new releases

By Kylie Warrix

To many, music is an escape, and let’s be real, these past few months of quarantining and social distancing have got everybody itching for a getaway. Although traveling isn’t the easiest of things to accomplish right now, many artists have been releasing music during these times which helps make staying at home a bit more exciting. So, sit back, relax, and read this list to try to find some new inspiration for your next athome dance party.

Track 01: The Regrettes - What Am I Gonna Do Today?

With a song that asks the question many of us are faced with every day now, The Regrettes prove that they can make magic even when distance is involved. “What Am I Gonna Do Today?” has an incredibly dreamy sound that brings an element of tranquility. Although the song was written before the pandemic hit the States, its May release oers some relatability and comfort. The song, music video, and cover photo were all taken care of remotely, so it goes without saying that the band is unstoppable.

Track 02: Aminé - Riri

When Aminé dropped this song on May 28, I knew I had to stop what I was doing to give it a listen. Every single song he releases is almost guaranteed to end up in my library, and “Riri” is no dierent. With this track, Aminé immediately packs a punch as the bass kicks in right after the first (iconic) line, “You love Rihanna, but you ain’t a savage.” The song only gets better as it progresses, so when you’re looking for something fresh and fun to add to your playlist, definitely keep “Riri” in mind.

In preparation for his new album Limbo— which comes out on August 7—Aminé also recently put out a song featuring Young

Thug called “Compensating.” Both songs are extremely promising, so be sure to save the date and give the album a listen when it’s released!

Track 03: Boy Pablo - Hey Girl

This song completely captures the warm and laid-back feeling of summer. “Hey Girl” is all about the initial nerves of falling in love, and although lead vocalist Nicolas Muñoz is “scared as hell,” as the song expresses, the instrumentation is super upbeat and genuinely fun to listen to. Crushes and new feelings can be a bit tricky to navigate, and the lyrics do an excellent job of portraying just that. The music video, released June 17, is just as light-hearted and takes a rather comical approach. Open up your windows, breathe in the summer air, and turn up the volume for this one. “Hey Girl” will definitely be a summer staple!

Track 04: Spencer. - I Had A Dream

Released on Juneteenth, Spencer.’s “I Had A Dream” is short and sweet at just under two minutes long, but it’s still enough to completely captivate listeners. The sound is so soothing, yet so groovy, which I absolutely love. Another aspect I love is the fact that all proceeds made from this song are going towards the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester. On top of that, the Friday it was released, Bandcamp donated all of their share of proceeds to the NAACP in honor of Juneteenth. Therefore, buying Spencer.’s track on its release day—and any other song on the platform, too—meant supporting good music and a couple of good causes! It was a win-win.

Track 05: Julien Granel - Bagarre Bagarre

Are you in the mood to be transported to a cool, trendy nightclub somewhere in France? Well, this track does just that. With an addictive beat that makes you want to get up and move, “Bagarre Bagarre” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. French artist Julien Granel dropped this upbeat dance track on June 11, prior to the June 26 release of his EP of the same title. Holistically, the EP offers four more songs that are just as fun and energetic, so if you like what you hear in “Bagarre Bagarre,” you will not be disappointed. Don’t speak a lick of French? Don’t sweat it! Music transcends all language barriers, so don’t be afraid to branch out.

Although we are living in a period of uncertainty, taking a moment to check out some new music can help shake things up and make time go by a bit faster. Keep on jamming, dancing, and singing along—but most importantly, keep on staying safe!