Don’t Go Into The Weekend Without These Additions To Your Playlist

In today’s diverse musical landscape, a collection of emerging artists is redefining their genres with fresh perspectives and heartfelt narratives. Each track on this list encapsulates a unique journey, exploring themes of self-acceptance, the complexities of relationships, and the exhilarating highs and lows of life. From Jesse Jo Stark’s haunting synth-pop in “i’m yours” to Liv Slingerland’s introspective alt-pop anthem “C’mon C’mon,” these songs we’ve selected for you today are more or less to help you reflect on your own experiences, and to find yourself depicted in their lyrics about young love, identity, existentialism and more. Check it out:

Liv Slingerland – “C’mon C’mon”

In “C’mon C’mon,” Liv Slingerland sounds familiar. Not in the sense of her sounding like someone else, but like the voice of a friend who has wisdom to share. Specifically, this song is about the struggle of accepting one’s flaws within relationships, something that strikes me as not only mature but also necessary, because personal responsibility is not exactly something easy to talk about or admit. 

Written during her time as Post Malone’s guitarist, this alt-pop song features a strong, driving beat, infectious melodies, and relatable lyrics. As she shifts focus to her solo career, Slingerland combines her guitar skills with heartfelt storytelling, marking a significant step in her artistic journey.

Jesse Jo Stark – “i’m yours”

Jesse Jo Stark‘s  “i’m yours” is heavy on the synth, and leans more into a pop sound than most of her previous offerings, that is, without abandoning the darker rock edge that’s almost embedded in her aura and vocals. “I’m yours” definitely illustrates her growth and range as an artist, whose sound just has so much plasticity going on. The somewhat haunting/prowling vibe reminded me of late-night drives, where you want to feel everything at once.

HIDDEN FORTRESS – “Electric Skeleton”

“Electric Skeleton” by HIDDEN FORTRESS is a vibrant, synth-wave track that reflects on the curious and downright puzzling nature of existence. It encourages listeners to embrace life’s mysteries while celebrating the joy of being alive. The lyrics made me think about life’s quirks and how we often overlook the beauty in the mundane. It felt like an invitation to embrace every moment.

lastdaysofjude – “myself again”

Founded by Venezuelan artist freangeltheartist and producer Alejandro Martinez, the band merges industrial rock with electronic soundscapes. The raw honesty in the lyrics of “myself again” strikes deeply, reflecting our own fairly universal struggles with self-image, identity, and self-acceptance. The blend of industrial rock and electronic elements creates an atmosphere that feels both intense and cathartic. 

Olya Sonica – “Let Me In”

After moving from Moscow to the U.S., Olya Sonica quickly became a notable figure in the local rock music scene in New York and later Los Angeles. Her debut album, “Alchemy,” reflects her dedication and the reason why she’s become one of the finest exponents of rock & roll today, keeping the fires lit and well tended to.

“Let Me In” is an emotive rock ballad that encapsulates the spirit of California in ways that are hard to explain and would give the Red Hot Chilli Peppers a run for their money. Lyrically, the track focuses on presenting yourself honestly and with a pleading heart at someone’s door, asking to be accepted into the midst of their love, something that can work on a personal level as well as a plea to the city/industry itself.

Ricky Montgomery – “Superfan”

In “Superfan,” Ricky Montgomery critiques the obsession with social media culture that has shaped the music industry. With a background of viral hits, Montgomery’s music offers an honest perspective on fame and personal identity and how social media popularity has changed the panorama almost entirely for artists. It’s a thought-provoking track that encourages listeners to think critically about what it means to be a part of this digital age.

RedrumSociety – “Giving It Up”

“Giving It Up” is an uplifting anthem from RedrumSociety, featuring influences from 80s pop-rock songs with a strong, funky foundation. The song celebrates perseverance and triumph, resonating with the band’s experiences through various challenges while also distinguishing itself from their habitual sound.

It’s the kind of anthem that makes you want to conquer the world, reminding you to stay true to your dreams despite any obstacles.

Future Joy – “Coast to Coast”

Future Funk is the gift that keeps on giving. It thrives off of aesthetics and nostalgia, but it offers musical complexity and compelling grooves aplenty. Very few exponents in the genre work as hard as Future Joy, a producer duo seeking to expand and innovate within the genre and drive it right into the mainstream with undefeatable vibes.

“Coast to Coast” captures the essence of their life on the road as a traveling music duo. Blending various musical styles, the song reflects their adventures and the connections they make along the way. Written during extensive touring, it highlights their enthusiasm for music and community.

Kayla Bohan – “Panorama”

Kayla Bohan shines as a very special kind of young talent in “Panorama,” a theme song she co-wrote for the film “From Embers.” alongside co-star Matthew Morrison. With “Panorama” Bohan showcases what it means to be fully committed and cultivate talent and skills from a young age, wearing the patina of a consummate singer-songwriter on her voice and in her lyrics with surprising comfort.

Olie Beckett – “Track 7”

Let Olie Beckett draw a smile on your face with his nostalgic ode to new love in “Track 7.”  the 14-year-old artist has proven himself as a very talented singer, a hard worker, and a prolific songwriter by releasing his third single this year, heralding great things as he grows literally and figuratively before our eyes. 

Beckett’s ability to write and produce his music positions him as one of the biggest, most exciting promises in the genre, and one is almost tempted to get ahead of oneself by asking, “What will he sound like in 5-10 years?”