Every Friday, Atwood Magazine’s staff share what they’ve been listening to that week – a song, an album, an artist – whatever’s been having an impact on them, in the moment.
This week’s weekly roundup features music by The Killers, The Staves, Wunderhorse, Stevie Bill, Motion City Soundtrack, Doja Cat, Makes My Blood Dance, total tommy, Master Peace, Ted Z and The Wranglers, Birdtalker, Lily Lane, BAYEM, Abe the Kid, Kylie V, Zoe Aronson, Olie Beckett, & Doctor Noize!
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:: “Bright Lights” – The Killers ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
The Killers earned their place in the history books with big, cinematic anthems you could readily sing on repeat, and stories of hard-working people with big hearts and even bigger dreams; now, 20 years into an already illustrious career, they prove they’ve still got what it takes to invigorate, inspire, and ignite – to fan the flames deep down inside themselves and everyone listening. Released August 9, “Bright Lights” is an explosion of passion, a celebration of potential, and a powerhouse of purpose: A spirited, larger-than-life rock song about keeping the dream alive – staying true to who you are and what you’re made of, and shining your inner light out into the world, no matter how dark it gets.
And given the ‘bright lights’ of it all, one can’t help but feel like it’s also an ode to fabulous Las Vegas, the city that made them what they are today: One of the biggest rock bands in the world.
Standing in darkness with empty hands
I still know how to use ’em,
but the miles made other plans
Running out of highway, shorter on time
Feel the dead weight deepen
and the devil coming down the line
The dashboard shaking, I steady the wheel
And I make every turn by memory, by feel
Towards a black horizon, an unbroken dawn
Will this endless stretch of desert road
get me back where I belong?
Will you turn the bright lights on?
Baby, turn the bright lights on
‘Cause I haven’t forgotten wherе it is I’m from
Look out your window for me, here I comе
Will you turn the bright lights on?
Baby, turn the bright lights on
Put me back on the corner to sing my song
I’m a shoo-in tonight, turn the bright lights on
“Bright Lights” is, in more ways than one, a homecoming worth its weight in gold. The song’s release arrives as the band’s original lineup – of Brandon Flowers (vocals), Dave Keuning (guitar), Mark Stoermer (bass), and Ronnie Vannucci Jr (drums) – prepare for their sold-out residency in Las Vegas, where they’ll be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their debut album Hot Fuss and bringing the record to life, from start to finish, for ten brightly-lit nights at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. It feels only fitting that a true-blue Killers song would feature the band’s original lineup as well, and it does – bringing the best out of four old friends who have at times been at odds with one another, but who have never let that stop them from coming together and making great music. Flowers’ lyrics even acknowledge the bumps in the road, reflecting on the turmoil – both within the band, and within himself – that has at times threatened The Killers’ very existence.
I carried my own weight and then some too
There are things I would change,
but it ain’t worth going through
Maybe I’m tapped out or just plain old tired
Tonight the charge is reading low,
but I’m still hard-wired
Nevertheless, they’ve persevered – so maybe “Bright Lights” isn’t just an anthem of tenacity and resolve, but an ode from the band, to themselves: A heartfelt, self-reflective embrace of twenty long, arduous, and beautiful years spent making some of the best damn rock music the world has ever seen. Baby, turn the bright lights on.
Will you turn the bright lights on?
Baby, turn the bright lights on
‘Cause I haven’t forgotten where it is I’m from
Look out your window for me, here I come
Will you turn the bright lights on?
Baby, turn the bright lights on
Put me back on the corner to sing my song
I’m a shoo-in tonight, turn the bright lights on
:: “Waiting for the Joy” – The Staves ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Despite them definitely not being a “singles band,” some of The Staves’ best songs – “Home Alone, Too,” “Mexico,” “Steady,” “Roses,” even “Nothing’s Gonna Happen” – started out as singles. Now, they can add one more notch to that belt: While I’m sure that “Waiting for the Joy” is the precursor to an as-of-yet unannounced “deluxe” edition of their fourth album All Now (released in March), The Staves’ latest offering is, at least for now, a standalone stunner.
