Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music, New Music Friday

Love at First Listen with Alyssa Reid

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Alyssa Reid Interview

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules, and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

Tell all your friends: #ALYSSAREID2022 is in full force. The Toronto-based singer-songwriter you know and love from pop hits like “Alone Again” and “Satisfaction Guaranteed” — and the “face” behind the faceless music project ASHS — has reclaimed her name and released a haunting new single, “Roses,” to kick off a year packed with new music, performances, and surprises ahead.

To commemorate the release, Alyssa is hosting an online raffle raising funds for The LifeLine Canada Foundation, an organization close to her heart, and giving fans a chance to score one of three Moleskine journals filled with lyrics, behind-the-scenes secrets, and space to write, scribble, or get creative. (PSA: You heard it here first — there may be a few more prizes being added to the mix!)

In this edition of Love at First Listen, read firsthand from Alyssa about her “gut-wrenching” new single, IDGAF approach to music, and why she wants to get in the studio with Doja Cat.

At first listen, your new single “Roses” is a total banger, but the lyrics reveal a much more raw, vulnerable perspective about facing your demons. How do you approach being so vulnerable with such a wide audience?

When I sit down to write a song, there isn’t really any intention other than emotional release. When I wrote “Roses,” I was sitting at a piano and it just poured out. It’s funny because once you take that piano song and you have to find a way to make it more marketable, there’s other production factors that come into play. Like you said, it’s a super poppy, fun song but at the core it’s this kind of gut-wrenching, super emo song. When people first hear it, they always tell me, ‘Oh, this is such a vibe,’ and then it takes them a few listens to understand the lyrics and they’re like, ‘Oh shit, wait.’

How did you learn about The LifeLine Canada Foundation and why did you choose to support them with this auction?

I was looking online for mental health resources because I’ve kind of figured out that it is difficult to find them nowadays, especially right now as I feel a lot of people are reaching out for the first time, and I really loved their site. They had personal resources, education tools, and really focus on suicide prevention, which has absolutely skyrocketed the past few years. Most importantly, I loved that the resources were all free. Therapy is very expensive, and for a lot of people it’s inaccessible. I really liked that they were committed to volunteering their time and helping people who can’t necessarily afford to pay $300 a session for therapy.

Fans have a chance to win one of your Moleskine journals, and an artist’s notebook always provides an interesting look into their craft and soul. What does your notebook look like during an album writing cycle?

I’m an ‘everything flows together all at once’ person. I know so many people that like to go on the mic and hum melodies and then try and fill them in later, but I think there’s always something magical in the songs where everything just comes out as one cohesive piece. It almost feels like it was meant to be and I’m just a vessel where the song is going through me and out to people.

Just before you released your latest album in December, you penned a letter to your fans putting your side project ASHS to rest and reclaiming the “Alyssa Reid” name. What made you decide it was time to end the ASHS era and return to your roots?

It just happened naturally. I had taken a little bit of time off over the past five years to really focus on songwriting and creative direction for other people and I really loved it. There were just a few songs that I was writing that felt a little too personal to give away, so we got the idea to do this faceless project on the side. No one was really supposed to know about it, but of course the people that had been following my career got it right away. But there was something really fun about it being faceless. I could just make music that I loved, have so much fun with my band and mess around on stage with the lights completely down, and there was no preconceived idea of what I was supposed to do.

After a handful of songs that were just very uniquely me, keeping it as a separate, private thing felt like I was doing a disservice to those people that had given me their hearts and put me in a position where I could even mess around and do a side project as a career. I decided I didn’t want to lose the attitude and fearlessness that the ASHS project had, so I amalgamated them with the intent that there was going to be a little bit of polish but I was going to keep my ‘I don’t give a fuck’ attitude.

In that letter, you also mentioned your hit single “Alone Again” was celebrating its 10th birthday. Is it insane to think you’ve been in the business for that long and you’re still finding new ways to evolve with that same dedicated fanbase by your side?

