10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of March 29, 2024
As we begin the Easter weekend, we truly couldn't think of a better way to celebrate with Beyoncé's epic new 27-track country album, COWBOY CARTER.
It's something entirely new from the artist best known for her work in R&B and hip-hop, and we seriously can't get enough of it. That's not to mention the other hot new music taking us into the weekend, including a new collab by Lyn Lapid and Whethan, Myles Smith's debut EP and so much more. Keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of March 29, 2024.
(Cowboy Carter via Parkwood Entertainment)
1. Clarence James Explores the Destructiveness of Introversion in 'FLAKE'
Up-and-coming artist Clarence James has a bold, vibey sound that's all his own, and we love the way it presents itself in his latest single, "FLAKE." Fusing a unique blend of jazzy hip-hop and indie rock with an experimental, laidback sound, it's a track about how keeping to yourself and pushing others away, however comfortable, can be incredibly harmful as well. "I feel like the sentiment of the song is a popular one among my fellow neurotics," Clarence explained in a press release. "I've been struggling to navigate the mental systems that are keeping me from staying in touch with my loved ones. Personally and societally, strong community units are somewhat of a commodity. I personally tend to dwell on it and form bad habits centered around anxiety. These habits far too often lead to self-destruction, and it's important to understand the positive significance of relying on people."
2. Cloe Wilder and NICOLOSI Confront a Love Growing Apart in 'Afterglow'
Indie-pop singer-songwriter Cloe Wilder is gearing up to release her next EP, I Spent My Summer on the Road, on April 19, and its third single, "Afterglow," featuring NICOLOSI, is especially stunning. The two co-wrote the vulnerable track, about slowly watching love wane as a couple grows apart, and it comes to live with a gorgeously harmonized duet, backed by the delicate pluck of acoustic guitar strings. "Escaping from locations is a big theme in my songs," Cloe shared in a press release. "But I also love the concept of leaving someone behind. 'Afterglow' sort of morphed into this story of two people growing apart in the wintertime; the understanding that the house has gone cold and there's no way to imagine what that could feel like until it happens. I absolutely love that visual. I don't typically hold onto songs this long, but this one always felt like a perfect piece of my project. Plus, I really love that we sing it together. I couldn't imagine it any other way."
3. Maisy Kay Shares Her 'Truest Love Song' With the Music Video for 'Sunlight'
English singer-songwriter Maisy Kay is an artist best known for her infectious and anthemic pop tracks, and with the new music video for "Sunlight," she brings her beloved ballad about true love to life. With shimmering vocals, a piano heartbeat and angelic strings, it's a romantic and vulnerable song about that pure kind of love, and the new music video is equally beautiful. "'Sunlight' is a song I wrote about someone I met who felt like sunshine personified," Maisy said in a press release. "I wanted to write about the gentle, small things that make love so wonderful. Something as simple as holding hands in the afternoon became grand and wondrous, and I think 'Sunlight' is the truest love song I have ever written."
Also read about: Maisy Kay Breaks Down Every Track on Her New Metamorphosis EP
4. Jamie Hannah Ponders Love in 'What If'
Rising British star Jamie Hannah has one of the most gorgeous voices in the business and a sound that pulls inspiration from his favorite classic 17th-century composers and blends it with modern pop and rock sounds to create a style that's uniquely Jamie. We don't know if it's ever been more powerful than on Jamie's new single, "What If," a soaring, yearning ballad and love song, with Jamie wondering if his love's feelings are requited and imagining the happiness they could have together.
5. Dryboy Imagines a Rekinkled Love in 'How 2 Love Again'
Dryboy released his debut EP, Alone and Alive, last month, and while we adore all seven songs, our favorite has to be "How 2 Love Again." This week, it got a new atmospheric and nostalgic music video, adding another layer to its emotional vocals and dreamy mood, and we consider it a must-watch. "Prior to creating the song, I found myself daydreaming on the balcony listening to the beat my friend Jacob Wice had sent me," Dryboy shared in an interview with Sweety High. "It carried a nostalgic feeling but yet felt so present. I began thinking of past relationships and the 'what if' that we all go through when we find ourselves at the end of a relationship. My 'what if' was, what if we crossed paths now that we're in different walks in life and taught each other how to love again? I put myself in that scenario and began to write. Not necessarily based on events that happened but it was because of my romantic past that I was able to grab inspiration for this song."
