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  • Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Dominate Sea.Hear.Now 2024

    Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Dominate Sea.Hear.Now 2024

    It’s been rare — to say the least — when I’ve gone to a festival where the entire weekend revolved around one headliner. It was undeniable — the palpable energy at Sea.Hear.Now 2024 as the time to watch hometown hero — Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band — perform as the Sunday night headliner.

    Spanning the two-day festival were iconic performances from the likes of Noah Kahan, Norah Jones, Trey Anastasio Band, and more…but it was clear from the beginning who this festival was about: The Boss.

    From the first moments of this year’s Sea.Hear.Now, fans were decked out in their Bruce Springsteen merch. I’ve never seen a crowd so diverse in terms of age — longtime Springsteen followers and new listeners alike flocked to Asbury Park, New Jersey to see Bruce live.

    Springsteen had not returned to Asbury Park since 2010 — when he performed an invite-only set at the Carousel House. This was the first time he played a set in New Jersey to a paying audience in decades…and The Boss didn’t disappoint.

    Sea.Hear.Now Day One: Noah Kahan Brings Stick Season To The Beach

    We rented a place in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, a few miles from Asbury Park. Saturday we opted to take the train in because it runs almost directly into the festival itself. I’d highly recommend that anyone planning on going to next year’s festival take advantage of public transportation.

    As I entered the festival on Saturday, I did what all savvy festival attendees do: bee-lined for the merch stand before all the good stuff sold out. Since I’d arrived a bit late, I was already out of luck on a number of popular items.

    I will always tell people to buy one piece of personalized merch at every concert you attend. It’s terrific memorabilia, and even better bragging rights. So, anything that states the festival lineup and location will do for me.

    What I love about Sea.Hear.Now is that it truly showcases the beauty of Asbury Park itself. Once a struggling, rundown town, Asbury Park has rebuilt and transformed itself into a mecca for music, nightlife, and the LGBTQ+ community.

    Festival performers like Joe P had amazing sets, where he performed classics like “All Day I Dream About” and “Off My Mind.” But Joe P also dropped in and played sets at local bars like Low Dive. Bruce Springsteen also played a surprise 30-minute set at the iconic Stone Pony that same Saturday night.

    I quickly ate my go-to festival dinner — a pulled pork sandwich, which is never the best or worst attempt at barbecue I’ve had — and rushed to the VIP area for Noah Kahan’s headline set.

    As always, Noah Kahan delivered a flawless performance. I’ve seen him perform his hit album, Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), numerous times now and am constantly impressed by both his vocal power and humor.

    But the VIP crowd was evidently there for Bruce. As I screamed the words along with Noah — to the horror of everyone around me — I discovered that many did not know a single song. That’s the worst part about VIP at a festival…it can be a bit stuffy.

    Sea.Hear.Now Day Two: The Boss Is Back

    The crowd at Sea.Hear.Now 2024 Nathan Zucker

    By day two I was exhausted. No matter how small and cozy a festival is, there’s a lot of walking. My feet and legs ached as I woke up, but I knew I had more to go. But there was one factor motivating me, and his name is Bruce Springsteen.

    This was my first Bruce show. Growing up in New Jersey, The Boss is an absolute superhero. It’s between him and fictional character Tony Soprano for top two New Jerseyans.

    I’d heard many things about seeing the legendary E Street Band in person. Everyone knows that many artists wouldn’t be here without Bruce. And I knew what a big thing it was for him to play a hometown show for the first time in forever.

    The anticipation was electric from the beginning, but Sunday in Asbury Park felt like Christmas came early.

    Last year, the VIP section was flooded with people sitting in the food area, watching football games by the TV on Sunday. This year, the beach was packed by midday.

    As soon as you entered the festival, everyone was wearing something Springsteen-related. While Saturday brought a few Noah Kahan-faithful, Sunday was solely for Bruce.

    He popped into multiple other sets, like performing with the Trey Anastasio Band before his own headline performance. Bruce and his E Street Band were gifted a three hour slot — unheard of in most festivals.

    But it was for entirely good reason. Bruce delivered an unforgettable performance that longtime fans know in their bones is once-in-a-lifetime. Many are saying that if they never see Bruce live again, ending with that performance would be perfect.

    He played songs like “Thundercrack” for the first time since 2016 and “Asbury Park (Sandy)” for the first time since 2010. After a cover of “Twist and Shout,” he ended the concert with a piercingly resonant “Jersey Girl.”

    The band may be aging, but you cannot tell by their onstage electricity and fervor. Springsteen turns 75 years old this week, but you’d think it’s the 80s by the way he’s playing.

    And, consequently, he reminded the crowd that we cannot outlast the E Street Band. The lovemaking, earth shaking, groundbreaking E Street Band played their hearts out for three hours straight— with no break! — on the beach of Asbury Park.

    All ages came together in that one glorious moment to experience an outstanding set. It was something special to gaze around at the crowd and see everyone, old and young, having the best night of their lives. That’s what music is all about, and that’s why Sea.Hear.Now 2024 was so special.

    Jai Phillips

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  • An Inside Look At Sea.Hear.Now 2024

    An Inside Look At Sea.Hear.Now 2024

    In terms of festivals, it doesn’t get any better than Sea.Hear.Now. Remove the uncomfy camping vibe that’s borderline abusive, and all the intensity of large-scale festivals located in remote areas…and you’ll have SHN.

    An oasis nestled in Asbury Park, New Jersey — you won’t get a better experience than a concert on the sand. With local food, an easy-going crowd, and plenty of shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone at this festival.

    This year, Sea.Hear.Now 2024 is garnering more excitement than ever thanks to their star-studded lineup. With headliners Noah Kahan and New Jersey’s own, Bruce-The-Boss-Springsteen. Springsteen — the Sunday headline act — will have an extra-long, 3-hour set.

    We attended the festival last year, and I was most surprised by how terrific the food was. I even heard people raving about the seafood at SHN. Admittedly, I’ve only eaten one Korean corn dog in my life…but this seemed to be a pretty good intro.

    If you’re going to buy VIP tickets for any festival, this is the one where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. A guaranteed good view for Noah Kahan and The Boss, exclusive merch and food stands where you’ll have less of a line…and of course, my favorite: private bathrooms!

    Sea.Hear.Now is only a few days away…But if you’re last-minute-spontaneous, tickets are still available on resale sites. If you want to know more about one of my favorite festivals, here’s the inside scoop for Sea.Hear.Now 2024!

    Sea.Hear.Now 2024 Lineup

    Sea Hear Now

    The crowd at Sea.Hear.Now isn’t your typical festival crowd. The locals bring a certain informal atmosphere, and since there’s such a wide variety of performers, the crowd is just as diverse.

    On Saturday, Noah Kahan, The Black Crowes, Grace Potter, and Joe P are names to watch out for. Sunday features megastars like Norah Jones, Joy Oladokun, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

    Since the festival is only 2 days long, it’s more manageable than a 3 or 4-day taxing experience. While I always have the time of my life at festivals, I’m often ready to go home earlier than anticipated.

    Transportation at Sea.Hear.Now

    I definitely would not take an Asbury Uber or Lyft during this festival. Last year, I wasted hours in Ubers just sitting in traffic (I think it’s because I wasn’t staying in Asbury Park). But even if you are: don’t use a rideshare service.

    There’s a train that runs into Asbury Park itself, which I’d highly recommend. Go with the option where you won’t stuck in traffic, wishing you were home. Believe me.

    Plus, rideshare prices will surge due to demand. Our Lyft driver last year charged us close to $100 extra because she took a different route and we ended up in more traffic. A train ticket is never market-based.

    The Food

    Surf Taco

    Sea.Hear.Now features some of the best food from the Jersey Shore area. I’m addicted to Surf Taco — especially the eponymous fish taco which is a Jersey shore delicacy. Looking for food that’s absolutely delish and not just a mass-produced, high-caloric, flavorless mess? Surf Taco is for you.

    Other favorites include Dank Dogs, Local 130 Seafood, and Lobster Rolls & More. Normally, I’d warn against the seafood options at a festival…but we’re literally at Sea.Hear.Now. It’s necessary.

    Now, I’m not going to say that these food options will be the best meals in your life…or the cheapest. However, when it comes to festival life, pick your battles. Remember, the food is never the star of the weekend.

    The Drinks

    At every festival, there’ll be those random alcoholic beverage stands featuring familiar brands like Twisted Tea, Hendricks Gin, Aperol Spritz, and Tito’s.

    These booths are my favorite stops because they offer photo ops left and right, exclusive brand merch that’s super cute. Last year, the Aperol Spritz sun hats were all the rage, and don’t forget the cute cocktails.

    This year, keep an eye out for Bud Light, Mamitas, White Claw, Hendrick’s Gin, Twisted Tea, and more! I loved the Hendrick’s cocktails last year — and I’m not even a gin gal.

    The Stages

    Sea Hear Now

    It’s not easy to get lost at Sea.Hear.Now, which is good news. The festival setup is truly manageable, you can stroll around and easily find each stage without getting overwhelmed or exhausted.

    The 3 stages — the Surf Stage, Sand Stage, and Park Stage — are pretty self-explanatory. The Surf and Sand Stages are located across from one another right on the beach, while the stands are on the other side of the boardwalk.

    Then, the Park Stage is between stands and the Sand Stage. Sprinkled throughout the festival are some of Asbury Park’s most famous bars and restaurants. Across from the Surf Stage — where Bruce Springsteen will be performing — stands The Stone Pony — the iconic music venue where Springsteen launched his career.

    So, if you’re weary of the festival and simply want to rest somewhere and absorb all the fantastic sensations…there are plenty of places where you enjoy the glories that Asbury Park has to offer!

    If you’re still looking for Sea.Hear.Now tickets, it’s not too late! Grab them here.

