We are officially two weeks away from Christmas and now in the beginning of Hanukah, which means that it is officially time to begin wrapping gifts, get COVID tested, and make sure we are staying safe this holiday season.
But with the stress that comes with the upcoming holidays and potential lockdowns that will prevent us from seeing our families this year, now is the perfect time to turn to some of our favorite musicians to relieve some stress and bring a bit of light to these dark times.
And what better way to find new songs to listen to than through New Music Friday- the best day of the week that brings us fresh tunes from artists new and old.
You can check out our top picks from the past week below, and be sure to check out our full December new music playlist, linked at the bottom, for all of our favorite releases of the month.
“Last One Standing” by Icon For Hire
If you are looking for a song to get you amped up and ready to face the world, “Last One Standing” is the track for you.
Released this morning by Icon For Hire, the pop rock meets electronic song tackles the idea of facing your demons and standing up for yourself while also proving your self worth.
A perfect song for anyone who feels like an underdog, the mix of strong vocals and unique instrumental backing throughout “Last One Standing” will make you feel powerful and ready to face the days ahead. A perfect anthem heading into a stressful time of year, this song pairs perfectly with the band’s previously released “Seeds” to help get you started on the perfect amped up playlist to dominate your daily to-do lists.
The band’s second single since their album Melancholyism last year, “worse” is a dark, electro-pop single about battling your internal demons- but unlike Icon For Hire’s new track, this one is about struggling to stay fighting and the feelings of anxiety and doom that come with these inner fights.
As a duo that is not afraid to delve into topics related to mental illness and stigma, this new track puts personal battles on full display in a way that reminds listeners who may be experiencing similar struggles that they are not alone.
Using distorted synths, a simplistic but driving percussion track and heavy focus on the vocals, the song is an ode to a hopeful future and better days, but also an honest look into the struggles that come with paranoia, anxiety and other mental illnesses.
Combatting the worst parts of being a person, “Roses” is an upbeat pop rock song that reminds listeners to “stop and smell the roses.”
Using the band’s iconic vocals and smooth vibes that catapulted them into becoming a household name after their 2019 debut album tryhard, “Roses” encourages fans to live their lives to the best of their abilities- using their brains, hands and hearts to show love rather than hate and to focus on happiness instead of sadness.
Calling out the idea of “sad boy culture,” the song playfully points out some of the ideologies that prevent us from seizing the day and achieving our goals while reminding us that there is no point in dwelling in the bad when there is still so much good around us.
If you’ve given the above video a click, you may recognize either the man or the vocals behind the track. A new venture by Broadside frontman Oliver Baxxter, Baxxter is the singer’s venture into a new soundscape, tackling personal insecurities and a battle with imposter syndrome.
Sharing his worries that he doesn’t belong with fans, Baxxter shares that the track “is about an alien who is auditioning for the protagonist in a western movie based on all the movies and tv shows he streamed over the years,” and mirrors his own feelings about being in the music industry.
With very relaxed, almost lounge-y sonic profile, the track is an easy listen with simplistic lyrics that will have you singing the chorus on repeat for hours at a time.
And though this song isn’t available on streaming services, we couldn’t help but support one of our favorite vocalists by adding it to our weekly roundup.
“Let Me Reintroduce Myself” by Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani is not here for people saying she is making a comeback. Why? Because in order to come back, you’d have had to leave. And if one thing is certain- Stefani never left.
The iconic songstress has made herself heard loud and clear with the release of her new single “Let Me Introduce Myself,” which dropped this Monday and served as a perfect reminder that Stefani has not stopped working in the industry- despite what some fans may think.
From working on The Voice to creating beautiful collabs with her fianceé, the singer has been hard at work refining her sound from her No Doubt days and this new track is a perfect example. Using a mix of pop and reggae sound, the singer pays homage to all major sounds of her past releases while also crafting something that feels fresh and new. And we are happy to be re-introduced.
“Mean To You” by Almondmilkhunni
A fun, pop meets r&b track, “Mean To You” is the latest single by rising artist Almondmilkhunni, who is steadily taking the world by storm despite only debuting within the past year.
