No more debating the song of the summer. As of last Sunday, it’s officially fall, which means the dawn of moodier music—perfect for all those rainy café weekends and long drives home after sunset. Fresh tracks from Bishop Briggs and Jae Stephens serve up an array of emotions including regret and flirtiness (the essential duo). On the alt-pop side of things, Nessa Barrett and newcomer Alemeda’s unapologetic latest songs promise they’re not falling for love’s lies this time. Of course, not everyone is in their feelings — some of us are still hitting the dance floor like brat Summer never ended, thanks to the highly anticipated new Jamie xx album. Finally, it’s the last call at the coast as The Beaches gets real about growing pains. Read on to learn more about the 6 new releases you should have on your radar right now.
“Jocelyn" - The Beaches
“I’m a walking apocalypse,” lead vocalist and bassist Jordan Miller warns on The Beaches’ latest hazy single, “Jocelyn.” The Canadian band decided to make a less-than-typical tribute to their fans with the irreverent, apologetic indie-rock track, narrated to one Jocelyn, PhD—the representative of the many starstruck devotees the band gained since going viral last year for breakup banger “Blame Brett.” While Miller and company may fairly caution against being put on a pedestal, their latest loop-worthy track is sure to have more Jocelyns falling for their sound.
“I already dug your grave" - Alemeda
Top Dawg Entertainment’s newest signee teased her upbeat alt-pop track about burying a toxic relationship and throwing away the shovel when she performed it for German platform COLORS earlier this month. Still, listening to the studio version of the new EP FK IT, out Sept. 20 from TDE/Warner Records, is all the more satisfying. The unapologetic song starts at full speed and doesn’t slow down, daring you to keep the tempo. Meanwhile, Alemeda’s effortless vocals practically float above the music as she promises her ex, “In my head, you’re six feet under.”
“DIRTY LITTLE SECRET" - Nessa Barrett
The second song from TikToker-turned-alt-pop-princess Nessa Barrett’s upcoming sophomore album, AFTERCARE, “DIRTY LITTLE SECRET” delivers her signature lulling vocals over an understated backbeat that turns into a sizzling electronic medley. The topic: keeping a situationship from getting anywhere close to real — because a secret is much more fun. Barrett is ethereal on this track, particularly during the cinematic chorus.
“Good For Me" - Bishop Briggs
If you weren’t already counting down the days until Bishop Briggs’ third album, Tell My Therapist I’m Fine (due Oct. 18), you will be after hearing “Good For Me.” The personal track sees the “River” singer reflecting on the upset when one romanticizes certain dreams, only for a reality check to force a reevaluation. It’s sad-girl indie with an edge, softened as always by Briggs’s gentle vocals.
“Kiss U Back" - Jae Stephens
“Kiss U Back” is one of those songs you instantly want to add to your playlist after hearing it for the first time. There’s something irresistible about Stephens’ rhythm in the light, flirty R&B tune, part of the new EP SELLOUT which dropped Sept. 20 from Raedio LLC./Def Jam. Refreshingly upbeat and bolstered by glittery production, the song bottles the excitement of a new crush that just might be mutual.
“Breather" - Jamie xx
An electronic dance song made by an artist with two “x”s in their stage name? You know it’s about to be a banger. Grammy-nominated English musician Jamie xx released yet another skipless set with the surprisingly wistful In Waves, his first studio album in nine years. Tracks like “Breather” serve as the breathing room of the pulsing album but still trigger goosebumps — and as you get lost in the music, an interpolated voice reminds you to “breathe.”
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