I’ve been asleep for a week
And I don’t know where I’ve been
I know I should, if I could, I’d be good
And I’d eat my greens
Up all night
Locking ourselves inside
Everybody’s singing all the songs I love
Waiting for the joy to come
But it never does
I’m pushing buttons keeping on the lights
Even doing nothing
I’m not quite doing it right
Shut the front door
Tell me what to do and what to do it for
Everybody’s singing all the songs I love
Waiting for the joy to come
But it never does
Surprise-released on August 8th, “Waiting for the Joy” is an angsty existential crisis channeled into four minutes of cinematic, harmony-soaked rock. Whereas their last two LPs have toed the line between folk and rock, this song eschews that balance, with the Staveley-Taylor sisters turning their guitar amps up and singing their heavy, frustrated hearts out. The tension and turbulence that birthed these lyrics, so filled with a sense of discontent and defeat, uncertainty and self-doubt, demanded The Staves be loud and bold. They follow through on both fronts, delivering a song that is as catchy as it is cathartic: An anthem for all those moments where we feel unmotivated; apathetic; directionless; hollow.
“The song began in the throes of the first lockdown when the feeling of isolation was so prominent,” The Staves tell Atwood Magazine. “Everyone seemed so inspired, and we were worried that we weren’t inspired by music in general anymore.”
Sitting on notions in oceans of time
And my hair got long
Meant to reply to your message but now
I don’t feel too strong
Sink like a stone
Sorry I don’t answer the phone
Props to The Staves for taking their writers block and making something truly irresistible out of it; whereas most songs of this ilk end up feeling like self-fulfilling prophecies (as dull and uninspired as their source material), “Waiting for the Joy” ends up tackling much larger themes of purpose and mental health with grace, vulnerability, and the band’s charismatic humor.
It may not have made the cut for All Now, but that just means it gets to enjoy a bigger spotlight on its own.
Everybody’s singing all the songs I love
Waiting for the joy to come
But it never does
I’m pushing buttons keeping on the lights
Even doing nothing
I’m not quite doing it right
Shut the front door
Tell me what to do and what to do it for
Everybody’s singing all the songs I love
:: “Rain” – Wunderhorse ::
Christine Buckley, Connecticut
The second track off psych-grunge wunderkind Wunderhorse’s anticipated sophomore album, Midas, “Rain” is a big mood. It’s that creepy feeling when your neck hairs straighten and you whip round to confront…nothing, although surely something was there…. This fourth single is true to the band’s coarse, unrefined sound, and the track feels like an interlude, frugal on lyrics and big on reverb, the “do you feel the rain” refrain and the matter-of-fact clang of layered guitars repeating and rising, doubling down on the dread.
Do you feel the rain?
In the quiet of some disaster
You will turn and face yourself again
‘Cause you thought that someone somewhere
Might be calling out your name
As the fly inside the clockworks skews our futures
As they hammered on the page
Ain’t it strange?
Do you feel the rain?
Frontman/songwriter Jacob Slater’s gripping voice is weathered and wise, road-savvy from his teen years in punk on the UK’s pub music circuit. And his songwriting achieves that difficult-to-achieve sweet point that’s both simple and resoundingly well-crafted. With the release came a fabulous live recording from the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, which the band sold out in November 2023. Definitely get these guys in your ears when Midas comes out August 30, via Communion / Mick Music.
:: “Lalala” – Stevie Bill ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
I‘ve been going “Hahaha” all spring and summer long, and now I’ll be singing “Lalala” ‘til 2025 and beyond. Singer/songwriter Stevie Bill has effectively proven herself a pop music wizard, her music as irresistibly catchy as it is emotionally potent, and her third single of the year highlights her talents in a brilliant two-and-a-half minute package. Released August 2nd via Warner Music Benelux (her second official release via the major label), “Lalala” is a celebration of music that gets at the heart of why we fall so hard – that special something that gets under our skin, making the ordinary extraordinary, soundtracking life’s little moments and connecting us to someone, and something greater than ourselves.
“And it goes just like this, sing it with my lips like, la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la,” Bill sings, deep in her own sun-kissed daydream. “And I swing with my hips and I blow you a kiss like la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.” And just like that, we’re hooked.
“‘Lalala’ is a song about blasting your favourite song on repeat,” the Dutch artist, based in New York City, tells Atwood Magazine. “The song is inspired by one of my favourite songs to dance to when I’m out at night. Some might not know this about me, but I am quite a party girl. Growing up with my parents hosting frequent gatherings at home sparked my passion for hosting and now even DJ-ing, including the all-girls’ nights I organize with my friends in New York.”