It blows my mind. Pop careers are not supposed to last for 10 years. They’re maybe supposed to last for two to four years, so the fact that there are people still supporting, streaming, and caring, I feel really lucky. This is what I love to do and a lot of people that I admire have had to hang up their hats and I don’t know why I’m still here, but I’m eternally grateful for it.

You’ve written for artists like Alessia Cara, Kayla Diamond, and Owen Barney. Is there one artist you’d absolutely love to write for, and how would the song sound?

I love Doja Cat. I love her personality, I love her music, and I love that she always experiments and doesn’t stick to one sound. I find her such a captivating person. I feel like she would be so fun to work with because she would be down to do anything and we could really push boundaries.

Fun question here: Every artist I talk to still gets a rush any time they hear one of their songs on the radio or over the speakers in a store. Where’s the most random or unexpected place you’ve heard one of your songs?

The last one was probably Subway. I was in the middle of an order and I stopped and I was like, “This is my song!” And the man was like, “This is my song too!” I think it was “Satisfaction Guaranteed” and I was like, “No, really, this is my song!” It was this funny little moment we had together, but it was conveniently both of our songs, just in different ways.

You ended one of your last posts of 2021 with the caption “it’s been a minute but WE’RE BACK, BABY!! #ALYSSAREID2022” What exactly can fans look forward to?

All of the music that I’ve been hiding away from everyone for the past five years is finally getting unleashed and now, hopefully, with the world opening back up, we can tour. We’ve already started planning shows, so the second we get the green light we’re going to town.

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Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music, New Music Friday

Love at First Listen with Felix Cartal

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Love at First Listen - Felix Cartal

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

In need of a summer soundtrack? Press play and turn up your speakers for Vancouver-based producer Felix Cartal’s latest release, ‘Expensive Sounds for Nice People.’ The 16-track album is a musical journey through the high-highs and low-lows of life, love and everything in between, and it features some of Felix’s famous friends like pop vocalists Karen Harding, Lights and Kiiara. Whether you listen from start to finish as recommended or join midway through the party, it’s guaranteed you’ll be on the dance floor ASAP.

Fall in love at first listen with Felix’s new album below and read our chat about release week emotions, “expensive sounds,” and how making TikToks compares to making music.

‘Expensive Sounds for Nice People’ is officially out! How are you feeling?

I’m excited and relieved at the same time — and slightly anxious because putting new stuff out is always a little bit stressful. But ultimately I’m happy it’s out in the world and I can enjoy it and also move on!

This album has been three years in the making. Was there any point where you wanted to scrap everything and change direction, or did that mix of stories and emotions shape the final tracklisting?

I have written and scrapped an entire album, so I’m trying not to do that ever again because that was insane. I had the bulk of this done in the first two years and then as the pandemic happened I had extra time to refine things. For me, I mostly just care about consistency because growing up in the late ‘90s, early 2000s musical climate, I didn’t like albums where one song was ‘the song’ and then the rest of it felt thrown together. Hopefully when people listen to my music from front to back they can hear that I thought about these songs being in this order and it’s enjoyable for them.

What inspired the album title and what makes an “expensive sound”?

I feel very fortunate that I get to do music as my job and I’ve gotten to do it since almost 2007, which blows my mind to this day. And to me that’s like, okay, so what allows me to do that? I think it’s so much the people that share my music and are cheerleaders for it. That means so much to me, so I think those are the Nice People and they’re the ones that make my music feel expensive and give it value. This album is definitely a thank you to the people who like my stuff — and the title also just sounds kind of cheeky.

When ‘Next Season’ came out, I asked you this same question. Is there a line on ‘Expensive Sounds for Nice People’ that stands out to you?

