Each Friday, Atwood Journal’s workers share what they’ve been listening to that week – a music, an album, an artist – no matter’s been having an affect on them, within the second.
This week’s weekly roundup options music by FKA twigs, flipturn, Tate McRae, Magdalena Bay, Hudson Thames, Laura Reznek, Humble the Nice & Amie Blu, TAVE & Kenyon Dixon, The fin., June6xteen, meija & Hand Habits, Killen., Jazzie Younger, Charlie Turner, Felicity, Ripsime, Muscle Reminiscence, THEKOIWAY, messier, Joey LaBeija, We Are All Fossils, Kamila Kay, Gregory Darling & Julian Lennon, BLVDS, and Cory Cullinan!
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:: EUSEXUA – FKA twigs ::
Julia Dzurillay, New Jersey
It isn’t even February and FKA Twigs followers are saying we have already got the Album of the Yr. This artist is understood for her avant garde, techno-leaning originals. Eusexua (a phrase created to explain that feeling of transcendence, full euphoria, and readability,) delves into the strangest beats to make one thing sonically cohesive, but completely separate from her discography.
A private favourite is the second monitor, titled “Woman Feels Good.” It’s excellent for an evening out in a sweaty membership. Strobe lights and sticky flooring. Twigs sings, “I concern the person who finds himself misplaced / In tales of warfare, delusions of extra / Lovely boys, I want you knew how valuable you might be / Your mom’s, sister’s, lover’s coronary heart is the place there’s therapeutic.”
:: Burnout Days – Flipturn ::
Christine Buckley, Connecticut
Florida indie-rock darlings Flipturn (stylized “flipturn”) catapulted to fame with their 2022 debut album Shadowglow, bolstered by a dwell present that entranced audiences at main U.S. festivals like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Governor’s Ball. However the fixed touring and pressures on a younger band from an business that isn’t all the time sort to its expertise took a toll on members Dillon Basse (vocals, guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (backing vocals, bass), Mitch Fountain (synth, guitar), and Devon VonBalson (drums).
Thus was born Burnout Days, the group’s sophomore album, which options the group’s established crystalline guitar motifs, catchy hooks and frank, wry lyrics combining with New Wave parts and complex percussion to type an brisk soundscape. The album is grittier and extra weak than their debut, however someway additionally extra constructive, with single “Daylight” concerning singer and lyricist Dillon Basse’s assist of his mom by her sobriety journey.
The group lately carried out lead single “Rodeo Clown” on Jimmy Kimmel, marking their late-night tv debut. Subsequent month they embark on their greatest tour but, a three-month U.S. journey that has them leveling up into their greatest rooms ever. Burnout Days proves that even below strain, flipturn continues to develop as one in all indie rock’s most progressive acts.
:: “Sports activities automobile” – Tate McRae ::
Bárbara Martínez Campuzano, Mexico
Exciting and tempting, Tate McRae’s new music “Sports activities automobile” is filled with adrenaline, an on the spot bop. Produced by Ryan Tedder and Grant, this music is the extremely anticipated return of the Canadian singer, and might be a part of her third album, So Near What, set to be launched on February 21. The one makes reference to the exhilaration of affection by the metaphor of driving a sports activities automobile. That is maybe probably the most vital releases of this previous week, given the music’s dynamicity, its manufacturing and making that even concerned “Points” singer Julia Michaels.
Together with the discharge of “Sports activities automobile” got here its music video directed by Bardia Zeinali, who has beforehand labored with Sabrina Carpenter, Troye Sivan, amongst others. A deeper view into McRae’s world, the video has acquired reward for its visuals and style show. Certainly, the brand new music and video are the perfect motor for the “Grasping” singer’s subsequent album.
:: “Cry for Me” – Magdalena Bay ::
Marc Maleri, Connecticut
Every couple months for the reason that launch of Magdalena Bay’s sophomore album, Imaginal Disk, I’ll hyperfixate on a monitor for weeks on finish. Every bit from the album is extremely layered and nuanced each in its lyrics and manufacturing, which makes a hearken to any one of many songs so gratifying because it appears like I’m discovering one thing new even months after my preliminary hear. “Cry for Me” isn’t any completely different.
