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Each Friday, Atwood Journal’s employees share what they’ve been listening to that week – a track, an album, an artist – no matter’s been having an influence on them, within the second.
This week’s weekly roundup options music by Carly Rae Jepsen, Lautier, Cat Janice, Samantha Urbani, Spiritbox, Foxtide, S.N.A.Ok., Cate Carter, Reality x Lies, Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez, Wild Black, Liza, VeeAlwaysHere, Raylee Forest, & Worricka!
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observe WEEKLY ROUNDUP on Spotify
:: “Kamikaze” – Carly Rae Jepsen ::
Julia Dzurillay, New Jersey
Post-”Name Me Perhaps” stardom, Carly Rae Jepsen carved a particular area within the pop music scene — even when it’s reserved for followers prepared to present her lesser-known hits a pay attention. A couple of 12 months after The Loneliest Time, the artist launched The Loveliest Time, one other signature “B Aspect” album so synonymous with the vocalist.
Even when The Loneliest Time featured upbeat, disco-leaning tracks (the perfect identified being the title observe that includes Rufus Wainwright,) this 2023 album kicked it up a notch. There’s the wavy and groovy “Shy Boy” and dance-worthy “Psychedelic Swap.”
A private favourite is “Kamikaze,” which feels adjoining to “Potential” by Foxes or “Hallucinate” by Dua Lipa. The imagery within the lyrics is particularly noteworthy, with Jepsen detailing a chaotic, nearly deadly, relationship.
“I noticed you within the deep finish,” she sings. “A shipwreck underwater / And I do know I shouldn’t need that / I’m simply right here for the weekend / A wordless sort of supply / And I’m hopin’ that you simply noticed that.”
:: “It’s Not the Identical” – Lautier ::
Mitch Mosk, New York
Lautier’s second track of the 12 months is a superbly smoldering seduction: A dreamy groove and heat, effected guitar tones engulf the ears in “It’s Not the Identical” because the South London nu soul quartet discover the aches of affection and loss. “Will we even want a love like this to really feel entire?” vocalist Sam Ainsworth asks in an emotionally charged refrain. “‘Trigger I’ve been feeling deep inside myself that I’m nonetheless misplaced…“
“‘It’s Not The Identical’ got here out of nowhere actually,” the band shares. “Sam got here to us with the primary thought and it felt like the entire means of placing some meat on it and turning it right into a single felt actually pure. We recorded the observe with Scott Knapper on the notorious Konk Studios and he helped us add some very nice touches, the beat altering midway by the second verse being considered one of them. We additionally toyed with the concept of a layered vocal concord intro however after hours of tweaking and shifting issues round we realised none of us had been actually feeling it. We really feel like the tip consequence comes from a extremely recent, thrilling place and is a few of our greatest work but.”
A jazzy, aching eruption, “It’s Not the Identical” captures the warmth of our personal internal longing. Totally and unapologetically soul-stirring, Lautier’s newest is the right hazy-day escape.
:: Fashionable Medication – Cat Janice ::
Joe Beer, Surrey, UK
Life is filled with ups and downs, nonetheless Cat Janice appears to have been taking place a extra turbulent path than others. Her new debut album, Fashionable Medication, narrates a number of the experiences she has confronted, together with a divorce, the lack of an in depth buddy, love and betrayal and likewise her present combat with a progressive most cancers. Regardless of being hit arduous with these main struggles, the Virginia based mostly artist one way or the other manages to maintain constructive and has uncovered the unimaginable therapeutic energy that merely residing within the current can behold. She calls this, Fashionable Medication.
The nine-track launch, which is paying homage to the likes of Remi Wolf, Benee, and Willow, additional emphasizes the songwriter’s potential to radiate positivity by its danceworthy melodies and total feel-good vibe. Main observe, “Who Do You Suppose You Are” touches on her personal love story, with Cat sharing, “I had simply gotten again from spending hours in a basement studio, laughing and singing with him for a TikTok video. I bought dwelling and straight away the track began coming to me. Falling in love that manner is thrilling, scary, and borderline emotionally sedative. We joke about how at any time when we’re collectively now, we all the time really feel drained and sleepy due to all the completely happy hormones.”
