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![15 Must-Hear Albums: September 2024](https://i8.amplience.net/i/naras/Album_September_Hero_1644x925 2.jpg)
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15 Must-Hear Albums In September: Paris Hilton, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan & More
Dive into September's exciting lineup of album releases, featuring a mix of iconic comebacks from Manu Chao and Bright Eyes, along with fresh releases from Fred Again.., Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and others.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics concluded, the music industry is poised to unleash a tidal wave of new releases. September comes in full force with a myriad of releases, featuring everything from debut albums to long-awaited comebacks across a spectrum from indie darlings to megastar acts.
The month kicks off on September 6, marking the return of '00s socialite Paris Hilton with her album Infinite Icon, her first in two decades. On the same day, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour ends a nine-year hiatus with his solo release, Luck and Strange. The momentum continues with Suki Waterhouse, Brantley Gilbert, and Miranda Lambert all dropping fresh LPs in the following week.
The peak of this release frenzy hits on September 20, a day packed with new music from Bright Eyes, Katy Perry, Manu Chao, Nelly Furtado, The B-52s' Kate Pierson, Hippo Campus, Keith Urban, Mitchell Tenpenny, James Bay, and the anticipated debuts of Kassi Ashton and Mason Ramsey. Whew. But catch your breath quickly, because the last week of September closes the month out strong with Ezra Collective's Dance, No One's Watching and Luke Bryan's Mind of a Country Boy.
To navigate this bustling season, GRAMMY.com compiled a list with 15 must-hear albums coming out September 2024.
Fred again.. — 'ten days' (Sept. 6)
The 2024 GRAMMYs' Best New Artist nominee and viral producer Fred again.., real name Frederick Gibson, is set to release his fourth LP, ten days, on Friday, September 6. The album includes magical collaborations with Anderson .Paak, Four Tet, Emmylou Harris, the Japanese House, Skrillex, and more.
On Instagram, Gibson shared the intimate concept behind the album: each of the 10 songs represent a different, important day in his life. "There's been a lot of biggg mad crazy moments in the last year but basically all of these are about really very small quiet intimate moments. Some of them are like the most intensely joyful things i have felt, and some of them are the other side of things."
The British star has previewed the record with singles "adore u" with Obongjayar, "ten" featuring Jozzy and Jim Legxacy, and "places to be" with Anderson .Paak and CHIKA. Gibson is also set to play a handful of concerts throughout North America in September and October.
Read more: 6 Reasons Why Fred Again.. Was Dance Music's Rookie Of The Year
Toro y Moi — 'Hole Erth' (Sept. 6)
Experimental chillwave artist Toro y Moi, aka Chaz Bear, is set to release his eighth studio album, Hole Erth, on September 6. The title was inspired by Stewart Brand's counterculture magazine Whole Earth, which was published in the late ‘60s. "The Whole Earth catalog is this encyclopedic, self-sustaining guide. With the album title alone, that's something I wanted to spark as a conversation," said Bear in a press release. "We can be off the grid, and also be on the internet, and try out all of these different lifestyles at the same time."
Bear shared a first look into this nostalgic project with the single "Tuesday" shedding light on his evolving musical tastes. "Growing up, the often-controversial-line between mainstream and underground artists was so defined, but now that line has become so blurred I can't even tell what I like anymore… sometimes."
This eclectic mix is evident across the album's 13 tracks, which navigate through rap rock, pop punk, and emo, marking Hole Erth is Bear's most unexpected project yet. The album holds a slew of superstar features including Don Toliver in "Madonna," BROCKHAMPTON's Kevin Abstract and Lev in "Heaven," and Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard in "Hollywood." Overall, the record emerges as an oeuvre, steeped in the digital era yet deeply connected to the human experience.
Paris Hilton — 'Infinite Icon' (Sept. 6)
It's been nearly two decades since early-aughts' socialite Paris Hilton launched her singing career with Paris in 2006. Since the global success of its hit single "Stars Are Blind," Hilton has only sporadically dabbled in music, focusing on a variety of other endeavors. This September, she surprises fans with her much-anticipated album, Infinite Icon.
Executive produced by popstar Sia, the 12-track album includes collaborations with Rina Sawayama, Meghan Trainor, Argentine singer Maria Becerra, and Sia herself. The buzz around Hilton's musical comeback bubbled up in December 2022 following the re-release of "Stars Are Blind (Paris' Version)." Her performance of the hit song with Sia and Miley Cyrus' at a New Year's Eve concert in Times Square further fueled anticipation.
In June 2024, Hilton performed the new single "I'm Free" with Rina Sawayama at the Alice + Olivia Pride party in New York City, igniting excitement for future performances yet to be announced.
David Gilmour — 'Luck and Strange' (Sept. 6)
Pink Floyd's David Gilmour is set to release his fifth studio album, Luck and Strange, on September 6 — his first in nearly a decade. In an interview with Prog Magazine, Gilmour hailed it as "the best album I've made in all those years since 1973 when [Pink Floyd's] The Dark Side Of The Moon came out."
