February is often deemed the month of love, and there is nothing we love more than brand new music.
Now officially the second month of the year and fresh out of the holiday haze, many of our favorite musicians are now back in the studios and actively pumping out great new tracks. And this week was nothing short of chock full of good tunes to help us get into the weekend mood.
You can check out our top ten release of the week below, and as always, follow along with our monthly Spotify playlist, linked at the bottom, to stay up to date on all things new music.
“U Lie I Cry” by Austin Filmore
Chicago based hip-hop star Austin Filmore is continuing his fight against toxic masculinity with the release of his new emotion driven single “U Lie, I Cry.”
Debuted this morning, “U Lie, I Cry” is a pop meets hip hop track written by Filmore and produced by Remy Prosper. Inspired by a real life breakup Filmore experienced, the song provides a look into the darker side of relationships and shares Filmore’s own experience learning how to embrace and express his feelings- all set to a beat that is impossible to ignore.
“The only way I knew how to deal with the pain of this break up was to write about it…but when I sat to actually write the song, I couldn’t do it for some reason,” the singer shares. “So I poured me a glass of tequila and told my engineer press record and I’m just gonna freestyle this.”
And as the creator of the #ThinkLessFeelMore movement, Fillmore uses the track to encourage listeners to fight the urge to hide their feelings from each other. There’s no room for hyper-masculinity here. After all, “We all lie, we all cry…this song is about us.”
Sometimes all we need is to be reminded that we are not alone. Whether that be in a literal, physical sense or in a grander sense of knowing others understand what is going on inside our heads, being reminded that we are supported and loved is something that can turn someone’s whole day around. And luckily for us, Australian based Waxflower are here to remind all of their listeners- new and old- that they too, are not alone.
The latest single to be released from the band’s upcoming EP We’ll Be Alright, out April 16th, “Not Alone” is a pop rock reminder to keep your head high and to try to not let negativity or other influences keep you down. With a bopping melody that drips in positivity but also realism, the track will have you dancing in your seat (or on the floor- depending your locale) and reassure even the most uncertain listener that things will get better- you just need to hold on a little bit longer.
When you are young and just beginning your dating journey, there is often a sense of stigma or idealism that surrounds the concept of love. Usually described as an exaggerated “all or nothing” feeling in the media, it seems nearly impossible to achieve a similar feeling in real life, making “true love” feel made up and force you to doubt your feelings for someone, especially when they don’t match the concepts of love you see on screen.
But luckily, these doubts and uncertainties are not uncommon- and in fact are the inspiration behind Foley’s new single, “Better Than Love.”
A dreamy pop track that navigates the fear that accompanies growing feelings for someone, “Better Than Love” explores what love truly looks like, while realizing that it may not be a one size fits all formula.
With soft, romantic sounding vocals overlaying a steady electronic beat, the song makes listeners feel enveloped in warmth while also helping to encourage them to embrace their own feelings and express their own versions of love to the special people in their lives- even if that means taking it slow and steady.
“Cold Sets In” (Acoustic Sessions) by World’s First Cinema
A breakout duo made up of Fil Thorpe (formerly of Neck Deep) and Jon Sinclair (Saint Claire) World First Cinema are an act you do not want to sleep on- and their latest release “Cold Sets In,” is a perfect example why.
A haunting yet perfectly arranged release, “Cold Sets In” is an orchestral ballad about facing difficult times and working through them with your loved ones- acknowledging that there is a beauty in starting from the beginning, no matter how difficult it may be to reach that point.
“The song lyrically explores how pain and strife can bring you closer to loved ones,” the band explained. “But even when that pain causes you to step away, we learn that starting over can be the most important part of the journey.”
Though the track was originally released in January, it was given a visual reimagination this week as the band released their Acoustic Sessions video on YouTube, adding an amplified awareness of the track’s use of string instruments and tone through the video’s lighting and atmosphere. And as a duo formed on the premise of not creating forgettable music, they have surely succeeded in their mission.
“Haunted” by Paging Doctor Moon
The second single to be released by rising alternative indie outfit Paging Doctor Moon, “Haunted” is a soft but lyrically potent track about the difficulties that come with moving on from a toxic relationship.
Opening with very light guitar strumming and singer Kirsten Heibert’s vocals directing the track, “Haunted” starts as an acoustic ballad, recounting the feelings that come with knowing something is bad for you but being afraid to give up hope that things can get better. Sharing the well documented cycle of toxic relationships, including periods of denial and uncertainty about life post-relationship, the song gradually grows in intensity both via instrumentals and tone.
And though this single is only the second to be officially released by the band, “Haunted” gives us a good glimpse into their songwriting abilities, and has us feeling hopeful about their debut album- set to release later this year.
