Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
MICHELLE - “FYO”
The NYC collective MICHELLE, who smoothly (and effortlessly) create tightly tucked tracks based on the essence of finding yourself in the big city, is back with the release of “FYO”. Led by Sofia D’Angelo, Charlie Kilgore, Julian Kaufman, Layla Ku, Emma Lee and Jamee Lockard, MICHELLE make slick dream-pop twisted with lavish 90’s R&B melodies, and a production that flows with the New York City streets all into one space. Born-and-bred New Yorkers, MICHELLE is refreshingly comprised of predominately POC + queer members; making the track “FYO” solely rooted on the feelings of growing up with mixed-race identities. Globally premiered via The Matt Wilkinson Show on Apple Music 1, “FYO” has already reached global acclaim from outlets such as NYLON, Refinery 29, and even making it onto The NME 100 list for “Essential Emerging Artists for 2021”.
Jamee Lockard from the band shares: “FYO” is about belonging to different worlds but feeling rejected by both. Growing up as a mixed-race minority in the US, my self-concept was warped by other people telling me what I am and am not, pushing and pulling me between identities.”
“FYO” is rooted in New York alternative R&B, while bridging the gap of synths and buoyant grooves. The track serves as a glimpse of what is ahead for the collective, and one were watching out for.
Declan McKenna - “Rapture”
Lately, the idea of reincarnation has been pressing on my ears - whenever I listen to the music of today. Being children of the internet, along with housing the interests and passions of the people who raised them, these current generations have found a way to bridge centuries when it comes to music. Declan McKenna is beginning to lead this uprooting of genre with his Bowie themed hairstyle to match. “[He] has one of the strongest cases to be made, in years, for continuing the tradition of McCartney-esque melodies, with simple instrumentation, and addictive hooks,” penned The A.V. Club. After his highly praised 2017 debut album, What Do You Think About the Car?, he has followed it up with a trip to the outer limits of his own musicality with the album, Zeros. “Rapture” lives up to its name. The guitar riffs pull you in while the storytelling requests you to stay. It’s one of those songs where the groove hits you, immediately, as if you were hearing it amongst a mass of bodies, bowing to its raucous beat at a rave. If you still have a longing to see new destinations, take a look at his VEVO live performance of the song then close your eyes...Letting Declan take you someplace far and out of reach.
Elena - “Build a Ship”
Canadian artist Elena gives us a taste of her upcoming album with her first single ,“Build a Ship” . The artist leads the listener through a whimsical song about wondering if a one-night stand will stay but leaves him first with a new realization of self-love. The song gives a comforting sound as the listener is guided through its story alongside soft acoustic guitar and smooth vocals. Elena’s smooth vocals effortlessly flow in the smooth paced track, allowing the listener to take each moment in. “Build a ship” is the first of many single’s to be released within the next few months as Elena unveils her upcoming pop album and is an artist to keep an eye on as 2021 charges ahead.
Melby - “Old Life”
The best things can be found at home. Melby, a Scandinavian quartet, found each other while living in Stockholm shared housing. It isn’t hard to sense that it only took a single moment for them all to perfectly mesh together, creating one single vibration. After their critically successful debut album, None of this makes me worry, the band sought to switch-up their methods. They began recording, welcoming experimentation from all members, before any touring could be done. “Old Life” is a product of what they cooked up in isolation, coming upon a new type of funk that resides on the cozier side. The band had this to say about their new hit single, “It sounds a bit like flying, looking down at the landscapes and people passing by beneath you. You’re flying fast, but there’s also this peacefulness to it.” Many songs speak on nostalgia, nowadays, but few can emit it from an opening sound, alone. “Old Life” builds a scene in my head like it’s from a movie. Time is moving slowly, around me, as my body is in hyper-speed while Sofia Coppola directs me to my next steps. “Old Life” is a song built on the sadness of having to use past tenses yet the freedom it can give you, once you let the past wash over you.
