On today’s menu, you’re going to find some delicious new music from Edie, Betty Taylor, ELIA, Heather Woods Broderick, Rebecca Lappa, Shybaby, Sam Casey, Baaba Mal, Cub Sport, and Vera Ellen.
Dig in and enjoy!
Cub Sport – Songs About It
Australian group Cub Sport has released their newest single, “Songs About It,” ahead of their forthcoming fifth album. The track, which features a winking, 90s-referencing piano riff and roiling, infectious sub-bass, charts new territory for the band and manages to say just as much as its lyrics.
“Songs About It” is a piece of euphoric, starry-eyed piano house that captures love and beauty in song form. The irrepressible new single cuts to the heart of the latest incarnation of the beloved Brisbane four-piece, and speaks to the sparkling highs of the Cub Sport catalogue. It is about getting stuck in a moment of hedonistic, split-second joy and memorializing it in the form of pure pop.
The track’s classic-sounding rhythm represents a progressive dance perspective from the band. It is a reflection of what it feels like to move on and run with a new energy through sound and lyricism. From echoes of filtered drum rolls to piano-led synths and airy upper-octave croons, their album represents the band’s evolution and growth.
ELIA – Love Comes Down
ELIA, the former Dutch national football team winger, has now traded his boots for a microphone and turned out to be an inventive electronic DJ/producer. With his latest release “Love Comes Down,” ELIA proves that he is not just a one-trick pony, as this track is a brilliant, bass-laden club stomper that will have you craving more.
The track opens up with a hypnotic and captivating beat, which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The bassline is thick and heavy, making it impossible to resist the urge to dance through the seamless integration of techno, house, bass, and hip-hop influences is a testament to ELIA’s versatility and production prowess. The drop is nothing short of exhilarating and will undoubtedly have the dancefloor bouncing.
The vocals on “Love Comes Down” are minimalistic yet practical, providing the perfect complement to the beat. They add a layer of depth and soul to the track, making it even more enjoyable to listen to. ELIA’s decision to pepper the track with undertones of hip-hop is a stroke of genius and elevates it to another level entirely.
Baaba Maal – Freak Out
Baaba Maal [pronounced “BA-ba Marl”]’s music has always been a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and his new single “Freak Out” from his upcoming album “Being” is no exception, as this is a daring and dazzling new addition to his already transcendent and inspiring work over the last forty years. Produced by Johan Hugo, the track has a visceral electronic production, combining with a uniquely modern African sound, which makes it a mesmerizing example of Baaba’s alchemy.
The lyrics of “Freak Out” explore the dynamic of social media and its various effects on Africa and the wider world, making it a topical song in today’s age of social media. Vocalist Esau Mwamwaya of The Very Best also features, and his addition is the perfect complement to Baaba’s vocals, making the song even more powerful and impactful.
Baaba’s message is clear, “Freak Out” is a warning to be careful of what you put on the internet, as it can have consequences that you will have to live with for your entire life. The internet should be used to make humanity feel good about themselves, not to cause a constant freak-out. The lyrics of the song are a reflection of Baaba’s commitment to making the world a better place, and this has been his driving force over the last four decades.
Sam Casey – Stupid Bitch
Sam Casey’s song “Stupid Bitch” is a powerhouse anthem that showcases her raw emotional expression and artistic range. The pop production on this track is full of catchy hooks and infectious beats that will have listeners bobbing their heads and singing along. Sam’s lyrics are both brutally honest and relatable, tackling the theme of toxic relationships and the struggle to break free from them.
The instrumentals on “Stupid Bitch” complement Sam’s vocals, with a driving bassline and crisp percussion that build to an explosive chorus. The song’s style is a mix of pop and rock influences, with a punk rock edge that gives it an edgy, rebellious feel.
Sam’s personal connection to the song is evident in her passionate performance, as she channels her own experiences and those of her friend into a powerful message of empowerment. She encourages listeners to recognize their own worth and to stand up for themselves, even in the face of adversity.
EDIE – Front Row
Edie’s latest single, “Front Row,” takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the 90s pop-rock era, with a modern twist, as Edie draws inspiration from the film soundtracks that shaped her youth, and this is evident in the moody and brooding atmosphere it creates.
The song explores themes of fixation, love, and obsession, and Edie’s vocals are the perfect vehicle to convey the emotions that come with a one-sided relationship. Her lyrics are relatable, and many listeners will identify with the experience of creating a fantasy relationship with someone who is unaware of their existence. Furthermore, the production of “Front Row” is impressive, and this is due in part to the contributions of Andrew Lawson and William Bowden, who handled the mixing and mastering of the song. They have created a sound that is both polished and raw, and it perfectly complements Edie’s vocals and the driving guitars and drums.
“Front Row” is a fantastic song that showcases Edie’s talent as a songwriter and performer. It is a perfect blend of the past and present, and it will undoubtedly resonate with fans of 90s pop-rock and modern-day music alike. As Edie herself said, “I love being in the studio and was fortunate enough to work with talented people who understood my vision!”