Cat Janice is an unimaginable instance to look to once you’re feeling down. She is proof that it doesn’t matter what we’re going by, if we stay constructive and current, we are able to actually overcome something.
:: “One Day at a Time” – Samantha Urbani ::
Josh Weiner, Washington DC
“I am the powerful man and I’m useless severe,” singer Samantha Urbani confides. “I’m an advocate, a protector, and an activist. I’m additionally a complete crusher and yolo’er and I take the candy dangers and I justify all of it to myself even after I know I actually am being the fool.”
She’s clearly bought plenty of sides to her persona, and but she’s capable of channel all of them into her newest single, “One Day at a Time,” which she describes as “the cutie goofer track about wanting the participant and drawing it out.” After a few years of performing, Urbani has determined that it’s lastly time for her to place out a full-length album, and this colourful lead single (full with an equally colourful music video, stuffed with particular results and cameos by lots of her associates) is her first gesture in the direction of reaching that challenge. Much more of her multifaceted persona is certain to be revealed in full upon the September twenty second launch of Exhibiting Up— keep tuned!
:: “The Void” – Spiritbox ::
Kendall Graham, Nantucket, MA
Embracing the insanity and darkness are lyrical staples in Spiritbox’s library. That sense has by no means been clearer than within the band’s most up-to-date single, “The Void,” launched again in April. The Canadian heavy metallic quartet are titans of their trade, expertly encapsulating a basic progressive metallic and arduous rock hybrid.
The track is anchored by lead Courtney LaPlante’s clear and clear vocals, and buoyed by drummer Zev Rose’s frenetic pacing. Guitarist Mike Stringer and bassist Josh Gilbert make simple work of the rhythm for a cohesive, high-energy observe that virtually begs a efficiency underneath strobing lights, with heads banged at every drop, and a way of camaraderie with the folks within the crowd throughout you, although you don’t have any thought what they may every make of the which means. It doesn’t matter, as a result of we’re on this collectively.
Within the meantime we’re in search of a information, somebody to lean on, anybody, doesn’t matter who, though to “The Void” this isn’t a requirement for entry. On this panorama, we’re warring in opposition to retaining a way of management and surrendering to the unknown, and both choice is as thrilling as the opposite. We’re open to any variety of ideas, regardless of how unfeasible or harmful.
:: “Maintain On” – Foxtide ::
Mitch Mosk, New York
South California band Foxtide’s new single is angular and excitable, pressing and intense: Invigorating bursts of sonic shade dazzle the ears on the groovy, glistening “Maintain On,” a spirited and relentless forward-moving observe constructed on allure, churn and pure indie rock ardour.
Trying only for problems
See straight why you faking
Let it off
Sitting on the bar with persistence
He stated boy now cease your ready
Get alongside
Commerce your soul for dialog
With nothing left your mistaken
Give all of it
Ready for a while it’s fading
All the time had sufficient to waste it
Wished extra
“‘Maintain On’ incorporates influences from early 2000s storage rock whereas bringing one thing new to the desk,” the band share. “The observe is known as a track about nostalgia, self-doubt and forgiveness. Whereas the verses are a dialog between one’s self, the refrain is about merely asking somebody’s forgiveness.”
The track’s refrain is a rousing rallying cry – one which hits arduous and leaves an enduring mark as Foxtide go away all of it subject, pouring power and emotion right into a heart-on-sleeve second of reality:
If I might be sorry child
inform me would you maintain on
We will preserve from going loopy
inform me would you maintain on
If I’d be sorry perhaps
inform me would you hollllldddddd
We’ll you’re holding in your breath can’t go ceaselessly
I’m simply asking
Paying homage to The Strokes’ early work, “Maintain On” is a uncooked and rip-roaring tempest. Unstable and visceral, Foxtide ache with intense feeling whereas making certain we all know that deep down, of their coronary heart of hearts, they’re having the time of their lives.
:: “All people Needs to Rule the World” – S.N.A.Ok. ::
Freya Rinaldi, Austin, TX
Made up of Marcelo Maccagnan on bass and Maxime Cholley on drums, S.N.A.Ok. is a duo that does joyful covers for the enjoyable of it. The 2 members got here from Brazil and France, respectively, to pursue music in New York Metropolis. Now they each are energetic members of the New York music scene, producing music for a number of retailers and likewise accompany many touring artists on tour.
