Here are our daily picks for you featuring Becky and the Birds, The Afro Nick, Mario and more!
1. “Don’t make love vow” – HARU NEMURI, Pyra
Japanese singer-songwriter HARU NEMURI and Thai dance/electronic artist Pyra have unveiled “Don’t make love vow.” This eye-opening new single sheds light on Japan’s strict marriage laws, which prevent same-sex couples the right to legally marry. Both artists share a deep passion for advocacy and social justice, using their individual music finesse to collaborate on and criticize these imposing laws. Musically, J-pop, rock and rap elements are intertwined with experimental vintage sounds, such as a warped version of the infamous “Wedding March.” HARU NEMURI’s fluid rap is juxtaposed with Pyra’s soaring vocals to underscore a taste of modernity. Stay on the look out for new releases from these resilient musicians.
2. “To trust you” – Becky and the Birds
Up next is “To trust you,” an emotional piece by Becky and the Birds showcasing the reality of trust issues in a relationship. “When something has happened that broke your trust for someone, how do you find it again and not let it eat you up forever in every way possible?” says Thea Gustafsson, the face behind Becky and the Birds. Using lush synths and dreamy guitar lines, the Swedish musician’s raw vocals evoke a sense of vulnerability and depth. “To trust you” can be found on Becky and the Birds’ debut LP, Only Music Makes Me Cry Now.
3. “Glad You Came” – Mario
Two-time GRAMMY nominee Mario has dropped his latest R&B hit, “Glad You Came.” The track is composed of light, yet steady drum beats and melodic piano lines that support Mario’s resonant vocals. Lyrically, the song delves into themes of gratitude and love, with sentiments like “You gon’ be glad you came / And even more glad you stayed.” The official performance video finds the Baltimore-born singer serenading a woman in front of a car. “Glad You Came” is the title track for Mario’s latest 13-song album, which was released Dec. 13, 2024.
4. “The Beginning” – Sherm, Casmalia
Chicago DJ/producer Sherm teamed up with SoCal musician Casmalia to release “The Beginning.” Brimming with infectious beats and groovy synths, the new club sensation blends both artists’ unique styles into one collaborative hit. The single itself pays homage to the soulful, ethereal-like vocals that the very first house music bangers are known for. Weaving in some creative reverb effects, crisp hi-hats and punchy basslines, “The Beginning” takes dance music to a hypnotic new level.
5. “Get There Before Noon” – The Afro Nick
Closing out today’s selection is “Get There Before Noon,” an inspiring debut single by indie-rock group The Afro Nick. With raspy vocals and 8-bit synths, the new track weaves together elements of the past and future to emphasize the concept of living in the present. “You only have one life,” says frontman Nick Anastasakis. “You gotta do what you have to do and do it as soon as possible.” “Get There Before Noon” is composed of a number of other creative elements, such as electric guitar riffs, reverberated cymbals and pulsating basslines. Keep your eyes open for a small tour from The Afro Nick in 2025.
The middle of the week has come! Reward yourself by listening to these five multi-genre pieces and embracing the unique lyricism each artist brings to the table.
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