New Music Friday highlights unexpected collaborations and indie excellence this week.
1. Grace VanderWaal, Aliyah’s Interlude: “Babydoll (feat. Aliyah’s Interlude)”
Grace Vanderwaal joins forces with rising artist Aliyah’s Interlude for “Babydoll.” This subdued, synthy pop track features whisper ad-libs and a catchy hook that playfully sings, “Imma do just what I want to / I want what I want, and I want you.” Aliyah’s sticky rap style complements Grace’s rich vocal tone, creating a song that perfectly expresses carefree femininity.
2. Djo: “Delete Ya”
The soul-touching Djo is back with a new single, “Delete Ya.” The lush, wavy instrumentals combined with his nonchalant talk-singing relax the listener. The track story feels like an off-the-cuff journal entry where he recalls all the small details of a past love; some things hurt more in retrospect. It places a microscope on the mundane moments he now misses.
3. girl in red: “confession”
Indie artist girl in red admits to avoidance in her new short single, “confession.” The lyrics peek inside her innermost thoughts over an intimately produced acoustic guitar: “there’s a part of me that feels that I am reaching my end.” Her low, raspy vocals enhance the melancholic vibe, aptly portraying the feeling of coming to terms with difficult emotions.
4. CLOVES: “the thought of you”
Australian singer-songwriter CLOVES grieves an unrequited love in “the thought of you.” Her buttery, echoing vocals feel organic and somewhat vintage, blending beautifully with the thick, rolling beat underneath. The occasional bell adds a bit of dramatic power, as does a crooning bridge. The latter half of the track welcomes strings and added vocal layers for a brief build and drop.
5. Lyn Lapid: “i’ll be happy when”
Lyn Lapid dreams of genuine connection and freedom in “i’ll be happy when.” Gen Z has become somewhat synonymous with a lack of true community, and she notes the effects of this: “I’ll be happy when I finally can find real friends who all like me as I am…” The delicate pre-chorus melody showcases Lapid’s vocal range, soaring into falsetto territory.
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