Omar Apollo – Live For Me

Omar Apollo is genuinely sitting on top of the world at the moment. There is an excitement that feels electric behind his discography that is finding its way into mainstream culture thanks to some major artist co-signs, tour supports and festival slots. Following his critically acclaimed and Grammy nominated debut album “Ivory”, the singer-songwriter has shared an intimate four track EP titled “Live For Me” (out now). The title track follows the emotionally charged lead single “Ice Slippin”, and delivers a soulful production that cites references to John Legend and The Weeknd. Beginning with somber keys, synths, and soulful melodies, it builds into this slight upbeat groove. The romantic leaning track is all about devotion, and questions what he’d do to show his love “Won’t you live for me? Or could I live for you? There’s nothing I won’t carry so you don’t have to” he sings. It’s a clear standout, and one that will quickly win over more fans for him. 

Illy feat. Indiana Massara – Hopeless

Illy is back in his festival pop-rap era and is ready to soundtrack your summer once-again with his new single “Hopeless”. Teaming up with viral social-media star and actress Indiana Massara for this anthemic track, they take you back to “Catch 22”, “Tightrope” and “Papercuts” with the blend of hip-hop and pop references. With an explosion of cathartic-pop in the chorus, they deliver this hard-hitting hook which won’t leave your head for days. It’s a feel-good anthem that is all about celebrating that two people might not be meant to be together, but also acknowledging the magic that does happen between them. “Maybe we’re just hopeless, messing up the way we do.” They sing. This is a brilliant return for Illy, in a lane that he’s familiar with and one his fans will be excited to hear him re-enter. 

Kenya Grace – Only In My Mind

Kenya Grace has certainly already made her mark on the music industry with her breakthrough smash hit “Strangers” which peaked at #2 on the ARIA charts, and is currently holding onto the #3 position. And while the song is have a global moment, she has decided to keep the momentum building with another new track that is equally as strong and has the potential to join it at the top of the charts. “Only In My Mind” takes the sonical foundations of “Strangers” and builds upon it with a dance-beat that is reminiscent of Fred Again.. The song is all about infatuation. It recalls the impact someone leaves on you and the power they have after they leave. You can’t stop thinking about them and fantasising about the “what if’s”. “You say you love me. We, we lay together every night. You touch me. I, I, I’m losin’ track of time. You kiss me. I, I, I look into your eyes. But it’s only in my mind” she sings. It’s a lot more immediate in captivating the listener compared to “Strangers”, and has this thumping electronic beat that continues to loop itself through my head. 

Tkay Maidza feat. Lolo Zouaï & Amber Mark – Out Of Luck 

Tkay Maidza has teamed up with Lolo Zouaï & Amber Mark as she enters her RNB era ahead of the release of her sophomore album “Sweet Victory” on November 3. “Out Of Luck” shows listeners a different energy behind the record compared to the abrasive lead singles “Silent Assassin”, “Ring-A-Ling” and “WUACV”. Injecting a confident and seductive RNB sonic, this song is slick, sexy and hints at a softer side to the artist that is potentially explored more on the record. But while it’s sonically different, it still heralds the hard confidence that this era has revolved around. It’s a clear standout so far, and will have you immediately excited for the full album next month. 

Noah Kahan feat. Kacey Musgraves – She Calls Me Back

Noah Kahan is another artist who is having a much deserved moment at the moment. Following his recent critically acclaimed record “Stick Season”, and featuring on “Sarah’s Place” with Zach Bryan, the Vermont singer-songwriter is giving us more music to obsess over. Giving the album track “She Calls Me Back” a slight facelift, he’s teamed up with superstar Kacey Musgraves for this smooth new version. Their harmonies come together so perfectly and will have you immediately in awe. This was a collaboration that was always meant to happen, and it hears the song receive a new perspective that feels like the way it was always meant to be heard. 

Jude York – All My Friends Hate Me

Earlier this year Jude York gave us the heartbreaking “Mr Porcelain Boy” as well as the infectious “Cashew” which has lived rent-free in my head ever since, and now he’s ready to give us another pop perspective. “All My friends Hate Me” is this anthemic pop song all about crawling back to your ex even when you know you shouldn’t and your friends will disapprove, but craving their connection one more time. “All my friends will hate me. I don’t care if you’ll take me back in your arms, do you wanna dance with me? Just one more time please, baby” he sings. The track is full of A+ songwriting that will have you immediately standing in his shoes and feeling all of the emotions. “I want you back, how’s that? Can we talk? I’m feeling strangely vulnerable. And I know, ’cause I’m listening to Robyn, “Dancing On My Own”, when nobody knows I’m crying” – too real. Contrasted with this upbeat and euphoric leaning production, there is a sonical punch that shows a growth from “Cashew” and hints at a very exciting direction for Jude.