    Jai Phillips

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  • “Punk Goes Noah Kahan” — Knuckle Puck, The Maine, And More Bands On Our Dream Tracklist

    “Punk Goes Noah Kahan” — Knuckle Puck, The Maine, And More Bands On Our Dream Tracklist

    Knuckle Puck covering ‘Stick Season’ by Noah Kahan was the crossover event we didn’t know we needed, but we’re SO thankful for it. Considering the difference in genres, KP putting their pop-punk spin on Noah’s folksy twang in ‘Stick Season’ is everything. It got us reminiscing about the good old days, aka the era of Punk Goes Pop. So we started thinking, what other Noah Kahan tracks would we like to see get the pop-punk/pop-punk adjacent twist? If you think about it, Noah’s discography is the perfect candidate for the Punk Goes Pop treatment. The themes on tracks like ‘Dial Drunk’ and ‘You’re Gonna Go Far’ lend themselves perfectly to the angsty, guitar-heavy sound that pop-punk is known for.

    With that in mind and with a little help from readers like you, we present our dream Punk Goes Noah Kahan tracklist (in no particular order):

    ‘Stick Season’ — Knuckle Puck

    Of course, we have to list the track that inspired this entire idea. Yes, we said this list isn’t in any sort of order but ‘Stick Season’ (Knuckle Puck’s Version) deserves the opener slot purely for being the catalyst here. In all seriousness, we really do love this version of the song. Knuckle Puck brings their sound through while still keeping the heart of the song, further adding to our belief that Noah Kahan x pop punk is a match that’s meant to be.

    ‘The View Between Villages’ — Real Friends

    It would actually be a crime if we didn’t include Real Friends in this list. We can’t break up the RF/KP blood pact! Aside from that though, Real Friends would absolutely kill this cover. They have the perfect angsty, emotion-driven vibe required to do this song justice. We just know ‘The View Between Villages’ in the style of Real Friends would become an instant favorite of ours.

    ‘Dial Drunk’ — State Champs

    Next up we have ‘Dial Drunk’ A.K.A the Noah Kahan song with one of our favorite bridges. In our heads, this has to be covered by State Champs. We can totally see State Champs covering ‘Dial Drunk’ live, amping it up and bringing the energy. Being in the pit to a State Champs ‘Dial Drunk’ cover would go kind of hard tbh. We just know Derek Discanio would kill the “f*ck that sir, just let me call” line in the bridge and now we need it for reasons.

    ‘False Confidence’ — Carly Cosgrove

    As one of our contributors said, Carly Cosgrove covering ‘False Confidence’ just “feels right” and we’re inclined to agree. Oh, you thought we were just sticking to Stick Season? No no, we’re diving into Busyhead with this list too. Sure, soundwise they couldn’t be more different, but if you pay attention you can see where we’re coming from. For science, we played ‘False Confidence’ and ‘Steered Straight’ by Carly Cosgrove back to back and the connection was there. Hearing ‘False Confidence’ in Carly Cosgrove’s style would probably be a masterpiece and we need it.

    ‘You’re Gonna Go Far’ — Grayscale

    This is one of the tracks on Noah Kahan’s discography that really gets to us. (No, YOU sobbed to this song on your drive home the other day). So for that reason, we feel like Grayscale would do this song justice. They’re not afraid to tackle life and emotions in their music (see ‘Mum II’) and the theme of ‘You’re Gonna Go Far’ feels like it would fit in with this current era of Grayscale’s sound and songwriting. Not to mention, Collin Walsh’s vocals would absolutely do this song justice and we’d love it if they covered it.

    ‘Maine’ — The Maine

    Okay, maybe we’re just choosing this for the haha funnies but hear us out. ‘Maine’ is giving Pioneer so of course it makes sense that The Maine has to be the one to do this cover right? We can totally see Knuckle Puck’s Sad Summer Fest tourmates doing this track justice so it has earned its spot on our list. We just know John O’Callaghan’s voice would fit this song, and honestly this genre, SO well.

    ‘No Complaints’ — Arm’s Length

    ‘No Complaints’ has a heavier, angstier, brooding vibe reminiscent of the themes and sound of Never Before Seen, Never Again Found. While Arm’s Length might not be the band you jump to when you think of Noah’s sound, we can absolutely see them doing this song justice. The last 60 seconds of ‘No Complaints’ reminds us so much of the last minute or so of ‘Overture.’ Of course, the sounds are very different, but the vocal style and production make us think that Arms Length would be able to perfectly translate ‘No Complaints’ to their sound.

    ‘Save Me’ — MM@TA

    Meet Me @ The Altar is another one of those bands on this list where you might be thinking, are you sure? But we really do think they could cover ‘Save Me’ so well. We can practically hear Edith Victoria singing the chorus if we close our eyes. Do not ask us to elaborate because we’re right. If they can cover the Jonas Brothers, they can cover Noah Kahan. Maybe they’d keep ‘Save Me’ slower or maybe they’d amp it up to their electrifying, high-energy sound, but whatever they did, we know it would sound so good. The tempo picking up in the last part of the song solidifies this for us because we know they’d take that sound and turn it into something amazing. For science, we need this to happen.

    ‘Northern Attitude’ — The Wonder Years

    Honestly, we were debating between this track and ‘The View Between Villages’ for The Wonder Years, and ‘Northern Attitude’ as a title just feels very TWY-coded. Did we intentionally include a bunch of Sad Summer Fest bands on this list? No, but if something works it works and TWY covering ‘Northern Attitude’ just feels right. It has an angstier edge to it and honestly? It kind of has the makings of a pop-punk song anyway. We can totally see The Wonder Years releasing ‘Northern Attitude’ in an alternate universe, maybe with a heavier pop-punk sound behind it. But “forgive my northern attitude/I was raised out in the cold” feels like it could be a TWY lyric so please TWY give us this cover.

    ‘She Calls Me Back’ — Young Culture

    Young Culture, our beloved. We could 100% picture YC giving ‘She Calls Me Back’ a ‘Whiskey’-esque treatment. The drum kicking in on ‘She Calls Me Back’ and the entire production of the track feels like it would fit in perfectly in Young Culture’s discography if they wanted to give it the pop-punk edit. We didn’t make all those y’allternative jokes about ‘Whiskey’ to NOT include Young Culture on this list tbh, so we would love to hear this cover come to life.

    ‘Everywhere, Everything’ — With Confidence

    Listen, we are concocting a scheme to get With Confidence back (it might involve human sacrifice, who knows?) it’s a work in progress, but until then, we can offer you this. ‘Everywhere, Everything’ may be the furthest thing sonically from what you might think of when you think of With Confidence but consider: covers can sound different. The chorus of this song sounds like it could be a With Con chorus if they sang it in their style. The first “We didn’t know that the sun collapsing /’Til the seas rose and buildings came crashing” was like hearing the ghost of With Con in a folk song, don’t ask us why, it just did. Sit with that and think about Jayden Seeley’s vocals on this track while we work on those schemes of ours.

    ‘New Perspective’ — Neck Deep

    The introductory notes and lines of ‘New Perspective’ again, feel very pop-punk coded and for some reason, Neck Deep came to mind first. Maybe it’s because it feels like a sort of thematic parallel to ‘Can’t Kick Up The Roots,’ but we can see them singing this in a slowed-down, pop-punk ballad-style cover. It would probably be amazing too. Neck Deep would probably do a lot of the thematic elements of Noah Kahan’s music justice too and ‘New Perspective’ feels like the perfect example of that.

    ‘Cynic’ — Daisy Grenade

    Maybe we have a Sad Summer Fest lineup agenda with these choices you’ll never know. The bassline and production of this song feel very much up Daisy Grenade‘s alley and we think they’d put such a fun spin on it. We’d love to see their take on ‘Cynic.’ Don’t ask us why, but we feel like it would be something in the realm of ‘Liquor and Kerosene’s’ sound. That feels right but we’ll leave it up to Daisy Grenade to bring the idea to life.

    Whew, there you have it! Thank you for bearing with us through this dive into Noah Kahan’s discography to figure out the perfect “Punk Goes Noah Kahan” tracklist. And thank you to Knuckle Puck for the ‘Stick Season’ cover that sparked this whole thing, couldn’t have done it without you!

    This is by no means a comprehensive list and we’re sure some of you have your own feelings/ideas about this. Drop your “Punk Goes Noah Kahan” suggestions in the comments below or drop us a line on our socials. You can reach us on Facebook, Instagram, or by tweeting us @thehoneypop!

    If this sort of read is your thing, be sure to check out more of our content about Noah Kahan and pop-punk.

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KNUCKLE PUCK:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Aman Shamim

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  • Gone Country: How Bella Hadid Inspired The Biggest Trend of 2024

    Gone Country: How Bella Hadid Inspired The Biggest Trend of 2024

    Over the past year, I’ve noticed a major shift in the trend-scape. Sure, we have major fashion trends like Sofia Richie-Grainge’s Old Money style or the consistent popularity of Y2K fashion. But there’s a more persistent trend that has wiggled its way into our fashion, our music, and even our dating choices.

    Yes, America’s gone country. It started with the rise in popularity of country music: folk inspired, stomp-and-holler musicians like Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan skyrocketed to superstardom. Luke Combs’ version of “Fast Car” was #1 on the Billboard charts, Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time album dominated, and then there are artists like Tyler Childers who are quickly becoming go-to radio favorites.

    But, lately, the extensive reach of country spreads far beyond music. It’s in our style: cowboy boots are no longer reserved for your yearly trip to a country concert or for the streets of Nashville. They’re now your go-to for your outfits, a staple in your shoe closet.

    The Hills’ Kristin Cavallari recently broke the internet for dating one of TikTok’s famous Montana Boyz. Viral for their good looks and country lip syncing videos, the Montana Boyz are your classic truck-loving, boot-wearing country men. And for one of Los Angeles’ original It Girls, this dating choice seemed a bit unnatural.

