With music fans now able to catch their breath from last week’s antics at the VMA’s, this week’s list takes a quieter, more indie tone, with the majority represented by lesser known acts, excluding, of course, someone from one of the most famous families in music. A new Empire cast song was released also this week to get you ready for the show’s return on September 23rd, as well as a new song from Travis $cott with the Weeknd, and Travis $cott with Kacy Hill.
We may be saying goodbye to Summer this week but that doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to the soundtracks for letting the good times roll. Be sure to head over to the New Music Friday playlist to catch the full scope of songs, and New Music Friday All-Stars for the greatest hits.
10.) Alright Goodnight by The Heirs
An energetic powerhouse of song, that seems far more suitable for a Good Morning than Good Night. The Heirs deliver lyrically a way harsh bedtime song, “You can’t always get what you want to get, Alright? Goodnight. Alright? Goodnight.” It’s makes for a great ‘that’s just the way it goes’ anthem. This brother and sister duo got their start in their native LA, now building their way cool persona by playing small but kicky venues like The Roxy.
9.) Ordinary Feeling by Here We Go Magic
There are songs that are meant for night before going to bed, and songs that would be appropriate for while you’re sleeping, and Ordinary Feeling is definitely the latter. It starts out like a old Neil Young song, a simple drum keeping the track in time. As it progresses, the band captures their dreamy but earthy style, starting just around the one minute 40 second mark. A beautiful example of the band’s prowess, giving you more to look forward to Be Small, out on October 16th.
8.) Blue Honey by Jimi Charles Moody
Finally reaching Spotify this week, Jimi Charles Moody harps on this single first released last April, using the piano and a finely tuned voice to show you what he’s made of. With his unique style of moody blues, he also creates an urge for a sing-a-long as he sings “I feel bluuuuuuue, honey, can’t do nothing to bring back your love.” A good one to play to shake off the blues for the days following a great weekend.
7.) Unbreakable by Janet Jackson
With her timeless voice filled with youthful exuberance, it’s hard to believe Ms. Jackson will be turning 50 next year. Don’t worry, I’m not putting the diva on blast, but rather as Unbreakable shows, she shares that she has learned from her experiences over her years, proving her love from family, loved ones, and fans. That’s the Unbreakable love she sings about here, giving you something to groove to in the meantime, too. Best used for dedications on anniversaries or birthdays.
6.) Rosie (Ooh La La) by The Arcs
The Arcs debut album name states: “Yours, Dreamily,” it pretty much sums up the vibes created on this track, as they croon ‘Say a little pray for me, say a little for me, your love, could, bring, me, home. “ As you’re listening you may be saying to yourself, Gee that voice sounds familiar, and to that I say By George, you’re right! It belongs to Dan Auberach, rock legend made famous by The Black Keys. Consider it just a little break and not a break UP, The Arcs were formed as a pack of artists or producers he has wished to work with for several years. The result is an album full of inspired patchwork quilt of songs, most definitely worth a listen.
5.) Turn Your Love by Half Moon Run
Bringing pride to their native Montreal with an engaging and forever innovative sound, Turn Your Love ebbs and flows between an ‘staple’ indie tone and a more mind expanding shifting sound – and then for good measure kicks it up a notch. Like any good band worth their salt, the band will be road warriors all the way through April 2016, promoting Sun Leads Me On, out October 23rd. The tour will see them taking their talent across Europe, a stop in NY & LA, then closing the tour out in Mother Canada.
4.) Bar Breaker by Prof
The self described Jameson thug lays it down thick in his latest, Bar Breaker, the track starts with some wheezy breezy beats that captures your attention. The Minneapolis native has no problem keeping it, the narrative giving exploits of his rap star lifestyle. Around the one minute 20 second mark Prof delivers everything he has, sure to win over even the most head-so-hard-hat-can’t-fit-ya hip hop fans.
3.) Stockholm by Conner Youngblood
Conner Youngblood takes uniqueness to the next level of added a personal take to the track starting with a some “Oh’s” to the song moving, punctuating it with a slow drum beat, and tops it off with well timed harps. Didn’t see that coming. The result is transfixing, making it the perfect track to zone out to the end of the day, or better yet, for planning your next dream vacation, that most surely must include a stop in Stockholm.
2.) Here For You by Kygo, Ella Henderson
Nobody does tropical house quite Kygo, and it’s all fully accounted for and present on the latest re-collaboration, this time with UK powerhouse Ella Henderson. The nice part of Here for You is it’s turned up enough that it works for both relaxing by the pool or taking to the dance floor with Mai Tai in hand. With all that he’s put this year, it’s safe to assume Kygo has got a pretty good handle on things, and as long as he continues in this direction, we can’t wait for his next collaboration.
1.) Carry Me by Family of the Year
It only takes a simple scroll through the bands website or any social media to know they have been working their tails off in anticipation for their self titled album just released this past week. And there’s no resting on their laurels, as the touring continues through the end of the year. Carry Me has a 70s folksy vibe, seemingly subconsciously inspired by the sepia tint of the album cover. As the chorus “You got the smile I want to see, you got the heart to carry me” showcases, it’s the perfectly simple song for not so simple times.
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