10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of June 16, 2023
Next week marks the official beginning of summer, but you'd never know we're not already deep into the season based on this week's sizzling new music releases.
The last seven days treated us to a little bit of everything, from new drops by our favorite up-and-comers to Kiana Ledé's triumphant sophomore album and Doja Cat's latest silky-smooth single, "Attention." Curious about the tunes that have us buzzing? Just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of June 16, 2023.
1. TikTok Up-and-Comer jake minch Reflects on Past Love in 'id pick up flowers'
20-year-old singer-songwriter jake minch has been making quite a name for himself on TikTok with his intimate acoustic tracks, and his newest single "id pick up flowers" feels primed to be yet another hit for the young artist. The slow, introspective song is super stripped back, making jake's emotional vocal performance the central focus as he looks back on a past love and the beloved mundane moments that are now well behind him. "'id pick up flowers' happened really fast," Jake explained in a press release. "The original voice memo is literally a recording of me slowly starting to cry and I think the song could've had a second chorus or something if I was still audible by the end of it. It was my first TikTok to have a 'K' next to the view count, which was awesome, but it was really only posted in an attempt to talk to my first love again. As cool as it was to see the reaction that came from 'handgun,' 'id pick up flowers' is the song that started everything for me."
2. IDMAN Teases Upcoming EP With Music Video for 'Still'
Somali-Canadian singer-songwriter IDMAN is one of the most exciting rising artists on the R&B scene, and we cannot wait to hear their newly announced EP Risk in full. While we wait for July 14, we can bide our time with the striking new music video for the EP's third single, "Still." The video takes us through the highs and lows of a queer relationship as IDMAN confesses their post-breakup feelings. "'Still' is the song I think would hook me if I wasn't me," IDMAN shared in a press release. "I think of it as my undignified heartbreak song because with it I decided to put down my toxic, 'too cool to care' facade and opted to sit in the genuine pain of what I was still very much moving through in a real and deep way… no matter who's looking."
3. Angelo De Augustine Gives Us a Glimpse Into His World With 'Toil and Trouble'
We've always found that Angelo De Augustine had an ethereal, otherworldly quality to his music-making, and with his upcoming album Toil and Trouble, out June 30, he plans to bring us into that alternate reality with him. He just released the unforgettable music video for the closing title track, which he directed himself and which was crafted by artist Clara Murray. In the video, a boiling cauldron comes to life, with Angelo's whispery vocals seeming to come through from the other side of a dream as he reflects on the difficult state of the world. "As we all know, we are living in a world within another," Angelo explained in a press release. "A place of specific curation and design where the mind is the chief architect in command. I often wonder who the mind is working for? Who is behind the curtain pulling the strings and transmitting the messages?"
4. Rachel Bochner and Tiger Darrow Throw Themselves a Party in 'If I'm Gunna Be Sad'
It's been a long time since we've seen a title that says it all quite like Rachel Bochner and Tiger Darrow's "If I'm Gunna Be Sad (I Might As Well Look Hot Doing It)." Rachel teamed up with her co-writer and producer Tiger to bring the darkly effervescent pop track to life, recognizing the sadness of a breakup while refusing to let it keep them down. In the music video, directed by Rachel herself, the duo throws themselves the ultimate party to wash away the heartache. "The song feels bada** but without taking itself too seriously, so I really wanted to play with bouncing (pun intended) between empowerment/bad b****ery and the silly/ridiculousness of two grown a** women falling over themselves in a pink bouncy house intended for children."
5. Meet Me @ The Altar Unveil Their Spotify Singles Session
All June long, Spotify is releasing a special edition of Spotify Singles for Black Music Month, and Meet Me @ The Altar's session is a must-listen. The rock trio graced us with two new tracks, including a new, acoustic guitar-driven version of hit track "Kool" off their Past // Present // Future debut album, plus a cover of Kelly Clarkson's legendary "Miss Independent" that makes the empowering anthem fully their own. We love how the two tracks show just how versatile these ladies are, and honestly, it feels impossible to pick a favorite.