“Dancing and nightlife are genuine outlets and hobbies for me – they’re where I really let loose. The right music can truly elevate the night and make it unforgettable. I wanted to write a fun song, a song to strut down the street to with your headphones on, a silly song that’s not to be taken too seriously. Music, in its diverse forms, has a way of soothing, understanding through sadness, and empowering through its infectious rhythms and uplifting melodies.”
“Naming this song ‘Lalala’ following ‘Hahaha’ reinforces its carefree spirit for me,” she adds. “It’s all about enjoying the moment and having a good time. ‘They love me tender I feel better when I put that record on, that beautiful song goes lalala,’ it’s just how music makes me feel. Music is a healer, and it forever will be my healer. This is my love song to music.”
She hits her high in the track’s impassioned, invigorating chorus:
I got them wrapped around my finger on a dark night
The lyrics soothing like a plaster on a snake bite
They love me tender, I feel better
when I put that record on
That beautiful song goes
La-la-la, la-la-la-la-la,
la-la-la-la-la
Sweet, summery, soulful, and utterly seductive, “Lalala” leaves an immediate, lasting mark as Stevie Bill shines her warm and wondrous light out into the world. She holds nothing back in creating a moment of revelry and cheer, dwelling in the good times where music lifts us up to our highest possible heights, no matter what mood we were in previously. The guitars glow, the drums pulse a tight, dynamic groove, and Bill herself soaks up the heat of the moment, her golden voice hot on the mic – a vessel of infectious, unadulterated joy.
And it goes just like this, sing it with my lips like
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
And I swing with my hips and I blow you a kiss, mwah
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Maybe one more time can you
Sing that pretty song for me?
Maybe one more time can you
Can you, can you sing that pretty song for me?
This is euphoria manifest in two and a half minutes of smile-inducing musical honey. Buoyant and blissful, “Lalala” truly is an ode to our favorite songs, and it may very well become one of our favorite songs in due time, thanks to Stevie Bill’s radiant, rousing, and instantly memorable performance.
I got them wrapped around
my finger on a dark night
The lyrics soothing
like a plaster on a snake bite
They love me tender,
I feel better when I put that record on
That beautiful song goes
And when I get into my Chevy on a late night
I turn it up and up and up and then I feel right
I swear there’s nothing I love better
so I put my record on
That beautiful song, oh
:: “Stop Talking” – Motion City Soundtrack ::
Julius Robinson, California
Many of us are in a constant state of anxiety about how others view us. We worry we may be perceived as awkward or strange. Sometimes we don’t communicate the same way as others and that can be hard to cope with. Motion City Soundtrack is back and on fire with their new single “Stop Talking.” Lyrics like “Every time I talk, it’s the talking that drives you mad. Every time I stop it’s the silence I can’t withstand,” are deeply relatable to a lot of people who fear they annoy others. The melodic alt-rock vocals pour over grungy guitars and heavy drums for the ultimate candid and moody track.
“Stop Talking” coincides with the release of the movie Didi, a coming-of-age biopic. Written and Directed by Kurt Sean Wang the film has so much determination and heart. The poignant piece details young Sean Wang growing up in America and following his dream of becoming a director. Motion City Soundtrack’s song fits the film seamlessly as it captures a raw, emotional angst.
The riveting rock band formed in 1997 crafting a spirited blend of pop-punk and indie rock. Their other offerings “Everything Is Alright” and “The Future Freaks Me Out” highlight that energetic, infectious nature. This latest work comes after a 10-year hiatus, but they have still maintained their signature sound fans love.
:: “WYM Freestyle” – Doja Cat ::
Marc Maleri, Connecticut
Ever since Doja Cat released the deluxe version of her 4th studio album, Scarlet, earlier this year, I couldn’t help but revisit some of the tracks. Scarlet was one of my most listened to albums in 2023; it was somewhat of a controversial departure from the half rapper half pop star persona she had stepped into on her previous two albums. While Hot Pink and Planet Her helped to sky rocket Doja Cat into the mainstream, Scarlet felt like an entertainingly abrupt knee-jerk reaction to the notion that she was now pigeon holed into this colorful pop girl persona. Scarlet’s release was a slap in the face to those who only expected one type of sound from Doja Cat, a reminder to audiences of where she came from sonically, the album’s final track “WYM Freestyle” perfectly embodying this sentiment.
