Here are our daily picks for you featuring Melanie Fiona, Kurious, Princess Goes and more!
1. “I Choose You” – Melanie Fiona
GRAMMY Award-winning R&B singer-songwriter Melanie Fiona unveils her latest love-infused track, “I Choose You.” Drenched with soulful vocals and intricate orchestral arrangements, this empowering new anthem embodies the passion that comes with “choosing” a lover and everything they stand for. Funky horns and subtle basslines contribute to the song’s captivating instrumentals. Looking ahead, “I Choose You” will make its appearance on Fiona’s forthcoming 2025 EP.
2. “Bacalao Opera” – Kurious
“Bacalao Opera” by New York City native hip-hop artist Kurious intertwines the high-ranged grace of opera with down-to-earth candid rap. Instrumentally, the track weaves in groovy basslines and Latin-inspired beats to pay homage to Kurious’s Puerto-Rican roots. His charismatic vocal delivery is infectious and funky at best. “Bacalao Opera” can be found on Kurious’s most recent album, Majician, 15-track collection of songs executively produced by rapper and long-time friend MF DOOM.
3. “Erotica” – Miya Folick
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Miya Folick displays her heart on her sleeve in her latest indie pop release, “Erotica.” Composed of acoustic instrumentals, tender-hearted vocals and a deeply passionate narrative, this new single delves into the reality of being queer in a heteronormative society. “I think that we’re fed rules about what an appropriate fantasy looks like, especially when you’re coupled,” says Folick. “. . . I think that it’s important for me to retain my autonomy of thought, and truthfully sharing my fantasies is an act of tenderness and intimacy.”
4. “Floating” – Princess Goes
Up next is “Floating,” an ethereal, mid-tempo anthem by alternative indie band Princess Goes. Delving into themes of longing, dreamy vocals combine with pulsating drum beats to create a hypnotizing atmosphere. Last spring, Hurricane Helene caused destruction on Asheville, North Carolina, the town in which “Floating” was initially recorded. On this devastating disaster, the band shares, “With all the destruction and loss that occurred in and around Asheville during the hurricane, we felt compelled to do what we could to pitch in and help the communities that were affected.” Consider donating to BeLoved Asheville today.
5. “Stay Longer” – Dear Derrick
Brooklyn-based rapper, actor and film-director Dear Derrick shares his newest hip-hop single, “Stay Longer.” Layered with syncopated electronic beats and subtle synths, Dear Derrick’s authentic, straightforward rap depicts the gritty reality of his Brooklyn childhood. The track comes from his debut film, The Black Sea, which he co-directed alongside Crystal Moselle. For another taste of this multifaceted artist’s musicality, check out the rest of The Black Sea‘s tracklist here.
Today’s selection brings a plethora of passion and musicality to the rising R&B, indie and rap scenes. Check out these five new songs today!