Luck and Strange was co-produced by Gilmour and Charlie Andrew, known for his work with indie band Alt-J. "We invited Charlie to the house, so he came and listened to some demos, and said things like, ‘Well, why does there have to be a guitar solo there?' and ‘Do they all fade out? Can't some of them just end?' shared Gilmour in a press release. "He has a wonderful lack of knowledge or respect for this past of mine. He's very direct and not in any way overawed, and I love that. That is just so good for me because the last thing you want is people just deferring to you."
The upcoming LP contains eight tracks "from the point of view of being older," majorly written by Gilmour's wife, Polly Samson, and includes a stirring cover of The Montgolfier Brothers' "Between Two Points." Gilmour and Samson's children, Romany and Gabriel, also feature as singers in the latter. As for the title track, it includes a special 2007 recording by late Pink Floyd keyboardist, Richard Wright. In October, Gilmour will head to the U.S. for several shows in Los Angeles and New York.
Nilüfer Yanya — 'My Method Actor' (Sept. 13)
British singer Nilüfer Yanya dives deep into the craft of her new album, My Method Actor, drawing parallels between her process and method acting. "I was researching method acting — and from what I read, it's based on finding this one memory in your life, a life-altering, life-changing memory," Yanya explained in a press statement. She describes method acting as sometimes traumatic because it involves constantly revisiting pivotal personal moments— a process akin to the emotional recall required during musical performances.
Scheduled for release on September 13, My Method Actor explores themes of transition and change, a reflection of a period of Yanya's own life. To write it, she and producer Wilma Archer secluded themselves in the studio to create what she describes as her "most intense album," focusing solely on their collaborative efforts without any external influences.
Yanya is ready to share her new work with audiences across North America, Europe, and the UK, beginning with a tour that kicks off on September 28 in Philadelphia, PA. She has given fans a taste of what's in store with singles "Like I Say (I Runaway)," "Method Actor," "Call It Love," and "Mutations."
Suki Waterhouse — 'Memoir of a Sparklemuffin' (Sept. 13)
Suki Waterhouse's new album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, was inspired by a spider. But not your average house spider: "I came across the Sparklemuffin — which is wildly colored, does this razzle-dazzle dance, and its mate will cannibalize it if she doesn't approve of the dance," she said in a press release. "It's a metaphor for the dance of life we're all in. The title felt hilarious, ridiculous, and wonderful to me."
The album arrives on September 13, two years after her lauded debut I Can't Let Go, showcasing a sundry of styles, from folk, to indie, to pop across 18 tracks. The English singer collaborated with producers Jonathan Rado, Brad Cook, Greg Gonzalez, Rick Nowels, and more, all while preparing for the arrival of her first child. "I finished the record in my home studio during the last months of my pregnancy," she recounted. This period of personal transformation shaped the album, which she hopes will resonate deeply with listeners. "If it captures something pure I've experienced, it should touch others too," she added.
Starting September 28, Waterhouse will embark on The Sparklemuffin Tour through North America, performing in 26 cities throughout December.
Brantley Gilbert — 'Tattoos' (Sept. 13)
"All my albums, they capture a chapter of my life," said country rockstar Brantley Gilbert about his new LP, Tattoos. "If somebody wants to know who I am, what I've been through and where I stand, they can start at the beginning and listen through, and that's why it was undeniable that Tattoos should be the title — because my tattoos do the same thing."
Marking Gilbert's seventh studio effort, Tattoos comprises 10 tracks co-written by the singer, and features Justin Moore, Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones, and Gary LeVox. On its lyrical contents and symbolism, Gilbert added: "People get ‘em for a lot of reasons, but for most of us, tattoos talk about our victories and losses, our struggles and the whole nine."
The Georgia-born artist will celebrate the release day in style, headlining Brantley Gilbert's World's Largest Album Release Party on Broadway in Nashville. Following the release, he will play several shows across the U.S., including stops in Knoxville, Jonesboro, and Savannah. Gilbert also shared the single "Me and My House," featuring Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones.
London Grammar — 'The Greatest Love' (Sept. 13)
A decade after their debut, London Grammar is set to release their next album, The Greatest Love, signaling a new chapter for the band. According to a press release, this album allows the band to "leave their past behind them and hone in on a newfound sense of freedom."
Following their 2021 critically acclaimed album Californian Soil — which earned them a second BRIT nomination — the new album is brimming with confidence and a new outlook, while retaining their classic etherealness. Hannah Reid explains, "The last couple of years have changed our priorities and process as artists. That is a big part of our story."
The album's lead single "House" encapsulates this new direction with empowering lyrics: "This is my place, my house, my rules." Another track, "Into Gold," speaks to overcoming adversity, reflecting: "And when I was made from the right kind of wrong / All of these things that I’ve seen turned darkness into gold." The band will support the release with a tour beginning in November, with eight shows scheduled across Europe and the UK.
