Dominique Fils-Aimé, courtesy Jetro Emilcar.

This week, Dominique Fils-Aimé embodies the blues, Yung Bae invigorates dance, Donna Missal uplifts through electronic music, Olivia Dean gives us heart-warming pop, Nemophila energizes with heavy metal and Jeffrey Eli personifies queer pop.

Dominique Fils-Aimé, “My Mind at Ease” — Canadian singer Dominique Fils-Aimé debuted in 2018 with her first album, Nameless, and a dedication to exemplifying African American music that won her a Juno Award in 2020 for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Fils-Aimé’s powerful vocals and chorus create a steady beat with a deliberate cadence, soothing and empowering listeners. The monochromatic and spacious setting of the video lays bare the hauntingly beautiful choreography. “Leave me alone/ Bad thoughts,” Fils-Aimé steadily chants with a strong voice, breaking down the stigma around mental health within BIPOC communities.

***

Yung Bae, “Body Talk” — In dance music, producer Yung Bae has embodied future funk and vaporwave music, having collaborated with the likes of Marc E. Bassy, Pink Sweat$ and EARTHGANG. Now, Yung Bae exemplifies the power of his artistic liberty on his own label, Groove Continental Records. With singer Mayer Hawthorne, Yung Bae brings a funky groove. Paired with a video collage of living and having fun in the city, the song lightens any day. The disco-inspired track oozes euphoria with a carefree and youthful sound. There’s no better way to start vibing with the party that life can bring!

Donna Missal, “Move Me” — As a newly independent artist, L.A.’s Donna Missal carries more authenticity in her music than ever through an inspiring message on this uplifting and empowering single about self-acceptance. Missal’s voice strongly echoes along with the instrumental that embodies the music she’s so passionate about. With Missal journeying in a New York subway train in the video, “Move Me” casts an ethereal feeling that prompts listeners to also live through her song.

***

Olivia Dean, “Carmen” — In soul-pop, rising English singer Olivia Dean was named Amazon Music’s 2021 breakthrough artist of the year. Now, she brings listeners nostalgia in “Carmen” and its slow and melodic beat. “You transported a family tree/ And part of it grew into me,” Dean smoothly sings. As she expresses love to her grandmother and her emigration from Guyana to the U.K., the contemplative music evokes nostalgia. With the song progressively becoming more upbeat, joy accompanies the love.

Nemophila, “Night Flight” — Japanese metal band Nemophila has consistently given a high-energy listening experience. Even though the band has performed “Night Flight” on stage, this is its first official release. The recording shows how breakdance-inducing the song is, as colorful ’80s garb meets the bright heaviness. Balancing aggressive instrumentation, powerful vocals and a unique use of electronic elements, this will surely not be the last catchy tune we hear from this quintet.

***

Jeffrey Eli, “Sleeping Beauty” — With dynamic vocals, Angeleno Jeffrey Eli brings a light and emotional new single. The airy vocals emphasize the song’s emotional depth. Eli’s vocals and movements radiate acceptance and security. As “Sleeping Beauty” is emblematic of Eli’s confidence in his identity and challenging the gender binary, there’s no doubt his future will carry the same feeling of joy and warmth.

Sarah’s Pick: The music and video of “My Mind at Ease” by Dominique Fils-Aimé are absolutely astounding. Her crisp and captivating vocals empower listeners while the video demands your active attention.

Follow writer Sarah Verschoor at Instagram.com/s.versch.