New Music Releases: From Makenzie Phipps and Heartwells to Jordan Armstrong and Emily James
New Music Releases is a column that keeps abreast of all the news from the music industry that often flies under the radar. Keep up-to-date with the underground and independent scene and find your next favorite band or singer-songwriter right here.
Country star Makenzie Phipps’s releases her latest single 'Pick Your Poison'
Country music singer-songwriter Makenzie Phipps’s has released her latest single 'Pick Your Poison', offering fans a modern sound with a blend of attitude and sheer determination proving Phipps is the perfect voice for this single. With a solid summer and fall tour schedule already on the calendar, new merchandise, and more music on the way, Makenzie Phipps is just getting started.
“This song means so much to me as this is the first song I’ve ever released that I wrote totally by myself,” explains Phipps. “I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks of not only my writing ability but the song itself. I had so much fun writing it and although it is different from my previous releases, I am very proud of it in every way!”
Heartwells announces date for new album 'The New Old School'
Southern California's Heartwells will be releasing the new full-length album 'The New Old School' digitally on June 28, followed by the vinyl release on June 29. The LP was recorded at Buzzbomb Studios with producer Paul Miner (New Found Glory, Atreyu, Thrice, Death By Stereo). The album's next single 'Eerie' will premiere on June 19.
Frontman JT says, "'Eerie' is kind of a bummer of a song because it wraps up a lot of the personal emotions I was feeling during the height of the pandemic, empty towns, people dying, etc. The light at the end of the tunnel is the perseverance we all had to make it through that time together and the lessons we learned from it. It has a nice balance of catchy vs. melancholy melody. One of my favorite tracks on the record"
Jordan Armstrong releases new single 'High Note'
Jordan Armstrong has released her new single, 'High Note' out now via Zodhiac Records. The musical tribute captures the essence of cherishing life's simple joys without taking things too seriously.
“'High Note' is about taking the good out of life and leaving the rest behind. It’s a lesson I’ve had to learn quite a few times over the past couple years. If you let life weigh you down, it will. While this song on surface level seems to be about a one night stand. It’s really about allowing yourself to be light and take what you need from life. I wrote this with Brianna Nelson and Stacey Kelleher, two amazing artists/songwriters. This song is for the girls by the girls. And it’s just in time to kick your summer off on a high note,” says Jordan.
Friedberg drops new single ‘The Greatest’ ahead of debut album
Friedberg has released a new single ‘The Greatest’ via Clouds Hill, as part of their debut album due for release later this year. Accompanying the track comes a music video, directed by Wouter Stoter. The band also returned to the UK this month, after supporting Giant Rooks on their US tour, making their debut at The Great Escape Festival and supporting Big Special.
A tribute to too many options and alienation setting in, Anna of Friedberg, says of ‘The Greatest’: “It’s about modern society. About non-commitment. It’s about wanting everything, everywhere all at once [whilst slowly drowning in all the many options, because you’re too overwhelmed to make any decisions].”
Directed by Wouter Stoter, the music video for ‘The Greatest’ captures the diverse culture within London. Anna finds herself walking through the city catching eyes with people from all different walks of life, including the rest of Friedberg, and covets what they are; wearing, carrying, playing and doing. The penultimate shots of the video capture Anna lumbering all the belongings she’s accrued throughout her journey to a serene park, set against the evening backdrop of the bustling city.
Emily James drops taste of forthcoming EP 'The aLtErNaTeS, Pt 2'
LA singer-songwriter Emily James has dropped another taste of her forthcoming EP 'The aLtErNaTeS, Pt 2'. The pop ballad, 'This’ll Only Hurt For A Minute' is about letting your guard down and allowing yourself to feel the pain of heartbreak in order to find healing. Emily wrote and produced the song herself.
“I wanted ‘This'll Only Hurt for a Minute’ to feel like going into a dark room, lighting a candle and letting yourself feel all of the emotions in order to get through the pain,” Emily explains. “I think a big part of healing is to not be afraid of being consumed by those darker emotions; allow them to come up, roll through you, and then eventually let them pass. It's like a storm you have to stand in the middle of until it's run its course.”
British R&B/Soul singer Shaé Universe drops new track 'OOTW'
British R&B/Soul singer Shaé Universe returned with her new offering 'OOTW (Order On The Way)' available to stream now on all digital platforms via The Orchard. Produced by Ray Keys (Teyana Taylor, Jack Harlow, Ty Dolla $ign), 'OOTW' explores love from a different angle instantly setting the tone with its sultry lyrics and will be featured on the forthcoming 'Love’s Letter' slated for release this summer.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, Shaé says, “'OOTW' is for the real lovers and yearners. It's time to bring back shameless romance and submission! No ego, just passion and freedom. The sultry groove of the beat instantly sets the tone and the lyrics amplify the sensual feel of the song. I can confidently say that this is some of my best work yet and this song serves as an introduction to my most powerful era.
Gearing up for 'Love’s Letter' (Deluxe), Shaé will returns to Los Angeles for performances at The Echo (June 18) and The Grammy Museum (June 27) the latter of which celebrates Black Music Month and is part of The Orchard’s 'In Collaboration' project – a forthcoming docu-series highlighting Shaé’s relationship with frequent collaborator and photographer Karis Beaumont that offers a glimpse into how the pair created the artwork and visuals for 'OOTW'.
The Early November releases new self-titled album
The wait is over for 'The Early November', the highly-anticipated new album from alternative rock group The Early November. Featuring recent singles 'The Empress', 'Tired Of Lying', and 'The Fool', The Early November is a 10-song collection that pays homage to who the band is, was, and has yet to become.
The Early November will be bringing their new album across the US this summer as they hit the road for a a month long headline tour with support from Spitalfield, Hellogoodbye, Hit The Lights, and Cliffdiver. The tour kicks off on June 22 in New York City, with stops to follow in Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, Richmond, and more.
Dylan Sinclair releases latest single 'Lemon Trees'
R&B singer-songwriter Dylan Sinclair has released his latest single, 'Lemon Trees', marking the Toronto native’s first release of 2024. Reminiscent of early 2000s R&B, the song is inspired by Sinclair’s past year on the road.
Sinclair says, "I spent the past year on the road playing shows, meeting great supporters, and soaking in new experiences. All of this has been channeled into new music with my guys and I am excited to start the summer off with 'Lemon Trees'. This is one you want to play with the windows down and feel that same energy."
Self-written and co-produced by Jordon Manswell (Daniel Caesar, Mariah Carey, 21 Savage), Zachary Simmonds (Daniel Caesar), and Bryan Allen (Gucci Mane, Baby Tate), the track offers a glimpse into the evolving musical world Sinclair has crafted since his breakthrough EP 'No Longer in the Suburbs'.