Stephen Day and Allen Stone, courtesy.

This week’s column features breezy neo-soul from Stephen Day and Allen Stone, vulnerable folky pop by Trace Mountains, bold and brassy soul from Hajaj, high-octane pop-punk by Sorry My Love, vibrant synth-pop from St. Lucia and a tender, timeless track in Spanish from Juan Wauters.

Hajaj, “Maybe It’s You” — This song is sassy, fresh and full of swagger. London singer-songwriter Abdul Rahman delivers the verses in a relaxed, almost spoken flow that builds contrast for the soaring, soulful chorus. A jazzy horn section lifts the melody as he sings, “Compliance/ Did I ask you for guidance?/ Business I am minding/ Maybe it’s you.”

The song traces a people-pleaser’s shift in perspective when he realizes he might not be the problem after all. As Hajaj puts it, it’s about “letting go, while gaining a sense of perspective back.”

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Sorry My Love, “BENDITO” — This song blends pop-punk with Latin fire, switching between English and Spanish. Its energy is infectious, driven by tight guitar lines and a rhythm section that fuses punk urgency with dance-floor bounce. The band is the project of producers Dillon Francis and Albert Hype, who bring a seasoned touch and add depth without polishing away the song’s raw edge. The mix balances clarity and punch: vocals cut clean without grating, while the instrumentation stays punchy and kinetic. It’s built for high-energy movement, mosh pit optional.

St. Lucia, “Crimes of Passion”  — This track bursts open with layered, hyperactive synth lines before the vocals even arrive. Its infectious chorus and throwback charm could fit right into an early ’90s house party or a pre-’80s NYC club. It’s the first single from the second half of St. Lucia’s Fata Morgana album, this one dubbed Dusk.

Influenced by South African genres like Shangaan disco and Kwaito music (that’s where frontman Jean-Philip Grobler is from), the song blends eclectic sounds into a surprisingly cohesive whole. The lyrics, which Grobler splits evenly with wife and partner Patti Beranek, reflect emotional tension and intimacy: “You needed intimacy/ And I needed grace/ Ain’t nothing personal/ When I run away.” The delivery is conversational, grounded and real.

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Trace Mountains featuring Hand Habits, “The Line” — Dave Benton’s low-key vocals sound like a friend finally opening up about his feelings. His delivery feels vulnerable, with Hand Habits‘ Meg Duffy providing rich backing harmonies that bloom in the chorus.

Guitar, piano, bass and synth take turns in the spotlight, supporting rather than competing. As the song winds down, the tempo slows and piano leads, clearing space for the final line: “The other side of the line/ The one I’ve drawn in my mind.” It lingers; simple and true. It’s Trace Mountains‘ third appearance in this column.

Stephen Day featuring Allen Stone, “Sweet Iced Tea” — This playful, soulful track announces summer’s arrival. Like its namesake, it’s sweet, refreshing and made for hot days. The video leans into absurdist humor, highlighting the chemistry and comic timing between Day and longtime friend Allen Stone. As an aside: Doesn’t Stone look completely different without his signature frames?!

Musically, “Sweet Iced Tea” blends neo-soul smoothness with classic country warmth. There are echoes of Stevie Wonder throughout. Day’s relaxed delivery and silky tone set a nostalgic mood, while Stone adds grit and groove. It’s the first track from an upcoming EP, and it goes down easy.

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Juan Wauters, “Dime Amiga” — This gentle track from Uruguayan singer-songwriter Juan Wauters (“Tell Me, Friend” in English) feels timeless, like it’s always been around. Built on a swaying rhythm and sung in Spanish, it’s a tender meditation on friendship, empathy and care.

“How are you? Why are you crying?” Wauters asks, with the steady calm of someone truly present. The video, which follows a little girl exploring a city, moved me to tears. The arrangement is simple and unadorned, letting the emotional weight carry the track. From his forthcoming album, MVD LUV, it’s a quiet stunner.

Sery’s pick: Maybe it’s the heatwave in Oakland, but the new one by Stephen Day and Allen Stone was an easy choice. It’s breezy, lighthearted and perfectly suited for summer. One YouTube comment says it best: “I always have my iced tea without sugar, but this time I think I’ll have it sweet.”