Every Friday, pop critics for The New York Times weigh in on the week's most notable new songs and videos. Just want the music? Listen to the Playlist on Spotify here (or find our profile: nytimes). Like what you hear? Let us know at theplaylist@nytimes.com and sign up for our Louder newsletter , a once-a-week blast of our pop music coverage.
The music in "Diamond Studded Shoes" radiates optimism. It's an upbeat soul-gospel shuffle, filled with little flashes of exuberance from a frisky studio band: a quick bass run, an organ burble, a slide-guitar swoop, a ripple of honky-tonk piano. But Yola 's lyrics are far more skeptical; she's warning that the rich and privileged still have everything rigged in their favor. "Don't you tell me it'll be all right/When we know it isn't," she insists. "And that's why we gots to fight." PARELES
Just another starkly beautiful, emotionally scarred, cathartic purge from the most quietly influential rapper of the last few years. CARAMANICA
The production is basic: a programmed beat, a cycle of electric-keyboard chords, increments of bass and backup voices. But Jorja Smith's words and voice sketch a world of loss: "Tell me what to do when the ones you loved have gone missing." PARELES
Sasha Sloan begins this song detailing a laundry list of misbehaviors and irritations, a knowing confession of failure to rise to the responsibilities of a relationship. It's an icy start to a moody country-pop duet. When Sam Hunt arrives, he sounds wet with anguish — his misdeeds are giving him agita. By the end of the song, they're groaning in harmony, the only thing left they have in common. CARAMANICA
Writers, this one's for us. Open a dictionary for the obscure but clearly defined literary devices that John Grant riffles through in "Rhetorical Figure" — yes, "epizeuxis" and "paraprosodokians" mean something. And stick around for the pumping electronics that merge prog-rock and post-punk. PARELES
What Happened April 23rd In Pop Music History
It’s April 23rd and these are some of the things that happened on this day in pop music history:
- In 2005, the first video ever was uploaded to YouTube. Me at the Zoo showed co-founder Jawed Karim talking about elephants at the San Diego Zoo. The 18-second clip has been viewed 66 million times. YouTube became the go-to platform for music videos.
- In 2011, Katy Perry’s “E.T.” featuring Kanye West was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for its third and final week. The song, which also topped the chart in Canada, was Perry’s fifth to go to No. 1.
- In 1985, the We Are the World album was released. In addition to the title track, the album features unreleased songs by Prince, Chicago, and Bruce Springsteen. Also included is “Tears Are Not Enough,” the charity single by Canadian all-star group Northern Lights.
- In 1977, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was originally recorded by two years earlier by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes ft. Teddy Pendergrass.
- In 1983, U2 kicked off the North American leg of the band’s War tour in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The trek included shows in Toronto and Vancouver.
- In 2017, members of UK pop group Bananarama announced they were reuniting for the Original Line-up Tour. The trio performed hits like “Venus,” “Cruel Summer” and “I Heard a Rumour.”
WeiWei Returns With Retro-Pop Single "Trophy Girl"
Returning with another feel-good single is electrifying newcomer WeiWei with "Trophy Girl". Drenched with retro rhythms and electro-pop sensibilities, WeiWei bursts through the seams of the song, bouncing across the production and weaving in-between the 80s-tinged synths. Expressing her beliefs on toxic relationships and the pressure to conform, WeiWei soars through on the chorus, effortless belting out "I'm not your trophy girl.
“The track was inspired by the feeling of liberation from expectations of what a girlfriend, wife or woman should be," WeiWei revealed. "I was dating someone who had traditional (and outdated in my opinion) views and we were talking about marriage. I got to a point where I realised that I simply wasn’t capable of being the perfect girl who cooks, cleans and listens to what the guy says. I am far too strong for that and while I love to cook, I am terrible at cleaning haha! Writing the song really helped me heal and step into my power. I believe that when you heal yourself, you heal others and I hope that when people listen to the song, they too feel empowered and confident and that it will also help them get out of controlling relationships.”
