ASTN - LA DON’T LOOK GOOD ON U
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
After seeing this song first blow up on Tik Tok when ASTN previewed it over the past few weeks, it’s great to see the full thing come to fruition! This one is infectiously catchy and seems to be the only thing on rotation for us today!
ASTN has a way of keeping things simple in his songwriting and not trying to do too much. At the same time, the result of that is usually something like this song; concise storytelling and a consistent theme to sing along to! From the melodies, to the soft guitar and bouncy percussion, it’s got all the ingredients to be a hit. Check it out if you haven’t yet!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Losing your keys
And picking up an attitude
Stay up too late
And wake up in the afternoon”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Artemas - High 4 U
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Taking a dive into Artemas’ discography, it’s clear to see this dude has a definite knack for writing detailed, vulnerable lyrics that seem to hit a little too close to home! His latest, ‘High 4 U,’ wastes no time in that endeavor as Artemas hits us with just that right from the start!
From the moment we hit play, we were fully captivated. Those mellow, short-ended chords softly playing behind Artemas’ raw, yet polished vocals created such a warm, vibrant sound. When the beat then dropped into the hook, we were hit with a complete change of pace and tone. Those synths and percussion came in so smooth!
Not only his songwriting, but his versatility in vocal cadence and flow was shining bright throughout this song. We have a feeling Artemas will be making a major impact in the industry in no time.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I was lost with nobody giving good vibes
You know I never tried to hurt you with the punch lines”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Evan Blum - Memory
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
It’s ironic that this song is called ‘Memory,’ because the amount of nostalgia we felt listening to it is crazy. Even crazier is the fact it just came out! However, we heard once that the best songs are the ones that make you feel like you’ve heard them before… so in that case, Evan Blum struck gold!
Everything from the production, to the storytelling, to Evan Blum’s incredibly full vocals sounds amazing on this song. Reminiscing on old relationships, Blum tells this story that felt oddly personal and relatable. Once you hear this one and connect the way we did, you’ll know what we mean!
The future is bright for this dude, and we can’t wait to hear more! Give this one a listen if you haven’t yet.
Lyrics That Stick:
“But if you really wanted
I could be there for you still
Cause my love was real
At least thats the way I feel”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Ethan Ross - Vertigo
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
We wouldn’t be surprised if Ethan Ross was experiencing some ‘Vertigo’ from climbing to the top so fast. Especially after the release of this masterpiece!
Ethan Ross is the type of artist who’s voice has an instant, mesmerizing effect. From the moment he comes in with that hook, the whole sound of this song seems to perfectly come together and draw you in. What’s also impressive is how he then switches his cadence with ease transitioning into the verse! That more chill, low-toned flow is just as smooth and jam-packed with crazy wordplay. Overall, Ross showed zero lacking of his natural abilities on this one, and in effect, he created an absolute banger!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Tell me when I’m back
Will it be all the same
Or will you change”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
ByGLBL - Abusive (feat. 6o & Lil Rxspy)
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
The moment we heard that guitar progression on the intro, we knew this one would be a straight heater. ByGLBL then coming in with the vocals was good reassurance that it was, indeed, a heater. Not to mention the assists from 6o and Rxspy as well, you won’t want to take this one off repeat!
The consistent, widespread sound of the whole song is irresistible, and the ENERGY is unreal! From the large percussion to the layers in their vocals, we felt like we were transported to a packed-out venue and hearing live music again! Hopefully when things do open back up, this can be one of the first songs we hear live. We’d for sure be breaking necks with all the head banging.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I don’t even care if I die you remember
Every single promise that I made will last forever”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Yoza - We’ll Be Good
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Regardless of how hard 2020 has been, we just know ‘We’ll Be Good’ when we have music like this to sooth the soul! Yoza is the type of artist who’s simultaneously never made a bad song and never came in the way we expected him to. The versatility is through the roof and the results are always spot on.
The amount bounce in the verses and in the way Yoza rides the beat is crazy. Those low tones and harmonies transitioning then into the unbelievably catchy hook? It’s over. Not to mention the uplifting and hopeful songwriting. This whole song just feels like it needs to be blasted while cruising down ocean drive on a sunny day with your best friends! But I’m sure it hits just as well in most other settings, too.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I used to sit and pray to God
‘I give in’
Give me a sign
Cause I don’t know where to go”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Aries - FOOL’S GOLD
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
After seeing this production, Aries is the new definition of ‘everything gold!’ The song is a hit, the video is a home run, and Aries is the undisputed MVP of 2020!
Video director Mattias Russo-Larsson went absolutely nuts putting these scenes together. From the gold mines to elegant chandelier settings, Aries is made to look like a full-on rockstar. It’s a nice bonus that his on-camera presence is super appealing as well; we just about got up out of our seats when the beat dropped on the hook and we saw him jumping around like nobody’s business!
