1. Troye Silvan – Angel Baby
“Angel Baby,” Troye Sivan’s first new solo song of 2021, is out today via Capitol Records, coming one year after the release of his acclaimed 2020 EP, In A Dream. Written by Troye Sivan, Jason Evigan, Michael Pollack, Sarah Hudson and JHart, “Angel Baby” is an intimate ballad, full of yearning and romance, realized in cinematic 90s synth glory. Listen to “Angel Baby” HERE. View the visualizer HERE.
“‘Angel Baby’ is my crack at an adoring, doting, love struck, mega pop, gay, power ballad. I thought we needed a few more of those,” says Troye Sivan.
Troye makes his return to the stage tonight, giving “Angel Baby” its debut live performance at New York City’s Terminal 5 as part of MTV & Extra Gum Present: Push to the VMAs.
2. Becoming Young – Wild and Free
Nashville-based indie-pop artist, Brandon Calano, who performs under the alias Becoming Young, returns to the spotlight following his recent EP, Letting Go. Calano’s latest single, “Wild & Free” is a declaration of freedom from the demons of our past. The pop anthem is now available for download and streaming on digital music platforms worldwide.
Reinstating himself with newfound courage, Becoming Young uses energizing low-fi synthesizers and a moving percussive part on “Wild & Free” to re-energize himself and liberate fans. Calano effectively builds energy during the song, transitioning the instrumental from more acoustic, guitar-driven verses to exhilarating electro choruses with an irresistible falsetto hook.
“‘Wild & Free’ is about rediscovering your power and finding freedom in knowing you can overcome anything,”
3. AHI – Coldest Fire
Toronto musician AHI has returned with another display of his “uplifting, original, soulful” (NPR Music) songwriting today on “Coldest Fire,” a vulnerable exploration into the challenges of most effectively standing up for unity and justice. Written during the height of the protests that followed the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and far too many others, “Coldest Fire” reckons with the frustrations that, as AHI describes it, “for me and countless other Black people, it can often feel like we have to silence a part of ourselves just to exist peacefully…I’m often advised to stay neutral with the hope of bringing people together…but sometimes it feels like a warfare inside when you bottle up your feelings.”
Co-directed by AHI and HYST Films, the accompanying visual was shot at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. AHI brings to life the chorus lyric “come here darling, hold me” – and its sentiment of healing – in a moving moment together with his wife and four children; leaning on faith and family to transcend those submerging feelings of pain and confusion.
4. Alicia Keyes – LaLa
15-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and worldwide-celebrated music icon Alicia Keys releases her new single “LALA” featuring Diamond Selling Recording Artist Swae Lee via RCA Records. “LALA” demonstrates Keys at her best, owning her lane as only the musical icon can with sultry piano melodies and timeless vibes as she sings, “get lost in the LALA” and Swae jumps in “she cold like on the rocks.” Listen to the new single here.
In tandem with the single release, it was also announced that Keys will make her long-awaited and highly anticipated return to the 2021 MTV “VMAs” for the first time in nine years. Hosted by Doja Cat, the show will air LIVE from Barclays Center on Sunday, September 12 at 8PM ET/PT on MTV. A New York City native, the 15-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter will bring a showstopping performance to the “VMAs” with spectacular city views in celebration of the resilience of New York. Alicia last graced the iconic “VMAs” stage in 2012 for a world premiere performance “Girl on Fire” with special guests Nicki Minaj and Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas.
5. RÜFÜS DU SOL – Next to Me remixes
Australian live electronic act and tastemakers RÜFÜS DU SOL released two official remixes for their latest single ‘Next To Me’. Out now on Rose Avenue and Reprise / Warner Records, the double remix package is led by a titan of the Brazilian electronic music scene Vintage Culture. The second comes from TAU label bosses, German underground duo the Adana Twins.
We dive into the package with platinum-selling Vintage Culture aka Lukas Ruiz, who offers up a six and a half minute slice of complex, deep melodic house. Complete with textured synthesizers and juxtaposing bass lines, Vintage Culture transforms the track into a late night dance floor heater, while keeping the focus on Tyrone Lindqvist’s alluring vocals. The remix follows multiple beatport #1s for Vintage Culture, who is enjoying a summer of sold-out shows and high profile festival appearances at the likes of Fabric London, The Brooklyn Mirage NY, and Space Miami, Creamfields and Lollapalooza.
