Kiefer: Superhero

Pianist and producer Kiefer (aka Kiefer Shackelford) is poised to release Between Days this spring, and from it comes the breezy, jazzy instrumental “Superhero.” The laidback tune—accompanied by an animated video from Mason London—incorporates plenty of boom-bap and tinkling keys that lend an almost improv element. The LA-based artist (who has collaborated with Mndsgn and Anderson .Paak) says, “This came from an idea I recorded …

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Emotive indie, psych-tinged R&B, a swirling remix and more new music from the week

Figmore: Black Velvet Figmore—the LA-based duo consisting of 10.4 ROG and JUICEB☮X—is poised to release their debut album Jumbo Street next week, and from it comes the insouciant “Black Velvet.” With spoken word and languid vocals from JUICEB☮︎X and production by 10.4 ROG, the tune contains elements of psych, indie, R&B and hip-hop—a sublime amalgamation that trails off into spacey bleeps and twinkling sound effects. …

Ashlynn Malia: open

From 19-year-old recording artist, dancer and choreographer Ashlynn Malia, the melodic single “open” channels the intimate fear associated with letting someone understand who we are inside. Through Malia’s urgent, emotive delivery, the track’s message resounds as it is swept upon rising instrumentation. “I wrote this song a few years ago, when my sense of alienation was completely mental,” Malia tells us. “I felt like an …