Lead vocalist Mica Tenenbaum sings from the attitude of a villain on “Cry for Me,” pleading for the sympathies and admiration of the lots at what appears like this character’s grand exit from Imaginal Disk’s overarching narrative. Combining strings, synth, and a complete different mixture of parts which can be each fantastical and futuristic, Tenenbaum and her music mastermind counterpart, Matthew Lewin, paint an epic, tragically lovely image with the monitor. “Share a little bit kiss, and that’s endlessly / Consider love whenever you bear in mind me / I’m standing proper over right here.”
:: Bambino – Hudson Thames ::
Chloe Robinson, California
Masterful songwriter, performer, and actor Hudson Thames has a soulful and soothing air that’s totally fascinating. His new album Bambino attracts listeners in with its emotive pop choices and touching, tender ballads. The 8-track assortment begins with “Chilly Summer time.” The distinction of the title is extremely intriguing. He passionately sings, “Conserving my coronary heart on ice, turning off all these lights, don’t it really feel chilly exterior for {the summertime}.” The music is the last word anthem of heartbreak. “Mistaken” is one other standout. The gorgeous ballad showcases piercing piano and a poignant vocal concord within the refrain that hits you deep. Concluding with “Man of the World,” it’s one other fairly piano ballad. Many can relate to his sentiment of discovering your self amidst the uncertainty.
Thames, set to seem as Peter Parker within the Marvel sequence Your Pleasant Neighborhood Spiderman on Disney+, grew up in a big household. Bambino is an Italian time period of endearment which means “child” or “infant.” His dad remarried when he was twelve to an enormous Sicilian clan. At household capabilities they might lovingly name Thames bambino and he discovered that very candy. He gave the album the title bambino because the physique of labor is his child.
:: “Endeavours” – Laura Reznek ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
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:: “september lightning” – Humble the Nice, Amie Blue ::
Miranda Urbanczyk, Michigan
Emerging R&B artists Amie Blue and Humble the Nice come collectively in a single expressive monitor. Amie Blue seems as the one individual to collaborate with Humble the Nice on his new album, i don’t thoughts floating. The music speaks for itself, immersing the viewers of each artists. “september lightning” enhances the listening expertise by cathartic beats. The distinctive sound of the 2 musicians mix collectively flawlessly, creating such an alluring report.
:: “Laid Again/Outdated Skool Chevy” – TAVE ft. Kenyon Dixon ::
Grace Holtzclaw, Los Angeles, CA
TAVE takes us for a breezy coast down a clear-skied freeway on his newest single “Laid Again/Outdated Skool Chevy.” That includes vocals from 2025 GRAMMY nominee Kenyon Dixon, TAVE deepens his footprint as a defining artist within the present stratosphere of R&B. “Laid Again/Outdated Skool Chevy” is about easing into a brand new romance that feels as easy as a cruise down an open highway.
Vibrant synths, plunging bass strains, and heat, inviting vocals from Dixon units the tempo for a gentle but sultry musing on love. Dixon sings, “Woman why don’t you simply come a lil near me / Come and see if it’s giving what it’s purported to be” “Laid Again/Outdated Skool Chevy” is about taking the strain off of attending to know somebody and embracing the great thing about simplicity.
“Laid Again/Outdated Skool Chevy” is paired with a music video that captures TAVE and Dixon on a sun-drenched journey by a neighborhood with the highest down. The one is an on the spot hit of leisure that encourages listeners in all places to let go of their worries. On prime of his profession as an artist, TAVE is a GRAMMY nominated producer and songwriter who has beforehand labored with 6LACK, SiR, and Alex Isley. “Laid Again/Outdated Skool Chevy” is TAVE’s newest launch set to take you alongside for the journey.
:: “Echoes” – The fin. ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Best identified for his or her ethereal soundscapes, The fin.’s newest single “Echoes” has an atmospheric really feel with an engrossing association. Merging parts of psychedelic and indie pop, with tasteful additions of jazz, funk, and soul added into the combo, this mix of sounds is really distinctive. From the hazy synth texture to the shimmering indie sonics, “Echoes” offers a contemplative haven, permitting listeners to re-establish a reference to their reminiscences and id.