I love working with Ofelia K and I think she is one of the most underrated lyricists in the industry. I kind of work with her once in every chapter of my life and I love all the lyrics in the song we did this time, “Old Self.” I especially like the line, “If I told my old self it’ll be okay, would I be better?” I think it’s a really interesting way to think about enjoying the journey a bit more, not always being so stressed about what the next step is and just kind of going along with it, and I think it’s an interesting take on telling your younger self about this.

You seem to have found a new creative outlet in TikTok, especially with your now viral “Banned from the Gucci Store” remix. How has your experience been?

I kind of approach it the way I would make a song. I don’t have a plan; I’m just treating it like the spontaneous, of the moment thing that I think TikTok should be. I also definitely have noticed people going from TikTok to my Instagram or Twitch. On TikTok especially, there’s such a weird mix of people who really know my stuff and then some people who see it and are like, “Who are you?” And I don’t expect people to know who I am, but it’s nice that people will defend me to those people and say, “He makes really good music!”

Speaking of collabs, this album features your JUNO Award-winning single with Lights, “Love Me.” Can fans expect another collab in the future?

We’re always talking about stuff and we both want to do another song at some point, but we’re not going in with anything lined up yet. It would be insane for me if we didn’t do another thing — or even more than one other thing because we have a good friendship going now. I have the utmost respect for her as an artist and we have similar lengths of careers and we’re the same age, so that’s what we’ve gelled over a lot — just knowing the industry and some of its bullshit that we’ve been fighting through for a while. That’s why I love working with her and hanging out with her.

I expect songs from ‘Expensive Sounds for Nice People’ will be on a lot of summer playlists! What new summer singles have you been loving at first listen?

I love the new Gorgon City album that also came out on Friday. I actually toured with one of the guys from Gorgon City way back in the day when he had another project. I love seeing people that have been in the industry for a while or who are my friends win like that, so shout out to Gorgon City. My other artist who I love from a pop side of things is BENEE. I just want to have “Find An Island” on a constant loop every day when it’s hot out. 

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New Music Friday, Playlists

New Music You May Have Missed from April 2021

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Best New Music from April 2021
Every New Music Friday, I’m reminded of how much new music is out there — especially from artists I’ve yet to discover! Join me as I broaden my horizons and my music library with monthly playlists capturing new releases from every genre.

April was stacked with five New Music Fridays, running straight through to the very last day of the month. No surprise, then, that this month’s playlist clocks in at over seven hours, featuring the hottest new releases from Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande (who had a busy month releasing collabs with both Demi and The Weeknd), Majid Jordan and two incredible Olivias — Olivia Rodrigo and Olivia O’Brien.

What are you waiting for?! Grab your headphones or speakers, press play and dive into my selection of tracks you’re sure to love.

* deja vu by Olivia Rodrigo *

Hot off the heels of her mega successful debut solo single “driver’s license,” young songstress Olivia Rodrigo is continuing her reign as one of the most promising new artists of the year with “deja vu.” The infectious pop song is filled with clever shade to a boring ex who couldn’t be bothered to change up his game with his new girl. Repeating date nights and showing her the same shows? Come on, dude! Get 👏 it 👏 together!

While live shows are still a thing of the past (for now), you won’t want to miss Olivia’s highly anticipated BRIT Awards performance May 11, just days ahead of her album’s May 21 release date.

* That’s When (feat. Keith Urban) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) by Taylor Swift *

Your inner country heart is about to be absolutely thriving! Taylor Swift and Keith Urban’s voices sound enchanting together on this newly released ‘From The Vault’ track featured on Tay’s re-recorded ‘Fearless’ album. It feels like a crime that this song has been under wraps since the original album release in 2008! Better late than never, right?!

* So I Lie by Miguel *

Tell a friend (“or two,” he suggests): R&B mastermind Miguel is back. After re-releasing a trio of three-track EPs tied to his signature Art Dealer Chic moniker, the April release of ‘Art Dealer Chic 4’ gave fans some hints of new material, including standout single “So I Lie.” On the track, which is described as “very much a new beginning” for the singer, Miguel gets introspective and raw singing about “the walls [we] build out of fear of being torn down” and ultimately learning how to rise above, put on a brave face and, eventually, breathe again.