6. Purple Disco Machine – Dopamine
With the release of his new single ‘Dopamine’, and the announcement of the imminent release of his sophomore album, Purple Disco Machine is gearing up to unleash the world of ‘Exotica’, in all of it’s synth laden, funk fuelled glory. The internationally acclaimed producer has already seen a myriad of success across previously released singles including ‘Hypnotized’ with Sophie and the Giants, ‘Fireworks feat. Moss Kena & The Knocks’, and more recently ‘Playbox’. Now the inspired hitmaker reveals the nostalgic music video for the fifth and final offering, ahead of the release of the album due on Friday 15th October 2021.
Continuing the theme of retro visuals and aesthetics juxtaposed with the modern era, the new music video for the hit single ‘Dopamine’, directed by James Fitzgerald, pays homage to the decade which inspired much of Purple Disco Machine’s work. Starring the Dresden native as an eccentric scientist, along with the help of his mini robot, Purple Disco Machine calls on his sleekly moustached 80s Calfifonian sidekick to rescue Eyelar from 2021 with his time travelling Chevy Camaro.
7. Blitz Union – The Truth
Blitz Union are on fire this year bringing you another great release, this time they bring you “The Truth”
Marek, the singer of the band, says “I think, everyone unconsciously knows when they act in the name of the truth.”
So, the truth is truly a thing and has many different levels – on the one hand, it can be about honesty, how true you are with yourself, on the other hand, in some situations it can even be your worst enemy and destroy everything.
To convince the average person of an urgently needed change you need to be loud and undoubtful convincing, like an unstoppable tornado. Blitz Union is a furious rock band that combines melodic pop toplines with hard rock and EDM. Using a blend of heavy guitar riffs, industrial metal overtones and melodic rock vocals Blitz Union refuses to be put into a specific genre or seen-before category – therefore they remind of bands like 30 Seconds to Mars or Linkin Park who successfully blended pop and rock.
8. Papa Roach – Kill The Noise
Iconic rock band Papa Roach has shared “Kill The Noise”, a powerful, anthemic, instant-classic, and the second track to be taken from their forthcoming album. The song, produced by WZRD BLD aka Drew Fulk (A Day To Remember, Bullet For My Valentine, Lil Wayne) and Andrew Goldstein (All Time Low, Blackbear, Linkin Park, Maroon 5), is a powerful example of heavy riffs and emotional lyrics, driven by singer Jacoby Shaddix’s ongoing mission to help anyone overcome mental struggles and anxieties. The accompanying music video, directed by Bryson Roatch, takes the viewer on a journey of escaping the confines of your own mind through a raw and energetic performance.
Shaddix says “It’s easy to get caught up in some of that static inside your mind – we all tangle with that demon. For us, ‘Kill The Noise’ brings some straight-up heavy music catharsis, a reminder to find that moment of peace from the noise.”
9. Another One Down – Headspace
Rhode Island pop-punk 5-piece Another One Down! has dropped a new single and video titled “Headspace” and has announced plans to release the debut full-length ‘A Bitter Descent’ on November 5th.
Of the new single, the band says, “Headspace” is about trying to cope with a mentally overwhelming situation that consumes every fiber of your being. Specifically, it is a reflection of a breakup and an attempt to erase the memories and words said from the forefront of your mind. Going back and forth between somber laid-back verses and colossal choruses, the song is as emotional as it is catchy.”
With their debut full-length record A Bitter Descent, the band lyrically tackles the struggles that come with depression, heartbreak, and self-reflection. The record is a reinvention of their sound, with a more musically diverse tracklist that still stays true to their roots. Emotionally raw and musically polished, it is their most mature and innovative release to date.
10. Clara Mae – Crash
Celebrated Swedish singer-songwriter Clara Mae has released her latest single, ‘Crash’ on the 10th of September via Universal Music Sweden. Clara Mae has firmly established herself in the industry by co-writing with big names such as David Guetta, Tiesto and Martin Jensen as well as featuring in songs by the likes of R3HAB and Frank Walker, amongst others. The singer has reached #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and featured in well-known publications such as WONDERLAND, Refinery 29, FLAUNT, Pop Buzz, EDM.com, Pop Crush, Magnetic Magazine, American Songwriter, and Ones To Watch to name a few. Clara Mae’s talents have been further recognized on numerous streaming platforms, with her music featured on well-known channels such as Trap Nation, Ultra Music, 7clouds and Chill Nation amongst others, contributing to her impressive play count of over 600 million globally.