    @montana.boyz Brother she’s country.. #fyp #montanaboyz ♬ She’s Country – Jason Aldean

    Cavallari isn’t the only one who has saddled up and gone country…in fact, our resident It Girl, Bella Hadid is leading the pack. Bella’s always loved horseback riding, but these days we notice she’s been spending a lot of time in Fort Worth, Texas.

    Who Is Bella Hadid Dating?

    Bella Hadid and boyfriend Adan Banuelos

    Bella Hadid via Instagram Stories

    Yes, she’s dating Adan Banuelos, a famous professional horseback rider who is a bit of a star in the rodeo world himself. The couple were first spotted in October 2023 shopping, wearing coordinating cowboy boots and denim. From there, Bella Hadid has been a walking poster for all things country.

    She’s posted subtle Instagram nods to her relationship with Banuelos, which consists of a lot of equestrian posts. It makes sense, as Hadid was hitting professional horseback riding competitions until she was diagnosed with Lyme’s Disease. She’s remained passionate about horseback riding since, often posting about her horses on social media.

    And if Bella Hadid is one thing, it’s a trendsetter. She popularized the UGG platform slippers that sell out the second the weather drops below 60 degrees. She convinces us that we, too, can rock low rise jeans.

    So now the entire planet is enraptured by country. We’re all buying the cowboy boots, leaning into our all-denim Canadian tuxedo fits, and streaming Nashville’s finest.

    Want to go country just like Bella Hadid? Here’s how to do it.

    Bella Hadid’s Country Fits

    We all want to dress like Bella Hadid. There’s countless Instagram accounts dedicated to the younger Hadid sister’s closet. The moment she’s photographed outside, the whole world’s trying to figure out what she’s wearing and if they can afford it.

    And if they can’t afford it, they’ll dupe it. So I’ve rounded up a few Bella Hadid-inspired country outfits that are just southern enough…but also endlessly versatile pieces that won’t end up in your donation bin a year from now.

    Full Denim Fit 

    I like this look because it’s a chill street style version of your classic all-denim outfit. The sweetheart styled top paired with low-rise baggy jeans is precisely what you need for a timeless look.

    An Essential Jean Jacket

    Honestly, couldn’t come up with something better myself. A solid denim jacket is tough to come by. I always struggle with going too oversized and swimming in my coat, but this one is the epitome of a staple denim jacket.

    A Cowboy Hat

    It ain’t a trip to the rodeo without your cowboy hat. Bella Hadid somehow makes this look effortlessly chic. Go plain with a black cowboy hat like this one Bella wears.

    Jai Phillips

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  • Mark Your Calendar: 6 Music Festivals Set to Rock 2024

    Mark Your Calendar: 6 Music Festivals Set to Rock 2024

    Look, concerts are great. I would love to see my entire Spotify Wrapped lineup live. And I’ve spent thousands of dollars on Harry Styles alone — judge me if you want, I don’t plan on stopping. But my wallet isn’t as enthusiastic.

    That’s where the beloved music festival comes in. It’s the best opportunity to see a bunch of artists in the span of a few days. You either love them or you’re not built for them…and I fall somewhere in between.

    A music festival is the equivalent of an appetizer sampler; you get to see some artists you normally wouldn’t spend money on, and you also get some of your classic favorite artists all on the same lineup. For example, I went to Firefly Music Festival to see Billie Eilish…and left loving The Killers.

    Now that the weather is getting warmer and we are increasingly more open to the idea of leaving our homes, festival season is quickly approaching. Coachella, one of the world’s most famous (and potentially overrated) festivals, occurs every year in April and kicks off a slew of fun music festivals to attend.

    The only issue is: how do you choose the best music festival for you? With over 50 festivals listed already this Spring and Summer 2024, it can be hard to choose. I like to check out the lineups and see which festivals have the most new artists for me to discover. Then, I take a look at where they’re happening and make my decision from there.

    I’ve rounded up a few festivals happening in the US in 2024 that are both newsworthy and will get you to see the most relevant artists in the industry. Enjoy the food, the shopping, the arts, and the acts!


    M3F Fest

    Where? Phoenix, Arizona

    When? March 1-2, 2024

    Who? Dominic Fike, Duke Dumont, Hippo Campus, Gorgon City, SG Lewis, Dayglow, DRAMA, and more.

    What? A music festival thrown by non-profit, The M3F Fund, where 100% of proceeds go to charities like Habitat for Humanity, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Arizona Helping Hands, and more. It’s a great way to give back while having fun with your friends and family, and their lineup is always good.


    Coachella

    Coachella

    Where? Indio, California

    When? April 12-14 + 19-21, 2024

    Who? Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat, Lil Uzi Vert, John Summit, Dom Dolla, Jon Batiste, Bleachers, No Doubt, J Balvin, and more.

    What? The festival where spotting an influencer or two will be the highlight of your trip. You probably won’t make out with Timothee Chalamet, but you definitely will eat some overpriced food. However, you have to go to Coachella once in your life. This year marks the reunion of No Doubt — and perfect timing, since TikTok has revived their music for Gen Z.


    Shaky Knees Music Festival

    Shaky Knees 2024

    Where? Atlanta, Georgia

    When? May 3-5, 2024

    Who? Noah Kahan, Weezer, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire, Young the Giant, Girl in Red, and more.

    What? A great mix of indie and rock acts spread throughout the weekend. I would travel far and wide to see Noah Kahan ahead of his summer arena tour, and this is a great excuse to do so.


    Hangout Music Festival

    Hangout Fest

    Where? Gulf Shore, Alabama

    When? May 17-19, 2024

    Who? Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, Odesza, The Chainsmokers, Cage The Elephant, Renee Rapp, Dominic Fike, Dom Dolla, and more.

    What? One of the most diverse music festivals in terms of genre…Hangout Music Festival has everything- from popular EDM acts to country to pop. It’s also one of the few tour dates Lana Del Rey has right now, so go see her while you can.


    Governor’s Ball Music Festival

    Gov Ball 2024

    Where? Randall’s Island, New York City

    When? June 9-11, 2024

    Who? Post Malone, The Killers, 21 Savage, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Peso Pluma, Sexxy Red, Renee Rapp, Labrinth, Goth Babe, and more.

    What? Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Gov Ball is an iconic festival to start the summer. This year’s lineup is worth your time with festival favorites like The Killers and Post Malone, and exciting additions like Goth Babe and Sabrina Carpenter.


    Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

    Bonnaroo 2024

    Where? Manchester, Tennessee

    When? June 13-16, 2024

    Who? FISHER, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fred Again…, Maggie Rogers, Cage The Elephant, Cigarettes After Sex, Diplo, Two Friends, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lizzy McAlpine, and more.

    What? Bonnaroo hosts some of the hottest musical acts in the industry year after year. This year’s lineup includes Megan Thee Stallion, Renee Rapp, T-Pain, Sean Paul, and more. I couldn’t think of anything better.

    Jai Phillips

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  • 2024 Grammy Awards Recap

    2024 Grammy Awards Recap

    The 66th annual Grammy Awards were last night at the Crypto.com Arena in the not-so-sunny Los Angeles, California. As storms raged outside the arena, I tuned in for close to five hours of red carpet coverage and the sparkling ceremony to watch music’s biggest night and make my own judgments.

    At some points agonizing, the Grammys truly take their time. Packing performance after performance, people going well over their speech time, and leaving the main awards for the very end can feel never-ending. However, this year’s Grammy Awards had everything: Taylor Swift announcing a brand new album, Tortured Poet’s Department, Miley Cyrus getting her first two Grammy’s and delivering iconic speeches and performances, nods to Barbie, a visit from Celine Dion and a few controversial decisions.

    I mean, even Jay-Z took a shot at the Recording Academy for not giving Beyonce any Album of the Year awards despite having the most nominations. Taylor Swift brought Lana Del Rey on stage while accepting Album of the Year for Midnights to recognize how many artists’ sounds Del Rey’s influenced despite never having won a nomination. The Academy gets it wrong, and often.

    Who Won At The 2024 Grammys?

    Here are some winners from a few of the main categories, including the top four awards…And may I add that some of my predictions were spot on?

    Record of the Year: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

    Album of the Year: Midnights by Taylor Swift

    Song of the Year: “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS

    Best New Artist: Victoria Monet

    Producer of the Year: Jack Antonoff

    Best Pop Solo Performance: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

    Best Pop Duo Performance: “Ghost in the Machine” by SZA and Phoebe Bridgers

    Best Pop Vocal Album: Midnights by Taylor Swift

    Best Pop Dance Recording: “Padam Padam” by Kylie Minogue

    Best Rock Performance: “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius

    Best Country Album: Bell Bottom Country by Lainey Wilson

    Best R&B Song: “Snooze” by SZA

    Who Should’ve Won At The 2024 Grammys?

    The Grammy Awards are decided by the Academy- a group of voters within the music industry who I sometimes think forget to listen to the music of the nominees. It’s why Jay-Z spoke up while receiving the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, it is quite shocking that Beyonce has never won Album of the Year.

    While everyone at the Grammy’s deserves their awards, multiple artists got onstage to say this is not what they make music for. Artists like Miley Cyrus said she felt this happy yesterday because she’s doing it for herself. Taylor Swift thanks her fans, and says she’s happiest when making songs and doing what she loves…but sometimes, the awards gods are fickle.

    Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” went home empty-handed, which was another surprise. While GUTS may not be my favorite work of Rodrigo’s, “Vampire” was a chart-topping, viral song that I truly thought would win something. SZA’s SOS album was on top of the Billboard Hot 100 every week but failed to receive a mention in the top categories like Album of the Year.

    Lana Del Rey, who’s been nominated upwards of 10 times and wrote one of the best albums in the culmination of her already iconic discography with Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard? Received zero awards throughout the night. In a controversial move, Taylor Swift brought her up on stage so the world can recognize all Lana’s done.

    In the Best New Artist category, Ice Spice and Noah Kahan were betting favorites to win…but ultimately, it went to Victoria Monét.