Looking for more Miguel? In an interview with Genius, the star shared he still has hard drives (plural!) filled with unreleased music. I’m certainly looking forward to hearing every last track he’s hiding in the vault! ☺

* Sociopath by Olivia O’Brien *

Singer-songwriter Olivia O’Brien debuted her newest release in a unique way, originally sharing an extended snippet of the song in February on TikTok as part of a quest to have fans select their favourite of two potential singles — the angsty “Sociopath” and anthemic “Bitch Back” — through social media interaction. In the viral battle of the songs, “Sociopath” came out as the winner and was released as a single earlier this month. Although the song gives me Halloween vibes 👻, I know I’ll have it on rotation all year long!

Both “Sociopath” and “Bitch Back” are set to be released on Olivia’s forthcoming sophomore album ‘Episodes,’ which will be released in two parts starting in May.

* Waves of Blue by Majid Jordan *

Whatever you’re listening to right now, pause it! “Waves of Blue,” the latest single from Majid Jordan, is a beauty of a song that sounds equally new and nostalgic and is giving fans renewed hope for an EP or album by the summer. In a statement, the Canadian OVO Sound duo shared, “‘Waves of Blue’ is like staring at the ocean. You’re not in the water, but you’re still getting carried away by its currents.” The track’s title embodies the song’s overall vibe of wanting to love someone and be lost in that love, which is also what you’re guaranteed to feel about this song after just one listen. (I genuinely listened to this song four times in a row writing this paragraph!)

* Save Your Tears (with Ariana Grande) (Remix) by The Weeknd *

You read right: Save your tears because The Weeknd and Ariana Grande, friends and star collaborators, have reunited for the official remix of this ‘After Hours’ fan favourite. This is the pair’s third collab following the 2014 release of “Love Me Harder” and 2020’s ‘positions’ hit “off the table,” and you know what they say—third time’s definitely the charm. Queue up this hit as your go-to post-pandemic karaoke song and join me in manifesting a full-length joint album!

* Dirty Laundry by Parson James and JoJo *

Magic always happens when you work with your best friend. For confirmation, look no further than “Dirty Laundry,” the new instantly repeat-worthy single from singer-songwriter BFFs Parson James and JoJo. “THIS SONG LIVES RENT FREE IN MY BRAIN,” JoJo tweeted — and I’m 100% on board. I only wish it was longer!

https://www.instagram.com/p/COTWeTMjJ3A/

Album of the Month: Phoenix by Charlotte Cardin

“I had to burn everything that I was / Just to come back like a phoenix,” sings Montreal-based artist Charlotte Cardin on the opening track of her debut album. Well worth the wait, ‘Phoenix’ is a beautiful 45-minute journey through the singer-songwriter’s five-year artistic journey in bringing the album to life. Touching on themes like love, lust, heartbreak and self discovery, Charlotte delivers it all: sassy bops like “Passive Aggressive,” groovy pop tunes like “Meaningless” and “Daddy,” plus signature ballads including the standout track “Anyone Who Loves Me,” which is just begging to be performed live.

Luckily, you can solidify your love for the album—and satisfy your live event craving—with The Phoenix Experience, Charlotte’s intricate virtual show which is available to watch on demand via Moment House until May 3 at 11AM EDT.

New Artist of the Month: NEW CITY

If you think you know NEW CITY, think again. It’s time to get reacquainted with the Canadian indie pop trio, back this month after a two-year hiatus with a fresh sound and a fresh face courtesy of new band member Chase Ellestad. “Losing My Mind” is as hypnotizing and catchy as the lyric video above suggests. Get ready to put this song at the top of your spring/summer playlist, and look out for much more music from the guys later this year!

