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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Interviews, Music, Take 5

Take 5 with Langston Francis

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Langston Francis Interview

Introducing Take 5 — a new series on angelamclean.ca introducing you, through just five questions, to ones to watch who are killing it in their respective fields.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please take a minute to read the linked article, which was published just under two months after this interview, before you proceed. More Take 5 interviews are available on my blog.

Turn up your speakers: Toronto-based singer-songwriter Langston Francis is having a moment.

Prior to recently graduating high school, Langston had already amassed an impressive list of accomplishments — a successful debut EP roaming, an ad campaign with Roots, national radio play, sets at Canada’s biggest summer festivals, opening slots for artists like Hayley Kiyoko and, most recently, his first stateside show. “The moment that I have is here right now and I’m always aware of the fact that it might not be here tomorrow, so I’ve got to seize the opportunity,” he says, an observation more relevant than ever in the midst of our shared global experiences in quarantine.

Kicking off the rollout for his sophomore EP due out later this year, Langston just dropped his new single “Waste My Time,” a flavourful summer-ready track about giving into temptation despite knowing exactly how things are going to end. With much more music to come, I caught up with Langston over FaceTime to get the inside scoop on staying creative, overcoming Instagram Live fears, the new wave of local talent and more.

Happy release day! “Waste My Time” serves as the first taste of your upcoming EP and your first release of 2020. How are you feeling?

I’m so excited. I mean, I didn’t go on a hiatus in terms of creating things, but I released my debut project (in 2018) and then I only put out two singles — “Throw It Away and “Peaches” — for a large chunk of time. I’ve kind of been teasing at stuff for months, because I had this single done but we wanted to get the EP pretty much completely done. It’s kind of hard to put it all into words, but it’s a warm feeling. Coming up on past releases I had a little bit of anxiety and nervousness thinking about how it was going to be received, and I’ve let a lot of that go in the sense that I’m just happy to share the music with whoever wants to hear it. I’m so happy that I have my art because it’s something that I can enjoy by myself and create by myself and still share with others from essentially the comfort of my house.

What really wastes your time?

People are always joking on the label calls about this. Someone will be like, We don’t want to waste people’s time! I think for a lot of my life, it’s been the transit system — just the way I’ve spent a lot of my time freezing my ass off waiting for buses. Also, I spent 13 hours in a Cuban airport one time. The flight was delayed two hours more every two hours. We weren’t allowed to leave the airport, there was no food, the debit machine system was broken so we couldn’t take money out and we didn’t have any pesos because… well, I don’t know, me and my friends were just irresponsible teenagers. At one point they were like, We’re giving food out to everyone for free! It was just a hot dog bun and a can of Coke. We were like, alright, bless.

How has the creative process changed for you in quarantine? Have you felt a desire to be more experimental and productive, or is the isolation leading to creative block?

It was interesting; in the beginning, I definitely felt stir crazy due to the lack of human contact. When I’m writing, I like to draw from experiences in my life and it’s tough when you’re just staying inside and everything you’re seeing on the news is so negative. But I’ve figured out how to adjust, especially as a lot of producers and writers have been working via Zoom — which sounds like it would be difficult but surprisingly it’s been really nice. Also, I’ve always struggled with telling my story and showing my personality online. I’ve always been encouraged to do more of it, but I sometimes find that I just care so much more about doing live shows and releasing music and that was what I was so focused on.

Being in quarantine, I started this Instagram Live series where I play some songs, chat with people and then bring on a young creative on the come up. The first one I did recently was with this producer Jenius. He’s 18 and has produced for Travis Scott and a lot of pretty established artists, so it was really cool to talk about creativity in quarantine and answer questions from people about how you navigate the industry at a young age. I never really live streamed; I was always awkward talking to the camera. So, I think one pro of being stuck inside is it’s opening my eyes to exploring different mediums to connect with the fans. Hopefully even if one person feels like they got some knowledge or inspiration from hearing us talk, then that was a success.

What have you missed most about playing live shows and how hard are you going to go at the first gig back?

I had a couple of shows announced and some other stuff behind the scenes that we were lining up that I was massively anticipating, especially because I have this new project and I felt like I’d really gotten to a point where I was able to just enjoy the shows and be in the moment. From what I’ve heard I don’t think there’s going to be international touring on the larger scale for probably a lot of 2021. At the same time, I was actually just talking to a friend and we were thinking about how, especially for shows in Toronto, we’re spoiled sometimes. We have all these incredible acts playing large and small venues and it’s so accessible and for a lot of Canadian cities, artists just don’t come there. So, I think when we’re able to tour again, for artists and fans both the appreciation is going to be crazy.

I saw photos of the first social distancing concert and yeah, I didn’t really get that. I was also thinking, how did they break even? It was weird though, the fact that we both know it from that post that kind of went a little viral and obviously I imagine that’s not what they were intending – for everyone to kind of clown it — but if it was something that they did to live stream or just let a few fans in then that’s cool. It’s hard to say what’s safe and what isn’t.

Self-titled EPs don’t mess around and are typically more raw, authentic and revealing. What can fans expect and how would you describe your musical growth?

With my first EP, I had no idea what the project was going to be called when I released the first single and I was kind of taking it step by step. I describe this EP as more sure of itself, and I’m more sure of the songs. People might hear “Waste My Time” and I wouldn’t want to say that the whole EP is totally like that because we also have a big, epic, almost shimmery pop track, and then there’s a track that explores more of a rocky feel. I’ve also got my first feature on the project, which I’ve never done before and is really exciting being that we’re both Toronto artists. There are actually a lot of really cool artists coming up from Toronto right now that are around my age. I feel like since I was 15, 16, starting to drop music, I’ve gotten so much love and acknowledgement from people that I looked up to, and now seeing this new wave of young teens and early 20’s people coming up has been really dope.

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