There’s a certain kind of quiet bravery in getting back up when the world is watching. After two years of silence, Lewis Capaldi does just that, standing not in defiance of his struggle, but beside it. His new single, “Survive”, is out now via Capitol Records.
Capaldi, the Scottish singer-songwriter best known for his vocal gut-punches and brutally honest ballads, first captured the world with “Someone You Loved”, a track that’s now certified Diamond in the U.S. and the most-streamed song of all time in the UK. But Survive isn’t about charts. It’s about persistence.
“Most nights I fear that I’m not enough,” Capaldi admits at the start of the track, and that vulnerability doesn’t let up. The song aches. It’s raw. But it’s also hopeful. Lifting itself from the wreckage of self-doubt with a chorus that feels like a breathless, desperate promise: “I swear to God I’ll survive, if it kills me to.”
Co-written with longtime collaborator RØMANS (yes, the same duo behind “Someone You Loved”), “Survive” pairs Capaldi’s scorched cannon of a voice with the kind of swelling, cinematic instrumentation that practically begs for a stadium singalong or a solo cry-drive through your hometown.
It’s no accident this release comes after his powerful but emotionally difficult set at Glastonbury 2023. “Survive” marks a turning point. Not a comeback. A continuation. A choice.
And if the track itself weren’t enough, the accompanying music video, directed by Hector Dockrill, elevates the experience even further. It’s not just a song. It’s a testimony.
Capaldi’s journey has been real. Jagged, aching, and ironically deeply inspired. With over 30 billion global streams, 8 UK Top 10 singles, and a Netflix documentary (How I’m Feeling Now) that laid bare the emotional cost of fame, Capaldi has always sung like survival was the only option. Now, he’s finally saying it out loud.
“Survive” is streaming now on all major platforms. Listen to it with your whole chest.
Alecander Seiler (he/they) is a Creative Writing major with a double minor in Theatre & Studio Arts at the University of Redlands. Passionate about pushing boundaries and amplifying marginalized voices, Alec seeks to create stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire.
On its surface, KRAMON’s latest single “Morning Vapors” is a trance-like ode to early, easy smokes. It opens with an invitation to take a ride, offered via a sweet serenade from Meredith Adelaide over a gentle yet addicting guitar riff. From there, it takes the listener’s on a journey through an atmospheric headspace. The tune feels like a long, slow drive on Highway 70, with very few bumps in the road.
The second single of Josh Kramon’s newest project, simply titled KRAMON, follows in the footsteps of its predecessor “Crush.” It’s a dreamy, joyful rock tune, reminiscent of the psychedelic hippie hymns of the ‘70s.
Like “Crush”, “Morning Vapors” is spurred forward by Meredith Adelaide’s laid-back vocals. The multi-medium artist sounds like an old friend on the track. She overextends herself, rather choosing to float over the crisp instrumental.
It’s the instrumental that holds this piece together. It holds hands with both the lyrics and the vocals, guiding them along the journey the song promises.
The song gains its weight in its final minute and half. A slower, heavier harmonized bridge cues the audience to this shift in musical character. The ending chorus, a steady repetition of the song’s title, fulfills the promise of a new mood with the introduction of a tambourine and an increase in tempo. These last few minutes take the track where it’s been longing to go.
The direction of “Morning Vapors” paints a promising picture for Kramon’s newest project. And that direction is one full of potential for the composer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
In what might be his better known work, Kramon has composed for various Television series, such as Veronica Mars. However, in his personal work, Kramon has explored his struggles with addiction and his complex relationship with his Jewish heritage.
Kramon is holding onto his vow to make music that speaks to him, rather than “chasing the latest musical trend.” So far, this latest project seems to break away from the themes of his previous work. Instead, “Morning Vapors” promises a future with less tears and more relaxation. Kramon is taking a ride, away from the heaviness of the past, in a vehicle that feels most authentic to himself – and he wants us to come along for the journey.
