From the Inbox: 30 Singles Of the Week (11/16/20)
Did you hear?
‘From the Inbox’ is now a podcast! Part radio show, part podcast, “From the Inbox: The Podcast” explores a handful of the week’s best new songs from start to finish.
Stay tuned for episode 2, featuring a new selection of tracks from this post! With over 30 tracks for you to discover, the question is: Who’s it going to be?
As always, you can find Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify to stay up to date on new releases. You can listen to the entire collection with our handy From the Inbox Spotify playlist (it’s also embedded at the bottom of the post).
If you’re looking for a steady collection of favourites, follow my ‘Starting Line-Up’ playlist on Spotify to stay up to date on my Top 20 Picks – some of these tracks can be found on there!
And lastly, I’ve introduced a monthly newsletter and visit our Patreon account if you’d like to show your support! If you subscribe to our Patreon, I’ll personally make a handcrafted mix CD and mail it to you as a thank you!
Let us know your favourite by tagging us and sharing your thoughts! More importantly, if there’s something you love, remember to share it around!
We Were Sharks – Shameless
One of the greatest accomplishments of my generation is keeping pop-punk alive. It was certainly not a phase – ask anyone that listened to the genre in middle or high school. Guess what – we’re still listening to it.
Best part, bands are still doing their part to keep things interesting and entertaining, and Ottawa-based pop-punk group We Were Sharks have added to the list of hits with their latest track”Shameless”. With an infectious chorus hook and BIG Good Charlotte and Sum 41 vibes, “Shameless” is an instant classic.
Check it out on the ‘Starting Line-Up’ playlist along with my other favourite songs.
Judah & The Lion- Spirit
Once again, Nashville trio Judah & The Lion have found their way onto the From the Inbox round-up – and for good reason. Their mix of folk, arena rock, and irresistible positivity make for a much needed addition to any playlist. Their new single “Spirit” is an uplifting and feel-good track that’s both melancholic and motivational, a combination that proves more powerful than you’d expect in 2020.
Teen Creeps – Crash/Land
Belgian alternative rock trio Teen Creeps really sink into their sound on their new single “Crash/Land”. The melancholic, emo-rock opening is drenched in ’90s alt-rock of Dinosaur Jr., American Football, and Grandaddy before building into an explosive guitar solo to close everything off. It’s well worth the patience and investment on this grungey tune about being at life’s crossroads as the idea of “being young and free” starts to shape into “settling down”.
It’s the closing track off their upcoming LP Forever, out January 22nd.
Maths Time Joy – Fall Back ft Matt Woods
Grammy-nominated producer Maths Time Joy first caught my attention with his sultry single “Two Steps”. The British multi-instrumentalist and songwriter has continued his trend of groovy, slow-burning R&B with his new single “Fall Back” featuring fellow Brit and longtime collaborator, Matt Woods. Hints of Bon Iver and Gallant (both of which he has credits working with) come out on the track with its effect-touched nu-R&B energy. Woods’ smokey voice floats effortlessly overtop MTJ’s production, making for an exceptional and completely underrated hit.
Run the Jewels – No Save Point
Video games and hip-hop have always had a strong relationship. Countless artists can credit video game soundtracks to their glow-up and vice versa in some cases. Continuing this tradition, Run the Jewels have produced a futuristic and gut-punching single for the new Cyberpunk 2077 video game called “No Save Point”.
Both the track and the game are out of this world and the collaboration is nothing short of kick-ass. Killer Mike and El-P have such a perfected chemistry and creativity that anything they touch turns to a golden fist and a gun. Check out a short behind-the-scenes look before diving into the “live action” music video for “No Save Point”.
(Skip to 5:52 to watch).
P.S. If anyone would like to buy me a PS5 and Cyberpunk 2077, I’ll give you a shout-out on all my platforms and a free sticker.
Haviah Mighty – Atlantic
Following her 2019 Polaris Music Prize nominated album 13th Floor, Toronto hip-hop artist Haviah Mighty has shared her first taste of new music with “Atlantic”. Not one to shy away from tough topics, Mighty’s new track tackles the imbalance money creates between major companies and consumers, diving into their exploration of workers to maximize their profits, going all the way back to slaves being brought over the Atlantic to create prosperity for the rich. The song’s moody beat is the perfect platform for Mighty’s raspy flow as she puts it all on the table, showcasing her unstoppable presence as an artist.
DEAR-GOD – New Kid On the Block
If Nu-Metal had a kid with the Beastie Boys, you’d get DEAR-GOD. The 20 year old experimental artist mixes hardcore rap, punk, and metal for an explosive sound that rips apart the influences that came before him and puts it into a blender to create a catchy, melodic, and hard-hitting smoothie of goodness. His new single “New Kid On the Block” is from his upcoming debut EP 1-844-4DEAR-GOD out on December 4th via Dine Alone Records.
