- Words Notion Staff
- Photo credit Filip Custic
In Notion Now: Week 13, we have new songs from Lil Nas X, beabadoobee, Becky Hill, Princess Nokia, Elderbrook, Jungle, easy life, Tate McRae and more.
"MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X marks the start of a new era with a candid new single "MONTERO". Taking to Instagram, the "Old Town Road" superstar wrote a heartfelt message to his 14-year-old-self, in which he admitted: "I wrote a song with our name in it. It’s about a guy I met last summer. I know we promised to never come out publicly, I know we promised to never be “that” type of gay person, I know we promised to die with the secret, but this will open doors for many other queer people to simply exist".
"Last Time" by Becky Hill
Up-tempo dance number, "Last Time", which was written by Becky Hill and produced by Lostboy, is the forthcoming single to be lifted from Becky’s upcoming debut studio album - due for release this summer. "’Last Time’ marks the start of me seeing the fruits of years of hard graft. THIS is the year of my debut album release and I couldn't think of a better song to be kicking off my album year with", Becky said.
"Last Day On Earth" by beabadoobee
Premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record on BBC Radio 1, beabadoobee's drops the first new single since her debut album, 'Fake It Flowers' last year. "Last Day On Earth" is a nostalgic, 90s-inspired number written on an Oxfordshire farm with Matty Healy and George Daniel of The 1975 at the start of the pandemic. It's the first track to be taken from beabadoobee’s forthcoming new EP, 'Our Extended Play'. The new single reflects on "all the things I would have done had I known we were going into a lockdown and the world was going to change the way it has" Bea said.
"Keep Moving" by Jungle
Jungle make their comeback with the joyous, disco-tinged new single "Keep Moving", and announced details of their third album ‘Loving In Stereo’. Starting with the visuals for this track, which the pair directed, Jungle are promising to provide a “visual identity” for each track on the album.
"It's Not My Fault" by Princess Nokia
A self-love anthem for anyone that needs a big dose of confidence, Princess Nokia is back with the sassy, addictive new single "It's Not My Fault".
"Body" by Elderbrook
Produced by CamelPhat, Elderbrook’s "Body" marks the first reunion of the two creators since their Grammy-nominated 2017 smash "Cola". Starting off as a slow burn, the song increases tempo as the bass builds, spreading through the track for a near-euphoric crescendo. Look out for this tune on dancefloors when clubs re-open.
"bad ones" by Tate McRae
"you broke me first" breakout star, Tate McRae, shares a 6-track EP, 'TOO YOUNG TO BE SAD', filled with heart-achingly beautiful dark-pop songs about breakups. On 'bad ones', Tate questions why she keeps "falling for the bad ones/ always make me sad ones".
"Mirror Mirror" by KAMILLE
An ode to self-love and confidence, former stockbroker turned Britain's most successful female songwriter and producer, KAMILLE, is putting a big focus on her own music this year. "I want everyone who hears this song to understand that YOU are the Baddest. It’s about looking in the mirror, even on your worst day, and knowing that you’re amazing no matter what", she said.
"a message to myself" by easy life
easy life have announced their much-anticipated debut album ‘life’s a beach’, set for release on 4th June. The record is introduced by its powerful opening track "a message to myself", which frontman Murray explains "is a reminder to keep doing you. It’s a celebration of individualism at all costs. Be yourself, nobody can do you better".
"Mortal" by Karl Benjamin
Emerging artist, Karl Benjamin, releases his debut EP 'Drist', an abbreviation for ‘Deep Rooted Insecurities and Shy Tendencies’. Featuring a brand new, unheard single ‘Mortal’, Karl said the EP was a product of spending the past year inside and contemplating life. "I'm an antisocial extrovert that’s had the time to analyse their own DRIST, and in doing so, I’m slowly understanding myself & my cerebellum more each day."
"GOOD PUSS" by COBRAH
Teeming with a pulsating house beat and sexy lyrics, "GOOD PUSS" comes from Swedish hyper-pop artist-on-the-rise, COBRAH. Setting the intent for a new era, her self-titled EP will be released on 12th May via COBRAH's own GAGBALL record label.
"Chasing/Wasting Time" by KAWALA
KAWALA share the introspective yet summery new alt-pop jam, "Chasing/Wasting Time", which features their trademark vocal harmonies and breezy melodies. An instant mood-lifter. The song is "our way of describing just how difficult it is to make it in the music game... It’s kind of our own reflective tale of self-doubt & progression", the band explained.
"Bored" by Thomas Headon and Lizzy McAlpine
Thomas and Lizzy's vocals compliment each other perfectly in this duet about the decline and imminent end of a relationship. An easily digestible, sing-a-long track everyone is sure to love.
"Variation" by Big Zuu and D Double E
Grime MC and now TV chef, Big Zuu has teamed up with the lengendary D Double E for high-octane new single "Variation". "I think ‘Variation’ will be loved by all the core grime heads but also fans of other genres can enjoy it because of how catchy the chorus is", Big Zuu offered.
"Keep Up With Your Heart" by Mysie
Ivor Novello award-winner, Mysie, captivates yet again as she laments a relationship that's gone cold. Seemingly effortless yet meticulously performed, every single note on this song feels in it's rightful place.
"The Mersey Line" by Pixey
Produced in Pixey's bedroom in Liverpool, the emerging artist shares her brand new EP 'Free To Live In Colour'. "“I wanted a collection of tracks which gave a quick snapshot into me and my brain - where I’m from, where I want to be and what I’m thinking about. I hope people can take something meaningful from it or simply have a dance", Pixey said.
"Thought About You" by Joel Culpepper
South-East London’s Joel Culpepper shares the psychedelic soul, falsetto-laden new track "Thought About You". His forthcoming debut album, 'Sgt Culpepper', is out July 23rd via his own imprint, Pepper Records. "Thought About You' leads the charge for ‘The Love’ chapter on the record. This chapter represents a side of me that’s often seen on stage - impulsive, passionate and in the moment. I think this song is a reflection of all those things", Joel said.
"Unlearn (with Gracie Abrams)" by benny blanco
This pared-back new single from songwriter/producer extraordinaire, benny blanco, and Gracie Abrams, is powerful in its starkness.
"Change My Mind" by Peach Tree Rascals
California collective Peach Tree Rascals have dropped their 'Camp Nowehere' EP. "“Camp Nowhere came from the idea that a lot of people have been using the isolation of quarantine and the state of the world to dig deeper into themselves and figure out what’s important to them", rapper/singer Tarrek shares.
"ELEVEN11_GTR_SONG" by LARRY PINK THE HUMAN
LARRY PINK THE HUMAN's snappily-titled new track is out via the duo's own Brainsoup label. “If the last year has shown us anything it’s that we can live without many things, but to be away from our closest companions is the biggest challenge of all,” they explain.
"too much" by joey maxwell
Exploring the cyclical nature of life and death over pulsing, hand-crafted electronic pop beats, South London's joey maxwell says that "too much" is the most personal song he's released to date. "It plays on the idea that the most inane things are all part of a bigger picture - we’re tiny specks of dust in this universe, one minuscule part of something massive... This world doesn’t owe me anything and it certainly doesn’t revolve around me", he explained.
"A New Way Home" by Matt Ryder
Matt Ryder shares the haunting and ethereal new single "A New Way Home". It's the first instalment of his forthcoming 'Orbit' EP, due for release this spring released on his own label, EC30.
"Slow Motion" by July 7
Manchester bedroom producer, July 7, continues to flex his ever-growing musical ability with new track, "Slow Motion". Featuring pop guitar chords and Afro-fusion melodies, he's on to a winner here.
