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.
Megan Thee Stallion reclaims her position at the top of the totem pole with this staggering no-holds-barred rap track that she teased at Coachella, and is out in full, now. (YouTube)
After teasing a snippet of it for months on TikTok, PinkPantheress and Willow’s starry-eyed and punky collaboration, “Where You Are,” is finally here — and it doesn’t disappoint. (YouTube)
More OPN than Soccer Mommy, the glitched-out and apocalyptic-sounding “Unholy Affliction” showcases an intriguing, darker side to the indie rocker. (YouTube)
Genre chameleon Bartees Strange opens the compelling “Cosigns” as a rap fever dream, before descending into utter guitar-rock chaos midway through. (YouTube)
Ethel Cain’s flexible, somersaulting vocals are transcendent on “American Teenager,” a powerful, nostalgic-sounding ode to a certain brand of Americana. (YouTube)
A light Afrobeats rhythm and a whimsical feeling saturate Chicago artist Ravyn Lenae’s mesmerizing “M.I.A.,” which is shaping up to be a strong contender for song of the summer. (YouTube)
One always gets a sense of running towards a greater something with Purity Ring songs, and the sparkling “Graves” is no exception. (YouTube)
Montreal-based musician Magi Merlin sounds as cool as a cucumber as she makes space for her own anger: “Pissed black girl at your gate/ Ivory tower, how’s your view?” (YouTube)
Reemerging after a 17-year break, British singer-songwriter Leona Naess returns with a generous, softly propelling pop song about watching her child grow up. (YouTube)