Pop & Indie
Gracie Abrams released a single from her upcoming album, “The Secret of Us,” being released June 21st. Her album is big news for fans in WQAQ. “Risk” talks about taking risks in a relationship. I haven’t listened to much of her music in the past, but it’s different from what I have heard. Meghan Trainor released a single from her upcoming album “Timeless,” releasing on June 7th. “To The Moon” makes many references to space, and overall is a different style from what I have previously heard from her. I really like the beat as well. McKenna Grace is known for her acting more than her music, but I personally enjoy both. She released a new song called “Gentleman” and talks about the little things she wants from someone in a relationship. I think it’s a really cute song and I can’t wait to hear more from her. Diving into more indie music, a smaller artist, Petey, released a new single, “The River.” After my first listen, I didn’t think it was my vibe, but I listened again and I really liked it. The song is nice, slow, and peaceful. Odie Leigh announced her first album on Thursday called “Carrier Pigeon,” which will be released on July 12th. On Thursday, she dropped three songs from the upcoming album. I have never heard her music before today, but “Conversation Starter” definitely gets me excited to hear more. Finally, Niall Horan is coming to Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater on June 18th.
Punk & Alternative
American rock band Cage the Elephant released a new EP, “Metaverse” this past Friday. Sporting four new songs; the title track, “Metaverse,” “Neon Pill,” “Good Time” and “Out Loud.” These tracks have been released in preparation for the band’s upcoming new album, to be released on May 17, 2024.
Louisiana based alternative rock band Better Than Ezra released its ninth studio album this past Friday entitled “Super Magick.” The band’s biggest hit “Good,” reached the number one spot on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1995. While the band could be described as a “one-hit wonder,” its newest album has some great songs—with some of my favorites being “Show Em Up” and “Live A Little.”
Pop-punk band Pierce The Veil released its cover of Radiohead’s 1997 hit “Karma Police” on April 19, 2024. Previously, the band released “Karma Police (triple j Like A Version)” live cover of the song—recorded in Aug. 2023, and released to streaming in December of 2023.
American pop-rock band Imagine Dragons, the minds behind 2012 hits “Radioactive,” and “Demons,” released a new single on May 3, 2024, in collaboration with Colombian singer J Balvin. The band initially released a solo recording of the track on April 3, 2024, as the first track on a new album, entitled “Loom.”
All-girl alternative rock band Snarls released a new album for its discography on May 3, 2024. The Columbus-based band had its start in 2018 with a self-titled EP, followed by the band’s debut album, “Burst,” in 2021. “With Love,” has 10 new songs for the band’s discography, and adds to its “Glitter Emo” persona.
British rock band The Struts is making an appearance on Aug. 7, 2024, at College Street Music Hall for its Pretty Vicious Tour, celebrating the band’s 2023 album of the same name.
Folk & Country
“Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart” is the newest brainchild of Canadian country singer, MacKenzie Porter. The album was released via Big Loud Records on Friday April 26th. Porter became the first female artist since Shania Twain to have three back-to-back #1 singles on Canadian Country radio in 22 years with “About You,” “These Days,” and “Seeing Other People” in early 2020.
Dylan Schneider’s newest EP, “Bad Decisions,” is definitely a relatable one for those who are, or have been, intertwined in a toxic relationship. The six-track EP is a journey through his darkest times and deepest fears.
Charles Crockett, an American country and bluegrass singer, released his 10th studio album “$10 Cowboy.” On this project, Crockett found inspiration on the road, writing much of the album while touring in support of its predecessor, 2022’s concept record “The Man From Waco.”
Hovvdy released a self-titled alternative folk album earlier this week, with stand out tracks “Jean,” “Big Blue,” and “Forever.”
Singer-songwriter Iron & Wine released a new album called “Light Verse.” The album has 10 indie folk tracks, featuring a collaboration with Fiona Apple.
Lastly, folk singer-songwriter Ben Chasny is bringing his project “Six Organs of Admittance” to Space Ballroom in Hamden, CT on November 10th with Tashi Dorji!
Hip-Hop & Rap
The song “Heavy Stunts” by Yeat with Don Tolliver builds really well. It starts with Yeat and the normal beat, then adds another synth before going to Don’s verse. His vocals are always welcome, and it was a great pairing with Yeat’s normal sound.
“Hate Me” by Kanii starts with an electrifying drill beat and amazing vocals from Kanii. I found Kanii initially from his viral hit, “I Know,” and his sound has taken a significant leap since then. Wolfacejoeyy is an artist that I’d never heard before, but they provided a solid verse and were a good addition overall.
“So Superb” by Slum Village, Cordae, and Earlly Mac has a super funky beat with some cowbells in the back that gives it an awesome retro feel. The voices of Slum Village sound amazing in each verse they give, and Cordae’s verse is really good. It reminds me of flows from his first album and my favorite era of his. Check out this song for your summer playlist.
“5 Days” by Jasiah with Denzel Curry & Meechy Darko has a really eerie sounding beat with a piano, but the drums give the song a really unique kick. All of the voices in this song give a lot of energy as well, which makes this song unlike almost any other I’ve ever heard. If you like weirder stuff, this one’s for you.
I told myself I could only pick one song from the recent, yet ubiquitous, Kendrick and Drake beef, and it always had to be “Meet the Grahams” by Kendrick Lamar. As of right now, we’re pending receipts, but if even half of the allegations Kendrick throws out in this song are true, Drake’s prestige could become lost to the wind by tomorrow. The beat of the song was gritty, and the lyrics perfectly matched the tone of the whole song. In my opinion, this is in the running for best rap diss tracks of all time.