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New Music Friday, Playlists

New Music You May Have Missed from March 2021

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Best New Music from March 2021 blog post
Every New Music Friday, I’m reminded of how much new music is out there — especially from artists I’ve yet to discover! Join me as I broaden my horizons and my music library with monthly playlists capturing new releases from every genre.

Step aside, sports fans: Us music aficionados have our own version of March Madness (and it’s arguably way more entertaining!). Thanks to the arrival of spring, this is the time of year when our favourite artists’ new releases become the soundtrack to warmer temperatures and beaming sunshine. I couldn’t ask for anything better!

Check out more than five (!) hours of the best new music you may have missed this March via the Spotify playlist below, then scroll down to hear a selection of tracks you’ll soon have on repeat. There are no excuses to have a boring playlist, especially at the start of a new season.

* Leave The Door Open by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic *

What do you get when you bring together the impeccable vocal talents and smooth groove of R&B superstars Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak? Meet the new super-duo Silk Sonic. Bruno and Anderson kicked off March with “Leave the Door Open,” a repeat-worthy, retro-tinged jam and the first taste of their upcoming ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’ album. Make no mistake — you need to “Leave the Door Open” on your playlist for this hit!

A bonus video for your viewing pleasure: Bruno and Anderson’s GRAMMYs performance — their only performance of “Leave the Door Open” to date — was beyond dreamy. Watch and you’ll understand why!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMdCZ7sHK8f/

* Sacrifice by Bebe Rexha *

How far would you go for love? On her new single “Sacrifice,” Bebe Rexha makes it clear she’s looking for an all-in or nothing type of romance. “Say goodbye to every other girl in the night behind you / Now you’re mine / Tell me what you’re willin’ to sacrifice,” she sings. It’s an undeniable dance-pop bop and I can’t wait to hear what’s next in this new Bebe era.

* Cowboys by Charlotte Lawrence *

If you’re a follower of this blog, you’ve seen me shout out Californian singer-songwriter Charlotte Lawrence countless times. She put out her first single in 2017, but it was 2018’s viral hits “Just The Same” and “Stole Your Car” that gave her global momentum. Charlotte continues to carve her own lane with her new statement-making sophomore EP, ‘Charlotte.’ My personal favourite track, “Cowboys,” describes the feeling of being lost and wondering where you stand with someone — and if you want to stand with them at all. Hear these songs and more performed live on Charlotte’s Moment House livestream shows April 15 and 16.

* Peaches by Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon *

Every spring, there’s at least one early contender for the year’s song of the summer. “Peaches,” the latest single off Justin Bieber’s new album ‘Justice,’ is quickly checking all the boxes, featuring an irresistibly catchy chorus and guest verses from trending R&B artists Daniel Caesar (a fellow Canadian 🇨🇦) and Giveon. Another surefire sign of success? The #PeachesMakeupChallenge is quickly blowing up on TikTok and Instagram, courtesy of its creator Hailey Bieber.

* You All Over Me (From the Vault) by Taylor Swift feat. Maren Morris *

As the April 9 release of ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ quickly approaches, Taylor Swift has revisited “the vault” of her sophomore album to share a never-before-heard song. “You All Over Me,” a track that sounds equal parts new and nostalgic and is especially reminiscent of the fan-favourite ‘1989’ song “Clean,” was reimagined with background vocals from Tay’s friend and country chart-topper Maren Morris. Look forward to five more unreleased songs from the vault on the final 26-track album!

* Dancing with the Devil by Demi Lovato *

Demi Lovato has never been one to shy away from vulnerability and her new single “Dancing with the Devil” is no exception. The title track for Demi’s new YouTube Originals documentary, and the second track off her forthcoming album ‘Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over,’ chronicles the realities of a rollercoaster relapse — lying to yourself about your limits, giving in when you shouldn’t, and fighting for your life knowing this shouldn’t be the end. It’s gut-wrenching to hear, but Demi has said it was cathartic putting the experience into words. “I wrote it in November 2018 and I’ve just been waiting for the world to hear it,” she told Zane Lowe on his Apple Music show. Look out for the full album dropping April 2!

