10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of June 23, 2023
June has really turned up the heat for music.
Earlier this month, we saw the long-awaited comeback album from Big Time Rush, and Niall Horan started a new era after three years with The Show. Plus, just last week, Doja Cat showed us her edgy side with her introspective single, "Attention."
The temperature is still getting hotter—this week, pop princess Kim Petras captures our hearts with her debut album and Demi Lovato surprise drops their single, "SWINE," in support of reproductive justice. This is only scratching the surface, so keep reading to see all 10 of our favorite music releases for the week of June 23, 2023.
(via @kimpetras)
1. Kelly Clarkson Traces the Fear, Flourishing and Freedom of Intense Chemistry
When Kelly Clarkson speaks, you listen.
After nearly two decades in the industry, she's perfected her ability to tell a compelling story not only through her honest lyrics but also her precise vocals and well-thought-out instrumentation.
The global phenomenon and powerhouse has released her long-awaited 10th studio album, Chemistry. In this powerful journey, Kelly narrates the last few years of her life in love, the sweet parts you want to live forever, and the messy ones we all fear. But most importantly, Kelly wants you to know this infectious medley of impassioned ballads and party hits is a testimony that she came out "stronger" (as she once hinted in her fan-favorite 2011 effort of the same name).
See Kelly's sparkling voice and personality live on her upcoming Las Vegas residency, beginning July 28.
2. Kim Petras Feeds the Beast of Passion on Debut Album
Kim Petras is on fire, and she's keeping the momentum going with her debut studio album, out today via Republic Records.
On her most vulnerable project yet, Kim allows her passion for art to consume her in this 15-track, Eurodance-inspired collection of timeless hits. Feed the Beast is helmed by the pulsating titular intro and a modern reimagining of trance staple, "Better Off Alone," featuring Nicki Minaj. To round off the era, Kim will embark on the Feed the Beast tour, beginning Aug. 4 in Mountain View, California.
Feed the Beast follows Kim's chart-buster "Unholy" alongside Sam Smith, which took home a Best Pop Duo Performance award at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards, as well as a number of other viral singles, "Coconuts" and "brrr."
Also read about: 20 Unforgettable Lyrics From Kim Petras's Feed the Beast to Use as Instagram Captions
3. Demi Lovato Advocates for Abortion Care With New Single, 'SWINE'
A year ago, the United States government challenged our rights to abortion care, and Demi Lovato is here to remind you the fight is on.
On "SWINE," which unexpectedly dropped on Thursday, Demi wants her autonomy back, chanting, "My life, my voice/ My rights, my choice," and questioning the illogical nature of the opposing argument. The music video sees Demi and other advocates cheering for justice amongst a panel of male lawmakers before finally burning down the town and the bill.
For the next year, net profits from "SWINE" will be donated to the Reproductive Justice Fund at the Demi Lovato Foundation. Then, they will split the funds between NARAL Pro-Choice America, Plan C and The National Network of Abortion Funds.
4. On 'lie,' Nessa Barrett Wants to Move Forward
Nessa Barrett vulnerably reveals her bittersweet yearning and heartbreak in her new song, "lie." She and her lover, unfortunately, have parted ways, but there are still items that connect them, like their matching tattoos and her promise ring.
Nessa knows that she's incapable of keeping him from finding someone new, and he probably will. But if she's the one on his mind at the end of the day, if he "lies" to the new woman, that might be enough to mend her broken heart: "Promise you'll lie/ Promise you'll lie/ As long as it's a lie," she beautifully wails on the pre-chorus.
Also read about: Nessa Barrett Explores Her Rage and Intrusive Thoughts in 'BANG BANG!'
5. Hayley Kiyoko Dedicates 'somewhere between sand and stardust' to the People We've Loved and Lost
Hayley Kiyoko took a slight detour to become a New York Times best-seller (Girls Like Girls), but she's back with "somewhere between the sand and the stardust."
The new track is Hayley's tribute to those struggling with mental health and anyone who has loved and lost. At their core, they want the person in their life to know they're appreciated. It might be too late to physically deliver that message, but the spiritual connection remains.
6. Tai Verdes Is Going to Deliver You a Dream with 'Sandman'
Danger is on the horizon, because Tai Verdes has dropped his hypnotic new single, "Sandman."
A devious voice booms, "You know my name," over a trippy acoustic guitar as Tai entices you to tell him your darkest secret. He'll make your dreams come true, he believes, while delivering the recipe (truly believing what you can do and "changing out of your skeleton") to glory. Tread lightly, though. This might lead to a disaster.
Tai says, "If you listen to it too much, I can't be accountable for what you do with that song." While we're not exactly sure what that means, we'll likely find out because we can't get enough of it.
Also read about: Anna Shoemaker Talks Finding Herself and the Journey of Her Hey Anna EP
7. Jeremy Zucker Debuts Self-Directed and Self-Edited Music Video for 'a dying world…'
Singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker pleads for a better future in his new song, "a dying world…" In a world riddled with pollution, inflation and war, he only hopes the upcoming generation will be more compassionate to Earth and each other.
"When the air starts to make us sick/ It's not a matter of politics/ Somehow if we raise kids in a dying world/ I hope they'll learn to love better than us," he cries in the chorus. The music video, directed and edited by Jeremy himself, shows eerie clips of destroyed and abandoned society from a vintage camera.
In a press statement, Jeremy explained, "I wanted to show images that provoked uncomfortability and feelings of 'oh that's not right' in the context of humans and nature."
8. Lyn Lapid Explores the Struggle to love in the 21st century
Thank you, Lyn Lapid, for saying what everyone is thinking: dating in the 21st century is nearly impossible.
In her newest project, to love in the 21st century, Lyn places herself in the position of a hopeless romantic experiencing her first encounter. Led by the single "the alternative," Lyn knows her future in love is bleak, but it's better to try than always be alone. Though this new feeling brings highs, it also brings disappointment before inevitably ending.
When chatting about the release, Lyn revealed, "I feel like writing about this one story allowed me to epitomize what it's like to be young and to experience romantic love in this day and age."
Also read about: ROSIE On Recognizing Her Rising Stardom Her Vulnerable New EP, 5 Songs For Healing
9. Rachel Grae Prepares for a Mad Girl Summer with 'You Suck'
Emerging pop singer Rachel Grae wants you to abandon your sad girl era. Instead, lean into your female rage with her fresh single, "You Suck," for the ultimate "Mad Girl Summer."
Rachel's ready to move past her ex. In fact, it's quite easy for her to do so, as she croons, "You suck/ I can't even lie/ That's one of the many reasons why/ I never even needed closure," over a rocking guitar line.
If you need catharsis, Rachel has also created a "You Suck Book," inspired by the Mean Girls Burn Book, where you can anonymously share a story about a bad date and toxic ex.
10. Karissa Ella Gets Twangy on Single, 'I Hope Heaven's Like'
Country newcomer Karissa Ella's living the good life, and it's so sweet she hopes heaven will be the same. It's the little moments, like hearing Deana Carter's "Strawberry Wine" on the radio and driving an old Bronco to the town festival, as she tells on her single, "I Hope Heaven's Like."
This track appears on Karissa's newest EP, It's Personal, out today via Karlo Music.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of June 16, 2023.