Tsar B: Escalate

Unsigned Belgian newcomer Tsar B introduces herself to the world with her first song, “Escalate.” Intentionally veering away from the predictable and headed to swampier pop waters, Tsar B’s strong voice is the song’s anchor whether she sings a cappella into an echoing abyss or when her harmonies are pitched down and filtered.

Junglepussy: Pregnant With Success

Brooklyn-born rapper and fierce champion of loving yourself, Junglepussy has dropped an album’s worth of empowering anthems. She dedicates Pregnant with Success to her muse (her mother) writing that it’s “an ode to my mother, to all mothers, to anyone who’s ever planted a seed, to anyone who’s ever created something, to anyone who’s ever waited patiently for something to come into fruition.” Her confidence …

School of Seven Bells: Open Your Eyes

Melodic, hopeful and empowering are only a few attributes of “Open Your Eyes,” a brand new track from School of Seven Bells. It’s a first glimpse of SVIIB, the band’s next and final album, out on 12 February. The band lost guitarist Benjamin Curtis to cancer at the end of 2013, but lead singer Alejandra Deheza has pressed on beautifully and incorporated parts Curtis recorded …