Album of the Month: Spaceman by Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas’ third solo album is a testament to both connection and isolation; songs like “Heights” and “If I Fall” chronicle the beautiful moments of starting a relationship and committing to something special, while “Spaceman” and “Don’t Give Up On Us” speak to lockdown and long-distance life (Nick’s wife Priyanka Chopra-Jonas has been working on various film projects overseas). The creative and clever song transitions are reason enough to listen to ‘Spaceman’ from start to finish, but I also had the chance to ask Nick about how this album can be best enjoyed during a recent Twitter Spaces interview. In short, grab a drink, get your headphones and “go on the journey.”

Must-listen songs: “Don’t Give Up On Us” (the most catchy opening track you’ve heard from a Jonas), “This Is Heaven” (a fan favourite that Nick debuted while doing double-duty as host and guest performer on SNL), “Nervous” (a solid closer about feeling forever giddy around your favourite person)

New Artist of the Month: PJ Harding

Critically-acclaimed Australian songwriter and producer PJ Harding can proudly call Noah Cyrus one of his biggest fans and, as of this year, a trusted creative partner. After meeting at a writing camp in Bali in 2018, the pair joined forces to write music for Noah’s 2020 EP ‘The End of Everything’ — but there was something even more special to be explored. PJ and Noah’s latest release, “You Belong to Somebody Else,” takes us one step (or song) closer to their forthcoming collaborative EP, ‘People Don’t Change.’

“The first day we started together … Noah said to me that day that we should start a band. I thought she was kidding, but two years and many songs later we’ve actually done just that!” PJ shared on Instagram.

“He’s the most talented dude I’ve ever partnered with,” Noah recently said of PJ following the release of their first joint single, “Dear August.” “I genuinely admire him as a writer, singer, musician, and artist. Writing songs before, I honestly felt a little lost. It felt special to go back to my roots and make something with guitar and piano like what my dad made me listen to as a kid.”

Though there is no release date set for the EP, PJ has shared there are at least four more songs to come. I’ll be looking out for them to share on future playlists!

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New Music Friday, Playlists

New Music You May Have Missed from February 2021

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Best New Music from January 2021 blog post
Every New Music Friday, I’m reminded of how much new music is out there — especially from artists I’ve yet to discover! Join me as I broaden my horizons and my music library with monthly playlists capturing new releases from every genre.

February is the month of love… and there’s no denying that I’m in love with the fab new singles recently released by the likes of Jessie Ware, Martin Garrix and Tove Lo, Dua Lipa and Nick Jonas. Check out more than four hours of the best new music you might have missed on the Spotify playlist below, then scroll down to hear a selection of my most played faves.

* Remember Where You Are (Single Edit) by Jessie Ware *

Why release a music video when you can release a short film for your new single? The closing track off her career-changing album ‘What’s Your Pleasure?,’ Jessie Ware’s “Remember Where You Are” is a gorgeous tribute to finding comfort in the little things and hanging on to hope despite living in some of the most hopeless times. It’s a warm hug in the form of a song.

* Pressure by Martin Garrix feat. Tove Lo *

If clubs were open, this edgy new Martin Garrix x Tove Lo collaboration would be an absolute smash. You should know it by now, but wear your mask(s), wash your hands and social distance… PLEASE!!!

* Happy Hour by Felix Cartal feat. Kiiara *

Vancouver-born DJ/producer Felix Cartal recruited longtime fan and friend Kiiara for his latest star collab, a “melodramatic emo anthem” (Kiiara’s words!) about feeling a little (or a lot) out of control and treating every hour just like it’s happy hour. Honestly, we can toast to that—it’s been a hard year, but just know that we’ll all get through this. Think of the many actual Happy Hours we’ll soon be able to enjoy!

https://twitter.com/felixcartal/status/1365087200937869313

* We’re Good by Dua Lipa *

The newest addition to your ~thank u, next~ playlist, Dua Lipa’s latest single is full of clever references (“We not meant to be like sleeping and cocaine,” for one) all making it clear that the relationship is over, so it’s time to end things amicably. If not? Boy, bye!