With lyrics like, “Got a lifelong career, you make a living / I got a overflow of trophies you ain’t winning,” to “Got an overflow of growth, y’all bitches thinning (ah, ah) / Always knew I was gon’ change from the beginning,” Doja Cat’s aggression and conviction on “WYM Freestyle” is invigorating. Unafraid to publicly put critics in their place, this track is one that was not only a dramatic shift in tone from her other works, but one that felt integral to Doja Cat’s movements as an artist and where she wants to head with her music. I’m glad to have revisited the album, each listen brings me back to tracks that remind me of the bold choices Doja Cat made on this project.
:: “Heavy Metal Armour” – Makes My Blood Dance ::
Joe Beer, Surrey, UK
Brooklyn based band, Makes My Blood Dance, are unlike anything you’ve heard or seen before. Their unique style and sound blends elements of electro, goth, punk, disco and metal to create something that is distinctly their own. Their latest single “Heavy Metal Armour” is demonstrative of this entrancing concoction, with the fast-paced, energetic track touching on the emotional walls we put up in order to protect ourselves when it comes to relationships.
Vocalist EVO opens up about his own tendencies to do just that, sharing “I do anyway because I’m so sensitive and I’m frequently struggling mentally, especially with relationships. It’s about coming together, making time for each other, not letting work or obligations derail the romance and excitement of being with someone. I don’t believe that romance should be limited to vacations or date nights. Many people lose themselves in the pressures of life and it gets stale and boring to me and I want to run. I recognize that there is a level of fear in that half of the equation, but relationships take two. That’s what Heavy Metal Armour is about, for me.”
“Heavy Metal Armour” emits a rambunctious sound with unruly guitars and determined percussion crashing against impassioned vocals. The powerful and electrifying anthem is certain to ignite the listeners adrenaline, sending them into a frenzy, resulting in a truly unforgettable release.
:: “REAL” – total tommy ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Sydney’s total tommy has made an indelible mark on 2024’s musical landscape, her first three singles “microdose,” “Losing Out,” and “ADELINE” seeping into the indie/alternative world’s zeitgeist thanks to their dramatic post-punk sound and her unapologetic vocal delivery. Her fourth song is just as intoxicating and inescapable as the first three, speaking to the emotional turbulence we feel within us when in the midst of a seismic life change: Released August 7th via [PIAS] Recordings, “REAL” is raw, intimate, vulnerable, and visceral: A dreamy, dynamic, utterly seductive eruption from an aching soul’s innermost depths.
Showed up empty-handed
to your house on a weekend
It’s a bad move, baby I’m bad news
Should’ve seen it coming, was a long shot
I’ll go out if I got
When it comes to doing something I regret
So I guess, I’m full of it
Please say that you want me back
‘Cause I want you back
I know I’m good for something,
but was giving you nothing
Put energy into strangers,
we’ve got all the pages
We rolled together, we said forever
But what the f*k does that mean?
“‘REAL’ is about the dizziness of that post breakup time, where you’re dipping in and out of reality,” the artist tells Atwood Magazine. “It’s the whirlwind of irrational thoughts you have about whether your decision was right, and the guilt of breaking someone’s heart. It’s the reminiscing, the hurt, the love that stays for a while after. But ultimately, knowing you did the right thing for yourself.”
The song’s cinematic chorus is as catchy as it is painful, the feverish climax of all the turmoil and churn she feels within:
Fell asleep at the wheel
Wake me up if it’s real
Every night I sleep alone
How I miss you in my arms, arms
Don’t wake me up, it’s so real
“‘REAL’ was one of those songs that pieced itself together because the storytelling is pretty linear,” total tommy adds. “It’s not usually how I write, but it felt right with this one. It’s also got my favorite bridge; I’m a sucker for a good bridge that flips a song on its head!”
Indeed, over the course of three and a half minutes, “REAL” transforms from intimate lament to radiant celebration as the artist ultimately loses herself in the charm and cheer of her present moment. “Don’t wake me up, it’s so real,” she sings over a haze of hot drums, washed-out guitars and sparkling synths. “You’re the morning coffee, I’m the nightcap, I’m a system for jokes and your sad vibes, I’ve been waking up wearing your old t-shirt, while she’s over there forgetting my existence…”
“Hurts to say the things that you can’t, sorry for the way I treated you so bad.”
