070 Shake: I Laugh When I’m With Friends But Sad When I’m Alone
“I Laugh When I’m With Friends But Sad When I’m Alone” succeeds in delivering a wildly lovably, relatable experience while demonstrating New Jersey rapper/singer 070 Shake’s singular talent. Minimal production allows for the G.O.O.D. Music artist to shine with sharp, narrative-driven lyrics. Even the video plays into the track’s artistry. Simply put, it’s powerful.
Andrew Bayer feat. Alison May: Immortal Lover
Atmospheric, haunting and gentle, Andrew Bayer’s “Immortal Lover” features singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Alison May on vocals. A slow-burning tune, it’s minimal but still rich, and drifts along its six minutes fluidly—thanks to seamless production. The song appears on In My Last Life, Bayer’s third album which is due for release in August.
Neil Frances: Coming Back Around
From the opening percussion onward, “Coming Back Around” makes its intention clear: deliver danceability. By LA-based duo Neil Frances, the track pulsates, bouncing the vocals on. It will appear on the upcoming Took A While EP.
Astha: More
Toronto-based, Kathmandu-born Astha’s soulful new single “More” marries warm pop sensibilities with thoughtful, emotion-laden lyrics. “The verses represent the struggles of a relationship; of feeling frustrated, lonely and misunderstood,” she explains to CH, “While the brighter choruses represent the calm after the storm, where your love for the person helps you put all differences aside.” From start to finish, it’s a success. The track will appear on Astha’s forthcoming EP, Muse.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.