It is once more the best day of the week, New Music Friday!
With new releases from Grayscale, Tom Boy, Jen Janet, and more, we have once more compiled a list of all of our favorite new tracks from the past week for you to check out.
And as always, we’ve linked our full 2020 playlist at the bottom in case you want to catch up on releases you may have missed.
From songs about falling out of love, disappointing prom nights, and multiple songs about why parties are the worst- we have prepared a track for every mood. So let’s dive in!
“Thunder” by Tom Boy
After finding himself at a loss for words earlier this year as he watched the world crumble around him, musician Nate Daniels (AKA Tom Boy) turned to music to remind himself and his friends that despite what social media says, things will get better and he will always be there to lift them up when things are at their worst.
The first release by Daniels as a solo artist, “Thunder” lyrically tackles feelings of helplessness while focusing on the importance of checking in on those closest to you and drowning out the outside noise (“the thunder”).
With a very catchy guitar riff echoing throughout the background of the song, and a mix of electronic synth playing behind the driving percussion beat, the track is a pop dream- bringing a comforting message in a time of global chaos and setting the stage for future Tom Boy releases.
“I Don’t Belong” – Jen Janet
Jen Janet is the definition of a modern day renaissance woman.
When she’s not lending her voice to metalcore rock bands Mimesis and Novarium, she is working on writing and recording her own solo music, directing and editing her own music videos, and still somehow finding the time to dabble in photography and modeling.
And today, the Massachusetts native is treating fans to her talents once more with her brand new single “I Don’t Belong,” which comes alongside a new self directed music video.
“I Don’t Belong,” which was inspired by Janet’s own feelings of isolation while working a job she wanted to leave a few years ago, is a rock track at its core. With heavy drums and a staggered strumming guitar opening the song up, listeners feel an intensity build instrumentally as Janet’s soaring vocals captivate them. The intensity stays heightened throughout, until the track then ends on an a cappella chorus where fans can hear the singer’s isolated vocals hauntingly fade into the track’s completion.
You can stream the song now, and if you like what you hear, be sure to read our interview with Jen Janet from earlier this week here.
“In Misery” – Coasting on Potential
“In Misery” is the latest single by New York metalcore band, Coasting on Potential.
After losing both of his parents within the span of a year, frontman Justin DiTomasso found himself questioning everything, including what the purpose to life was. By channeling his pain and his existential pondering into art, DiTomasso wrote “In Misery” to explain his feelings and also to find a way to come to terms with them.
A heavier rock track that mixes both metal core screams and clean vocals, along with intense instrumentals, the track perfectly encapsulates the mix of emotions that come with grief through sonic and melodic changes.
And though the track doesn’t have a lyrically “happy” ending, it does remind listeners that they are not alone in their fight.
“Soap 2020” – As It Is
Technically the song “Soap” by As It Is is not “new.” In fact, it is over three years old. However- today the band dropped an unexpected remix that has As It Is fans buzzing with excitement.
Originally making its debut on As It Is’ album “Okay,” “Soap” was released in 2017 as a heavier rock track, with an edgy tinge to the vocals. But today the band has switched things up, slowing the song down a bit and giving it more of an indie rock feel, with softer vocals and several catchy electric guitar riffs.
“Crying Over You” – The Band CAMINO & Chelsea Cutler
After days of teasing fans with their upcoming collaboration, The Band CAMINO and Chelsea Cutler have finally delivered and their new song is better than we could have ever imagined.
“Crying Over You,” which dropped at midnight, is an acoustic guitar and piano led track about choosing to do what’s best for yourself and your happiness instead of what is easy. In this particular case- choosing to end a relationship that is no longer making you happy.
With very soft instrumentals, the track focuses on Cutler and The Band Camino’s Jeffrey Jordan’s vocals- both of which are extremely powerful yet controlled, creating angelic harmonies.
This is a song that will rip your heart out and step on it, but also have you reminding yourself that your own happiness must be put first- no matter how painful. And, at least you have Chelsea and CAMINO to get you through it.
“Last Bus in the A.M.” – Bestfriend
We have all been there- whether it’s at a party, out with friends, or in a setting that we generally do not want to be at, we have all felt the feeling of dread that comes with the nagging thought “I want to be social, but I want to go home.” Which is exactly what the new single “Last Bus in the A.M.” is about.
The newest track by bi-costal indie pop duo Bestfriend, “Last Bus in the A.M.” navigates the feelings of hitting your emotional breaking point when at a party and the subsequent anxiety that comes with not knowing where or who you are supposed to be.