Their rendition of “All people Needs to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears, is a exceptional tackle the track performed solely with bass and drums. The quilt is sonically astonishing whereas solely using the 2 devices. It’s a recent tackle the basic observe and a enjoyable pay attention for a each day commute or within the background of Sunday cleansing. This track showcases the distinctive musicality of Maccagnan and Cholley.
:: “Girls All the time Know”- Cate Carter ::
Chloe Robinson, California
You know the expression, “belief your intestine”? So usually we get a sneaking suspicion that one thing just isn’t proper, but push that feeling to the facet. It’s not all the time simple to place confidence in your instincts, however Cate Carter is studying to do precisely that. Her daring, Americana observe “Girls All the time Know” is about believing in what you’re feeling and using the wave of that emotion. Detailing a distant partnership and that second once you sense issues are coming to a halt, it’s a piece many can resonate with. We now have all, at one level or one other, questioned {our relationships}. With resonating acoustic guitar and pounding drums, Carter ferociously sings with full readability and confidence.
The artist portrays a shocking, style defying sound. Melding pop, folks and rock she is a passionate pressure within the music scene. The track is off of her upcoming debut EP Barely Out Of Attain. The EP is a five-song assortment specializing in relationships, connection and self-trust. Carter reveals, “I used to be severely bullied in center faculty and boys used to name me loopy on a regular basis. Not solely taking again the phrase ‘loopy’ but additionally having a profound belief in myself was empowering and although every little thing in me wished him to remain, I additionally knew I used to be going to be okay regardless.”
:: “Esta Vania” – Reality x Lies ::
Josh Weiner, Washington DC
Having attended the actually superior Fiesta del Sol in Chicago final weekend, I’m undoubtedly within the temper to catch much more nice Latin music than I used to be capable of do on the grand stage on Cermak Highway in Pilsen simply now. One new track that matches that billing is “Esta Vania” by Ian Bertles and Ryan Howards, who collectively type a NYC-based DJ/producer duo often known as “Reality x Lies.”
Having coated their observe “Dos Gardenias” not too way back, I do know that these guys have a particular ability for bringing old-school Latin American music into the fashionable period with aptitude and elegance. It was nice to get a second dose of it with “Esta Vania,” a track which channels the Latin music that the duo have generally been uncovered to all through their time residing in Washington Heights in Higher Manhattan, together with the modern-day home music that has change into their artistic space of experience. Put collectively, you’ve bought one other memorable observe, and one which definitely takes me again to that poppin’ occasion in Pilsen!
:: “The Therapeutic” – Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez ::
Joe Beer, Surrey, UK
New York’s Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez gives the right track to ease your woes with “The Therapeutic.” Described by the artist as a “meditation on gratitude” the beautiful observe is sort of a dose of dopamine, as her soulful, honey-soaked vocals fill your thoughts. Identified for her mesmeric Jazz and R&B fusion, she provides in lovely gospel parts to this new launch, elevating issues to additional heights. The straightforward observe permits so that you can acknowledge and recognize each sound, because it regularly ebbs and flows with the addition of plucky string preparations, layered vocals and a fragile piano melody.
The Brooklyn based mostly artist shares, “In such precarious and unstable instances, ‘The Therapeutic’ provides a small reduction that one thing else is across the nook. Grounded within the physique, ‘The Therapeutic’ remembers the preciousness of life.” The final word tune to clear your thoughts, you might undoubtedly save your self some remedy payments by placing this observe on repeat!
