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!
