Austin Strange - All of Me
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
This Canada-native artist is making us want to drive with the windows down in 40-degree weather with his latest, ‘All of Me!’ Austin Strange is one of those artists that instantly demands your attention from the moment you hit play.
The guitar strumming intro gives what feels like a Spanish vibe - I honestly had no clue where this song was going to go! Then, those rolling high hats and natural snares jumped in and I thought to myself, ‘Oh yeah… this one’s about to be a banger.’
Austin Strange’s effortless flow and infectious melodies took it to the next level. I’m still sitting here trying to get that hook out of my head! Check this one out if you haven’t yet.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I think she want all of me
Didn’t think that she would fall for me”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Jonah Zed - tired
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
No matter how ‘tired’ you might be of this week already, this new Jonah Zed track is sure to provide you with some comfort. This versatile producer and singer/songwriter showcases his emotional range effortlessly, resulting in a complete masterpiece on this one!
The sheer warmth in Jonah Zed’s voice feels like a soft blanket of sounds resting upon our ears. That in addition to the thick, yet airy production layered with dreamy percussions? It’s a wrap. This is one of those songs you can’t help but feel and relate to.
We’re excited to see where 2021 takes Jonah Zed! Give this one a listen ASAP.
Lyrics That Stick:
“She won’t ever change
She’s an empty path”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
ssgkobe - proud
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
ssgkobe is an artist I can for sure see blowing blowing this year. He’s got all the ingredients; a naturally-smooth cadence, songwriting abilities like no other, and an undeniable sense of stardom surrounding his brand.
‘proud’ intertwines a variety of emotions and styles. The production is dark and moody, while ssgkobe comes with a confidently vulnerable flow, singing about how his mom must be proud of how far he’s come, and how he wishes she was there to experience this with him. It’s the type of joint that’s both easily felt and easily sung along to, especially with how quickly it’ll get stuck in your head!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Tears fall when my mama called
(Uh), She said she'd be proud of us
(Uh), She said we gon' ball for her”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Jack Omstead - AEIOU
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Jack Omstead is a 22-year-old who’s paving the way for the next generation of DIY artists looking to do more than just make great music, but make an impact. From learning GarageBand as a middle-schooler, to catapulting an entire career off self-produced, self-recorded, and self-mixed music, this dude is showing just how bright the future looks ahead.
I got the chance to talk to Jack and hear more about the release of his latest single, ‘AEIOU.’ Away from what would be his senior year of college due to Covid, he’s had ample time to continue focusing on music lately and doubling down on his growth from the previous year. My first impression after hearing this song was that it sounds like three songs in one with the airy, dramatic introduction, the catchy pre-chorus, and the ultimate drop that includes layers of chopped vocals and groovy synths. Jack explained how he originally wrote the pre-chorus to be the hook, but decided he wanted to take it to the next level and eventually added the drop!
The way this song came together is super impressive, and as a listener, the attention to detail is amazing. All of the little textures and tones throughout build this song up to be the ultimate jam to play whether you’re driving with friends or simply dancing alone in your room. There’s much to be excited about when it comes to this artist, including plans for more music in the near future. In the meantime, give this one a spin if you haven’t yet!
Lyrics That Stick:
“My love language is physical touch
So if you wanna talk, talk through a hug”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
moonlet - the killing moon
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
moonlet just blessed us all on this fine Tuesday with his cover of ‘the killing moon!’ This self-produced rendition just goes to show the amount of creative ability this artist possesses, and we have yet to get his singing out of our heads!
The amount of layers both production-wise and vocally creates such a warm, full sound that’s hard not to love. moonlet sings with such a genuine emotion and incorporates the perfect harmonies throughout! If you needed something to bump with the windows down this week, here’s the song for you.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Through the thick and thin
He will wait until
You give yourself to him”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Rence - Endless
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
When we say this new Rence belongs in a movie, we’re not kidding. ‘Endless’ is a cinematic, wanderlust-inducing masterpiece that’s sure to have you singing at the top of your lungs on this Saturday night!
Rence is one of those artist that never seems to run out of engaging melodies and stories to tell in his songwriting. Aside from feeling this overwhelming sense of freedom and happiness while listening to this one, we can’t help but applaud the overall production and lyricism, as well. Rence really is the full package! Give this one a listen if you haven’t yet.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Always thought that I would end up like
Someone from a movie where they clap at the end”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Kota the Friend - Pomegranate
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
After the release of his debut album last year, Kota the Friend is making an early 2021 mark with the release of this single alongside his project, ‘Lyrics to GO Vol. 2.’ In my opinion, Kota is entirely in his bag on these songs, simply spitting free verses on songs under 2 minutes. It’s straight jazz-rap beats and crazy wordplay… all you could ask for!
