MUST LISTEN 088
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 boylife, ZOLA, and psykhi. Turn on, tune in, and zone out.
Singer-songwriter ZOLA shares an intimate look into a troubled relationship with her track “In The Morning,” a delicate alternative pop ballad off of her sophomore EP, The Kid. While showing off her writing chops in both English and French, the project marks a new era for the San Francisco native.
Off of his self-produced EP Nostalgia, Filipino-American artist Michael Seyer releases “Miss My Baby.” A gentle melody dedicated to his dog who recently passed away, “Miss My Baby” shares a similar perspective to most relationships. “It almost always ends but that does not discredit the experience. I will always miss and cherish the time I had with my best friend.”
Actress and singer Maya Hawke returns to the scene, tapping into her folk and pop roots with her latest single “Blue Hippo.” The visual, directed by Fred Hechinger, is the perfect accompaniment to her angelic voice.
JAXN releases his pop punk anthem “Validation,” a vivacious piece of commentary on society’s need for acceptance. Reminiscent to that of 2000s alternative, the singer knocks it out of the park with the track’s distorted guitar riffs and punchy hook.
Squidgenini’s sensational production and dreamy harmonies shine through in the track “All Made Up.” Based out of Meanjin, Australia, Squidgenini is fearless when it comes to her energetic beats and soulful vocals.
Australian vocalist and rapper Genesis Owusu joins forces with London-based producer Jono Ma to deliver a sensually addicting remix to Owusu’s “Waitin’ On Ya.” Charming as he is with his sound, Owusu stars in the accompanying visual as well, stuck on a tropical dreamscape.
With the release of boylife’s debut project gelato comes “amphetamine,” an ode that he dedicates to “women being in the driver’s seat of a sexual relationship, and also Prince.” This project is one we have on repeat, and it’s easy to tell he’s not afraid to test the boundaries of his sound.
Ghanian-born vocalist psykhi shares “White Picket Fence,” an honest perspective of “love and passion mingled with disappointment and pain.” Influenced by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, psykhi explores a tumultuous relationship with a grunge and punk flair.