Also read about: Photo Tour Diary: Meet Me @ The Altar Get Candid About Their Hangout Festival Performance
6. Victoria Nadine Embraces the Fun of a Summer Fling in 'Summer Rain'
Breakthrough Norwegian artist Victoria Nadine is one to watch in 2023, and her latest release, "Summer Rain," is just the thing for kicking off the summer season with a bang. The anthemic single comes to life with '80s-infused synths, sunny vibes and lyrics about learning to live in the moment, making it the ultimate soundtrack for your next summer fling. "When I wrote 'Summer Rain' together with Skinny Days, we were all feeling really good," Victoria said in a press release. "We quickly realized that this song gave us summer vibes and the feeling of a 'summer fling.' At that time, I wasn't in a relationship and wanted to write a song about not stressing too much about love, but rather taking it as it comes. I've always been someone who overthinks and plans everything down to the last detail, but for once, I felt the urge to let go of control and live life more spontaneously. Just live in the moment and embrace the butterflies in my stomach without worrying about how or if it will end. It's a feeling I haven't experienced much, so when I finally felt that sense of freedom and joy, I used that energy to write a really happy song. Actually, it's my first happy song, haha."
7. Olivia Dean Revisits Hit Single 'The Hardest Part' With Help From Leon Bridges
English singer-songwriter Olivia Dean made quite the splash with the release of "The Hardest Part" in 2020. It's one of those undeniable instant classics that sticks around, racking up more than 117 streams since its release—and today, she's revisiting the hit in a big way with the release of The Hardest Part EP. In addition to the original release, the EP includes live and acoustic versions, as well as a sweltering duet with her musical hero Leon Bridges. "I can't believe the hardest part came out 3 years ago!" Olivia stated in a press release. "This song really changed my life and holds a special place in my heart. I put together a little EP to celebrate her, featuring a very special guest Mr Leon Bridges. I am such a big fan! I can't believe we're on a song together. Big life moment for me :)" And if you adore Olivia as much as we do, also be on the lookout for her debut album, Messy, which releases June 30.
8. grandson Can't Get Away From Himself in 'Half My Heart'
Alternative artist grandson is having a massive year, currently in the midst of a massive headlining global tour showcasing his sophomore album I Love You, I'm Trying. Earlier this week, he also released a music video for the lead single "Half My Heart," a vibey and bittersweet track about constantly being responsible for his own unhappiness. "In the midst of a really dark period of my life we wrote this kinda light song about the circular, cyclical nature of repeated habits," grandson shared in a press release. "I wanted to make a video that leaned into the futile attempts at running away from who you are or who you're meant to be with. Plus I got to wear RC cars on my feet which was pretty sick."
Also read about: grandson Talks Vulnerability and His Confessional Sophomore Album, I Love You, I'm Trying
9. Kiana Ledé Holds Nothing Back on Sophomore Album Grudges
Even at the age of 26, we consider Kiana Ledé an R&B icon, and her sophomore album, Grudges, only proves it. While her debut album, KIKI, has had more than 1 billion streams, Grudges manages to top it, with Kiana telling her own authentic and unrestrained story across its 17 gorgeous tracks, taking us through all of the stages of life and relationships, through lust to love, heartache and growth. "I think I have this vulnerability in the rougher and more aggressive parts of my personality," Kiana shared with Sweety High in an interview. "It's about duality, for me, and everyone that knows me knows that." The album also features legendary collabs with Ella Mai and Bryson Tiller, and you have to check out "Where You Go," featuring Khalid.
Also read about: Kiana Ledé Shares the Origins of 'Jealous' and Her Duet With Ella Mai
10. Doja Cat Has Our Full Focus With Single 'Attention'
With songs like "Attention," it's obvious why Grammy-winning sensation Doja Cat is one of the biggest hip-hop artists in the world. Today, she dropped the new single and its appropriately attention-catching music video, combining dreamy sing-song choruses with some of the hottest rap bars we've heard all year. The song is a declaration of self-love and embracing her sexuality, recognizing her status as a star with a hint of vulnerability, and it's one that's sure to be everywhere this summer.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of June 9, 2023.