MUSIC

Fresh Music Friday: 10 New Songs to Wrap Up July

Featuring new songs from Pabllo Vittar, Chance the Rapper, Rico Nasty and more!

Pabllo Vittar and Charli XCX

ERNNA COST

Fresh Music Friday is here to give you a breakdown of new singles, EPs, and albums to check out as you make your way into the weekend.

Get ready to jam out with some of our favorite up-and-coming artists, plus celebrate new releases from those you already know and love.

1. Pabllo Vittar - "Flash Pose" (Feat. Charli XCX)

Brazilian singer, songwriter and drag performer Pabllo Vittar tapped Charli XCX for a new song called "Flash Pose," a fun and clubby cut about looking really hot and posing for pictures––and feeling confident while doing it. As was to be expected coming from two of pop's biggest icons, "Flash Pose" sounds instantly infectious. The last time Charli XCX and Pabllo Vittar put out a song together, it was for Charli XCX'S 2017 excellent album Pop II on the song "I Got It"––you know, the one that goes, "I got it, I got it, I got it, I got it, I got it" ad infinitum.

2. Chance the Rapper - "Do You Remember" (Feat. Ben Gibbard)

Reader, the day is here. Chance the Rapper just dropped his long-awaited official debut album, which features a whole host of guest appearances from Bon Iver to Nicki Minaj to Death Cab frontman Ben Gibbard. As a veritable Death Cab fanatic and Chance the Rapper enthusiast, this is the collaboration I never asked for but absolutely needed.

"Do You Remember," is a nostalgia trip of a groove where Chance wistfully raps about past summer memories and features Ben Gibbard's distinct, melancholic voice on the chorus: "Do you remember how when you were younger / The summers all lasted forever? / Days disappeared into months, into years / Hold that feeling forever." At this point, I will forgive BG for never putting out the other Postal Service album he promised. Some ideas for a future supergroup include: Chance Cab For Cutie. Alternatively, Death Chance The Rapper.

3. White Reaper - "Real Long Time"

White Reaper is gearing up to put out their fourth album after recently signing to Elektra Records. A few months ago, the Louisville rockers shared the forthcoming album's first single "Might Be Right," which marked the band's first new music since 2017's The World's Best American Band, and this week they unveiled a new power-pop track called "Real Long Time."

While the guitar tones on the new songs can lean into '80s rock revivalism, both "Might Be Right" and "Real Long Time" show White Reaper continuing to hone their instantly recognizable brand of flashy, energetic power-pop—both vintage and novel—by blending together garage rock scuzz and Thin-Lizzy-approved riffage.

4. Rico Nasty - "Time Flies"

Hot on the heels of her latest project with Kenny Beats (Anger Management), Rico Nasty is back with a new track, and this time she's adopted a (slightly) pared-down vibe from her usual rapid-fire style verses. Her new song, "Time Flies," is a little less incensed and shows off a more melodic approach, with Nasty waxing introspective on a sing-songy hook: "I don't wanna be on the ground when the time flies / Had so many friends goin' / Wonder when it's my time / I live every day like I'll die by the night time / It took me so long getting back to my right mind."

5. Loving - "Vision"

This week, Canadian indie rock trio Loving unveiled a new single called "Visions" via Last Gang Records. Loving is made up of David Parry, Lucas Henderson, and Jesse Henderson, and together they create lovely, easy-going tunes that pair well with the sunny stretches of late July afternoons or aimless drives. On "Visions," drowsy guitar slides and warm acoustic strumming take shape around soft percussion as Jesse Henderson muses about the "strange prison" of how we envision our futures.

6 + 7. Caroline Polachek - "Parachute" and "Ocean of Tears"

Last month, Caroline Polacheck (formerly of Chairlift) shared "Door," the first single she's released officially under her name, marking both a return and a new beginning. Polachek previously put out songs under the moniker Ramona Lisa and went on to explore more ambient territory in CEP before shifting to her latest project. This week, Polachek followed up "Door" with two new songs: the sparse slow-burner "Parachute" and the pulsating, R&B-tinged "Ocean of Tears."

