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.
“Traitor” - Olivia Rodrigo
This devastating ballad off Olivia Rodrigo’s debut underscores her talent of nimbly excavating teenage heartbreak: “Guess you didn’t cheat, but you’re still a traitor.”
“Nothing’s Special” - Oneohtrix Point Never & Rosalía
A chilling and beautiful Spanish ballad dotted with electronic flourishes that puts Rosalía’s ghostly vocals on full display.
“Like I Used To” - Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen
Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen are singing together, and it sounds as massive and momentous as you’d think.
“Twerkulator” - City Girls
City Girls’ over-the-top twerk anthem, which has already lived a lifetime on TikTok, is finally out to infect the masses with its ass-shaking energy.
“Karaage” - CHAI
Over laidback, funky R&B, CHAI hotly whisper what may or may not be a love song dedicated to Japanese fried chicken.
“Yebo/Sema” - Masego
Afrobeat pairs naturally well with humidity, and Masego’s variety — loose, joyous, and generous — generates enough heat on its own.
“Get Me Higher” - Georgia x David Jackson
This is the sparkling EDM-adjacent summer banger you’ve been looking for, courtesy of London’s Georgia and producer David Jackson.
“Let It Flow” - Peyton ft. Brice Blanco
“Let It Flow” combines bass-busting beats, a sticky rap flow, and Peyton’s own delicate falsetto into one ethereal number.
“I’m Right Back In It” - PRONOUN
It’s hard to catch what Brooklyn’s PRONOUN is singing on this sparkling indie rock track, but the music, all drums and bright guitars, is more than enough to recharge your day.
“Bet” - Diva Smith
Diva Smith (daughter of Tears For Fears’ Curt Smith) makes a compelling debut with this languid and soulful pop song.