Yes, sometimes our emotions are so painful that “so real” can be a bad thing, but the opposite is equally true – when we’ve got it good, it’s real good – and again, nothing compares. “REAL” is, in that regard, an exploration – or rather, an indulgence – of two poles of emotional experience, embracing the full ride as total tommy rides the rollercoaster of love and human connection.
:: “Save Me” – Master Peace ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Master Peace wastes no time in hooking us in on “Save Me,” skipping right to the chorus and demanding our undivided attention. The second single off his upcoming EP How to Make A(nuva) Master Peace is a dramatic, high-energy indie rock anthem characterized by big emotions and even bigger sounds. It’s an unapologetic explosion – dare I say, a celebration – of raw passion, longing, and connection, driven by charged, churning drums, propulsive bass guitar playing, and Peace Okezie’s expressive, dynamic vocals.
Why’d don’t you save me
Somewhere on your body I’m engraved in
Slaving for your loving girl
I’m craving
We’re not saying nothing but the same thing
So why don’t you
save me
Somewhere on your body I’m engraved in
Slaving for your loving girl
I’m craving
We’re not saying nothing but the same thing
So why’d don’t you!
“‘Save Me’ is about finally moving on in a relationship, meeting someone new instantly and thinking these can take the pain away or replace that thing that you’ve lost,” Master Peace tells Atwood Magazine. “It started off as a garage record, but we wanted to make it more of a justice / prodigy record, keep it in the vein of indie sleaze and dance music. The juxtaposition between the verses and the hook on the song is a real standout moment, and I feel it shows my vocal delivery in its best light.”
On a real no lie
sumn bout chu not my usual type
tell me girl we can do it all night
Party all weekend
party till we di ah ie
Cause the movements right
Swing to left
Let me see it from the side
It’s my time lemme get live
Light my fire take me to the sky
Heralded the future of indie sleaze by none other than Rolling Stone, Master Peace has been actively releasing music since 2018, and spent much of the past five years defying genre by embracing a wide array of sounds and styles. 2020’s debut EP Love Bites remains an intoxicating listen, as do 2021’s Public Display of Affection and 2023’s Peace of Mind – but it’s on this year’s How to Make a Master Peace, the artist’s debut album (released March 1st), that he shines his brightest, melding elements of pop, rock, punk, alternative, hip-hop, and more into a singular, spectacular universe that is his and his alone.
She’s on my mind always lately
I’ve been dreaming bout the time
called you my baby
and if you’re gonna leave
can you just take me
So why don’t you save me
Somewhere on your body I’m engraved in
Slaving for your loving girl
I’m craving
We’re not saying nothing but the same thing
So why’d don’t you!
How to Make A(nuva) Master Peace reportedly “extends the journey of his debut album”; whether that means this remains a standalone effort or a deluxe record remains to be seen, but what resonates most on its first two singles, “Home” (featuring Wale) and now “Save Me,” is Master Peace’s ingenuity. He has his fingers on the pulse, and he knows it.
:: “Right That Wrong”- Ted Z and the Wranglers ::
Chloe Robinson, California
Oftentimes we worry too much about getting our heart broken instead of just embracing a romance and appreciating it for what it is. Colorful country rock/ Americana band Ted Z and the Wranglers’ single “Right That Wrong” reminds lovers to live in the now. Soulful twang-tinged vocals slide atop glistening guitars and deep-pounding drums to craft an intensity and fire that is pure and raw. Ted Z shares, “The song ignites the heart’s desire to follow our passion and take a chance on chasing dreams.”
The group hailing from Southern California, is made up of Ted Z (lead vocals), Jackson Leverone (lead guitar, vocals), Marcos de la Cruz (drums, vocals), Henry Clift (bass guitar, vocals), and James Hamilton (guitar, vocals). They concoct a distinct sound that skillfully combines Americana, rockabilly, and roots rock music. Through that bold blend they have gained a dedicated fan base. Ted Z and the Wranglers vibrant vocal harmonies and tight rhythms make their music a true textured listen.