    The Best Performances From The Grammys

    Miley Cyrus

    @mileycyrus♬ original sound – Miley Cyrus

    It’s been years since Cyrus has graced any sort of stage, and she didn’t disappoint. Every bit as honest, exciting, and a true rockstar as she’s ever been, Miley Cyrus is one-of-a-kind. From chiding the audience for not singing along to celebrating her first Grammy win during her performance of “Flowers”, you could tell that Miley just wanted to have fun.

    She even shared she was doing this performance so she could watch clips of it later…and also admitted to foregoing underwear. It was fun, carefree, and exactly how these award shows should be.

    Joni Mitchell

    You may wonder how someone with as illustrious a career as Joni Mitchell has never performed at the Grammy’s. Singing a song she wrote at 21 years old, over half a century later, “Both Sides Now” was both moving and refreshing. She’s won nine Grammy’s herself, nominated 18 times, and has inspired the sounds of our favorite artists.

    She took folk music and made it her own, and after having to re-learn how to talk (and sing) from a brain aneurysm, no one is more well-respected in the industry than Mitchell.

    Luke Combs + Tracy Chapman

    Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” dominated the charts this year. One of the most highly covered songs in the world, and Luke Combs put his country spin on it to create a beautiful, acoustic version. It feels almost entirely his own, but his performance with OG Tracy Chapman shows that music is, indeed, art.

    The song itself is a timeless classic, with Luke Combs being one of the most talented country vocalists in the game right now and Tracy Chapman reminding us the deep roots of the song.

    Other Notable Grammy Moments



    Jai Phillips

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  • UMG Says You Can’t Listen To Taylor Swift On TikTok

    UMG Says You Can’t Listen To Taylor Swift On TikTok


    Part of the music industry in today’s world involves promoting via social media – especially on platforms with mega-influence like TikTok. Artists will tease songs, new artists will be discovered on the platform, and if a sound goes viral tracks can resurge and soar into popularity. You saw it with songs like “Kill Bill” by SZA and “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus.

    Well, bad news. As of February 1, Universal Music Group (UMG) has taken their artists’ music off TikTok after accusing the social media platform of offering unfair reimbursement to artists and allowing AI to generate recordings using an artist’s voice. In an open letter on its website, UMG states,

    “TikTok’s tactics are obvious: use its platform power to hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal that undervalues music and shortchanges artists and songwriters as well as their fans,”

    And the drama doesn’t stop there. In a brief response, TikTok snaps back with,

    “TikTok has been able to reach ‘artist-first’ agreements with every other label and publisher. Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans.”

    Who Does UMG Represent?

    Screenshot from TikTok Jai Phillips

    Among UMG’s lengthy list of artists are: Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, Blackpink, The 1975, Beyonce, Rihanna, Lana Del Rey, and Lewis Capaldi. In the heated letter released by the music label, they mention how TikTok began to take the music down of their smaller artists, but kept their bigger names that generate revenue for the app in an effort to control them. As UMG’s response, they took every single artist away.

    What Happens To UMG’s Music On TikTok?

    @noahkahanmusic thanks love you guys #newmusic #stickseason #noahkahan #noahkahanmusic #forever ♬ Angel – Sarah McLachlan

    That means videos using popular songs like Harry Styles’ “As It Was” or Lana Del Rey’s “Say Yes To Heaven” are now met with “This Sound Is Not Available.” The only sounds under names like Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan are fan-made edits and manipulations of songs.

    This means both TikTok and the music industry will change a bit. A lot of artists will have less of an interest in building platforms on TikTok, because it’s not like they can play their music there. TikTok itself will have to focus on edits behind a lot of their “Get Ready With Me” videos and “Target Haul” clips.

    It’s a standoff between the largest record label in music industry history and the biggest social media platform in the world.





    Jai Phillips

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  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    It feels like it’s been a minute since the last Weekend Playlist…hasn’t it? I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and maybe took some much needed time off work and socials. Unfortunately, we are in the dead of winter, which means I’m losing steam quickly.

    Call it seasonal depression, winter blues, you name it…I have it. But the one thing that keeps me going day after day is new music. I’ve been going through my Spotify Daylist lately- which continuously keeps calling me a writer, and I’m wondering how it knows – and wracking through old songs that are new to my ears. The good news? It’s Friday.

    I’m sure absence has made the heart grow vastly fonder, which is why I’m back with another week’s work of music. New music releases make the world go round. The one constant in life is that every Friday, someone somewhere is releasing some sort of music.

    This week is no different…so as always, let’s get listening!

    Noah Kahan, Sam Fender- “Homesick” 

    If this were the Avengers, Noah Kahan would be Thanos- except his Infinity Stones are ultimate collaborations on his album and the goal were giving listeners music they deserve. This time, he hits a home run with Sam Fender, who puts his own spin on what it means for him to feel homesick. It’s both the yearning to leave and the need to go back that holds us hostage to our hometowns, and they nail it with this duet. About the collab, Fender says,

    “I was told Noah wanted us to work together, and I’d heard the tune ‘Homesick’and thought it was a lush song. We then spoke on the phone and immediately hit it off. I lovedthe idea of the song being a transatlantic call-and-response between two young kids desperateto escape their hometowns. The ‘running away’ theme has been done to death by myself, andmany other artists over the last 50 years, but it’s relatable.”

    Becky Hill, Sonny Fodera- “Never Be Alone” 

    I spoke to Becky Hill a few months ago about her upcoming music, which she promised to be your essential club vibe that pays homage to the beats you love partying to. Now, here we are with her newest single, “Never Be Alone”, and it’s a certified banger. If you want a song that makes you want to drink, dance, and be merry with your friends…let me introduce you to Becky.

    She’s someone who’s always understood the assignment: be true to your music, to the sound that drives you and made you fall in love with the art, and deliver your twist on it. “Never Be Alone” sets up the Year of Becky Hill: a soloist in her own right, whose vocal power eclipses the production beat behind it.

    Bleachers- “Tiny Moves” 

    Jack Antonoff and Mikey Freedom Hart’s band, Bleachers, is known for their indie-beach rock sound. Both relaxing and introspective, Bleachers constantly gives us an alternative sound that scratches an itch we didn’t know we had. With an ethereal, coming-of-age sound, “Tiny Moves” is a love song that feels straight out of a movie.

    Bleachers sings about that feeling when every move your partner makes feels special and ground-shattering, how your love for them can feel all-consuming. It’s an all-encompassing song: chill in the right places, melancholic and lovesick in others.

    David Kushner- “Skin and Bones” 

    The next Hozier, David Kushner has perfected the soulful, gospel-esque dark academia vibe that is quintessential winter. His voice is haunting, with echos that make it sound as if he were singing just to you- “Skin and Bones” takes everything you love about David Kushner’s sound and transforms it into a religious experience.

    “Skin and Bones” continues to prove to us that the pop-folk genre made popular by names like The Lumineers and Bon Iver has room to expand and can be taken to new heights everyday.

    Pharrell, Mumford & Sons- “Good People” 

    Soulful, stomp-and-holler, a collaboration you didn’t know we needed…Mumford & Sons and ultimate producer-singer-songwriter Pharrell have your classic soulful tune. “Good People” welcomes you to the revelation with your ultimate blend of rock, folk, and a harmonious concoction of vocals and callbacks that make you want to simply stomp your feet and holler along.

    There truly is nothing in the world like a Mumford & Sons harmony behind a strong Pharrell sound…which is why “Good People” is one of the best songs on the playlist today.

    Jai Phillips

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  • Four Artists To Watch For In 2024

    Four Artists To Watch For In 2024

    Whether you are ready or not, we are officially in 2024. It’s okay if you’ve already abandoned your overambitious resolutions for more plausible goals — or if you’ve just given up entirely. There’s always next year.

    But if there’s one constant, it’s listening to music. If Spotify Wrapped taught me anything, it’s that I really can make it through anything with the right soundtrack. We’re edging closer to awards season, which means everyone is looking for the best of the best. Our inner critic comes out and, suddenly, we’re all members of the Recording Academy.

    With the 2024 Grammy’s right around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the hits from yesteryear. But I’m already looking ahead to the new year of music. And it’s time to recognize artists who are about to have a huge year. Some of them may be familiar names and hopefully, others will become new favorites of yours.

    Regardless, there have been four artists who stuck out to me this past year. These artists aren’t new per se, but they’ve skyrocketed with recent success leading the charts, making an impact on pop culture, and featuring prominently on Spotify playlists. Each artist has been selected because they have the It Factor — and finally everyone is seeing it.

    Here are the four artists to watch in 2024!

    Sabrina Carpenter

    Sabrina Carpenter via GRAMMY.com

    Sabrina Carpenter press

    Carpenter fell headfirst into a love triangle scandal alongside pop queen Olivia Rodrigo and her castmate, Joshua Bassett. In 2022, she released her fifth studio album, emails i can’t send, which solidified her as a certified pop songwriter who has every “It” factor you look for in a young starlet.

    Her sound can span genres- with synthy, sexy pop/R&B blends like “bet u wanna” to stomp-and-holler-inspired “Already Over.” Her take on heartache and the increased public scrutiny is both refreshing and witty.

    After opening for Taylor Swift this year and going viral for her “Nonsense” outros, and most recently performing for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, it’s hard to imagine that this is the last we’ll see of Sabrina.

    Noah Kahan

    Noah Kahan

    Noah Kahan

    Asyia Marotta

    A favorite here at Popdust, Noah Kahan has perfected that aforementioned “stomp and holler” sound. After a year of country-folk renaissance, Kahan’s Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) deluxe edition released in 2023 and continuously broke records…leading to collaborations with artists like Post Malone, Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, and Lizzy McAlpine.

    With a sold out stadium tour on the horizon, Kahan is skyrocketing. His storytelling through music is unmatched- painting pictures of woeful hometown memories, heartache, loss, anxiety, and more.

