The beginning of March is serving two purposes this year: first signifying a slow but welcome transition into spring, and secondly the official marking of one year since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world.
And though we are still in the throes of the pandemic, there is still a lot of good happening in the world- including the slow re-opening plans of outdoor entertainment, streamlined vaccine distribution and as always, brand new releases that are keeping us feeling fulfilled and eager for our first shows back on the dance floor.
This week being no different than the last regarding new tunes, we have once more collected our ten favorite releases of the week and are here to present you with New Music Friday: Marching to the Beat.
You can stream all of the below songs now, wherever you stream music, and be sure to check out our ever-growing March playlist, featuring all of the singles below and updated weekly- linked below.
Tyler Posey may have gotten his start as an actor, but if this week’s single is any indication- he is not just talented on the screen but also in the studio.
Released at midnight, “Shut Up” is the latest single from Posey’s solo project, following last month’s “This Luv Sux” as the second single to be released by Posey separate from his main band, Five North.
Featuring vocalist phem and Travis Barker on drums, “Shut Up” was written by Posey after coming out of a low point during the pandemic and trying to rediscover his creativity in order to find a sense of normalcy and happiness. Using his past experiences with both relationships and substance abuse, the track documents going through heartbreak and not wanting to further be hurt by someone’s words- using drugs and alcohol to cope with the pain.
Using lyrics such as “shut up, I’m not enough for you” and an overall somber mood, the track makes listener’s reminisce on their own heartbreaks and makes the single a perfect emo-go to song for anyone looking to get lost in their feels as well as serving as a perfect introduction to Posey’s songwriting and vocal abilities.
“Burn You Down” by Short Stack
A punchy alternative rock track, “Burn You Down” is the latest single by Australian rockers Short Stack, marking their first new release in nearly six years.
Following a brief hiatus where the band switched up their style, signed to UNFD and returned to the recording studio, “Burn You Down” showcases the band’s edgier side, tapping into an alt-rock meets metalcore sound that is a departure from their more indie rock profile of the past.
But this change is not without reason- and the band shares that the song- which discusses making large changes and moving on from the past- was written and scored with intention to reflect both the band’s growth and current state of the world.
“‘Burn You Down’ is about the duality of being young and feeling both indestructible and fragile at the same time,” vocalist Shaun Diviney explains. “I don’t think the world needs another happy pop song at the moment, because I don’t think the world is a happy place at the moment. This song comes from a place of anger and destruction, about wanting to tear something down and begin again.”
Mae Krell first caught our attention with the release of their single “garden” last year, and we have been hooked since. And luckily for us, and Krell’s 50k monthly Spotify listeners, today marks the release of their brand new single “are you sure?”
Inspired by Krell’s struggle with sobriety and in concurrence with their two year sober anniversary, “are you sure?” is a soft and subtle track that questions whether or not things are actually improving or as okay as they may seem on the surface. A soft-spoken battle with uncertainty, the track remains lyrically simple and vague- giving listener’s both just enough of the story to follow along with the song while also allowing themselves to interpret it’s meaning in relation to their own lived experiences.
An indie artist with a unique voice that stands apart from similar artists, Krell has an ability to captivate listeners and make them feel as though they are being sung to directly- rather than streaming a single on an online platform. Leaving listener’s feeling understood while simultaneously being enveloped in an warm acoustic embrace- each new release is somehow as good as and better than the last.
“Waste My Time” by The Small Calamities
Self described as emo-adjacent, Los Angeles based band The Small Calamities are giving fans a new single to jam out to titled “Waste My Time.”
Inspired by the concept of growing up and going through the motions of existence without truly learning from your past or maturing, “Waste My Time” is about a relationship that is hitting a wall and the difficulties that arise in communication.
With a coming of age feel, the single is a unique combination of emo/pop-punk inspired lyrics coupled with indie rock meets folk instrumentals.
And by taking listeners on this narrative journey, the band provides us with the latest taste of their upcoming sophomore album, Moments of Impact, set to drop April 9th.
“Palm Reader” by DREAMERS, Big Boi and UPSAHL
The fifth and final single off of DREAMERS’ new EP of the same name, “Palm Reader” is the latest release by the alternative pop trio and perhaps their best one yet.
Experts at releasing music that both makes you rethink your entire life and want to jump on the dance floor and cut loose, “Palm Reader” fits the standard DREAMERS formula- but with an extra dash of spice.
