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. Turn up, tune in, and tune out.
Australia's latest musical export is Tkay Maidza, and she is a force to be reckoned with. Watching the singer, songwriter, and rapper perform in an abandoned car lot in her newest song "Shook" is like getting a glimpse of the future. You can see where TLC and Missy Elliott collide, but Maidza has remixed everything up so it feels — and sounds — new. It's why we think her new song deserves a spin this week, along with nine other tracks that caught our attention.
Like the gritty confessionals from Finland's resident rebel pop star ALMA, who dropped her ambitious debut album, Have U Seen Her? And Perfume Genius' stunning new album, which paints a potent picture of the human condition. Plus, joyous chanting from Japan's CHAI, and space-y jazz from NYC's cult favorite Standing On The Corner.
All of this, and more, after the jump.
"Shook" - Tkay Maidza
Australia's Tkay Maidza is rap's freshest new act.
"King Of The Castle" - ALMA
Finland's pop rebel gets vulnerable on this punky pop cut.
"Without You" - Perfume Genius
Delightful instrumentals, which seem to have a life of their own, make this Perfume Genius cut irresistible.
"Bitter" - FLETCHER
A sticky pop number for those bad-but-good flings.
"495" - IDK ft. Rico Nasty, YungManny, Big Flock, Big Jam, Weensey
The DMV condensed into one high-octane, spirited track.
"Young & Sad" - Noah Cyrus
The younger Cyrus' country ballad answer to LDR's "Young & Beautiful."
"Ready Cheeky Pretty" - CHAI
One can't help but smile listening to this one.
"Clutch" - Col3trane, Kiana Ledé
Col3trane and Kiana Ledé trade smokey verses over a beguiling dancehall beat.
"do you light up?" - Dijon
Music to listen to during a thunderstorm.
"Angel" - Standing On The Corner
If E.T. ever tried his hand at jazz.
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