LA queer pop duo TWINKIDS try to navigate the maze of emotions that results from a difficult encounter with a recent ex on their new single “I Luv You”, the second offering from the outfit’s forthcoming sophomore EP Lizard House. Songwriters Gene Fukui and Matt Young utilize 80s J-pop influences mixed with lush layers of swirling synths to build an ethereal, vivid landscape that’s hard to forget. The story depicted is one that we know all too well—the rollercoaster ride of emotions that hits you when you run into someone that you used to love. Fukui and Young don’t fail to paint the classic aspects of this type of situation: the rush of nostalgia and the comfortable familiarity that you suddenly yearn for all over again. They further color it in with their heartfelt lyrics, “I am misaligned / I’m no longer mine, this / Cage I built myself / Stuck on someone else.” The vibrant punches of percussion and soaring, melodic choruses mirror that agonizing push and pull that spins you around inside. The song reinforces the idea that just because something may not be as intact as it once was, doesn’t mean it still doesn’t have a substantial impact. Lizard House is officially out on November 22nd.

If you're a fan of Daughter you definitely need to check out UK singer-songwriter Fenne Lily. At just 21 years old, she has self-released a collection of gorgeous songs on Spotify that gained her a ton of fans and millions of plays. Her latest release "For A While" features mellow guitar tones tangled with her whisper-like voice and lonesome lyrics making it a perfect go-to for the days when you're missing someone or somewhere. Look out for her debut album due this year!

Early on in the music video for “Beige,” a faceless stagehand rips Adrian Galvin’s (aka Yoke Lore) banjo from his hands. Shy Girls’ “Beige” remix jettisons the banjo from the song entirely. Whereas the original version lingers in ballad-zone until the one-minute mark, this remix (the single off a six-song Goodpain Remix EP) pumps and climbs from the gun.

In true fashion, The Oh Hellos' new single is one that you’ll want to have on repeat for a while. But while this song falls in line with their typical repetoire of great music, it’s also a new kind of song for them. This anthem urges its listeners to choose growth over stagnancy, bravery over fear and resistance over complacency, but in a different way than most songs. The message in this song makes it a new kind of anthem, one that focuses on the need for inaction instead of action. “If you let it alone it will surely grow.” This song is a passionate call to be still and a recognition of how much strength that actually requires. 

Sjowgren, the band whose Scandinavian-esque name and music belies its Bay Area origins, has an enigmatic and insular online presence. Since releasing Demos in 2015, the band’s members remain anonymous. Likely, the sleight of hand means to plop your ears and attention fully into the music. So let’s get to it: rhythmically throbbing and vocally delicate, “Stubborn Forces” struts evolving production choices, but reinforces the simple fact that this band exudes incredibly tender pop refrains.

Swedish indie pop band, Holy Now, ushered in the year with new single “Feel It All." With a sense of nostalgic euphoria, this song is a joyful plea for ease and mindfulness. Keep an eye out for their new album coming out later this year!

Singer-songwriter Helena Deland from Montreal creates sweet, sweet melodies. “There Are a Thousand” is just one of them, her latest since her 2016 EP, Drawing Room. Deland’s voice is light and airy, reminiscent of hazy day dreams. She brings this easygoing attitude to “There Are a Thousand,” giving serenity to any overcast day.

Stef Chura’s debut album Messes was arguably the greatest hidden gem of 2017, and we are so excited for it to resurface this February via Saddle Creek. "Speeding Ticket" shows off Chura's 90s-alternative influences which are not only heard in this song but all over her debut album. There’s no doubt that you should have your eye on this Michigan native indie rocker in the coming months. 

Frankie Cosmos' first single "Jesse" off of upcoming album Vessels was released this past Friday. Greta Kline does what she does best with this song, taking her dreamy voice and at times obscure lyrics to bring you along in her dreamland. You'll love the building guitars tastefully juxtaposed with the lightness of her voice but there's no getting away from this song's honest and relatable lyrics about failed love, hopes for oneself and what moving on looks like.

Don't be fooled by REFS' small social followings; this music is the real deal. Brooklyn based Zachary Lipkins' REFS has melded pop with a myriad of textures to create beautiful synth confessionals. He has only released four singles, but a couple have already been featured on HBO's "Girls," The CW's "Riverdale" and MTV's "Scream". This new single builds off of the projects R&B/synth-pop sound with a emotional rawness akin to James Bay. Lipkins' vocal control is not only impressive but incredibly emotive, bubbling all of his feelings into the track so that we too, are filled to the brim. Though we don't know much about REFS, Lipkins' anonymity and short collection makes these releases all the more anticipatory. We can't wait for more.

This ultra somber and haunting song co-written by Lukas Frank and Phoebe Bridgers and can be found on the fourth episode of the new Netflix show Godless. With the repeated line "Where is God now?" heard various times throughout it under the grimacing Western sounding guitar tones, it's the perfect fit for a show about outlaws in the Wild West or if you just like really sad music.