Miranda Lambert — 'Postcards From Texas' (Sept. 13)
Country queen Miranda Lambert went back to her roots for her ninth studio record, Postcards from Texas. Reflecting on the album's deep personal significance, Lambert shared with Variety, "I made this record in Texas, and it meant the world to me. I had not made a record in Texas since I was 18, my independent album… And this music really reflects what made me the artist that I am. I feel like it's pretty honky-tonk."
Postcards From Texas also marks Lambert's debut release under Republic Records after her departure from a two-decade stint at Sony Nashville. "I just thought I could learn a lot, to be honest, from a New York-based label, and try to grow my career still and do it in different ways than I have before," she told Variety.
Collaborating closely with frequent co-producer Jon Randall, Lambert crafted a 14-track collection, personally co-writing 10 of those songs. Album highlights include the lead single "Wranglers," "Santa Fe" with Parker McCollum, a cover of David Allen Coe's "Living on the Run," and "Alimony." Notably, "Dammit Randy," marks the first song to feature co-writing credits from her husband, Brendan McLoughlin.
Jamie xx — 'In Waves' (Sept. 20)
Nearly a decade has passed since Jamie xx, famed DJ and producer from The xx, released his full-length debut album. His eagerly awaited sophomore album, In Waves, is slated to finally break that drought on Sept. 20.
"I am so unbelievably happy," Jamie expressed in a press statement. "It's been a while… and a lot has happened in that time. Ups and downs, growing up, figuring stuff out and then forgetting it all many times over. I wanted to make something fun, joyful and introspective all at once. The best moments on a dance floor are usually that for me. I can't wait to share it with you."
Over four years in the making, Jamie meticulously shaped the album to evoke "the emotional crescendos and thrilling volatility of an almost mystical night out." To help him on this mission, he collaborated with bandmates Romy and Oliver Sim, as well as John Glacier and Robyn, and included a special feature with Erykah Badu in the deluxe vinyl edition.
In May, Jamie previewed In Waves during his intimate The Floor residency in London. He has since publicly shared tracks "Treat Each Other Right," "All You Children" with the Avalanches, "Life" with Robyn, and "Baddy on the Floor" with Honey Dijon.
Manu Chao — 'Viva Tu' (Sept. 20)
It's been 17 years since Manu Chao's La Radiolina graced the airwaves, but the wait for new music is finally over. The mythic French-Spanish singer is set to release Viva Tu, his fifth studio LP since his debut with Clandestino in 1998, heightening the anticipation for his latest work.
Drawing inspiration from his global travels and the everyday lives of people, Chao's new album offers a tapestry of languages including Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English, reflecting on "the current state of the world, both in factual and virtual terms." "São Paulo Motoboy," a standout track, pays homage to the city's delivery drivers who navigate its sprawling chaos daily, while "Viva Tu" is a heartfelt rumba celebrating the women of his neighborhood.
Viva Tu also shines with collaborations from Willie Nelson on "Heaven's Bad Day," and French singer Laeti on "Tu Te Vas." As Chao continues his current world tour fans can catch him live in various European cities throughout September.
Bright Eyes — 'Five Dice, All Threes' (Sept. 20)
The indie sad boys of Bright Eyes will be back with their first new album in four years. Five Dice, All Threes is set to drop September 20, following 2020's Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was. The fully self-produced record also features Cat Power, Matt Berninger of The National, and Alex Orange Drink from The So So Glos'.
Discussing the album's melancholy themes, frontman Conor Oberst reflected in a statement, "For whatever reason, I was born with a brain that's preoccupied with that kind of thing. When I was young, there was a performative aspect to it, which got reflected back at me. Now I'm at a point where I don't care what the reaction is going to be. Before it was a little out of my hands — I didn't know how to write if it wasn't specific to my actual life. Now I do it by choice." Nate Walcott, the band’s multi-instrumentalist, added, "I think it revisits the spirit of our older records. There is a real quality of chaos and ecstatic urgency in the performances."
For now, fans can enjoy the single "Rainbow Overpass" and will soon have the opportunity to experience these emotions live. Bright Eyes embarks on a U.S. tour in September, followed by a European leg, before returning to North America for an extensive 43-show tour across the continent starting in January 2025.
Katy Perry — '143' (Sept. 20)
Katy Perry's seventh album, 143, heralded as a "sexy, fearless return to form," is set to drop this fall with 11 club-ready anthems. Perry described the album as "a bold, exuberant, celebratory dance-pop album," with the title '143' representing the symbolic numerical expression of love.
In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Perry revealed the personal significance behind the album's title: "It's my angel number. It's my symbol, it's my sign," she said. "A couple years ago, we were going through a little bit of a hard time medically in our family, and it was a little bit scary, and I started seeing 143 in many different ways, not just on the phone. It was trippy, almost. And I looked it up, and it's code for 'I love you.'"
For this release, the former American Idol judge worked with long-time collaborators Max Martin, Dr. Luke, and Stargate, but also enlisted new names, such as Vaughn Oliver and Rocco Did It Again!. The tracklist features collaborations with 21 Savage, Doechii, and Kim Petras, previewing this new era with singles "Woman's World" and "Lifetimes."
