Here are some nostalgic, thought-provoking songs for you featuring Isabel Dumaa, Caroline Kingsbury and Ohvaur!
1. “better wild” – Sierra Spirit
Sierra Spirit‘s newest indie rock single, “better wild,” pays tribute to a past relationship that ultimately didn’t work out. The track and its accompanying music video combine her Native American roots and hometown Oklahoma memories into an authentic, vulnerable song. The single can also be found on her debut EP, coin toss, an anecdotal collection of the loss, addiction and mental illness struggles she faced during childhood. In celebration of the EP’s Oct. 10 release, Sierra performed at a headline show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She will be playing in Los Angeles on Oct. 17. “Sometimes we meet people who just can’t commit and feel like being exclusive takes away their freedom,” Spirit shares. “This track follows the mental progression of letting go of someone who never wanted to be yours to begin with.”
2. “Enough for You” – Isabel Dumaa
Our next selection is “Enough for You” by rising pop artist Isabel Dumaa. The LA-based singer displays the versatility of her vocal range amidst sparse instrumentals and intimate, heartbreaking lyricism. The track itself reveals the story of someone who never seems to meet the expectations of their lover. “I essentially started just listing exactly what had been happening in my relationship, and the rest of the song sprung to life,” Dumaa explained. “It’s a personal song for me, but one I feel a lot of people can sadly relate to.” The single comes from her upcoming debut EP, Just My Nature, set to be released Oct. 18.
3. “Altered Endings” – Ohvaur
Ohvaur, a Chicago-based indie rock band, continues their streak of thought-provoking music with the release of their newest single, “Altered Endings.” The track illustrates a narrative of two individuals who live seemingly intertwined, and yet separate, lives. The accompanying music video switches from monochromatic scenes to those of vivid color, showing what life is like when the two co-exist in the same reality. “We jokingly say that this song is our Everything Everywhere All At Once because it tackles the same question: who would we be had we made different decisions—either enormous or inconsequential—at certain points in our lives?” said Timothy Den, Ohvaur’s frontman. “Where would those paths have led us? I’ve often wondered who I would’ve been had I not immigrated across three continents.” The pre-release single will make an appearance in their forthcoming album, Intertwined, set to be released on Oct. 18.
4. “Surprise!” – Dawes
Next up is the intimate, sparsely composed single, “Surprise!” released by Californian rock band Dawes. Laid atop an intricate guitar motif, the track’s lyricism is relatable at best, sharing what it is like to grow up amidst all of life’s uncertainties. The track appears on Dawes’ newest album, Oh Brother, which was released Friday, Oct. 11. The highly anticipated Oh Brother Tour will kick off in early Nov., bringing Dawes all across the U.S.
“The things you hope for never arrive as anticipated, if at all,” said Taylor Goldsmith, the band’s lead singer. “The things that scare you are not what you should have actually been worried about. The person you were wouldn’t recognize the person you are, but not in the ways you’d expect. It’s a song about getting older and taking stock in how elegantly (or not) we’ve all navigated the terrain.”
5. “Take My Phone Away” – Caroline Kingsbury
Closing out Tuesday’s selection is “Take My Phone Away” by Los Angeles pop star Caroline Kingsbury. A combination of upbeat synths and heartbreaking lyrics, this 80’s-esque track shares the sentiments of queer breakup. “Somebody take my phone away / I’m calling you a thousand times,” Kingsbury’s powerful vocals proclaim. The new single will be found on her upcoming EP, I Really Don’t Care!, which sheds an intimate light on Kingsbury’s personal life endeavors. “I Really Don’t Care! shows that no matter how hard I try I really do care,” shares Kingsbury. “I’ve come to accept that it’s my superpower.”