Now Listening: This Week's Tracks

 

By CARSON HUFFER, & ANDY TORRES-LOPEZ

 
 

Katherine Nora - “bloom”

Utilizing lush imagery and serene indie-folk-pop styling, Katherine Nora’s “bloom” is ethereal in its creation. Lyrically, “bloom” finds hope in the waiting, penning a love letter to the periods of growth that allow each person to flourish and “bloom”. Within its divine calm, “bloom” is both calm yet fierce, soft yet strong, and understanding yet unwavering. Katherine Nora has created a track reminiscent of artists like Maggie Rogers or Matt Nathanson yet entirely her own, with “bloom” stealing the new release calendar as a showstopping and soulful indie-folk track.

Canary - “i used to write you love songs”

Trudging through the betrayal and heartbreak, “i used to write you love songs” stands tall as an anthem of angst for the second release from Canary. Originally penned as a softer piano song, Canary has flipped the switch and let their emotions run wild within the studio recording of “i used to write you love songs”. This vehement vulnerability of Canary’s lyricism is intensely relatable as the song traverses through the pitfalls and emotional changes of heartbreak, and the instrumentation perfectly supplements throughout each shift. Canary has found an undeniable foothold in their artistry with “i used to write you love songs”, and it’s hitting us in every emotion possible.

Matty Hendly - “Nobody Like U”

Matty Hendly has a crush, and he can’t wait to tell you all about it in sophomore single “Nobody Like U”. Connecting with his newfound feelings in a fluorescent summery indie pop, Hendly professes his heart and soul with lyrical ease. Self described as “deep-south pop” due to the addition of the banjo within the shimmering instrumentation of “Nobody Like U”, Matty has connected back with his americana and folk upbringing while pushing into new sounds and expressions of self. Hendly’s honesty within his ruminations of life and love are saccharine and soft, cracking the code on a perfect summer love song straight from the big screen. 

LiLi Joy - “Versus”

“What if we made a song that sounds like how anxiety feels?” This, Lili Joy says, is the question she set out to answer when creating her newest single, “Versus.”  As it turns out, anxiety sounds pretty groovy. Joy’s effortless, jazzy vocals wonderfully juxtapose the gritty instrumental tracks that drive the song forward, giving us a unique, catchy indie pop bop. If you’re a fan of artists like Remi Wolf or WILLOW, you’ll certainly appreciate this one.

Yoshi Flower - “Good News”

Mac Miller’s passing in 2018 was devastating to many, including artist Yoshi Flower, who refers to the event as “the moment” when “the myth of the ‘Rock ‘n Roll Lifestyle’ died, in my eyes.” Now in post-recovery, Flower has decided to pay tribute to Miller and other artists tragically lost too soon to addiction with his new EP, ODE. The five-track EP also features covers of Juice WRLD’s “Wishing Well,” Lil Peep’s “Star Shopping,” Alice in Chains’ “Man in the Box,” and Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.” However, Flower’s cover of “Good News” is certainly a highlight, giving us a more acoustic, earnest version of an already haunting song. Streaming it is highly recommended, especially because all of the EP’s proceeds will be donated to organizations and recovery programs for those struggling with addiction and/or their mental health.

Gallowayyys - “OLLIE OFF A MXLLY”

When you look at the phrase “break-up song,” you might immediately expect a radio-ready pop ballad. Gallowayyys, however, decided to take a different, possibly more accurate approach with his new song “Ollie off a Mxlly.” The eclectic track centers around the anxieties, regrets and mania a person experiences while coping with a drawn out breakup. Sonically, you can hear those highs and lows through various changes in the melody, flow, and percussion lines. The song’s dynamic nature takes the listener on a journey through the artist’s very unique mind, and is certainly worth the listen.

Homes at Night - “Tell Emma”

Following the debut of Homes at Night’s first track, the duo returns with “Tell Emma”, a smooth indie rock track that will find a sweet spot in your mind. With a solid guitar melody leading the track along, “Tell Emma” finds a perfect balance between energetic guitars and an almost soulful vocal flow, keeping you engaged with each note. Homes At Night shares, “ The song came about from me being avoidant with a relationship that I knew needed to end but I just didn’t know how to cut it off.”

The duo continues to pave their path, with “Tell Emma” being an incredible addition to their early career. Out later this year, their debut EP If You Were a Stranger, is sure to highlight that perfect sonic balance they’ve found, and will continue to share narratives we can all relate to too well.


Maybe Sasha - “Tommy Hilfiger”

With just a few notes, Maybe Sasha quickly sweeps you off your feet with sweet vocals and a fun instrumental flow with “Tommy Hilfiger”. Touching on the artist’s abandonment issues and the overwhelming culture of Los Angeles, "Tommy Hilfiger” leads with a catchy chorus and a solid paced melody. Maybe Sasha explains, “I made this song immediately after buying a TH jacket at a flea market for $10 because I'm basically broke but I was thinking how people might view me differently for having a seemingly pricey jacket despite it, in reality, not actually being worth much at all.”

The LA based artist is creating a strong foundation for themselves, with debuting their first tracks last year. “Tommy Hilfiger” will soon find a spot in your heart and playlists.

 

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