10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of March 19, 2021
With tomorrow already marking the first day of spring, 2021 is off to an incredible start—and yes, music has been a big part of this year's success.
Each and every week so far, our ears have been graced with incredible new tunes and collections from our favorite artists, and of course, this week is no different. Whether you're into K-pop and J-pop, country, pop or R&B, we know there's something you'll love among this week's new releases. If you don't believe us, here are our 10 favorite things that happened in music the week of March 19, 2021.
1. Dasha Debuts First EP, $hiny Things
Don't know Dasha? You should change that ASAP. The California-based singer-songwriter has been penning stellar tracks when she was 12, and the six incredible tracks on her debut EP, $hiny Things, are the ultimate culmination of both her vocal and her writing talents at the age of 21. "I already hate the way this sentence is going to sound, but writing $hiny Things' was such a vibe," she told Sweety High about the EP's title track. "Actually though. It was like 75 degrees outside, and I was on my brother's roof deck in L.A."
2. Jenny March Reveals Her Madness With Debut EP
Pop singer-songwriter Jenny March is another rising artist we've been keeping our eyes on, and if you take any time to listen to her brand new EP Madness, you'll understand why. She has incredible depth and range as an artist, and once you start listening, you will not be able to stop. "My debut EP Madness hones in on all of my wild personalities as well as the sensitive ones, the 'madness' inside my brain," Jenny told Sweety High. "I hope these tracks resonate with you guys, as it's something I've worked really hard on and truly feel describes me perfectly."
3. J-Pop Girl Group FAKY Release New Track '99'
FAKY's bouncy, bass-driven new track "99" makes us ask where this band has been our entire lives. The J-pop group has been on the scene since 2013, and though they're not one of the biggest names in the genre, we are definitely paying attention. "I felt the mixture of passion, purity, jealousy, exclusivity, and affection that everybody has so I dared to create lyrics that affirms all those emotions," FAKY leader Lil' Fang explained of the song in a press release. "The numbers in the title of the song represent the frustration and sadness that just can't be satisfied. It feels like something is missing but you don't know what it is. I hope that people who have never known FAKY will know our music because of this song."
4. PJ Harding and Noah Cyrus Team Up for the Gorgeous 'You Belong to Somebody Else'
Australian singer-songwriter PJ Harding is an absolute pro at breaking our hearts, and his new collaboration with Noah Cyrus is a prime example of that. The sweet, sentimental acoustic track is part country, part fairytale, and we don't see ourselves taking this one off repeat anytime soon. "At heart, this is really a raw, homemade record," PJ explained in a press release. "There's a strong folk tradition in Australia, which you can possibly feel. There's certainly a lot of Nashville in there too. I feel like Noah is really the guiding force here. She's the soul of this record."
5. Bad Gyal Drops Thought-Provoking and Sensual New EP, Warm Up
There's a reason Spanish singer-songwriter and producer Bad Gyal is turning heads all around the world. She's never been afraid to be provocative with her music, and with incredibly catchy beats punctuating by pounding bass, it's easy to love her music even if you don't speak a word of Spanish. Her new EP, Warm Up features eight of her most thought-provoking tracks yet.
6. The Maine Get Stuck in Our Head With New Song 'Sticky'
Rock band The Maine has one dedicated fanbase, and with the release of this first single from their upcoming eighth studio album, we know devotees around the world are celebrating. It's just plain, fun, and if you're not careful, it's also an earworm you'll have trouble getting rid of. "I hope this song moves into a room in your head," singer John O'Callaghan said in a press release. "Sonically, you can take the song however you will, but the lyrics hold a special place in my heart. 'Sticky' is about that person or feeling you just can't shake. I certainly hope it stays with you."
7. Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris Make Us Swoon With 'Chasing After You'
Is there anything more relatable than a flawlessly crafted song about longing after someone? Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris's new beautiful collab "Chasing After You" is just that type of track. With its soulful, romantic sound and its lyrics that'll cut you straight to the core, we think this is one that a lot of lovelorn fans will be playing again and again.
8. Brynn Cartelli Releases the Infectious 'Long Way Home'
Need something dancey to get your weekend off to a playful start? Look no further than The Voice winner Brynn Cartelli's new single "Long Way Home." We love the song's sweet and spirited narrative, with a beat that's sure to get you instantly hooked. "Long Way Home is the first story I wanted to share off of my next project," Brynn explained in a press release. "I will never forget the day I wrote it with Nathan Chapman in Nashville, going around the studio and using random items as percussion. What started as a slow, weirdly depressing idea on piano (as almost all of my songs do) became a super fun pop record. Each lyric to me is a wink at the rush of young love in a small town. Getting lost on streets with no names, letting yellow lights turn red, purposely taking the long way home, I'll do anything to push the limits of my curfew."
9. Hunter Hayes Stuns With Track 'If You Change Your Mind'
As long-time Hunter Hayes fans, we were a little surprised with the artist's initial shift from his country roots, but if the result is more tracks like the R&B-inspired "If You Change Your Mind," we have no complaints. The video takes cues from The Great Gatsby, perfectly matching the smooth, swanky feel of the song. "I wanted a song on the album that represented missing someone so much that you forget everything bad and only remember the good," Hunter revealed in a press release. "You find yourself in a dream-like state imagining what could happen if it went the way you always dreamed it would."
10. Wonho Covers Billie Eilish's 'I Love You'
Legends collide in this absolutely stunning cover of Billie Eilish's "I Love You" performed by South Korean singer Wonho. The performance comes courtesy of Wonho Special Live from LiveXLive, and if could not be prettier. Wonho's angelic vocals, backed by a single acoustic guitar, make it absolutely dreamlike, and we think fans of both artists are going to be obsessed.
Missed last week? Catch up HERE on what happened in music the week of March 12, 2021.