New Music Monday #40

Under The Tree by Victoria Bigelow

Hypnotizingly raw, “Under The Tree” is a beautifully honest song with a sweet melody. A simple guitar strums throughout the track as Bigelow’s moody soft vocals hum into the tranquil bridge. Her vocal delivery is reminiscent of Lana Del Rey and her musical sound reminds me of Alexandra Savior. Through this, Bigelow creates music that is distinctive to just her, especially through her vivid lyrical storytelling, “I figured how to live with all this pain / I sing to that from whence I came / The dark beckons the flame.”

April by Local Natives

An immediate psychedelic trance takes over while listening to “April”, moving you through a sonic journey. Describing the sound to someone who’s never heard of Local Native, I’d compare this track to Tame Impala, that same dreamy, bass-heavy music that can stay on repeat because it’s just that good. Fluid harmonies throughout with a strong drum beat, soft guitar riffs, and synths that create an intoxicating melody, “​​Lights out on the way home / If you didn't know how I fеlt, April, now you know.”

Atlanta by Brother Zulu

Definition of a groovy and addicting melody right off the bat. “Atlanta” has this special rhythm and vocal harmony that locks you in. Captivating lyricism and a bouncy rhythm make it difficult to stay stagnant while listening. Analyzing the production, it is layered with gorgeous guitar strums, basslines full of soul, and deep evocative vocals, amongst other impressive elements. It’s a unique track filled with exciting musical twists and a skillful production, “Take me to Atlanta, baby.”

Cycle by Peel

A mesmerizing listening experience emerges as you begin “Cycle” by Peel. Synth forward and bass-heavy, this track contains a remarkable production with influences of psychedelia, digitized electronic elements, and riveting lyricism. Punchy drums stay consistent until the bridge highlights the haunting vocals and hazy instrumental and then enters powerfully once again, “Cycle, cycle, only one that I know / Only one in my head.”

Waste No Time by Astels

Deep, sultry vocal hums begin the track off with anticipation until the groovy beat enters. With genre influences ranging from a multitude of options such as R&B or funk, “Waste No Time” has a perfect blend of soulful vocals over an upbeat funky melody. Each chorus will hype you up with every listen, leaving a memorable impression on the duo. A little electronic infused with groovy basslines, and steady drums, “Even if I tried, I don’t wanna waste more time / Oh you gotta leave.”

Bababababy by Cupnoodle

An uplifting feel-good track whose clever lyrics depict the excitement of adoration and going for what you want. An electric guitar enters the pre-chorus as the rhythm picks up and the jazzy horns in the chorus further create an exciting and fun track. Snaps and drums keep this lively track cheerful as the flirty songwriting curates a danceable melody, “Can’t believe the way you got me stuttering / Again and again, I know I’m overthinking / But I’m done done done hiding what I’m feeling.”

Right Spot by HoneyLuv

An electronic dance track that screams we’re ready for warm weather and shorter nights. This is a song that I can hear being played out late at a Brooklyn venue in the middle of June where everyone just vibes. With pulsating synths, polished percussion, and a fidgety bassline line, HoneyLuv’s alluring vocals bring you into a trance beside the quickened rhythm, “Find me at 2 am on the dote.”

New Music Monday #39

Is This What Love Is? By Wasia Project

In a sonically moving track, “Is This What Love Is?” begins with an eerie melody and deep vocals that fill the empty space. Quick keys and a heavy bass pick up as harmonies meld and float above a lovely percussion. The fast-paced rhythm creates a feeling of uncertainty and anticipation as the drums intensify during the bridge. The songwriting encapsulates the confusion and worry of loving someone, “Is this what love is? / An endless goldmine /An endless train line of tears to pass you.”

Cinderella by Remi Wolf

Another funky banger from Remi Wolf that uplifts any mood and can make a room start to dance along. Her distinctive and strong vocals are immediately recognized and appreciated for the way it can bring any song to life. The use of horns throughout the track along with sparkly synths and a steady drum beat exude this palpable feeling of joy. Her lyricism has a fascinating way of capturing the fluctuation of emotions during hectic times, “I can be yellow (Yellow), I can be orange by the afternoon / And I'm purple (Purple), so quick when I switch it up.”

First To Try by Yam Haus

With a repeating guitar riff and quickened drums, “First To Try” is the upbeat but sad song that everyone loves. The melody is addictive as the vocals enter yearning for some sort of understanding. The consistent rhythm throughout as the bass and synths intensify creates this longing effect on the track as a whole. As far as the lyrics go, vulnerability is the word to describe them, allowing the listener to take a look deep into the singer's mind, “Oh I′ve wanted to change / But I stay the same, and it makes me cry.”