    His self-deprecating humor and appreciation for success make Noah Kahan who he is. A longtime advocate for mental health, Kahan started The Busyhead Project to raise money for the cause. He has us in the palm of his hand, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

    Dom Dolla

    Dom Dolla

    Dom Dolla

    donslens

    In the world of Electronic Dance Music, Dom Dolla is a trailblazer. He’s spent the year performing to crowds of tens of thousands of people at festivals and headline shows, and releasing some of the biggest EDM mixes of the year with “Eat Your Man (feat. Nelly Furtado)” and the disco jam “Saving Up.”

    He’s one of the most exciting producers for a reason: a chart topper who knows how to reach the ears (and hearts) of fans of house and EDM, and new listeners alike. He’s found new ways to incorporate sound bytes, big drops, bass, and classic tech-house style and create a league of his own.

    Whether he’s remixing classic tracks like “Black Betty”, playing his own tunes, or performing B2B sets with a fellow hot topic, John Summit, the “Rhyme Dust” creator is one-of-a-kind. Nominated for his first GRAMMY for his remix of Gorillaz “New Gold” with Tame Impala and Bootie Brown, Dom Dolla is your EDM artist to watch.

    Renee Rapp

    Renee Rapp

    Renee Rapp

    Erica Hernandez

    You may know her as Leighton from Max’s Sex Lives Of College Girls…or as Regina George in the 2024 remake of Mean Girls. But Renee Rapp is a whirlwind of a pop-R&B artist who knows how to make flawless music. She’s gathered a passionate fanbase behind her to prove it, and after her most recent album, Snow Angel, we’re dying to know what’s next.

    2022 was huge for Rapp, with her Snow Hard Feelings tour accompanying the album. She’s the talk of the town, weaving tales of unrequited love, belting ballads of heartache, and balancing them out with punchy pop tunes that are worthy of a repeat.

    She’s the face of both cinema and music right now, with a versatility of creativity that so few can achieve. It would be a mistake not to include her on our artists to watch this year, because we know Renee Rapp is only getting started.

    Jai Phillips

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  • Popdust’s End Of Year Music Awards 2023

    Popdust’s End Of Year Music Awards 2023

    With the holiday season in full fa-la-la-la-flow, it’s time to reflect. When the year winds down, we feel a bit of burn out — you stare blankly at screens without motivation, you don’t want to work, and you’ve just spent all your money on gift giving.

    The year ends in two weeks, which means all of your social media accounts are wrapping up the past 365 days and holding a mirror up to who you truly are. For Snapchat users, you get a montage of photos and videos from those embarrassing nights out and the time you took a selfie crying.

    At Popdust, we’ve always loved music. It’s why I have a
    weekly segment rounding up popular new music and it’s why we report on so many of your most favorite artists. We’re constantly searching for the next big thing in music. And 2023 was massive for changing the soundscapes we know and love.

    For instance, country folk was the breakout genre of the year thanks to artists like Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan. Popular DJ’s like John Summit and Dom Dolla have driven a surge in popularity of house music. We’ve seen Taylor Swift take over the world, alongside rapidly rising stars like Ice Spice and SZA.

    With the recent announcement of the GRAMMY Award nominees, it’s never too early to hold our
    own award ceremony to celebrate all of the awesome music released this year. The Popdust Music Awards are for all of those 2024 hitmakers who gave us viral moments, graced our speakers, and made us sing along.

    @popsamcam The Grammy 2024 nominations are here so now it’s time to start guessing the winners. Here is who I think is taking home the major categories from Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus #grammys2024 #grammywinner #grammypredictions #CapCut ♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus

    That includes celebrating Taylor Swift, our Artist Of The Year, whose
    Eras Tour is the highest-grossing tour of all time at $1 billion to date! Her album, Midnights, alongside re-releases like 1989 (Taylor’s Version) and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) were chart-toppers in their own right. Consistently breaking records like dominating the Billboard Top 10, Swift deserves her flowers.

    And speaking of flowers, Miley Cyrus is having a huge year with her new album,
    Endless Summer Vacation. “Flowers” is our Viral Song of the Year, only taking 112 days to reach Spotify’s Billions Club, the quickest in the app’s history.

    There are plenty of artists to celebrate in 2023, which means 2024’s gonna be a truly thrilling year coming up. Here are some of Popdust’s favorite artists and albums from 2023!

    Artist Of The Year: Taylor Swift
    Best Album: Midnights – Taylor Swift

    Best Deluxe Album: Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)– Noah Kahan

    Best EDM: Another Friday Night– Joel Corry

    Best Pop: Something To Give Each Other– Troye Sivan

    Best R&B: SOS– SZA

    Best Rock: But Here We Are– The Foo Fighters

    Best Alternative: Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard– Lana Del Rey

    Best Rap: Like…?- Ice Spice

    Best Country: Zach Bryan– Zach Bryan

    Best Collaboration: Most Viral Song: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

    Popstar Watch: Tate McRae

    Honorable Mentions: The Record- boygenius, Heroes & Villains (Villains Version)- Metro Boomin’, The Show- Niall Horan

    Jai Phillips

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  • Your 2023 Spotify Wrapped Is Ready

    Your 2023 Spotify Wrapped Is Ready

    Every year around December, excitement grows for reasons other than the holiday season. Yes, we all come together to celebrate the release of our
    Spotify Wrapped– and what a glorious, joyous time it is for many. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to expose which type of person you are: an Apple Music user or a Spotify user.

    Spotify Wrapped can teach you a lot about yourself and others. It reveals the top artists, albums, and songs both globally and in the United States, as well as your own individualized playlist filled with your top songs of the year. Mine, unsurprisingly is
    Noah Kahan (and he occupies four of my five top songs).

    It can remind you of songs you swore you only listened to once, and exposes you for the kind of listener you truly are. Somehow, One Direction was my top artist for years beyond their indefinite hiatus…some people never change!

    At the
    Spotify Wrapped 2023 event yesterday, we got the chance to answer all of your questions for this year’s Wrapped! Let’s dive in.

    When Can I See My Spotify Wrapped 2023?

    In one of the greatest rivalries of all time, Apple Music released their Wrapped dupe called Replay a day earlier than Spotify…but today, November 29, is when your
    2023 Spotify Wrapped graces the app.

    @trendpr Spotify Wrapped is trying some new things this year 👀 #2023spotifywrapped #spotifywrapped #2023wrapped ♬ My Love Mine All Mine – Mitski

    What’s New To Spotify Wrapped This Year?

    This year’s theme was “Wrapped, Or It Didn’t Happen.” In a world of
    AI, Spotify wanted to celebrate what’s real: embracing the real moments you experience through music. They wanted to encapsulate the year we’ve had as listeners, so we can appreciate the different cultures and sounds that have been brought to us.

    You’ll see more moving parts during the campaign, with bolder colors, bigger digital productions across the world. But there’s more to your Wrapped than just a special playlist based on your listening data. For the first time, you’ll be able to view it on your computer as well.

    One of the newest feature is Me, In 2023, where you’re assigned one of twelve listening personalities to tell you a bit more about yourself. For example, I’m an Alchemist, which means I create more playlists and listen to them more than the average user. This, obviously, is not shocking as I curate a
    Weekend Playlist for this website.

    There’s also SoundTown, which matches you to a city where you’ll likely meet people who have similar music taste to you. The excitement doesn’t stop there, you’ll be able to see which month you listened to your Top 5 Artists the most and use the Blend feature to see how you and your friends match up.

    Who Were The Top Artists and Albums In 2023?

    Global:

    Artists:

    1. Taylor Swift
    2. Bad Bunny
    3. The Weeknd
    4. Drake
    5. Peso Pluma

    Songs:

    1. “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
    2. “Kill Bill” by SZA
    3. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
    4. “Seven” by Jungkook and Latto
    5. “Ella Baila Sola” by Peso Pluma

    United States:

    Artists:

    1. Taylor Swift
    2. Drake
    3. Morgan Wallen
    4. The Weekend
    5. Bad Bunny

    Songs:

    1. “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
    2. “Kill Bill” by SZA
    3. “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
    4. “Eslabon Armado” by Peso Pluma
    5. “Boys A Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress and Ice Spice

    What Were The Top Albums Of 2023?

    Globally:

    1. Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny (4.5 billion streams)
    2. Midnights by Taylor Swift
    3. S.O.S. by SZA
    4. Starboy by The Weeknd
    5. Mañana Sera Bonito by Karol G

    U.S.:

    1. One Thing At A Time by Morgan Wallen
    2. S.O.S. by SZA
    3. Midnights by Taylor Swift
    4. Heroes and Villains by Metro Boomin
    5. Dangerous by Morgan Wallen

    What Were The Top Podcasts?

    1. The Joe Rogan Experience
    2. Call Her Daddy
    3. Huberman Lab
    4. Anything Goes With Emma Chamberlain
    5. On Purpose With Jay Shetty

    Jai Phillips

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  • Emma Stone to Host ‘SNL’ With Noah Kahan as Musical Guest

    Emma Stone to Host ‘SNL’ With Noah Kahan as Musical Guest

    Emma Stone will host “Saturday Night Live” on Dec. 2 with Noah Kahan as her musical guest.

    Stone is currently starring in the Showtime TV series “The Curse” with Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie. She plays a home improvement TV host who gets cursed by a child along with her husband, played by Fielder. She also stars in the awards season contender “Poor Things,” a Frankenstein-esque black comedy by Yorgos Lanthimos. Stone plays a woman named Bella who is brought back to life by mad scientist and learns how to be human.

    Kahan is an indie folk singer who just received a Grammy nomination for best new artist.

    Jason Momoa is hosting the latest “Saturday Night Live” ahead of his new DC movie, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” which is swimming to theaters on Dec. 22. It’s the long awaited sequel to his first “Aquaman” film from 2018 that was a hit with fans and grossed more than $1 billion at the box office. Momoa previously hosted “Saturday Night Live” in 2018, his hosting debut, with Mumford and Sons as his musical guest.

