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Tag: new music friday

  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To This Weekend

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To This Weekend

    Aannnnddd we’re
    back with another weekend playlist curated by yours truly. Luckily enough for all of us, this time of year is a hotspot for releasing new music. As I mentioned last week, we are now witnessing the competition for Song Of The Summer, and honestly I don’t know if we’ve heard it yet.

    So this week I’m feeling extra hopeful that more music is here to get us through these next few hot months. Nothing complements those days spent roasting on the beach quite like having a playlist to get you through. It’s almost as essential as staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen –
    almost.

    Every week, I’m scouring Spotify New Music Friday playlists, I’m taking in recommendations, and I’m listening to the songs myself. I’m specifically choosing songs that will stand out to you and your friends as you pack your schedule with weekend getaways and parties on rooftops.

    This week, we have new music from the lovely Lewis Capaldi, Popdust favorite Austin Millz, and more…so it’s turning out to be one of my fave playlists yet.
    Here’s my new playlist of songs that came out around today, May 19.

    Lewis Capaldi – Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent


    The thing about Lewis Capaldi is that he will never disappoint. His voice is unmatched, leaving nothing to be desired and everything on the table. It’s what got him chart-topping records like “Someone You Loved” and “Before You Go”, and this new album is no exception. After a raw documentary and vulnerable, triumphant singles like “Wish You The Best” and “Haven’t You Ever Been In Love Before?”, this album is classic Capaldi, but with a new glimpse inside.

    Austin Millz & Alina Baraz – “Breathless”

    It’s been a big year so far for Austin Millz, who we’ve covered releasing “Inhale/Exhale” with Sabrina Claudio and “Freeway” with Estelle. He’s performed at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix and in Coachella’s Heineken House, and now he’s here releasing “Breathless” alongside Alina Baraz. Pair Millz’ ability to make a catchy beat and Baraz’ smooth, summery vocals and your transported into another world with “Breathless”.

    Bad Bunny – “Where She Goes”

    You already know you will be hearing this at every bar and club you enter for the foreseeable future. “Where She Goes” sends you right to the club with a punchy beat and his silky voice gliding throughout the whole track. The shocking part is that this music video features Frank Ocean, who has barely been seen the last decade. The video is riddled with other stars like Lil Uzi Vert and soccer star Ronaldinho.

    Lana Del Rey – “Say Yes To Heaven”

    It only made sense for Lana Del Rey to finally release “Say Yes To Heaven” after the unreleased version blew up on TikTok. It’s an essential Lana song, with her unique tone and crooning sound that sends you back to sometime far in the past. Her voice is like the summer, and this single is just what you need alongside you at the beach.

    Post Malone – “Mourning”

    With a new album coming soon and more live performances on deck, Post Malone is constantly showing us how a hit record is made. It’s his classic tone, a little sprinkling of vulnerability, and a must-listen. If it’s any indication of what the rest of the album sounds like, you won’t want to miss it.

    Jai Phillips

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  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To This Week

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To This Week

    We’re back with another edition of your Weekend Playlist…a segment where I round up all of the best music released this week and share it from my ears to yours. It’s essentially a better version of Spotify’s New Music Friday because I’ve actually listened to the songs.

    Since we are getting into the thick of May, artists are slowly releasing their singles to contend for Song Of The Summer. A coveted title awarded to one song relentlessly played on both TikTok and the radio, effortlessly catchy and upbeat enough for the tone of the season. We’ve previously seen winners in Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar” and DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts”, so there are naturally big shoes to fill.

    After sitting down and poring through new music releases this fine Friday, I’m hearing a bunch of songs setting us up for a great summer. Because, let’s face it, it’s not a memorable summer without a few anthems to get us through. Like how summer ‘16 will always be Drake’s Views album.

    Will the week of May 12 bring us our summer anthem finally? Let’s find out.

