MUST LISTEN 021
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 Asal Hazel, Rasharn Powell, & Sierra Sellers! Turn up, tune in, and tune out.
pinkcaravan! - “hot sauce”
Starting off with lyrics that state, “Make fun of me if you want to, I’ll put hot sauce on anything,” accompanied by a bright, bubbly beat, “Hot Sauce,” is a short but sweet song that hooks you in. The alt-rap artist goes on to list off her favorite food combos with a carefree attitude that most of us only wish we had. Hailing from St. Louis, pinkcaravan! shows there’s a whole plethora of talent outside of the typical rap hubs.
Asal Hazel - “Proof”
Asal Hazel’s smooth, velvety voice makes her an ideal R&B songstress. Themes in the song, “Proof,” brush on loneliness, yearning, and the fatigue of being put on a pedestal. It’s her first release since 2018, and we’re relieved we don’t have to wait any longer for new music and are excitedly anticipating her upcoming projects.
KeithCharles - “Heartbreak at Our Age”
Balancing love and achieving your dreams is a must. According to KeithCharles, nothing should and can stop him from fulfilling his passions and goals even if there’s a burning desire for romance in his heart. The New York-based artist constantly shows his multifaceted talents and courage for experimentation in his EP, i love you, but you already knew that, and we’re looking forward to hearing more from him.
Jessy Lanza - “Over and Over”
The singer/songwriter releases her fourth single from her studio album, All The Time, which marked her solo return to music. She cements the 80s vibe of the song by setting the video in what appears to be a shopping center, once a mecca for North American culture. Lanza rides an escalator over and over again reflecting an infinite melancholy especially given the times we’re in now.
Rasharn Powell - “Twelvemonth”
Rasharn Powell seamlessly mixes his smooth sound with a stripped down guitar and trap hi-hats to make the perfect end of summer anthem. He sonically paints a picture of the emotional trials and tribulations of a love long gone. Directed by himself and Kumiko, Powell enhances the post-romantic tune with a music video that’s reminiscent of early-mid 2000s R&B.
Ginger Root - “Le Chateau”
Orange County-based artist Cameron Lew, aka Ginger Root, rolls out a song that is a 60s French pop inspired track sprinkled with his signature, easygoing vocals. A lighthearted video with a humorous twist ending perfectly accompanies the retro, lofi sound. We’re highly anticipating his upcoming album, Rikki, set to be released late October.
Magdalena Bay - “Airplane”
Off of their 2020 EP, A Little Rhythm and A Wicked Feeling, the duo shows that they’re more than just a synth pop act in this ballad. Their trademark DIY and vaporwave aesthetic is evident in the visuals for their video. Singer Mica Tenenbaum’s nymph-like vocals along with bandmate and producer Matthew Lewin’s nostalgic beats make a winning combination.
Sierra Sellers - “Ophelia (Intro)”
The singer/songwriter introduces her self-titled project with a song meant to represent a night on Ophelia Street in Oakland. The rest of the EP centers around an unforgettable summer that’s hard to replicate. Showcasing Sellers’ R&B/soul capabilities on top of mysteriously chill instrumentals, the song makes you wish it was longer than 2 minutes.
Colby Lafayette - “GET IT WITH ME”
With striking confidence, Colby Lafayette warns you not to get into it with him on “GET IT WITH ME.” The slow moving melody makes us feel like we’re driving around town with our friends without a care in the world. Lafayette proves that he can be a multidimensional artist through his lyricism and polished delivery.