Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – July 30
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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Clairo, “Sofia” — In advance of her upcoming album, Immunity, Clairo’s “Sofia” is a song for all the female celebrities on whom she had crushes. “Sophia” is a genuinely cute love song but Clairo also addresses the homophobic backlash same-sex couples face in the hook: “Sofia know that you and I/ Shouldn’t feel like a crime.” Despite the hesitation that comes with a stigmatized relationship, this song draws on the hope of making it work with both effort and courage. She stays true to her bedroom pop roots with her ethereal, layered vocals, reminiscent of her earlier songs like “Flaming Hot Cheetos.” The guitars, which are more pronounced on the mix, mark this a clear transition between her EP and her upcoming album.
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Girl Wilde, “I Don’t Wanna Die” — The newest in a string of singles, “I Don’t Wanna Die” is about self-acceptance. Girl Wilde has a lot of self-destructive tendencies, but “at least [she] doesn’t want to die.” It’s a very low bar, but it’s a win for someone dealing with heavy internal struggles. The song’s sultry synths and full-bodied vocals give it a bright, rousing sound in contrast with its lyrical message. She strikes a balance between self-pity and accepting the truth that mistakes inevitably happen but shouldn’t bring her down. It’s also a message for other going through the same depression.
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Lil Tjay, “LANESWITCH” — After teasing it for more than a month, Lil Tjay finally released “LANESWITCH.” He’s in an entirely different league than most Soundcloud rappers. His unrelenting flow is unmatched, exploring his urban struggles as well as his hopes for the future. The thumping sub-bass keeps changing throughout the song, giving it impact on par with the current trap wave. For those who prefer beats to lyrics, this cut provides compelling evolution without resorting to dissonant beat switches.
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Rarity, “Drown Me Out” — This is a song I would’ve definitely listened to on repeat when I was going through my emo phase. Rarity shared that “Drown Me Out” is about taking something really negative and growing from it rather than dwelling on it. It’s a very high-intensity song, optimal for head-banging. This is evidenced by the the video, which ties together images and videos from live performances. It’s clear how passionate Rarity is about its craft and the fiery lyrics—thoughtful, but not snooty. The band’s raw intensity never sacrifices memorable songwriting, a crucial balance in the current rock scene.
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The Amazons, “Doubt It” — “Doubt It” enhances its haunting story through vivid imagery. The song delves deep into the consequences of rash decisions, which the video illustrates with a girl and the monstrous creature she sees everywhere. During part of the video, she’s running away from the creature—literally running away from her problems. The visuals are breathtaking, blurring the distinction between reality and imagination. The song’s moody, dark alt-rock builds tension, making for an engrossing aural and visual experience.
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NATIIVE and Gigi Rowe, “Lost In Each Other” — Pop artist Gigi Rowe teams up with EDM producer NATIIVE on “Lost In Each Other.” It’s about being with someone even though both partners understand that the relationship will end poorly, all in the name of those crucial moments of comfort. Gigi Rowe has a distinct voice that works so well with the arrangement NATIIVE produced for this track. They work together instead of one overpowering each other, allowing both talents to shine.
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Aarushi’s Pick: I’ve had “Sophia” on repeat since the day it came out. It’s a really heart-warming song, showing progression from Clairo’s previous works and tying into the other singles from Immunity. The the intense lyrics and cohesive instrumentation tie together perfectly. Her soothing, captivating voice helps makes ever-catchier with each listen.
Follow reporter Aarushi Nanda at Instagram.com/aarushi_nanda and at Twitter.com/aarushi_nanda.