    The Album – The Jonas Brothers 

    They need no introduction, the Jo Bros are back with 12 new tracks produced by hitmaker Jon Bellion. With hit singles like “Wings” and “Waffle House”, this album includes their classic vocals mixed with electric guitar and soft acoustics. They’re kicking off this era with TODAY’s 2023 Citi Concert Series to perform songs off The Album and are set to headline a stadium tour this summer starting at Yankee Stadium.

    “Prescription” – Remi Wolf

    Remi Wolf is back with her first single of 2023 with “Prescription,” written for Boots Riley’s new Amazon Prime show, I’m a Virgo. Wolf is known for her nostalgic-sounding tunes, defying genres and blending them in a way that makes music worth listening to for everyone. She has notes of jazz and pop and everything in between, powerful vocals that know how to deliver a note at just the right time. “Prescription” is Remi’s return this year, and it’s every bit as good as expected.

    RICHE$T OPP – YoungBoy Never Broke Again

    YoungBoy Never Broke Again is one of the hottest rappers out there right now. Coming off a flaming 2022, RICHE$T OPP is his newest mixtape to show off his insane ability to make a beat. The Louisiana rapper just released his sixth studio album, Don’t Try This At Home, which was #1 on Apple Music, and was the third most listened to artist in the US last year behind Taylor Swift and Drake.

    “Side Effects” – Becky Hill

    If there’s one thing guaranteed about Becky Hill: it’s that she will make a dance club banger. You’ll want to dance all night long to “Side Effects,” a pop-dance fusion track about being unable to move on from a relationship. The two time BRIT winner hasn’t released a record in over a year, but this comeback isn’t one to miss.

    “To Da Moon” – Party@4 & Toosii 

    Up-and-coming artist Party@4 caught the attention of Toosii with his track “To Da Moon,” it was so catchy that Toosii hopped on himself. The Milwaukee native is making a name for himself in the music industry with this track that perfectly captures the essence of partying and having a good time.

    Jai Phillips

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  • What We’re Listening To This Weekend: Your Friday Playlist

    What We’re Listening To This Weekend: Your Friday Playlist

    I
    love listening to music. You’ve probably gathered that if you’ve seen or read any of my interviews…but it’s true! Music makes the world go round.

    Especially on the weekends when the weather is this nice. It’s almost sinful not to curate a playlist and spend time outside with my friends. Everyone goes to me for playlist recs, so I’m constantly on the lookout for new tunes that everyone will like.

    There’s a constant stream of new songs every week, and I’m here to give you your ultimate weekend playlist with the best new music out there. If you’re looking for something to freshen up your Spotify or Apple Music repertoire…here’s my picks for this week’s Friday Playlist!

    Lewis Capaldi “Wish You The Best”

    Lewis Capaldi is one of music’s greatest voices right now. With crooning vocals and lyrics to shatter anyone’s heart…”Wish You The Best” is a Capaldi classic. A breakup anthem that is soon to hit radio stations on repeat, “WYTB” is everything a fan could ask for and more.

    Hot off a new documentary, a few new singles, and a busy 2023, Lewis’ new single is the perfect relaxing intro to your weekend playlist.

    Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj “Princess Diana”

    To get the party started, we have Queen Nicki Minaj pairing with Princess Ice Spice on Ice Spice’s “Princess Diana.” Ice Spice has quickly risen to stardom in the music world, gaining respect and recognition from some of the world’s biggest rappers. Her face is seen on billboards everywhere following her TikTok famous track “Boy’s A Liar.”

    “Princess Diana” is the track that makes you want to get up and dance with your friends. It’s ready for pregame playlists across the country, and just in time for a great weekend.

    Lauren Spencer Smith ft. GAYLE and Em “Fantasy”

    Lauren Spencer Smith knows a thing or two about toxic relationships. Combine her talent with GAYLE, who wrote breakup anthem “abcdefu” and Em Beihold, and you have yourself a hit record. It’s empowering, it’s refreshing, and it’s worthy of a listen.

    Spencer Smith is the breakthrough act of 2022, and “Fantasy” solidifies that. She’s a talented singer-songwriter who can relate to any listener.