On the day of release, September 20, Perry will headline a sold-out show at Rock in Rio in Brazil. Further tour dates have yet to be announced.
Ezra Collective — 'Dance, No One's Watching' (Sept. 27)
Following their 2022 Mercury Prize-winning album, Where I'm Meant to Be, jazz group Ezra Collective will return with their third LP, Dance, No One's Watching, on September 27. The album is described as "an ode to the sacred, yet joyous act of dancing," capturing the essence of various dance floors the band has encountered on their global tours and exploring how rhythms connect humans on a deeper level.
Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road studios, Dance, No One's Watching was enriched by surprise visits from close friends and family, infusing the album with a profound sense of community and shared experience. The British quintet recently released the single "God Gave Me Feet for Dancing," featuring Yazmin Lacey, which exemplifies these themes.
Drummer Femi Koleoso elaborates on the significance of dance in their music: "Myself, Ife, and TJ all grew up in church, and it played a massive role in how we view the purpose of dancing. Dancing is bigger than just the club space. Dancing is a community thing, dancing is a spiritual thing, and ‘God Gave Me Feet For Dancing' is like a window into that element of Ezra Collective for the five of us."
Luke Bryan — 'Mind of a Country Boy' (Sept. 27)
Luke Bryan explores fresh vocal styles in his forthcoming album set to release on September 27, Mind of a Country Boy, reflecting on songs that have stood the test of time. "If it's a song that I cut two or three years ago, and I still love it, and it still sounds fresh, then I feel like it'll stand the test of time."
Summed up as "a well-rounded collection of songs from a man who has lived what he sings," Mind Of A Country Boy has "a little bit of everything," according to Bryan. "I do some things differently vocally on this one that I've not done before. It's about each song having its place and having its meaning. It's trying not to be overly redundant with songs. I think that's why I've been blessed to have a long career and what I feel like this album's going to do."
The album includes 14 tracks produced by Jeff and Jody Stevens, who previously worked with Bryan on his 2020 album Born Here Live Here Die Here. Leading singles from the album include "Country On," "But I Got a Beer in My Hand," and "Love You, Miss You, Mean It."
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New Music Friday: Listen To New Songs From ATEEZ & G-Eazy, Shawn Mendes, Latto, & More
Check out some of the new music that dropped on Aug. 9, from Elvis' hometown recordings to Katy Perry's latest bop.
As August temperatures remain hot, so does the new music. With fresh tracks spanning all genres from dance to rap, there's plenty to explore this New Music Friday.
Check out albums like NIKI's Buzz, Logic's Ultra 85, and Little Big Town's Greatest Hits, as well as first tastes of forthcoming projects from Kelsea Ballerini, Katy Perry and Leon Bridges. Plus, there's plenty more new songs from the likes of The Kid LAROI and beabadoobee, as well as thrilling collabs from ATEEZ and G-Eazy, and J Balvin and Feid.
No matter what genre you gravitate towards, there's something new to discover. Be sure to check out these 10 musical offerings before you kick off your weekend.
Shawn Mendes — "Why, Why, Why" & "Isn't That Enough"
Just hours before New Music Friday hit, Shawn Mendes celebrated his 26th birthday with a gift to his fans: not one, but two new songs.
The first taste of his upcoming fifth studio album, Shawn, the two tracks — "Why, Why, Why" and "Isn't That Enough" — present a folkier side of Mendes' musicality, leaning into the acoustic sound of his early music but with an indie flair. Mendes also released the official video for "Why Why Why," which sees shots of the singer playing his guitar in nature transposed with footage of him performing on stage.
In celebration of the release, Mendes played an intimate show at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, New York, performing Shawn in its entirety two full months before its Oct. 18 arrival. He'll play five more full-album shows: London, U.K. on Aug. 13, Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 14, Brooklyn, New York on Oct. 18, Los Angeles on Oct. 22, and Seattle on Oct. 24.
Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie, and David Guetta — "Cry Baby"
After scoring hits with Clean Bandit and David Guetta respectively, Anne-Marie brings them both together for another vibrant, upbeat electronic anthem. "Cry Baby" takes inspiration from early 2010s dance music, reminiscent of the era when the genre dominated the airwaves.
Featuring a haunting whistle hook and Anne-Marie's powerful vocals layered over pulsing instrumentals from the dance giants, "Cry Baby" is a powerhouse collaboration showcasing some of the best talents in electronic music.
Polo G — 'Hood Poet'
Three years after 2021's Hall of Fame, Polo G is back with his fourth studio album, Hood Poet. The album was shelved for over a year due to outstanding circumstances, but it's finally here, and rap fans couldn't be more hyped.
The four singles that teased the project include "Barely Holdin' On," "Distraction," "Angels In The Sky," and "We Uh Shoot," featuring Lil Durk. These tracks feature a range of instrumental backgrounds, from soft piano layers to thumping beats, all showcasing Polo G's powerful and passionate vocal lines.
Although the wait was long it was no doubt worth it, as the tracks on Hood Poet represent some of Polo G's finest work, from the refined production to his evocative, creative storytelling.