BBNO$ is back and he’s not knocking, he’s kicking the door in.Released May 1, “boom” is the latest single from Canadian rapper-slash-Internet-chaos icon BBNO$ (pronounced baby no money), and it’s exactly the kind of high-energy, genre-defying madness we’ve come to expect. Clocking in at just under two minutes, the track explodes with self-aware swagger that somehow feels both effortless and entirely unhinged. Produced by longtime collaborator Y2K alongside BBNO$ himself, the song launches into a minimalist, bass-heavy beat layered with trap snaps, distorted synth stabs, and a forward momentum that makes it feel like you’re being chased through a cartoon car chase.
Lyrically, “boom” doesn’t slow down. The verses hit with rapid-fire confidence, weaving flexes, absurd metaphors, and tongue-in-cheek callbacks into a tightly packed sonic cannonball. As BBNO$ puts it, “On my mama, I ain’t gonna stop until I’m rich” it’s a flex and a punchline rolled into one. The hook? Instantly catchy. The ad-libs? Chaotic in the best way. The vibe? Like someone took a meme, threw it in a blender with a designer tracksuit, and hit go.
If you’re not already familiar with BBNO$, you’ve definitely heard him. With viral hits like “Lalala”, “Edamame”, and his chaotic collabs with Yung Gravy under the duo name Baby Gravy, he’s become something of a digital cult hero. Known for everything from fever dream–style music videos to cosplaying random characters in his social media content, BBNO$ has built a persona that’s part performance art, part pop culture sponge, and 100% entertaining. He doesn’t just make music. He creates moments.
But behind the jokes and flashy outfits is a surprisingly grounded artist. He’s been outspoken about issues like AI’s role in the creative industry, advocating for real human artistry in an increasingly automated world. He’s also spoken out as a proud trans ally, steadily earning a devoted and diverse fanbase that spans from hypebeasts to queer teens to producers who see the method in the mayhem.
“boom” is the first taste of a new album currently in development, and if the rest of the project leans into this same manic energy and finely tuned absurdity, we’re in for one hell of a ride. This track doesn’t just slap. It struts in, steals your drink, and leaves with your friends, all while making you laugh on its way out.
Stream “boom” now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you soundtrack your most chaotic main character moments.
If Madilyn Mei’s music has always felt like a handwritten diary entry passed across a high school lunch table, her latest single, “What’s Going On?!”, might be the doodle-covered cover. Released May 16, this track finds Mei deepening her indie-folk bedroom pop roots while leaning into more experimental territory, complete with alien metaphors and a healthy dose of existential dread.
Produced and mixed by Scrawny and mastered by Joe Hutchinson, “What’s Going On?!” captures the disorienting experience of trying to “fit in” when you feel like you were dropped onto Earth from another planet. The track opens with an eerie, circus-like intro and transitions into a whimsical, layered soundscape that blends plucky acoustic strings with jittery synth textures. Mei’s voice, delicate yet resolute, delivers lines packed with metaphor, self-deprecating humor, and quietly devastating insight. Lyrically, the track dances on the edge of absurdity and melancholy, a balancing act Mei pulls off with signature flair. It’s the kind of track that makes you laugh, cry, and spiral into a late-night identity crisis, all within three minutes. It’s a story of trying to belong when you feel unrecognizable to yourself and others, a meditation on loneliness that’s somehow comforting in its honesty.
The music video, streaming now on YouTube, takes the song’s surreal undertones to new heights. In it, Mei appears as a claymation alien, amplifying the song’s themes of disconnection with a dose of off-kilter whimsy, with some circus aesthetics lurking not far behind. Her current website and Instagram bio, complete with a circus tent emoji, only add to the intrigue. Could this be the first clue of a larger, thematically cohesive project on the horizon? If so, we’re buckling in.
If you’re new to Madilyn Mei, you might recognize her from viral tracks like “The Milk Carton”, “Partner in Crime”, or “Blue Haired Boy”, all beloved for their vivid storytelling and genre-defying charm. The Arizona-based 22-year-old singer-songwriter has been quietly redefining what bedroom pop can be. Known for her poetic wordplay, genre-blending arrangements, and storytelling flair, Mei has released a debut album, three EPs, and a steady stream of singles, all written and recorded from her bedroom. Her work is intimate yet imaginative, weaving together deeply personal themes with a touch of magic that feels just left of reality.
