deliver lines with ease. Harmonizing between the two artists produces a soulful atmosphere surrounding you. With a heavy bass, glistening keys, and drums make the listening experience one that you wish would never end. The vocals melt beautifully with the lyrics, “Because seasons change / Nothing remains the same”.

My Mirage by Dakota Blue

A cool eclectic track that feels as though you’re traveling through time and space. The prominent bass that starts the song off feels mysterious as the drums begin to settle in. The entirety of the musical production creates an ominous feel aside the soft vocals. An electric guitar towards the song's end adds a longing sense to the repeating lyrics, “She’s my mirage”.

Blick by ScarLip

A song that’ll hype you up no matter when or where you listen to it. ScarLip’s gritty delivery with every line showcases her versatile style within her music. A fast-paced drum beat with drill components added to create a track that you can’t help but dance to. Through each lyric, you can hear passion and confidence along with clever lines, “Oh, he rattin? / We give him some cheese.”

Red Flags by Brittany Howard

Powerfully moving, “Red Flags” takes us through a journey of ignoring all the signs to leave a relationship that's leading nowhere. The distinctive sound of the track feels like gaining a sense of finality in what is no longer good for you. The bass is deep, the drums are lively, along with the other instrumentals that make the listening experience remarkably fluid, “Dreaming a way to keep from waking”.

APATHY (feat. Gregory Thomas Pease) by Babie Julez

Brutally self-aware, Babie Julez has written from a place of raw honesty. The heavy drums mixed with guitar riffs further make the pop-rock song feel as angsty as the lyrics. Her vocals are strong and assertive, demonstrating all the emotions put into the songwriting. Pease’s softer vocals enter the second verse and build up to the reflective chorus, “I get stuck in my own way / I feel lost, I still haven’t done anything”.

Loaded Quiet (Grown at Home) by Sam The Woo

Poetic and striking, Sam The Woo creates music that is unique in the way it sounds AND in how it makes you feel. Her ability to story-tell is vivid and imaginative, making you feel as if you are right there with her. More of a ballad, the instrumentals behind her vocals are beautifully enhancing every lyric she delivers “I left myself on repeat, watching windows from my childhood bed sheets”.