Is Friday the best day of the week? You bet it is!
Not only is Friday the start of the weekend, but the fifth day of the week points to the latest edition of “New Music Friday” here at Young Entertainment Magazine. As a music fan, you can learn about the latest songs by little-known artists and much more. Here are our top 20 songs for the week ending on July 28, 2023.
1. “Brain on the Box” by Waiver Wire
https://www.instagram.com/waiverwireband/
Massachusetts-based pop punk band Waiver Wire returned with a catchy and creative new single “Brain on the Box” after releasing their 2022 EP, Wasted Time Well Spent.
“Brain on the Box” starts with an old-school metal lead guitar part before settling into its atypical rhythm to become a high-energy pop punk banger. This song is punchy in both its lyrical content and sound, thanks to its creative wordplay and catchy melodies. All in all, it’s a fun yet intentional song for listeners like you.
2. “Midwest Summer” by Homes at Night
https://www.instagram.com/homesatnight/
https://youtu.be/77S77m6ShRM
Are you looking to play a song (and hit repeat)? If so, look no further than this entry.
Nashville-based duo Homes at Night recently released their new single “Midwest Summer” to the general public. Their song be described as a melancholic song that follows the story of two former lovers visiting their hometown simultaneously and seeing if they can reignite their high school flame through the lens of nostalgia.
Whether you’re from the Midwest or not, you can enjoy Homes at Night’s “Midwest Summer” as it truly feels like two different songs rolled into one.
3. “Shimmer” by Summerdrive
https://www.instagram.com/summerdriveband/
https://open.spotify.com/track/4MAmGncmqM4E8veHu8EVcU
New York-based indie band Summerdrive brought the sunshine feels with the release of their new single “Shimmer” in time for the summer.
“Shimmer” is a fantastic song to say the least. It combines indie pop with 1980s-inspired synth pop. Its retro synths and propulsive percussions can help listeners — like you — get pumped up for road trips this summer. In general, it represents three talented multi-instrumentalists.
4. “Gone So Gone” by Bearings
https://www.instagram.com/bearingsband/
https://open.spotify.com/track/71iJW8xuDiz6ounJgVOJpT
Ottawa-based pop punk band Bearings solidified their place as genre mainstays with their new single “Gone So Gone” from their upcoming album, The Best Part Of Being Human, due on August 18, 2023.
“Gone So Gone” can be one of the top quintessential pop punk bangers this summer. It’s a feel-good track that combines in-your-face guitar strums with catchy vocals that will ensure a crowd sing-along. It gives Bearings a refreshing new sound — a sentiment they’ve always embraced.
5. “My Love is Sick” by Madds Buckley
https://www.instagram.com/maddsbuckley/
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Madds Buckley released her new single “My Love is Sick” and explored the ugly side of love.
“My Love is Sick” evokes the pain of a love that’s better left alone. Buckley’s better known for creating anime-inspired songs, but her newest song gives audiences a first-hand look at her personal experiences.
Buckley shared: “‘My Love is Sick’ delves into the ugly sides of love, comparing it to an infection that slowly takes over. Its dark imagery pulls at the overbearing emotions that come from love that hurts: be it unrequited, toxic, or doomed. Almost everyone can relate to a love that has left us feeling wounded, but what happens to us when we let that hurt consume us whole?”
6. “Jesus Loves Me” by Phoebe White
https://www.instagram.com/singphoebesing/
Kentucky-based yodeling cowgirl Phoebe White announced her appearance for the honorary exhibit at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Renfro Valley, Kentucky, also known as Kentucky’s country music capital. The honorary exhibit will be held on August 12, 2023, at 12:00 pm Eastern.
“We are happy to have Phoebe White as one of our newest honorary exhibits,” said Jessica Blankenship, Executive Director of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum. “She has grown as a musician and singer-songwriter, shining a positive light on Kentucky music. We can only imagine how her music abilities will grow as she continues to perform, wowing audiences of all ages.”
“Jesus Loves Me” is a song that White shared with the public via YouTube. Even if you’re not a fan of yodels, you can appreciate White’s extensive vocal range and instrument skills in banjo, guitar, piano, mandolin, ukulele, etc.
7. “ALL OUT” by AZRA
https://www.instagram.com/theazraofficial/
https://open.spotify.com/track/5jGxFDeoq6DILw1t9L8XX3
South Korea-born, San Jose-raised, Los Angeles-based pop rock singer-songwriter AZRA used her new single “ALL OUT” to show us how to embrace our confidence and power.
“ALL OUT” motivates listeners to accept themselves and break free from societal norms. Its electrifying lyrics encourage listeners to channel their feelings of anger and fear into power and fearlessness. For example, its lyrics “They wanna keep me silent, I wanna liberate” and “When hatred breaks against your bones, remember you are not alone” strike notes of courage and resilience.
