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!