:: “Faded” – Birdtalker ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
There’s a depth to Birdtalker’s “Faded” that no amount of colorful adjectives or action words can faithfully describe. Released back in April, the Nashville indie folk band’s second single of the year is an intimate, soothing, and cinematic reverie: The kind of song that wraps itself around not just the ears, but the soul, as the group unpack and explore that connective tissue that binds us to one another not just in the physical realm, but in the spiritual one as well. From the hypnotic, warm guitar riffs that form the song’s musical core, to Dani and Zack Green’s vulnerable, emotionally charged vocal performances, “Faded” is a dream manifest in song – both figuratively and, it turns out, quite literally.
The locks are broken
And the night is roaming
There’s no place to go
Where the darkness isn’t going
I know your heart was open
And now it’s folding
I know you saw a place
where we’d be face to face
And now you’re losing focus
But I’ve never faded on you
No I’ve never faded on you
“‘Faded’ came from a dream and basically just describes the action in the dream,” Dani Green tells Atwood Magazine. “I was in my childhood home, the locks were broken, and someone broke in and was tearing the house apart and making me clean up the mess. In the dream, I stepped away and looked out a window and saw a man on the street – not someone I recognized from my life – who was looking in my window, and we held a gaze that was incredibly strong and comforting. It felt like he knew me even though I didn’t know him, and something in the gaze made me feel that he understood me on a deep level and his presence was somehow with me as I was going through this experience in the house.”
“In my life at the time I was feeling the gulf that exists between people as we go through difficult seasons, as we all have to live our experiences essentially alone, and often the only thing we can offer each other is holding someone’s gaze and letting them feel our presence. So I wrote the song from the perspective of this mystery dream character to me – trying to put in words the feeling I got from his gaze. I hope the song offers that sense of comfort I received.”
I know you don’t wanna find my eyes
‘Cause you’re just so tired of feeling so tired
Like you’ve gotta pick yourself up
With whatever gets it done
And like it feels so wrong
To have to do it alone
But I’ve never faded on you
No I’ve never faded on you
From its softer entrance to is dramatic finale, “Faded” is a kiss of strength; a hug of support; a blanket of love. Birdtalker have been a favorite of Atwood Magazine’s pages for several years now, and the songs they’ve released this year – from “Dogs & Rocks” in February, to more recent singles like “Life’s a Trip” and “Light On” – have been some of their most moving, meaningful, and life-affirming. “Faded” shines brightest among them, a true light in the dark reminding us that we’re never alone; that there is more to this world than meets the eye, and if we allow ourselves to feel it – if we open our hearts and our souls – then that light will come pouring in.
:: “Crisis” – Lily Lane ::
Joe Beer, Surrey, UK
Lily Lane has just dropped the second installment from her new lovergirl era, with “Crisis.” The vibrant new release details the very beginning of a relationship and all the excitement and butterflies that comes with it. The artist explains, “This song stems from a phrase I had written in my journal 6 months after a monumental breakup when I met my now fiance. “I’m in a crisis, but I kind of love it.” I had promised myself I’d be single for a year and just do exactly what I wanted to do and be selfish and all the things I felt like I hadn’t been doing in the relationship I was in for 5 years prior. Meeting my fiancé really threw me into a crisis because all of a sudden the thing I wanted to do was be with them and that was contradictory to everything I thought I wanted.”
Erupting with cascading synths and a pounding beat, “Crisis” is the ultimate move-inducing, dance-pop anthem. Lane’s powerful vocals demand your attention as she sings “Pulse is racing, you light my fire, keeping cool ain’t easy, wasn’t looking for what I found, but I’m so completely wrapped up in what could be love.” Reminding us of those giddy feelings of endless possibilities and the thrill of new beginnings, “Crisis” is the perfect pick-me-up for when you’re down in the dating dumps.
:: “Avalanche” – BAYEM ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
As feverish as it is pure fun, BAYEM’s latest single is an all-consuming ode to love’s all-consuming nature. Just as we are prone to get swept up in a barrage of emotions, the Indianapolis pop artist pours passion and heat into “Avalanche,” a veritable flood of seductive, dramatic sound and hot feeling.
I’m for real, baby
Try to slide right into you
Touch and feel, baby
Nevermind the warning clues
Do you wanna try something new?
Do you want the full magnitude?
Do you wanna make each other feel so high?
“The inspiration for ‘Avalanche’ was the overwhelming feeling that a new love evokes,” BAYEM tells Atwood Magazine. “I found myself wanting to convey that whirlwind of emotions, but to do it in a way that was very visual and easy to understand. I’m happy with the way it turned out and hope listeners see a bit of themselves in the track.”
