Can we just take a minute to appreciate all of the incredible new music that came out this month? One of my favourite Canadian artists Felix Cartal dropped his new album ‘Next Season’ (more on that in our interview coming out soon!), Clean Bandit released their long-awaited single with Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes released his near-perfect third album and that’s just scratching the surface.
Though I’ve loved the new music, I’ve also put some of my favourite bright, spring-summer tracks back into my playlists.
Scroll down for this month’s ‘finds & faves’ playlist and some of the must-listens.
Find: “Everything Is Fine” – Felix Cartal feat. REGN
You know when you’re stressed out, everything’s going crazy and someone asks how you’re doing and all you can say is “everything is fine”? That’s the gist of this song. Vocalist REGN aims to ease the tension with a lover over a pulsating yet soothing beat. It’s a standout from Canadian producer Felix Cartal’s new album ‘Next Season,’ out now.
Fave: “Not A Love Song” – bülow
“Not A Love Song” is a groovy sleeper hit by a 17-year-old popstar-on-the-rise from the Netherlands and it’s worthy of every bit of attention and praise it’s getting. Megan Bulow – better known as bülow – shines on this anti-love song that’s as catchy as it is clever. “You should find your other side / The apple to your eye, the yin to your yang,” she sings. Her excuse: She’s “just tryna have fun.” Really though, what’s more fun than being named an artist to watch by YouTube and Apple Music and having over 21 million Spotify streams of your debut single?
Find: “Body Count” – Jessie Reyez
It seems Jessie Reyez can do no wrong. She is incredible live, so sweet and continuously releases stellar singles. Her latest, “Body Count,” is no exception. During a recent performance at YouTube Music’s Canadian launch event, which I had the pleasure of attending, she explained that the song’s message is about loving who you want to love regardless of judgment or criticism, and I think that’s pretty awesome.
Fave: “Mine” – Bazzi
I fell in love with Bazzi after seeing him open for Camila Cabello on her recent headlining tour. He blends R&B, pop-soul and rap into one to give some of his more straightforward love songs an irresistible edge. Other famous fans include Taylor Swift, who included “Mine” on her ‘Songs Taylor Loves’ Spotify playlist. I’m excited to see what’s next for Bazzi, who just sold out his first North American headlining tour.
Find: “Solo” – Clean Bandit feat. Demi Lovato
Summer is about having fun, being carefree and making incredible memories, and “Solo” is a reminder that you can do just that whether you’re heartbroken or prefer being a party of one. This collaboration has been on the rumour mill for months and the newly-released track does not disappoint. It perfectly blends Clean Bandit’s classical tendencies with Demi Lovato’s signature upbeat and anthemic sound for a song that is destined to be a smash hit.
Fave: “Ain’t Easy” – Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine
Since they were selected to be ‘launched’ on CTV’s new talent search The Launch in January, duo Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine have experienced a meteoric rise to stardom with “Ain’t Easy.” I can’t turn on the radio without hearing the song and wanting to bop along. Fun fact: In a slight rebel against the show, they actually lowered the original song’s key and changed the tempo, but were able to convince co-writer and producer Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic) that the revamped song best fit their electro-pop vibe. And boy, did that move ever prove to be a success!
Honorary Find: “Mutual” – Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes just dropped his much-anticipated new album and, if you’re asking me, it’s his best to date. Both in the lyrics and production, Shawn’s growth is evident and new influences flow naturally instead of sounding forced. “Mutual” is a banger of a track where Shawn pleads with his lover to clarify where they stand in their relationship. I highly recommend the entire album, but this song will definitely be on repeat.
Which songs are at the top of your playlist this month? Share them with me in the comments below or via Twitter @angelamcleanx. I might just add them to my June playlist!
(Playlist Cover: Angela McLean)