8. Palm Haze - "Almost Soon"

Vancouver-via-Brazil shoegaze duo Palm Haze released a new track today called "Almost Soon," which comes off of their upcoming album Rêve Bleu (out August 30th via YHS Records). With a sound that's reminiscent of gaze-y heavyweights like My Bloody Valentine, "Almost Soon" is a stunning display of control of texture as the band strikes the perfect (maybe even Lynchian) balance between sounding heavy and dreamlike. Vocalist/bassist Anna Wagner's cool-toned voice curls around waves of anesthetic, foggy distortion as she assures the listener: "Whatever you do, whatever you say, it's okay."

9. Germano - "Lost Crowd"

Brazilian-born pop artist Germano isn't sure of what the future may hold, but he's taking it in stride. Today he's sharing his first single, "Lost Crowd," a moody electro-pop tale that reckons with feeling lost and finding comfort in the unknown and celebrates the beauty of contradiction. The song kicks off with Germano's magnetic vocals and eases into a lush swirl of electronic instrumentation and settles into a laidback chorus that perfectly balances Germano's introspective lyrics with the song's wistful melody. The song is accompanied by cinematic visuals featuring Germano and three others dressed in matching white t-shirts and jeans as they go through synchronized acts of hanging out in empty loft apartments and parks. Germano's debut EP is expected out later this year.

10. Alexander Noice - "Affectation"

Alexander Noice wears many hats; the LA-based composer, guitarist, producer, and bandleader is known for his experimental, often genre-defying compositions that dip into minimalist art-rock and jazz. His latest, "Affectation" welcomes you into Noice's eclectic menagerie of sounds through a flurry of layered of vocals and eerie harmonies—the result is wholly mesmerizing. Alexander Noice's forthcoming LP, Noice, is out August 23rd.

MUSIC

Exclusive Interview: Maude Latour Gets Philosophical in New Video for “Starsick”

We caught up with the 19-year-old singer-songwriter to discuss her latest single, her creative process, and her relationship with God.

Maude Latour

Maude Latour crafts pop songs that are nothing short of mesmerizing.

The 19-year-old singer-songwriter is currently based out of New York––but after growing up in several different countries, she's cultivated a larger-than-life curiosity about the world that shines through her music, making for a dazzling technicolor pop sound that feels intimate and expansive at the same time.

Be careful not to let the seemingly feel-good sensibility of Maude Latour's airy songs fool you; her lyrics tend to explore heady topics with writing that ranges from environmentally-conscious poetic monologues to philosophical musings on religion and the metaphysical world. It may seem like a lot to pack into tracks that run between three and four minutes long, but the emerging songwriter manages to make it look and sound effortless.

In the same vein as Lorde, Latour combines celestial soundscapes and intricately arranged melodies with otherworldly digital flourishes, threaded together by her arresting vocals and topped off with a glossy, well-produced sheen. The mood she evokes, though, is distinctly her own––both playful and nostalgic––and made through her vivid storytelling and introspective meditations that complicate the usual coming-of-age narratives seen in contemporary pop.

"Starsick" is the most recent single in a string of infectious pop songs from the artist, following previous tracks "Plans" and "Superfruit." The accompanying visuals for "Starsick" more closely resemble a short film, and so we caught up with Latour to discuss her inspiration for the video, her aesthetic vision, and her relationship with religion.

You can watch the video for "Starsick" and read our Q+A with Maude Latour below.

Describe the process of making the video for "Starsick."

I started making the video by carrying around a camera for a week (a typical week of summer in New York), which is my favorite thing on the absolute entire planet. My friends and I in Central Park, fire escapes (okay, people, be safe though—fire escapes are dangerous), performing live, staying up all night with Morgan during sleepovers. It all just came about so naturally and in such a beautiful way. Everything is filmed by my friends in our natural habitat.

How did it feel to see the finished result?

When I saw the final product, I could not believe how true it was to the vision. It has been a dream of mine to put out a video like this.