    In addition to the “Aquaman” sequel, Momoa appeared as the colorful villain Dante Reyes in Universal’s “Fast X” earlier this year. He also reprised his Aquaman role in the post-credits scene of “The Flash.”

    This season of “Saturday Night Live” has so far had Pete Davidson, Bad Bunny, Nate Bargatze and Timothee Chalamet as hosts, plus Ice Spice, the Foo Fighters and Boygenius as musical guests. Bad Bunny pulled double duty and both hosted and performed. Singer Tate McRae performs on Momoa’s episode. There has also been an influx of celebrity cameos this season, including Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Pedro Pascal, Lady Gaga, Mick Jagger, Alec Baldwin, Christopher Walken and more.

    Jordan Moreau

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  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    When I was younger, I knew of two ways to get music: the legal way, paying $0.99 (and then $1.25) for songs on iTunes, and the illegal way, paying $0 to download the pirated versions on Limewire…Don’t lie, you had your ways, too.

    Maybe I’m aging myself by saying social media wasn’t as prevalent as it was now…you couldn’t just go on Instagram and announce new music. That’s right, you’d have to do things like watch television and pay attention, like when Disney Channel would play music videos instead of commercials. It was prime MTV time, you know that line from Bowling For Soup’s hit song “1985”: “and music still on MTV?” That.

    Essentially, you’d rely on solely on search engines, iTunes, and the radio to get your news. How archaic. Back when “doom scrolling” meant checking your email incessantly for new messages from your friends.

    There was no Spotify or Apple Music to curate special playlists…only writers like me reviewing new tracks (that were often printed on CD’s…gasp). Can you believe we used to burn playlists onto CD’s and listen to them as our parents drove?

    Now, music is more accessible than ever. We have access to any song written ever, essentially. I mean, people are constantly even hacking into celebrity’s iClouds and releasing their unreleased tracks! (It’s not ethical, but you get my point.)

    There is no better time to be a fan of music than this era. Now, with apps like Spotify, you can get a monthly subscription to listen to unlimited, commercial-free music with specially picked playlists geared towards your music taste and access to pre-sales for your favorite artist’s shows. The music world is truly at our fingertips.

    And that’s where I come in! I pick the best music that comes out every Friday across the board so you don’t have to comb through all of the new music playlists and feel lost. If you want your weekend to get a little easier, let’s get listening.

    Noah Kahan, Kacey Musgraves- “She Calls Me Back”

    At this point, Noah Kahan is just completing side quests. Whether it be performing onstage with Hozier, releasing collabs with Post Malone, Lizzy McAlpine, Zach Bryan, or most recently Kacey Musgraves, Noah’s been busy. This week’s newest duet is with Musgraves, who shows the other side of Kahan’s hit song “She Calls Me Back.” Musgraves’ melodic voice adds the perfect touch to this song filled with yearning.

    James Arthur- “Just Us” 

    What James Arthur can do to a song is unmatched. He’s the mastermind behind a heart-aching, soul-grasping ballad that will top the radio for weeks on end. An instantaneous creator of classics, James Arthur releases “Just Us”, ahead of his new album Bitter Sweet Love. It follows singles like “Blindside” and “A Year Ago”, “Just Us” is a reminder to focus on what’s really important.

    “‘Just Us’ is a song in which I confess to running away from what really matters and getting lost in the pursuit of validation from external things,” James explains. “It’s about chasing a hedonistic, hollow life. Realizing the true meaning of life which is of course about true love, loving ourselves, our families and our communities and being there for them.”

    Dom Dolla- “Saving Up” 


    Dom Dolla is one of the most exciting names in the electric dance community right now. With the mega-hit “Rhyme Dust” featuring the iconic MK out earlier this year, we got a sense of how Dom Dolla can produce any sort of dance music- regardless of if it’s house, disco, or anything in between. Now, with “Saving Up”, you have the perfect disco-inspired song to get you through the weekend. It’s a promising reminder that anything Dom touches is a banger.

    “I was in the UK last year after a massive summer of touring when I caught the train down to Brighton with some friends and ended up in an incredible studio overlooking the beach. I was missing home a bit, but felt really inspired and wanted to write a feel-good record, reminding myself of the importance of saving time for the ones I care about and love. Whilst (in the studio) overlooking the same site Fatboy Slim hosted his ‘Big Beach Boutique’, I was thinking about the UK’s dance music history and it inspired me so I decided to lean into the idea of writing something that sounds sampled, but isn’t. I often like to write records completely on my own, but it feels so perfect to have written this one alongside some good pals, Clementine Douglas, Caitlin Stubbs & Toby Scott.”

    Joel Corry- Another Friday Night 

    Another heavy-hitter in the EDM community is Joel Corry, who has a proven track record of solidified hits with songs like “Lonely”, “0800 Heaven”, “Head & Heart.” He’s produced songs that are the soundtrack to many nights out, and now he’s here with his debut album, Another Friday Night, just in time for the weekend. It’s one of the most highly anticipated dance albums of the year, with Corry’s uncanny ability to make a song everyone likes.

    Claire Rosinkranz- Just Because

    Claire Rosinkranz isn’t our featured artist of the week “just because”, it’s due to the fact that she’s released her debut album, Just Because. Rosinkranz is a young, dynamic artist who encapsulates the sound of surf and Southern California through picturesque music and retro inspiration. After being discovered at age 16, Rosinkranz has since taken the world by storm with her aptitude for songwriting and her fortifying vocal range.

    Just Because is highlighted by key single tracks like “Wes Anderson”, where Rosinkranz encourages the listener to get over their breakup…and “Swinging at the Stars”, more of an optimistic love anthem with an anticipated accompanying music video featuring a very special guest. It’s a no-skips, must-not-miss album.

    Chloe Stroll- “Hurricane” 

    No stranger to our featured artists lineup, Chloe Stroll is a Popdust fave. After debuting her music career earlier this year (and exclusively speaking with us on the matter), Chloe Stroll is not backing down. Her newest release, “Hurricane”, is a testimony to being loyal to the ones you love.

    One of the most admirable parts of Stroll’s music is that she is staying true to herself, and writing from a genuine place in her heart…which translates to the listener over time. “Hurricane” is an easy listen when you pair her voice with true, sincere lyrics.

    Neil Frances, DRAMA- “Energy”

    A fun-filled track meant for the dance floor, “Energy” is the product of when artists are able to combine their sounds seamlessly. It doesn’t always work, but “Energy” brings a genuine sense of excitement and makes you want to stay out dancing all weekend long.

    “Working with Neil Frances is fun. We’ve been jamming to their tunes for years, and when we teamed up, it was like a lightbulb moment. You know how it is when you work with strangers – it can be hit or miss. But with these guys, it’s a total breath of fresh air! We see a lot of ourselves in them which makes it very easy to create together. There is no pressure to conform or do things the “right” way. We’re just having fun and doing whatever it takes to take our music to the next level.”

    Jai Phillips

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  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    Every week, I imagine all of us sitting…thinking about what the next Weekend Playlist article has in store for us. Call me a narcissist, but it’s surely what I’m doing all week long. It’s exhausting, truly.

    I spend the week excited for new music, because quite frankly I go through so many minutes of listening that I need a constant flow of new tracks to get me through each week. It’s the price of being a music reporter and lover, you simply can never have enough. And, if I can let you in on a little secret, we’ve got a ton of great new tunes this week.

    What I love about fall is there is literally no choice but to sit inside with your AirPods on stare out the window, yearning for warmer weather. And while you have your normal queue of fall albums (for me: Noah Kahan’s Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), Taylor Swift’s 1989, and Harry Styles’ Harry Styles), there’s always room for a new favorite song or two.

    There’s no need to do all the searching yourself, which is why I take the liberty of curating a special playlist for you! So let’s not waste anymore time and get to it…the moment we’ve all been waiting for (or maybe just me, who knows?)

    Drumroll please…let’s get listening!

    Jeremy Zucker- “this time” 

    Recovered from his hit album, summer, Jeremy Zucker is releasing “this time”…five years later! Zucker just released a new album, is nothing sacred?, this year and is preparing for his North American tour starting in October. It’s all about celebrating how far he’s come as both a musician and songwriter, five years after the mega hit “come thru” hit the charts.

    He’s someone who can collaborate with any genre, his voice melding perfectly into his duet’s. A threat in the music industry who just gets it, Zucker’s song “this time” proves he’s known who he is from the start.

    Surf Mesa ft. Griff Clawson- “Run” 

    Surf Mesa continues to blaze his own trail in the electronic dance community with “Run”, a borderline perfect collaboration with Griff Clawson. A talented producer and songwriter, Surf Mesa builds momentum as Griff soundtracks a song about running away from the good ones. Surf is in the middle of touring, and is releasing his debut EP Come True soon, but he’s not slowing down…and “Run” is proof.

    “The track ‘Run’ off my upcoming EP Come True is one of my favorites,” Surf Mesa says. “I’ve been diligentlyworking on this unreleased track, and it’s been a deeply personal project for me. I’m excited to share it withyou. This song represents a significant chapter in my musical journey, and I believe it will resonate with you in a profound way.

    Oliver Tree- Alone In A Crowd 

    Oliver Tree is perhaps the most creative, one-of-a-kind artists out there…constantly paving the way using different sounds, instruments, and synths to curate songs that are both easy and exciting to hear. Now, he’s back with his third studio album, Alone In A Crowd, 14 tracks including features from Super Computer and the iconic Robin Schulz.

    Tree is about to tour the new album through Australia and the UK, and his live shows aren’t one to be missed. Picking apart social media and the need for approval in this new EP, it’s both thought-provoking and uplifting.

    Del Water Gap- I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet


    Del Water Gap has consistently put out solid, soulful tracks that make you want to press replay when you finish. Now, he’s back with his EP, I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet, 12 tracks of honesty, passion, and self-reflection. It stays true to your classic Del Water Gap sound- fun and playful, mellow and melancholic.

