Brainstory, courtesy Carlos Garcia.

This week’s selections span smooth soul from East Bay hip-hop collective AG Club, a dance tune by Mahmut Orhan, blues from Mia Dyson, electro-pop by Winona Oak, ’70s-inspired Chicano rock by Brainstory and the alt-pop of Natalie Jane.

Mahmut Orhan featuring TUANA, “Nighter” — Just in time for Coachella, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan unveils his gritty new single “Nighter.” The track’s visceral textures evoke images of shadowy nights, while vocalist Tuana Yilmaz’s voice slices through the guttural bass lines. Despite its themes of fatigue and loneliness, the song never succumbs to sadness. Futuristic synths drive it forward, with the sudden jolt of “Wake up” propelling the tempo before the song abruptly ends. Look out for Mahmut Orhan’s debut album, Pangea, on March 22 via Ultra Records.

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Winona Oak, “If I Were to Die” — Swedish singer-songwriter Winona Oak’s latest single takes listeners on an emotional journey characterized by dark, tense synths and raw, poignant lyrics. She delivers her soaring vocals with sincerity, complemented by a choir that echoes her without overpowering her. The expansive chorus is set against the backdrop of weeping guitars. Winona Oak is contemplative, pondering and ultimately concluding, “I wouldn’t be as good alive.” This single is from her upcoming EP, Void, out May 3.

AG Club and ICECOLDBISHOP, “How to Cry” — Up and coming Bay Area hip-hop collective AG Club collaborates with rapper ICECOLDBISHOP on this retro-leaning song. Filled with slow claps, stacked vocals and 808s, it channels soulful vibes. ICECOLDBISHOP’s eccentric, high-pitched delivery injects it with thought-provoking lyrics like, “You look like my brother/ But right, you just a rival/ Dead on arrival.” The song seamlessly transitions between vulnerability and choir-like harmonies. “How to Cry” is the latest single from See You Next Year 2, a compilation album slated for release on March 29.

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Natalie Jane, “Tattoos” — Natalie Jane packs a powerful punch as she delves into the theme of enduring scars on her new single. It begins with a slow build, gradually leading to an explosive chorus where Jane belts, “Tattoos hurt less than what you put me through.” Her vigor reminds me a little bit of Demi Lovato. Their songs often have energetic pop production, while they both have killer vocal ranges. “Tattoos” takes listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions. The atmosphere on this track is cinematic especially toward the end. Natalie Jane’s sold-out North American headline tour kicks off on Feb. 28.

Mia Dyson, “Sunny Hills” — Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Mia Dyson’s latest blues-rock offering, “Sunny Hills,” has a dreamy sway to it. Dyson’s emotive vocals breathe life into candid lyrics. “Hatred and cynicism are easy/ love is difficult,” she sings, followed by, “Our love is our rebellion.” The track is adorned with echoing guitars that contribute to its soulful ambiance. “Sunny Hills” is a preview of Dyson’s upcoming album, Tender Heart, which is inspired by a search for renewed life in near-death experiences. It’s scheduled for release on Feb. 23.

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Brainstory featuring Clairo, “Hanging On” — L.A. band Brainstory made this groovy and soulful single. Drawing inspiration from ’70s Chicano rock, “Hanging On” exudes a psychedelic vibe that’s complemented by funky electronic-tinged arrangements. Lead vocalist Kevin Martin’s Delfonics-style delivery is coupled with none other than Clairo (Claire Cottrill), who provides sweet backing vocals that seamlessly blend in this laidback tune. The music video for the song is pretty good, too. Brainstory often collaborates with El Michels Affair (Leon Michels), and was a featured artist on his 2023 album with Black Thought, Glorious Game. The new single is off the band’s next album, Sounds Good, out April 19.

Sery’s pick: I went with Brainstory because I like the band’s trippy take on Chicano rock. It’s a new sound that I don’t know if I’ve come across before.