MUST LISTEN 121
Every week, we’ll be bringing you Must Listen: a series that's a compilation of rising artists along with songs that must be added to your everyday playlist. This week’s playlist consists of emerging acts like Aumi Luxe, Ayka, and Middle Part.
Boston-based genre-bending artist Aumi Luxe releases his indie-pop single, “walk with me.” The track has a garage-influenced feel that explores the little moments with someone that is close to you.
Ayka
Norwegian-Turkish singer-songwriter Ayka shares her latest single, “Fifteen Minute Lover”, accompanied by a stunning music video. Ayka displays a delicate, sensual R&B melody over melancholic chords, and creates an ocean of space in her production. It is a song fuelled by sexual innuendos in an extremely melancholic fashion.
Brooklyn-based indie pop artist Middle Part releases his latest single, “So Dramatic.” The track is a pensive slow burn that chronicles a dispute over the gravity of our interpersonal actions. The song’s introspective lyrics observe how friendships can be a double-sided coin of apathetic loss and desperate attempts at connection.
Brixton, London-based trio kid apollo releases their latest single, “all on me.” Consisting of twin brothers (and producers) Felix and Theo Ratigan, along with singer/producer Jimmy HM, the trio combines visceral, introspective lo-fi R&B, tackling the anxieties and over-stimulation of teenage life and the darker side of London's nightlife. Paired with a backdrop of bright, hip-hop-indebted percussion, sleepy guitar lines, and delicate keys, "all on me" is another exemplary addition to kid apollo's burgeoning catalog of alternative, forward-facing R&B.
NJ native Maddy Davis returns with her angst-ridden anthemic single, “Sally! I met A Boy” from her forthcoming debut EP, MUD. Soaring through the skies with her angst-ridden power pop ballad intonations, the edginess of Davis’ lyrics oozes authenticity and takes listeners from fairy tales to reality.
Genre-bending alternative artist grandma has shared his eagerly anticipated, weirdly wonderful sophomore EP, Angelhood, where he combines the effect of an epicene 1970s rock star with that of a public-school e-boy. Standout track “soft-glow” embodies the ethereal feeling of love, combatted with soft verses that ironically target moments of depression and suicidal ideation.
Brit-pop artist SOFY returns with her cheeky single “Big Talk.” The track is just as effortlessly cool in its delivery as SOFY meanders around conversations of small talk on dating apps, with her signature sarcastic undertone permeating the mundane exchanges.
Aitch’s debut album Close to Home provides a versatile tracklist, ranging from club bangers to heartfelt melodies, all representing the Manchester rapper’s evolution as an artist. “Cheque” serves as a stage-shaking hit, with Aitch’s signature witty bars on the gritty, flute-like beat catering to the fans that have loved this sound from him over the years.