A sultry, upbeat, and extremely catchy single, the new song features verses from both Big Boi and UPSAHL, giving the song an additional edge and wide ranging audience appeal. Lyrically navigating the concept of “black magic” and a relationship where everything happens relatively impulsively as you find yourself wrapped up in the other party- “Palm Reader” leaves us reminiscent of attending parties, going on midnight summertime adventures, and overall has us dying to get back to a live DREAMERS show ASAP so that we can hear this entire EP live.
An alternative rock band from Virginia, Wild Truth are yet another artist you’ll want to keep your eyes on- especially after the release of their brand new single “No Filter.”
The band’s first single in over a year, “No Filter” recounts a relationship that has fallen apart following a series of lies and a less than present partner. Recounting times when said person would pop in and out of the narrator’s life, usually with an ulterior or selfish motive, the song is essentially a call out post for being lonely and the people who have made you feel that way. Using the concept of having “no filter” when it comes to telling your own side of the story, the song holds nothing back lyrically or instrumentally- making it a perfect single to want to dance along to while also cutting ties with any toxic friends or partners in your own life.
And though this is the first single we have heard by Wild Truth, “No Filter” has us eager to hear more.
South Carolina based indie rockers Whitehall are giving fans an emotional new single this week with the release of “New Hampshire.”
A soft spoken single that features prominent instrumental parts- namely a groove inspired baseline and calming guitar riffs- “New Hampshire” is an anthem of self worth. Repeating affirmations of positivity throughout, such as “I’m gonna be who I want,” the song helps to piece someone’s sense of self back together following a breakup.
Leaving listener’s feeling cool and collected- this release is a reminder that you are not worth less or worse off without a partner. Instead you are fresh and new- ready to reclaim your self worth and life goals.
“We wrote ‘New Hampshire’ while we were touring the US in late 2019. It deals with an end of a relationship and the aftereffects of figuring out how to navigate that new territory,” the band shared. “’New Hampshire’ finds itself deciding to be better – repeating mantras of solidarity, assurance, and things turning “gold and green.”
The debut single from Hope Vista’s new solo project, Ravive, “Sahara” is a fresh pop anthem about fighting your way through the hard times to reach a bit of peace and serenity.
An anthem of perseverance that anyone who has experienced a struggle of willpower or strength can relate to, “Sahara” encourages a push to the finish line while not holding back on how difficult it is to get there.
Inspired by Vista’s own love of pop music and the sensation of listening to music that can both feel upbeat and positive while also lyrically raw and honest, “Sahara” is just the beginning of the singer’s journey towards finding her own signature sound.
“‘Sahara’ was an experience. I wanted to really paint the visual of trudging through the desert, feeling exhausted, but still trying to make it home,” she shares. “Pop music has always been a euphoric, but sometimes heartbreaking sonic trip for me, so I wanted to create a song that could be that experience for someone else. “Sahara” captures an odd juxtaposition between mental exhaustion and finding sanctuary.”
If you are looking for a dream pop single that will have you longing for a smooth drive along the coast, look no further than the latest single by rising LA solo project, PWNT.
The brainchild of musician Kosta Galanopoulos, PWNT is a relaxed, instrumentally driven project named after Miles Davis’ quote “play what’s not there.” Debuting in 2020 with a steady stream of singles throughout the year, this week’s “Shortcuts” marks the fifth single to be released by PWNT, and the first of the year- giving new listeners a perfect introduction into what PWNT is all about.
With soft-spoken lyrics and heavy focus on the dreamy feel provided by the instruments- namely the horn sections recorded by Steven Frieder, the song emits a strong “summertime drive” feeling, and leaves us longing for both more new music from PWNT and the sunnier days ahead.
If you are a fan of music that sounds both nostalgic and brand new at the same time, Kandle Osborne is an artist you do not want to overlook.
With a unique vocal styling that remains reminiscent of vocal powerhouses of the 50s/60s while also adding a rock and roll flair and instrumentals that feel cinematic in nature, Kandle’s singles feel as though they are straight out of a new high stakes adventure drama, and her new single “Honey Trap” is no different- in the best way possible.
Inspired by the spy tactic of “honey trapping” to gain information from fake relationships, “Honey Trap” navigates being in a toxic relationship and trying to find a time to move on. Recounting the process of falling for someone who tells you want you want to hear rather than the truth, the song shares the process of getting out and finding your path to freedom- both mentally and physically.
And while the song on it’s own is definitely a mandatory listening, fans should also check out the new music video (linked above) for the full espionage themed “Honey Trap” music video.
You can stream “Honey Trap” along with all of the other new releases now- wherever you stream music and via the playlist below.
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