Jorja Smith: By Any Means

From Roc Nation’s upcoming Reprise (a compilation album that will benefit social justice organizations) comes Jorja Smith’s “By Any Means,” which was co-written and produced by Ezrah Roberts-Grey. In a statement, Smith writes, “The inspiration behind ‘By Any Means’ really came from going to the Black Lives Matter protest and leaving thinking, what can I do to keep this conversation going? It’s not just a …

Nya Bloom: Better Man

Latinx recording artist Nya Bloom (aka ICON Collective marketing director Aaron Perez) made his solo debut in March. He follows up that initial release with “Better Man,” a massive tune that fuses electronic and alternative influences. On the track, a steady bass line, Perez’s raspy vocals and moments of sonic ascension culminate in a hazy string arrangement and a layered, airy rendition of the chorus: …

Babeheaven: Cassette Beat

A new release from the forthcoming debut album by London-based five-piece Babeheaven, “Cassette Beat” takes a languid swim through the warm vocals of frontwoman Nancy Andersen. “I wanted to write a song about creation,” Andersen shares in a statement. “Whenever we create we subsequently end up destroying something in a huge way or a small way. But there is always light behind the dark even …