    Austin Millz, ESTELLE “Freeway”

    DJ Austin Millz has released EDM banger “Freeway” with the legendary ESTELLE. You may know ESTELLE’s vocals from “American Boy (ft. Kanye West)”, but “Freeway” takes you to a whole new world of dance beats and club vibes. It could make anyone feel like they’re at a club in Ibiza.

    You won’t want to miss Austin Millz this year, who has already had a few major singles. “Freeway” is all good vibes and makes you feel the way music should: like an escape to a far away oasis.

    Quinn XCII, “Georgia Peach”

    With Quinn XCII’s smooth vocals and his even catchier lyrics, “Georgia Peach” is your summer anthem. It’s perfectly paired with a glass of wine on the beach, reminiscent of good times. It literally makes you want to go outside and have fun.

    An accompanying music video with TikTok’s finest @Octopusslover8 (Jake Shane) and an upcoming tour in May with A R I Z O N A and Julia Wolf, it truly is the summer of Quinn. He talked about his new album,
    The People’s Champ, with Popdust recently!

    Lyn Lapid, “poster boy”

    20 year-old Lyn Lapid is making a name for herself in the music industry right now. With a sophomore EP lurking in the shadows, “poster boy” is the latest single from a much-anticipated body of work. Her previous single “Do U Really” enforces Lyn Lapid’s insane talent.

    Lyn was discovered after launching her mega-successful TikTok page, which garnered 1 billion views and 5 million followers in no time. “poster boy” is the perfect introduction to Lyn’s music..not to be missed.

    Jai Phillips

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  • Quinn XCII Talks His New Album “The People’s Champ” Exclusively With Popdust

    Quinn XCII Talks His New Album “The People’s Champ” Exclusively With Popdust

    Quinn XCII is back with his fifth studio album, The People’s Champ, and it could be his best yet. With a mixture of the classic Quinn sound that seamlessly blends multiple genres together. While the beat of many of his songs may stay upbeat, his lyrics convey important messages reminding you to stay true to yourself.

    QUINN XCII | Popdust Presentswww.youtube.com

    The People’s Champ is about being your own hero a lot of the time. The name, just like Quinn XCII’s album, encourages you to be kind to yourself because at the end of the day, that’s all you have. Each track is a gentle reminder to have fun, spread love, and take care of you.

    The Detroit native is known for his stellar collaborations with artists spanning across many genres. The People’s Champ is no exception, where we hear Quinn’s vocals mesh with big names in the music industry like Big Sean, AJR, and Chelsea Cutler.

    This isn’t the first…or even second time we have heard a collab between Cutler and Quinn. However, “Let Me Down” is relatable, and their voices work incredibly well together to make for another refreshing single from the pair.

    Quinn XCII revealed that working with Cutler is more like hanging out with a friend. Since the two have been close friends forever, they find ease collaborating and the pressure is off. Having people Quinn trusts surrounding him for the creation of The People’s Champ has subsequently been a huge part of why he’s so proud of it.

    With his new album out today, and a worldwide headline tour titled “The People’s Tour” coming this spring, Quinn XCII sat down with Popdust for an exclusive interview:

    Jai Phillips

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  • New Music Friday: Asher Monroe Releases New Chapter In XR Concert

    New Music Friday: Asher Monroe Releases New Chapter In XR Concert

    Asher Monroe is a full-blown triple threat: singer, songwriter, and actor. For years, Monroe has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry to create relatable tracks for his fans. This summer was no different with the release of his dynamic new album, Windows of Time.

    Windows of Time gives listeners a peek into Monroe’s personal life. He embraces becoming a new father and explores his passion for family, music, and his relationship with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Diana Jenkins. The 8-track album was released in July, but with Asher’s new extended reality (XR) concert, you can live it all over again.

