New Music Fridays: March
NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: 3/31/23
BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD, LIVE AT BUSH HALL
Black Country, New Road returns with their third studio release, Live At Bush Hall. The English band, formed in 2019, has explored indie rock that only continues to get more and more vulnerable and fresh as the time goes on. A unique experience, Live At Bush Hall was recorded over three nights in front of an audience in London, demonstrating their exceptionally distinctive record with a very stripped sound.
YAYA BEY, EXODUS THE NORTH STAR
Yaya Bey re-enters the music scene with her new EP, Exodus The North Star, which is a continuation of her previous record, Remember Your North Star. The EP explores many themes, fronted by hopefulness and joy, while incorporating elements of R&B, soul, and jazz.
FEVER RAY, RADICAL ROMANTICS
After much anticipation, Swedish artist and songwriter Fever Ray has marked their return to the alternative music scene with Radical Romantics, the artist’s first full length release in five years. Utilizing a variety of synthesizers, drum machines, and Fever’s unique voice, the Swedish songwriter created a true auditory atmosphere that any listener can immerse themselves in, earning themselves Pitchfork’s title of Best New Album.
Use this link to access the New Music Friday 3/31/23 playlist.
NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: 3/24/23
RUBY WATERS, HEATHER
For fans of Samia and Clairo, Ruby Water’s latest EP Heather satisfies all requirements, as well as demonstrating a wide variety throughout the four songs . The Ontario-born-and-raised singer-songwriter prepares to embark on a spring 2023 US tour showcasing her relaxed pop instrumentals that are paired with her impressive melodies and lyrics.
THE MARAVINES, ORANGE
Indie folk/rock duo The Maravines return with their fourth studio album release, Orange. While originally from New Jersey, songwriter Chris Lee took inspiration from his travels to the west coast for this album. The Maravines are known for their lo-fi production and yearning vocals, with similarities to artists like The Shins.
PORTLAND, DEPARTURES
Belgian band Portland’s new album Departures portrays the aftermath of a failed romantic relationship and the platonic relationship that came out of it, utilizing their signature airy, dream-pop sound. The content on the 12 song album itself is a very open and vulnerable depiction of Sarah Pepels and Jente Pironet’s entanglement, which brings the listeners through all the stages of grief and hopefulness.
Use this link to access the New Music Friday 3/24/23 playlist.
NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: 3/3/23
GABRIELLE SHONK, ACROSS THE ROOM
Montréal native Gabrielle Shonk explores heartache and new beginnings with sophomore album, Across The Room. With her newfound creative freedom after her debut album, Shonk was allowed to truly shine in the creation of Across The Room, with top tracks like “How We Used To Be” and “Aftertaste”. The eleven-song record emphasizes Shonk’s musical diversity, which is similar to that of artists Angel Olsen and HAIM, while still demonstrating original work and individuality.
JE’TEXAS, JE’TEXAS
Austin based rock band je’Texas is influenced by many different genres in their debut self-titled album, je’Texas. The band, comprised of vocalist/guitar Dylan Bishop, drummer Damien Llanes, and bassist Gian Ortiz, prioritizes tone and funky rhythms that are reminiscent of music circa late 1960s and early 1970s.
BEGONIA, POWDER BLUE
Winnipeg-based Alexa Dirks, known better by her moniker Begonia, welcomes her sophomore album this week with Powder Blue, the rising artist’s first full-length release since 2019. Since touring over the last couple of years, Dirks has undergone deeply meaningful experiences of which she reflects upon throughout each track, providing a poetic structure to her newest work.
MADAME GANDHI, VIBRATIONS
Known for her uplifting electronic beats, award-winning artist, activist, and public speaker Madame Gandhi is in the spotlight this week with her third EP, Vibrations, continuing her positive image through celebration of gender liberation, continuing the trend from her first EP, Voices, from 2016. Throughout her newest release, Gandhi continues exploring and presenting personally relevant themes, such as her time in Antarctica where she sampled the sounds of glaciers melting and separating to raise climate change awareness.
Use this link to access the New Music Friday 3/3/23 Spotify Playlist.