Baker Grace

Every week, there’s a plethora of new music at our fingertips.

Artists on platforms like Spotify and Bandcamp are plentiful, and the radio offers a steady deluge of new singles, but who has time to sort through all that? RIFF does!

We pooled our resources to find some of the best new singles from all genres and backgrounds, so you can find your newest earworm without all the drama. Enjoy this week’s hidden gems.

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Baker Grace, “Numb” — New Jersey native Baker Grace takes control of her narrative in “Numb.” It’s a refreshing take on pop music showcasing incredible vulnerability. The song has all the expected characteristics—upbeat instrumentals and a catchy chorus—but her voice brings something unusual to the table. She captivates listeners with mesmerizing rhythm. “Numb” centers on realizing unreciprocated feelings and extracting yourself from situations for your own well-being. It’s contemporary pop by the numbers, but I absolutely love its fearless honesty.

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HALFNOISE, “Who Could You Be” — As soon as I heard “Who Could You Be” I was immediately transported back to 2013’s wave of alt-rock. It reminded me of AM by Arctic Monkeys. On the second listen, I started picking up on the band’s psychedelic sound. HALFNOISE combines a modern sound with far-out ’60s rock. The blend of new and old sounds naturally expands “Who Could You Be” with its fuzzy riffs and hazy vocal effects.

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Prince Fox and Ellise, “Tell Me” — Manhattan DJ Prince Fox and L.A. singer Ellise collaborate to create a compelling hip-hop and pop fusion on “Tell Me.” The song combines what each of them is best known for—Prince Fox’s deep bass lines and punchy beats, and Ellise’s commanding, yet sensual voice. The track focuses on trying to interpret a partner’s mixed signals. She realizes that this lack of honesty means she can’t see herself with the other person anymore. But she still tries to understand where she stands in the relationship, as rattling hi-hats and glossy synths carry her earworm hooks.

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Charlotte OC, “Boyfriend” — Charlotte OC goes through the motions of dating in “Boyfriend”—until she realizes she “doesn’t even want a boyfriend.” It’s an anthem for independent women who feel complete by themselves and don’t need someone else to validate their feelings. The whole song is a critique the societal pressure to form superfluous connections with people, just because we’re told to do so. “Boyfriend” is the epitome of anti-pop, because the concise music represents love song tropes, but her empowered voice spotlights her desire to be single. It stands in direct contrast of what most songwriters in Charlotte OC’s vein tend to run with.

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Tate Tucker, “Breezy” — “Breezy” is a song that I could listen to for hours on repeat without tiring. It’s an escape from the chaos of the world, and it’s easy to resonate with his emoting both through his lyrics as well as the song’s masterful R&B and trap production. Smooth vocals, a catchy beat and a relatable song combine for an electrifying experience. The line, “Drowning in your precious face” captures the overwhelming effect a crush can have, but the next line alludes to a feeling of hopelessness, before returning to the breezy vibe. It feels like it should be chaotic, but Tate Tucker manages to capture what we’ve all thought when finding ourselves lovesick.

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The Get Up Kids, “Satellite” — Matt Pryor, guitarist and vocalist of The Get Up Kids, wrote “Satellite” about his introverted son. The song starts with stripped-down vocals and acoustic guitar, but then quickly enters the pop-punk vibe the band is known for. It’s been eight years since TGUK’s last album, and it picks up right where it left off with this song. I certainly would’ve jammed to “Satellite” during my 2000s emo phase. It has the perfect lyrics to scream along with. Feeling alone even in a room full of people can be a plight for an introvert, but “Satellite” provides reassurance that there’s always a way to combat this feeling and try to make the best of the situation.

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Aarushi’s Pick: “Numb” by Baker Grace was my favorite track from the last week. Self-care is more than just face masks and bath bombs for her. It artfully guides you through to the realization that you’re better than how you’re being treated. It removes the listener from toxic situations, staking out a new path throw memorable jooks. Baker Grace is incredibly talented for her age and according to this song, she knows it.

Follow reporter Aarushi Nanda at Instagram.com/aarushi_nanda.