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.
Aasma – Alive
Aasma, a multidimensional creator, is dedicated to reconnecting humanity with nature. Her collaborative efforts extend to environmental organizations like Greenpeace, a partnership evident in the upcoming album campaign. In crafting “Ocean“, her upcoming album, the artist, often on the move, initially recorded in Austin, Texas, and finalized the project in Sweden, drawing inspiration from the sea’s rhythmic elements—crashing waves, subaquatic storms, swaying seaweed, and deep-sea creatures.
Preceding the full release of “Ocean“, the artist unveils a series of three-song releases, the initial installment featuring the captivating track “Alive“. In this enchanting composition, “Alive” serves as the musical backdrop to life’s whimsical journey, capturing the essence of beginnings, the lighthearted adventure that is existence, and the enduring bonds of eternal friendship. Skillfully performed by the orchestra of the deep sea, it immerses listeners in a sonic experience that mirrors the profound beauty and complexity of life’s aquatic symphony.
Astral Bakers – Beautiful Everything
Astral Bakers, led by Sage (Ambroise Willaume) of the French trio Revolver, brings together seasoned musicians Theodora, Nico Lockhart, and Zoé Hochberg. With over a decade of professional experience, they’ve collaborated with diverse artists like Woodkid and Clara Luciani. Having crossed paths on various tours, the band embraces a raw, authentic approach, seeking musical purity and spontaneity. Their roots-driven journey began with a transformative performance at le Consulat, marking a return to the essence of music and a departure from the complexities of demos and production.
Scheduled for release on February 9th through Sage Music, Astral Bakers‘ debut album, “The Whole Story“, is highly anticipated. Offering a preview, their latest single, “Beautiful Everything“, pays homage to the accessible allure of Sonic Youth, yet retains the warmth influenced by artists like Elliott Smith and Big Thief. The track’s vibrant essence is captured through a live studio recording, skillfully balancing dreamy atmospheres with a palpable sense of vitality. Astral Bakers skillfully navigate the intersection of influences, crafting a sound that seamlessly merges shoegaze with indie pop.
Cosmo Sheldrake – Stop the Music
Cosmo Sheldrake invites listeners on an immersive sonic journey with his latest single, “Stop the Music” a captivating preview of his upcoming and long-time-coming second album set to release on April 12th. Hailing from London and now based in Stroud, Cosmo Sheldrake is a versatile artist, renowned for his roles as a field recordist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. Seamlessly blending Alt/Indie and Experimental Pop, the track promises a unique musical experience, reflecting Sheldrake’s eclectic influences and innovative approach to sound. Having toured internationally with sold-out shows and gained recognition for previous hits like “Come Along” featured in a global Apple commercial, Sheldrake continues to push musical boundaries.
Josef Scott – Summer Dopamine
Transport yourself to the sunny vibes of New Zealand with the latest offering from Auckland-born sensation, Josef Scott, as he unveils the soulful and lo-fi-pop magic of his new single, “Summer Dopamine“. Capturing the essence of summertime euphoria (we wish…), Josef’s ability to craft transcendent melodies shines through in this infectious anthem. With rhythmic beats and catchy hooks, the track serves as a universal soundtrack for those yearning to escape into the warmth of summer. Josef shares that the song was inspired by his first winter experience in Boston, reminiscing about the sunny memories from his homeland. The cover art, a snapshot taken on his way home, perfectly encapsulates the anticipation for summer, with the sun casting a warm glow against the building and seagulls soaring in the breeze. As Josef explores a new sonic chapter, this track promises to resonate on a visceral level, offering a musical escape for our Lisbon audience ready to bask in the summertime vibes.
