At this time of year, many people are looking back at what the previous 11 months delivered musically, and who might be the ones to emerge in the new year. To accompany those lists of Past and Future, we have a selection of new music that has come out right now. Call it our Christmas Present…
MADELINE EDWARDS | PERFECT CHRISTMAS
It’s December; where better to start than a Christmas song? “I know I can’t be the only one who needs a holiday from the holiday when it’s done.” The annual drama that ensues from the family Christmas get-together perfectly wrapped up by Madeline Edwards. We can feel the anxiety for this year building already.
VICTORIA CANAL | BRAVER
This beautiful duet features Madison Cunningham in perfect harmony. The song charts the story of Victoria’s mother and her admiration for all she has done in her life. Originally recorded separately, this video was the first time Canal and Cunningham had ever performed it together.
RAINA SOKOLOV-GONZALEZ | WHO IS SHE
Loving the strong women in your family continues with Who Is She, an ode to Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez’s grandmother, lamenting the loss of identity through marriage in this upbeat, powerful message. “The line that we come from and where our mothers came, it don’t have a name, and that’s a shame, cause our father’s father sign remains, it takes claim.”
AJ MCQUEEN | same.
The Houston, Texas native has been a busy boy recently with same. following hot on the heels of another new track, misunderstood. This ode to love and the connections we make in relationships is “about accountability, vulnerability, and staying in love through the tough times.” McQueen has shared the beat for other rappers, singers, and poets to add their own verses through his #sameopenversechallenge.
TINY HABITS | SMALL ENOUGH
There’s a lot about being in love or experiencing heartbreak played out in music. Understandably so, as both states evoke heightened emotions that make their way onto a page. The next stage in the cycle of falling in and out of love is Moving On, something Boston-based trio Tiny Habits encapsulates in their heartfelt, indie-folk way. “You are small enough in my memories for me to let go of what you meant to me” offers words of hope for anybody needing to take that next step from heartbreak.
Produced by Tony Berg, who has worked with Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and Boygenius, Tiny Habits are taking the next step of moving on in their career, with a North American and European Tour next spring. Get tickets here.
JUICE | BECOMING A STRANGER
Closing the loop on the stages of love, “Then somehow I find myself with someone else,” sing the six members of Juice in perfect harmony. Uplifting, with a hint of regret, we’ve got it all going on, and they look to be having a great time shooting the video in a park.
RUNNNER – SPACKLE
While on the road, Runnner has been teasing a new track, Spackle, and it’s made instant connections with the audience. It’s not hard to see why – the track is peaking around a long refrain that avoids becoming overbearing due to Noah’s vocal control.
WIC WHITNEY | EARL GREY
At this time of year, it’s more important than ever to think about loved ones who might be alone or having a tough time of it. This somber yet inspiring track perfectly blends Whitney’s smooth flow and storytelling with his big voice.
DAFNA | I WANNA FEEL
Pursued by a giant ant in a high-speed chase through the city, Dafna goes on a wild ride after swallowing the red pill. There’s incredibly high production values on the video, with an alt-pop track that matches the effort that’s gone into making it.
BEANE | YOU ARE THE MISTAKE
Recent material has been more up-beat and synthy, but on You Are The Mistake, Beane strips it right back with acoustic guitar and violin. The result is the most meaningful and raw track of his career to date.
Ready to enjoy some new music IRL? Browse shows near you.