    This is the sophomore album from Del Water Gap, who has given us classics like “Better Than I Know Myself” and “Ode To A Conversation Stuck In Your Throat.” An instant classic, he’s solidifying himself as a dynamic singer-songwriter in the industry today.

    Joy (Anonymous)-  “JOY (I Did You Wrong)”

    In anticipation of their new album, Cult Classics, Joy (Anonymous) is taking their iconic music to the next level. Blending sounds of disco, house, and soul through talented songwriting, Joy (Anonymous) is constantly coming up with innovative ways to change the game. “JOY (I Did You Wrong)” is another example of how the duo can make a hit that sounds different than anything you’ve heard before.

    “Cult Classics is the soundtrack of Joy Anonymous meetings over the past two years. It began in Imogen Heap’s house in Romford. where we spent two weeks working with various friends and new collaborators to form the skeletons of what was to become the album you hear today. Then we took these sounds on tour and tested them out in meetings around the world, honing and developing the sound on the move. Joy Anonymous is a movement where people feel included and feel safe to share expression and emotion. We have tried to capture that in the sound, process and delivery of this album,” says Joy (Anonymous).

    Jade LeMac- “Grapevines” 

    Jade LeMac lends her clever wit and strong voice to “Grapevines” before her sophomore EP, Confessions, drops. A metaphor for love and yearning, LeMac has an ability to turn any given feeling into a song. It’s fun to listen to her music, which is brutally honest in all the best ways…she’s cutting edge and “Grapevines” is just the beginning.

    “‘Grapevines’ is one of the more fun songs I’ve written. I remember being in the studio and seeing a vine, then thinking about the word ‘grapevines’ – and how cool and unique it would be to use that in a song. So I decided to base this whole song off of that one word. Naturally, it led me to think about being fed grapes (like how you used to see in the movies), and drinking wine (because that’s obviously made out of grapes), then it slowly became a metaphor for craving someone the way you would crave a glass of wine – or grapes. Sweet, a little bitter, but makes you feel happy. That’s how this song was born.”

    Mae Muller- “Nervous, But In A Good Way” 

    Mae Muller’s highly anticipated debut album, Sorry I’m Late, is welcomed with open arms. She’s every bit a talented vocalist who has hits under her belt already, and with leading singles like “I Came To Dance” and “I Wrote a Song” which garnered further excitement for her entire body of work. It’s an exciting time to be a Mae Muller fan, who tailors her music specifically to how she’s feeling and her experience…making for honest and relatable songs.

    You know Mae as the 2021 breakout star, with “Better Days” featuring NEIKED and Polo G which topped the charts and was a radio favorite. But this side of Mae Muller we’re seeing now is one of growth and confidence in her music and ability.

    Gamuel Sori, Lovespeake- “Us” 

    Gamuel Sori is here with an easy listen…calming guitar sounds immediately fill your speakers as the song opens. It’s a pleasant, relaxing song about making deep connections with people. One of my favorites on the playlist this week, you won’t want to stop listening.

    “It was a pleasure to work with Lovespeake for this one, I believe he brought the exactfeeling that I was thinking about. ‘Us’ is not just about love, but about the connections between people and how they can be very fragile.” says Gamuel Sori.

    Raphaella- “Holla At Me” 

    Sampling the iconic, badass TLC’s “No Scrubs,” Raphaella spins together a bouncy house song that makes you want to go out and dance. Raphaella empowers listeners with “Holla At Me”, something you can use to uplift yourself and gain confidence as you go on.

    “‘Holla At Me’ is an interpolation of one of my favourite 90s songs ‘No Scrubs’ by TLC. I started making the beat one afternoon and while I was trying to write the top line I couldn’t help but singing the chorus over the top; quickly became obsessed. I thought it could be really fun to turn it on its head and do a positive, empowered version from my point of view…” – Raphaella

    Jai Phillips

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  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

    I don’t know about you guys, but I’m feeling a bit lackluster this week. It may be because of the raging illness I’ve been fighting- and I know I’m not alone here…but there is truly nothing I need more than the weekend and new music.

    I’m gearing up to cover Sea.Hear.Now festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where I’ll be beach-side watching bands like The Killers and The Beach Boys play all weekend. Naturally, that means I need a playlist to get me through the drive to the shore, one that will hype up me and my roommates for a great weekend.

    But, let’s not be selfish here, I’m sure you also have plans (and one day, I’d love to hear about them, just not now!) Here’s the thing about me, and I’m sure someone can relate, I find it hard to listen to the same playlist week after week. Whether I’m pregaming for the bars or driving to my next destination, I will tire of the same songs when I overplay them.

    And then there’s the songs that I hyper-fixate on, listening to them on repeat until I finally scratch the itch and stop forever. Regardless, my mindset is “out with the old, in with the new” and you know what that means…

    We have a whole new week’s worth of music to celebrate! That’s right: Drake and SZA, Demi Lovato, Chris Lake and Aluna, and more will be gracing our ears this weekend. If no one else is excited for this playlist, I am…so as always, let’s get listening!

    Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine- “Call Your Mom” 

    There aren’t enough sufficient words in the world to describe my love for Noah Kahan. He’s one of the busiest men in music right now- touring the world, collaborating on “Dial Drunk” with none other than Post Malone, he was just spotted recording with Zach Bryan, and now has released his collab with Lizzy McAlpine on his song “Call Your Mom.”

    While “Call Your Mom” was already touching, Lizzy McAlpine’s voice lends a different perspective to the song. When your favorite artists announces a collab, part of you is nervous because you fear the song will be ruined now…but that isn’t the case with Lizzy McAlpine, whose gentle vocals enhance Noah’s, melding perfectly into one of the best duos music can get.

    Chris Lake, Aluna- “More Baby” 

    Chris Lake and Aluna are quickly emerging as the ultimate dance duo: with Aluna’s sultry vocals and Chris Lake’s iconic production abilities, it’s no surprise that they followed up the success of “Beggin” with their new single: “More Baby.” A song perfect for your pregames, your runs, or for any time you want to get up and moving, “More Baby” is classic Chris Lake.

    It’s been a huge year for both Lake and Aluna, who have been touring and simultaneously releasing banger after banger. You can’t help but feel like this isn’t the end for a budding dynamic duo like these two, and “More Baby” just solidifies that any track can be a hit if their names are attached.

    Oliver Tree- “Fairweather Friends” 

    Ahead of his third studio album, ALONE IN A CROWD, Oliver Tree has released dynamic single “Fairweather Friends.” Oliver Tree is one-of-a-kind, blending beats and genre-bending to create music fresh to your ears. With “Fairweather Friends,” Tree gives us a glimpse into the new album, which is about how we as humans act surrounding pop culture – the good and the bad.

    “Fairweather Friends” makes for the perfect single, exciting and refreshing, introspective and self-deprecating. It’s about the friends that stick around when you’re at your highest of highs, but who are not necessarily there when you need them most. Everyone has had them, but Tree’s catchy beat and punchy lyrics make this song a thrill to listen to.

    Shay Lia- “ON THE LOW” 

    If you want a song that embodies After Hours at the club, where you’re just focusing on dancing all night…then try Shay Lia’s “ON THE LOW.” Shay Lia’s crooning voice is ideal for her R&B sound, but it’s also perfect for mixing up genres and stepping out of the norm. “ON THE LOW” is an example of how Lia can throw her voice into any genre- dance, R&B, pop, you name it- and it will work.

    Shay Lia created this track with Kaytranada, marking their 10th collaboration together over their long-time friendship. Now 10 years later, “ON THE LOW” shows that nothing has changed for the pairing: they’re still friends, they can still make a hit track, and it’s always going to work for them.

    DWLLRS- “This Heaven’s Tall” 

    DWLLRS has a way of perfectly capturing nostalgia and wrapping it up into a flawless track. Their melancholic music can feel eye-opening, beautiful, and rare all at once. Their new single, “This Heaven’s Tall”, deals with the risks and rewards of falling in love with someone new, and, as always, the California duo puts their own spin on love that listeners will appreciate.

    “This song captures a sweet ignorance of feeling close to heaven while falling in love-knowing that this love is temporary, and the fall will be devastating. Is the pain worth the thrill?”

    Jai Phillips

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  • It’s The Summer Of Noah Kahan

    It’s The Summer Of Noah Kahan

    Everyone is proud of Noah Kahan. You can ask the fans I met before his concert, my friends who are devout listeners, his publicist, and myself. If you’re a Noah Kahan fan, you undoubtedly feel an overwhelming sense of love and affection towards his skyrocketing success.

    Because if you watch and listen to Noah, you feel overwhelmingly connected to him. His deluxe version of
    Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) has turned any lax listener into a devout fan. It’s a flawless album (in my top 5 of all time alongside the likes of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and The Killers’ Hot Fuss) from top to bottom.

    The deluxe version includes more of Noah’s complex lyrics and honest storytelling ability. It’s a mix of alternative folk, with genre-bending elements met with haunting vocals and a unique way of bringing hometown woes to light.

    My father grew up dabbling in the banjo and mandolin, so I know how difficult it can be to master. However, Kahan and his band make it look effortless. The concert itself is a symphony of strings, drums, and Noah’s voice. His voice is transcendent — gentle and forgiving, raw in the right places, and always angelic.

    It’s the kind of no-frills experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lifetimes. Not a ton of lights and production, no backup dancers, just Noah Kahan, his kickass band, and 6,000+ fans.

    Radio City Music Hall is iconic in its own right. Home of The Rockettes, this venue has housed some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. On August 31, Noah Kahan gave New York a piece of Vermont.

    Radio City is a more intimate venue than Madison Square Garden. You get better views of the artist, and the acoustics are insane. It makes for clear-sounding videos, but it also means you get to hear the crowd screaming the lyrics back to him. Before a sold-out crowd, Noah Kahan was able to bear his heart and soul and receive all of the love right back.