Katy Perry — "Lifetimes"
Continuing to tease songs from her forthcoming seventh studio album, 143, Katy Perry delivers her latest dance-pop track, "Lifetimes." The song is a lively, upbeat anthem representing unconditional love.
On Instagram, Perry posted a photo with her partner, Orlando Bloom, using a filter that aged her 50 years, with the track playing in the background. However, Perry recently revealed to The Sun that the song is actually about her 3-year-old daughter, Daisy – a sweet ode to the unmatched feeling of maternal love.
"Every night, before we go to sleep, I say, 'I love you', and then I ask, 'Will you find me in every lifetime?' and she says, 'Yes'," Perry revealed.
ATEEZ and G-Eazy — "WORK Pt. 4"
Two months after ATEEZ released their 10th mini album, GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1, the K-pop group is still breathing new life into the project's single "WORK" — this time, with the help of G-Eazy. Titled "WORK Pt. 4," the song's latest version features some steamy lines from G-Eazy on the second verse, bringing a risqué edge to the punchy rap-pop track.
"WORK Pt. 4" follows two electronic reimaginings of "WORK," as "Pt. 2" featured a remix by Dutch producer Don Diablo and "Pt. 3" was reworked by ATEEZ's production team, Eden-ary. While "WORK Pt. 4" is the closest to the bumping original, a press release teased that the newest version "reflects the ever-challenging spirit of ATEEZ."
Elvis Presley — 'MEMPHIS'
Following the 70th anniversary of Elvis Presley's debut single, "That's All Right," RCA Records and Legacy Recordings have released a sprawling 111-track box set, MEMPHIS. The career-spanning collection features recordings from his earliest sessions at Sun Studios through his final works from the Jungle Room in Presley's Graceland home.
Aside from the Sun Studios recordings, all of the tracks were newly mixed by four-time GRAMMY winner Matt Ross-Spang, who removed all of the overdubs to highlight Presley's original vocal recordings. MEMPHIS offers a new perspective on the King of Rock and Roll, providing a clear listening experience that further immortalizes his one-of-a-kind vocal prowess.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard — 'Flight b741'
With their 26th studio album, Flight b741, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard dive into a classic blues-rock sound, a departure from their usual psychedelic, experimental garage rock style.
The album features the Australian band's admirable response to current world issues, such as climate change, set against music that embraces the spirit of traditional rock. The concept focuses on how the music translates during their live performances.
Just after the album's release, the band will embark on a massive world tour, beginning Aug. 15 in Washington, D.C., and concluding at the end of November in Miami. The tour includes four shows billed as "marathon sets," where King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard will perform for three hours each night.
Latto — 'Sugar Honey Iced Tea'
GRAMMY-nominated rapper Latto pays homage to her Southern hip-hop roots on her fittingly third studio album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea. The LP boasts an impressive list of collaborators, including Playboi Carti, Megan Thee Stallion, Ciara, and Cardi B.
Latto told Billboard that after a decade in the rap game, she feels she's already proven herself. Now, she is returning to her roots and making music that speaks to her, regardless of whether she receives additional flowers for it or not.
"I feel like what I'm doing has not been done before, so let's start there. [Aesthetically], I've been pulling from Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Lil' Kim. [Musically], I've been pulling from Kelis, but obviously with a Southern hip-hop twist," Latto says. "They have very feminine energy, but masculine in the sense of confidence."
DannyLux — "Soltera"
Embracing both sides of his Mexican and American cultural identity, 20-year-old DannyLux blends elements of Western house music with his tender Spanish lyricism on "Soltera."
Produced by Mexican-American producer 8onthebeat, the track is a fast-paced earworm perfect for hitting the dance floor. In the music video, DannyLux dances around different rooms of a house and singing along — setting the example for what listeners are bound to do once they press play.
LA LOM — 'The Los Angeles League of Musicians'
If you haven't heard of LA LOM yet, prepare for that to change. The Los Angeles-native trio is on the rise, earning an opening slot for Vampire Weekend earlier this year; now, they are unveil their debut album, The Los Angeles League of Musicians.
The project is a guitar-focused masterpiece, drawing inspiration from traditional Peruvian cumbia music. Featuring a diverse range of tracks, listening to The Los Angeles League of Musicians offers a unique sonic experience. The album takes listeners on a journey from laid-back, lo-fi tunes to uptempo dance tracks, perfect for a get-together with loved ones or a night out on the dance floor at your favorite hole-in-the-wall venue — a perfect weekend soundtrack.
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New Music Friday: Listen To New Releases From Katy Perry, Eminem, Nelly Furtado & More
As temperatures rise, chill out with these fresh tracks, albums, and collaborations from Nelly Furtado, One OK Rock, Uncle Kraker, and more, all released the week of July 12.
As summer rolls on, more tracks from artists across all genres continue to drop, and we couldn't be more excited. With album releases from John Summit, HARDY, OneRepublic, and Cat Burns to fresh singles from collaborations including Alesso and Nate Smith, July 12 brings a handful of new music to enjoy.
