This New Music Friday should be called the New Music Friday.
boygenius – the record
In another life they were arsonists. In this one boygenius released a debut record which was slated to define a generation of rock before it even came out. It was always destined to be great–so much so it was titled the record to differentiate it from the rest.
Destiny defines boygenius. Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers joined forces over an affinity for literature. That friendship sparked by commonalities eventually led to a six song EP turning six this fall.
For years fans speculated when they would eventually write the record. Its initial three singles came this January and cracked the modern digital music world. So did the series of accompanying promo photos.
The nosiest “I rank music by assigning it a number with a decimal” critics to casual “I heard this shopping at Target” eavesdroppers will enjoy the record, and certainly will the supergroup’s authentic and adoring fans.
That’s why it’s the record and not a record. The tone is passionate, the sound ranges from soft to loud where deemed appropriate.
There are relatable characters on the record. Namely the wild personalities Baker, Dacus and Bridgers boast but also the talent behind the scenes. The record features Jay Som’s Melina Duterte on bass, Autolux’s Carla Azar on drums and Illuminati Hotties’ Sarah Tudzin was engineer. Actress Kristen Stewart directed the accompanying music videos.
The record isn’t a record. It’s a spectacle that already defines an era.
It never had to be the best record ever written. It had to be the record to teach the next generation of what great songwriters existed in this time. It had to be the record every current circle could enjoy, marvel and gaze at.
It is.
Sara Kays – “bored”
Sara Kays is a platinum songwriter with enough time on her hands to record a song about being bored.
It’s the opposite of what the title suggests and its relatable lyrics are attractive to a range of listeners.
Its music video portrays a chess match while Kays shares anything but a drab and soft spoken song. It’s quiet, sure. But her vocal abilities are placed right in front.
“I’ve always been a soft-spoken person and tend to keep my thoughts inside because the feeling that what I’m saying isn’t interesting,” Kays said in a release.
She promises more new music is on the way after a slew of singles in 2022.
Love You Later – “Are You Gonna Care When I Die?”
It’s a rhetorical question.
Love You Later is the solo alt-pop project of Nashville-based singer and songwriter Lexi Aviles. She announced her new EP last month with the release of the lead single, “Girl With Headphones,” which landed instant support from MTV, Ones To Watch, and NOTION.
Gazey guitar noises and an upbeat tempo make this song the opposite of what you might expect. It’s powerful like anyone could anticipate but its also a bop disguised under a serious question.
Sophie Powers – “nosebleed”
Sophie Powers brings her own brand to the electronic riot scene. Not only does she look like a rebel–this high school dropout swapped a pencil for a microphone.
Powers is unafraid to be daring. She made her own clothes and became a fashion designer. Within two years of taking that risk, she quickly earned attention for her direct and emotionally charged songs about teen relationships, depression, anxiety, all told through a unique musical blend of hyper pop, dark pop and punk pop.
Her brand isn’t just a fashion show either. She walks the walk more than she talks the talk.
“Music was my outlet during some really dark times,” Powers says. “If I can be that outlet and help other kids navigate what I went through, that’s all I want as an artist.”
Which of these will you be adding to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed?
Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!
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