Well I’ll be darned, happy first birthday to the New Music Alert! It’s been a jaw-dropping year of good music— and if you missed a couple months here or there, not a worry, you can always revisit the roundup of a few of our New Music Alert standout artists in 2022. We’re kicking off NMA’s second year with what else but top-notch tunes from our global community of diverse artists. We’ve got ‘80s twinged pop, string-laden R&B groovers, and more below. Hear the full playlist, followed by a little more on a few highlighted tracks.
K. Roosevelt | “Cannonball”
It could be an ‘80s sci-fi soundtrack meets smooth modern R&B pop, or a ballad about the power of trust. But what we know is that it’s a really good song.
Jack Cullen | “Morning”
The strings fade in just like the sun rising into the first parts of the day. And then, then, this song just turns into such a steady stepping, fun R&B groover.
Krista Marina | “Checkout Line”
A soothing kind of alt pop number that’s downright kaleidoscopic with the way all the sonic elements move together and refract to create an expansive, relaxing mood. Don’t we all wish waiting in the checkout line felt this fun?
Sam Burchfield | “Wrestling Me”
An Americana bluesy rock tune with just the right amount of gritty guitar wrapped in tender melodies and horn flourishes, like a gnarled tree trunk covered in flowering vines— it’s natural beauty.
Eliy Orcko |”AM LAS!”
This song almost materializes in the air, subtle melodies appearing like an intoxicating scent that leads to standalone vulnerable verses. It’ll stick with you.
BEL | “Paul BigDawg (with Boyish)”
A dreamy, subtly building folk-rocky tune that’s both melancholy and hopeful. It’s got a lot of feelings wrapped in it, so go listen and feel them.
FLOCKS | “how long”
Maybe it’s the cover art, or the jazzy piano line paired with the sizzling electronic beats, or the explosive moments that rise and lower, but this song just feels like the start of fall. It’s like putting on that thicker coat under gray skies, and kicking that first puddle of rain on a walk home. Those are the notes I’m getting, what about you?
Nick Leng | “Forget About Me”
This one is truly a stunner from Nick Leng’s newest release, SPIRALS. It’s wistful and dreamy, sonically technicolor, and in just about three and a half minutes, manages to feel infinite in the best pop kind of way. Go take a listen.
