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Lorde – “What Was That”
Lorde heads began salivating for this single — her first since 2021’s Solar Power — from the moment that pics and clips of the guerilla-style music video shoot surfaced last month. The New Zealand-born artist cryptically invited her fans to meet her in Washington Square Park, and they turned up in droves. This cathartic video is the result; a vibe perfectly attuned to the full-throated song.
S.G. Goodman – “Snapping Turtle”
Sharpen your listening skills to get the most out of this storytelling single from singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman. Hailing from Kentucky, where she still resides, Goodman puts poetically rendered, everyday language to the small town American experience. And then she sets those profound words to steady indie rock production, visualized by a video scrapbook of wild barefoot days in the countryside.
late night drive home – “american church”
There are rumblings that rock will soon take over as the dominant genre in popular music — and it’s not all because of Beyoncé. Late night drive home’s indie rock sound brings glimmering guitars, earworm melodies, and vocals using all the millennial bells ‘n’ whistles. Think: Britney’s vocal fry, Julian’s distortion, and just a touch of that hyper specific, naughty aughties So-Cal accent. LA folks, meet us at the Fonda on Saturday, Aug. 9 to jam with late night drive home IRL.
MonoNeon – “Beyoncé”
Did someone say Beyoncé? Bassist Dywane Eric Thomas Jr., steps out after years of collaborative musicianship with this hot-hot solo single as MonoNeon. You’ll hear some Prince in this track — Thomas was the last bassist Prince hired before his death in 2016(!). But why Queen B for the title? Maybe this thread tracing emerging artists referencing major stars in their song titles offers an explanation. Whether it’s an SEO/chart trick, heartfelt homage, or something in between — it’s all funky-fresh fun.
Hayden Pedigo – “Long Pond Lily”
Texas artist Hayden Pedigo dons his hat and boots for this countrified, yearning instrumental number from his upcoming album I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away. Pedigo’s youth and playful approach to the Halloween-themed video belie the gorgeous and mature musicianship in this guitar-forward production — hit play to revel in every plucked string. Wanna know more? Self-described “perfectionist” Pedigo offers a track-by-track commentary with journal-style entries on each song. Plus, check the “album bio” to color in the details.