- Words Kitty Robson
Press play on all the newest tracks you need to know on this week's Notion Now, from dance floor fillers to sad girl bangers...
'I Do' by Renée Rapp
Dropping the deluxe version of her acclaimed album Snow Angel, Renée Rapp has blessed us with a brand new track ‘I Do’. Showing off her wildly talented voice in true ballad-fashion, it’s a wintery must listen.
‘The Parting Glass’ by boygenius & Ye Vagabonds
Leaning deep into their folk influences with the help of Irish duo Ye Vagabonds, boygenius’ cover of ‘The Parting Glass’ pays homage to the late, great Sinéad O’Connor with net proceeds from the song being donated to Aisling Project, an after-school project working with children and young people growing up in a disadvantaged area in Dublin as chosen her estate.
'Body Moving' by Calvin Harris & Eliza Rose
Teaming up on a new chart-topper is the ultimate pop producer Calvin Harris and rising singer-songwriter Eliza Rose, bringing us a funky house track ‘Body Moving', taking us back to their summer days together in Ibiza.
‘Long Walk’ by No Guidnce
Hot off the heels of their new Spicy EP, No Guidnce are back with two new singles. ‘Long Walk’ blends their classic R&B sound with hiphop for a unique new vibe: definitely a group worth getting on your radar, as they rise to global stardom.
‘Watch Me’ by Biig Piig
Returning with her first single since her debut mixtape Bubblegum earlier this year, Biig Piig is back with 'Watch Me' - a biting new track made for movement, whether that's on the dance floor or just strutting down the street. “'Watch Me’ is a track about empowerment. I found confidence in pushing new limits with it," she says. "It’s a song to feel yourself unapologetically and to strut to. Telling the world, I am that bitch, watch me.”
'Here Comes The Night' by Romare
As its title suggests, Romare’s latest track travels to dark sonic places. The master mixer will have you hooked from the first thump of a deeper-than-deep bass, before his characteristic, punchy acoustics - and unexpected seductive vocals - lay in. Reflecting the progression of a winter night-out, the song lightens up and picks up pace in the middle before winding down into a darkness at the end - a truly good trip from Romare.
'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' by Ezra Collective
As the Christmas lights switch on in London, jazz quintet (and cover stars of Notion 94) Ezra Collective drop their very jazzy version of a Christmas English carol - 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen'. Less a Chrimbo belter, more a track to set the mood for chic-er seasonal affairs, Ezra Collective's spin on the classic is something we never knew we were missing.
'thicc' by Shygirl, Cosha
Linking up with long-time collaborator Cosha, Shygirl's back doing what she does best on 'thicc' - a hot and heavy, hypnotic banger with euphoric moments made for the dance floor. "'thicc' is fun and carefree and definitely a tease - all the classic traits of club shy infused into one track," Shy says.
‘Tantor’ by Danny Brown
No one raps like Danny Brown. Many have tried (and failed) to mimic the yappy tones and experimental beat choices of the Detroiter but very few (if anyone) have come close to his shapeshifting discography. ‘Tantor’ is our favourite track from Quaranta, the wordsmith’s new album, which comes after a period in which the artist descended into drug abuse and addiction. It’s one of his most candid records to date, occasionally reaching the heights of masterpieces like Atrocity Exhibition Atrocity Exhibition.
‘I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album’ by André 3000
Is André 3000’s flautist revamp one of the most radical artistic left turns we’ve ever seen? Probably. The rapper’s foray into wind instruments comes as somewhat of a spiritual awakening for the Outkast member, whose debut solo album totals 87 minutes over 8 songs. ‘I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album’ introduces us to New Blue Sun, and this intriguing change in sound from the Atlanta native.