Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for Aug. 15

Lifesize Teddy

Lifesize Teddy, courtesy.

We’ve got some of everything for you this week in Tuesday Tracks. From hardcore punk to house-infused R&B and country/mariachi-fusion, there’s sure to be something that’ll pique your interest and hopefully make it onto your playlist. Listen to the latest from The Joy Formidable, Berhana, Frex, UNITYTX, Lifesize Teddy and Mireya Ramos in this week’s installment.



The Joy Formidable, “Cut Your Face” — We’re starting off strong with an alt-rock track by Welsh band The Joy Formidable. “Cut Your Face” details the frustration of wanting to be vulnerable and connect but having to fight off that voice in your head telling you to stay quiet. “You cut your face, they’ll never quite see you,” sings Ritzy Bryan, explaining that our imperfections are what make us who we are. Keeping rugged guitar riffs and powerful drumming, the song melts into a dreamy interlude with gentle xylophone sounds just before picking back up again.

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Berhana, “Like a Habit” — Blending house music with R&B and a bit of 2000s club-hits, Berhana released the first single off his upcoming album, Amén የዘላን ህልም (The Nomad’s Dream), due this fall. Full of colorful synths, rhythmic strings and Berhana’s airy and light vocals, it’s a track that makes you feel good. Although it’s a tale of doomed attraction, the psychedelic production of this track gives it an upbeat tempo that makes it sound cheerful. Berhana expertly mixes modern-day soul with its past, implementing his East African heritage into his production for a unique flavor of sound.



Frex, “Hoodie Back” — Taking a darker approach to R&B, Frex uses her deep, melodic vocals to talk about a breakup that she’s over and now wants everything back from — including her hoodie. This track features a laidback vibe with a strong bass line reminiscent of early 2000s drumming. Frex’s vocal tone perfectly meshes with the smooth arrangement of the track, providing a sweet melody that’s easy to listen to.

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UNITYTX, “LOST IN DAYZ” — Going back to more rock, UNITYTX returns with a new single off its upcoming project, FERALITY, due in September. They mix hip-hop with hardcore by playing industrial-style guitar lines and drumming alongside vocalist Jay Webster’s screaming and rapping lyrics. “LOST IN DAYZ” speaks on the feeling of growing up and everything changing, “watching everything fade away.” It’s an honest account of mental health and the struggle to find your way back to yourself. Webster’s passionate vocals give this short, yet high-powered track a touch of melancholy.



Lifesize Teddy, “Hypnotic” — Lifesize Teddy is the latest artist to debut on African powerhouse label Mavin Records. She’s got a new EP and “Hypnotic” is its standout track. It’s a dark and moody take on Alté music that feels like the background track to a crime movie. At 23, Lifesize Teddy proves her versatility as she goes from singing to rapping, switching her delivery to match the beat. It’s a club-focused track that boasts self-confidence and freedom, featuring dancehall-infused rhythms and a touch of Middle-Eastern instrumentals.

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Mireya Ramos & The Poor Choices, “Regresa Ya” – Founder of the Grammy-winning all-female mariachi group Flor de Toloache, Mireya Ramos returns with another solo project alongside Kansas City musicians The Poor Choices. Their upcoming collaboration, SIN FRONTERAS, out in September, blends ranchera, country, pop, jazz and R&B. This track stays true to Ramos’ mariachi roots with violins backing her vocals, and includes elements of country with acoustic guitars and piano. It’s a song that makes you want to take a shot of tequila, yet also find a line-dancing partner.



Italie’s pick: The song that captivated me the most was Lifesize Teddy’s “Hypnotic.” Her take on Afro-fusion music is exciting and she seems to have a strong sense of self that reflects in this song through her voice and the accompanying visuals. I’m now a new fan and can’t wait to see what she does next as she embraces the start of a promising music career.

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