Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
By Saachi Gupta & Astrid Ortega
Elais Park - “Been Busy”
Los Angeles-based Elais Park's latest track “Been Busy” is an upbeat, unconventional track that keeps you hooked from the very first second. The track showcases his expansion of his sound even more, becoming a part of the growing genre-blending generation of artists.
Nikoli Partiyeli, who performs under Elais Park, has repeatedly proved his artistry and ability to produce and write music, with “Been Busy” displaying a quick-witted and matured side.
Partiyeli's latest track is an affirmation and a manifestation of the strong, optimistic attitude he has. It is a reminder of mental blocks, and moments of being overwhelmed as an artist.
VALLEY - “Nevermind”
Bringing us a sweet and fun Pop track, Valley brings their listener’s spirits up with their latest track “nevermind”. With a beat that’ll get your head moving and crisp vocals that keep you tuned into each track, “nevermind” has something for everyone. Though radiating positive energy sonically, lyrically the track touches on mental health, an important topic for the band. Lead singer Rob Laska explains, “I feel like with Valley we’ve always strived for the perfect happy and sad song. ‘nevermind’ is a direct representation of playing with that idea. The song covers a stricter mental health narrative but also leaves the listener room to feel high energy production-simultaneously processing a topic about trying to find an emotion that doesn’t really exist.” The band sure hits that balance with “nevermind” and continues to produce heartfelt tracks.
James Bay - “Chew On My Heart”
UK-based singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer James Bay's returns with “Chew On My Heart” and it does not disappoint to say the least. The song captures the essence of James Bay, somehow managing to be upbeat and catchy, as well as lyrically vulnerable at the same time.
The first single from his upcoming album, James Bay notes “‘Chew On My Heart’ is a great example of releasing something positive about myself publicly for the first time. It’s an outpouring of love, and that’s a huge theme across this new music. When I come home from tour, I burst through the door and throw my arms around my girl, and she’ll just say, ‘Okay, relax, cool.’ It’s cheesy, but I wrote it from that perspective. It’s the opposite of being guarded.”
The music video for “Chew on My Heart” was shot in Paris last month by Philip Andelman, via safe social distancing.James Bay's music upholds traditions of timeless songcraft. He has previously been nominated for the GRAMMY Awards, as well as won BRIT Awards. Garnering nearly 6 billion streams of his music, Bay has performed on Saturday Night Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! amongst others. With “Chew On My Heart”, he once again proves that his music is timeless and comes straight from the heart.
MesiahX - “Antibodies”
Bringing us his fresh take on a mix of indie-pop and R&B rap, “Antibodies” is the perfect song to lose yourself to. With his warm vocals and a smooth yet touching rhythm, MasiahX creates music that delivers feelings through sounds, resonating with listeners so quickly. His new EP Essence EP, released in June, is a “relax and think about memories” kind of EP. MasiahX’s beats are slow, giving you a chance to relax to the music and feel comfort. His lyrics touch on certain feelings of love and struggles that come with even the idea of love, resonating with listeners enough that it feels like he’s having a conversation about something personal with us. MasiahX may be a smaller artist right now, but with his style and touch in music, we’re looking forward to what’s next for him.
The Mumfees - “Venus Man”
“Venus Man” is the newest track from Los Angeles-based musical duo The Mumfees. With a catchy, somewhat psychedelic and experimental pop sound, “Venus Man” is a song about seeing someone special on the dance floor. The track contains powerful, almost haunting vocals that merge perfectly into the upbeat production. “Venus Man”, thus, instantly stands out as unique and unforgettable.
Based in Los Angeles, The Mumfees consist of vocalist Maggie Mae Danielle and guitarist Alexander Zepeda. With more tunes coming soon, The Mumfees are sure to leave their mark on the music scene.
lavender - “peppermint”
London based duo latest release “peppermint,” a smooth R&B x Indie song that makes everyone swoon. With a simple though quick beat moving the track forward, “peppermint” brings in a groovy production and instrumental elements to get ya moving. Lavender self describes themselves as “a producer who's really into J Dilla, Kaytranada and a guitarist/vocalist who's really inspired by Bon Iver and Mac DeMarco.” This duo results in a mix of neo-soul, hip hop, alternative indie and R&B tunes.“Peppermint” shifts from a sample to their own mix of it, adding in special notes and instruments that make it more of an upbeat and full of life song instead of the original slow and steady song. This is their first release of music they have made and only makes us more excited to see what else they got up their sleeves so be keeping an ear out for them.
Aaron Taos x Lonely God x Huron John - “Control” (Remix)
Aaron Taos returns with a fun remix of his hit track “Control” thanks to support from TikTok. Teaming up with Lonely God and Huron John, Aaron Taos provides a twist to his hit alongside two of his favorite artists. The endearing track has a perfect bit of edge to release some teenage angst while keeping a refined and mature sound. “Control” is perfect for those in-your-feels-car rides and is sure to get you hyped as well.
Moontower x Goldroom “I’m Jaded”
Longtime Luna favorites Moontower team up with Goldroom for an ever so groovy track “I’m Jaded”. Tapping into the best of Pop and Funk, “I’m Jaded” as terrific upbeat energy while bringing in a bit of edge to keep you listening. Thanks to a foundation of fun production and beats, “I’m Jaded” serves as a dancey track to get lost into. Goldroom’s irresistible groove mixes effortlessly with Moontower’s edge and vocalist Jacob Culver’s energy. Just over three minutes, the track ensures a journey for its listener, leaving them yearning for a dance and a desire to put the track on repeat.
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From Pavietra 🕊️ https://t.co/BXVgWlZud8 -
slowthai by Rosie Matheson 🤩 https://t.co/z7SDfFQ5iF
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RT @i_D: Ian Kenneth Bird photographs young punks on Polaroid: https://t.co/MKT0tMUqO9 https://t.co/a0tTl12ML5
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RT @AnOtherMagazine: #DreamHome – this isolated idyll in the mountains of Lanzarote 🌵 📸 via Nowness, photography by Clemence Blr 🔁 https://t.co/GUusdxD0cg
