New Week, New Tunes

It’s Week 9 and with finals and graduation on the horizon, summer break has never seemed so far away. We know that the quarter system doesn’t stop for anyone, so we’re featuring some music that will help you get through the end of spring quarter.

“Geyser” by Mitski
Released: May 14, 2018
For fans of: Frankie Cosmos, Japanese Breakfast, Alex G

Image courtesy of Dead Oceans.

Mitski’s 2016 album, Puberty 2, was about the messiness of early adulthood and the relationships that come with it. The album, which touched upon hookup culture, fleeting happiness, and the expectations that come with love, showcased her amazing songwriting talents. With “Geyser,” the new single from the upcoming album Be the Cowboy, Mitski takes a departure from her clear-cut writing. The song starts off with an ominous tone and a sharp static that jolts your attention. The strings build and then erupt (similar to an actual geyser) as Mitski proclaims her love. But the recipient of her love is vague. Is it about a person, her love of music, or something else? As Mitski herself said of the song, it’s more about “a feeling.” But the intensity and passion of the song cuts through and leaves us wanting more. –Sabira Parajuli

“Trader Joe” by Junglepussy
Released: May 11, 2018
For fans of: Le1f, Kari Faux, Kamaiyah

Image courtesy of the artist.

This song is exactly what it sounds like: an ode to the greatness that is Trader Joe’s. The New York rapper Shayna McHale, better known as Junglepussy, gained popularity through her unapologetic, humorous, and empowering songs. Her last album, Pregnant With Success, felt less like listening to a stranger talk about their problems and more like talking shit with a close friend about the inadequate men in your life. With her new album, JP3, Junglepussy is leaving behind those men and focusing on her own self-fulfillment. This newfound freedom is present in “Trader Joe,” as she joyously raps, “I think I like him more than I like Trader Joe’s/ I’ll swallow kids if he start eating vegetables.” The song is also an ode to her healthy, newly self-aware lifestyle, making references to her changes in diet and romance. The themes of womanhood in her lyrics (meaning she has bars) cement her as one of the best rap artists constantly pushing the boundaries of the genre. –Sabira Parajuli

“Drunk in LA” by Beach House
Released: May 11, 2018
For fans of: Perfume Genius, Real Estate, DIIV

Image courtesy of Subpop Records.

Beach House is back with their seventh album, simply titled 7. Like most, if not all, of their songs, “Drunk in LA” is filled with organs and guitars that evoke a melancholic feeling. By singing about drinking alone in a bar and self-reflecting on the complications of aging with the lyric, “I am loving losing life,” Beach House perfectly captures the hope and dread that comes with getting old. There is a distinct feeling of loneliness and nostalgia in the lyrics, but the song itself has a whimsical, dreamlike sound. And like any dream, you just enjoy it in the moment. –Sabira Parajuli

“Let’s Find an Out” by Snail Mail
Released May 16, 2018
For fans of: Jay Som, Soccer Mommy, Lucy Dacus

Image courtesy of Matador Records.

“June’s glowing red,” the opening line from Lindsey Jordan’s (otherwise known as Snail Mail) latest single, evokes memories of passionate, long summer months. Along with her earlier singles “Pristine” and “Heatwave,” Jordan’s upcoming debut album Lush, releasing on June 8, is meant for a summer of heatwaves and heartbreaks. Habit, Jordan’s first EP, established her as an innovative new punk artist. Since then she has graduated high school, toured the country, and has kicked off a world tour in anticipation of the release of Lush. –Mo Al Elew

“Choirs” by Ashe
Released: May 10, 2018
For fans of: Zella Day, Ryn Weaver

Image courtesy of Mom + Pop Music.

Although Ashe’s album, Rabbit Hole, has not yet been released, she offered her fans a quick teaser by posting the vibrant video to “Choirs” on YouTube. This song will have you feeling summer vibes from Ashe’s airy, relaxing voice paired with the playful sound of plucked strings and melodious harmonies that represent the “choirs in [her] head.” Those who attended Ashe’s performance at Sun God may recognize this song, as she performed an acoustic version of it to promote her upcoming album. –Emily Beihold

Other Bops to Consider:
“Make Me Feel” by Janelle Monae // For fans of Erykah Badu, Solange, Jazmine Sullivan
“Bubblin” by Anderson .Paak // For Fans of GoldLink, KAYTRANADA, Vince Staples
“Fallingwater” by Maggie Rogers // For Fans of HAIM, Sylvan Esso, Phoebe Bridgers
“Hello?” by Clairo // For Fans of Temporex, SALES, Steve Lacy
“Fallin’ All In You” by Shawn Mendes // For Fans of Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato
“High Five” by Sigrid // For Fans of Billie Eilish, Leon, Hayley Kiyoko