RAYE – Genesis

RAYE has just cemented herself as an artist of a generation. Following the success of “My 21st Century Blues” and “Prada” it would’ve been easy for her to drop a commercially palatable single and safely kept the momentum building. But instead she’s taken a big risk and released a seven minute masterpiece that defy’s genres and highlights her expansive artistry. It’s a song that takes the listener on a journey of vulnerability and sincerity. Opening with a soft ballad intro she ponders, “They say the twenties are the best years of your life. But I seem to be spending mine missing sunsets cause I’m busy on my phone observing everyone else”. Sliding into a dark production she drops this hip-hop infused beat that is intoxicating and she provides some deeply honest lyrics like, “I see a sad little sinner in the mirror. The devil works hard like my liver. I don’t wanna be alive, but I don’t wanna die. A fistful of pills and rivers in my eyes”. She then switches it up one more time with a big-band jazz moment where she leaves the listener with a sense of hope as she asks, “let there be light”. You are captivated for the entire of the song as she details all of these honest insecurities with her breathtaking vocals and adlibs, and you’ll find yourself in goosebumps multiple times. It’s one of the most incredible listening experiences in music I have had in a long time, and one I won’t forget. 

Soft Launch – Piano Hands

Soft Launch are really out here introducing themselves with some of the most infectious indie-rock tracks right now. Following their debut in April with “Cartwheels”, they have served up the ridiculously catchy “Piano Hands”. Taking listeners on a journey of mixed-genres, production and earworm hooks, the Irish five-piece are ultimately giving us pure personality in a 3 and a half minute sonical punch. Beginning with this 70’s inspired piano riff, the song builds with guitars and drums before switching it up with these psychedelic synths, before building up to a massive guitar and drum breakdown that leads the song into its trippy outro. The experimental production is joined by some playful lyrics like; “I’ve been doing all of my bits. I’ve been taking care of my shit. I’ve been doing my taxes”. If Soft Launch aren’t on your radar yet then make sure you discover them asap as they might just become your new favourite band. 

Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please

Sabrina Carpenter is the new IT pop girly, and she truly deserves to be after her hustle to get here. Her highly anticipated sixth studio album “Short N’ Sweet” will be released August 23, and following the global smash hit lead single “Espresso” she’s giving listeners a second taste of what’s to come. “Please Please Please” is a playful pop song that explores the complexities of loving someone who doesn’t always make the right decisions.“I heard that you’re an actor, so act like a stand-up guy. Whatever devil’s inside you, don’t let him out tonight. I tell them it’s just your culture and everyone rolls their eyes” she sings before pleading “Please, please, please don’t prove I’m right”. It’s relatable while also being a little satirical and sassy. Her vocals sound amazing, and I love that the production isn’t oversaturated and allows the lyrics to truly tell the story. It’s another future hit for her as she prepares to take over the pop scene one track at a time. 

Balu Brigada – So Cold

New Zealand groove-pop brother duo Balu Brigada are back with a new single that is bound to get stuck in your head. “So Cold” is destined to be a hit and has the infectious energy to take over “Designer” as the biggest song in their catalogue. From the very first listen you’ll find yourself absolutely obsessed with the sonical journey it takes you on. The standout moment is the addictive bass line in the bridge which becomes a second chorus within itself as it is so individual to the song. And then they hit you with a festival-ready hook that you’ll want to hear over and over again. It truly feels like a big moment for Balu Brigada, and you better be ready to hear it on repeat for the remainder of the year. 

Ashton Irwin – Straight To Your Heart

Ashton Irwin is ready to continue evolving as a solo artist as he prepares for the release of his sophomore studio album “BLOOD ON THE DRUMS” on July 17. He will release the album in two parts with the first eight tracks becoming available next week on June 12, and to tease you with what’s to come he’s dropped the first single. “Straight To Your Heart” is a bold reintroduction to listeners that hears him returning to his 5SOS roots on the production. The pop-rock song can socially be found somewhere between 5SOS’ recent material and his solo debut album “Superbloom”, and gives this nostalgic leaning but matured approach. The bridge is earworm magic and will have you singing along to the refrain; “Spin me ’round the room. Oh, how could I forget You kill my loneliness. If I’m not with you. I’m better off dead, dead, dead”. This is only a little taste at what’s to come, and I am personally SO excited for this next chapter of Ashton Irwin. 

Royal & The Serpent – American Spirit 

Royal & The Serpent has just wrapped a massive run opening for Avril Lavigne on her Greatest Hits Tour, and to celebrate she’s decided to finally release “RAT TRAP 5: the beginning”. This a-side / b-side single release is heralded by the anthemic “American Spirit”, which is a song she’s been teasing the opening verse of on socials for the past month. It’s a catchy track that explores the things that make up who she is and what is attractive to her. The opening verse has this indescribable flow that is so catchy and immediately hooks you in. “Fireworks, Yellowstone, the Pacific Northwest. Boys with blue eyes and tattoos on their chests. Apple pie, Bon Iver, and drugstore cologne. Pretty baristas, and late student loans” she sings. She then launches into this big rock chorus that you will want to scream in a mosh pit asap.