    The XR concert provides an intimate opportunity to watch Asher Monroe perform each track off of
    Windows of Time live. The production uses the same technology as Disney’s “The Mandalorian” while incorporating the same team behind Billie Eilish’s Where Do We Go XR. According to Monroe,

    “The XR is an incredibly rewarding process from start to finish. From storyboards to hiring a team of top-notch graphic artists over many months of fine-tuning. I didn’t realize I was building my own video game universe where I could live, interact and perform in. I want to inspire other artists of my generation that, with a wild enough imagination…they can do the same!”

    The
    Windows of Time XR is released in chapters, with the latest being chapter 3: “A Rose Amidst The Thorns.” Monroe’s detailing of a fight between himself and Jenkins is a testament to his love for her, equally beautiful and shattering. You can watch the XR performance here:

    In an exclusive interview with Popdust, Asher Monroe talks his writing process, what’s inspiring him right now, and his future plans:

    You wrote “A Rose Amidst the Thorns” after an argument with your wife, Diana Jenkins of RHOBH – how does your relationship affect your writing process?

    We all have our muse. Some of my songs like, “Unpredictable ” and “Hurricane ” were all written about her. I would say most artists are strongly influenced by their inner circle and the people that they love. The best material I’ve written comes from real-life experiences.

    You’re releasing your Extended Reality Concert in chapters – how does “A Rose Amidst The Thorns” feel different from the others?

    “A Rose Amidst the Thorns” has a more intimate feeling than the others. There’s less action and more focus on my interaction with the Rose. I chose an ice cave to represent the harsh winter the Rose has to endure. In a way, it feels like a Broadway piece at times on steroids. Each song has a uniquely different story that caters to different environments. I think the production by Walter Afanaiseiff and the use of extended reality is the thread that keeps each chapter intertwined.

    What was different about recording the XR versus a music video?

    Everything was different. A lot of times with heavy VFX music videos, there’s a lot of time spent in post, whereas shooting with XR most everything is done in pre-production. I got to record my vocals LIVE on the XR studio stage vs 90-100% of music videos are lip synced. Performing with all the visuals I designed with my graphic artist in real-time on a 180-degree LED wall was so much more rewarding than the traditional style shooting of music videos. I think XR is a cutting-edge technology that will be implemented much more by mainstream artists in the future. We haven’t even scratched the surface of its capabilities.

    Is there anything your fans can expect from the next chapters that they haven’t seen yet?

    There will be one more final finale yet to come called, “Story of a Bird.” It’s not only my favorite written song on the album but my favorite visual from the XR concert. Not to give too much away, but let’s just say I’ll be handling a Laner Falcon, fighting off a dragon, and dressed as a night with a touch of Balmain.

    You quote lines from early-1900s poetry in “A Rose Amidst the Thorns” – are there certain poets or authors you like to pull from? How do you utilize literature and other elements of life in your music?

    There was so much literature at the time I was pulling inspiration for “Windows of Time”, but not necessarily one poet in particular. One author I’m reading now who I think is profoundly incredible is Joseph Campbell. Mythology is a subject I’m very much into at the moment. I was never too much into reading until the last few years. It’s a wonderful tool for igniting inspiration and expanding one’s mind. I can’t speak for all artists but the music I make in the moment is pulled from a combination of life experiences that are stored away in my mind and heart that I access like a file but also the current material I ingest using my five senses along with my headspace in that moment. I’ve noticed that each one of my musical projects regarding the sound and lyrics dramatically evolved each time based on where I was at in my life.

    Will there be any more live performances in your future?

    Yes, of course. I try to conceal things in the making before they come to fruition. What I’ll hint at saying is there’s a prestigious charity event coming up where I’ll be opening up for a female icon who has sold over 100 million records worldwide…That’s all I’ll say for now…

    What sort of music is inspiring you right now?

    Can I be honest in saying … not much? I listen to current artists every once in a while like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, or Emeli Sande. In the last 2 years, I haven’t had an artist or song truly
    inspire me. I sometimes feel that I’m in the wrong decade – early on in my career I always felt I was behind the trends in playing catch up. Now that I’m doing my own thing and carving my own sound, it either feels I’m too ahead or that my sound is a bit too mature, but the beauty I’m finding is that like an arrow, each one of my songs are organically finding its intended target. My fanbase is all over the map; wide age gap and every ethnicity under the sun. I love it more this way because it doesn’t feel forced.