8. “You Won The Man” by Teri Gender Bender
https://www.instagram.com/terigenderbender/
https://open.spotify.com/track/3zk3q4x58iQlAz6ZzyP26v
Denver-born, Mexico-based singer and musician Teri Gender Bender (born Teresa Suárez Cosío) is better known as the founder of Guadalajara-based rock band Les Bucherettes, but her new single and music video for “You Won The Man” can capture your attention in a great way.
“You Won The Man” showcases Teri Gender Bender’s exuberant personality, eccentric outfits, and thoughtful lyrics. It was released ahead of her EP, OUTSIDERS, which was released on July 7, 2023. Its music video was captured in moments of vulnerability and sorrow and resonated with the profound truth that triumph often carries a hidden weight.
9. “3AM” by Lil Tony
https://www.instagram.com/liltonyofficial/
Atlanta-based rapper Lil Tony is just a 17-year-old newcomer in the rap game, but you wouldn’t know from his confident presence and amazing lyricism.
Lil Tony has been tipped as an artist to watch in 2023. His new single “3AM” and accompanying cinematic music video are proof of his momentum as a rising rap artist. “3AM” might just be the track that will attract you to him and his music.
10. “Lost Inside Yr Ocean” by Odd Robot
https://www.instagram.com/oddrobotband/
Odd Robot is a power pop band from Fullerton, California.
Odd Robot took their new single “Lost Inside Yr Ocean” from their upcoming album, Deathmates, due this fall via Wiretap Records.
Andy Burris explained: “The sea is a durable metaphor — she is the bringer of life, the taker of life. ‘Lost Inside Yr Ocean’ delves into that realm. The subject of the song is isolated and adrift. Despite no way out, they manage to cling to a bit of hope. Sonically, the track evokes a 1960s beach atmosphere, thanks to the spatial reverberations of Telecasters and the band’s newest member and multi-instrumentalist, Nate Phung, on the organ. The music video was filmed in Newport Bay, CA, and features professional divers (thanks to Apex Diving Services) and an extra special guest. Have a great summer, enjoy the track, and keep cool, kid!”
11. “Haunted” by Spanish Love Songs
https://www.instagram.com/spanishlovesongs/
Los Angeles-based indie punk band Spanish Love Songs revealed some details about their new single “Haunted” and their upcoming new album, No Joy, due on August 25, 2023.
“Haunted” is a track that carries the saltwater-kissed vignette of an Asbury Park summer engulfed in a Boss-inspired nostalgia and a percussive acoustic guitar that built some of Spanish Love Songs’ biggest hooks so far. The music video for “Haunted” contains a quirky view into a band-bar scene with people just looking to have a good time.
“‘Haunted’ is a reintroduction of sorts for us,” explains vocalist and guitarist Dylan Slocum. “It lays out exactly the band we are at the moment, and after nine months of writing and recording we knew it had to be the first to come out. We were ecstatic to bring it to life with Hannah.”
12. “Nowhere Bar” by Nikita Lev
https://www.instagram.com/nikital3v/
https://open.spotify.com/track/6bpRGDxoHtcsDbqMqBoJPj
New York-bred indie rock and folk singer Nikita Lev is a rising music artist for a reason.
Nikita Lev’s new single “Nowhere Bar” showcases her songwriting skills as she walks her listeners through the narratives of individuals entering bars for lost souls. It weaves a protagonist’s story of longing for impossible dreams into the stories of the other individuals, culminating in an understanding that their lives are empty beyond the individuals in the bars.
If you’ve ever felt adrift from your place in the world, you should be able to resonate with “Nowhere Bar” when you listen to it. You’re welcome.
13. “Happy Children” by Lori McKenna
https://www.instagram.com/lorimckennama/
Massachusetts-based Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Lori McKenna specializes in country, folk, and Americana music.
Lori McKenna released her new single “Happy Children” ahead of her new album, 1988, which was released on July 21, 2023, via CN Records/Thirty Tigers. In her song, McKenna wished for her listeners’ children to be content with their lives, while offering a crucial piece of wisdom about life and aging.
Of the song, McKenna said: “I heard someone say this once, ‘I wish you happy children.’ Feels like the greatest wish of all time … It went through a couple different variations until [producer] Dave Cobb brought it so beautifully to life in the studio with the band. If my heart could say just one thing, this song is what it would say.”
14. “The Roads” by Jonah Kagen
https://www.instagram.com/jonahkagen/
https://open.spotify.com/track/1z8cabK9f2r2pXWx30ErUW
Jonah Kagen’s new single “The Roads” is more than a song.
Kagen, a Savannah, Georgia-bred singer-songwriter, looked at a transitional moment in “The Roads” — a song that he wrote and produced with the help of record producer Ryan Hadlock, who has worked with The Lumineers, Brandi Carlile, Vance Joy, and Zach Bryan, just to name a few. It’s a track that builds up to a folk rock sound and comments on the emotional intricacies of life’s transitional moments.
