MAY-A – ifyoulikeitlikethat

Over the weekend MAY-A has wrapped up her sold out Australian tour in Brisbane, as well as shared one of her catchiest tracks yet, “ifyoulikeitlikethat”. Taken from her forthcoming EP “Analysis Paralysis” out September 1, this track integrates a cathartic rock energy that is dark and moody, but also has a liberating punch in the chorus. An immediate standout in her live show, the studio version captures that powerful sentiment, and already has you imagining seeing it live again. 

The intoxicating track is all about moving on from someone, but knowing you might one day slip back into that place even though you know they are really bad for you. “Sometimes I need reminding of how much you really fucked me up. Once in a blue moon I might just come undone. I said, once in a blue moon I might just dip my tongue” she sings. 

“ifyoulikeitlikethat” is truly an anthem you’ll want to have on replay over and over again. 

Del Water Gap – Losing You

Del Water Gap is gearing up for the release of his new album “I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet” out September 22, and following the release of recent singles “All We Ever Do Is Talk” and “Coping On Unemployment”, he has a new track for you to obsess over. “Losing You” is another direct, and punchy track that brings you into the Del Water Gap world. With it’s groovy bassline and drum beat mixed with soothing harmonies, there is an instant anthemic catchiness to it which is similar to “All We Ever Do Is Talk”. It’s bold and even has a 90’s grunge element to it which makes the production feel quite British. Lyrically the song reflects on the toxicity of a relationship, and how it takes two people for it to be toxic, and even though they need space he’s ultimately scared of losing them. “Rage rips apart a good thing. Insane, screaming over nothing” he honestly sings. 

Madison Beer – Spinnin 

Following the wide acclaim of her debut album “Life Support” in 2021, Madison Beer is preparing the release of her sophomore record “Silence Between Songs”, out September 15. New single “Spinnin” shows listeners the moody complexities of the record with the mix of dark synths and light strings intertwining together. Her soft vocals trickle over the top to give this beautiful production and vocal blend that is reminiscent of Billie Eilish and Noah Cyrus. 

Questioning if the world has stopped spinning because of the decay of things in her life, the song poses some honest thoughts. “Did the world stop spinnin’? Am I frozen in time? Cause the birds stopped singin’, are we flawed by design?” she sings. “Spinnin” is a song that immediately captures your attention and welcomes you into the world of this record with its subtle shadowing.

Icona Pop – Fall In Love 

Icona Pop are back serving mammoth pop songs and holding no prisoners with inescapable earworms. “Fall In Love” is the next single taken from their forthcoming sophomore record “CLUB ROMANTECH” out September 1, and it’s hit waiting to be unleashed on the dance floor. The romantic track explores the moment you truly fall in love for the first time, and realise it’s a feeling you’ve never properly felt or grasped until then. “I can’t control or shut it down. It’s taking me over, me over. You make my senses come alive. So this is how it feels like when you fall In love” they sing. Combining these honest lyrics with an undeniable electronic-pop production that hits you hard in the chest, it might just become the soundtrack to your next night out. 

Plain White T’s – Would You Even 

Leaning into their pop-punk roots again, Plain White T’s are back at their very best. Following the release of recent singles “Spaghetti Tattoo” and “Happy”, the Illinois four-piece are turning up the amps for the retrospective “Would You Even”. Exploring the realisation that a relationship is turning toxic and the communication is stagnant, lead singer Tom Higginson questions if the other person even cares anymore and if they’d even fight to keep what they have. “And if I pour my heart out, would you even listen. And if we end it all now, would you even miss it” he questions, while he also admits “You stole my heart and now it’s all scarred up. You’re pretty good at love, but you’re better at fights”. The pop-punk production is very reminiscent of their early material with a punch of the 2000’s shining through the hook. If you missed this band, then this song will bring you back to them again.

Calum Scott – At Your Worst 

Calum Scott is opening a new chapter in his creativity with a first taste of new music for 2023. Sonically reminiscent of LANY, LAUV and Khalid, “At Your Worst” shows a different side of Calum’s artistry with this being the most upbeat track in his discography yet. Still holding onto the raw vulnerability of his lyricism, and the power behind his vocals, he shows a different perspective by adding in pulsating synths and groovy riffs that brings a sonical contrast to the forefront. Reflecting on his anxieties, he questions if they have made it difficult to love him in the past, but ultimately realising he is worthy of love either way. “I’d go all the way to love you. I’ll be there when you say you need me. On the days when you don’t believe me” he sings. This track is an exciting reintroduction to Calum Scott, and hopefully he experiments further with this sonical approach as he enters this new era. 

jnr. – Nervous 

Sydney based artist jnr. is making it obvious that you need to know who he is asap. Following a string of singles this year including “u stay on my mind”, “cruel”, and “i didn’t know myself (before i met you)”, he has dropped the next song for you to play on repeat, “nervous”. Packed with punchy guitars, big drums, and layered vocals, the upbeat energy is intoxicating in the best way possible and brings a cathartic release of emotions to the forefront. Describing the feeling of falling for someone, he likens the crush feeling to being constantly nervous around them. “I wish I could tell you, you’re the one. I wanna stay at home with you and just do the laundry, all the boring shit I don’t wanna do alone” he sings. The song builds with distorted bursts of production, and a pop-rock mix that is reminiscent of the early 2000’s. 

Robert Baxter – tokyo

If you’re a fan of ethereal pop, then Robert Baxter is an artist you need to get acquainted with immediately. The rising Melbourne based newcomer has been organically growing their online fanbase through the release of “Twenty Something” and “Tamagotchi”, and they’ve now got another beautiful track for you to immerse yourselves within. “tokyo” is a minimalistic pop song that is reminiscent of Cub Sport, and Conan Gray with its little intricacies and layered vocals that will have you immediately drawn in. Over the 4 minute duration they offer stunning visual moments with the beautiful lyricism, and angelic vocal harmonies that are simply gorgeous. Written as a reminder to a friend who was struggling with mental health that they are loved, they offer the beautiful refrain with “I wanna see the sun set on Tokyo, but it’s pointless without you” and “I can love you, even if you don’t”, which will have you all in your emotions.