Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Libby Jade - “Homebody”
Libby Jade isn’t afraid to own her love of her hometown on her new track “Homebody.” On this floating, ethereal track sprinkled with staccato drums and brazen, contrasting electric guitar, Jade reconciles conflicting feelings between spreading her wings like society pressures her to and fully embracing the deep love and comfort she feels in her current situation, in the home she’s always known. Reflecting on the track, Jade mentions, “Facing my love of home embarrassed me for the longest time because I always imagined I should be out in other states or countries, studying abroad, or just forcing a new city to be my home. That’s what the movies and TV shows always tell us to do!” She wants to make it clear that it’s also okay to grow up and stay right where you are.
grouptherapy. - “Truth Be Told”
LA-based collective grouptherapy. is back with their brand new EP, Truth Be Told.
As the name suggests, this project aims to give listeners an honest look into the group members’ unique personal and professional lives. And as former child entertainers who grew closer to each other while trudging through the entertainment industry, there’s no doubt SWIM, TJOnline and Jadagrace (the group’s members) have a story to tell.
To accompany the EP’s release, the collective dropped a music video to its title track. Thanks in large part to the group’s producer Dee Lilly, who has previously worked with artists like Snoh Aalegra, Jamila Woods and Big Sean, the song does an excellent job as an intro to the group’s eclectic sound and varying talents.
KALI - “Addicted”
Fresh off a U.S. tour run with Claud and a jam-packed week at SXSW, 17-year-old singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer KALI is keeping the momentum going with their second single of the year, “Addicted.”
Just last month, KALI released “Anybody Else:'' an expression of devotion (“you don’t need to worry about anybody else”) that ends in regret (“I wish I never trusted you”). “Addicted” similarly explores the pain of falling in love with someone and being disappointed by who they reveal themselves to be. This time, however, KALI shifts their focus towards self-growth and acceptance instead (“I know better than to do the same”).
Despite the song’s raw lyrical content, its accompanying music video, directed by Zealand Yancy, is playful in nature, seeing KALI smiling, dancing and playing pick-up basketball with a slug-masked opponent. The video, as well as the song’s undeniably catchy melody, create a clever juxtaposition and an easy-going, accessible listening experience that any indie music fan can appreciate.
So Soon - “Silent Moment”
It can be challenging to bring a new musical project to life, but So Soon is off to a strong start with their debut single “Silent Moment.”
So Soon was formed by David Stoebener and Marco Braun, and only officially launched at the start of the year. David’s brothers, who he toured with for years as part of the Wiesbaden-based band My Friend The Immigrant, help the duo with their live performances and production.
Sonically, “Silent Moment” starts off as a soulful, nostalgic piano ballad with soaring background vocals gradually layering on as the first chorus approaches (“I need a silent moment and you’re the only one I have”). About halfway through, the track’s energy shifts with more layers of instrumentation and a groove you can’t help but bounce to. Overall, the track has a timeless feel to it and serves as a strong announcement of So Soon’s arrival.
Homephone - “Pistachio”
For fans of melancholic bedroom pop, meet Homephone. Simply put by the duo, their newest single “Pistachio” is “a song about a relationship being something it isn’t.” Ysabelle Stepp and Joseph Sandholtz’s dreamy vocals intertwine over a twinkly synth and soft drums, a combination that perfectly captures a sentiment so wistful and overwhelming, it's hard not to feel anything. And when the bridge introduces a cosmic guitar line and a powerful thumping drum beat, the listener is consumed entirely. With backgrounds in funk and jazz, Homephone’s upcoming debut album is sure to be a strong exhibition of their engaging sound.
BOYU - “NYC Ate Your Soul”
New York City is a trope used so often that it’s become more of a cliche than a city. It takes a skilled artist to bring a unique projection onto a place so worn out. Pop artist BOYU does exactly that on his new single, “NYC Ate Your Soul.” The song’s conception comes from watching his peers climb the corporate ladder and chase a capitalistic dream. This comes together as a melodic track about a woman deeply afflicted by the city. But BOYU isn’t scathing, he’s sympathetic. Had he not pursued a music career, it could have been him too.