As you stroll through the weekend, make sure to check out these nine musical projects:
Katy Perry — "Woman's World"
Serving as the lead single from 143, her first studio album since 2020, Katy Perry releases "Woman's World," a new pop track celebrating girl power and womanhood. Perry wrote the track alongside songwriter Chloe Angelides and producers Dr. Luke, Vaughn Oliver, Rocco Did It Again!, and Aaron Joseph.
Initially teasing the track through social media, the song drew attention from pop fans globally. The lead single from 143 marks both a comeback and a new era for the American Idol judge. "I set out to create a bold, exuberant, celebratory dance-pop album with the symbolic 143 numerical expression of love as a throughline message," Perry explains in a press statement.
Eminem — 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)'
Guess who's back? Eminem returns with his twelfth studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce). The album appears to be his last project before retiring his notorious alter ego, Slim Shady.
A standout track on the album is "Guilty Conscience 2," a sequel to the 1999 collaboration with Dr. Dre. Leading up to the album release, Eminem dropped two singles, "Houdini" and "Tobey," featuring Big Sean and BabyTron. The album is both a blast from the past and a revived representation of the renowned Detroit-raised rapper.
Nelly Furtado — "Corazón"
Premiering the song at her Machaca Fest set, Nelly Furtado returns to music with "Corazón," the lead single off her new album 7. The track is an upbeat dance song with lyrics in both Spanish and English, along with drums and flutes that bring it to life. The track was two years in the making, according to Furtado on Instagram.
"The essence of the song is that we're just out here living and trying to do our best," Furtado told Vogue. "Even when we make mistakes, it's coming from the heart. When it comes from the heart, it's never a mistake."
7 is set to captivate both loyal fans and new listeners. Centered around the vibrant theme of community, Furtado felt an irresistible pull toward creating new music, inspired by the diverse communities around her. The spirited energy of the DJ community that breathes new life into her pop classics to this day and the passionate online community yearning for her return, spurred by her collaborations with Dom Dolla and Tove Lo and SG Lewis, have both played a crucial role in Furtado's renewed artistic journey.
Clairo — 'Charm'
Amidst the viral resurgence of her 2019 track "Bags" on TikTok, indie sensation Clairo unveils her eagerly anticipated third studio album, Charm. Co-produced with GRAMMY-nominated Leon Michels of El Michels Affair, this enchanting project underscores a striking blend of musical artistry and innovation.
"I want afterglowing, and when I call a car / Send me eyes with the knowing that I could pull it off," she sings in "Sexy To Someone," the lead single from the album. Putting introspective lyricism at the forefront of all her projects without sacrificing quality instrumentals, this album is no exception.
Alesso & Nate Smith — "I Like It"
In this genre-crossing collaboration, electronic artist Alesso joins forces with country singer Nate Smith on their new single, "I Like It." Though an unexpected blend of styles, the song blends elements from both artists' sounds, seamlessly combining country and dance as they proudly declare, they "like it like that."
With Alesso's electrifying instrumentals perfectly complementing Smith's spirited country vocals, the track captures the essence of summer in a song and is set to make waves throughout the season.
One OK Rock — "Delusion:All"
Featured as the official theme song for the upcoming movie "Kingdom IV: Return of the Great General", Japanese rock band One Ok Rock releases "Delusion:All." The upbeat, cinematic track is the band's latest contribution to the "Kingdom" movie soundtrack series, following their 2019 song "Wasted Nights."
"It's been a while since we wrote 'Wasted Nights' for the first series of 'Kingdom,' and we are very honored to be a part of the movie again," said vocalist Taka in a press statement. "We tried to reflect "the various conflicts going on in the world today and the modern society" in the song, while making it blend into the worldview of 'Kingdom.'"
Cat Burns — 'early twenties'
A love letter to her community and a deep dive into the intricacies of adulthood, Cat Burns presents her debut album, Early Twenties. Accompanying the album is a captivating short film directed by Libby Burke Wilde. The film tells the individual narratives of each character, touching on themes of mental health, relationships, and personal identity, mirroring the album's essence.
With this well-rounded creative project, Burns showcases her full artistic prowess, making these releases a testament to her pioneering creative vision.
Uncle Kracker — 'Coffee & Beer'
Making a triumphant return to music after 12 years, Uncle Kracker breaks down the boundaries between genres once again with his latest album, Coffee & Beer. The 13-track album intertwines country, pop, and rock, offering a musical journey that ranges from high-spirited anthems to laid-back, mellow tracks.
"I wanted to give my fans a soundtrack to summer and what's better than the balance of first coffee…then beer? Coffee & Beer is going to be a fun one. Cheers," Uncle Kracker said in a press statement.
Meridian Brothers — 'Mi Latinoamérica Sufre'
Drawing inspiration from the golden era of '70s Congolese rumba, Ghanaian highlife, and Nigerian afrobeat, the Meridian Brothers unveil Mi Latinoamérica Sufre. This concept album integrates the electric guitar into tropical Latin music in an innovative fashion. The album showcases a dynamic tapestry of sounds, blending cumbia, champeta, soukous, Brazilian tropicalia, and psychedelic rock, making it an exciting sonic journey.