* Caution by KAYTRANADA *

Haitian-Canadian DJ/producer KAYTRANADA surprise released an upbeat new single (“just a beat,” he humbly writes), and it’s our first sampling of fresh, original music since the star’s mega-successful 2019 sophomore LP ‘BUBBA.’ KAYTRANADA is heading into the month of March at an all-time career high—he’s up for Best New Artist at the GRAMMY Awards, airing Mar. 14, and I’m rooting for a local victory!

* Spaceman by Nick Jonas *

Everything we’ve experienced in the past year since the start of the pandemic has certainly felt otherworldly. Nick Jonas captures that sensation perfectly in his new solo single, “Spaceman,” the title track off his upcoming album due out Mar. 12. You can’t help but agree when Nick sings, “Mask off minute I get home / All safe now that I’m alone / Almost like a spaceman.” I definitely never thought of our reality that way! 👨‍🚀

P.S. If you’re a fellow Jonas Brothers superfan, don’t fret — the guys have reassured us they “all have a ton of exciting stuff coming (together and apart 😉).” Well, boys, don’t hold back… tell us everything!

* Last Love by Sinéad Harnett *

I shouted out Sinéad Harnett as an Artist to Watch in 2021 back in January around the time she was finishing work on her eagerly-awaited sophomore album. I’m happy to report back that we officially have a date for when we can expect so many new jams! ‘Ready is Always Too Late’ is set to drop May 21, and we have our first taste of the new record now thanks to lead single “Last Love.” In her own words, “Last Love” is about the “1 step forward, 2 steps back” emotional rollercoaster of feeling single and liberated yet still being hung up on the memory of your ex. We’ve all been there (even if you didn’t actually date them!).

ICYMI: Check out four other artists to watch in 2021!

Album of the Month: Life Support by Madison Beer

Madison Beer’s debut album has been years in the making. Her first and only EP, ‘As She Pleases,’ dropped in 2018, following her debut single in 2013. But ‘Life Support,’ the end result of that extended tease, is a meticulously well-crafted and generous 17-track pop album showcasing the L.A-based artist’s confidence in her sound and story. Highlights include “Effortlessly,” which highlights Madison’s breathy, and well, effortless, vocals, as well as hit single “BOYSHIT.”

New Artist of the Month: Sam Fischer

Days before his new collaboration with Demi Lovato was announced, Australian artist Sam Fischer was still relatively unknown to the mainstream masses. His 2019 single “This City” is what initially catapulted him to TikTok fame (plus remixes with Nico Santos, Anne-Marie and Kane Brown, among others), and landed the singer, who says at the time he felt “defeated” by L.A., a sweet contract with RCA Records. Defeated no more!

Sam and Demi have since joined forces to take Sam’s sound and their new single “What Other People Say” to the next level, most recently appearing together on The Ellen Show. The beautifully-written song describes the downfalls of losing yourself due to societal pressures and the desire to “fit in” and “be liked.” Sam puts it beautifully in this Genius annotation:

if I could talk to kid Sam Fischer i’d tell him to keep being his beautiful, flamboyant, talented, confident self and not listen when he was shamed and bullied for just being himself. I felt like it was my fault that I was the way I was, like the way I was living wasn’t right and I was a really angry and sad kid behind closed doors. i’m in therapy now and i’m so grateful for that because i’m able to unravel so much of the pain and embarrassment I felt for just being myself. working on my happiness and loving myself every day now!

Sam is evidently here to stay and I can’t wait to hear what’s next!

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