:: “Me Myself & I” – June6xteen ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
“Me Myself & I” is a sonic masterpiece that radiates confidence and empowerment, mixing different pop with liquid drum and bass to create an electrifying and fashionable sound by the gifted singer-songwriter June6xteen. From the very first beat, the monitor bursts with power, carrying listeners on a wave of lush synths and infectious rhythms. Her vocals, effortlessly commanding but emotionally uncooked, drive house the music’s empowering message of self-reliance and resilience. The lyrics, crammed with defiance and self-assurance, resonate deeply, making this an anthem for anybody able to rise above criticism and embrace their individuality.
What really makes this music stand out is its stability of emotional depth and high-energy manufacturing. Whereas the beat makes you need to dance, the introspective and provoking lyrics join on a private degree, providing an ideal mix of coronary heart and hype. June6xteen’s capacity to channel her progress and authenticity into her music is simple, and “Me Myself & I” appears like a daring step ahead in her creative journey. It’s not simply a tremendous music – it’s a strong declaration that leaves an indelible mark on fashionable pop music.
:: “SEVEN” – meija ft. Hand Habits ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
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:: “ONANON” – Killen. ::
Josh Weiner, Washington DC
When I first began writing for Atwood in spring 2015, I wouldn’t have predicted that Swedish Electronica would wind up being the genres I might cowl most frequently throughout my time there. Flash ahead virtually a decade, although, and that has certainly been what has transpired, on condition that acts like Kasbo, NOEL and Love Truls have been despatched my manner fairly frequently, and I’ve come to get pleasure from them with the identical excessive frequency.
It’s good to see that pattern proceed with Killen, a Stockholm-based producer who made nice profession strides in 2024, together with acting at a variety of native festivals and releasing his first EP, Spotlight. He’s wasted no time conserving the momentum going within the new yr, having already launched his first new monitor of 2025, “ONANON.” This electronic-dance tune makes for some chill listening, given its Peter Pan-style free-spiritedness about not eager to develop previous, and its total lighthearted sonic nature (on condition that I’m typing this on a Friday afternoon after one other lengthy week of labor at college, the soothing results this music produces are particularly appreciated!) Better of luck to Hannes Torsell as he launches his new id as Killen the EDM Producer from Sweden.
:: “Ready on You!” – Jazzie Younger ::
Rachel Leong, France
Jazzie Younger drops “Ready On You!” a weak reflection upon what unrequited longing appears like. Indie-pop melodies and layered vocals mark the brand new monitor, propelling Jazzie Younger forth as a promising up and comer within the scene.
Marked by confessional songwriting and ethereal world-building, Younger permits her lyricism to flourish inside her indie rock-leaning manufacturing. Leaning inward whereas pouring outward, shimmering melodies ebb and circulate to the inconsistencies of emotion. Because the monitor swells into its cathartic crescendo, listeners are left with a way of launch, as if sharing in Jazzie Younger’s emotional journey.
:: “Mrs Different” – Charlie Turner ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Emerging musician and artist Charlie Turner’s newest single “Mrs Different” blends genres of jazz, rock, and punk influences into one to supply an distinctive providing. His attribute strategy to music makes every music show his signature sound and voice. The uncooked reflection of rising up, and older, life after college, and coming into the massive large world is delicately explored within the music. The music’s complexity and profound passionate depth not solely within the instrumentation however within the lyrics make him an artist to look at this yr.
:: “Miracle Elixir” – Felicity ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
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:: “Paradise” – Ripsime ::
Rachel Leong, France
British-Armenian songwriter, producer and artist Ripsime closed out 2024 together with her mesmerising new single “Paradise.” The monitor is a daring, experimental pop monitor signalling a profound evolution in her sound. Honing her craft as each a songwriter and producer, “Paradise” blends nostalgic ’80s-inspired artificial textures with fashionable alt-pop sensibilities.
“Paradise” marks a putting shift in Ripsime’s musical route, embracing a extra digital and punk-inspired sound, whereas conserving her signature emotionally charged and introspective lyrics. The music is a heartfelt tribute to these we’ve misplaced too quickly, exploring the theme of everlasting connection, and the bittersweet realisation that our magical reference to family members transcends the bodily realm.