“Molecules” by The Spill Canvas (feat. Sherri Dupree-Bemis)
A beautifully written duet that is perfect for the February pre-Valentine’s Day festivities, “Molecules” is the latest single from The Spill Canvas’ recently announced upcoming album Conduit.
A love song at its core, “Molecules” is an ode to a romantic partner and the idea that you are destined to be together. And though the song is debuting today for the first time, it was written and recorded last year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic- all of which was done remotely by vocalist Nick Thomas, multi-instrumentalist Geoff Black and guest vocalist Sherri Dupree-Bemis.
Marking the only acoustic track off of the upcoming record, “Molecules” showcases the alternative band’s softer side and marks an important musical milestone for Thomas himself.
“This [track] holds a very special place in my heart because it’s the first love song I’ve written for my wife of 5 years, Sarah,” he shares. “It feels like I finally articulated exactly what I feel for her on this one, and for that I’m honored to have found it in my skull.”
An easy listen that will have you feeling good from the first chords to the final verse, this track is an essential for any upcoming V-Day playlists.
A world without dreaming would be a world without success. A world without grand ideas or hopes for the future- barring future generations from finding ways to creatively change and engage the world around them. After all, all of the greatest artists begin their careers by dreaming of a better future, despite what their opposers had to say- and Virginia born singer-songwriter Sam Haas (HAAS) is no different.
Here to share her own experience with being an open minded dreamer in a world of naysayers, HAAS has just released her first single of 2021 titled “Headfirst,” and it is the perfect anthem to anyone hoping to someday change their corner of the world.
With an indie rock meets country feel, “Headfirst” motivates listeners to own their creativity and freedom by giving into their “crazy” dreams and thoughts. Inspired by the singer’s own desires to break away from the bullies of her past, many of whom doubted her aspirations, the single reminds fans not to let the word of others bog you down. You know your truth and there is no reason to shrink yourself down to fit into someone else’s idea of an ideal life.
“I Know Something” by DE’WAYNE
An absolute hype up song, “I Know Something” is a track that you absolutely cannot resist moving to.
The latest single by DE’WAYNE, who is best known for his mix of alternative style vocals and rapping abilities, “I Know Something” is all about knowing your worth and letting everyone around you know just how special you are- even if they don’t see it yet.
“The song is just a reflection of my nature. I find that most times before anything happens, like a big change, you personally have to embody that. Write it down or even say it out loud,” DE’WAYNE shares. “That’s exactly what I’m doing on this record.”
With intoxicating beats and an energy level that will have you feeling like you too can conquer the world, “I Know Something” is easily the best track of the week for encouraging listeners to acknowledge their own self worth and also give a perfect window into DE’WAYNE’s musical future.
“Dreaming Still” by Carpool Tunnel
We first fell in love with Carpool Tunnel’s smooth, nostalgic indie rock vibes with their single “Flora,” earlier this year. And now, just a few weeks away from their debut album Bloom, the band are treating us once more to a brand new single.
Dropped earlier this week, “Dreaming Still” is a song seeped in California cool cut with a sense of realism. With a groovy bass lines, a beachy sense of relaxation and vocals that stand apart from the pack, the track serves as a warning message to the dreamers of the world, reminding them that while dreaming IS vital to success, you also need to put in a bit of work to make your dreams become reality.
“’Dreaming Still’ pushes listeners to dream more, while also posing a question about
how easy it is to overindulge as a way to escape reality,” the band shares.
“As musicians, we understand how tempting it is to get caught up in daydreaming about the future, but we’ve come to understand the importance of breaking through that mental fog and working hard to reach success.”
A great reminder for anyone struggling to motivate themselves over the past few months, “Dreaming Still” makes us want to get off our butts and kick it into high gear.
“Gone To Me” by Thousand Below
Going through a breakup is difficult enough regardless of what side you are on, but an extra element of difficulty is added when you find yourself watching your former partner move on.
This situation is one especially close to home to post-hardcore act Thousand Below, who have just released their new single “Gone To Me” about this exact situation.
An emotionally packed, metalcore meets pop punk sound, “Gone To Me” shares the struggle between wanting to move on from a person and not be hurt anymore and also trying to remain friends with them to retain your platonic relationship.
“Having to watch someone who was once your best friend and the most important part of your life slowly move on to connect with other people tears you apart, but not having them around at all also causes its own type of pain,” vocalist James Deberg shares. “The song is about the double-edged sword of trying to move forward.”
You can stream all of the above tracks now, wherever you stream music, and be sure to follow along with our February release playlist, linked below.
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