MAISYN - “Cool Grl”
Who says there isn’t power in vulnerability? With her debut single “Cool Grl”, singer-songwriter Maisyn explores vulnerability as a strength, rather than a fault. Through her effortless storytelling lyrics, Maisyn demonstrates that allowing oneself to truly feel is empowering. Coming off cool or unconcerned doesn’t get you anywhere; all you’re doing is depriving yourself of a feeling that could either be an experience or a lesson. The melodic guitar sprinkled throughout “Cool Grl” carries a lightness that contrasts her deep and emotional voice that speaks of letting go and being honest with one’s emotions.
Palace Cats - “Don’t Call Me Calm”
Starting off with a little guitar tune and slowly introducing more instruments and elements, Palace Cats’ new single, “Don’t Call Me Calm,” is the new song you’ll obsess over this week. Once you hear the vocals, you are drawn into memories you didn’t think were bittersweet. It feels warm, but with hints of coldness. It's like hearing the color blue. The song is about two lovers that still have lingering distance, and how we still yearn for something more whether that be something in life or someone. Palace Cats consists of Joe Doris and James Bowden, whose third member and drummer sadly passed away. Even with a missing piece, they both have a clear view of what they want to do sonically and artistically.
pecq - “Stranger”
“Stranger” gives a danceable opening melody before gliding into the vocals singing about losing yourself in between the past and present. pecq, comprising of duo of producer, Nikò O’Brien, and instrumentalist/vocalist, Hannah (Jakes) Jacobs, add “Stranger” to their discography after COVID-19 left them with their studio as their playground. According to Jacobs, “Stranger” is about how events, traumas or lies send us far away from a past self, but you cant recognize yourself when you finally arrive somewhere else either. “Stranger” is the first single off their upcoming EP Stranger, which is due to be released April 15th. The fun psych-pop song is a perfect addition to your late-night feeling playlist.
Juniper - “Day Dream (brake lights)”
“Daydream (brake lights)” is Juniper’s second single off their upcoming debut album. Written on New Years’ 2020 and inspired by Still Woozy, Dayglow and John Mayer, this song is going to be the little gem for your week. Everything about it is unique with small elements that sonically tie it together but make such a big impact. “Daydream (brake lights)” is smooth like R&B and Jazz, but dreamy-like indie pop and folk with hints of bedroom pop. This is definitely a more different sound for Juniper but still has its attributes that make you know it's Juniper. Give Juniper’s new single a listen, feel it all around and fall in love with it. Then, keep an eye out for more stuff from their debut album, you won’t be disappointed.
Augustine - “Prom”
Augustine is back! This time with, “Prom”, a groovy new single off his debut album which is set to release later this year. “Prom” is a beautiful song filled with busy yet fascinating emotions that will not only have you reflecting your feelings from the past year, but also shamelessly dancing. With the catchy upbeat drum and Augustine’s silky falsetto, the listener is drawn into his emotions, revolving change and will have you revel at the days ahead of tomorrow instead of worrying. Despite the daunting feelings of worry, the bouncy and exciting beat promises hope and a good time.
Vacation Manor - “Can’t Run Forever”
Vacation Manor, the Virginia based indie-pop duo, have just released the first single off their anticipated self-titled album set to release in April, titled “Can’t Run Forever”. The band continues their melodious indie-pop tone with “Can’t Run Forever”, yet there is a novelty to the song that you can’t quite seem to find in their previous discography. Written, recorded and produced in a weekend in their home studio, Nathan Towles and Cole Young encompassed the spontaneity of the process directly into the song, channeling a serene sound with hints of surf rock tonalities. “Can’t Run Forever” creates a deep nostalgic sense with the help of intimate lyrics and playful melodies. If Vacation Manor stands to set the stage for a new album and new sound, will surely be having our eyes peeled on the duo.
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From Pavietra 🕊️ https://t.co/BXVgWlZud8 -
slowthai by Rosie Matheson 🤩 https://t.co/z7SDfFQ5iF
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RT @i_D: Ian Kenneth Bird photographs young punks on Polaroid: https://t.co/MKT0tMUqO9 https://t.co/a0tTl12ML5
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RT @AnOtherMagazine: #DreamHome – this isolated idyll in the mountains of Lanzarote 🌵 📸 via Nowness, photography by Clemence Blr 🔁 https://t.co/GUusdxD0cg