- Words Kitty Robson
Press play on this week's playlist, from Fontaines DC's comeback to the much awaited The Tortured Poets Department.
‘Starburster’ by Fontaines DC
Announcing their upcoming tour and a brand new single in one day, Fontaines D.C. are well and truly back. Teasing their new album Romance, newly released track ‘Starburster’ is an experimental and atmospheric genre-crossing endeavour, with aggressive production and a sinister mood capturing just what it feels like to be alive right now. Explaining the upcoming record is inspired by “falling in love at the end of the world”, if ‘Starburster’ is anything to go by we anticipate an artistic and seminal creation from the must-listen band.
‘Fortnight’ by Taylor Swift & Post Malone
In what is possibly Taylor Swift’s most personal album yet - and for the raw and confessional lyricist, that’s saying something - the first lead single of The Tortured Poets Department, ‘Fortnight’ encapsulates that unabashed honesty flawlessly. Juxtaposing stream of consciousness lyricism and Post Malone’s rasping vocals with buoyant synths in true Jack Antonoff-producing style, it’s a sonic journey through the highs and lows of short-lived romance that leads us into an album which smashes through genre barriers and allows Taylor to step into her new era with a bang.
‘Cry No More’ by Headie One, Stormzy & Tay Keith
In the words of Headie One, ‘Cry No More’ is “one of my favourites from the album”: teaming up with Stormzy for a second collaboration, the track and accompanying must-watch video capture the good, the bad and the ugly side of London life. Produced by U.S. hitmakers Tay Keith, Tommy Parker and Pooh Beatz, the track also samples Asake's ‘Lonely At The Top’ which Headie One says he loved “straight away when Tay and Pooh played it in the studio”.
‘Baddy On The Floor’ by Jamie XX & Honey Dijon
It’s festival season and Jamie XX knows it: following on from his killer Coachella set, he’s ready to be the sound of summer yet again with new single ‘Baddy On The Floor’. Returning with his newest collab, this time with electronic icon Honey Dijon, the two worked on the track via video calls over the pandemic, capturing a time where we all longed for the atmosphere this song will undoubtedly thrive in.
‘Jennifer's Body’ by Nxdia
Rising star Nxdia's ‘Jennifer's Body’ is a pulsating alt-pop gem, drawing inspiration from the cult film of the same name’s dark allure. Reflecting on personal experiences of toxic relationships, Nxdia channels the unsettling dynamic between characters Jennifer and Needy with candid lyricism. With punk-infused energy, Nxdia fearlessly explores the complexities of human connection. As they continue to carve their place in the music scene, Nxdia's star only rises higher.
‘Nice Girls’ by Jaz Karis, Mahalia
South London’s Jaz Karis debuts her latest single ‘Nice Girls’ in collaboration with Mahalia, a must-listen collaboration from two skilful R&B vocalists, the track delves deep into their psyche and explores the grief of heartbreak.
‘Something In The Orange (Live At The Heartbreak Sessions)’ by Bellah Mae
Bellah Mae's rendition of Zach Bryan’s ‘Something in The Orange’ is a poignant dive into her country roots, showcased in The Heartbreak Sessions. Raised on a blend of country and rock, her upcoming EP Never Waste A Heartbreak promises more heartfelt storytelling, blending genres seamlessly.
‘TECHNICIAN’ by ODUMODUBLVCK
Back with another high octane track, rising Nigerian artist ODUMODUBLVCK’s new single ‘TECHNICIAN’ is one to add to your weekend playlists. Revolving around a bouncy 808-powered beat, the track features Blaqbonez and Lekaa Beats creating a song full of energy and chemistry.
‘It Is What It Is’ by Rachel Chinouriri
Marking the latest single from her highly anticipated debut album, What A Devastating Turn Of Events, Rachel Chinouriri has dropped ‘It It What It Is’. Another indie alt-pop tune from the artist, it features voice notes and spoken word from Rachel and friends, creating a raw, intimate energy. “I was definitely in a petty mood”, Rachel explained about the track, “I just feel annoyed I never got to say what I wanted and that’s fine… I have this song instead and it is what it is”.
'Joga Bonito' by AJ Tracey
British rapper and producer AJ Tracey returns today with a soulful new single ‘Joga Bonito’. Offering up some chilled out pre-summer vibes, the single pays homage to the women in his life as captured by the muse-eye view video shot by Latemilk. An exciting taste of what’s to come from AJ over 2024, we’re excited to see where the genre-bending artist heads to next.