:: “Get Misplaced” – Muscle Reminiscence ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
New York indie pop duo Muscle Reminiscence craft a breezy escape with their newest single, “Get Misplaced.” Layering summer-kissed harmonies and a vibrant but delicate groove, the monitor effortlessly blends the attraction of dance pop with an eclectic, intimate contact. By giving the instrumentation area to shine, the duo creates an environment that’s each colourful and calming. When the ultimate third arrives, with its cascading layers and anthemic hook, “Get Misplaced” transforms right into a full-blown indie-pop embrace – nostalgic, theatrical, and undeniably catchy. Excellent for a second of reflection or a carefree summer season drive, this one’s a charmer.
:: “The Recreation of Life” – THEKOIWAY ::
Joe Beer, Surrey, UK
Chilean-born, Brooklyn-based artist, THEKOIWAY lately unveiled their new single “The Recreation of Life” aka, “El Juego de la Vida.” Alongside the soul-soaked, funk-fueled single, was a fascinating, short-story model music video that includes famend actor Héctor Noguera. Each the only and video supply a thought-provoking narrative, with THEKOIWAY exploring LGBTQ+ themes and emphasizing the significance of range throughout all cultures.
Frontman Victor Vildósola shares, “We’re thrilled to current the music video for our new single, because it delves into profound questions on range and the actions we take as a society in response. For us, it’s an honor to function the legendary actor Héctor Noguera, who brings immense expertise and dedication to this challenge. That is greater than a music video – it’s a cry for range, a problem to norms, and a reminder that typically we should raise the veil of the odd to confront probably the most uncomfortable truths.”
“The Recreation of Life” involves life with velvet vocals which glide over daring brass instrumentation, funky guitars and a dance-worthy rhythm that may get your total physique shifting. By way of their feel-good music, storytelling lyrics and mesmerizing visuals, THEKOIWAY are sure to make a huge impact as they carry consciousness to vital social points, encourage change and unfold messages of inclusivity and positivity.
:: “Baskervilles” – messier ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Finnish indie rock duo messier have unveiled their newest single “Baskervilles,” providing a mesmerizing glimpse into their forthcoming 2025 album Stream of Responsible Consciousness. Famend for his or her emotionally charged soundscapes and progressive strategy to music, messier’s new monitor delves deep into the human psyche, specializing in the tendency to catastrophize. The music displays the band’s signature model whereas venturing into new sonic territories, showcasing their progress and steady push to redefine the boundaries of indie rock.
“Baskervilles” strikes a poignant stability between urgency and desolation, embodying the load of its central theme. Lauri Huumonen’s vivid, introspective lyrics are interwoven with Antti Orajärvi’s dynamic instrumentation, making a sound each brooding and expansive. The monitor’s haunting ambiance and emotionally charged supply trace on the formidable scope of the upcoming album. With “Baskervilles,” Messier affirm their place as a band unafraid to confront deep, uncomfortable truths, leaving listeners wanting to discover the intricate journey promised by Stream of Responsible Consciousness.
:: “lower than three” – Joey LaBeija ::
Rachel Leong, France
Joey LaBeija lately returned with “lower than three,” a sweeping return to the choice R&B scene. The brand new single dominates with boundary-pushing manufacturing textures and wealthy vocal layers, a mesmerising mix of experimental soundscapes and hypnotic, downtempo beats.
LaBeija’s definitive vocal results and dynamic manufacturing pull you into an environment of brooding depth, whereas darkish swoops of instrumentation create a sense of eerie but alluring magnificence. The monitor’s mysterious undertones mirror the emotion of its central theme: appreciating the sweetness present in letting go.
A monumental return for Joey, “lower than three” is a singular and immersive listening expertise that actually units the stage for what’s to come back subsequent. A monitor thriving in subtleties and contradictions, ‘lower than three’ showcases LaBeija’s evolution as each an artist and producer.