    Do you have any music in the works? Maybe another album?

    I always have another album in the works, but I don’t know how long it will take to complete. I write music all the time. As long as the inspiration is still coming, there is always going to be new material… just stay tuned!

    You can stream Asher Monroe’s album, Windows of Time, here!

    Jai Phillips

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  • New Music Friday: Alexa Cappelli Is Back With “Lose, Lose”

    New Music Friday: Alexa Cappelli Is Back With “Lose, Lose”

    It’s not hard to find something to relate to in Alexa Cappelli’s music. The 23-year-old vocal powerhouse from California has found success in writing from the heart. By staying true to herself and building a platform through her TikTok, Cappelli has become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

    Hailing from Team Kelly on NBC’s The Voice, Cappelli was an instant fan-favorite thanks to her bubbly personality and mega talent. From that point on, it was easy to see that Alexa would be able to connect with thousands of fans on a level most artists can’t.

    She used her TikTok and other social media platforms to regularly post singing videos, tease new music, and most importantly, reach out to fans. TikTok is a major tool for most artists, yet Cappelli changed the game when she leaked her new single, “Lose, Lose” on the platform before it was released on November 11.

    Courtesy of Alexa Cappelli

    By leaking the song herself, fans of Alexa’s could get a real glimpse of her new record before anyone else. It was a nod of respect in her fans’ directions, whose endless support garnered over 125,000+ listens before the song was even released.

    In “Lose, Lose”, Cappelli sings about ending a toxic friendship–something almost everyone can relate to. It’s just one of Alexa’s unique abilities to construct a song that is both vulnerable and inclusive.

    Written alongside Pom Pom–who has worked with greats like John Legend and Skyler Stonestreet, who wrote for Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande–“Lose, Lose” is the ultimate alt-pop winter anthem.

    With another exclusive interview, PopDust sits down with the amazing Alexa to talk her new single and the future:


    ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    PD: Originally, you leaked your single, “Lose, Lose” to your fans. What sparked this idea?

    AC: The last few songs I’ve released were teased from earlier in the year, so my team and I thought, “why not try something new for a brand new song they haven’t heard?”. After sending the song to my top fans, seeing their reaction made it so worthwhile. They made awesome videos and started some trends that I’m building up even more so now that it’s out!

    PD: You connect with a ton of people through your social media accounts like TikTok. Have you found any surprising inspiration in your music through the platform? How has the app changed how you put out music?

    AC: I always write songs from a feeling or experience I have been through or can relate to. TikTok is a great place to share stories and the creativity that comes with coping in song form. If a song I love really resonates with an audience, that is a win win to me.

    PD: “Lose, Lose” is about a toxic friendship that had to end. Is writing about the end of a friendship any different than a relationship for you?

    AC: It honestly depends on the type of person and relationship. First we have “Temporary” which was about a sweet guy that I just didn’t belong with. That kind of situation carries a bit more nostalgia. “Lose, Lose” on the other hand, was about a friend that turned sour on me every couple months, blaming me for the issues they’ve always had, and I just couldn’t take it anymore.

    PD: Do you have any advice for our readers about getting out of toxic friendships?

    AC: The best advice I can give is if you find yourself torn between constantly apologizing or defending your character, run. The kind of friends that I need are the kind that give me the benefit of the doubt and truly forgive me when I say sorry. I am self aware enough to know my downfalls and not be ashamed of them, and I just won’t tolerate anyone who is.

    PD: You do an amazing job of being open and honest with your fans through your lyrics. What’s the hardest part about writing about these situations?

    AC: Truthfully, there is a layer of difficulty for me when it comes to sharing such personal lyrics about a certain person because no matter what they did, I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’ve realized that these are my feelings and experiences and I’m allowed to share what I’ve been through.