Kagen wrote in a statement: “‘The Roads’ is one of those songs I feel like I’ve been working toward for so long. It’s the culmination of so much heartbreak, so much growing up, and so much learning. Some of my favorite lyrics and sounds I’ve ever created are in this song, and I think the story speaks for itself — I hope you can feel the years of emotion and human experience pouring out in it.”
15. “BB DON+ QVI+” by Aime Simone
https://www.instagram.com/aime.simone/
https://open.spotify.com/track/0Kso2bl3vrP8IB0mwUrFIL
Paris-bred music artist and producer Aime Simone shared his new single “BB DON+ QVI+” — a thrilling remake of “Baby Don’t Quit” taken from his critically-acclaimed album, Oh Glory, via Because Music.
Simone is a man of many talents. He walked Marine Serre’s Parisian fashion show in late June. He has been booked to perform at the Pitchfork Festival in Berlin in November. Stay tuned for more details surrounding the French music globetrotter who splits time in Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and Los Angeles.
16. “James Brown” by Micky James
https://www.instagram.com/themickyjamesmusic/
https://open.spotify.com/track/1ZTXvzeGwnSBpqlnSJ77el
New York City-based, Philadelphia-bred Micky James released his new single “James Brown” via Shelter/BMG.
“James Brown” helped Micky James find success in a post-pandemic world. James also supported music acts like The Struts, The Regrettes, and Cherry Pools, and played music festivals such as Firefly Music Festival, Pleasantville Music Festival, and KISS Cruise.
Of the song, James stated: “It’s a song to inspire those who want to live their lives as loudly and authentically as they choose … The message of unapologetic self love and self expression.” The alluring, electric track comes after Micky’s latest “New York Minute,” a gleeful ode to New York City. Both tracks have earned respective back to back debuts on Sirius XM’s Alt Nation, and an idea of what’s to come on his forthcoming EP, expected to release later this summer.”
17. “Pixelated” by Juliana Madrid
https://www.instagram.com/madridjules/
Dallas native Juliana Madrid never disappoints with her music.
Madrid’s newest single “Pixelated” comes from her upcoming sophomore EP, Afterlife, due on August 11, 2023. “Pixelated” follows her release of “Trackstar” earlier this year.
Madrid elaborated: “‘Pixelated’ is about being stuck in your head. It can be really hard sometimes to get the bigger picture of what’s going on in your life when you’re so zoomed in on a million tiny details. Also, in this song, I think vocally the style may be different from any of my other songs, like the staccato note length in each chorus.”
18. “Peyote” by Milk St.
https://www.instagram.com/MilkStreetband/
Maine-based emo trio Milk St. premiered their new single “Peyote” off their upcoming EP, Vermont, due this September.
“Peyote” can be described as an unconventional mix of indie punk and bluegrass, but unconventional’s what makes this song so good. Its lyrical themes is about a person realizing their parents aren’t perfect.
Milk St. vocalist Jonah Wakefield said: “‘Peyote’ is about realizing your parents aren’t always right and that any new perspectives you take on may be influenced by the mental illness passed down hereditarily to you. Ultimately, you’re left feeling horrified that you can’t escape the thing that influences their different opinions and outlooks, to the point where you accidentally seek those traits in the people you date – you’re left stuck in this cycle of having the same sort of people in your life over and over.”
19. “Runaway” by Elevator Boys
https://www.instagram.com/elevatorboys/
The Elevator Boys released their first-ever single “Runaway” and even hosted a single release party in West Hollywood, California, on July 22, 2023.
In case you didn’t know, the Elevator Boys are a social media sensation turned music group. They wrote “Runaway” with the help of JURIJ Gold and Nathan Trent.
“It’s basically just about this one person who makes you feel all those things, who makes you feel like you’re on vacation and makes you forget the world around you for a bit,” said the Elevator Boys.
“We are working non-stop and always aiming for the next goal. Sometimes it all gets too much and we need a break. Mental health is a very important topic for us. Our song should be an anthem for everyone who can relate to that,” says Tim Schaecker, with Luis Freitag adding, “It’s also a great tune for the summer. We all love it so much and can’t wait to listen to it on the radio!” The upbeat tune marks the group’s move from viral sensations to popstars and is undoubtedly a summertime anthem that you don’t want to miss.”
20. “Carry It Well” by Jake Pedersen
https://www.instagram.com/jake.ped/
https://www.tiktok.com/@jake.ped/video/7241634774039792938
“Carry It Well” by Sam Fischer, an Australian singer-songwriter, is a track that focuses on mental health issues.
Jake Pedersen, a New York-based actor and Penn State alum, covered “Carry It Well” in early June. Pedersen’s cover sounds different, but still good. Its lyrics are about a person saying “yeah, I’m fine” when asked if they are, even when they’re not.