‘Pomegranate’ gives us vibes of Saba’s ‘CARE FOR ME’ album cuts. Kota the Friend has such a distinct cadence and his delivery is so effortlessly smooth. It just makes me feel at ease, like everything’s going to be alright in the end.
This dude is never lacking in bars, that’s for sure. Give it a listen if you haven’t yet and watch your day get better instantly!
Lyrics That Stick:
“And trynna bring you down
That dollar made people flip
Like quarters”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Chri$tian Gate$ - All In
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
With a multitude of releases in 2020 and an early entrance into the 2021 year of drops, we’re wondering why the whole world isn’t ‘All In’ on Chri$tian Gate$ yet! The intensity and sheer energy in this track is enough to have you playing it on repeat all week.
Gate$’ vocal delivery and mixing is unlike anything we’ve quite heard before. There’s a certain darkness and emotional depth that’s carried throughout in his cadence and songwriting. Blending perfectly also with the moody, low-toned production, this song is an absolute trip!
Give this dude a listen if you haven’t yet, you won’t regret it!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Whisper it in my ear
Praying that you’re still
Praying that you’re still falling”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Church-Hill - Cherry Cola
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Sitting out in the sun, sipping a ‘Cherry Cola,’ and bumping this new Church-Hill is pretty much all we’d need in order to be content right now. This song is jam-packed with energetic deliveries, sticky melodies and relatable songwriting!
The juxtaposition between the naturally-uptempo feel of this track and the overall story being told of missing someone close to you is super intriguing to listen to. Church-Hill crafts this engaging, detailed story while still maintaining such a fun presence throughout! You can listen to be sad or listen to be happy - it’s your choice!
Lyrics That Stick:
“I don’t want to fall in love with you
Tell me why you reek of deja vu”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
guccihighwaters - hold somebody (feat. Powfu & Sarcastic Sounds)
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
In the past couple years, if we’re being honest, we haven’t heard anyone’s songwriting make us feel quite the way guccihighwaters does with his unapologetic vulnerability and uber detailed accounts. His latest, alongside Powfu and Sarcastic Sounds, is a glorious display of emotion, inescapable melodies, and that natural songwriting ability.
The fullness in the harmonies and layered vocals in each of these artists’ parts is spectacular! This song just feels like a full wave of beautiful sounds and undertones gently hitting our ears. guccihighwaters isn’t one to miss when it comes to writing those catchy melodies, and this song is no exception.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Putting on a smile for the camera
Your mama raised you with some good manners”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
12AM - Wake Up
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
12AM is such a fitting name for this rising star, because his songs just seem to hit different after midnight! His latest, ‘Wake Up,’ is the ultimate RnB/Pop/Mellow-electro anthem to sooth your soul.
The soulful tones throughout this song are incredible. 12AM has such a knack for manipulating his vocals, effortlessly going from creamy falsettos to full-on belting between the verses and hooks. His attention to detail in songwriting is super impressive, as well! Giving vibes of The Weeknd, blackbear, and even Justin Timerlake, it’s clear to see this artist is molding his own unique sound! Check it out ASAP.
Lyrics That Stick:
“You still live in my head
Your scent still in my bed”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
COTIS - Not Around
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
You have to have been ‘Not Around’ these past couple years to still not be on the COTIS wave! After a plethora of bangers in 2020, this young artist is already coming out strong in the new year with an absolute bop that’s jam-packed with bouncy production, unique vocal mixing, and the catchiest of melodies.
Manipulating his voice from everything to creamy falsettos, to lower rap cadences, and the pitched-up hook, COTIS can quite literally do it all. Not to mention how fire that drop is with the vocal chopping intertwined. This is simply the type of song that demands to be danced to!
Lyrics That Stick:
“When I’m not with you it’s not the same, yeah
I’m not gonna act like I’m okay, yeah
When I’m not with you”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
High School Musical star Olivia Rodrigo is showing the world just how much talent and emotion she has to offer as an artist, and we’re all here for it. ‘driver license’ tells a beautifully detailed story that packs a full punch of vulnerability and tragedy.
The storytelling in the lyricism is just so impressive here! Just listening to this song, we as listeners get such a clear look into part of who Olivia Rodrigo is and things she has experienced. Not to mention how gorgeous the layers of melodies and harmonies are in her vocals throughout.
