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.
“Justified” - Kacey Musgraves
The second single from Kacey Musgraves’ Star-Crossed is a galloping country-pop number about feeling justified in her feelings and, most importantly, not succumbing to gaslighting.
“SPICY” - CL
CL is back. She made her return with a thumping anthem about having the “the sauce, and it’s spicy,” a line that actor John Malkovich also opens with at the beginning of the song.
“You asked for this” - Halsey
Halsey sounds the best we’ve ever heard her on this shoegaze-y stunner from her new album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, which is rightfully being heralded as a career-defining triumph.
“Enter Sandman” - Rina Sawayama
In which Rina Sawayama tries her hand at raging heavy metal. And freaks it.
“Dragonfly” - Fauness
Take a sparkling sweet pop ride with Londoner Fauness on this dreamy song about being a dragonfly.
“Never Seen” - Angel Haze
After a five-year hiatus, LA-based poet and cult rapper Angel Haze dropped the (no pun intended) hazy “Never Seen,” sounding confident and reinvigorated.
“Lately” - Porches
On “Lately,” NYC musician Porches weaves a brooding adult nursery rhyme about missing his baby and feeling “crazy, crazy, crazy,” which would be enough material to feel concerned if it wasn’t so good.
“Cacti” - Mercury
Gen Z terminology and bright, happy beats collide on this bouncy track from emerging Atlanta rapper Mercury.
“Persona” - Marie Davidson & L’Œil Nu
The Montréal-based trio behind “Persona” whip up a pretty gorgeous storm of gauzy guitar pop, great for whenever you’re feeling dreamy and wistful.
“Worst Ways” - Rudie Edwards
We’re loving Rudie Edwards’ earthy and resonant indie rock which hinges on her deeply soulful voice.