Originally hailing from Changsha in China, the rising star grew up playing the violin, piano and guitar, before realising becoming a popstar was the dream. Combining her musical pursuits with her career path, WeiWei is gearing up to become the first Asian-American in pop music that isn't underneath the K-Pop banner – and she is well on her way. We briefly caught up with the star talking her musical inspirations, wanting to be a pop star and her future plans.
You grew up very musically and played an array of instruments, but what made you want to go down the pop music route?
Yes, I learned classical music growing up because I played classical instruments. In Asian culture it’s pretty common for kids to learn to play violin or piano. I am called to pop music and it’s what comes out of me creatively. I think it’s fun and reflective of my personality. I’ve always wanted to reach a large audience and I feel that pop music is the best avenue for that as well.
Congratulations on your new song, talk us through the production process and inspiration?
The song was written after a long-term relationship had ended. We were talking about marriage and realized that our value systems did not align. He was raised with any traditional values and I was as well but he was more rigid in his view of gender roles and I am less so. He had this concept of being with a girl would eventually be his trophy wife. The expectation was that the woman should clean and cook. She was to be smart and well educated but at the same time want to stay home and have children and keep the place tidy, stay fit and look good. He wanted someone who would present well in public and that society would respect meanwhile he wanted to be seen as the man of household. He wanted to make the important decisions and at the end of the day I was expected to take his lead. I also want to mention that people have different views on these things and nothing is right or wrong and everyone is on the spectrum in their belief system. Often times we think in black-and-white. Some women like to be in relationships like that and some men don’t. I’m not here to judge. Whenever I start writing a song I’ll have an idea of the types of sounds I want on the track. I almost always write melody and lyrics together and Acappella. In my head saying it into my iPhone and sometimes the entire song comes out but most of the time it’s just a phrase or a couple lines. I work with producers to put the song together. Sometimes songs come easy. They will just pop into my head. I feel like I’m a channel and it comes from, the ethers. The work is in developing the concept once it comes to me.
What do you want people to take away from your sound?
I want people to feel confident and empowered. As humans, we all go through the same spectrum of emotions and I just write about them. I hope that through my healing, other people will heal as well. Sometimes I write about overcoming my challenges and sometimes I write about being in the storm of them. Overall I think I just want people to enjoy my music and feel something when they listen to it. I want my music to resonate. Pun intended.
Who are your inspirations?
I’m inspired by all the Asian creatives that didn’t become doctors, lawyers or engineers. But in terms of music – Britney Spears, Blondie, Aqua
Toronto-born pop newcomer GRAE drops debut track "New Girl", all about the "girl he told me not to worry about".
Grab your roller skates because electronica trio Modeling are taking us back to the 80s for their new retro-tinged single "Nothing Unexpected".
New Music Friday: 7 albums to stream this week | Dazed
Internet-adjacent pop music is too often loaded with irony, but Porter Robinson's long-awaited second album, Nurture , is as authentic as it gets. The album is the North Carolina producer's first album in seven years, and follows his 2014 debut Worlds , which established him as a pioneer of fresh and intelligent electronic music, transporting listeners to faraway dreamlands with hints of video game and anime escapism. In contrast, there's an unbridled excitement to Nurture that feels immediate and ridiculously contagious.
Elsewhere, PC Music -affiliates Kero Kero Bonito drops a peppy EP, Sufjan Stevens releases the third volume of his album Convocations , and Toronto-based rapper DijahSB's vulnerable hip-hop is a total bop.
Re-inventing Pop Music with A Refreshing Debut: Bad Lemon Release Inspiring New Single - Press
Up-and-coming band, Bad Lemon is making waves in the genre of Pop, with release of a debut single titled: “Different” . Crafted with much thought and creativity, the refreshing new single is a must-listen for all those searching for some flavor in the genre of Pop.