If you needed a reason to cry on this Saturday night, just flip on this song!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Cause you didn’t mean what you wrote
In that song about me
Cause you said forever
Now I drive alone past your street”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Rarin - Decals
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
We thought Rarin had a crazy impressive 2020, but the way it’s looking, 2021 is going to be even bigger for this 18-year-old artist.
‘Decals’ is one of those play-at-full-volume-in-the-whip kind of songs! Rarin’s naturally full vocals just carry the song in such a way that’s hard to put a finger on. It’s like he doesn’t even have to try and it sounds extremely smooth every time! From the bouncy production to the sticky melodies, this one demands your attention from the start.
Lyrics That Stick:
“You can’t call me, or send a text love
Going solo but I wish you all the best luck”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
James Kaye - FALL THRU
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
James Kaye is an LA-based artist that’s set to make a major impact in 2021, especially if he’s already starting the year off with songs like this one! ‘FALL THRU’ is a blend of smooth pop, soulful RnB, and a whole lotta good energy.
We’re really impressed, as always, with the versatility in Kaye’s vocals throughout the course of the song. The ease of change from energetic runs to more mellow melodies is super impressive! This is the type of song that needs to be played at full volume next time you’re driving late at night.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I know it’s bad
That I didn’t call you
I know you’re mad
Girl I couldn’t fault you”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Yung Sum - Stuck On You
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
While Yung Sum might be ‘Stuck On You,’ we’ve just got his new song stuck on repeat! This dude really is an all-around talent with his unique sounds and fresh takes on pop music.
We’re honestly pretty blown away by the sheer beauty in everything from the guitar tones, to the gorgeous drop on the hook, to Sum’s magnetic voice. We love the simplicity in the production and storytelling; it’s concise, yet offers the perfect amount of natural textures and points of emphasis in the melodies. And that rapping on the second verse? Completely caught us off guard in the best way. We can’t wait to see what 2021 has in store for Yung Sum! Check this one out ASAP.
Lyrics That Stick:
“And I’m stuck on you
Like peanut butter jelly”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
7RU7H - Gelato
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
We’ve been pretty much hooked on 7RU7H since we first heard him last year, and it feels like he just keeps getting better with every release! His latest, ‘Gelato,’ is just as sweet and melodically genius.
The amount of flows this dude incorporates into one song always blows us away! He seems to ride in and out of those beat pockets with ease, and his voice just sounds so silky over it. 7RU7H will definitely be someone to keep a close eye on in 2021! Check this one out.
Lyrics That Stick:
“I call the shots
I’m a young Gregg Popovich”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Dax & Trippie Red - i don’t want another sorry
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
The sheer emotion in this new Dax song is enough to have you crying more tears than you did in all of 2020 combined! A personal testament of his relationship and the struggles that came with, this artist is breaking the barriers of vulnerability in modern hip-hop.
The versatility between belting those vocals on the hook, then diving into an intense cadence on the rap verse is just another display of Dax’s range! The way the whole song is arranged makes for the utmost emotion to be translated through to us listeners. Not to mention the impressive appearance from Trippe Red, making this one a surefire to be big.
Lyrics That Stick:
“Two wrongs don't make a right
I turned left
Now you mad I don't pick up
I don't return texts”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
Osé - Do No More
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
Osé is doing everything so well here, she honestly can’t ‘Do No More’ to make this one any better! The straight soul we felt translating through our speakers when we hit play on it was undeniable and unlike anything we’ve heard recently.
The tone of the guitar gives off such a smooth, mellow vibe from the beginning. Layers upon layers of full vocals then flood throughout the pockets as Osé relays an intimate story about a relationship. The melodies and warm harmonies remind us of the likes of SZA and H.E.R.
This song is the perfect soundtrack for your winter night. Give it a listen!
Lyrics That Stick:
“I can’t do no more
Hit my line when you’re ready
Don’t waste my time, go steady”
If you like this single, show it some love by voting for it with the wave button at the top of the article!
EBEN - It’s Not You, It’s Me
By: Trevor Siebold IG/Twitter: @barelytrev
‘It’s not you, it’s me’ is one of the hardest things to hear and come to terms with in a relationship. Cincinnati-native EBEN takes us all on an emotional journey with this one, and it’s incredibly beautiful.
EBEN’s naturally personal songwriting style creates such a sense of vulnerability every time he puts out a song. This one is particular feels so real and relatable, it’s hard not to be drawn in from the start. Not to mention how smooth the overall production is, only adding to the reminiscent vibes here. Check it out when you get a chance!
Lyrics That Stick:
“Been about two years since I felt right
Been a little tired
I might go to sleep forever”