Essential Songs: New Tracks You Have To Hear
1. Alternative hip-hop artist Kaiyko brings her melancholy yet lovely voice to her new track “Call Me Out” with pop-laden production from Curtains. Her eclectic range of influences which includes Porter Robinson, Brand New and Lil Uzi Vert shines through with her incorporation of pop and r&b melodies into her emo-tinged vocals. With personal, introspective lyrics, catchy trap beats and infectious hooks, “Call Me Out” is not a song to miss this week.
2. Lofi Indie Rocker Johnny Goth is back with a new single called “Way Down Low” that continues to make use of his unique gothic imagery and features his signature layered vocals, ominous production and minimal guitars. With slightly higher pitched vocals than usual, Goth brings in indie pop melodies that show a development of sound since his role as Joker in Birds of Prey.
3. Soundcloud-sphere artist Polearm has dropped another single “Tesla2020” which features his iconic fusion of trap drums, bouncy synths and pitch-shifted bubblegum bass vocals. A true fusion of trap music and bubblegum bass, the insanely catchy track is sure to get you through quarantine.
4. Synthwave popstar Jessie Frye has teamed up with genre legend Ollie Wride to create another 80s inspired pop anthem “Malibu Broken” with modern production, sparkling beats and retro analog synthesizers that bring the listener to a Malibu beach as the sun sets. With the artists in the synthwave genre increasingly incorporating synthpop and AOR aspects, these two prove to continue to be ahead of the curve.
5. Emo inspired artists Brody Mckeegan, better known as Brody has released his second single of 2020, “Constrict” which features his brand of guitar beats, catchy vocal melodies and aggressive sadboi vocals. Dealing with isolation and mental health, the truly d.i.y. artist broadcasts a personal, confessional story through infectious emo songwriting.
6. Since his project Sylar Spence, Ryan DeRobertis has refused to reject his past as Saint Pepsi, the Vaporwave and Future Funk legend who helped bring the genre to popularity through his iconic “Enjoy Yourself” and tracks like “Cherry Pepsi” and “Private Caller,” the New York artist has put back on the mask of Saint Pepsi with the first song from his upcoming quarantine project, “Social Distance.” “We Can Make It” is a fun, upbeat track with Saint Pepsi’s iconic chopped and screwed disco-house remixes of funk songs. Not only are the melodies upbeat, but the primary sampled line “we can make it,” is a needed reminder during these dark times.