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On This Day In Music: "American Idol" Premieres On Fox Network
For decades, "American Idol" has been instrumental in discovering some of music’s biggest names and pioneering the reality TV contest genre. As the show enters its 22nd run, here’s a look at how it has become an iconic household staple across the country.
For countless Americans, "American Idol" is intertwined with core memories as a show that had families eagerly glued to their TVs twice a week. It brought generations together, creating moments of both suspense and excitement that are still remembered today, as the show continues to run in its 22nd season.
Created by visionary entrepreneur Simon Fuller, "American Idol" premiered on June 11, 2002, as a fresh spin-off of the British program "Pop Idol." It revolutionized how Americans engaged with reality TV through its interactive, viewer-driven voting system, which encouraged audience participation in the success of their favorite contestants. The show also offered viewers a glimpse into contestants' candid backstories and personal journeys, anchoring emotional investment and skyrocketing the show's popularity.
The show's debut season featured a dynamic trio of judges: singer Paula Abdul, TV personality Simon Cowell, and producer Randy Jackson. Their contrasting personalities brewed a chemistry as captivating as the hopeful performances. Abdul’s warmth, Cowell's blunt wit, and Jackson’s humor added extra layers of entertainment, making the twice a week broadcasts a must-watch.
The first season of "American Idol" also unforgettably introduced the country to Kelly Clarkson. Since her debut — with a heart-tugging backstory about being the average girl-next-door with big dreams — Clarkson has gone on to tour the world, host her own TV talk show, and secured her spot as one of music’s most beloved talents.
"I had dreams since I was a little girl that I wanted to be on the GRAMMYs, or some award show and sing on there," Clarkson mentioned in her pre-audition interview. Flash forward 22 years, the pop singer has accumulated 17 GRAMMY nominations and three wins, propelled by a powerful vocal gift.
Other artists who launched their careers from the show's platform include Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, and Jennifer Hudson, who each serve as testament to the show’s impact in music.
"American Idol" has not only opened our eyes to some of our favorite musicians, but it also has given us some of our favorite pop culture moments.
A video that frequently resurfaces on social media captures a memorable moment between Katy Perry and contestant Noah Davis, where they bond over the slang term 'wig'.
"No, it’s not your language. It’s just for us," Perry joked to her fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, when they questioned the term’s meaning.
After two decades on air, "American Idol" has etched a lasting legacy in pop culture. It has paved the way for other reality TV music shows and created lasting memories for music fans along the way.
“The show transcends age, gender, ethnicity, everything,” Underwood told Billboard in 2005.
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6 Reasons Why Fred Again.. Was Dance Music's Rookie Of The Year
Arguably dance music's buzziest star in 2023, Fred again.. topped off a breakout year with four nominations at the 2024 GRAMMYs, including Best New Artist. Take a look at some of the producer/songwriter's biggest feats that helped him get there.
By any measure, 2023 was a remarkable year for electronic wunderkind Fred again.. Over 12 whirlwind months, the South Londoner born Fred Gibson accelerated himself from hyped producer to top-line artist, packing festival stages and selling out an eight-night Los Angeles residency.
While this explosive success seemed like it happened overnight, the Fred again.. phenomenon began building in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As dance music continued its evolution away from the more-is-more EDM era, Fred again..'s earnest, deeply personal, yet still danceable productions struck a chord with fans craving connection in lockdown.
In contrast to big-name DJs up high on faraway festival stages, the producer felt endearingly grounded, from the intimacy of his music to the enthusiasm of his social media posts. His polished, wide-ranging sound — which blends influences from pop, UK garage, house, trance, and the post-dubstep of his key influence, Burial — is also deeply rooted in online culture, incorporating snippets and samples taken from FaceTime, YouTube and voice notes.
Fred again..'s reputation as a dance music star for the internet era set the stage for his Boiler Room performance in the summer of 2022, which has racked up 29 million views and climbing. The Boiler Room takeoff was buoyed by his Swedish House Mafia and Future collab, "Turn on the Lights again..," and a host of unreleased heat that materialized on his third album, Actual Life 3.
Building on this powerful momentum, Fred again.. evolved from internet sensation to full-on superstardom in 2023. His year of highs peaked with four nominations at the 2024 GRAMMYs, including the coveted Best New Artist Category — where he's the only dance act.
As Music's Biggest Night draws closer, here are six feats that made Fred again.. dance music's indisputable rookie of the year.
He Found GRAMMYs Glory On His Own Terms
Before breaking out as a solo artist, Fred again.. earned his stripes as a sought-after producer, working alongside everyone from grime luminaries Stormzy and Headie One to pop superstar Ed Sheeran. Fittingly, his first GRAMMY nominations were for work behind-the-scenes on Jayda G's luminescent house anthem "Both Of Us" (Best Dance/Electronic Recording in 2021) and Sheeran's global hit "Bad Habits" (Song Of The Year in 2022).