Loyle Carner – Yesterday
Loyle Carner is not only a stellar hip-hop artist with an ever-growing fanbase, but he is also one half of Coyle-Larner Brothers filmmaking duo. Ben (Loyle Carner) and his brother Ryan have been collecting credits as filmmakers, including Arlo Parks’ track “Eugene”, and now the new music video for Ben’s single “Yesterday”. Shot in one continuous take, it shows him growing up into a man as he raps about political and social injustice. Hip-hop production legend Madlib created the slick, lo-fi beat foundation for Loyle Carner to unleash his articulate and steady flow.
Kali – Back to the Start
Introducing the wildly talented Kali Flanagan.
Performing as Kali, the 16-year old singer-songwriter has shared her debut single “Back to the Start”. It’s a glowing number that is summery and free-spirited, branching together bedroom synth-pop with groovy indie rock. Her Clairo-style vocals give a Gen-Z vibe to track that’s all about young love.
The music video is a nostalgic clip for anyone who remembers that first year of having your drivers licence.
Snowk & J. Lamotta – Under the Moon
Japanese DJ duo Snowk, who are recent additions to the French label Kitsuné family, are part of the new geneation of house music. Incorporating French house, disco, and funk, their new single “Under the Moon” featuring vocalist J. Lamotta is a slick, ’90s-infused dance-pop track that brings out the best for all parties involved.
Bastian Benjamin – Threshold
If you’ve been following my blog closely, you may recognize the name Bastian Banjamin. The Dutch producer has released a handful of cinematic and captivating tracks over the last few weeks, and “Threshold” is adding to the pack before the release of his upcoming album Two Truths on December 4th. Mixing together atmospheric, ambient textures with concrete bass lines, his new track is best enjoyed with headphones. The layers of sounds and detailed mixing helps bring out the contemplative origins of his music.
Matveï – RUMBA
Matveï is one of my favourite rising stars. The Paris-based producer has a knack for creating world-inspired music that is certainly larger than life – making it no surprise that he is also signed with French label Kitsuné. His new double side release FALL features “RUMBA”, a Latin dance track that is drenched in trap and moombahton. It is catchy as all hell, and with the right set of speakers, will even get your neighbours on the dance floor.
Benny Atlas – Paradise
UK R&B/soul artist Benny Atlas channels the sounds of Sam Smith, Marvin Gaye, and even Daniel Caesar on his new single “Paradise”. Its silky smooth production and subtle groove helps elevate Atlas’ velvety vocals as he switches from a gentle tenor to a skyscraping falsetto on each chorus, playing into the old school R&B vibes of the track.
JÁNA – Green ft. VanJess
Stockholm-based alternative pop artist JÁNA seamlessly flows between electro-pop and R&B with her futuristic style. On her new single “Green”, she explores the theme of jealously with R&B sister duo VanJess, a connection built following an Instagram DM. The result is a sensual and glowing track that falls confidently into the mix of nu-R&B’s growing popularity.
Talia – hyde park
Singer-songwriter Talia found her way into a recent ‘From the Inbox’ round-up with her second single “Colder”. The moody, alt-R&B track was a stellar introduction to the young songstress’ lush and vulnerable vocal style. Following suit, her new single “hyde park” shares a similar level of intimacy and delicateness, as she approaches songwriting with a more DIY, stripped down approach on the love song to her home city of London.
Dillon Francis – Be Somebody ft. Evie Irie
I’m sure we’ve all heard of Dillon Francis. This time, the pop DJ has brought along the upcoming pop artist Evie Irie (whose new single/EP was recently featured on Dusty Organ) for his new pop banger “Be Somebody”. It’s a catchy pop track that is another major stepping stone for Irie – plus did I mention it’s catchy?
Elder Island – Feral
Elder Island, the Bristol-based trio of multi-instrumentalists and multi-disciplinary artists Katy Sargent, Luke Thornton and David Havard, first met at school over eight years ago and have been creating music and art together ever since. Their latest single “Feral” explores the wave of influences, as hints of Phantogram, Robyn, and Little Dragon come through, playing into the dark undertones of each while staying engaging and approachable with bouncing synthesizers and textured melodies.
Low Hum – Escape
Hawaiian-born, Los Angeles-based musician Collin Desha performs as Low Hum. With a growing popularity on streaming services, the musician has still managed to remain under the radar. Hopefully not for long – his new single “Escape” is a strong foot forward, as he mixes together chill wave with explosive electro-pop and indie rock. Bits of The Zolas, Foster the People, and Rüfüs Du Sol shine through on the claustrophic new single.
