24kGoldn, courtesy.

In the first Tuesday Tracks of 2024, we listen to new music from a local artist, instrumental hip-hop, psychedelia, Brazilian- and Tokyo-inspired house music, and even travel back in time with a tune that’s reminiscent of ’80s pop and ’60s rock. It’s a brand new leap year and if these releases are any indication of what’s to come, we can expect an intriguing 366 days.

24kGoldn, “Good Intentions” — Being an SF native, it’s only right that the video for 24kGoldn’s newest single, “Good Intentions” be shot in his hometown. While he’s yet to release a follow-up to his debut LP, 2021’s El Dorado, 24kGoldn is making sure we know he’s changed and moving on a new era. On “Good Intentions,” 24kGoldn flows over an uptempo beat about growing pains and changing habits, letting us know that it “Ain’t too late to change your life and be exactly what you want.” In the video, Golden Landis Von Jones burns his accolades in a bonfire at Ocean Beach.

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Brad Stank featuring Lord Apex, “Crybaby” — Pairing live instruments with soulful rap, Brad Stank teams up with fellow U.K. artist Lord Apex on “Crybaby,” the last single from his forthcoming LP, In the midst of You, out Jan. 26. Featuring a hook sung by Stank and ending in a saxophone solo, “Crybaby” is the perfect song for the winter season when you’re looking to chill out to something soothing.

Alice Merton, “run away girl” — Channeling ’80s pop energy as well as some existential dread, Alice Merton‘s latest single deals with topics of identity crises and uncertainty over her signature dark-pop sound. “Who the hell am I supposed to be?” Merton asks as she encourages listeners to “Run away and never look back,” ultimately creating a song of empowerment as she fluctuates her vocals to match the intensity of her words.

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Tim Atlas featuring Raphael Futura, “Lifeboat” — Soft strings and drumming, along with soothing vocals, make up “Lifeboat,” the second single from Tim Atlas’ EP, Matinee, out Feb. 23. A mesh of psychedelic and lo-fi rock, the song feels like what you would hear while lying on a tropical beach soaking up the sun. If you’re looking for an easy-to-listen song that calms you, this would be it. It’s Tim Atlas‘ fourth appearance in Tuesday Tracks.

The Lemon Twigs, “My Golden Years” — Watching this video and listening to this song transported me to a decade I’ve only known through pop culture, but the Lemon Twigs make it feel so familiar. “My Golden Years” is a song that easily could’ve existed in the 1960s, but is, in reality, the latest single by the New York sibling duo. Harmonious, energetic and catchy, it reminds listeners to make their days count and live up to their full potential.

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Bad Snacks, “iiwannabe” —  L.A. producer and multi-instrumentalist Bad Snacks, finds influence from Brazil’s and Japan’s music scene for an eclectic jungle sound on “iiwannabe.” Mixing house with synthesized violin and soft drumming, Bad Snacks has created a sultry dance track on which she sings about growing closer to a crush.

Italie’s pick: I got to see 24kGoldn perform at Outside Lands in 2021 and his infectious energy and genuine love for his art and city made his performance all the more entertaining. I can see the same dedication and energy within “Good Intentions” and I’m eager to see what direction 24kGoldn goes in as he works toward his next album. In the meantime, I’ll be listening to “Good Intentions.”