Every week, we bring you #SOUNDCHECK — your destination for the best new music that hit the web over the course of the week. Because you should always be prepared when someone passes you that AUX cord. This week's roundup features 10 of our favorite emerging and established artists.
Halsey’s If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power was one of NYLON’s favorite records of 2021. She’s now unleashed a brand new song for its extended version — a softly chugging specter of a track, “People Disappear Here.” (YouTube)
Another year of EDM cruises will be fueled by Katy Perry and Alesso’s electrifying new break-up track, “When I’m Gone.” (YouTube)
Black Western visuals paired with Koffee’s triumphant-sounding reggae make the new music video for “The Harder They Fall” all the more striking. (YouTube)
This militaristic pop track by new super girl group GOT the beat (made up of SM Entertainment’s most charismatic women artists) radiates immense amounts of star power. (YouTube)
Sure its lyrics — “Yes queen, go queen/ Dip it like a Dairy Queen” — may be a bit over the top but Miranda Lambert’s LGBT+ anthem is campy fun nonetheless. (YouTube)
This sparkling tune by U.K. synth-pop duo Let’s Eat Grandma celebrates the new year and, most importantly, the friendships that got you through. “Because you know you’ll always be my best friend,” they sing. (YouTube)
This sprawling, tropical-tinged song by Unknown Mortal Orchestra is 18 minutes of pure instrumental bliss to start your 2022 off right. (YouTube)
New Yorker and lo-fi rap poet MIKE shares another masterfully penned, under-two-minute diary entry set against a swooning, retro-sounding sample. (Soundcloud)
Covering Portland folk musician Laura Veirs, Shamir brings an earthy mysticism to Veirs’ metaphysical and nostalgic deepcut. (Bandcamp)
Brooklyn singer-songwriter Rachel Brown has a meandering and deft way with words which they pair with scrappy and unpolished indie rock to compelling effect. (Bandcamp)