Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me

Maggie Rogers has returned to her roots for a song that feels like a warm hug when you need it the most. “Don’t Forget Me” is the lead single and title track from her forthcoming third studio album which will be released on April 12. It’s a song that captures the pure magic of her songwriting and whimsical melodies that captivated you in 2017. Her most recent album felt quite overproduced and overthought, where as this track takes a very natural approach. The production is very stripped back, and the heart of it is very tender. With soft piano, drums, and guitars, there’s a folk-pop swell that will immediately settle you and draw you in. Intimately reflecting on where she’s at in her life and how we look on relationships, the imagery is so stunning and relatable. “My friend Sally’s getting married, and to me that sounds so scary. I’m still tryin’ to clean up my side of the street. I can’t imagine what would happen, cause I’m still acting out of habit. Hoping dirty words just don’t escape my teeth” she sings during the opening verse. There’s a candid element to the song that feels like it’s taken straight out of her diary, and it feels so comforting. This is a return to form for Maggie, and if the rest of the album is like this then I’m ready for her to break my heart and put it back together again. 

Noah Kahan – Forever

Noah Kahan has had a massive two years with his third studio album “Stick Season”, and following his sold-out world tour the singer-songwriter is ready to close the chapter on the record. But before he does, he wanted to share one final song which beautifully sums up the emotions behind this special album. From the very first listen, “Forever” already feels like a classic Noah Kahan song. Opening with soft acoustic guitar and his heavenly vocals, he intimately captivates you during the first verse and chorus. The production then adds a few layers with a kick drum, percussion and different harmonies. It feels so soothing and nurturing, and just like the Maggie Rogers song also out this week, it feels like a giant warm hug. Penned as a letter of devotion, he describes what forever means to him, and it will have you swooning immediately. “When forever was a sentence, sentence to death. Oh, when you were a running tear, I was a drop of sweat, and the edges of your soul, I haven’t seen yet. Now I’m glad I get forever to see where you end” he sings. 

Dylan – The Alibi

If you’re not already acquainted with Dylan, then it’s about time to because she is the next pop star you will obsess over. The British singer-songwriter is heading to Australia next month to open for Maisie Peters on her sold out tour, and while she’s here she’s also going to play some intimate headline shows. Alongside these shows she’s also just dropped her anthemic new single “The Alibi” which might just be one her biggest pop tracks yet. Trading out her pop-rock leaning sonic usually packed with strong guitars, she has leaned in on a more melodic approach. The song is very Taylor Swift coded with a Bonnie and Clyde storyline, vocoder, and big pop synths. Somewhere between the “Reputation” and “Lover” era, this song will have you immediately obsessed. Written as an ode of dedication, Dylan explains that she will do anything to show that person her loyalty. “But, if there was a crime. If there was a body, if there was a knife. If you told a real good, real bad lie. I’d be standing by your side” she sings during the anthemic hook. From the very first listen you will be singing along, and preparing to scream along with her when you witness it live. 

Dylan Headline Australian Tour

Monday 18 March – The Brightside, Brisbane

Friday 22 March – The Lansdowne, Sydney

Monday 25 March – Northcote Social Club

Oliver Cronin – Hello Goodbye

Australian dark-pop artist Oliver Cronin has returned with his first single of 2024, and it’s an electrifying banger. Following the release of the hypnotic “Speed Bump”, the tropical-pop collaboration “I Need You” with Lil Xxel, and the summer anthem “1,2,3” with Topic last year, the singer, songwriter and producer has stepped it up with this new release. “Hello Goodbye” hears him stepping into an angsty pop-rock soundscape with a dark-pop twist. There’s an electronic element that brings in references from his previous material, but ultimately this track shows an experimental side to his artistry. Reflecting on the complexities of being stuck in a toxic relationship, this song finds a balance between anthemic production and vulnerable songwriting. “Hello, goodbye, you keep on circling my life. Oh well, nice try, maybe we should break up for the last time” he sings during the earworm laden hook. After teasing this song on the road last year when he supported Nessa Barrett on her sold out Australian tour, prepare to scream every word when he conducts his debut headline tour next month. 

Oliver Cronin Australian Tour

Thursday 7 March – Marys Underground, Sydney NSW (All Ages)  

Saturday 9 March – MIC, Brisbane QLD (All Ages)

Sunday 17 March – The Gasometer, Melbourne VIC (All Ages)

girl in red – Too Much

girl in red is back, and she is preparing for the release of her sophomore studio album “I’m Doing It Again Baby!” which will be released on April 12. To get you excited the Norwegian favourite has shared the intriguing lead single “Too Much” which hears her tapping into a more pop leaning sonic. Led by keys and pulsating synths, she creates this buzzing soundscape that is bright and electrifying. Exploring the idea of unrequited love, she details the empowerment that can come by embracing your vulnerability and releasing your self worth. If someone can’t see your spark then they aren’t worth your time, and it’s as simple as that. “So please don’t say I’m too much, that I’m over the top. You don’t understand me. We’re so different at heart. You’re on Earth, I’m on Mars” she pleads during the chorus. For someone that always gets told by boys that I’m too much, this one made me feel seen in the best way possible, and I hope if you relate then you find some comfort in it too. 

Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton – Purple Irises

Our favourite global superstar married couple have teamed-up again for a wholesome pop song that might just be the heartwarming moment you need in your life this week. “Purple Irises” hears Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton fusing their two sounds together for a slight country infused pop track. It’s a big switch up from their collaborations “Nobody But You”, “Happy Anywhere” and “You Make It Feel Like Christmas”. At its core this is still a Gwen Stefani song, and there are elements of her earlier ballads shining through the songwriting and production that gives a warm tone to the track. Written as an ode to their relationship, this song explores their devotion to each other, and the feeling of never wanting to lost each other no matter what. “But if someone comes along and tries to love you like I love you. Don’t know what I’d do, don’t wanna lose you” they sing during the upbeat chorus. Gwen and Blake will premiere “Purple Irises” live at the Super Bowl LVIII TikTok Tailgate performance.