Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Gareth Donkin - “Whenever”
London-based singer-songwriter Gareth Donkin’s new R&B single "Whenever" tells the story of a lover reassuring his commitment: “Whenever you want me, whatever you need, I’m only a call away. The days you feel lonely, the times that you feel it, I promise I’m here to stay.” The accompanying music video—with its disco ball, tinted sunglasses, and patterned collared shirts—is 70s-inspired and matches the disco energy of the song. Donkin was born with perfect pitch and played jazz piano, drums, and also DJed at a young age. He then studied production at the Leeds College of Music, simultaneously recording at home. Fans who enjoyed the collaboration between Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars on Silk Sonic will find “Whenever” to be a similar smooth, bright listen.
Moving City - “Whatever, Man”
Vancouver-based band Moving City was originally built by collaborators Andrew Facciolo and Logan Shaw. They are also joined by Madison Norton, Jan Toren and Chris Johnson, writing music inspired by 70s rock and modern folk. "Whatever, Man" is the lead single off their upcoming EP SNACKS. Described as inspired by UK rock, including The Smiths, “Whatever, Man” is an indie guitar song with Facciolo singing about life’s inevitable imperfections that can be brushed off with a “Whatever, Man”.
Love You Later - “Long Sleeves”
“Long Sleeves” is the final single off of Love You Later’s latest EP From The Window Seat. Love You Later described the track as one that “feels really close to me.” It is an aching love song that starts mellow and escalates into a weeping electric guitar, matching the relationship journey which struggles to find a foothold: “I don’t know what to do ‘cause you left me so confused and you got me wearing long sleeves in July.” At 24-years-old, Love You Later has gained more than 8 million streams and has performed with OneRepublic, Dayglow, Briston Maroney, and joan. From The Window Seat will be out May 5, 2023.
Solomon Rex - “10th House”
Solomon Rex’s “10th House” floats in with a sampled discussion of the solar system before gliding into smooth psychedelic pop. Beachy guitars complement vocals that are emotional and direct. Perfect song for the snow melting. There’s funny, slacker commentary on lines like, “move to the East Coast just to stay in bed.” The laid back, emotional vocals sits in the same zone as Kid Cudi.
Rex’s voice extends to the production too with an original approach blending programmed drum loops with his layered vocals, guitars, and that unique space talk at the song’s top. He’s not afraid to take risks and it shows.
Expect more from the Montreal-born-New York-based musician soon.
dba James - “Comeback”
Written in the height of COVID lockdown, “Comeback” finds dba James enjoying connection and close proximity to someone while stuck at home. A running throughline of the song is the looming fear of life restarting and the person leaving, even as James is loving the moments shared with the person in the present. This track feels effortlessly smooth as James plays with vocal modulations and breezy beats that seemingly emphasize the not entirely normal reality these feelings and the entirety of “Comeback” was created in.
Thundercat - “No More Lies”
True magic comes to listeners in the form of “No More Lies”, a major collaboration between Thundercat and Tame Impala. Thundercat, whose real name is Stephen Bruner, is a highly talented bassist and singer that needs to be on your radar if he isn’t yet, especially after his 2020 album It Is What It Is which features major artists like Steve Lacy and Childish Gambino and won the GRAMMY for Best Progressive R&B Album. Combining his talent with Tame Impala, the subsequent musical fusion is so effortlessly cool and easy to listen to that you won’t be able to get “No More Lies” out of your head. We’re in need of a full collaboration album immediately, but for now, we’ll have “No More Lies” on repeat.
splendi - “drink you up”
The newest hit from rising indie pop star splendi, “drink you up” plays with the tentative affections and flirting that comes with a first date. It’s queer in the best of ways as splendi discusses her own experiences on a first date with someone of the same gender, relishing in the semi-awkward but thrilling heart pound of new love. In the haze of the song’s breezy guitar lines, splendi’s vocals carry heartfelt feelings and entirely too relatable confessions made over glasses of wine. We can’t get enough of “drink you up” and already cannot wait to see what comes next from splendi.
Amen Sioux - “Dramatic”
Amen Sioux's latest single, "Dramatic," takes listeners on a journey through the push and pull of a toxic relationship, exploring the difficulty of letting go and moving on. The track is infused with a modern soul feel, and Sioux's conversational lyricism effortlessly conveys the tension-filled mindset of someone struggling with a clingy partner.
The charming piano and lo-fi beat create a smooth backdrop for Sioux's vocals, which are at times haunting and at others full of energy and charisma. With its hooks and expert synth work, "Dramatic" is a worthy addition to Sioux's growing repertoire of indie pop hits.
teenatown - “boundary boss”
Tina Miller, known as "teenatown," delivers a powerful message in her latest track, "Boundary Boss." The Long Island-based indie-pop artist explores the effects of over-giving and over-doing, reflecting on how these habits developed in her childhood.
Miller's lyrics are raw and honest, speaking to the inner child within us all that shapes our actions and behaviors. The track's upbeat tempo and catchy melody are a perfect contrast to the weighty subject matter, inviting listeners to dance along while considering the importance of setting boundaries.
"Boundary Boss" is a refreshing addition to the indie-pop scene, showcasing teenatown's talent for crafting thought-provoking and relatable music.
