Staff Picks 4/30/24
SZA, “Saturn”
When I first saw this track released on my Spotify, I instantly chucked on my noise-cancelling headphones and immersed myself in SZA's universe, playing it repeatedly until it felt like I was leaving my body. Fairy-tale-like and slightly spacey, "Saturn" teleports the listener to an entirely new planet beyond Earth. 'If there's another universe / Please make some noise / Give me a sign / This can't be life', she sings. If there is another universe that is anything like SZA's music, I'll be booking the first ticket there. "Saturn" features a twinkly instrumental atmosphere formed by a dreamy combination of arpeggios and synthesizers. As a surprise release after its official debut at this year's Grammy Awards, where she was the most nominated artist of the evening, witnessing SZA's music is like seeing a rare white horse galloping off into the distance. As such an infrequent releaser, SZA's music is like gold dust, a delicacy that is hard to obtain, yet everyone wants it. "Saturn" is the perfect track for the daydreamers, “Life's better on Saturn / Got to break this pattern / Of floating away,” SZA sings. -Rosa-Lee O’Reilly
Rob Grant, Lana Del Rey, “Lost at Sea”
After hyper-fixating on Lana Del Rey's Coachella performance, I retrogressed to my overly emotional teenage days of 2012, when I would listen to Del Rey's music in my bedroom all day and act dramatic about minor life inconveniences. "Lost at Sea" makes me feel something again, especially towards Del Rey's music. This track was a pleasant surprise coming off Rob Grant's debut ambient album. Grant and Del Rey compose this track with ease and genuine love as a father-daughter duet, a family not shy of musical talent. Grant's natural piano grace and Del Rey's generously grandiloquent vocals make for a hereditary headline. "Heavenly, I hear / Found my way to the beach / There were waves over me / I was lost at sea", Del Rey's ethereal voice sings with the ambience of an angel. This track and its cinematic music video, Grant and Del Rey, create a beautiful, tender dreamscape that sails the listener off into the setting sun with them. -Rosa-Lee O’Reilly
Grace Enger, Jake Minch “Good Stuff”
The perfect blend of angst and folk, it’s a cozy song for a rainy April. This duet is a great introduction to either of these emerging artists. This track demonstrates their delicate penmanship and immersive storytelling techniques. I don’t want to say too much but this song has been on repeat lately. -Matz Kiernan
Remi Wolf, “Cinderella”
I love this song. It’s catchy and joyful, yet still manages to reflect Remi Wolf’s immense vocal range & clarity. “Cinderella” is a perfect track for working out, pre gaming a party, or simply just strutting down the street. Please check it out, annd all of Remi’s discography if you are looking for a fun new artist to groove to! -Matz Kiernan
Future, Metro, The Weeknd, "We Still Don’t Trust You"
They just don’t miss. Fans of the dynamic producer-rapper duo Metro Boomin and Future have been spoiled this month with over forty new songs. Although there’s plenty of trap fare, the two – with a little help from The Weeknd – surprised everyone with the title track of We Still Don’t Trust You. Dreamy and downtempo with a certain 80s synth flair, Metro Boomin's (and legendary producer MIKE DEAN's) production gives Future and The Weeknd’s vocals space to shine.
Much of the song’s lyrics consist of Future repeating the title while The Weeknd steps into empty spaces with dreamy ad-libs and fills and a very short verse. More than the lyrics, though, this song is about vibes, which Metro and Dean bring in spades. It’s a late-night tune that will surely become a mainstay in both Future and The Weeknd’s prolific catalogs. -Leina Gabra
RUBII, "Jammin"
Introspective and meditative yet groovy and fun, RUBII cements her place in the UK R&B space with “Jammin.” The standout in the song’s production is the trumpet melody, which cleanly melds jazzy influences with unrelenting hi-hats and a booming bass. “The world can be a lonely place / When you're just a name without a face / You can disappear without a trace / And be gone,” a distorted voice croons as the song begins, immediately capturing the listener’s attention for the track to come. What follows, and what ensures RUBII’s rising stardom, is the strength of her vocal performance. Her impressive flow, controlled tone and enticing cadence pull the song together as she introduces herself: “And I've been jammin' like this since I was six / With kids that barely lasted a day.” The intimacy of her lyrics makes the listener feel immediately familiar, as if you’ve known her your whole life. -Leina Gabra
niquo, “Mr. Moon”
Everyone’s favourite night light deserves some attention. You’ll find this natural satellite beaming away in the vast darkness, it’s constant presence is a beautiful thing. Manchester based, niquo and Freak Slug sing us a harmonious lullaby in “Mr. Moon”.
They appreciate its subtleties and warmth underneath the night’s gaze. A dreamy melody and comforting beat gives this song the serenity that the moon provides for us every night. A pillar in the gloominess, the duo highlight the moon’s unending gift. - Kimberly Moon-Chong
Natalie Bergman, “Keep Those Teardrops From Falling”
This song has had me hooked for several weeks now and I’m finally ready to share it with our readers. It’s about leaving nothing on the table, doing everything possible for the one you love, and recognizing all that you have before it’s gone.
It has become my ultimate comfort song, not only because of it’s delicate message, but Natalie Bergman’s power to transcend decades of indie music. Paired with timeless vocals, Bergman effortlessly captures life's endless highs and lows on every title she releases. Trust me, it is worth diving into. -Kimberly Moon-Chong
Childish Gambino ft. Kanye West, “Say Less”
On April 21, Childish Gambino took to his Instagram livestream, Gilga Radio, to debut two new songs. One track featured Kid Cudi, another none other than Kanye West, the latter of which Gambino is a massive fan of. He went as far as to deem West the GOAT.
“Say Less” is a shining example of the potential of these two creative powerhouses. Production-wise, “Say Less” sounds like a lost track from West’s Yeezus combined with the bars that Gambino brought in his earlier days of rap. It’s bouncy and industrial, masterfully mixing 2013 with 2024.
“Say Less” is infectious, rife with the two flexing on the other rappers. West mentions how he’s “cookin’” constantly and Gambino references his appearance on GQ’s Best Dressed list. The track is set to appear on Gambino’s Bando Stone and the New World, which will be the “final Childish Gambino album.” -Liz Foster
Nate DAE, “sober dober”
Nate DAE’s “sober dober” is rife with fun word play and a bass-heavy booming beat, tied together by DAE’s casual flow. “Went to Joshua Tree, was feeling like I’m Cactus Jack,” he opens, referencing Travis Scott’s moniker. He talks about “breaking her vertebrae” and “upping her fashion” while being “sober dober, mental good, don’t need to smoke no pack.”
His voice falls underneath fuzzy drums and a droning repeat of “uh-huh” as he later raps that “the difference between us both, is that you always late/I show up punctual, because I’m always showing face.” If you’re into jumpy, fun rap tunes, “sober dober” may very well scratch that itch. -Liz Foster