:: “Keep Dreamin” – Wild Black ::
Mitch Mosk, New York
“Houtdated on, you’re using all of the waves tonight,” Wild Black’s Elsa Gebremichael sings in her enchanting new single, her voice a beacon of stability in an emotional storm. “With hearth burning in your eyes, been dreaming of one other life…” All of us yearn for one thing else; all of us lengthy for extra, and in “Keep Dreamin’,” that internal ache involves life by a smoldering, cinematic ‘80s-esque dance pop dreamscape:
“Take me, take me far-off from right here”
The echoes of your name are clear
However no reality will come out of the worry
You gotta take it simple
Don’t wanna make it arduous on your self
Discover the desire to open your coronary heart, let go, let go
Right here’s to a 12 months crammed with love and magic chance
Right here’s to a life crammed with hope and therapeutic, what a sense
A second of readability and escape multi functional, “Keep Dreamin’” (launched July seventeenth, 2023) is a reminder to observe our hearts, to belief in ourselves, and to consider in a greater world for ourselves and others. Large-eyed surprise and hope coalesce as Wild Black conjures up us to chase tomorrow and follow self-care:
“I wrote ‘Keep Dreamin’ early within the second 12 months of the pandemic whereas isolating solo in yet one more lockdown,” Gebremichael tells Atwood Journal. “I used to be in a darkish place, feeling fairly misplaced and never so hopeful concerning the future, however regardless of being in that head and coronary heart area, I despatched an optimistic Comfortable New 12 months textual content to a buddy, which unexpectedly sparked artistic inspiration and ended up being the lyrics for the refrain. Whereas writing the primary verse I broke down and located myself in a pool tears – “Maintain on, you’re using all of the waves tonight, with hearth burning in your eyes, been dreaming of one other” happening to sing the refrain “right here’s to a 12 months crammed with love and magic, chance. Right here’s to a life crammed with hope and therapeutic, what a sense,” and realized I used to be talking to my internal youngster and that these had been phrases I wanted to listen to.”
“Music actually is remedy, and this second was actually particular and one thing I’d by no means skilled earlier than. I am going to remedy and have touched on internal youngster work earlier than however haven’t actually spent a lot time on it, and I’m noticing that a few of my songs are literally doing that work in my very own manner. As somebody who struggles with my psychological well being, experiencing anxiousness and bouts of melancholy, it’s been a psychological and emotional rollercoaster navigating a wide range of issues in my life, however my ADHD prognosis actually gave me readability on so many points of my life and the way my mind works.”
“Sonically, ‘Keep Dreamin’ is equal elements darkish, dreamy and dance-y. It begins with a extra subdued melancholic tone and sense of craving, exploring themes of heartache, internal battle, growth, rebirth, and self-love, it evolves right into a celebratory explosion of hopefulness, liberation, and pleasure. This track was created out of a necessity to heal and develop, to present myself permission to be daring and brave, to dwell unapologetically, and to all the time ‘Keep Dreamin.’”
A heat and wondrous reverie, “Keep Dreamin’” is an invite to bop away the day and dream away the evening.
:: “Give In” – Liza ::
Mitch Mosk, New York
Toronto’s Liza creates a spellbinding world of dreamy love, connection, and intimacy on her first single of the 12 months. Launched July 14, 2023, “Give In” is a give up to the center: “I may attempt to combat, it wouldn’t matter, each time I attempt, I fall deeper into you,” she sings in a fascinating, spiritually cleaning refrain. “I can’t deny, I’m breaking all my guidelines – I can’t assist however give in to you.” Generally we are able to’t cease the inevitable from taking place; we’re within the passenger seat of the automobile, an viewers member watching the film of our life flash earlier than our eyes in actual time.
And whereas we want for some modicum of management, typically it’s good to chill out and let the ebbs and flows take you the place they wish to go.
“My 2021 EP, DONE IS DONE, highlighted a heartbreak that I went by and I really feel like I bought caught on the planet of writing unhappy songs,” Liza shares. “As a lot as I like my unhappy songs, I’m excited to share the brand new work I’ve been writing, which actually captures the bubbly and hopeful facet of me, sonically and lyrically. I really feel like I’ve formally entered my Rom Com Period.”
“Give In” marks an thrilling new starting for the Ethiopian-Canadian neo-soul artist as she turns towards the sonic, emotional, and metaphorical gentle. Liza has all the time had a manner of conveying the sweetness in our lived expertise, and now her golden voice is soundtracking the very act of untethered love.
