Every week, we bring you #SOUNDCHECK — your destination for the best new music that hit the web over the course of the week. Because you should always be prepared when someone passes you that AUX cord. This week's roundup features 10 of our favorite emerging and established artists.
"Don't Judge Me" - FKA twigs, Headie One, Fred Again
FKA twigs flits above woozy pulsating bass and rumbling verses from British rapper Headie One and producer Fred Again.
"Gravity" (ft. Tyler, the Creator) - Brent Faiyaz
DMV native Brent Faiyaz joins forces with Tyler, the Creator (with Steve Lacy on guitar and bass) for this warm and groovy R&B number.
"The Light" - FAKY
Exuberant horns and a discofied beat color J-Pop group FAKY's maximalist and joyful new pop song.
"Immune" - Jensen McRae
A song spawned as a parody of how Phoebe Bridgers will remember the pandemic, Jensen McRae's "Immune" is also a stunning indie ballad in its own right.
"WX5" - Shaun Ross
After spending the last decade collaborating with the likes of Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, and Rihanna, model Shaun Ross is now embarking on his own experimental musical path.
"Gone" - Tashaki Miyaki
Los Angeles dream pop trio Tashaki Miyaki builds a beautiful hazy tune that feels like gazing through layers and layers of dreams.
"Schatze" (ft. Stef Chura) - Ohtis
A roiling rock duet written from the perspectives of a f*ck boy and his pissed-off victim, who very satisfyingly tells him to "Grow the f*ck up dude, what the f*ck."
"Ten Feet Tall" - Charlie Hickey
Los Angeles songwriter Charlie Hickey sings about strawberry moons and shoebox houses on this pensive indie rock anthem featuring background wails from Phoebe Bridgers.
"Mixed" - ZEMBU
Delicate indie-pop from Coloradoan ZEMBU, whose tender self-probing into her own identity forms the backbone of this warm tune.
"Out The Bed" - Luke Markinson
This bouncy bop from St. Louis song-maker Luke Markinson merges the wistful glow of the blues with hyperpop's euphoric blood rush.