Released earlier this week, the new single navigates a relationship where you are in full control over your partner’s feelings and shares the flirtier and messier sides to dating someone who may not match your level of commitment off the cuff.
With lyrics such as “I could be sweet but you like when I’m mean to you,” the track has a nonchalant, carefree vibe to it that makes listeners really focus in on Almondmilkhunni’s vocal abilities. With her effortlessly cool girl attitude and smooth vocals, the singer is someone you both relate to, envy, and want to be- captivating viewers and listeners of all genre preferences, eager to see where her career launches from here.
“Wick to Handle” by Heathersett
One of the best parts of our New Music Friday series is the ability to discover new artists every week. Many times this includes artists who are just beginning their musical journey and who provide a fresh outlook on some of our favorite genres. This week, our favorite new discoveries is alternative rock band Heathersett with the release of their debut single “Wick to Handle.”
An upbeat love song about creating a new world and timeline with a love interest who may not be ready to dive into anything intense, the song is a carefree track that doesn’t follow any particular formula- showcasing the band’s creativity and “rule” bending style. With influences ranging from Four Year Strong to The Beach Boys- this song is a unique but refreshing take on a common relationship struggle that will have listeners eager to hear more from the rising band.
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cover)” by Shark Bait
One of the best ways for bands to help keep their creativity alive and push their sonic boundaries is to dip their feet into the realm of cover tracks- songs that everyone knows but can always use a little bit of personal flair to give them a fresh, modern makeover. And this week, one such track that is getting revamped is “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” redone by UK based pop punk band Shark Bait.
Popularized by Cyndi Lauper in the 80s (who originally recorded the track as a cover of Robert Hazard), “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” is an instantly recognizable and memorable song. Holding its own through four decades, it is a song nearly every music fan alive has heard and memorized- but that doesn’t mean it can’t be altered a little bit for a fun new take. Especially one that turns the pop song into a full pop-punk track, equipped with charged vocals, fast paced drum breakdowns and mosh worthy grooves.
A 10/10 rendition that was recorded with the help of Neck Deep’s Seb Barlow, this is a cover you don’t want to skip over. And for anyone looking for more- fans can stay tuned for Monday, when the band will be releasing their official “GJWHF” music video.
“Stay in the Night” by Zac Taylor
A dreamy pop meets R&B single, “Stay in the Night” is the perfect song to throw on for a cozy night in with a loved one.
Written by former Titanium member Zac Taylor, the new single is a relaxing and fresh take on holding onto the best, even simple, moments in our lives.
“Stay in the night is the all too familiar story of being happy in love, and wanting to remain in that special moment forever,” Taylor shared. “Whether it be a new beginning over the summer or in memory of a lost love, we all have moments that we replay in our minds, wishing we could revisit & relive. That’s what I wanted this song to sound and feel like.”
Featuring warm tones, a slight 80s pop vibe and a touch of dream sequence-esque synths, the single keeps listeners feeling good while reminding them of the better times- helping us all hold onto hope this wild year.
An emotionally jarring yet beautiful song, “Speakeasy” is the final track to complete singer/songwriter Carly Tefft’s new acoustic album Songs Past Dark.
Released as four parts, or “pages,” the singer has spent the last month putting out a collection of new original songs in addition to some cover tracks, that treat listeners to some beautifully sung stripped down songs that pull at your heartstrings while also making you appreciate her unique, soulful voice.
Accompanied by a cover of P!nk’s “Who Knew” as the last tracks of the collection, “Speakeasy” closes out Tefft’s originals by recounting a night out with your partner when you suddenly realize this may be your last night together.
With a perfect mix of soft and powerful vocal control and lyrics that paint a vivid picture of the scene as it unfolds, the new single brings listener’s straight into the bar with the disintegrating couple, forcing you to feel the emotions as if you are living the story instead of hearing it. With the stripped instrumentals putting heavy focus on Tefft’s talent, this release perfectly closes out her album and has us hopeful for future releases.
You can stream all of the above tracks now, wherever you stream music, and be sure to check out our full December playlist, linked below.
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