:: “ joker” – VeeAlwaysHere ::
Freya Rinaldi, Austin, TX
From Siberia, Russia to the states, VeeAlwaysHere, is a singer, songwriter and producer. The ability-ballad “joker” tells the story of falling too arduous again and again. The melancholic manufacturing and repetitive lyrics paint the image of being caught in a cycle that he can’t escape of.
This track is a observe on his EP, that dropped as we speak, titled damaged: playlist II. This new challenge has eight songs and options from Maria Ellis and Ted Park. Identified for his emotional storytelling by music, “joker” is a straightforward however heart-wrenching pay attention. The lyrics present desperation and deterioration blended with anger to himself that he can’t break the cycle. The observe is a superb first style to VeeAlwaysHere and his model new EP.
:: “Masks”- Raylee Forest ::
Chloe Robinson, California
We all put on completely different masks in life. Once we are unhappy, typically we placed on a façade of pleasure to masks the deep ache. To deflect a sticky scenario, we are able to put on a face of humor. Chinese language American pop artist Raylee Forest narrates the numerous personas she shows in her haunting providing, “Masks.” The piece swirls with a lush, eccentric whimsy. That distinctive model permits the listener to journey into an intense fantasyland. With lyrics like “it’s my little backyard that I preserve a secret, watching over the fort,” our imaginations run wild, and a way of magic is straight away felt.
Forest’s avant-garde pop music exudes a degree of enchantment and thriller. The Los Angeles-based artist takes the style and turns it on its head, combining luminous pop with fascinating classical aptitude. Hailing from China, her releases are crammed with huge, eclectic tradition. This single is equally intricate and refined.
:: “Structure” – Worricka ::
Mitch Mosk, New York
“My physique goes deeper than the ocean waters,” Worricka sings on his debut single in a second of cathartic connection. Soulful and smoldering, intimate and cinematic, “Structure” is an attractive, radiant reckoning: A heavy track that uplifts the center and conjures up our spirits to soar. It’s a strong, profound reintroduction to Essex-based singer/songwriter Joe Worricker, who says his new challenge is his most genuine music so far. With poetic lyrics and smoky, easy neo-soul sonics, “Structure” takes us on a dreamy, immersive roller-coaster:
pay attention up now i can see into your future
present me the tarot and i’ll learn your destiny
this mind ain’t peculiar structure
the gods have made me a special sort of manner
my physique goes deeper than the ocean waters
blowing bubbles with the coral on my again
pisces can sense the hidden hazard
come for me and that i’ll rearrange ya
able to combat arduous when the sharks assault
“The only is concerning the structure of the thoughts and the battle between your constructive and destructive internal monologue,” the artist tells Atwood Journal. “It’s sort of me singing to my younger-self from the current, or from the longer term. Songs might be half affirmation, so l’m making hope triumph principally within the story. I’ve observed in singers like Nina Simone and Gnarls Barkley, the artist performs or masquerades as god of their tracks, so in a manner you’re answering your personal inner yearnings and questions with music; that one way or the other heals all of your troubles, no less than during the track.”
there are angels within the sky
worry not youngster these clouds are passing by
could be a lonely place within the prisms of your thoughts
and also you simply can’t get sufficient
how can the wind preserve blowing us by time
“What I like concerning the single is it actually encapsulates every little thing I take heed to and love, plus it all the time feels extremely cool to sing about unhealthy conditions after which flip them into one thing enjoyable,” he provides. “I really feel prefer it’s taken 20 years of writing songs to understand the style that I’m most snug in and with ‘Structure’ I feel I’ve lastly arrived. It’s a blueprint of issues to return, however don’t fear, it’s not all relax tracks, the 2nd single is a nod to disco with perhaps a particular visitor thrown in. I’m excited to share extra music quickly.”
there are angels within the sky
worry not youngster these clouds are passing by
could be a lonely place within the prisms of your thoughts
and also you simply can’t get sufficient
how can the wind preserve blowing us by time
right here’s one for the solar and one for the moon
maintain my baggage child i promise i’m coming again quickly
a penny in your ideas
dime in your bother
heaven’s ‘bout to burst your bubble
regardless of your structure
i’m discovering an answer for you
“Structure” is an indulgence; a non secular journey that guarantees to invigorate, enchant, and encourage.
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