Betty Taylor – Glitter
Betty Taylor’s “Glitter” is a true gem, shimmering with catchy riffs and captivating vocals that keep the listener entranced from beginning to end. “Glitter” is a song that was dreamed up by the band’s frontwoman Sophie while at the Splendour in the Grass festival in 2019. It’s an anthem that demands to be sung at the top of your lungs while driving down the highway with the windows down. However, beneath the feel-good exterior lies a more poignant message about the dangers of sugar-coating relationships with false promises.
Betty Taylor’s production team, Aidan Hogg and Steve Smart, have created a masterful sonic landscape that perfectly complements the song’s message. From the opening tinkling riffs to the driving drumbeat that propels the song forward, “Glitter” is a tour-de-force of indie production that is both rich and progressive. Vocally, Betty Taylor is equally impressive, with the lead singer’s alluring voice pulling the listener in with every note. Her delivery is both passionate and poignant, making the song’s message all the more impactful.
Rebecca Lappa – Blue Lips
Rebecca Lappa is back and better than ever with her new indie-pop anthem ‘Blue Lips’, providing listeners with the first taste of her new EP set to be released this May. Departing from her acoustic folk/rock roots, Rebecca boldly leans into a fresh pop sound with ‘Blue Lips’, she takes us on a journey into a “romantic with a hint of manic” relationship, complete with addictive choruses, understated guitars, and barely-there synths.
The song brings forth the harsh realities of a situation where one partner hopes the relationship will turn into more than it is. Rebecca’s raw and emotive vocals perfectly capture the intensity of the lyrics, pulling us in and leaving us wanting more. Furthermore, Rebecca’s production is a testament to her indie roots, with a distinctly lo-fi aesthetic that pairs perfectly with her new pop sound. The combination of stripped-back instrumentation and Rebecca’s vocals creates an intimate atmosphere that draws the listener in, making them feel like they’re right there with her.
‘Blue Lips’ is a perfect example of Rebecca’s evolution as an artist. It’s a brave move to move away from the genre that has defined her music for so long, but it’s clear that Rebecca has found her footing in the pop realm.
Shybaby – For Rent
Shybaby’s new single “For Rent” is a refreshing addition to the punk scene, showcasing the Brooklyn-based artist’s ability to merge raw, unapologetic lyrics with upbeat, playful production. As the second single released after “Kiki doesn’t like it when you leave me at the party,” “For Rent” centers around the idea of being “For Rent,” and the conflicting emotions that come with it.
Shybaby’s vocals are powerful and emotive, conveying the vulnerability and pain of a tumultuous relationship with ease. The punk-inspired production adds an edgy, rebellious touch to the track, further enhancing the rawness of the emotions being conveyed. In the video for “For Rent,” Shybaby takes viewers on a journey through her empty apartment, post-move-out. The grey, washed-out visuals perfectly complement the gritty, unpolished aesthetic of the song. It’s a bold, unapologetic visual representation of the conflicting emotions present in the lyrics.
Shybaby’s willingness to explore the messy, complicated aspects of love and relationships is what sets her apart from other artists in the punk scene. “For Rent” is a prime example of this, showcasing her ability to tap into the animalistic emotions that come with being in love, even when it’s painful and messy.
Vera Ellen – Lenny Says
Vera Ellen, the award-winning Kiwi songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has released a new single titled “Lenny Says” from her upcoming album, to be released at the end of March. “Lenny Says” is a track that will resonate with many, especially those who have experienced rock bottom, unattainable dreams, and financial struggles.
The opening line of the song, “I’m 23 and I’m a bloody loser,” sets the tone for the entire track. Vera’s witty lyricism and self-deprecating humour are on full display throughout the song, making it both relatable and enjoyable. The track is a commentary on the struggles of being a broke, young artist chasing one’s dreams, and the challenges that come with it.
Musically, “Lenny Says” is an upbeat indie rock track with jangly guitars and a catchy chorus, and the instrumentation complements the lyrical content perfectly, creating a bittersweet vibe that is both melancholic and uplifting at the same time. Vera’s vocals are raw and emotive, conveying the frustration and desperation that comes with being a young artist struggling to make ends meet.
Heather Woods Broderick – Admiration
Heather Woods Broderick’s new single “Admiration” is a hauntingly beautiful track that seamlessly blends elements of alternative rock and ‘90s hip hop, while also incorporating soft synths reminiscent of Phil Collins’ iconic sound. The Maine-born, Los Angeles-based artist’s vocal delivery is stunning, with her emotive voice floating over the lean and meditative production.
The song was inspired by Heather’s experience during the 2020 wildfires in coastal Oregon, where she found herself alone and surrounded by heavy smoke. The fear and helplessness she felt during that time is palpable in the song, but what sets “Admiration” apart is its ability to channel that fear into a vehicle for hope. As Heather explains, amidst the uncertainty and chaos of the world, it’s important to remember what we have to be grateful for.
The alternative rock production of “Admiration” is a pared-down approach that allows Heather’s vocals to take center stage. The track’s introspective lyrics and understated melody make it a perfect choice for a quiet moment of reflection, and the way that Broderick infuses her personal experiences into her music is both impressive and relatable.