Also read about: Dryboy Shares the Daydream That Inspired His New Single, 'How 2 Love Again'
6. Lindsey Lomis Tries to Protect Her Heart on Her Handle With Care EP
Lindsey Lomis is one of our biggest artists to watch in 2024, and her new EP, Handle With Care, is the perfect distillation of why that's the case. Showcasing Lindsey's rich and soulful pop-R&B style, its five tracks reveal all the wondrous highs and devilish lows of being in love as she asks her lover to handle her heart with the greatest of care. "The Handle With Care EP covers a lot of anxious emotions towards opening up to someone and finally allowing yourself to get close to them," Lindsey shared in an interview with Sweety High. "['Long Way Down'] is about admitting how much someone means to you, how much you're falling for them, and how much it'll hurt if they let go. It's desperate and yearning and honest."
Also read about: Lindsey Lomis Captures the Vulnerability of Falling for Someone New in 'Long Way Down'
7. Good Kid Bring Their Feel-Good Indie Vibes on Good Kid 4 EP
Canadian indie band Good Kid are bona fide hitmakers, and we honestly think that all six tracks on their new Good Kid 4 EP are worthy of being viral sensations. With an infectious feel-good sound, jangly guitars, effervescent beats and relatable lyrics, their songs are just impossible to resist, though the new single "Dance Class" may be the most fun of them all. "'Dance Class' tries to capture the pit you feel in your stomach as you sit motionless in a high school gym, dimmed by the light of a rented disco ball, washed in the blown-out sound of a bad DJ, desperately trying to summon the courage to go ask them to dance," explained lead singer Nick Frosst in a press release.
8. Myles Smith Shares His Profound Debut EP, You Promised a Lifetime
With his rich, soulful vocals and uniquely folksy brand of pop, English singer-songwriter and guitarist Myles Smith has quickly propelled himself to superstardom with viral hits "Solo" and "My Home," and today, he released his debut EP, You Promised a Lifetime. It consists of six tracks, rounding out the lineup with "River," "Behind," "Sweet Love" and "Betting on Us," and between them, we're hard-pressed to pick a single favorite. "This title represents a profound, yet neutral statement, which gains meaning through the perspective of the person reading it," Myles revealed in a press release. "With the project, my own stories, and the stories of those around me were used to create it, but it's the stories and journeys of those listening who truly give it life, depending on where you are in life and what you are feeling. I hope it gives space to people to unlock their own meanings."
9. Lyn Lapid and Whethan Join Forces for Electro-Pop Single 'Cruise Control'
As longtime fans of 21-year-old artist and TikTok sensation Lyn Lapid, we've loved watching every step of her musical evolution unfold, and her latest single, "Cruise Control" featuring producer Whethan, may be her most addictive yet. Despite its joyful and upbeat electronic indie pop sound, it tackles a tricky yet all-too-relatable subject—struggling to be mindful and present and going on autopilot while life flies past you. Lyn's debut album is set to be released later this year, and we already know it's going to be pure magic.
Also read about: Lyn Lapid Weaves a Tale of Situationships and Heartache in to love in the 21st century
10. Beyoncé Shows Off Her Country Side With COWBOY CARTER
Beyoncé's new country music album COWBOY CARTER is undoubtedly the biggest thing to happen in music this week, consisting of a whopping 27 tracks showing off the artist's country mettle. Over an hour and 18 minutes, the album comes across as a radio broadcast with country legends Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Linda Martell serving as the DJs between Beyoncé's bold originals and luscious covers. Fans will already know "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" and "16 CARRIAGES," but her takes on The Beatles with "BLACKBIIRD," Dolly Parton's "JOLENE" and Chuck Berry's "OH LOUISIANA" have our hearts.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of March 22, 2024.