Ryan Woods – Garden

It’s been a little while in-between releases for Ryan Woods, but the Tennessee raised musician is ready to open a new chapter following his recent signing to Fearless Records. “Garden” is a bold reintroduction to listeners that hits you hard with an infectious melody that won’t leave your head. The shiny pop track is built up with DIY elements that highlights some of his sonical influences, but ultimately spotlights how his creativity has evolved over the past two years since the release of “WALLS”. Led by a groovy baseline and bright synths, the song has a lot of stellar moments but its the delivery of the pre-chorus which truly stands out with the line, “And I’d like to know If you wanna be my lover. Take your time to decide, cause I like you a lot, like a lot a lot”. The soundscape is reminiscent of Conan Gray and Isaac Dunbar, and feels very theatrical at its heart. “Garden” is easily Ryan’s catchiest release yet, and after the first listen you will immediately become obsessed with the romantic track. 

Somber Hills – I’m Sure You’ve Heard

Somber Hills is bringing the heat on his new single “I’m Sure You’ve Heard”. The Sydney based alt-rock creative gave us the high octane “Not There” earlier this year, and now on this track he’s kicking it up a notch with a taste of nostalgia ingrained. The pop-punk moment feels like it was created to be a part of a 2000’s skateboarding video game (think Tony Hawk meets Disney Extreme Adventure Skate). It’s an introspective look at the parts of ourselves that we suppress, and a reminder to get yourself out of those darker thoughts. “What the fuck are we waiting for? No permission, just take it all. I’m sure you’ve heard, death is knocking at every door” he sings during the electric chorus. An absolute banger. 

Fred again.. feat. Anderson Paak and CHIKA – places to be

Following his “USB” album earlier this year, Fred again.. is ready to give us more brand new music. “places to be” hears the UK producer teaming up with Anderson Paak and CHIKA for the feature vocals, as well as Skrillex and Boo for the production. It immediately feels like a classic Fred again.. song with it’s high energy and moments of highs and lows that fleshes out the concept well. It’s one that will get you dancing from the opening moments right through to when it fades out. 

Beth McCarthy – Good Bi

Beth McCarthy is all over my TikTok and Instagram algorithm at the moment, and I’m so glad because it’s brought me to this brand new song which is an absolute anthem. “Good Bi” is a playful and important track that is all about the comments she receives for being a bisexual woman in a relationship with a straight male. “I like the boys and the girls. The girls hate girls who date boys. The boys like girls who like girls as long as they get to watch. And if I fall for a girl, the boys will call it a phase. If I fall for a boy, the girls are calling me fake” she sings during the pre-chorus. There is carefree spirit to the pop-rock delivery which is undeniably fun and energetic with the play on words hook saying “How could anybody hate a good bi?”, but also a serious tone pointed to the reason why she wrote the song in the first place. Sonically it fits well into the world she’s creating within her artistry, and also serves as a great introduction to anyone that is only just discovering her now.