Amber Mark: Thong Song (Sisqó Cover)

Sisqó’s 1999 campy hit “Thong Song” may be oft-disparaged, but it remains a masterstroke written by the then-19-year-old. NYC-based singer, songwriter and producer Amber Mark has just covered the track—and with relish. Mark (whose style pulls elements from countless genres, including R&B, dance, pop, bossa nova and beyond) says, “Yes, lol I covered ‘Thong Song.’ I HAD TO DO IT! I used to love this …

Izzy Bizu: Tough Pill

With her single “Tough Pill,” vocalist Izzy Bizu (aka Isobel Beardshaw) references classic R&B tunes with her choir-backed verses and sensitive subject matter. Addressing infidelity, regret, and freedom, she uses the track’s title to tell the audience how it felt to be unsure whether a relationship was really over: “You run my heart over like a bulldozer / Don’t know who you’re getting close with …

Lomelda: Hannah Sun

From Silsbee, Texas-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Lomelda (aka Hannah Read) comes “Hannah Sun,” the third single from her forthcoming album Hannah (out 4 September). “Hannah, do no harm,” Read sings at the very end with an emotional honesty that, in fact, leaves listeners soothed with its intention and intensity after a lyrical trek from Atlanta to Alaska. Read stars in the track’s glittering but lonely music video, …