Telquist – Mojo
Another repeat artist! German indie pop group Telquist have shared their new single “Mojo”. The brainchild of Sebastian Eggerbauer, Telquist are equal parts Glass Animals and Milky Chance on the new single “Mojo”, mixing in a catchy synth riff on the chorus following a hazy, chill-pop verse as the group dive into themes of self-doubt and the perception of “cool”. It’s laidback but upbeat all at the same time, and definitely a jam.
Scenic Route to Alaska – Time For Yourself
Welcome back to Canada.
Edmonton indie pop trio Scenic Route to Alaska shared their new album Time For Yourself back in October, and the title track has been given its own music video. As one of the album’s strongest tracks, the music video takes the fun-loving energy of the song and turns it into a time traveling adventure through parallel universes. It’s a lot of fun to watch.
The Great Diversion – The Way the Wind Blows
Hey, look. Another Ottawa band!
Alternative emo-rock group The Great Diversion recently shared their new full-length This Is It, This Is The End a few weeks back, and from the release is their hard-hitting single “The Way The Wind Blows”. Green Day, Senses Fail, and My Chemical Romance make for some of the biggest influences on the track, as the trio keep their foot on the gas.
Dune Rats – Too Tough Terry
Australian garage rock trio Dune Rats are back with their rambunctious and beer-soaked sound on the new single “Too Tough Terry”. Animated by 23 year old Reid McManus for a honours program assignment, the accompanying music video is an off-the-rails cartoon that brings Too Tough Terry to life, soundtracked by the unapologetic rock n’ roll attitude of the Aussie outfit. It’s hilarious, colourful, and down right catchy.
Hounds – Shake Me Up
Speaking of awesome music videos, St. Louis-based rock band Hounds have a bit of fun with their clip for their new rock n’ roll tune “Shake Me Up”. Bringing back the soul of ’50s jukebox rock with a modern twist of pop rock energy, everything about Hounds and “Shake Me Up” is a good time.
Let’s see if you can dance along with Logan Slone for the full four minutes.
Tōth – Habit Creature
Released earlier this year as one of his first singles of 2020, Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist Tōth has finally shared the new music video for his song “Habit Creature”. The bouncing, toe-tapping tune is all about understanding the pain and discomfort from within to push forward and heal, and while its message is heavy, its upbeat and rhythmic sound channels hints of Paul Simon and with the down-to-Earth feel of Andy Shauf to create something engaging and introspective.
Kiwi Jr. – Cooler Returns
With their sophomore record Cooler Returns hitting shelves January 2021 via Sub Pop records, Toronto indie rock group Kiwi Jr. have shared the title track and its technologically “advanced” music video. Trying to capture what their live shows “would be like in 2020″, the new music video gives the groovy, lo-fi rock hit an otherworldly clip to help keep things light.
Public Body – Table Manners
UK post-punk revival outfit Public Body have returned with another vintage-tinged hit, “Table Manners”. The Brighton-based quartet tackle British politics on their new single, calling out the lack of confidence in the rotating chairs of leadership. Its dry wit and quirky musicality helps ring out the satire and personality of the band, who continue to bring the sound of the ’70s into the modern day music scene.
j solomon – Winnebago Baby
Indie singer-songwriter Jesse Moldovsky recorded his new single “Winnebago Baby” from his New York City apartment during quarantine. Under the moniker j solomon, his isolation anthem longs for the open road, as he slows things down for a groovy, slow-burning love song. Simple yet effective.
His His – Matador
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Aidan Belo relocated to his family’s hobby farm outside of the city to write his debut single “Matador”. The rural setting seeped into his writing, as he explores feelings of melancholy and self-reflection. The rustic sound of his voice and rugged guitar strumming help complement the song’s overall demeanour.
Loryn Taggart – The River
Reminiscent of Ingrid Michaelson, Toronto-based indie singer-songwriter Loryn Taggart has an ability to pull in listeners with her angelic vocal style and heartfelt and sincere songwriting. With her heart on her sleeve, Taggart’s new single “The River” is a diary entry of sorts about a broken relationship that involved moving across the ocean to be with someone. The trajectory of strangers to lovers to strangers once again is captured in her slow-burning delivery and “The River” is certainly one that demands your attention as she shares her story overtop lush instrumentation.
Kandle – Lock and Load
This is an added treat for those who made it all the way to the end.
Indie singer-songwriter Kandle worked with her producer Michael Rendall to create a James Bond theme song of their own. The result is “Lock and Load”, a wonderfully cinematic and spot-on rendition. The accompanying music video is a stunning replica of what could easily be an opening credit sequence for a Bond film. Fun camera effects and interweaving shots make for an entertaining audio and visual treat.
