MUST LISTEN 118
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 brain mantra, Lana Lubany, and Jae Stephens.
With sultry vocals, big beats, and oscillating rhythm, UK-based Palestinian and American artist Lana Lubany makes a show-stopping entrance with her new single “SOLD” from her forthcoming project THE HOLY LAND. The alt-pop newcomer explains that the track is about falling prey to that persuasive voice in your head that stops you from making the right decisions.
brian mantra releases his futuristic, sci-fi romance-inspired single, "BUGS R US." Coming from a place of how it feels to be trapped by the sheer weighted emotion of a newfound crush, "BUGS R US" takes us on a lime-green-tinged nightmare of sorts, where we're confronted with the feelings of drowning, of loneliness, of falling, of wanting.
Breakout R&B artist and two-time JUNO Award winner Savannah Ré announces her eagerly awaited sophomore EP, No Weapons – a collection of unapologetically authentic, heartfelt songs that bounce. With a warm R&B groove wrapped in reflections of an all-consuming type of love, Savannah invites us into the realm of No Weapons with “About U”.
South London singer, songwriter, and guitarist Oscar Jerome releases his new single, “Berlin 1” leading up to his forthcoming album, The Spoon, due September 23rd. Representing a change in his creative approach, “Berlin 1” is a warp of artistic melancholy, driven by Oscar’s distorted vocals and pristine instrumentation highlighting his usual attention to detail.
The summer is always incomplete without a JAE5-produced banger featuring your favorite rapper, and the UK afro-beats instrumentation genius delivered this time with “Propeller” alongside afro-fusion singer Buju and UK rap’s prince, Satan Dave. Over the afro-swing beat, Dave spits heartfelt bars in his effortless storytelling ways and flow, while Buju covers the chorus and hook, making it the perfectly balanced tune for the heated season.
Celestial R&B songstress Jae Stephens shines on her five-track EP, High My Name Is. Each track has a personality of its own, bobbing and weaving through different highs and lows, showcasing the true versatility of the LA native. Standout track “Please Don’t Talk to Me” is a smooth upbeat pop tune laced with irresistible, catchy lyrics that will be stuck in your head for days.
Following the release of his last single “Solid Gold,” the London-born, LA-based singer/songwriter returns with “Badu Feels.” The song is what the title suggests: a perfect depiction of 90s R&B engineered with a touch of modern songwriting and production, as DWY uses his silk-ridden vocals to convey a message yearning for summertime.
Doe Boy releases his latest album CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, a testament to his ongoing success and consistency as a street rapper on his way to the mainstream. The Atlanta-based trap enthusiast sprinkles his signature adlibs all throughout the project, making it familiar yet fresh on songs like “PEP IN MY STEP,” where his flow switches carry the catchy tune to the top.