And now, she’s taking that world on the road. Mei is slated to open for AJR and others on tour this July. It’s a major step forward that speaks to her growing influence and genre-crossing appeal.
TOUR DATES: 7/20 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre 7/22 Salt Lake City, UT Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 7/24 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre 7/26 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 7/27 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre 7/29 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre 7/31 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center 8/6 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion 8/8 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach Amphitheatre 8/9 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center 10/4 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
“What’s Going On?!” isn’t just a catchy new track. It’s a question, a cry, and a cosmic shrug all in one. It’s for the alienated and the awkward, the overthinkers and the dreamers, and anyone who’s ever left a party wondering if they said too much or not enough. Stream “What’s Going On?!” now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Pandora, and wherever else you soundtrack your identity crises. If this is just the opening act of her circus-themed era, we’re bracing ourselves for a wild, wondrous ride.
There’s something deeply cathartic about shouting into the void with a guitar, and Boston’s indie rock band Hallelujah The Hills knows exactly how to do it. Their new single, “It’s Undeniable”, out May 23rd, is the equivalent of both a pep talk and an existential crisis at once. And honestly? That balance feels about right.
“It’s Undeniable” is loud in the best way. It’s raw, it’s full of distortion, and it barrels forward like a train that may or may not be on the tracks anymore. Which, to be fair, might be the most accurate depiction of how life feels in 2025. It’s a song for driving too fast or dancing in the living room, blending lo-fi garage fuzz with a driving rhythm and a vocal delivery that teeters between frantic and hopeful. It captures that exhilarating mix of chaos and clarity that makes us feel truly alive.
But the chaos is calculated. This is the latest release from DECK, Hallelujah The Hills’ wildly ambitious 54-song project that spans four albums and reimagines what an “album” can even be. Each record corresponds to a suit in a deck of playing cards, and if that sounds intense, it’s because it is. But it’s also fun. Conceptual. Weird in the best way. “It’s Undeniable” functions as both a punchy standalone and a breadcrumb on a trail that promises to twist, burn, and break expectations before building them back up again.
Frontman and author Ryan H. Walsh leads the band through this musical labyrinth with the confidence of someone who’s read every instruction manual, thrown it away, and decided to build something better anyway. Hallelujah The Hills doesn’t just write songs, they build experiences. And this one? It’s fiery and fast and full of life, even in its most unhinged moments.
If you like Silver Jews, Titus Andronicus, The Wrens, or just songs that make you feel like sprinting down the street yelling your truth at the moon, this one’s for you. “It’s Undeniable” is streaming now on YouTube and SoundCloud. And if this is just one card from the DECK, we absolutely can’t wait to see the full hand they’re about to play.
Jessie J is known for her incredible vocal range and control. Every song she releases is pure magic in some way, a testament to her musicality and the way she emotes in this world. This is no different for her brand new single “Living My Best Life,” which she enthusiastically shouts from the streets in the visual and accompanying teaser.
In the last few years, this woman has realized her lifelong dream of being a mother. She weathered many storms – including career obstacles and a relatively public miscarriage – to be where she is right now, poised for greatness with her second single of 2025. And this single does nothing but breathe life into its listener.
But the best part about it? “Living My Best Life” was written, recorded, and mastered around 5 years ago, and the music video was even shot for it 4 years ago… all before the last few years transpired. Four years ago, she was set to release this gorgeous track and then suffered a larynx injury from a car wreck, rendering her unable to perform the way she wanted to.
Life got complicated. She kept this anthemic masterpiece in her pocket, and now she gets the chance to “dust it off.” “Living My Best Life” gets the celebration it so rightly deserves — and truly sets the tone for a summertime of living it up, going after what you want, and simply letting the sun shine all over your face.
Jessie J shows us what the power of storytelling can do for people. Keep up with the queen here.
Bracing for the impact of their sophomore album “Couple(t)s,” independent North Carolina duo Couldn’t Be Happier – expertly comprised of soulmates Jordan Crosby Lee and Jodi Hildebran Lee – share supportive and audibly satisfying single “I Got You.” The lyrics are encouraging, something to send to a friend or family member that may be going through a hard time. Because life is hard enough as it is, and this duo has no problem acknowledging that.