"Starsick" opens with a seemingly stream-of-consciousness monologue about climate change, dreams of becoming the president, and existential questions about the world at large. Can you elaborate on your inspiration to deliver your thoughts in this way and how they tie into the song's message?

My mind kind of works in monologue poetry like that. My dreams, memories, and recollections of eras are formed in monologues. That's how I write lyrics as well. I always used to think the "afterlife" was some sort of witnessing of the entire monologue montage of your life. It is my most transcendent state.

How do this song and video compare to your last two singles—"Plans" and "Superfruit"—in terms of the creative process behind it?

Well, I think "Starsick" is the natural progression, sonically, from the last two songs. It provides a deeper view into this world I'm building, while complementing the other baroque pop styles well. I try not to take myself too seriously, and I love how "Superfruit"'s video is comedic and true to my daily life at school (because that's where I wrote the song). "Plans" was more of a tribute to making the song beautiful with my friends, the way we used to sing together. But for the "Starsick" video I wanted it to encapsulate the emotional significance of this song to me. I was ready to open up in the video about the world I'm trying to build and beginning to execute this philosophy I'm working on in my life.

You mentioned that you wrote this song as a birthday present to your friend Morgan, who I believe appears in the video. How did you decide to create a birthday gift in the form of a song and a video?

Yes! Morgan is in the video. Well, I was using romance and drama as my inspiration most of the time when writing. But I started trying to describe this friendship, which is one of the most important forces in my life, and started writing this song as a song to her. I decided it because I needed to get her a birthday present, and I knew I needed to sing about this, making music that I actually care about.

Your lyrics in "Starsick" touch on birthdays and growing up. Would you describe this as a coming-of-age song?

I think it's more of a manifestation of being afraid of growing up. I have always had this guilt about it since childhood, hence the "swear I didn't mean to." I definitely think it's a coming-of-age moment, accepting growing up and, in the process, being freer.

Did you set out with a deliberate aesthetic vision when making the video or did it happen more naturally?

It definitely happened naturally! Ooooo is there an aesthetic? I had no idea omg, honored. lol. Well, Ella Sinskey, who put the video together, has a beautiful cinematic style to her work, and her editing really brought it to life.

Where did you find the vintage-looking clips used throughout the visuals? What was your inspiration behind incorporating them?

This was all Ella's brilliant research and extensive collection. I wanted it to be a montage of the larger than life images in the poem... these huge meta ideas, the timeless clips are simply adding to the nostalgia of growing up and time moving.

You mention "God" a few times in your song and your intro. How would you describe your relationship with religion?

I explore religion fluidly, and think of it close to interchangeably with pure spirituality. I am still exploring my relationship with religion, and it is ever-changing. I have been studying different religions and their overlap, as well as the essential elements of all religion and spirituality. I am looking forward to developing my relationship with my thoughts, soul, existence, and the universe. I think there's an understandable misconception of organized religion that somehow hasn't translated to my generation, and I think my generation has the power to find a universal spirituality (that can be interpreted differently for different people) that can lead us to a more peaceful world. This song was created during a really intense period of spirituality and meditation for me; that's why it's so incredibly special to me. It is born out of one of the most important eras of my life.

For more, follow Maude on Instagram or Twitter or visit her Website!

MUSIC

Fresh Music Friday: 5 New Songs For Your Weekend

New music from Bonobo, JGrrey, Sam Fender, Elliot Lee, and Spirits Having Fun!

Bonobo

BBC

Fresh Music Friday is here to give you a breakdown of new singles, EPs, and albums to check out as you make your way into the weekend. Get ready to jam out with some of our favorite up-and-coming artists, plus celebrate new releases from those you already know and love.

1. Bonobo - "Linked"

Bonobo returns with a slow-burning, melodic single called "Linked" marking his first new music since "Ibrik," which he released back in January. "Linked" glows with a cosmic undercurrent, slowly colored in by flashes of vocal flourishes as it elevates into a deeply euphoric house beat. The UK producer's latest track comes alongside a tour announcement for a Summer/Fall run.