:: “Rapture” – We Are All Fossils ::
Josh Weiner, Washington DC
We Are All Fossils, apparently, as implied by the stage identify of South African people singer Deist Oelofse. That onstage pseudonym wound up being one thing of a head-scratcher to me – OK positive, in tens of millions of years we’ll all be fossils, the identical manner that dinosaurs at the moment are… however what precisely makes us fossils nowadays? Is there a metaphor at work right here or one thing? In any case, maybe it’s greatest to not get too overwhelmed by ideas of that nature, and as a substitute flip our minds to the appreciable musical functionality that this younger singer has already demonstrated to a powerful extent on his early singles – a pattern that will get gloriously prolonged on the newest of those, entitled “Rapture.”
There’s fact within the identify this time, as this winds up certainly being fairly an enrapturing acoustic single that Oelofse drew the inspiration to put in writing throughout a keep on the Lake District in the UK, his present nation of residence. Loads of pure and ethereal imagery is infused into the music, which he says is supposed to embody how people, similar to the Earth, are filled with resilience and may “adapt to shifting circumstances, irrespective of how harsh.” Though We Are All Fossils’ catalogue is restricted to a handful of singles in the mean time, the expertise and thoughtfulness he has proven early on with singles like “Raptures” reveal that he has the potential to construct meaningfully upon his physique of labor within the coming future.
:: “Higher Than You Suppose” – Kamila Kay ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
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:: “A New Dream” – Gregory Darling & Julian Lennon ::
Joe Beer, Surrey, UK
Acclaimed producer/songwriter, Gregory Darling has teamed up with Julian Lennon for his newest launch, “A New Dream.” Having been associates and collaborators for a few years, the brand new single is demonstrative of their deep friendship and inventive chemistry. “A New Dream” is an anthem for everybody, from all walks of life. With the duo concerning common feelings and experiences, it acts as a reminder that no dream is simply too huge to achieve and that something is feasible so long as we’ve hope and perseverance.
Darling and Lennon’s complementary vocal tones ooze with emotion and vulnerability. The fragile instrumentation twinkles softly, making a melancholy but dreamlike soundscape, whereas the nice and cozy piano melody provides a soothing, optimistic ambiance. “A New Dream” was initially featured on Darling’s debut album, Shell, in 2006, with the songwriter sharing, “I wished to place a brand new twist on the unique manufacturing and association, so I locked myself within the studio and being subjected to Covid lockdown, it felt applicable. I created a brand new beat, changed the strings with synths, added guitars, bass, BV’s after which Ian Kelosky blended it, giving it a recent sound, the place the vocals actually come out.”
:: “Two Sides” – BLVDS ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Eire
Montana duo BLVDS ship a dynamic, genre-blurring expertise with their newest single, “Two Sides.” Starting as a dreamy, synth-laced escape, the monitor steadily builds right into a daring, anthemic launch of power that fuses poetic pop with digital dance vibes and pop-punk’s uncooked depth. Impeccably produced but refreshingly natural, “Two Sides” takes listeners on a heartfelt journey, from hushed, intimate vocals to hovering, impassioned hooks – and simply whenever you suppose you’ve heard all of it, a saxophone solo bursts in to seal the deal. It’s a euphoric and unexpectedly adventurous journey that begs for repeat listens and deserves its second within the highlight.
:: “Footprint” – Cory Cullinan ::
Chloe Robinson, California
Cory Cullinan does all of it. A musician, commissioned composer, writer, award-winning instructor, speaker, studio proprietor and humorist, we’re in awe of his immense abilities. His present launch “Footprint” is simply one other illustration of his profound talent. There’s something concerning the sounds of nature that’s so grounding. These noises enable us to search out gratitude and calm. The music video, directed and created by his daughter Sidney Cullinan, shows serene out of doors photos that really add to the tranquility. His musical creation paired with the compelling visuals craft a sense of full catharsis.
Within the late Eighties Cullinan was an undergrad at Stanford College. He was taking famed composer and digital music legend John Chowning’s 220A course. That was when he initially conceived the monitor, however by no means fairly accomplished it as digital audio workstations didn’t exist on the time. When Cory acquired phrase that Dr. Chowning was coming to a live performance Cory was taking part in at, he was decided to complete the piece. On the finish of the work, his former professor shouted humorously from the gang: “Cory, you probably did it!” Making every thing come full circle.
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