Yesterday by Kenya Vaun

In a track where you can feel every emotion as each line is sung, Kenya Vaun produces nostalgia through vivid lyricism in “Yesterday”. A theme felt throughout is the acceptance of what the past once was and appreciating who it made you. Clear keys, a heavy bass, and gorgeous backing harmonies further curate warmth and familiarity within the song, “If I had a chance to do it again / I'd do it the same, the joy and the pain / The coldest of winters, the summertime rain.”

That Energy by Emerson Azarian

Flirty, exciting, and fresh summarizes what “That Energy” brings to the table. It’s an electro-pop track whose popping synths and dizzying beats truly bring vitality to the track. Emerson’s vocals are alluring while the harmonies hypnotize the listener to dance along. The addictive melody with the digitized production produces a feeling of eagerness to hit repeat, “Blinded by the way you switch directions / Notice how you're stealing my attention / I want your affection.”

Give It Up For Love by Gossip

Upbeat and lively, “Give It Up For Love” has a multitude of elements that make this song so catchy. A funky 80’s pop flair, some disco incorporated, and a soulful vocal delivery, Gossip has a way of curating a special sound. A plethora of instrumentals dance throughout the track like the groovy electric guitar, dazzling synths, and punchy drums. It’s a true party anthem with captivating harmonies and the repeating title, “Give it up, give it up, give it up for love!”

ordinary love by Humble the Great

A love song expressing the specialty of the relationship between two people with a smooth rhythm throughout. With soulfulness infused in his vocals and jazz elements in the production, “ordinary love” feels as unique as the relationship written about. This slow song has a beautiful string section, gentle keys, and an inviting melody, “Baby I don't know about much, but what I know is we got no / Ordinary love.”

New Music Monday #38

Heavy by SPRINTS

Luring guitar riffs begin as drums thunder in beside haunting vocals. A song to head bang along to that lets your rage out. Fervent lyricism calls for screaming along as a sick electric guitar solo takes over. “Heavy” embodies an angsty rock and roll vibe with a rise in anticipation every time the chorus progresses. SPRINTS has sonically personified the overpowering feeling of apprehension, “And I can barely breathe / And I’m watching the world go around the window beside me.”

LOSTWITHOUTMARIA by F3miii

Genre-bending and exciting, F3miii shows his dexterity in the creative realm of music. Mix a funky groove, synth-pop elements, and a little R&B and you’ve got “LOSTWITHOUTMARIA”. The artistry put into this track shines bright as the infectious melody can’t keep you from dancing! A little 80’s dance and flirty lyricism tie the song together, “Mrs Maria, been waiting lifetimes just to meet ya.”

Bloom by Galdive

Listening to this track is like floating through a space of tranquility that feels intimate yet alluring. Especially with two headphones in, you become immersed in a blend of instrumentals combining genres, creating a unique sound. A groovy beat persists throughout, with sultry vocals delivering lines of lust and temptation. The song's end transitions into a jazzy, bossanova vibe with synths trickling away, “In midnight blue, I bloom for you / In midnight blue, I’m falling for you.”

Delusional by Georgia Webster

A feeling that is all too familiar to someone like me… thinking you made everything up, driving yourself crazy. Georgia Webster beautifully depicts this feeling of confusion and uncertainty in “Delusional”, with a smooth pop melody and honest songwriting. Backing harmonies uplift this emotional denial as dazzling synths, a steady beat, and keys intensify, “When you said we were somethin' special, you meant it, right? / Wеre we crazy 'bout each othеr or was I just delusional?”

Suckerpunch by Dreamer Boy

Clever songwriting illustrates the crazy things love makes us feel with a fun, carefree melody. You can’t help but tap along to the song as the drums are heavy, the guitar strums are soft and sweet, and the vocals are surrendering. The contrast between the feel of the song and the meaning behind it truly makes it special and one you want to have on repeat, “Love for me is like a sucker punch / And I’m blacked out on the mat, but I’ll go another round for you.”

Safe House by Nectar Woods

Soulful vocals carry you through the song with a jazzy instrumental influence. The melody is uplifting and smooth, something to groove along to. At the start of the song, the vocals blend beautifully with gentle guitar strums and as the rhythm progresses, fun drums and keys enter. A sweet listening experience that creates a feeling of peace within, “Someday, we'll be together, floating through the stars / And you'll see in no time, you are mine.”

Cut by Lecx Stacy

A short track that is sure to take you on an emotional ride with its songwriting and drift you into a trance with its musicality. Drums are light alongside dreamy whispered vocals that further the mystique of the song. Pretty keys and a gentle guitar play in the back as the repeating lyrics finish the song off, “I wish you caught my attention, it's just not my idea / We both had our intentions, it's just probably not clear.”