The single is currently available on all streaming platforms, while their music video will be released on May 7th, 2021. “Different” has been carefully created by a talented team of musicians and singers that collectively form Bad Lemon. Written by singer/songwriter Eden Vaschon, (who spear-heads the group), and co-produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Michael Vail Blum, the new single is a poignant treat for Pop fans.
“Different” is an anthem meant to convey motivation and encouragement to anyone who doesn’t fall in the regressive and stereotypical standards of beauty or refinement today – a song of self-love for all those who aren’t considered conventionally attractive. The soulful single is most importantly a touching calling to the LGBTQ+ community to embrace themselves and flourish in all their many “different” colors- an idea that inspired the title of the debut track.
Moved by the troubling statistics that highlight how 40% of America’s LGBTQ+ youth consider self-harm, songwriter Eden Vaschon decided to pen “Different” . Bad Lemon intends to follow “Different” with more singles that stress upon important themes and highlight important conversations.
“Bringing difficult conversations to mainstream pop music. Hence, the name “Bad Lemon”. We’re not bitter. Just not so sweet.” says the group regarding their new single.
Up-and-coming musical sensation Bad Lemon is a true force when it comes to creating rich and memorable Pop music. Led by songwriter Eden Vaschon and his talented and inspiring team of producers, singers and musicians.
Getting together during the lockdown period of early 2020, Bad Lemon has continued to produce musical compositions, coordinating remotely. Adamant on creating “non-conforming” music, Bad Lemon wishes to strengthen their musical identity as musicians who are bringing a refreshing new face to Pop.
With their inimitable take on Pop music, the rising band is making a name for themselves while focusing on topics and themes that go beyond mainstream heterosexual portrayals. In doing so, Bad Lemon intends to craft a position in the musical world which is diverse. Inspired by icons of Rock, Alternative and R&B, Bad Lemon is looking forward to creating music that is interspersed with influences from different music genres. Promising a refreshing and unique take on every song, Bad Lemon is all set to become a favorite.
Facebook https://facebook.com/BadLemonMusic
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/badlemonmusic/
Twitter https://twitter.com/BadLemonMusic
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdPuUGM3m3PuaGOv9ek3_NA
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/5jVpcCcg8fqAz5Kt7seRp1
A reimagined Bumbershoot will return to Seattle in 2022. Here’s what will be different.
"Although we'll have some say in things, helping select the new producer and things like that, One Reel is pretty much effectively out of the Bumbershoot business," said Marty Griswold, One Reel’s executive director. "It's a seismic change basically."
One Reel has been involved with Bumbershoot in some way since 1972. The company assumed programming responsibilities in 1995 and it grew the annual three-day Labor Day weekend event into one of the nation's premier summer festivals.
So officials will soon form a committee that includes Robert Nellams, Seattle Center director; Marc Jones, the Seattle Center's director of marketing and business development; One Reel and members of Seattle Center's advisory commission to explore how the festival will look going forward and who will run it.
The committee will give the public a chance to weigh in with ideas as well, and there will be a formal request for proposals. Fiscal sustainability will be a primary goal.
"Festivals are becoming so much more difficult to deal with and much more difficult to produce and so forth, so we're going to work with One Reel to help find a new producer for the festival," Nellams said. "You need a lot of resources to produce festivals going forward and they're going to help us find somebody that can hopefully take this on for the next few decades, if not longer."
"I think all of us were kind of crushed because we really wanted a chance — I can't stress this enough — to bring back the Bumbershoot that everybody loved and missed over the last several years, and we were really looking forward to doing that," Griswold said. "We felt like things had really gone off the rails a little bit."
Bumbershoot began in 1971 as the Mayor's Arts Awards/Festival. The event was city-subsidized and free (the city owns the Bumbershoot trademark). Over time, the philosophy was to offer inclusive, multigenerational content with a number of events parallel to a music program that would attract large crowds of families and older visitors during the day and bring out a younger audience at night.