Well you’re moving quick, and I’m sinking in
You’re like an avalanche
Caught my heart adrift and I start to slip
You’re like an avalanche
Well, my head getting shook by a solitary look
And I’m falling into temptation
Well you’re moving quick, and I’m sinking in
You’re like an avalanche
A favorite of our pages for two years running (his debut EP AFTERGLOW was named one of the Best EPs of 2022, and his sophomore EP OASIS was equally well-received), BAYEM has a keen sense for blending old- and new-school sounds together, making refreshing landscapes over which his golden voice mightily soars.
The palette du jour is highly reminiscent of ‘80s dance-pop, with grooving synths and pulsing drums driving the scene, and overdriven guitars accentuating the beat. One can hear the influence of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Bad albums on BAYEM’s expressive, tight sound, but ultimately the young artist is charting his own exhilarating path through the 2020s pop fog; his music is a light shining brightly in the dark, and one that (we can only hope) becomes more than Indianapolis’ best-kept secret soon.
:: “FIRST THING” – Abe the Kid ::
Ciaran Short, New York, NY
This song has burrowed into my head and taken a firm hold on my subconscious thought, rearing its head at every possible moment. Without registering what I’m doing, I’ll find myself reflexively humming and then eventually singing the opening lines, “First thing in the morning,” over and over and over again. The hip hop single “FIRST THING” by Abe the Kid feels like a summer hit with viral potential.
With the song and accompanying music video written, recorded, and produced within one week, this joyful song is also an impressive artistic feat. Abe The Kid demonstrates his full musical range on “FIRST THING,” leaning into his mastery of melody and wordplay to create an undeniably catchy song. Not only is the song easily repeatable, but it’s also genuinely heartwarming. Unlike many soulless monotonous jingles, “FIRST THING” reinforces an affirming refrain about enduring love and commitment.
Additionally, Abe released a playful and inventive music video with the single that enhances the warm feeling of the song. In the video, Abe gives viewers a window into his personal relationships, friendships, and daily surroundings with optimism, appreciation, and liveliness. Featuring various intimate moments of Abe and many other characters playing out a slew of scenarios from talking to themselves in a mirror to strolling down the street hand in hand with a loved one, FIRST THING presents a softer side of New York, as well as Abe’s musical universe as a whole. Give the song a listen and try not to get hooked.
:: “With You” – Zoe Aronson ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
With its tight, bustling beats, provocative lyrics, and slick indie pop melodies, Zoe Aronson’s second lifetime single is as immersive as it is enchanting: A sweet, seductive summer escape weighed down by a well of raw emotions. Released August 2nd, “With You” is a dazzling best-foot-forward for the London-based indie pop artist, who debuted back in February with the dreamy, warm, and wondrous “Spiderwebs.” Her follow-up is lively and alluring – a catchy, eclectic eruption that feels more fun than anything else (which, considering this is technically a breakup song, is really saying something).
I was too young
And you were too old
Even in this heat
These sheets
They feel
So damn cold
I guess its my nerves
Making my blood go thin
I gotta confess
I’ve committed a sin
“‘With You’ follows a relationship on both sides, told from the perspective of a guilty conscience. It’s about letting go of resentment and guilt,” Aronson tells Atwood Magazine. “I wrote it right after a heartbreak. It originally sounded very grungy. But I didn’t want to record anything sad or depressing about it all; ‘that’s just going to have the feeling fester more,’ I thought.”
“When Ian (my producer) and I got into the studio, we ended up writing ‘With You’ in two sessions. It became just a fun bop. It was the summertime, it was hot, and every decision we made was fun, light, easy. We just got really goofy with it, and every decision felt like the right one. ‘With You’ is the golden child of all my songs.”
The song’s sun-kissed chorus is fun and flirtatious – a spellbinding singalong:
But I want my life with you
With you
Your powder blue eye’s that died
When I apologized go on
And slap my wrists
Don’t excuse me now, I insist
You’re the bubbles in my belly
I could die, the guilts too heavy
You’re to kind, please punish me
And push me out to sea
Golden child, indeed! “With You” is lightweight and uplifting, yet full of surprising nooks and crannies to explore. From Aronson’s lyrical wit to the colorful, seemingly ever-changing choice of percussion instruments sprinkled throughout the tune, “With You” proves a powerful introduction to an artist we’ll be eager to hear more from over the months ahead!
