On Friday, Montreal-based singer-songwriter KAYTA released her sultry new track “Dress Later”. This time around, she has taken a gorgeous R&B spin on a total pop dream, and we’re falling more in love with each listen. It’s time to “let yourself” sink into something soothing and invigorating at the same time. Enjoy!
Keep up with KAYTA here.
We’ve been a fan of pop artist Van Bobbi for quite some time now, and with the release of his latest single “Kickdrum Heartbeat”, that fandom only increases. Approaching the track with a more earthy sound than we are used to, he utilizes gorgeous percussion to really get the message across through the instrumentals, utilizing the words almost as backup. The song is catchy, fun, and something we anticipate making everyone’s “Summer 2018” playlist.
Keep up with Van Bobbi here
Who is seeking a synth-fueled, smooth like silk, otherworldly new alt-pop EP to enjoy? (Raises hands way up, and jumps up and down.) We’re SO ready for it, and San Diego based singer/songwriter JARA has a brand new 6 track stunner for us to treat our ears to. We’ve got the exclusive premiere, but we’re sure this one will make its rounds to impress the masses pretty soon, especially with its sun soaked disposition. Each track is loaded with its own personality, with a similar clip to the entire album that makes it feel like a complete journey all its own. Mid-tempo “Cutting Corners” sets the pace, while “Psycho Lovers” carries it on for us, perhaps a little more debauchery-ridden than its predecessor. And while “Something Else” stands alone as the perfect summertime carefree track, “Uninvited” brings the mood down a little bit, maintaining that same mid-tempo pace we’re too keen on to let go of. The slowest we get is with last track “Go Slow With Me”, which shines as the standout funk track and gives a little love to the entire collection before rounding it out.
Give this EP some love, you know you need some new weekend jams. đ Check out lead single “Something Else” below, and the entire EP under that!
Keep up with JARA here.
Los Angeles-based alt-indie trio The Habits – comprised of Wolf Bradley, Chance Famighetti, and Andrew Macatrao – has been attracting a pretty solid fanbase since just last year, when they released their debut single “Feeling It”. Their new track – “Calling Me Up” – is just as catchy and beautiful as its predecessors, and we have the exclusive premiere of its accompanying music video, which just so happens to be their first ever as well.
Clear, precise visuals. This video encapsulates the trio’s live performances tactics, while allowing them to partake in a short film-like storyline, singing to a romantic interest over the phone. Relatable, intense emotions are thrown into a bubbly soundscape, making the true hurt delivered in the song a little less painful. The guys make sure to throw in a little humor toward the end, and now we kind of want to get sushi with them.
Explains the band:
We wanted our first music video to be simple and reminiscent of the types of videos we grew up on. It was inevitable the video would end in heart break, but the back and forth was all improvised. Iâve never had so much fun singing into a phone hanging from the ceiling or getting rejected on camera. Honestly, at some point itâs a little much to keep calling and singing to the same person. Get the hint.
Keep up with The Habits here.
Budding pop artist RAHH has just released her first ever single “Overkill.” When I first listened to “Overkill,” RAHH’s incredible voice stood out to me. She has the type of powerful voice that you may find yourself belting out too as it sparks inspiration. Despite its title, “Overkill” is not that bitter song about your ex. Instead, it’s about giving in to the power of music and letting go. “I can’t stand still, I can’t stand still, this beat is overkill,” belts RAHH. She continues to my favorite line “I need saving, I need saving.”  What’s even more chilling is when RAHH gives us a taste of a cappella at the end of the song. “Overkill” puts into words the ways we feel, react, and engage in music. Aside from RAHH’s beautiful voice, the song holds a powerful meaning: that music has the ability to take us over at any time, and at any place.
Keep up with RAHH here.
Australian native and Nashville based Quinn Lewis just released his latest “Weekend Luv.” The indie-pop artist is following up on his recent releases “Slipping” and “In Between.” “Weekend Luv” is one man’s search for seven day of the week kind of love. “Five days is more than a foreplay,” Quinn comes in with his clever lyrics. “Weekend Luv” discusses the struggles of dating in an adult world. “I’ve been working too much lately- you’ve been waiting for the weekend…to see me, hold me, love me right,” Quinn says on his busy schedule but his desire to have a seven day romance stating “Don’t give me that weekend luv.” Along with Quinn Lewis’ clever lyrics, he incorporates several sounds that back his voice perfectly, and even throws in an electronic vibe with bass drops during the chorus. “Weekend Luv” is infectious and an instant summer jam.
Keep up with Quinn here.
“Hit and Run” is the latest single from Parker Matthews who also just released a video for the track. Before I watched the pop newcomer’s video, I had to just listen to the song itself. “Hit and Run” is a bubblegum pop infused track with, of course, the perfect voice (Parker Matthews) to complete the song.
“Start it one-by-one, cuz’ this ain’t no hit and run,” Parker sings, proclaiming a love song for a special someone. With Parker’s high voice, catchy tune, and upbeat chorus, I soon found myself swaying by the end of the song. The second time I listened to the song I viewed the video for “Hit and Run.” Set in city night life and donned in an all black outfit (shades included), we see Parker walking up to an apartment for a house party. With a crowd dancing and Parker singing, he shows off his fierce dance moves and has no problems “feeling himself,” which adds to that “pop-party” vibe that the song encompasses.
Pop Dust, who premiered the video described “Hit and Run” as “decorated with sticky drum loops and fluorescent synth makeup, embodies classic dance music but dispatches a crucial, heart-pounding message.” Pop music, in its essence, is something you can dance to—but also be in your feelings about and “Hit and Run” definitely hits the nail on the head.
Keep up with Parker Matthews here.
Band of Gold just premiered their single “Well Who Am I” off of their forthcoming album Where’s The Magic. PopMatters describes the band sound as “A really unique take on pop music… an intriguing sound.” It is in fact an intriguing sound as the track is quirky, unique, and very zany. What you think is going to start off as an alt-pop song, leans into a rock guitar solo, but not until the vocals pick up the pace and end the song abruptly.
The most interesting part of “Well Who Am I” is the bands’ seemingly random lyrics. It starts off “I like the way you comb you hair” and is followed by “I like the neatness of your hair….but I don’t think you’ll ever dare.”  The uniqueness and array of sounds/genres is what makes this song so fascinating, and addicting.
Keep up with the band here.
âOff My Backâ is artistâs Thoreauâs latest promising track. To me, the track feels very uplifting and empowering. âOff My Backâ is a pop track with hints of an electronic sound. Thoreau is joined by Chloe Tang on vocals. The song starts with lyrics, âI want to meet your family, I want to make you happy- the way you hit me up you only want to feel my body.â This tells the tale of a toxic relationship that is not worth pursuing anymore with the lyric âshut the f**k up, I know that Iâve got some problems, but you are the one who messed up- I canât wait to get you off my back.â This song is an easy listen as it is relatable in the âI only want you when I know I messed upâ theme. With its infectious beat and relatable message, Thoreauâs âOff My Backâ makes for a summer hit.
Keep up with Thoreau here.