The 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards mark the first time he's been recognized for his own music. In addition to Best New Artist, the producer is nominated in Best Dance/Electronic Music Album, Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022), and twice in Best Dance/Electronic Recordings for the '90s trance-channeling Romy collab, "Strong" and the bass-heavy "Rumble" with longtime collaborator Skrillex and Flowdan.
The four nods are a crowning achievement for Fred again.. as a solo artist that recognizes his individual achievements while also celebrating his evergreen talents as a collaborator.
He Built On Prior Success
On his first solo album, 2021's Actual Life (April 14 – December 17 2020), Fred again.. reflected the isolation and strangeness of a COVID-19 lockdown by lacing audio clips of his "actual life" into a collage of electronic production. He followed it later that year with Actual Life 2, which used the same format to explore themes of grief and new beginnings with samples collected from his social feeds.
"Social media is obviously capable of being a really negative thing," he later told NPR. "But it was also very clear to me that it is capable of being a very beautiful thing."
That year, Fred again.. also released "Marea (We've Lost Dancing)," featuring musings via FaceTime from DJ-producer the Blessed Madonna on the loss of the dance floor community during the pandemic. Distilling the signature Fred again.. joy-meets-melancholy equation into a cathartic house package, the track became an unlikely lockdown anthem. In 2022, Fred again.. made his Coachella debut with a full live show, soundtracking sunset in the Mojave tent for a tightly packed crowd.
Coming a few months after Coachella, Fred again..'s Boiler Room set — from his hometown of London, no less — was perfectly timed to send him stratospheric. Over a tight hour, his hybrid DJ-live set showcased his next-level skills on the Maschine+ drum machine/sampler and previews of new music that fans cut into clips and dissected online. Throughout it all, the producer projected a beaming, can't-quite-believe-it elation that was hard to resist.
When Actual Life 3 arrived that October, complete with those Boiler Room highlights, its crowd-pleasing mix of emotion and jump-up energy already had a captive audience who were now desperate to catch Fred again.. live in 2023.
He Formed An Instantly Iconic DJ Trio
Fred again..'s banner year was turbo-charged by his DJ bromance with brothers-in-bass Skrillex and Four Tet. Cheekily self-coined "the Pangbourne Mafia," a reference to the sleepy English village where they convened to make music, the trio kicked off 2023 with a surprise back-to-back-to-back set in London, and the fun snowballed from there. (As Fred again.. put it in 2022, "Other human beings are infinitely more inspiring than anything else in the world.")
Following a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in February 2023, the DJs were called in last-minute to close weekend two of Coachella. For fans who fell in love with Fred again..'s Boiler Room, it was a surreal thrill to hear "Danielle (smile on my face)" and "Delilah (pull me out of this)" ring out across an expansive sea of festival goers.
He Ticked Major Goals Off His Bucket List
Instead of coasting on the goodwill of his breakout 2022, Fred again.. spent 2023 searching out new challenges and shades to his sound. In March, he teamed up with Irish singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy (whose soulful croon appeared on the first Actual Life) and legendary lyricist The Streets on the track "Mike (desert island duvet)".
Fred again.. appeared on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series in April, which he approached with his customary wide-eyed zeal. The performance of Actual Life cuts featured Fred again.. as a one-man band, jumping between keyboard, vibraphone, marimba, and microphone, while looping his vocals and beats to dazzling effect.
In May, hot on the heels of that adrenalized Coachella closer, he switched up the pace and released an ambient album, Secret Life, with his musical mentor Brian Eno, who he first met at just 16 years old in Eno's a capella choir group.
He Played His Biggest Live Shows To Date
Closing Coachella with your best DJ buddies is hard to top, but Fred again.. kept leveling up. In June, he and his onstage partner Tony Friend played to an expanse of revelers on shoulders and waving colorful flags at Glastonbury, which he later called "my favorite show we've ever played".
From there, he took his well-honed live show across the U.S. and Europe, complete with precisely-cued visuals across a multi-screen setup with LED panels. Instead of jumping from city to city, the producer set up record-breaking residencies in Los Angeles and New York that allowed him to deliver the same highs over multiple nights.
This summer, he's set to headline Sunday night at Bonnaroo — reportedly his only U.S. festival appearance scheduled for 2024 — followed by select festival dates across Europe and the UK, including the famed Reading and Leeds double-header.
He Kicked Off A New Musical Era
In August, Fred again.. released "adore u" with Nigerian artist Obongjayar, describing it on his Soundcloud as "the first song of a whole new world to me". Inspired by the pair's respective siblings, "adore u" arrived as the perfect synthesis of Fred again..'s earnest, open-hearted world view and club-ready instincts. The producer followed "adore u" with the aching house shuffle ''ten," featuring US rapper Jozzy, and the rowdier drum & bass-filled "leavemealone" alongside previous Best New Artist nominee Baby Keem.
This trio of 2023 songs reflects a broadening of Fred again..'s sound and influences ahead of his next album project. Whatever highs are yet to come, 2023 will stand as the year that Fred again.. made his own.
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