2. Sam Fender - "Will We Talk?"

English singer-songwriter Sam Fender released a raucous new cut from his upcoming debut LP, Hypersonic Missiles, due out in September. The new song,"Will We Talk?", is a relentlessly full-bodied rock'n'roll jam that's high-energy from the jump and doesn't let up any time throughout its nearly 3 minutes run time.

3. JGrrey - "Better Off"

Coming off the heels of her BBC Introducing Stage performance at Glastonbury, London singer JGrrey is back this week to drop another gorgeous single: "Better Off." Earlier this year JGrrey dropped her debut EP Grreydaze––a dazzling showcase of her unique brand of neo-soul, characterized by her South London-tinged vocals and dreamy, swirling instrumentation. This week, the rising star continued her streak with the silky Jarreau Vandal and Ed Thomas-produced track, and it looks like JGrrey is poised to become one of the most distinctive voices in neo-soul and R&B.

4. Elliot Lee - "Dirt"

Brooklyn-based Elliot Lee brings together stormy pop melodies, gritty vocals, and electronic instrumentation filled with dark energy to create her unique brand of bold, fearless homespun pop. Her latest single "Dirt," is propulsive and unpredictable and tracks the singer's frustration and disillusionment with the music industry's disillusioning tendencies.

5. Spirits Having Fun - "Gift Shopping"

Chicago-via-NYC post-punk outfit Spirits Having Fun features Katie McShane and members Jesse Heasly, Andrew Clinkman, and Phil Sudderber. Their debut LP Auto-Portrait (out via Ramp Local) melds together aspects of jazz, punk, ska, and synth pop to create wonky art rock that rattles with freneticism and belies conventional melodies in favor of wonderfully deconstructed ones, pushing and pulling against the confines of genre and structure alike. Today's lead single "Gift Shopping" taps into the same start-and-stop dynamics that mark much of the album's sound, but also spends some time stretching into the mellowed out in-between moments, too.

MUSIC

Fresh Music Friday: 8 New Releases You Should Know

New music from Clairo, Lucy Dacus, Summer Cannibals, Chela, Plastic Picnic, and more!

Fresh Music Friday is here to give you a breakdown of new singles, EPs, and albums to check out as you make your way into the weekend.

Get ready to jam out with some of our favorite up-and-coming artists, plus celebrate new releases from those you already know and love.

1. Clairo - "Closer To You"

Pop Juggernaut and Flamin' Hot Cheetos enthusiast Clairo announced her forthcoming debut album, Immunity, back in May by sharing a luminous lead single called "Bags." This week, the Boston artist's second offering comes in the form of a new track called, "Closer To You," co-produced by former Vampire Weekend member, Rostam Batmanglij. "Closer To You" marks a departure from the twee sensibility of 2018's Diary 001 EP with a new sound wherein Clairo's voice is filtered through layers of syrupy autotune and punctuated by a moody, synthesized beat.

2. Lucy Dacus - "Forever Half Mast"

Over the past year, Lucy Dacus has been releasing songs that coincide with particular holidays––each equally or more poignant than the last––that will come together in an EP titled 2019, due out this Fall. For Valentine's Day, she put out "La Vie En Rose"; for Mother's Day, it was "My Mother & I." Her third single, "Forever Half Mast," is out this week and tackles America's fraught relationship with patriotism through the lens of the Fourth of July. Dacus adopts soft touches of Americana, bringing together a rootsy pedal steel guitar with a folksy melody, to drive home her point about the duality of shame and pride in the American experience on Independence Day.

3. Summer Cannibals - "Behave"

Portland's Summer Cannibals are putting out their anticipated fourth album, Can't Tell Me No, today via Tiny Engines. Ahead of the new LP, the band shared the album's third single, "Behave," a defiant reminder that no relationship should have you bend to fit another person's unrealistic expectations. Aligning with the album's theme of taking back power from manipulative situations, frontperson Jessica Boudreaux asserts: "Stop telling me to change / What if I can't behave / For you." Can't Tell Me No is out now via Tiny Engines.

