This Weekend’s Tunes
“Closure” by ISLA
About the song: “The track is an uplifting alt-pop song in which ISLA expresses the relief that comes with leaving a toxic person behind. With reverberating harmonies and upbeat instrumentation, the track speaks to the internal strength required to let someone know how you feel, and the freedom gained from receiving closure in order to finally heal.” — ISLA
These Wheels by Papa George
About the artist: Papa George, born in London to Greek Cypriot parents, is no stranger to the UK & European blues scene. Four decades of playing “live electric and acoustic blues” and now has a reputation to be reckoned with. He is back with a ten-track album entitled These Wheels. You can check out and buy the album at his official site.
“No More What If” by Harper Starling
About the song: At the core, “No More What If” is an autobiographical tale of Harper taking the leap from her hometown to Los Angeles, the city of dreams. No matter where you’ve grown up, leaving home is hard. If you’re lucky enough to be native to a region as pretty, friendly, and welcoming as Southeastern Wisconsin, it’s tempting to stay in the place you recognize.
You might be satisfied with life as you’ve always known it. But if you choose never to chase after your dreams, you may always wonder: what if?
“Manic Pixie Dream Girl” by Adam Mah
About the song: “Manic Pixie Dream Girl takes a closer look at the problematic trope of women written in film being depicted as beings with the sole purpose of fulfilling a male character’s needs. Abandoning the electronic feel from previous works and returning to indie-rock roots, Mah pokes fun at the male gaze through satirical lyrics and an explosive chorus.” — Adam Mah
“Better Days” by Travis Ballard
About the song: “This song is about the struggle of not wanting to become the very thing you hate. Many people deal with toxic relationships and how that can affect you in future relationships. There is hope for better days if we are willing to seek help and change. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we can make it one step at a time. There is freedom from past hurts, but there is also the danger of becoming the one who hurts others if we don’t take action.” — Travis Ballard
“Possessive” by Sarko Montaug
About the song: “Possessive,” their first single, was produced/mixed by Jorge Elbrecht (Japanese Breakfast, Wild Nothing) and addresses the theme of imbalance. Out on 8/13, it aims to be the “dance while setting a reminder to bring up that toxic ex-relationship at your next therapy session” hit of the summer. Musically, the song feels like if Charli XCX was starring in a remake of Desperately Seeking Susan. Make sure to check out Sarko Montaug on their official site!
“Vagabond” by Sam Marks
About the song: “’Vagabond’ is a story influenced by someone I had a relationship with a few years ago. They were in Australia for a period of time, escaping their life in their home country. She’d had a troubled past and a difficult time dealing with it. At times, I was overwhelmed with what I’d learned about her past. I was swept up in a fiery and tempestuous relationship with them, slipping into an expanding maelstrom of emotions. And all of the sudden, they were gone.” — Sam Marks
“10ft Tall” by Devin Kennedy
About the artist: Raised in a musical household, Devin started playing drums, guitar, and bass all before the age of 10. Devin Kennedy graduated from Berklee College of Music, where he combined his passion for writing and producing in multiple genres into a unique blend of R&B and Pop that has become his trademark.
“Why Can’t U?” by Sam Pine
About the song: “Inspired by sudden life changes experienced over the pandemic, “Why Can’t U?” is about Sam’s relocation to his hometown of Denver, Colorado and the impact that physical distance had on his close relationships in Los Angeles” — Sam Pine
“New Land” by Huxley Sun
About the song: “The journey of a lier. Someone who does not care about him/herself and travels living in a world created in his/her own mind.” — Huxley Sun
Which song is your favorite?
Let me know in the comments!
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