Here are our latest picks featuring Phantogram, MC Lyte, Flower Face and more!
1. “Woman” – MC Lyte, Salt, Big Daddy Kane, Raheem DeVaughn
New York City-born hip-hop queen MC Lyte has released “Woman,” a feminist-driven track taken from her decade-anticipated album, 1 of 1. The R&B-infused song leaves an indelible mark on the stage of soul, with diverse elements of old-school and contemporary rhythms connecting eras. The sharp lyricism encourages women to embrace their individualities, with MC Lyte spitting lyrics like, “Strong as a rock and she can’t be stopped / It ain’t nothing like a grown woman.” “Woman” features collaborative work from Salt, Big Daddy Kane and Raheem DeVaughn. For more introspective, hard-hitting rap tracks, check out the other 16 tracks on MC Lyte’s 1 on 1.
2. “Afraid To Live (Blacklizt Version)” – HI-LO, ZHU
Bringing fans back into the cataclysmic abyss of techno and EDM is “Afraid To Live (Blacklizt Version)” by electronic powerhouses HI-LO and ZHU. Composed of propulsive beats and funky synths, the collaborative track confronts listeners head-on with the question, “Are you afraid to live?” The gritty, dark nature of the piece begs for fans to lose themselves in the atmosphere and truly embrace the flaws that might be holding them back. Earlier this fall, “Afraid To Live (Blacklizt Version)” was played at the renowned Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) on Oct. 19.
3. “If I Beg You” – Flower Face
Montreal artist Flower Face has released “If I Beg You,” a deeply introspective single about yearning for a lover’s unrequited attention. Tender vocals are set atop delicate acoustic and string melodies before swelling into an immersive, powerful anthem. Soon, pining turns into resilience, with lyrics such as “Did you think that I would beg you? / Did you wanna make me cry? / Oh, what a tragedy.” The accompanying music video stars the girls that helped Flower Face heal from the breakup that inspired her latest album, Girl Prometheus.
“I built this really beautiful, incredible, inspiring life that I would never give up to go back to what I had before,” says Ruby McKinnon, the face behind Flower Face. “It starts out sounding like a tape disintegrating, like, audibly falling apart. Then the big part comes in, and it’s this moment of triumph and healing.”
4. “It Wasn’t Meant To Be” – Phantogram
“It Wasn’t Meant To Be” by New York electronic pop duo Phantogram weaves a colorful tapestry of atmospheric synths, floating vocals and sporadic drum beats that drive the piece forward. The dreamy, push-and-pull nature of the track reflects the internal conflict that can arise from leaving a relationship that simply “wasn’t meant to be.” “A couple of years go, we went up to rural Oregon to write and came up with the concept of relationships that bring you down , cause you pain, and draw out the worst in each other,” says band members Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter, regarding the new release. “However, despite all of that, there is still a deep attachment and devotion that keeps you together even though it’s killing you both.”
Check out Phantogram’s fifth album, Memory Of A Day, out today via Neon Gold Records!
5. “Bicker” – Flames Of Durga
First up on today’s list is “Bicker,” a resilient garage rock anthem by Flames of Durga. Infused with angst, this track unravels a narrative of overcoming hardships and adversity. The LA-born, Joshua Tree-based band combines sharp-witted lyricism with grungy punk-esque electric guitar riffs. On the accompanying official music video, Béah Romero says, “We got dirty in literal mud, sprayed cold water, head-banged in platform boots, and had a blast with our friends who helped make this video an awesome piece of art.” Flames of Durga has a few shows left in their fall tour, including stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Pioneertown. Find tickets here today!
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