Weekly Roundup
Roundup by Isabelle Turner and Carson Huffer
“back to your dad’s” by PENNY X
Finding her sound in heavy hitting angsty tracks, Penny X is back with her most recent release “back to your dad’s”. Reflecting a heartbreak, Penny X’s forceful voice is the backdrop to the breakup anthem we needed. Using honest and specific lyrics, Penny X’s chorus explodes over the building track. Seeping anger and passion, the song is therapeutic, for artist and listener alike. “back to your dad’s” tells a powerful statement that makes us adore the rising artist even more.
“ANGELA” by Sval (feat. Jimi Somewhere)
Angelic and nostalgic, “ANGELA” is the newest release of collaborating artists Sval and Jimi Somewhere. The duo’s vocals compliment each other perfectly as they reflect on the past relationship and the years prior. The delicate piano draping the track is chilling and creates a beautiful sense of longing. The steady beat allows the track to reach a synth-enhanced bridge. Combining the best elements of heartbreak and moving on, “ANGELA” embraces the bittersweet in an unmistakable manner.
In another beautiful and poignant track, néomí’s latest song “skipping stone” is a cinematic and expansive track. While the intro is incredible, when néomí’s vocals kick in and begin building to the chorus, the impact is explosive. Detailing her love story with a past relationship, she uses past experiences and anecdotes to reflect true heartbreak. As a thumping drum and an electric guitar adds in an incredible contrast to the track, the song tells so much about the rising artist and her inevitably successful path. With a track like “skipping stone”, néomí is creating an incredible foundation to be an artist to watch in 2023.
Known for her TikTok sensation, “GASLIGHT”, INJI is known for her electronic and bold house music. Detailing the types of romantic interests in her life, “THE ONE” utilizes irony and a distinct beat to showcase her vocals. With an authentic sound that doesn’t rely on heavy production, “THE ONE” allows listeners to see INJI’s raw talent vocally. As INJI continues to show off her speciality through tracks like “THE ONE”, we are excited to hear her music in clubs across the country.
In anticipation for his album release The People’s Champ, Quinn XCII has released his fourth single off the record, “The Lows”. With a funky guitar and echoing trumpets coupled with raw lyrics, the song is absolutely addicting due to its unexpected realism. If “The Lows” is any indication of his album released last Friday, we will be playing the album for the rest of the year!
Laden with strife and heartbreak, “Play Dumb” is a masterful look at the emotional artistry of Sam MacPherson’s music. As he pretends to not notice the way his relationship is falling apart, you can feel his desperation and willful ignorance in favor of protecting his own heart. “Play Dumb” is effortlessly beautiful and full of poignant lyricism, and has easily become our favorite release so far from MacPherson.
"Can Somebody Tell Me" by Woody
“Can Somebody Tell Me” finds Woody battling through the darkness of a relationship ending. Her passionate vocals shine while layered with soft piano, and the build of the track offers the cathartic release that is so necessary with a breakup. We’ve been in awe of this track since first hearing it – Woody’s emotional belt is a necessity on any winter blues playlists.
"Die For Someone" by Sam Tompkins
We’ve been so excited to follow along on Sam Tompkins’ journey leading to his upcoming debut album, and new release “Die For Someone” highlights Sam’s strengths in a blissful sad pop anthem. This track feels on par with recent hits from artists like Post Malone, and we cannot wait to hear his album in full.
After a major 2022 opening for YUNGBLUD and My Chemical Romance, Charlotte Sands is running full speed into the new year with new single “Alright”. An expression of self and discussion of the comfort she finds in creating her art, “Alright” is a power ballad of finding strength in even the hardest of times. The release of “Alright” also partners Charlotte with the JED Foundation in support of mental health, championing the true meaning of “Alright” with renewed importance.
“Better” channels mysterious lyricism and intriguing guitar lines to talk about dee holt’s own self-sabotage. Fans of Billie Eilish will immediately find a comfort in dee’s iconic sound, and this packed punch of sultry lyricism and energetic production immediately marks dee holt as an artist to watch in 2023.