    PD: You just opened up for ANDI on November 15! What was it like to perform only a few days after the single release?

    AC: SO fun! I want to do a lottttt more of it and I intend for releases to come. People already knew all the words. It was awesome.

    PD: For “Lose, Lose” you wrote with amazing songwriters, Skyler Stonestreet and Pom Pom. How was working together and how did the song come about?

    AC: I have never written and released a song made by all women until now! Pom Pom is so talented and was great to work with all my notes, even over Zoom. Skyler is a force of a songwriter (and also like a big sister<3). I will definitely be working with both of them again.

    PD: With increasing buzz around your music, what’s next for you in the future? Can fans expect an Alexa Cappelli album soon?

    AC: Yes. I am working on my debut album! It’s a special project to me, and all I can say right now is that it has been a process.

    You can listen to Alexa Cappelli’s single, “Lose, Lose” here:

    Jai Phillips

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  • New Sza Music | New Rihanna Music | Pop Divas Are Finally Back

    New Sza Music | New Rihanna Music | Pop Divas Are Finally Back

    First, Beyonce released Renaissance. Then Taylor Swift dropped Midnights. We were still reeling from those two groundbreaking, life-changing albums when the impossible happened: Rihanna announced her new song, ‘Lift Me Up.’

    That’s right. New Rihanna just dropped. And it’s stunning, of course.

    The new track, ‘Lift Me Up,’ is a haunting lullaby from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

    Backed by choral voices, Rihanna lets her vocals take center stage for this achingly gorgeous song. She shows off her vast emotional range by flowing from soft, whispered phrases to belting out pleas for safety.

    Although the lyrics are simple, they’re gut-wrenching. “Lift me up, hold me down,” she sings, and we’re reminded of the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman. The song was written by Tems and is a tender tribute to Boseman.

    I can only imagine how the song will feel when I hear it in surround sound in theatres, watching the latest Black Panther film on November 11th. I’m getting chills just thinking about it.

    LISTEN TO ‘LIFT ME UP’ NOW

    What a departure from Rihanna’s last iconic, career-defining album ANTI in 2016. 2016!! Can you believe we’ve suffered this drought for so long?

    But now Rihanna is making up for it in spades. The jury’s out on whether her other upcoming music will be in the vein of ‘Lift Me Up’. Or is this a vibe she unearthed just for Wakanda? Good news is it’s more and more likely that there will be new music.


    We’ve been teased before. We’ve had our hopes dashed. But the signs are pointing to a Rihanna release in the near future. She’s been spotted going in and out of the recording studio. She’s announced that she will be performing at the Super Bowl Half Time Show. And… she’s going on tour in 2023.

    Rihanna — take my money! But please give me an album in return!

    Rihanna’s not the only one making a comeback. Beyonce and Taylor Swift also plan 2023 stadium tours. This will be a huge year for StubHub, Ticketmaster, and me, I can tell you that.

    And guess who else has made a comeback? SZA. It’s Scorpio season, and it seems our resident toxic Scorpio is back with a song we’re sure to hear at every single Halloween bash.

    SZA’s latest single, ‘Shirt,’ is taking us right back to her debut album, CTRL, which she released in 2017. The girls have made us wait for soooo long, but SZA’s repenting for her sins by dropping this major banger.

    While she’s had hits, features, and singles since 2017, we can only hope that ‘Shirt’ signals that we’ll be getting a full album. 2023 looks like a major year for music and I can’t wait to see what it has in store for us. Though my budget might be less pleased…

    LISTEN TO “SHIRT” NOW

    One thing is for sure: the era of the pop diva is back and better than ever. This is one Y2K-era trend that I can get behind. I want my girls to be dominating the charts, the news, and the red carpets just like they did in peak popstar era.

    The only person we’re waiting for is Normani.


    Girl, where’s the album? If Rihanna can do it — fresh from having a baby, no less — then so can you!

    LKC

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