The song itself is truly upbeat, so even lines like “screw your parents, you don’t need them to approve” feel light and supportive. Of the song, the band explains:
Life is hard enough. Let’s not let millionaire podcasters and right wing TV hosts turn us against our neighbors. The song emphasizes that this is not about politics – it’s about humanity. Let’s celebrate our differences and the beautiful, vibrant world we can create if we work together to make it so. Life is too damn short to waste hating people for who they love, where they come from, or how they identify.
We are obsessed with their message, entranced by “I Got You,” and fully excited to hear the rest of this dynamic album.
In unfortunate timing, this is my *37th* article for this website. Just one off, huh? Anyway, indie-psychedelic band 36? have put out a new single titled “i don’t want to go out tonight”. This is the fourth single to come from the Calgary-based group this year, after “wasted”, “FEERS”, and “ART”; with their latest LP being 2022’s Naturally. Their sound is an eclectic mix of sources, with influences ranging from hazy alt-pop and art rock, and comparisons to bands like Animal Collective or even Bleachers. Many of their lyrics, from the band’s producer and songwriter Taylor Cochrane, deal with personal subjects awash in sincerity and emotional qualities.
“i don’t want to go out tonight” is more laid-back than their more recent singles, with an indie-folk sound led by Hawaiian-sounding acoustic guitar and a breezy beach atmosphere. It’s very sweet sounding with a heartfelt performance from Cochrane and cutesy backing vocal harmonies. It also features a wonderfully abrasive guitar solo characteristic of a lot of their work, though it still fits against a different musical backdrop. Lyrically, it’s a tribute to introversion and taking time for yourself even when it means avoiding energy-draining social activities. The lyrics and the music match perfectly, creating a vibe throughout the track that’s cozy and comforting. 36? have crafted a great summer single in “i don’t want to go out tonight”, a song that’s drenched with both positive energy and relaxation.
The band is currently on tour throughout North America, with more music still in the works.
Despite their recognition being mainly limited to the UK, I love Glasgow-based rock band Primal Scream. Part of the group’s appeal is their wide range of playing styles and music genres. Starting out as an indie-pop band with almost no traction, they reached massive levels of success with 1991’s Screamadelica, which broke musical boundaries by combining their sound with dub, psychedelia, and acid house into something entirely their own. It’s still considered their magnum opus and remains a cultural landmark in both the UK’s indie-rock and rave scenes. Despite their huge new audience, they still continued to push themselves in wildly new directions with their following releases. These include 1994’s blues pastiche Give Out But Don’t Give Up, 1997’s experimental Vanishing Point, and 2000’s blaring industrial-noise-dance epic XTRMNTR. Recently, Primal Scream put out the lead single for their upcoming 12th LP, Come Ahead, titled “Love Insurrection”. This comes eight years after their last release, 2016’s Chaosmosis.
“Love Insurrection” is based on nostalgia in a few ways. The cover for both the single and album is a vintage photograph of Robert Gillespie Sr., father of lead vocalist Bobby Gillespie. I believe this is to relate to the 60s both visually and lyrically, as the lyrics talk about political and social turmoil. Musically, it’s a bit of a throwback to the sound that Primal Had on Screamadelica, featuring a funky “Madchester” shuffle beat, psychedelic wah-wah guitars, and breezy percussion and flutes. However, it keeps the sound fresh by adding influences from 70s soul, with a lush string section reminiscent of seminal artists like Curtis Mayfield who also addressed social consciousness in their work. As usual, the backing vocalists provided by the band give the music a soulful, almost gospel-type feel, not unlike previous Screamadelica singles “Movin’ On Up” or “Come Together”.
The single’s release comes with both a 6-minute full version and a shortened edit at 3 ½ minutes. Both versions are perfectly adequate depending on the type of listener you are, but I definitely recommend the longer cut if you’re willing to ride the groove as the song climaxes in a way that’s both beautiful and groovy. As it stands, “Love Insurrection” is a perfect song for psychedelic raves or summer beach parties, and signals a possible return to form from Primal Scream.