Jet Vesper – Identical Days
Jet Vesper, a fresh musical project, delivers an intimate funky sound that transports listeners to the hills of 1973 Los Angeles. With roots in Australia, England, Spain, and the US, Jet Vesper creates a comforting, homey vibe. As a songwriter, singer, guitarist, and producer, the artist skillfully blends talents, uniting audiences through the joy of music. The name, inspired by The Jetsons and a famous cocktail, embodies the perfect mix to soften and uplift modern hearts, envisioning a meeting between Curtis Mayfield and Daft Punk on the same hill in 2030.
After the success of “Love in the Open“, Jet Vesper‘s “Identical Days” is a freestyle exploration of life’s rhythms, blending velvety psychedelia with soul sounds. The song’s wry and unbothered vocals crescendo into a soulful falsetto, delivering a sermonic twist to nihilistic lyrics. The sultry, lo-fi odyssey, reminiscent of Prince’s genre-defying style, offers an auditory journey through the past grounded in the present.
Malachi Graham – Spare Me
Our favorite Portland indie songwriter Malachi Graham just released “Spare Me“, the third single from her upcoming album “Caretaker“. This track serves as a contemplative post-mortem on relationships, delving into the complexities of emotions surrounding toxic connections. The lyrics “Thought it was love, but I guess it was grief“, capture the essence of the song’s introspective nature.
“Spare Me” acts as a perfect counterpart to the album’s opener, “We Made a Home“, exploring both loss and gain with a nuanced blend of bitter and sweet emotions. The composition is a rich and complex dive into darkness, offering a musical exploration of complicated feelings and the search for something worth preserving, leaving listeners on the edge of possibility and contemplating the complexities of an unknown future.
NUALIE – Better Without Me
NUALIE, a French artist based in Berlin, fearlessly addresses vital themes of her generation, such as bullying, mental health, global warming, injustice, feminism, and love through her music. Combining cinematic dark pop, R&B, electronic, and rock influences from artists like Maggie Lindemann and Billie Eilish, NUALIE has garnered success with singles like “The Solution” and “Fading“, each surpassing 40,000 and 50,000 Spotify streams. Currently working on an EP, she actively performs at open mics and music venues.
In the moving narrative of “Better Without Me“, the track delves into the experiences of the bullied—the individuals subjected to mockery and mistreatment in school courtyards. It articulates the harrowing journey of those who internalize the hurtful words of bullies, descending into a spiral of darkness and depression, ultimately losing confidence in themselves. The haunting question lingers: “Should I choose this life?” – The song confronts the emotional toll of bullying, offering a melodic exploration of the profound impact it can have on one’s self-worth and mental well-being.
PrettyUgly – LALALA
Bold and unapologetically rebellious, PrettyUgly returns with their latest single, “LALALA” a sonic exploration into the allure of forbidden desires. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Radiohead, Lorde, and Audrey Nuna, the track delves into the temptation of longing for someone out of reach, embracing the thrill of a toxic relationship despite its inevitable downfall. Following the success of their earlier releases, including the Spotify playlisted hit “The Line” and the rebellious anthem “Eat My Words” PrettyUgly collaborates once again with producer Liam Jones and mixer Mark Needham to deliver a multi-genre masterpiece. The three-piece ensemble, led by former solo artist PARKER (Parker Goff Chrisbens) and joined by bandmates/producers Joey Cavallo and Quinn Smialek, showcases a raw and bloodied musicality.
Tyra Jutai – Old Me
Fresh off the Canadian music scene, the talented artist Tyra Jutai has just unveiled her latest single, titled “Old Me“. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producers Lil’C “C GuTTa”, Luke Crowder, Jacob Gago, and Sauk, it serves as a deeply personal exploration of Tyra Jutai’s journey through the challenges and triumphs of personal growth. The emotive lyrics and captivating melody of the chorus make it a powerful anthem for those navigating self-discovery and change. Tyra, known for her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, has been making waves in the music scene, earning spots on Spotify Official Editorial playlists and even gracing the ears of “Emily in Paris” viewers on Netflix. In a recent statement, she expressed her commitment to creating music that resonates with others, sharing the strength she gained through challenges.