Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Roni Bar Hadas - “Troubles”
Roni Bar Hadas’ “Trouble” is soul-seeking with positive, rebuilding energy. The music video is the perfect representation: melancholic backing instrumentation is paired with footage, both intimate and extroverted; Hadas goes from a disco club to hair curlers.
The track is a mid-tempo ballad about how troubles are temporary. The lyrics serve to inspire and get you through that dark night. A song about positive lack of control and letting the storm pass. A steady bass line guides Hadas’ vocal performance and the tight arrangement.
“Trouble” is from Hadas’ upcoming sophomore album, Luck.
Almond Milk - “Tender Lover”
“Tender Lover” features breezy guitar. The kind of song that rides in on some sun peeking through the blinds. Mac Demarco style chill-out rock evokes lazy days with nothing to do, where the hours seem to ramble on into one continuous movement.
The track’s production sounds lo-fi on first listen but it’s cleverly made to sound as such: guitar tones blend into hi-hats and a laid-back vocal delivery. The guitar playing is a huge highlight especially as it outro’s out.
“Tender Lover” is one of the multiple singles released by Almond Tree in 2023, let’s hope more is on the way!
Christian James - “Useless”
“Useless” follows a string of other singles from Raleigh-based James, and builds upon his already-developed sound. Acoustic guitars intro into a colorful, vibrant, world, driven by James’ production and vocals. The melodic and playfully layered arrangement disguises lyrics of insecurity and questioning. The tone is reminiscent of the more whimsical side of Pharrell-esque production combined with Kid Cudi crooning.
The track also features Annalee Beck who turns it into a complementary duet. Animated instrumentation seems to radiate brightness from the loud and layered production, coming together to form an ideal song for the summer.
Edgar Everyone - “Who’s The Dreamer”
The French musician Jules de Gasperis, also known as Edgar Everyone, is back with his fifth single “Who’s The Dreamer.” Bursting with dancey, high-energy, and psychedelic sounds, Edgar Everyone has created a disco track with “Who’s The Dreamer.” The definition of uplifting and whimsical electro-rock, Edgar’s dreamy and falsetto vocals define the chorus and linger in the air. Echoing the rhythms of Tame Impala’s Currents, Edgar Everyone reaches for the cosmos with his pulsing bright synths. There’s no doubt that Edgar Everyone will have you moving for the summer, with a highly-anticipated EP set to arrive just in time for the longer and warmer days, very soon!
Ashaine White - “Favourite Thing”
“Welcome to the year of Grunge-Soul.” Ashaine White’s latest single is a reminder of how music has no limits. On the stunning “Favourite Thing,” the artist uses gentle and warm vocals to elongate her romantic contemplations. As she beautifully ponders and romanticizes the mundanity of love, Ashaine's candid songwriting, refreshing melodies, and smooth vocals, supported by lush layered folk-style guitar sounds, drop listeners into the ethereal world of a couple and their affirmations of love to one another. There is no need for comparisons as artists like Ashaine stand tall and firm on their own, but an indie artist that draws to mind when listening to “Favourite Thing” is Lianne La Havas. Wind down and enter a calming realm of peace with your new favorite singer Ashaine White.
Shanghai Baby - “Is This The Right Time”
The Hinds’ Ade Martín’s side project continues as she releases her latest track “Is This The Right Time.” Shanghai Baby’s previous tracks have provided listeners with exciting indie-rock energy and hooks galore, rough around the edges but bursting with glowing guitars. “Is This The Right Time” is no different. This latest single represents a slightly different flavor of music than the garage-rocking sounds fans were exposed to from Hinds, and they find Martín showing a side that is less apparent with her band but lingering within. “Is This The Right Time” is a fuzzy, fierce, and intimate indicator of her latest chapter, featuring electrifying riffs and expansive sounds.
Martín declared, “This is a song about letting things go and how hard that is. About questioning yourself and sometimes thinking you’re not worth the happiness of belonging to something or owning something. But there’s always a glimpse of pride at the end where you know you belong and you know what’s yours.”
Stacey Kelleher - “UFO”
Stacey Kelleher’s “UFO” is a hauntingly-dreamy ballad of questioning love. “UFO” explores themes of love and wondering ‘is it too good to be true?’ through beautiful melodies and stunning vocals. The acoustic guitar throughout the track creates an intimate atmosphere that makes listeners feel as if Kelleher is singing to them directly. Kelleher creates a compelling narrative with lyrics such as, “I’m afraid of space, if I hold too tight is this gonna break?” It’s hard to portray such a grand feeling of loving someone so deeply, but Kelleher’s “UFO” does so flawlessly and with style.