This might be one of our favorite song/video combos we’ve seen all year! Go check it out if you haven’t yet.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Hard to catch sunshine
Waiting by my desk
You want a fun time”
If you like this song, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Devin Kennedy - Gummy Worms
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
My favorite candy is actually ‘Gummy Worms,’ so when I saw the title of this new Devin Kennedy, I was already intrigued. Thankfully, yet not to my surprise, the song itself is just as sweet!
That organically composed intro was so beautiful, we had to run it back before the beat even dropped! Kennedy’s soothing voice over the washed out guitar is immaculate, and as the song soon picked up, it only got better. The widespread feel of this whole song gives such flavor to the lyrics being sung, and we definitely connected on a deep level to them.
If you needed a song to reminisce to, this should do the trick. Check it out!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Posting up on a side street
You and me and the munchies
Sharing gummy worms in the back seat”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
NEVRMIND - Chills
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
We’d be willing to bet anyone who can listen to this new NEVRMIND track without getting ‘Chills!’ Lyrically, there’s a beautifully relatable story being told. Sonically, the full instruments and smooth-as-silk vocals create the perfect frequencies.
The way the guitar comes in right away, eventually leading to the organic percussion, this song is too bouncy to not get up and dance! NEVRMIND seems to have a solid knack for using his voice to effortlessly flow in and out of the beat pockets, creating a unique, vibrant sound. If you haven’t checked this one out yet, give it a listen ASAP!
Lyrics That Stick:
“I’m just trynna vibe witcha
Trynna spend a little time witcha”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
KILLBUNK - Chanel Bag
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Next time you’re riding in the whip with friends and you have the aux, just play this new KILLBUNK song and you’ll have everyone asking who it is!
‘Chanel Bag’ is the perfect blend energetic flows and chill, guitar undertones. The way those 808s and snares hit over top of the chord progression is so hard, and KILLBUNK’s flow through all of that is next-level. His verses are fully equipped with clever bars, and that hook is so catchy it’s been stuck in our heads all day! Give this one a listen if you haven’t yet.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I had to get cash
Get that sh*t on my own”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Samie Bower - Newport
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
One thing that really stands out about songs from Samie Bower is his ability to change his vocal cadence with ease throughout each song. From the soft, RnB melodies, to the energetic, grittier sound, this song is the perfect display of that versatility and natural talent.
Overall, this track is the perfect late-night-drive vibe with its darker undertones and wavy flows. Bower absolutely killed those verses, and the hook comes in with dangerous levels of catchiness. If you haven’t give this dude a listen yet, quit starving yourself of this goodness!
Lyrics That Stick:
“You know my pain but don’t stay
Stay the same and don’t change”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
MOD SUN - Karma
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Maybe we did something right recently, because it feels like good ‘Karma’ that we get to experience this absolute masterpiece from one of our favorites, MOD SUN!
He’s always been one to stretch outside of any particular genre, but MOD SUN has reached full-on rockstar status lately, and this song is the perfect example of that. Like seriously, our necks are sore after listening to it because of all the head banging! The stadium-like drums and full band gives a larger-than-life feel, while MOD SUN’s vocal delivery is one of the strongest, most powerful performances we’ve heard from him.
Turn up the speakers to the max, play this song, and get ready to go crazy!
Lyrics That Stick:
“I hope you choke on every lie you said to me
I hope you move out of this city suddenly
I hope you get everything you deserve”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Jordan Jack - empty room
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
There’s sad songs out there, then there’s sad songs out there that may make you tear up a bit, then there’s songs like this new Jordan Jack one. It’s sad yet hopeful, solemn yet peaceful, and the perfect soundtrack to whip out a teary-eyed smile to.
An ode to his two sons, Jack not only dedicates this song to them, but includes them at the beginning and throughout certain parts of the song. The songwriting is truly beautiful when you know how personal and real it is. We applaud him for sharing such a big piece of his heart with us, and in a way that’s so good we haven’t taken it off repeat yet today!
The vulnerability in the songwriting gives us vibes of old Jon Bellion or Chance the Rapper lyrics. You can tell how much the song means to Jordan Jack, and therefore becomes just as meaningful to the listener. Check it out if you haven’t yet!
Lyrics That Stick:
“I may be 6 feet underneath
But I’ll be holding up your feet
And I won’t make promises that I can’t keep”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Function Adams & Drama Relax
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Two kings of infectious melodies teaming up for a song? One can only assume it’s going to have dangerous levels of both catchiness and smoothness. Not to our surprise, this one is exactly that. Function Adams and Drama Relax came in all the way hot with this track, and we can’t seem to take it off repeat!
The blend of mellow vibes and banger qualities is amazing here. The instrumentation is super full and reverb-ed out, but when that deep bass hits, it’s like a full on wave hitting you. All of that goodness with both of these dudes’ vocals on top of it then, it’s wraps. The melodies and constant flow changes throughout are beautifully arranged, and that hook is unnecessarily good. Like, why can’t we get it out of our heads?!
