Welcome to "Thank God It's Friday" where we dive into the latest musical releases that have been setting our "earing pupils" on fire. As we bid farewell to another exciting week, we can't help but celebrate the incredible tracks that have graced our ears in recent weeks. From infectious pop hits to electronic and rock-ish stirring records, this post is dedicated to showcasing the best of the best. Get ready to discover your new favourite songs and let the music take you on a captivating ride. It's time to turn up the volume and embrace the magic of these incredible releases. Let the music speak, and let the weekend begin in style.
freekind – Found Love
Sara and Nina, the dynamic duo behind freekind, united in 2019 driven by their shared passion for R&B, hip-hop, and soul music, recognizing its uplifting and inspiring power. Their EP “not good enough” released in 2020 was a transformative journey, addressing the doubts and fears that plague creators and making space for fearless self-expression. Currently working on an album, freekind‘s live performances serve as group therapy, connecting with audiences on a deep level through their soulful and empathetic songs. Drawing influences from Jorja Smith, Lauryn Hill, Loyle Carner, and Common, their versatile style encompasses themes of self-love, battling depression, and embracing vulnerability. Their latest single “Found Love” seamlessly blends genres, infusing elements of pop, neo-soul, and jazz, creating a distinctive and boundary-pushing sound that pays homage to hip-hop’s golden age while forging its own path forward. Prepare to be moved, both emotionally and physically, by the infectious groove and captivating storytelling of freekind.
His Old Chain – Out in the Sun
With a bunch of singles released already this year, but not much information about the project’s roots and know-about, His Old Chain is a sort of mysterious project for now. Their latest track entitled “Out in the Sun” is nothing short of a perfect mix of alternative pop with gentle rock, with space for introspection and contemplation, with a lot of lyrical value but also tremendously produced to sound familiar, cosy and sort of comforting to both mind and soul. The start that got us was the acoustic guitar feel, pacing slowly on top of a gorgeous drum background (that keeps constant the entire track) until the nurtured vocals (sort of talking, sort of singing) come along to take us entirely way into their own space of living. Impressive!
Hotel Art – Raised on Television
Hotel Art is a dynamic collaboration between Vlado Nosal and Boo Hewerdine, bringing together the fresh talent of Bratislava with the seasoned experience of the C86 era. Their music transcends the ordinary, finding inspiration in the everyday details and the mechanisms that drive our lives. With a shared fascination for the beauty in the mundane and mass-produced art, Hotel Art crafts songs that capture both the essence of classic songwriting and the spirited chaos of indie music. Their debut single “Raised on Television” led by Vlado’s captivating vocals, transports us back to a time when television held a singular influence, inviting us to celebrate the nostalgia and entertainment value of a bygone era. Likewise its concept, the track offers bags and bags of valuable entertainment while transmitting an rare pop-rock originality.
Mothh – Big Idea
Mothh, a queer Taiwanese American artist from Kingston, NY, blends oldies, country, and contemporary sounds to create her unique style of Psychedelic Rock and Alternative R&B. As the founder of House of Mothh, a spiritually focused community, she explores conscious expansion through music, painting, and writing. Collaborating with a producer from Brooklyn, she crafted the captivating track “Big Idea,” inspired by her experiences as a newly single adult navigating the world of dating. With a mix of angst and apathy, the song encapsulates her journey, reflecting her growth and exploration in a captivating and introspective manner. It is a beautiful alternative pop track that focuses on delivering through the distinctive vocals but also through the quirkiness of the songwriting.
Rowe – Floating
Rowe, the solo project of Los Angeles-based artist Beck Filip, released her latest single “Floating” on April 21st. The song is a dreamy blend of R&B and Neo Soul, exploring the theme of embracing daydreaming as a way of living. Filip’s musical journey began after the breakup of her first band and the end of a long-term relationship. Determined to establish her own path, she took time for self-reflection and healing, ultimately discovering the power of solitude and drawing inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse and Frank Ocean.
To protect her creative autonomy, Filip teamed up with childhood friend Micah Tawlks, a musician/producer based in Nashville. Together, they crafted a unique sound, merging smooth, soulful vocals with jazz-inspired instrumentation. “Floating” is a soulful track that delves into the desire to escape the challenges of a difficult relationship by immersing oneself in a dreamlike state. Overall, Rowe‘s latest single offers a glimpse into her evolving musical style, hinting at more to come in 2023.
Stefanos Yowhannes x Isabelle Eberdean – epiphany
Stefanos Yowhannes, an alt/R&B debut artist with diverse musical influences from Eritrea, Norway, and the Netherlands draws inspiration from artists like D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, and Lauryn Hill, Yowhannes delivers a soulful and introspective track that explores the theme of a painful breakup through poignant lyrics, captivating production, and melodic brilliance. In his latest single featuring Isabelle Eberdean, entitled “epiphany“, Yowhannes takes his artistry to new heights by collaborating with Eberdean, blending her smooth jazz vocals with his laid-back rap and infusing it all with UK garage-inspired beats. The result is a mesmerizing fusion that combines elements of various genres, creating a refreshingly modern and innovative sound. With its tight instrumentation and perfectly balanced duet elements, “epiphany” stands as a testament to Yowhannes’ talent for crafting pop dreams that feel both contemporary and groundbreaking.
Yndling – Make Me Want You
Yndling, the brainchild of Norwegian artist Silje Espevik, is a captivating dream pop endeavor. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of dream pop luminaries like Beach House, Men I Trust, Mazzy Star, and Cocteau Twins, Yndling delivers a mesmerizing sonic experience that envelops listeners with its ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics. In early 2021, Yndling began unveiling a series of singles, leading up to the release of their debut EP in January 2022. The EP gained further acclaim when it received the Deluxe Version treatment in May 2022, featuring the enchanting bonus tracks “Plants” and “Fringe“.
Emerging from the echoes of Beach House, “Make Me Want You” emerges as a captivating composition by Yndling, recorded during the sessions for her highly anticipated debut album, slated for a late 2023 release. Although this evocative track didn’t secure a spot on the final tracklist, its emotional resonance remains undeniable. In Yndling‘s own words, “Make Me Want You” delves into the intricate dance of falling in love while grappling with the fear of losing control. The song delicately explores the act of downplaying emotions, perhaps as a defense mechanism to alleviate potential heartache in situations where the relationship may not flourish—or even as a precautionary measure in case it falters.