It’s Friday, and the weekend is here. The perfect time to unwind, press play, and let fresh new music carry you through the next couple of days. This week’s Weekend Playlist is stacked with exciting releases across genres, from alt-rock to pop, R&B, and indie.
Vienna Vienna shines with his shimmering new single “Company Hunting”, blending witty lyricism with catchy hooks. Standout tracks from Taylor Swift, Dermot Kennedy, BENEE, and rising talents like Sekou and MOIO add variety, offering something for every mood: reflective, energized, or just pure weekend fun. These tracks provide the perfect soundtrack to your Friday and beyond.
Vienna Vienna – Company Hunting
Los Angeles-based Vienna Vienna delivers his latest single, “Company Hunting”, with sleek, 1975-esque art-rock instrumentation and sharp, vulnerable lyricism. Co-written with Justin Tranter, the track explores modern longing and the search for connection, turning personal experience into catchy, anthem-ready hooks. Reflecting on the song, Vienna shares, “I recognized the thing I sought was companionship…Thankfully, the God I used to talk to in my head…was actually me the whole time.”
“Company Hunting” builds on the themes of Vienna’s debut EP, Wonderland, which chronicles his journey with queerness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. The EP blends pop-punk, queer pop, and soft-rock ballads, creating a space of shared catharsis that carries into his live performances, where he sees the stage as “a chance at vulnerability without all the pressure.”
The single exemplifies Vienna Vienna’s ability to combine introspective storytelling with shimmering, anthemic art-rock. With its balance of intimacy and expansive energy, “Company Hunting” solidifies him as a singular voice in modern alt-pop, offering both emotional resonance and infectious musicality.
Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia
Everyone has been talking about Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, and our favorite track is “The Fate of Ophelia.” The song opens the album with a nod to the Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet, referencing Ophelia’s madness and tragic drowning. Swift seems to credit her fiancé, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, with saving her “heart” from a similar fate, weaving personal reflection into the literary allusions. Her soaring vocals over lush, intricate production tell a story of vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery. Poetic lyrics and cinematic instrumentation make “The Fate of Ophelia” perfect for introspective moments or late-night listening, showcasing Swift’s ability to craft music that feels deeply personal while remaining universally relatable.
Sekou – Never Gunna Give You Up
Sekou delivers an upbeat, feel-good anthem with “Never Gunna Give You Up.” Infectious melodies and dynamic instrumentation make it impossible not to move along. Confident and uplifting, the track adds a lighter, energetic touch to the playlist, perfect for kicking off weekend activities.
Dermot Kennedy – Melodies
Dermot Kennedy’s “Melodies” is a poignant exploration of a love losing its passion, wrapped in lush, immersive production. His signature poetic lyricism and powerful, soulful vocals convey longing, reflection, and the desire to recapture a lost symphony of love, creating a track that lingers long after it ends. Co-written with Savan Kotecha, Carl Falk, Peter Svensson, and Lewis Capaldi, the ballad blends Kennedy’s authentic, emotive sound with cinematic instrumentation, demonstrating his ability to craft music that tugs at the heart while remaining sonically engaging. Ideal for a quiet Friday evening or a reflective weekend moment, “Melodies” is both intimate and resonant, showcasing Kennedy at his most deeply expressive.
BENEE – Underwater
With her signature moody indie-pop style, BENEE crafts an immersive experience on “Underwater.” Hypnotic hooks and inventive production make the track captivating on repeated listens, while dreamy textures and catchy choruses provide a refreshing, immersive pace. The song unfolds like a diary entry, tracing cycles of obsession, heartbreak, and fleeting ecstasy, all while grappling with inner demons and the fear of fading into the noise — a testament to BENEE’s talent for blending introspective storytelling with irresistibly engaging indie-pop.
Niko B – Polka Dot
“Polka Dot” by Niko B is playful, clever, and endlessly catchy. Its quirky production and humorous lyricism make it a fun, energetic addition to any playlist, perfect for lifting your mood whether you’re relaxing at home or gearing up for a night out. The track stands out for its unique instrumental sound, adding an inventive twist that sets it apart within Niko B’s broader body of work.
Clara La San – News
Clara La San adds alternative indie flair with “News.” Her distinctive vocals and atmospheric instrumentation create a moody, immersive experience. Balancing introspection and sonic creativity, the track adds depth and sophistication to the playlist.
MOIO – PLAY HARD!
“PLAY HARD!” by MOIO is a burst of high-energy pop, built on glitchy electronic drums, pulsating bass, hypnotic vocal hooks, spacey synths, and warbling guitar. The track’s driving beats and infectious melodies make it ideal for weekend motivation or a pre-night-out playlist, keeping listeners fully engaged from start to finish.
Ella Eyre – Hell Yeah
“Hell Yeah” by Ella Eyre bursts with upbeat, retro-soul energy. Powerhouse vocals and confident delivery make it a weekend anthem, while a playful, defiant sound and catchy, memorable chorus capture the carefree, wilder spirit of her early twenties. The song celebrates embracing life’s questionable choices with humor and attitude, leaving listeners feeling empowered, energized, and ready to enjoy the moment — a fun, satisfying highlight in a varied and dynamic playlist.
