Welcome to edition nine of ‘Hear This Now’ Let me know in the comment section your favorite songs right now or by hitting the tweet button below!
Here’s another roundup of my essential listens and perfect playlist adds!
Rejjie Snow // ‘Disco Pantz’
Dublin born rapper Rejjie Snow continues to set a commanding tone with his latest release from his upcoming July album. His new track “Disco Pantz” features R&B singer/dancer Tinashe and grouptherapy. This playfully funky summer groove sees all artists in fine form, finding Rejjie Snow word play clever and poignant. This is the fourth offering from the hotly anticipated album, “Baw Baw Black Sheep”, which also features a track from the late MF DOOM which you can listen to here.
https://youtu.be/srLzXtOqaOc
Twin Shadow // 'Sugarcane’ + ‘Lonestar'
Twin Shadow makes his return to the scene prepping for the release of his eponymous new album due out July 9th. His latest pair of singles ‘Sugarcane’ & ‘Lonestar’ are the latest and final releases for the artist before the album drops. Each song also finds Twin Shadow aka George Lewis delving into his and embracing his Dominican heritage, with each track dripping in a tropical grooviness, and African inspired beats and drums. Although it may be a new sound for Twin Shadow fans, for Lewis’ himself it’s one that comes straight from the heart and homeland. You can stream both tracks here.
https://youtu.be/QUDMYURHe4I
Ariana Grande // ‘POV’
After a few days of posting teasers on her account which were a series of photos of herself of performing live. The teasers were revealed to be a collaboration with VEVO Originals which debuted the first live performance of (mind you one of favorites from the album) the track ‘POV’. The slightly paired back performance features Grande in a gorgeous purple two piece pants ensemble giving it her all vocally. This is only beginning with more to come in this collaboration from these music titans. All I can say is.. Yes, please!
https://youtu.be/fLFvbwrWLQY
Gavin James // ‘Sober’
Dublin based Singer-Songwriter Gavin James new single takes on a timeless question of love or lust with “Sober”. An artist whose known for his unwavering ability to craft melodic folk-pop numbers that are full of emotion and authenticity. Gavin dives deep on this new track pulling forth a poignant albeit sad story to tell about being in love with someone then in the morning they don’t love you back. The track is sure to catch your ears quick and features production from Patrick Pyke Salmy and Ricardo Muño, with mixing from Mitch McCarthy.
https://youtu.be/NcM7sEUwBHo
Pongo // ‘Bruxos’
Pongo marks her return to music this year with the single “Bruxos”, meaning sorcerer in Portuguese. The Angolan-Portuguese singer takes on jealousy and the belief the jealous people would cast curses on those who succeeded in this fiery, high energy, and magnetic track. Pongo is one to watch creating her own unique vibe from an amalgam of cultures from South America to Africa. Mixing in dances like the Kuduro, Break, Malanje, dancehall in for good measure. You can stream the new single here and watch her COLORS live session below!
https://youtu.be/5duWNtire2o
Calica // ‘Letting Go’
Taking major inspiration from disco-pop and artists like LCD Soundsystem & MGMT. Singer-Songwriter Calica creates the ultimate vibe with her new track, “Letting Go”. A fun and breezy bop that will quickly put anyone listening into a happy and fresh mood. The Florida born artist and producer seemingly finds the perfect mix of nostalgic vibes with dance-ready grooves, on this sweet tune about an old flame.
https://youtu.be/vVJPPeFBKEQ
Rarin // ‘Toxic Ends’
Newcomer and Hip-Hop artist Rarin dropped his debut mixtape today and instantly a banger. The nine track mixtape titled ‘Toxic Ends’ is one of the aspirational sort with lots of self-growth and pump up anthems, and songs about not letting the haters get to you. My favorite track ‘Toxic Ends’ is two parts pop punk anthem with emo rap that’s super catchy and quite ready for it’s Tik Tok moment! You can go here to listen to Rarin’s mixtape and you can view the video for my favorite track which below!
https://youtu.be/vtBqT-0mLF4
Yebba // ‘October Sky’
Another stunning, poignant and melancholic number from Yebba combining neo-soul with touch of 60s psychedelic pop. The artist truly lets her vocals play around the melody and shine her never over doing it creating a track that stays with you long after. If you want to catch some pretty wistful vibes (expertly produced by Mark Ronson ) then hit that play button below.
https://youtu.be/8ysq5GzTXfc
BIM // ‘OTR’
The London based R&B songstress new track ‘O.T.R’ is giving us full 90s soul diva vibes and yes, I am loving it. ‘O.T.R’ beautifully showcases Bims vocals and vocal range in a way that we don’t always get to hear with her work as a sessions vocalist. The control with her vocals and deliberate choices she makes, the minimalist choice for instruments and music are what truly elevates this song. Which when all put together create a nostalgic and sweet take that feels like a delightful hymn.
https://youtu.be/3t5ftlSLYD0
Yoshi Flower // ‘Slow Dance’
Always an artist that thrives on being genreless, and left of centre. Yoshi Flower latest jam is an immediate head-nodder. Yoshi quickly paints a picture in this 2: song of ideal Cinderella as they slow dance and in the most effortlessly cool kind of way. Want a cool Summer jam? Then definitely hit play on this one.
https://youtu.be/J6nbkmXJex8
NEEDTOBREATHE // ‘Sunshine’
Grammy-nominated band NEEDTOBREATHE are prepping for the release of their upcoming record “Into The Mystery” due out July 30th via Elektra Records. It’s the band's eighth album and their current single from it ‘Sunshine’ is a foot stomping country pop number. The piano at the end closes the track nicely. The band is fresh off a CMT Awards performance with Carrie Underwood (she is a featured collaboration on the new record). The band states the forthcoming album they explore more of their Country music roots. So expect those sounds like lush acoustic guitars, fiddles and other strings, heart warming melodies, or collabs with artists like Carrie Underwood. You can catch the video for ‘Sunshine’ below and check out their previous single here.
https://youtu.be/JnqG2Z68Cro
Maple Glider // ‘Friend’
Anyone who is a fan of unique Indie voices and great storytelling will surely find a home in the latest release from Tori Zietsch aka Maple Glider. The Melbourne/Naarm-based singer-songwriter released her debut album “To Enjoy is the Only Thing” off Partisan Records. ‘Friend’ the last release and video prior the album showcases a skillset similar to that of Sharon Von Etten. A deliberate, raspy, yet haunted vocal delivery like no other..
https://youtu.be/C15KVq0HGd4
Here is the new playlist for this series on Spotify and now Apple Music.
Thanks for checking out edition 9 be on the lookout 👀 for edition 10!
Until then,
Brittney x