Premiere: “DUMB” by Hanni El Khatib

The LA-based musician explains how a changed perspective influences the track

Earlier this year, LA-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Hanni El Khatib announced his upcoming album, FLIGHT, which he wrote mostly in the wake of a life-changing car accident. The record (out 15 May on Innovative Leisure) is evidence not only of El Khatib’s ability to evolve and experiment as a musician, but also his dramatically shifted perspective—something that he says manifested in various ways creatively and personally. Today, …

Jónsi: Exhale

Hypnotic and meditative, Jónsi’s new song “Exhale” burns slowly over five minutes, as his breathy vocals rise over piano and dreamy synths. With glitches and echoes punctuating the melody, the tune (written and produced by Jónsi and A.G. Cook) reaches a crescendo with less than a minute left. Throughout, Jónsi sings the mantra-like lyrics, “It’s just the way it is / it isn’t your fault / …

Faye Webster: In a Good Way

Faye Webster’s new song (out on Secretly Canadian) addresses a love so strong it makes her want to cry—”in a good way,” the title and chorus declare. Tender moments lead to affirmations, all while a gentle instrumental that melds R&B, folk and soft-rock rolls along. With strings, tinkling keys and classic guitar, the sweet and airy tune ultimately tells the story of joyous, giddy love.