Dedicated to COVID-19 front line workers who are helping others during the global pandemic, Pressing Strings released a video for “Brave.” Within the first 30 seconds, we are presented with a quote from Mr. Rogers that says, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Whether it is a nurse, grocery store worker or delivery drivers, these clips take you through the tough days they are facing and how they’re helping. The clips incorporated were sent in by essential workers and fans.
Although the song was written for frontman Jordan Sokel’s daughter, who is featured in the video, this video was put together to show the Maryland-based trio’s appreciation for those who are putting their lives at risk to help others. Towards the end of the video, photo submissions were turned into a portrait of a nurse with boxing gloves and wings, a final tribute to show how brave these workers are in this dark time. The single comes off the band’s latest album Settle In, which you can stream here.
Ross Quinn recently dropped the dreamy title track off his upcoming debut EP Away With Me. The beat-heavy song mixed with the light vocals will have you falling in love with him. Following his debut single “You,” he is not here to play. Quinn says, “This is the punchiest song on my EP but still keeps an ambient feel with the floaty pads and vocals that captures what the song is all about.”
After working as a studio assistant at the iconic Gin Factory, where he had worked alongside artists like Wiley and Stormzy, the singer is stepping into the ring himself. Quinn has a sound that resembles Troye Sivan or Lauv, with more of an electric feel in his songs. This track is a glimpse into the upcoming EP which will debut on July 31 and we can’t wait.
Grammy Award-winning artist LeonBridges teamed up with Terrace Martin for “Sweeter.” The track originally was meant for an upcoming album, but both artists felt the urge to release it now with all that is happening in the country and around the world. According to the announcement, the song is written from the perspective of a black man who is taking his last breath, feeling his spirit leave his body.
I have been numb for too long, calloused when it came to the issues of police brutality. The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met. I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer. Just as Abel’s blood was crying out to God, George Floyd is crying out to me. So, I present to you Sweeter.
“Sweeter” takes us through the internal thoughts and story of this black man, something that will stick with you after you listen. The lyrics reference Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the movements he led, which seem to be repeating themselves now: “I thought we moved on from the darker days. / Did the words of the King disappear in the air, / Like a butterfly? / Somebody should hand you a felony. / Because you stole from me, / My chance to be.” Bridges and Terrace gave us the song we need right now, something that won’t distract us from what is happening, but something to focus and reflect on.
Finnish art-rock artist GEA drops her lead single “Despite” off her upcoming album Call for a Snake. The track starts out smooth and continues to build, growing stronger. As she travels through the forest, with dense trees and flowing rivers, GEA seems to go through an awakening. We are taken on a journey, but in the end GEA walks away despite her troubles.
“We are experiencing an unusually tough period of uncertainty, fear, and loss. I hope with this song we can celebrate our beautiful journey on earth regardless of our troubles,” GEA explained.
The track comes from a part of the album that is dedicated to the spirit of the swan, a representation of grace and elegance, an iconic figure in Finnish folklore. As the first single of the new album GEA sets the tone, a call for transformation and guide to healing the soul.
Watch the video for “Despite” and keep up with GEAhere.
This fusion of artists comes together to give you a new song to dance to. R3Hab, TINI and Reik join forces with flashing lights and graphics that fit seamlessly with the song itself. Although there is a lot going on, it never gets dull to watch with all the different elements. The energy stays high between the three artists throughout their scenes, between the dancing and colorful graphics. You’ll find yourself rewatching to focus on different things, or to even learn the dances.
“I am so excited to work with Reik and Rehab. I find it very interesting to explore new musical styles, and Bésame definitely has a special sound, distinctive from other songs. I feel very honored to collaborate with these two great artists,” TINI explained. From TINI’s collaborations with Alesso or Jonas Blue to Reik winning a Latin Grammy for “Peligro” to R3HAB’s millions of streams, these three are a powerhouse together.
The track itself has a beat that keeps your head bopping and might even force you to get up and dance. R3HAB’s bass lines mixed with Reik and TINI’s Latin-infused melodies will give you another song to add to your summer playlist.
SugarJoans is reflecting and moving on in her latest single, “No Patience.” From singing background for Billie Eilish at The Grammys to appearing as a top 12 finalist on NBC’s The Voice, she continues to create a name for herself and grow in her solo career. Joans channels the sounds of Ariana Grande with a catchy hook that will be stuck in your head all day. The song, inspired by a previous relationship and breakup, was written with Sveta Bout and producers Shag and Scoob. “We got in the studio and finished the song in pretty much 3 hours,” Joans explained.
The Pop/R&B artist is all for being your genuine self and following happiness on this track, which is a part of her first full-length personal project. After listening to “No Patience,” you’ll find yourself looking for more SugarJoans.
Break up songs are ones that pull on our heart strings, but they usually aren’t about the person taking the responsibility for it all. However, Riches of the Poor take a turn and assume that responsibility in “Behave”. Frontman Miky explains:
This song is a criticism of my handling of a break up. I feel that break up songs are mostly „how could you do this do to me you scum“ but basically here the first person assumes responsibility for being the villain and is feeling sorry about it, but not doing anything about it apart from complaining and feeling sorry for everyone involved, which isn’t helping.
It makes for a dramatic story telling perspective, but it isn’t really improving anything.
We are taken through the streets as we watch him walk around town, reflecting upon the failed relationship. The gloomy, cold day matches the lyrics as the video unravels, giving viewers a look into the dramatic point of view.
“Behave” is the third single off the alt-rockers’ The Long Way Down and sets the tone of heartbreak mixed with joy in their songs.
Anna Sofia’s “Either Way” is a love letter to someone very important in her life, who was struggling with body issues. The first verse immediately deals with her love for this person, but their hate for everything about themself. The thoughtful lyrics accompany a soft melody that persists throughout the song, setting a strong introduction to her upcoming EP, Broken Perfection. Sofia and producer Jeff Hazin worked alongside Jeff Kleinman, someone the 16-year-old looks up to, on the record.
This single shows that love is there, no matter what you look like. The chorus addresses being stuck in the internal war and the fight put up to deal with these negative thoughts.
Either way you put it, you are going to love this song.