With a dreamy piano opening the track up, listeners are then lead on an emotional journey lyrically as percussion and electronic notes pick up the tempo and give you a rollercoaster of sounds to accentuate the thoughts behind the lyrics.
“I Still See You At Parties” – Port Cities & Emma-Lee
After a semi-neutral breakup, Port Cities’ Dylan found himself re-thinking his relationship after running into his ex at several social gatherings. And though the two split amicably and stayed in touch, these run ins caused the musician to start questioning if the breakup was the best choice as his brain filled with memories of the couples happy days, thus inspiring Port Cities new track with Emma-Lee, “I Still See You At Parties.”
The song, which dropped last week, intermixes pop beats with indie rock guitar and vocal styling to give listeners the feeling of being happy and relaxed before cutting into their hearts with the lyrics.
And as the second song on this week’s playlist about negative party experiences, “I Still See You at Parties,” makes us feel a little relieved that large social gatherings are on hold for the time being.
“Look To The Moon” – Chemical Dreams & John Orpheus
Originally written with the intention of scoring a car commercial, “Look To The Moon” is a collaboration between duo Chemical Dreams and friend John Orpheus.
Written in the middle of a cold February, the track grew on the trio as its similarities to the happiness and carefree feelings of summer came through in both the lyrics and melodies.
“We didn’t get the commercial, but we ended up with this great hybrid that incorporates all of our influences,” Chemical Dreams Mark Game shared. “[It’s] something none of us would have written on our own.”
An electronic fused, hip-hop inspired song, “Look To The Moon” is full of groovy bass lines and catchy rhythms that make it impossible to not smile while listening.
And unlike the previous three songs on this list, this track will have you feeling good and ready to cruise down the highway with your windows down and radio at full volume.
“Live From The Barber Shop Studios” – Grayscale (EP)
Released Wednesday, “Live From The Barber Shop Studios” is a three song EP released by one of our favorite artists- Grayscale.
Featuring three live versions of songs from their 2019 album “Nella Vita,” “Live From The Barber Shop Studios” takes the original rock songs and reworks them into a variety of big band, acoustic, and piano driven remixes- all recorded at The Barber Shop Studios in New Jersey.
In addition to the tracks themselves, which you can stream wherever you listen to music, the release came with three live videos of the band recording the EP at Barber Shop Studios, with some additional help from local musicians who give the tracks some brass instrument flare.
You can hear the full EP now, here.
“Thru The Phone” – Merōn
“Kiss Me Thru The Phone,” but make it 2020.
“Thru The Phone” is latest single by pop artist Merōn, and is a fresh take on Soulja Boy’s 2008 track “Kiss Me Thru The Phone.”
Inspired by the singer’s own long distance relationship, “Thru The Phone,” takes Soulja Boy’s iconic song and remixes it, adding some new lyrics along with personal anecdotes about Merōn’s own experiences dating while states away from one another.
A fun and playful remix, this song is the perfect track to send your long distance partner to remind them you’re thinking about them a little extra these past few months.
“i’m gonna tell my therapist on you” – Pinkshift
A punk rock, angst filled track, “i’m gonna tell my therapist on you” is the latest single by Baltimore natives Pinkshift.
With punchy guitar, steady percussion and clever bass lines, the track’s instrumentals make listeners want to get off their couches and start a circle pit in their own living rooms, while the vocals and lyrics hype them up to want to fight all of their demons- external and internal.
Essentially, this song makes listeners want to kick ass, which is the best way to destroy any summer boredom they may be facing.
And though the band currently is still in the process of growing their audience, they have amassed nearly 2,000 followers on Spotify and we believe this song will help further push them to the charts.
“Prom” – Samina
As teenagers, we are often told that prom is going to be the “best night” of our lives. However, that is very rarely the case, and singer Samina is here to tell her story of her lack-luster prom and the remainder of her high school experiences.
With acoustic guitar and hazy, almost dream-like, instrumentals backing Samina’s vocals, the track focuses on putting the singer’s almost haunting voice on display- adding an extra element of emotion over the track’s vulnerable and honest lyrics.
“It’s funny to me that everyone knows prom as a night that never quite lives up to our dreams,” the singer shared. “Finishing this song was my way of closing a chapter in my life even though it’s been years since, and even though it didn’t live up to my dreams.”
If you like any of the tracks above, you can check out our full New Music Playlist, linked below, and be sure to let us know what your favorite releases from the past week in the comments.
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