The city's arts and culture communities were a much larger part of Bumbershoot in its early days. You might have seen a larger arts-and-crafts component, for instance, a quiz show hosted by local celebrities or a play produced on the grounds. Over the years, the event grew and the city recognized the challenge of producing it. In 1995, the city changed Bumbershoot's status to a nonprofit-managed event and hired One Reel to oversee programming.
"I felt bad for AEG [that] last year," Griswold said. "That was devastating to them and to everybody, the people who'd gotten tickets for the show were so excited. That was kind of the nail in the coffin, I think. And the barricade. Those are some really big challenges that occurred."
Five things that inspired Kero Kero Bonito's new EP Civilisation II | Dazed
Blending together old-world mythology with futuristic synth-pop, Kero Kero Bonito's latest EP, Civilisation II , sees the London trio (Sarah Midori Perry, Gus Lobban, and Jamie Bulled) imagine themselves as representatives of an alien society who have come down to earth to market themselves to humans. A follow-up to 2019's similarly fantastical Civilisation I , the EP shrugs off any distinct markers of time and place. The record, produced using an old Korg DSS-1 sampler, filters decidedly analogue sounds through modern software to create a familiar yet uncanny sound.
"The relationship between fantasy and reality in art is magical; when balanced well, they boost each other's impact," the band says. "The best pop music blasts you into the loftiest corners of your imagination and resounds with your most personal memories at the same time."
The EP was loosely inspired by American trumpeter Jon Hassell's concept of 'fourth world' music, which brings together primitive and modern sounds, to bring forth "fantastical fictional cultures", or imagined worlds that feel real. The three tracks are divided into past, present, and future. Opening track "The Princess and the Clock" is a peppy, 8-bit fairytale about a kidnapped protagonist who's trapped in a castle, while "21/04/20" recounts a day in Bromley during the first lockdown: needing to go for a walk, seeing ambulances pass, scheduling in a call with a friend. Delivered in an unaffected tone, Perry's lyrics are matter-of-fact, like a diary entry or a shopping list: " I set a call up with a friend/ A means towards an end, 'til we can meet again/ Hey, so, how are you doing?/ I'm okay, you know, the usual kinda weird ." When put together with Lobban and Bulled's sunny yet quietly melancholic instrumentals, the result is strangely unsettling.
The musical vocabulary of Civilisation II reaches beyond the immediate scope of pop and classical music, incorporating rigidly pentatonic passages, repetitive chants, and synthesised metallophones to create an otherworldly effect. "By bringing ancient techniques into our work, we want to both refresh pop music and situate it within the grand scheme of humanity," they add.
Kero Kero Bonito: The term 'off-modern' was coined by Svetlana Boym, an artist and cultural theorist who postulated a realistic alternative to both arbitrary modernisation and insatiable nostalgia: exploring 'the side alleys and lateral potentialities of the project of critical modernity'. In other words, tracing cultural evolution, seizing upon unrealised 'what if' moments – those hypothetical fantasies every bit as plausible as the established narrative performed by error-prone humans – and investigating them ourselves; moving sideways, instead of backwards or forwards. Such an approach acknowledges modern society's inescapable sense of longing, the inevitable enclosure of revivalism, and the complex, unexplainable subjectivity that defines art (and the human race) all at once.
Off-modernism is a stance that fires our imagination with the cultural tools at our disposal now. On Civilisation I and II , we aimed to make the most fantastical pop music we could using only old hardware synthesisers – coveted commercial flotsam from another era. To an extent, songs like 'The Princess and the Clock' and 'When the Fires Come' could have existed 35 years ago, but crucially (and unlike everyone's favourite Italo-disco records) they definitely did not. They're also informed by our modern perspective and comparatively recent innovations, like DAWs and online collaboration; the result is a unique product of our time and place, but with associations transcending both. We use an old sampler, the Korg DSS-1, on all of the Civilisation tracks. It easily generates dusty, broken, and decidedly non-modern sounds that are hard to wrangle from software, and with Logic X's multi-tracking and MIDI sequencing facilities these can be spun into glistening mechanical constellations you swear you can touch.
