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.”

New Music Monday #37

Slug by Matt Champion 

A catchy feel-good melody with a fun play on words. Trickling strings and exciting drums start the song off in a dreamy state. Champions vocals reach a higher pitch creating a sound so unique and enthralling. Lyrically, the song depicts the yearning for someone’s love in an amusingly special way. Keys are incorporated along with synths making a magical listening experience and an infectious feel, “It’s dangerous to look in your eyes / I can’t explain it (explain what) / How I got so mangled in your light.”

Fell in Like by Kabwasa

Music that not only makes you feel but makes you groove! Kabwasa specializes in blending different genres into one to produce sounds that you can’t help but move to. “Fell in Like” has a quick tempo and instrumentals that make the track so special and exciting. Sparkly synths, a deep bass, and drums keep the rhythm steady and buoyant. The lyrics touch on the confusion of understanding what the other person might be feeling and downplaying your own feelings, “I ain’t fell in love I just fell in like”.

Blood on the Reef by Torture and the Desert Spiders

Deep and haunting vocals enter alongside an eerie guitar riff and echoing drums. A chilling melody fills any room you’re in with an overpowering feeling of longing. With each delivery of lyrics, the tempo builds up, producing an atmospheric angst. The closing of the track has a deep bass as the vocals turn into a soft whisper leaving you wanting more, “Give it an answer, I’ll give you an answer…”

R U A Literal Child ? by Astrel K

Taken on a musical journey, Astrel K has produced a track that defies any genre boundaries and summons a feeling of warmth and wonderment. With influences of electronic and indie-pop, the song begins with gentle vocals accompanied by beautiful horns, a consistent bass, and dizzying distortions. Hitting three minutes, the track takes a turn as the tempo picks up, synths intensify, and the bass deepens, allowing this electro-pop infusion to start. It’s evocative, powerful and includes captivating songwriting. 

Run Your Mouth by The Marías

Sleek and cool, The Marías have released another addictive track. With a unique techno flair to it, the production of the track entices the listener onto the dance floor. Its tempo is upbeat and flirty with gentle vocals delivering sassy lyrics. A synth-pop song with instrumentals that carry you into a groovier dimension, “ You'd just call me out / Call me when I'm distant / Always run your mouth.”

Light On by Dehd

A beautifully raw track that sonically evokes the feeling of returning back to someone or someplace. It’s mellow yet striking and lyrically promotes optimism. With punchy drums, a lovely percussion, and familiar guitar strums, this track has a beautiful composition of instrumental breaks and gorgeous continuing melodies, “Every day, every night I will leave a light on / What you want, what you need, I won't be a problem” 

Fire Excape by Zsela

In a slower, more alluring track, Zsela expresses the crazy ride of falling in love. Her distinctive vocals stand out as a gritty guitar plays beside a heavy bass. The chorus sonically creates this boundless feeling of what love can embody. As the track picks up with raw storytelling, glistening synths rise behind Zsela’s voice. Lyrically, “Fire Excape” is intimate with a unique production, “Day breaks on the fire escape and I’m falling in love / I’m falling down.”