Welcome to the first edition of the web installment of our WQAQ Weekly! Our music department will be sharing more details on their weekly picks here for you to keep up with the latest happenings in the world of music!
Pop & Indie
Out of all of Olivia Rodrigo’s releases from the extension of “GUTS,” “GUTS (Spilled),” “So American” stands out the most. This upbeat love song is a stark contrast to much of her previous work and it’s a light-hearted bop that’s a nice switch-up from her typical gut-wrenching ballads. Artemis’ “I like the way you kiss me” follows this theme of upbeat and fun with an electronic twist that’s very fitting overall. Remi Wolf’s “Cinderella” utilizes many funky sounds and instruments. There’s lots of repetition in this track and a crazy mix of sounds I’ve never heard in songs of this style. Hozier’s latest EP, “Unheard,” features many songs which have been on repeat for the past week. Of these, “Too Sweet” has been a favorite. Despite conveying a conflict and contrast between two people, I have found the energy of the track to be lively. Still Woozy’s “Shotput” is a very cheerful track that maintains a nice rhythm throughout. Adding to this positive vibe of music is Oliver Hazard, who is scheduled to play at Space Ballroom on 10/19/24. Their music leans on the indie/folk line, complementing the upbeat and fun atmosphere set by the other artists mentioned.
Punk & Alternative
As of Friday March 21, rock and alternative music just got better! The Seattle based band The Home Team just released a new single “Hell,” following the release of their latest single “Brag” from earlier this year. This week also featured multiple album releases from some great bands including The Story So Far and Daedric. The new Daedric album is a deluxe version of the 2023 release of “Mortal.” It features reimagined songs, instrumental versions, and plenty of remixes by SWARM and Voician. Not only did The Story So Far release “I Want To Disappear,” they also announced a summer tour opening up for A Day To Remember. The Least Anticipated Album Tour is stopping at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT on June 29th! This show is going to be insane and sell out fast. These big bands aren’t the only ones making moves, but so is Pearl Jam with their new single “Running.” Finally, hardcore band Weeping Wounds released their new track “black.magick” only a couple days ago.
Folk & Country
This week in folk music we have a new Kacey Musgraves album entitled “Deeper Well”. In my opinion, the stand-out track “Too Good To Be True” brings Kacey back to her soft melodic roots with this acoustic tune. Mitski teamed up with Spotify to cover Pete Seeger’s ‘Coyote, My Little Brother’ and Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners released the song ‘Sierra Vista’ about the northern Arizona town.
In the country world, small artist ERNST tells the story of a cruel lover with classic country elements. From his 2024 album “BORN”, Kenney Chase’s standout track ‘Take Her Home’ is a slow moving southern ballad about the birth of Chase’s child. Lastly, Multi PLATINUM-selling country artists Randy Houser and Justin Moore’s co-headlining ‘Country Round Here Tonight Tour,’ will be hitting Toyota Oakdale in Wallingford next fall!
Hip-Hop + R&B
Metro Boomin has an insane beat sampling Everlasting Bass by Rodney O and Joe Cooley. Kendrick Lamar delivers my favorite verse of the year and disses Drake and J. Cole!?! Headline news in hip-hop as everyone’s scrambling to pick a side of what should be a historic beef.
SiR provides a great melodic flow over an easygoing beat. Paak gives a super solid verse, and his sound is evident in the production of the song, especially the drums.
Mac Miller’s team proves to be among the best in music at providing posthumous releases, and “The Quest” is no different. The vocals are very crisp on an ethereal, cloud rap-esque beat. This isn’t super special considering it’s Mac Miller, but if you’re fiending for new music from him, this should scratch the itch.
Overpade abandons the muted vocals he’s been known for and even opts for a more pop-rock sound in this song. The guitar is very catchy and I don’t even think I can really call this a hip-hop song. Nonetheless, I recommend checking out a tried and true hip-hop artist that is pushing a new sound.
Tyla’s song with Gunna on her new album has a lot of Latin/Reggae influence in the best way possible. Her vocals are superb as usual, and Gunna delivers a decent verse too. Definitely a more underrated track on the rising star’s newest
