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.
Oakland singer-songwriter mxmtoon is preparing to share her upcoming EP, dusk, a collection of soft, ukulele-featured pop songs. The latest cut features Carly Rae Jepsen, a prominent co-sign if there's ever been one, and all the more reason to keep an eye on this rising talent. In fact, most of this week's list highlights emerging artists we're quietly rooting for as we start looking to the new year, like Montreal's reggaeton princess Isabella Lovestory, as well as Ghanaian-American rapper Amaarae. See the full list of everyone you should know, after the jump.
"Don't Start Now (Kaytranada Remix)" - Dua Lipa
But first, another cut from the Dua-verse. This time, featuring an unhurried Kaytranada flip on Lipa's masterpiece, "Don't Start Now."
"Plot Twist" - NIKI
Indonesian R&B singer NIKI delivers a weightless love song in "Plot Twist," a standout from her new record MOONCHILD.
"ok on your own" - mxmtoon, Carly Rae Jepson
Ukulele, Carly Rae Jepsen, a moody message about moving on...three things that's always in season.
"Fancy" - Amaarae
We fell in love with Ghanaian-American musician Amaarae's honey-voiced raps, which are on full display, on "Fancy."
"Circumstances" - Devi McCallion & Katie Dey
These two friends and experimental musicians sing from the perspective of God on the fragile, boundless "Circumstances."
"Mariposa" - Isabella Lovestory
Glammed-up reggaeton is Honduran singer Isabella Lovestory's expertise, and "Mariposa" is her latest, shiniest iteration.
"The Recipe" - Aluna f. Kaytranada, Rema
Kaytranada's second appearance on this list is more afropop than disco, but still 100 percent danceable.
"times new roman" - Scintii
Ornate strings meet steely electronics on this alluring track by emerging Taiwanese DJ Scintii.
"Ojos Negros" - Girl Ultra, Paula Cendejas
Mexico City's Girl Ultra teams up with Madrid's Paula Cendejas for this smooth-as-silk bop about meeting someone's gaze.
"Strike A Light" - Bullion
London's Bullion toes the line between retro nostalgia and playful experimentalism on the propulsive and brooding, "Strike A Light."