    Bursting onto stage, Noah immediately attempts to jump off a surface and takes a quick fall.
    “New York, I almost tore my ACL for you.” He quips after. He then launches into the hard, unkind exterior of New Yorkers, delivering a line that sticks with me still: “I consider the successes of others as threats to myself.”

    @noahkahanmusic #duet with @Marlo #lalapalooza2023 im too impulsive #fyp ♬ original sound – Marlo

    There were multiple times throughout his set when I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was admittedly my first concert alone, so already I was filled with nerves. However, I was more amazed that there was not a moment where I felt alone in that room.

    In fact, it was almost like Noah knew — asking the crowd who came here alone and assuring us that we weren’t. He even let everyone know that there is apparently nothing he loves more than going to hibachi alone.

    With his mother in attendance, he thanked her for sending him to therapy at the age of 8. He laughs at how she recognized he was a weird kid, and thinks everyone should go to therapy. A perfect intro to his heart-wrenching song, “Call Your Mom,” prioritizing your mental health is a major theme of
    Stick Season.

    The theme of taking care of yourself and others is ever-present. Kahan himself has raised over $860,000 for The Busyhead Project which he launched only this summer, supporting mental health and Vermont flood efforts.

    For over two hours, Noah Kahan played hits like “All My Love,” “She Calls Me Back,” “Orange Juice,” and more. Time flies when you’re listening to great music live, anyone can tell you that. You never want it to end.

    This wasn’t Noah’s biggest show after playing to a huge crowd at Lollapalooza and following it up with huge Syracuse and Saratoga Springs shows. Yet, anyone can tell you how huge it is to perform at the iconic New York City venues. Noah looked back to a time a few years ago when he played to a crowd of 45 people, and you can’t help but think that will never be an issue for him again.

    He’s touring in the United States until October before going to the UK and Europe through February. And yet, he still posts on social media about how excited he is to start a whole new album. A sign of how dedicated he is to his fans and his music.

    It’s been a massive year for Noah Kahan: releasing the deluxe version of
    Stick Season, a collab with Post Malone on “Dial Drunk” that hit within the Top 25 in the Billboard Hot 100, “Dial Drunk” itself reaching #1 on the AAA Radio Chart, and was the fifth artist in history to have 18 songs on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Charts in one week. The other names on that list include none other than David Bowie and Taylor Swift.

    He’s always tweeting his gratitude, saying he will never not be baffled by the love, support, and success he’s receiving. And it’s all deserved. Unsurprisingly at this point, Noah is garnering buzz for GRAMMY nominations this year in the Best New Artist and even Album Of The Year categories.

    If you haven’t taken the time to listen to Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), do yourself a favor and take a listen:

    Jai Phillips

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  • Your Weekend Playlist: New Music Released Today

    Your Weekend Playlist: New Music Released Today

    What I love about Fridays isn’t that I get to log off work early (well, maybe a little) or that I have an excuse to attend happy hour…it’s that I’m guaranteed new music. And now that we are fully in June, artists are churning out albums and singles to get us through the summer months. This week, especially, is a hot spot for new bangers for your playlists.

    We have releases like “TUYA” by ROSALÍA, “Who Told You (feat. Drake)” by J His, “VULGAR (with Madonna)” by Sam Smith and Madonna, and “WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DYING FOR?” by Shawn Mendes, who wrote the track in 24 hours after New York City was covered in smoke from the Canadian wildfires. But that’s not all, not even close.

    EDM extraordinaire Chris Lake came out with his remix of “In The Yuma (feat. AATIG) (Four Tet Remix)”, which is sure to be a club banger. City Girls released “Piñata”, and Youngboy Never Broke Again dropped the first single from his new album, “Realize (feat. Lil Dump, Rojay MLP, NBA Big B)”.

    Since this week was filled with new music, here are a few of my picks to put on your weekend playlist:

    1. Noah Kahan – ​Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)

    Rapidly rising indie folk artist Noah Kahan has been stealing the hearts of listeners. It’s not hard to love his music, which feels like the perfect blend of The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, and Hozier. His new album, Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), contains 21 songs that are purely Noah. The Vermont-born singer has a raw way of storytelling, with country-inspired backing from symphonies of banjos and string instruments. It’s worth the listen from top to bottom.

    2. Niall Horan – The Show

    In his first album since 2020, Niall Horan releases The Show…and wow, does this feel like the moment Horan skyrockets into superstardom alongside former band member, Harry Styles. Dare I say it’s his best? Throughout 10 songs, Niall takes you through a journey of love and positivity, it’s an album that you can already imagine bringing fans of all walks of life together. It’s a body of work that Horan has been working on for years, and it’s a special album that should be rewarded.

    3. Carter Rubin – “last time” 

    Carter Rubin may only be 17, but his voice already has a timeless quality that is beautifully exhibited in his new single, “last time.” It’s an honest track that captures how it feels to fall in love at such a young age, and perfectly shows off Carter’s strong vocal abilities that will make him a star. With qualities of a go-to summer anthem, “last time” is Carter Rubin’s submission for your Song Of The Summer.

    4. Will Linley – “Tough (The Girls Song)” 

    Fans love Will Linley because he can create a track that fully encompasses what it’s like to as a member of Gen Z, perfectly summing up how we’re all feeling constantly. The musical embodiment of “I do my own stunts,” Linley is a singer, songwriter, and can play multiple instruments…fully showcasing his impeccable talent at all times. With “Tough (The Girls Song)”, we are given an 80’s vibe that never gets old and a fun single about a long-distance relationship ending.

    5. Arctic Lake – “My Weakness” 

    Arctic Lake, the duo compiled of Emma Foster and Paul Holliman, are gearing up to release their new EP, How Do You Make It Look So Easy, with their new single, “My Weakness.” It’s traditional Arctic Lake, an open-hearted single about how, when you’re in love, it can be your greatest strength and weakness. Alongside the single, the duo dropped a video racing us down a neon-lit highway jamming along to the song.

    6. Baby Queen – “Dream Girl” 

    Proclaimed London’s biggest “anti-pop” star, Baby Queen is here with “Dream Girl”…a pop-punk fusion talking about these two polar opposite sides of her meeting as one. It’s a song about how Baby Queen fell in love with a woman who was already in a relationship with a man, and wanting something you can’t have. It’s punchy, fun, and exciting, which is the perfect ending to this New Music Friday roundup!

    Jai Phillips

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  • Noah Kahan Reimagines Fall With Stick Season

    Noah Kahan Reimagines Fall With Stick Season

    Noah Kahan has reinvented autumn – it’s a Vermont state of mind and no one is mad about it. Welcome to Stick Season.

    Stick Season: Commonly known as that time in New England when the leaves have fallen and its face-numbingly cold, yet the snow is yet to fall. It’s a quiet, scary, beautiful standstill covered in sticks.

    Noah Kahan has taken this incredibly specific season and gifted us the soundtrack of fall. And now he’s bringing it out of the woods and onto the stage.

    So what happens when you take an album, written and recorded in Vermont during the pandemic, and perform it on an NYC rooftop? Well, when the album is as fine as Kahan’s Stick Season, it makes every big city feel like a small town.

    Early on in his highly anticipated tour, Kahan stopped at The Rooftop at Pier 17 for a sold-out Thursday night. Located on the eastside waterfront, fans packed out the venue in what felt like 40 degrees, just to hear him live. Not only was this show worth it, but there was no better way to hear it.

    The self-proclaimed “Jewish Ed Sheeran” made this intimate, folksy album feel energetic and expansive, in a setting so far removed from the album’s subject. It felt like the breeze blew straight down from New England and we could sense the unseen stars above. Kahan had the crowd jumping to an acoustic guitar with skyscrapers lit up to his left and the Brooklyn Bridge glowing to the right.

    Kahan himself commented that the show would be cold and uncomfortable – true to his brand. However, I couldn’t help but feel warm and at home, tucked in among a crowd of hundreds.

    Beyond Kahan’s signature uniform on display (plaid shackets and beanies), the crowd already knew nearly every word of his third album. Awesome, since it was released less than 10 days prior, on October 14th. There was not a moment to feel lost or alone, surrounded by Kahan’s powerful lyrics coming from the 20-somethings singing at the top of their lungs (myself included).

    NYC knew everything down to the phone number in “She Calls Me Back” – I still dial 822-993-167.

    Kahan mostly played new tracks but treated us to some of his earlier hits like “Mess” and “Young Blood.” Although these feel like throwbacks from a seasoned artist, I find myself startled that Kahan’s only 25 years old and being hailed as one of this year’s breakout stars.

    However, Kahan has experienced 5 years of critical acclaim and toured globally – so, why are we all listening now?

    It’s a double-edged sword. Kahan puts into words larger themes of isolation, longing, and frustration and does it with such imagery that his story is completely compelling.

    Now, am I happy that Kahan’s journey involved heartbreak, depression, and loss? Of course not, but Kahan’s truthful, clever, and brutally honest lyricism takes what we’re all feeling and doesn’t sugarcoat or handle our hearts with kid gloves and cliched generalities.

    It’s 2022 and the crowd is singing along to “Growing Sideways,” a truthful depiction of Kahan’s mental health struggles and path to healing. It’s not an everything will get better anthem or a rallying cry. This song is a terribly specific confession about dealing with pain but injected with everyday Band-Aids – So, I forgot my medication / Fell into a manic high / Spent my savings at a Lulu / Now I’m suffering in style.

    Kahan reminds us that we’re all just coping every day and the exquisite part of his music is that sometimes we get to cope together in spaces that artists like him create.

    While Noah Kahan continues his Stick Season tour – possibly growing up a bit along the way – I can’t wait to hear how he continues to explore those delicate places just off-center that we can’t always put into words.

    Everything feels better with a guitar – even when it hurts.

    Stream Noah Kahan’s Stick Season here and find tickets here.

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