The Off-Modern Manifesto still has poignant implications today. It answers both mindless traditionalism and bland, unrelatable modernisation-for-its-own-sake. Even better, if we follow these parallel timelines where they lead, we end up creating our own new modernities; ones that reflect our personal priorities and could even offer lessons for the reality we find ourselves in.
Kero Kero Bonito: Fourth World is 'a unified primitive/futuristic sound combining features of world ethnic styles with advanced electronic techniques' according to its creator, American trumpeter and composer Jon Hassell. Its appeal is neatly summarised by the title of Hassell's first Fourth World album (made with Brian Eno): Possible Musics .
Hassell's music shows that by bending, combining, and subverting the rules of various disparate real cultures we can create cultural objects that imply fantastical fictional cultures: imagined worlds that feel real. This is exciting from a creative perspective, as such untested combinations yield new styles which nonetheless retain some kind of familiar, graspable quality through their human roots.
The Building's New Album Pays Tribute to Youngstown Music | Scene and Heard: Scene's News Blog
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AJ McLean (BSB) Premiere Video For Incredible New Pop Single "Love Song Love" -
AJ McLean and Variety have partnered to premiere the stunning new video for single “ Love Song Love ” out TODAY. For 29 years, AJ McLean has been 1/5 of the Backstreet Boys , one of the most successful groups in music history. With countless #1s , record- setting tours, numerous awards and worldwide sales in excess of 140 million , BSB has been recognized as the best-selling boy band in history. A multiple award winning and Grammy-nominated performer , AJ has delivered the finest pop music one has to offer – tightly crafted songs, floor-shaking rhythms, and unmistakable harmonies – making him one of pop’s most influential performers and this new single “ Love Song Love” reiterates that to the core. The record premiered Wednesday on iHeart's KIIS FM to rave reviews, and now you can listen to this much anticipated new pop single & video from the iconic artist HERE .
Of the single AJ says, “ These new songs are like coming home to myself, it’s second nature to express myself through pop, R&B, soul & funk. This new vibe of music I’m making isn't new to me, I’m just finally accepting the person I am today. I hope it does the same for my fans, and now more than ever, my trans and non-binary fans whose rights and very existence are being attacked in politics and in the streets. What's happening is unacceptable, I'm an ally, and this song, to me, screams love no matter what and is all about loving and respecting one another. With this release, and moving forward, I intend to use my platform across the board to offer the trans community an additional way to use their voice, and I hope to help continue the discussion that gets us closer to equality for everyone.”
This song and video is especially close to AJ's heart. What's happening to the trans community right now is wrong, and as a strong LGBTQ ally AJ will be using his platform to continue the discussion. From this music video, to the single and album artwork, to weekly trans & non-binary takeovers on his socials ( Lucas Silveira , co-host of the new Vice show Shine True hosted the first takeover, followed by Ryan Cassata last week, and models Carmen Carrera & Nahla Wyld who starred in the video alongside AJ took over this past Thursday, stay tuned for upcoming weekly takeovers ), AJ's goal is discussion, awareness, dialogue and the hopes that every single thing we each do helps to bring us closer to equality.
There's the AJ McLean you think you know: the member of one of the most successful groups of all time, the multi-platinum selling Backstreet Boys. Then there's the real AJ McLean, the ultimate trendsetter and performer, an artist dripping with soul and flair. A legend of the 90s boyband era, AJ has always been a cultural vanguard. “ I'm kind of a chameleon ,” he states. It's true: AJ has his hand in everything from fashion to acting, but it's making his solo music that really sets him apart.
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