:: “Effortlessly” – Olie Beckett ::
Grace Holtzclaw, Los Angeles, CA
Olie Beckett is a teenage artist with an undeniable gift. After starting out as a singer at his church, Olie quickly learned to play the piano and began songwriting. It’s his unique gift for songwriting that allows him to craft such compelling narratives around growing up in the current landscape. His new single “Effortlessly” explores the emotions and excitement that surface in light of a first crush.
“Effortlessly” exhilarates the ear with lush beats, infectious notes of bass, and transcendent vocals that highlight Beckett’s range as a performer. The chorus hits like a wave of dopamine as Olie reminisces on the intense feelings that come with a first romance. “Effortlessly” is cut from the core of Olie’s experience as a young artist navigating the world as both a musician and a teenager.
“Effortlessly” is an exciting change of pace in Olie’s career. Exhibiting bolder choices as a songwriter and seamless production while staying true to Beckett’s optimistic spirit, this single is the perfect example of why Olie Beckett is an artist to watch.
:: “I’m Listening” – Doctor Noize ft. Justin Roberts ::
Chloe Robinson, California
Whether you are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, come from different cultures or have other dissimilarities, it is still important to hear each other out. Musician and composer Doctor Noize teamed up with 5-time Grammy nominee Justin Roberts for a new single entitled “I’m Listening.” The piercing piano ballad is all about respecting different points of view despite not always seeing eye to eye. That is not an easy thing to do, but we must remember we are all human and our differences are what make us unique. The passion-filled theatrical vocals remind us the deep power of coming to a clear understanding.
The visuals are equally as impactful. They commence with the outline of two bodies facing their back to one another. At first they appear to be arguing, but as the video continues you witness the two begin to come closer together and then even shake hands. The little kid at the end also adds a whole other layer as we teach the future generation compassion and kindness.
Doctor Noize has a long list of accolades. He is a chart-topping musician, composer for stage and screen, author, award-winning teacher, speaker, studio owner and humorist. Within his music he showcases diverse characters with many types of ideas and mindsets. I’m listening is another offering of his that spreads vast caring and positivity.
:: “Lucky Streak” – Kylie V ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
From its achingly emotive entrance to its cinematic finale, Kylie V’s first single of the year is a deeply cathartic exhale of liberation. Released August 6th via Royal Mountain Records, “Lucky Streak” finds the Vancouver indie folk singer/songwriter dwelling in a deeply vulnerable space as they process a recent breakup, putting their heartache into perspective with the rest of their life. Churning guitars and pounding drums accentuate the heat and weight of their vocal performance; delicate and dramatic, they hold nothing back in creating a moment of stillness and movement, reckoning and reflection.
I wanna strike a match
I wanna cut it off
I wanna take it back
I wouldn’t take you back
Now I’m in the dark
By the city hall clock
And I’m lighting up
Like you left the light on
“I wrote ‘Lucky Streak’ during the excruciatingly complex process of getting over someone, while everything else in my life seemed to be speeding up and getting better at a surreal pace,” they tell Atwood Magazine. “When I started this song in my notes, I was on one hand feeling lost and empty, and on the other hand it felt like all my dreams were beginning to come true – later in the month I wrote this song I played my biggest venue to date, and then flew across the country for another show. ‘Lucky Streak ‘started as a folky breakup ballad, but as I worked on it with Josh (Eastman, my producer and friend), it began to blossom into what I think is one of my most fun songs, and took on an entirely different significance to me in the process. (And yes, all the four leaf clovers on the cover are real!)”
Did I f*k it up?
Was it something special?
It could never last
We were playing with fire in a studio
Did I f*k you up?
Were you losing interest?
Did you tell your mother everything
Or did you ever face it?
In many ways, “Lucky Streak” captures what moving on can feel like – two steps forward, one step back, always trying to find a new balance between the past you knew so well, and a future that feels so uncertain. Yet by the song’s end, Kylie V seems to have found their footing, and is no longer afraid of the dark. They erupt in a feverish roar, declaring once and for all, “I’m on a lucky streak” – and as electric guitars soar and drums roar all around them, we feel the weight lifted and life start anew.
Now I’m in the car
With the radio on
And they’re playing my song
I know you know the one
‘Cause I’m on a lucky streak
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