4. Chela - "Losing Belief" Video

Melbourne's Chela (Chelsea Wheatley) recently announced an upcoming EP with a new gem of a synth-pop track called "Losing Belief" accompanied by wonderfully weird visuals. Built on a plinth of frenetic synths, "Losing Belief" is a heart-racing electro journey turned transcendent epiphany about regaining faith in yourself when you feel like you've lost hope in your artistic passions. The video––directed by Chela and produced by Tulay Dincel and Anthony Iacomella––invites the viewer into Chela's infectiously eccentric universe of workouts, surrealist costumes, and dance routines that fall somewhere in the intersection between Suspiria and Napolean Dynamite.

Chela says of the music video: "I wanted to convey the message of the song through the video and represent it in the form of religion. So I created an imaginary religion based on my logo and conceived the story of a friendship group losing belief/realizing the power of self together."

5. Plastic Picnic - "After You" Video

On Plastic Picnic's new single "After You," the band pairs glassy washes of '80s synth with breezy melodies and a heart-on-your-sleeve approach to lyricism. It only makes sense that the Hunter Airheart-directed visuals for the energetic yet melancholic track take place on a grey day at Rockaway Beach, interspersed with dramatic shots of crashing waves, sweeps of wind, and slow-motion close-ups. "After You" is the first in what is sure to be a string of beatific synth-pop tracks from Plastic Picnic's upcoming sophomore EP, Vistalite.

6. Little Slugger - "Impossible"

Brooklyn-via-Burlington powerpop duo, Little Slugger, is gearing up to put out a big, unabashed record, I Want To Live Here Forever, that tackles some of life's toughest existential transitions––from breakups to moving to a new city––and all of the ennui and excitement that trails along with it. Following the release of their first single "You're On Your Own," Little Slugger's second offering takes shape in a new, roomy track out this week called "Impossible." Their latest offering brings together sweeping vocal harmonies and crunchy guitars and showcases a killer ear for writing catchy hooks. I Want To Live Here Forever is out July 19th.


7. Jadu Heart - "Wanderlife"

UK Creative duo, Jadu Heart, is announcing a new album called Melt Away with the release of a dreamy new single, "Wanderlust." Jadu Heart––the moniker of masked twosome Dina and Faro––are melding together touches of electronica, folk, and soul to concoct incomparable and intoxicating ethereal sounds, at times reminiscent of the best of the early Beach House catalog. Their forthcoming LP was co-produced with Guy Sigworth (Bjork, Robyn), and it's the follow-up to their stunning 2016 debut EP, Wanderflower.

8. John Van Deusen - "Social Sucker"

Singer/songwriter John Van Deusen announced his new album (I Am) Origami Pt. 3 - A Catacomb Hymn with the new energetically honest song, "Whatever Makes You Mine," followed up by "Social Sucker." The latter is a bouncy power-pop anthem warning against the ills of social climbers looking for validation online; it's helmed by a sticky hook and fuses together the charms of '90s slacker rock with Van Deusen's easygoing vocal delivery. (I Am) Origami Pt. 3 - A Catacomb Hymn is out July 19th via Tooth & Nail Records.

Sunglasses

Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash

Fresh Music Friday is here to give you a breakdown of new singles, EPs, and albums to check out as you make your way into the weekend.

Get ready to jam out with some of our favorite up-and-coming artists, plus celebrate new releases from those you already know and love.

1. Lil Nas X - "Panini"

Lil Nas X isn't stopping anytime soon. In anticipation of his forthcoming EP, the country-rap pop sensation released a new single called "Panini," which incorporates Nirvana's "In Bloom."

2. Mark Ronson - "Pieces Of Us" Feat. King Princess

Mark Ronson's new album, Late Night Feelings, is out this week and features an impressive list of features from artists like Camila Cabello, Lykke Li, and Miley Cyrus. The legendary producer tapped singer/songwriter King Princess for the soulful, atmospheric single "Pieces of Us."