Give these two a listen if you haven’t yet, you won’t be disappointed!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Haters feel a way now
Tell em sorry
She think she my shawty
We just talkin”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Carlie Hanson - Fires (feat. Lil West)
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
With the release of her debut project, Carlie Hanson sets the tone with this introduction track that’s so hot it’s causing ‘Fires’ wherever it’s played! This one seriously blowing our speakers right now because we keep trying to turn it up more!
A beautifully killer hook, complimented by intriguing storytelling on the verses and a crazy verse from Lil West measures this song up to be one of her best yet (and that’s saying a lot). Carlie Hanson’s effortless approach to her new-age rock-n-roll sound is truly propelling her to the top, and it won’t be long before everyone is aware of her name.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I'm fine till I'm not
I find love,
I get lost In my mind, in my thoughts
My emotions vary
So unnecessary”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
New West - Lovely
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
One might describe this New West track as being ‘beautiful,’ or maybe even ‘eclectic.’ On the other hand, all we can classify this song as is being ‘Lovely.’ The fullness of emotion in both the sound and lyrics has us frantically searching for the tissue box right now.
The best part about these uber vulnerable lyrics is that we can tell how meaningful they are to the artist. It’s not just some story being told, it’s a real-life experience that’s told through sheer emotion in the vocals. This creates room for us as listeners to connect with what’s being said all the more!
On top of the amazingly-written lyrics, the production is similarly on a whole different level. This song is just as captivating our 10th time through as it was the first, and we’re sure it’ll be on repeat even more than that! Give this song a listen if you haven’t yet.
Lyrics That Stick:
“But I still think you’re lovely
Even when you’re screaming
You’re leaving
You say we need a break”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Jack Harlow - Tyler Herro (Official Video)
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Two young killers who took 2020 by storm coming together to create a song and visual like this one? Could this Friday get any better? Jack Harlow has been anything but lacking bars lately and this one might’ve just put him on top.
What we’ve been so impressed by is Harlow’s ability to craft a flow that’s all his own. After projects like ‘Confetti’ and break-out hits like ‘WHATS POPPIN,’ it was clear to see just how unique this dude was. Most rappers today have sounds that are heavily-influenced by the Young Thug’s and Drake’s of the world, but we haven’t heard anything like this before.
On top of that flow, we have to mention the bars throughout this song! I mean come on, ‘I’m on like Shumpert?’ Iman Shumpert? We had to run it back four or five times in a row just to catch everything. It’ll be fun watching this song take flight here soon. Check it out if you haven’t yet!
Lyrics That Stick:
“My homeboy Tyler, he play in South Beach
He told me this summer he gon' fix my jumper
I told Boi-1da that we might got a thumper
I been tryna pop, now I'm on like Shumpert”
If you like this song, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
30 - Homesick
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
If this song is any indicator of the level of perfection 30’s upcoming album is going to hold, we are absurdly excited. ‘Homesick’ is both unique and reminiscent, blending the old and new into one completely beautiful sound.
30 maintains a level of versatility and unpredictability in all his music, and this song is the perfect display of that. From the rock-n-roll core centered around the stand-out vocals on the verses, we just can’t get enough. When you go to hit play on it, make sure the volume is all the way up!
Lyrics That Stick:
“I met you on vacation
But I’m homesick when I’m away from you”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
TyFontaine - We Ain’t The Same (Album Review)
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
If you needed a reason to turn up on a Monday night, TyFontaine has you covered. Sitting at 15 songs deep, he really is not lying when he says ‘We Ain’t The Same’… because this album is different.
Fontaine’s vocal delivery is really what sets him apart to us. Each song is jam packed with endless melodies and layered harmonies, creating a full-blown wave of beautiful sounds. Whether it’s happy, daytime drive songs like ‘Sabbatical,’ or intimate, chilled-out RnB vibes like ‘Seal,’ this project truly has it all.
The future is bright for TyFontaine, and the release of this album preceded by the Internet Money album points to him being on top very soon. Give this one a listen through ASAP!
Favorite Song: Dear Mama
Lyrics That Stick:
”Know my momma, granny told me that we eagles
We fly higher than the rest, no we are not equal”
If you like this album, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Dutch Melrose - Serotonin
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Speaking of ‘Serotonin,’ we definitely got a nice dose while listening to this jam. Independent artist/producer Dutch Melrose is really the whole package when it comes to writing, production, and performing.
The way this track begins has us reminiscent of a large-scale festival vibe. The anticipation in the intense, airy beat, layered by Melrose’s silky, widespread vocals feels like a dream. The whole composition of the song had us feeling this way, honestly! It’s the type of song you put on the headphones and close your eyes to as it wisps you away into a whole different universe. Just trust us, try it for yourself!
Lyrics That Stick:
“A little serotonin got me in a wild one
I’m sentimental and I’m thinking where the time’s gone”