best singles of 2020
by: kelly ulrich
khai dreams, “good advice”
Eugene, Oregon singer, songwriter and producer khai dreams debuts an acoustic version of their latest track, “Good Advice”. Half Vietnamese and 21 years of age, khai dreams has been releasing music since 2017. Their sound is an eclectic blend of influences ranging from contemporary hip-hop and R&B to modern indie, surf rock, and neo-soul. This dreamy brand of intimate pop has helped them amass more than 490 million career streams and a dedicated online following. With such an impressive background and fan base, there’s still something so humbling about “Good Advice”. With just vocals and strings, khai dreams sets a tone for the listener to just breathe. This acoustic version and accompanying video is such a comforting, feel good vibe that seems to give you a hug as you take it all in. Bittersweet and honest lyrics catch up to you quickly though with this verse,
“And you seem to think that we got time / But we never seem to get it right / Everyday I’m wishing there was more.”
Take our advice and listen to this song today, and listen to even more sweet melodies and indie masterpieces by khai dreams from their spotify.
elder island, “small plastic heart”
Following the release of their first single off of their untitled 2021 album, Elder Island are allowing us to dive deeper into this upcoming world with their newest single “Small Plastic Heart”. With a sound that stands out amongst the many different things we music lovers hear every day; the track proves to be the perfect teaser for anything this trio out of Bristol, England have to offer in the future.
Yes, this is a pop record. However, the trio do well for their “electronic-pop” title. With echoes of electronic synths, it is easy to say how simply fascinating all of the layers are. At certain points in the song, these layers work together to create the feeling of anticipation for what might happen next in the story. Of course, there may be some room for nuance, but the story being told has personal touches that linger throughout. Regardless, Elder Island know how to not only capture attention, but they know how to keep us drawn in and ready for what is to come.
coma girls, “skyboxer”
Rock/folk creative outlet Coma Girls, run by Chris Spino, is gearing up for an EP release next month. To get us started, he is giving us a taste of the title track, “Skyboxer”. In true rock fashion, the track is filled with guitar-heavy moments with sticky melodies and raw vocals. It is the perfect modern rock song, utilizing the loudness that makes rock what it is while taking the best of what modern music has to offer and blending them into a cohesive whole. Combine this with the stirring storytelling found in the lyrics and you realize Coma Girls has got it all. A story of loving and losing being turned into an explosive rock tune tells us to stay on the lookout for what Spino plans on bringing next.
Spino says of the creative process of the upcoming EP: “We were able to explore each song differently but give it a common thread as well. It’s supposed to take you places. It’s more like a form of escapism.”
jenny banai, “couchwalker on film”
One object might particularly stand out the first time you watch couchwalker on film. I may or may not be speaking of the large brown couch placed in the middle of the set. Before you judge the couch, however, know that the couch is important. The inclusion of the couch is in fact, very intentional, and speaks to songwriter Jenny Banai’s individuality as an artist.
If you’ve recently been searching for a raw, emotional and authentic performance to satisfy your winter cravings, you might want to reconsider watching that two and a half hour long drama and indulge in Jenny Banai’s twenty minute film instead. With strong musicality, a clear vision and an empty warehouse-turned-living room, the British Columbia native imparts a true unconventional masterpiece.
After selecting various segments from her recent album, couchwalker, Banai and her team (including film director, Matej Balaz; and choreographers and dancers, Joanna Anderson and Kezia Rosen) present the tracks in a refreshing light, accompanied by visual representation. The resulting project features pleasing color coordination, purposeful fashion choices, and strategic bodily movements (fingers included)– providing an intimate explanation of Banais’ most personal questions and convictions.
In today’s world with the absence of live performances, Banai hoped to give an opportunity for fans to connect with her album on a deeper level. Throughout the short film, we are acquainted with an inquisitive yet glamorous girl, a melancholy yet daring girl, and there is both stagnancy and variety to her story. Banai creates a story we can all relate to.
kelly duplex, “hoverround”
Out of New Orleans comes trio Kelly Duplex, here to put a spin on your favorite pop/rock vibe. “Hoverround” is kicked off with a spicy guitar lick that, only one second in, seems to cement its place in your favorite rock playlist. It certainly is a special take on pop music in general, or at least what we know pop music as today. The result of such a task is a loud, big band track that makes you want to start your own rock band in the comfort of your own home.
Beyond all the glamor of rock n’ roll is deeper layers that bring you and me closer to the band and the message that they want to put into the world. It’s an honest look at some of the various difficulties that come with life, and they range from struggles with being a parent to even the hardships that come along with diabetes. Despite how specific it gets, the band does not close themselves off from their listener by ensuring some level of ambiguity throughout the song.
moderns, “watch”
Los Angeles-based pop duo MODERNS are showing their adoration for the 80s by giving us exactly what we deserve, an 80s synth-pop extravaganza fit for giant speakers and retro themed parties. “Watch” is special in that while it takes us back in time, it also seems to have a sort of futuristic feel to it, one that works to prepare us for any possible future music trend. In any case, the track celebrates synth pop in a way that may be hard to come by these days. Sure, it’s a flashy production and the decade had its fair share of flash, but MODERNS benefits from technological advances that the 80s didn’t have. By using these to their advantage, they create an authentic scene straight out of a throwback film. If you were looking for your ticket to a different decade, MODERNS has got it.
Member Rosie Okumura says of the partnership: “I can’t describe how excited I am for what Chris and I are creating. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of; it’s so inspiring to me to work with someone so unique and creative.”
jenny march, “all in”
Are you a 90’s baby nostalgic for some butterfly hair clips and group choreography music video scenes in a warehouse setting? Then go relish in the stunning 90s inspired official music video for “All In” from rising singer/songwriter Jenny March, the second single off Jenny’s forthcoming 2021 EP, about meeting someone and the type of chemistry that flows strong from the start.
Directed by Colton Tran, and inspired by Jenny’s own 90’s baby memories, the theme and visual aesthetic is a giant salute to the music, fashion, imagery and style of that dreamy decade. Written about that ride or die love of your life, “All In” encompasses that power couple type of romance that makes you feel like you can conquer the world together. No obstacle stands in the way of the love shared, as both parties are “all in” no matter what.
This Ohio-born, Los Angeles-based songstress is a self-proclaimed “open book” and writes lyrics like she’s texting. Her sound and vibe is pure pop, but her aim lyrically is to be honest and unafraid to allow fans, particularly her female fans, to not be afraid of living unapologetically and having just as much fun as anyone else.
Keep up to date with Jenny and her future pop bobs by following her Spotify and Instagram
paola proctor, “how can i”
Though Paola Proctor spent a considerable amount of time traveling in Europe and the Middle East, it was when she arrived in Nashville that she was able to bring to life “How Can I”, a breakup song filled with frustration and confusion. The track sees Proctor trying to put together the broken pieces in order to understand and process her complex emotions surrounding a recent breakup with someone who already seems to be way more interested in other people. Beyond the anger, however, there are notes of vulnerability reflected in the chorus as she admits to still missing the person who hurt her.
While the feeling of heartbreak is all too common, what makes this track special is the openness in portraying the contrasting emotions that often come with the end of a relationship. While some moments may make you feel like you are sitting in on a rant session, other moments feel more tame, trading the fire for quiet moments of reflection that may soon lead to feeling okay again.