3. Spoon - "No Bullets Spent"

Everyone's favorite indie rock band, Spoon, is gearing up to put out an album of greatest hits called Everything Hits At Once that will feature 12 classics, plus a new song entitled "No Bullet Spent." The new track harnesses much of the same laid back, melodic energy that made the early Spoon records so lovable and compliments the early Spoon catalog well.

4. Devendra Banhart - "Kantory Ongaku"

Devendra Banhart recently announced that he has a new album in the works entitled Ma, and this week he shared the first single from the new collection, "Kantori Ongaku." It's a quintessentially mellow Banhart track with lackadaisical vocals to match and, according to the singer, it's an homage to Japanese musician Haruomi Horsono. Ma is out September 13th on Nonesuch.

5. Sheer Mag - "Blood From A Stone"

Philadelphia shredders Sheer Mag are back with the first glimpse of their upcoming sophomore album, A Distant Call, by sharing a blistering new single called "Blood From A Stone." Relentless and riff-heavy as always, "Blood From A Stone" is a promising glimpse of Sheer Mag tapping into their unbridled potential on the forthcoming record to secure their status as one of the most exciting rock bands in the game. A Distant Call is out August 23rd on Wilsuns RC.

6. Caroline Polachek- "Door"

For the first time, Caroline Polachek (formerly of Chairlift) has released a new solo song under her full name. The new track is called "Door" and showcases Polachek's signature airy falsetto, which floats through a bright, chirpy hook uplifted by scuttling synthesized beats. The song is accompanied by a seriously enchanting music video co-directed by Polachek and Matt Copson.

7. Beeef - "I'm So Sorry" (featuring Sidney Gish)

Allston indie rock quartet, Beeef, teamed up with DIY juggernaut Sidney Gish to put out a new single called "I'm So Sorry." It's a breezy but heartfelt coming-of-age track helmed by Beeef's jangly melodic sound and Gish's bittersweet vocal delivery. "I'm So Sorry" is Beeef's lead single from their upcoming sophomore LP entitled Bull in the Shade, due out July 26th.

8. The Ocean Blue - "It Takes So Long"

Dream pop legends The Ocean Blue are back with their first new album in six years––Kings and Queens / Knaves and Thieves. "It Takes So Long" is the last single from the LP and it hearkens back to the band's '80s new wave sound while presenting a fresh spin on nostalgic indie pop. "It Takes So Long" weaves Schlezel's effortlessly emotive vocals with the band's jangly guitar melodies awash in warm tones; the result is a dreamy, seraphic tune. Kings and Queens / Knaves and Thieves is out now via Korda records.

9. HUNJIYA - "give it/what i get"

HUNJIYA aka Alice Kim's latest offering comes in the form of a new single called "give it/what i get," the follow-up to her 2017 EP, Lineage. On the new song, the 21-year-old artist deftly creates an atmospheric soundscape by combining soulful vocals with her enticing production skills.

10. REYNA - "The Way I Loved You"

If you're craving some more sugar rush pop and have exhausted listening to the latest Carly Rae Jepsen album, you might want to look to REYNA. The Milwaukee-based Mexican-American sister-duo is back with another glossy, '80s-inspired electro-pop song. Their new track "The Way I Loved You" continues their string of infectious, glimmering pop following previously released singles "Cool With It," "Baby Forget It" and "Heartbeat." Here's what Reyna had to say about the song: "TWILY is about wanting to love someone new with that same intensity, without caution or fear. But it's almost impossible because every new relationship you're more and more guarded. It's almost like you're protecting your heart instead of letting yourself fall in love."


MUSIC

All the Best New Music for the Weekend of June 7th

New music from Jay Som, Whitney, GoldLink, (Sandy) Alex G, and more!

Fresh Music Friday is here to give you a breakdown of new singles, EPs, and albums to check out as you make your way into the weekend.

Get ready to jam out with some of our favorite up-and-coming artists, plus celebrate new releases from those you already know and love.

