It is officially the last Friday of October, which means both that the month has flown by far too quickly, AND that we are once more blessed with tons of new music to check out from the past week.
Featuring new releases from some of our favorite rising artists, in addition to some cover tracks that give us alternative perspectives on some of our favorite songs, we have a full lineup of new music that should keep you satisfied throughout your Friday afternoon.
Check out our full list of favorites below, and as always be sure to check out our full Spotify Playlist with all of our October Faves, linked at the bottom.
“Watermelon Sugar” by The Maine (Harry Styles Cover)
If there are two artists that can do no wrong in our eyes, there are The Maine and Harry Styles. And with this new “Watermelon Sugar” cover released by The Maine this morning, we are so happy to find out what it would sound like if these two collided.
Putting a bit of an emo acoustic twist on the iconic summertime pop anthem, The Maine have slowed the track down a little bit, given it a bit of ethereal dream-y sound that is perfect for the end of fall.
However, we will say we wish it was a little bit more up-beat or featured more of a twist from Styles’ original, but it is still new music from The Maine, so we can’t complain.
“All About Me” by AVTR, Tera Bang
A pop star with an interesting background, Tera Bang has just stepped out solo to release her debut single “All About Me.”
A virtual singer who was formed as part of the A.I. girl group AVTR, Tera Bang is part of a new generation of superstar, and her new single is guaranteed to help make her a household name
“All About Me,” which takes inspiration from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, is all about having fun, letting loose and appreciating the time you have to be young and free. A pop song at it’s core, the song is perfect for a day of playing hooky and living life to the fullest- even if only for 24 hours.
And with a colorful music video that shows off Tera Bang’s style (which is sustainable and designed by Berlin based designer tHERAPY Recycle & Exorcise), “All About Me” helps listeners get a deeper look into the virtual star’s reality- something that still remains a bit of a mystery.
“Falling” by Charming Liars (Harry Styles Cover)
This is apparently the best week for artists to cover Harry Styles, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
Putting their own spin on Style’s single “Falling,” alternative rockers Charming Liars have turned the ballad into an upbeat pop-rock track. Swapping out the song’s iconic piano for a catchy percussion beat and increasing the track’s tempo a bit, the band have transformed what is normally a somber melody into a song you can easily dance to- even if the heartbreaking lyrics remain the same.
And as another look into the band’s range, following their latest single “Losers,” earlier this month, “Falling” has us even more excited for future releases by Charming Liars.
“Mindless” by Stuck Out feat. Mikaila Delgado
Australian pop punk band Stuck Out made their way onto our radar this week with one of the best releases of October.
Released Tuesday, “Mindless” is the band’s first single off of their upcoming EP Lie Through Your Teeth (out December 18th), and also their first release as part of the SharpTone Records family.
Joined by Yours Truly’s Mikaila Delgado, “Mindless” is a somber but punchy track about wishing someone would acknowledge their mistakes instead of hiding behind their pride and bravado. And while the majority of the track is upbeat and packed with emotions- especially a hurt tinged anger, the final verse slows things down as a bit of sadness takes over and the narrator begs for a bit of forgiveness.
“wonderin” by Gillian Heidi feat. Michael Christmas
A track dedicated to the unanswerable questions that come with dating someone new- especially someone who talks a big game- the latest single by Gillian Heidi lays out all of our insecurities in one funky, soulful, pop song.
“wonderin” which dropped this morning is Heidi’s fifth single of the year and navigates the fears that come with dating someone who tells you how special you are and the inevitable questions that pop into your brain after. Am I special? Did I really change your life? Or is this just what you say to everyone you date to make them feel better?
Featuring fellow Boston native Michael Christmas- who adds a rap verse giving an alternative and countered perspective to Heidi’s questions, the track is a fusion of pop, rap and soul all with a somewhat spooky undertone that makes it perfect for a Halloween release.
And as the latest single to give us a look into the singer’s upcoming album 3AM, we are so excited to hear more.
“It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Though we are firm believers that there is a time for holiday music and that that time comes AFTER Halloween, we had to make an exception for this cheeky Christmas track from the queen of pop herself, Carly Rae Jepsen.
Released this morning, which was also blessed by some pre-November snow in New England, “It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries,” is the latest single by Jepsen, who puts a playful spin on an otherwise cheerful time of year.
Using her classic electro pop sound to recount some of the worst parts of Christmas, including fighting over politics, grandpa getting high, and fighting with your loved ones- Jepsen reminds listeners that it wouldn’t be the holidays if something didn’t go wrong. And while its easy to hate the little things that seemingly screw everything up, the singer takes a moment to appreciate those too. Because, well, it’s not Christmas until somebody cries.
One of our favorite artists over the past few months has been Illicit Ghost, who really struck a chord with her last single “Present,” and is now once more back with a new song “Halftime.”
An anthem of perseverance and hopefulness, “Halftime” is an ode to those who need a bit of encouragement in pushing through the difficult times. And though the song was written prior to the pandemic, “Halftime” feels especially important now as the winter months begin to leave many of us uncertain of our financial or social futures. But as the track reminds us, we aren’t alone and we will be okay.
“I hope this song gives anyone struggling the determination to pick themselves up because at the end of the day, you owe it to yourself. This song is for those people,” the singer shared.
“Halftime” is the latest single from Illicit Ghost’s upcoming EP Present, which is set to debut in February 2021 and guaranteed to be one of the best EP’s of the winter.
“Better This Time” by HUNYBEES
A track all about being honest with yourself in a relationship that you know isn’t going as planned, “Better This Time” is the newest single by indie rock band HUNYBEES.
Taking inspiration from artists such as The Stokes and The Magic Gang, HUNYBEES bring a unique sound and catchy, upbeat dance vibe to a track about trying to navigate a relatively toxic relationship.
Repeating the lyrics “maybe it’ll be better this time,” the song points out obvious relationship flaws while calling attention to the clear lack of improvement in any of the posed situations. Much like a fight you end by giving into your parter because you don’t want to exasperate any issues, the song harps on the idea that letting things slide won’t actually improve anything and that maybe this relationship isn’t worth the stress- while also making you want to move your body and shake out any worries you may have about your own love life.
A beautiful but gut wrenching single, “Soft Chains” is the latest single by indie duo Mear.
A follow up to their single “Perfect Mess,” which dropped earlier this year, “Soft Chains” is a song about imagining the future outside of a toxic relationship while being trapped in the midst.
Partially inspired by the concept behind “As Long as He Needs Me” from the musical Oliver!, “Soft Chains” navigates the conflicted feelings that come with knowing you want to leave someone but not being sure how. And though to an outsider leaving may seem easy, the band do a fantastic job acknowledging the nuance and difficulties that come with being someone you love- even if they treat you poorly.
And in classic Mear fashion, the band combine a mix of indie pop with piano and acoustic melodies that make the track feel both light and impactful at the same time.
“Foolish Me” by Merci
Alternative band Merci have just signed to Rise Records and to celebrate they treated fans with a brand new single titled “Foolish Me.”
Inspired by the difficulty of long distance relationships, specifically one vocalist Seth Coggshall experienced where his partner and him found themselves having to relearn how to be a couple together each time they reunited, “Foolish Me” navigates the less than glamorous aspects of dating from afar.
From missing each other to planning reunions around ever-changing schedules, the track uses a mix of acoustic strumming that grows into a full band sound to keep listener’s engaged and feeling the wide range of emotions that come with any sort of relationship.
And as a rising band, we think Merci have launched off on the perfect first single.
You can stream all of the above singles now, as well as check out our full Spotify Spooktober playlist below.
Have a Happy Halloween!
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