Wotts - “blue”
If you’re looking for a new summer anthem, let “blue” be a strong contender on your list. “blue” serves as a reminder to put your best foot forward and trust the road you’re traveling on. The catchy lyrics and inviting vocals in this track are paired with one of the most fun instrumental tracks I’ve heard in a while (did we mention there’s a guitar solo too?) Described by the band as a “light and airy” track, this song is absolutely one to drive to with the radio blasting and the windows down.
Kenny Sharp - “Grown Folks Love”
Kenny Sharp’s silky-smooth vocals power through this song, paired with catchy beats and a hypnotic melody that will leave your head bopping along. Inspired by Sharp’s own experience dating an older woman, “Grown Folks Love” brims with an energetic and youthful spark, acting as a fond reminder of Sharp’s own relationship. The bridge is especially powerful in showcasing Sharp’s extensive vocal range and talent, complete with backing vocals and guitar riffs that are just about as groovy as it gets.
Lyla DiPaul - “I Feel Okay”
“I Feel Okay” is the beginning of a new era for Lyla DiPaul. The new sound is vulnerable in the most pleasant of ways, DiPaul’s gentle and soothing vocals paired with calming instrumental elements. DiPaul proves herself to be a strong storyteller through this track, creating a world in which the listener is making their coffee and riding their bike right alongside the artist. Although the phrase “I get so lonely,” is repeated throughout, DiPaul’s narrative makes it feel a lot less lonely for those who take the time to check out this track.
keatsu - “Clown”
A chill indie-pop track with a ironic theme behind it is what “Clown” brings to the table. Keatsu revels in the idea of humor and comedy while also recognizing the fact that comedy is commonly used as a defense mechanism for people who need to cope or distract themselves. The “clowns” in question cheer others up as a way to cheer themselves up. The music video explores this concept in a simple yet unique way, featuring keatsu throwing a tomato at himself to represent these feelings. The track has a laidback melody with a relatable premise that everyone can enjoy.
Middle Part - “Choke”
While many artists found time to heighten their creativity during the pandemic or even completely change up their sound, not many wrote directly on the experiences of lockdown specifically. Middle Part does so in a way that explores the darker experiences people faced during such times and how this period of time affected mental health. Although this song explores darker themes, it does so excellently by pairing with an upbeat, catchy sound. The guitar elements in this track really stand out, especially in the chorus.
rlyblonde - “Hot Girls Always Win”
rlyblonde’s “Hot Girls Always Win” comes after a breakup that led Brooklyn-based Carina Allen to the victory of rebuilding her confidence. Pop melodies are coupled with guitar riffs reminiscent of the 2000s and rlyblonde’s vocals are relaxed, exuding the confidence the song preaches. She says the song is “not about being hot in a physical way, but more about being compassionate, creative, thoughtful and confident.” The bridge highlights this message as it reminds of inner beauty: “Know it’s only a matter of time before you show who you are on the inside. Looks can kill but words can lie.” The track will be included in rlyblonde’s debut EP Fantasy, releasing on June 2, 2023, so obviously no ex or “bad vibe” can discourage her because hot girls always win.
Logan Prescott - “NIGHTMARE”
LA-based Indie Pop artist Logan Prescott’s latest single “NIGHTMARE” was fully written, produced, and mixed by Prescott himself. It’s a summer song with a snappy drum beat through the entire track and inviting synth sounds to move to. Words like “hypnotized”, “nightmare”, and “paralyzed” create a dream world where the lover has an immense emotional power over the speaker. By ignoring the truth of the relationship, he creates his own reality: “I would rather dream that you’ve got me tonight.” Prescott has written and produced with publishers like Big Family and 604 Records, and now as an artist, he is releasing 2000s-inspired music in this phase of his artist journey.
BRIDEY - “7-Eleven”
BRIDEY’s “7-Eleven” is about moving to a new city and was inspired by a 7-Eleven store clerk. The song outlines the scenario of entering the convenience chain, awkward and uncomfortable. That is, until you encounter the comfort of a stranger: “Counter guy knows, it’s a beautiful trust.” The track brings to light the experience of seeking familiarity which we all seek in new situations. Energetic cymbals and bold guitar would make for a rocker instrumental, but BRIDEY’s vocals add an element of assurance, charmingly reminding that there is a certain comfort in patterns that occur in every city. The song was created in collaboration with Melina Duterte of Jaysom.
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weekly tunes playlist has been updated! new tracks from @furtradeband, @pecqband, @garryfool & more! check it out! https://t.co/ToFU0R6YGo -
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RT @oliviaborch: new @LunaCollective out todayyy shot by @alltookev ✨ @P1H_official editorial design by me ! https://t.co/cvSCKsWB5D
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RT @rlyblonde: @AnnieDirusso for @LunaCollective shot by me #35mm #portra800 https://t.co/0UUJSCBGcH