Singles

1. Jay Som - "Superbike"

Jay Som (a.k.a Melina Duterte) announced her sophomore album, Anak Ko, by sharing a new single. On "Superbike," Jay Som channels '80s dream-pop into a shoegazey tune swirled together with fuzzy guitar work and a bittersweet chorus. Plus, the accompanying visuals feature nostalgic shots of the open road to match the song's nostalgic atmosphere. About "Superbike," Duterte explained that she hoped to harness the sounds of "Cocteau Twins and Alanis Morisette," and it's safe to say she succeeded. Anak Ko is out August 23rd via Polyvinyl.

2. Whitney - "Giving Up"

Chicago's indie-folk-rock outfit, Whitney, are gearing up to put out a new record, Forever Turned Around, the follow up to 2016's acclaimed Light Upon A Lake. This week, they shared a new, cozy single called "Giving Up." On the new song, Whitney rounds out their warm, folksy sound with a bright horn section, soulful vocals, and a big, jammy breakdown. Despite its wistful lyrics, "Giving Up" feels like a deep exhale, the perfect musical accompaniment to a sunny morning or a summer storm. Forever Turned Around is out August 30th via Secretly Canadian.

3. GoldLink - "U Say" (featuring Tyler, The Creator and Jay Prince)

GoldLink announced his forthcoming album Diaspora, and this week he teamed up with Tyler, The Creator and Jay Prince in a new track called "U Say." Diaspora is out June 12th via Squaaash Club/RCA Records.

4. Tei Shi - "A Kiss Goodbye"

Tei Shi (real name: Valerie Teicher) returns with a new song called "A Kiss Goodbye," the first single from her forthcoming LP. She melds together Latin influences and modern trap beats, breathing life into a gently-shuffling, Brazilian-inspired rhythm. This is her first music since appearing on Blood Orange's "Hope" and marks her first solo project since 2017's Crawl Space.

5. (Sandy) Alex G - "Gretel"

Alex G introduced his newest album, House of Sugar, with a new song and video for "Gretel." He layers sped-up vocals, gnarled guitars and off-kilter strings over one another to create a track that is––in typical Alex G fashion––equal parts eerie and charming. House of Sugar is out September 13th via Domino.

6. Arthur Moon - "Homonormo"

"Homonormo" is the latest offering from the experimental electro-pop group, Arthur Moon. On their new song, the Brooklyn group (fronted by Lora-Faye Åshuvud alongside collaborators Cale Hawkins and Martin D. Fowler) strikes the perfect balance between eccentricity and infectious avant-pop. Foll owing the deconstructed pop sound of "I Feel Better," "Homonorno" is gorgeous and expansive, leaving plenty of room for Åshuvud's loping vocals to color in the song's spaced-out melody. The new single comes ahead of their debut self-titled, out in July via Vinyl Me, Please.

7. Yung Bae - "Must Be Love"

Portland-based producer Yung Bae has a new album in the works, and today he shares his new luminous single "Must Be Love." With nods to disco and funk, "Must Be Love" swirls together a palette of colorful synths and 70's vocal samples. The song builds up to a vibrant peak and then transforms into a euphoric drop, making it the perfect summertime jam.

8. Wild Mercury - "Orange County"

This week, Montreal-based rockers Wild Mercury shared a new track called "Orange County." Though initially starting as a folk group, Wild Mercury adopt a grittier edge in their new song, combining euphoric pop energy with a full-bodied blues-rock sound.

EPs

9. The Bliss - Heaven If You Want It

Vocalist Chelsea Davenport and producer Felix Snow came together in a new venture called The Bliss, and together they created hook-driven electro-pop that pushes sonic boundaries. Their songs are ultra-catchy and feel radio-ready thanks to Snow's crisp production skills and Davenport's captivating vocals. Vibrant singles, like " Shiny Days," dazzle and complement one another when heard in succession on their debut EP, Heaven If You Want It.

Video

10. Stef Chura - "Scream"

Detroit's Stef Chura is sure to be the angsty cheerleader of your dreams in her new video for "Scream." The visuals find the Detroit indie-rocker shredding in a high school gymnasium decked out in a Bring-It-On-approved outfit, as she channels the sound of early Liz Phair in her riff-heavy rocker "Scream." Chura's new record, Midnight, is out now via Saddle Creek.