10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of July 19, 2024

There's something about this jam-packed New Music Friday that feels like three New Music Fridays jammed into one—especially with the release of Twisters: The Album.

The Twisters soundtrack may be the biggest country music release of the year, featuring nearly 30 brand-new tracks from the genre's biggest names. Add a new JIMIN album, thrilling new collabs and so much more, and this is an NMF for the ages. Curious about what we loved best? Just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of July 19, 2024.

('Dead End Road' via Atlantic Recording Corporation)

1. Jaake Castro Clings to an Illusion in 'Reality'

Indie-pop artist and American Idol alum Jaake Castro is one to watch in 2024, and if you're not yet a fan, the new single "Reality" is the perfect place to start. Jaake calls the optimistic track their "Lady Gaga moment," driven by '80s dance synths as they sing about recognizing a relationship won't last but deciding to ignore that reality in order to bask in the comfort of an illusion. It's a story we can all relate to, with a sound that has us begging for even more incredible music from Jaake.

 

2. Will Swinton Struggles With the Space of a Long Distance Relationship in 'Can't Let Go'

Up-and-coming New Zealand singer-songwriter Will Swinton is known for his vulnerable and authentic songwriting, and he's at the top of his game on the new single, "Can't Let Go." The raw, folksy track is an exploration of the struggle of a long-distance relationship, inspired his own experiences seeing someone while he was traveling back and forth between New Zealand and L.A. to pursue his musical career. "It's a reflection of the emotional struggles and challenges that come with being separated from someone you care deeply about," Will explained in an interview with Sweety High. "The thing I love about music is that listeners can listen to a song and make their own meaning. I hope it resonates with anyone who has ever felt distant from someone they love."

 

Also read about: How the Struggles of a Long-Distance Relationship Inspired Will Swinton's 'Can't Let Go'

 

3. NERIAH Embraces Young Love in 'Driving Weather'

2024 has been a year of reinvention for singer-songwriter NERIAH as she leaves behind her moody heartbreak anthems and instead embraces a more romantic vibe. Her new single, "Driving Weather," is the perfect introduction to this new era with a dreamy, nostalgic synth-pop sound that beautifully captures the feeling of being young and in love. "I wrote this song about the summer I fell in love," NERIAH shared in an interview with Sweety High. "Whenever it was nice outside, he always called it 'driving weather.' I am so excited for everyone to hear this song. It is so fun and perfect to blast with the windows down."

 

Also read about: NERIAH Captures the Freedom of Young Summer Love in New Single, 'Driving Weather'

 

4. flowerovlove Basks in Summer Love in 'breaking news'

19-year-old English singer-songwriter flowerovlove has been turning everyone's heads in 2024, and she's about to win over even more fans witht he release of new single, "breaking news." It's a bubbly and blissful new anthem for summer love, inspired by the artist's own yearning for a bit of romance. "I was feeling sad when I wrote it, actually," flowerovlove explained in a press release "I wanted to feel something lovey dovey, so I wanted to manifest feelings through a song." The song is made even better by its playful music video, bringing to life the ultimate meet-cute.

 

5. Role Model Explores Heartache and Homesickness in Kansas Anymore

At last, Role Model has shared the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2022 album Rx with his sophomore project, Kansas Anymore. This time around, Role Model looks to his roots to create an inviting folk-pop sound as he explores feelings of deep homesickness and heartache. These 13 tracks are equal parts playful and raw while showing us a new side of the artist. "I was writing a lot of songs about watching my relationship slowly fall apart and was bracing for that loss," Role Model shared of the opening track, "Oh, Gemini. "I wanted to start slow and soft with 'Oh, Gemini.' There's a lot more to this album that isn't so dark and slow. It's a summer album somehow."

 

6. Gracie Abrams Brings 'I Love You, I'm Sorry' to Life in New Video

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams is still riding high after the recent release of her sophomore album, The Secret of Us. One of our favorite tracks, "I Love You, I'm Sorry," just got even better with a cinematic new music video. The song is a heartfelt ballad about love and taking responsibility for all of the ways you've hurt someone in a relationship, with the video culminating in Gracie graciously accepting an "A****** of the Year" award.

 

Also read about: 20 Lovesick Lyrics From Gracie Abrams' New Album, The Secret Of Us, as Instagram Captions

 

7. Dillon Francis and Chloe Moriondo Join Forces for 'Lonely (Planet Earth)'

With indie-pop sensation Chloe Moriondo's ethereal vocals, backed by superstar DJ Dillon Francis's effervescent production, "Lonely (Planet Earth)" is poised to be a major hit. The dance track interpolates Owl City's "Fireflies," with a new twist, as Chloe sings of yearning for authentic connection and an end to her loneliness. It's upbeat yet yearning, creating a vibe that's all too relatable—and perfect to move along to. "'Lonely' is such an exciting return of a release for me, and it's mind boggling that Dillon Francis is the person who made it into a little space dance party!" Chloe explained in a press release. "Being in L.A. and Vegas with him and his crew to play the song live for the first time and shoot the video was an insane whirlwind of confetti and sweat. I was overjoyed."

 

8. Madison Beer Followers Her Instincts in '15 MINUTES'

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Madison Beer has been showing zero signs of slowing down, with tour dates across Asia and Australia kicking off next month and the release of her irresistible new single, "15 MINUTES." The pulse-pumping dance track tells a tale of an unpredictable and impulsive romance, with a dream-like music video to match—co-directed by Madison herself. Prepare to hear this steamy track absolutely everywhere this summer.

 

Also read about: 19 Somber Lyrics From Madison Beer's Silence Between Songs to Use as An Instagram Caption

 

9. JIMIN Continues His Growth as a Solo Artist With Second Album, MUSE

BTS's JIMIN has had no difficulties establishing himself as a respected soloist, and his second solo album, MUSE, is all about love and inspiration. While his first album, FACE, was directed inward, reflecting upon himself, this album looks outward to the surroundings that compel him to create and to love. He explores this theme across seven tracks, with the title track "Who" being a standout thanks to JIMIN's striking falsetto as he sings about yearning to find the love of his life.

 

10. Twisters: The Album Is a Celebration of Country Music

When we first heard that the classic 1996 blockbuster Twister was getting a sequel, we never considered the incredible potential for its soundtrack, and Twisters: The Album delivers. It's a country music spectacle befitting the film's storm-chasing plot, featuring a whopping 29 new tracks by all of the biggest names in country music. It features everyone from Wyatt Flores and Miranda Lambert to Thomas Rhett, Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, Tanner Adell, Luke Combs and so many more, with the latest single, Jelly Roll's "Dead End Road," perfectly setting the tone.

 

Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of July 12, 2024.