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.
Every great album contains songs that act akin to calling cards for their artists. "August," off Taylor Swift's latest oeuvre, feels like an important one — a rushing ballad that profoundly proves her talent for crafting impeccable pop melodies. The other 9 tracks on this week's round-up are as equally illuminating, whether it's selections from JPEGMAFIA or newcomer Flo Milli, who spits a flow stickier than hot-pink bubblegum. Dive in after the jump.
"august" - Taylor Swift
Amid the folkier tunes on her latest album lies "august," a gem that proves Swift's penchant for crafting irresistible pop melodies still translates even in more subdued settings.
"May I" - Flo Milli
Flo Milli's delightfully brash flow on "May I" could easily double as a double dutch chant; it's definitely memorable enough.
"Un Día" - J. Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy
J. Balvin and co. deliver a slow-burning reggaeton track about summertime pining.
"living single" - JPEGMAFIA
The Baltimore rapper pulls from Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" for his brief, and bittersweet, new song.
"Gucci" - Bree Runway ft. Maliibu Miitch
A luxe new single from UK's newest buzzy pop artist, Bree Runway.
"Trace" - Skullcrusher
Lush and lo-fi guitar musings from Los Angeles singer-songwriter Helen Ballentine.
"Baby Love" - Jessy Lanza
Quirky, bubble-bursting production makes this otherwise spare track an unexpectedly warm love song.
"Data"- Katie Dey
A more experimental track off Dey's latest album, "Data" finds Dey wanting to join her data in the "clouds," a surprisingly moving contemplation about IRL/internet identity.
"Picture Of You" - Madeline Kenney
An unbridled indie-rock tune that peaks and valleys like its mountainous music video.
"I Like Trouble" - Gaidaa
This mellow tune from Dutch-Sudanese singer Gaidaa hits like a cleansing curl of incense.