10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of May 17, 2024
With new albums by Billie Eilish, ZAYN and Sasha Alex Sloan and countless irresistible singles, we're not exaggerating when we say that this New Music Friday might be the biggest of the entire year.
Instead of lamenting all of the music we couldn't include in our top 10, we're celebrating the almost-summer vibes with some of the hottest music we've heard since 2023. Without further ado, here are the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of May 17, 2024.
(Hit Me Hard and Soft via Interscope Records)
1. VALÉ Recruits Jesse Baez for a New Version of 'chill like that'
Colombian pop singer-songwriter VALÉ has us swooning over her latest single "chill like that," and it just got even better with a new version featuring Guatemalan R&B artist Jesse Baez. Somehow, the track is even smoother with his new Spanish-language verse, as VALÉ's admittedly un-chill attitude juxtaposes against the track's island vibes. "I couldn't be more thrilled to have Jesse on this magical track," VALÉ wrote in an Instagram post. Latinos unite."
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Colombian 'oop' Singer-Songwriter VALÉ
2. Latina Pop Trio DARUMAS Drop Their Self-Titled Debut Album
If you're not already familiar with the Latin soul-pop trio DARUMAS, it's the perfect time to fall in love with their sound with the release of their self-titled debut album. The band consists of Argentinian bassist Aldana, Haitian vocalist Vedala and Cuban-American guitarist Ceci, who brought their unique cultures and musical upbringings to the group to create a funky, energetic sound we haven't heard anywhere else. The album consists of seven bold tracks, with "Mago" being a fast favorite. "I think DARUMAS means something a little different for all of us, but for me, my dream my entire life was to make and release music, to have people hear it and for that to be my career, and in this stage of my life that's exactly what's happening," Ceci shared in an interview with Sweety High. "Being a part of this project is a huge accomplishment for me in and of itself, and I'm here doing the thing, making a career out of what I love."
Also read about: Aldana, Vedala and Ceci of DARUMAS Talk Making Music and Their Self-Titled Debut Album
3. Nashon Teases the Conclusion of His MARTYR Series With New Single, 'runaway'
Nashon might be best known as a hip-hop artist, but he's stepping into a new era of his musicality with his newest single, "runaway." Featuring jangly surf-rock guitars, its a summery indie-punk track that feels like pure joy as he sings about getting away from the troubles and responsibility of life by running away with the one you love. "Indie rock vibes were the easiest for me to sing, so I ran with it," Nashon revealed in a press release. It also serves as the first single from his upcoming EP, MARTYR; ACT III, concluding his acclaimed MARTYR series.
4. HunterGirl Falls for the Wrong Guy (Again) in 'Bad Boy'
Have a habit of falling for bad boys? HunterGirl can relate. The American Idol alum's latest single adds a layer of infectious pop to her typical country music sound as she sings about her attraction to guys she knows won't be good for her, and her tendency to avoid every red flag in search of love. "When it comes to love, 'Bad Boy' is the story of my life," HunterGirl shared in an interview with Sweety High. "I always fall for the ones with issues and tattoos (sadly). If there is a mean looking guy in the corner, I'll be like 'Wow, he looks so nice!' And if he is a walking red flag with a jaded back story, I'm always like 'I can fix him!'"
Also read about: HunterGirl Talks Exploring a New Side of Her Music With Playful New Track, 'Bad Boy'
5. Sadie Jean Finishes the Story of Simple Like 17 With the EP's Deluxe Version
Sadie Jean has had quite the career so far, with mega-viral singles including "WYD Now?" and "Locksmith," both of which appeared on her 2023 EP, Simple Like 17. Today, she's finishing that story and paving the path for whatever comes next with the EP's deluxe version. It features three luscious and brand-new tracks—"Aisle 6," "You Don't" and "Shut Up About It"—with the EP telling Sadie's emotional story between the ages of 19 and 21, and the tracks are some of our favorites of the bunch. "I felt like i needed these last few songs thematically to be a part of this project for me to fully move on to the next thing," Sadie shared in an interview with Sweety High. "I also wanted to have some more music out before my first headline tour, so it just really worked out."
Also read about: Sadie Jean Talks Simple Like 17 and Returning for Its Deluxe Version Before Her Next Big Move
6. Sasha Alex Sloan Gets Open and Honest on Me Again
Sasha Alex Sloan may use the moniker "Sad Girl Sloan" on all of her social media, but according to the artist, her third album, Me Again, is the first time she really let herself dive into those true emotions with her music. Across its 13 evocative tracks, Sasha's delicate vocals ring clear as she explores the dark headspace she was in at the time of recording. "I think I've changed in a lot of ways," Sasha explained in an interview with Sweety High. "I Blame the World was mostly written during COVID and I was scared to be 'actually sad,' since everything else was already so heavy… so I tried to make it all shiny and pop sounding even though I was struggling. This album, I just let my feelings be my feelings, which was a nice change of pace and felt more true to who I am as a person."
Also read about: Sasha Alex Sloan Hopes to Provide Comfort for the Isolated With New Album Me Again
7. Cameron Whitcomb Explores Faith and Belief in 'Rocking Chair'
There's a good reason 21-year-old country singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb turns heads whenever he sings, and they're all on display with his newest single, "Rocking Chair," marking his debut with Atlantic Records. The viral artist left home at 17 and discovered singing at 19, before catching the attention of an American Idol exec and appearing on Season 20 of the show. He's known for his rich, slightly raspy vocals and raw songwriting, with "Rocking Chair" reflecting on belief, addiction and remembering those who've passed. "I wrote this song about being an atheist hoping heaven exists so the people you've lost are still around in some way," Cameron revealed in a press release. "In particular, I wrote this song about wondering where my grandpa went after he passed."
8. Victor Ray and Debbie Join Forces for 'Falling Into Place'
English singer-songwriter Victor Ray made a name for himself with viral busking videos showcasing his lush, soulful voice, and those vocals are front-and-center on his latest single, "Falling Into Place," featuring rising U.K. soul artist Debbie. The two voices complement each other to perfection as they sing about falling hard in love, putting your faith in its success despite the chances it'll all fall apart. Victor said in a press release that the song "was inspired by the rush of emotions that you get when you meet a stranger that you know could end up becoming a lot more than that to you. It's a song about meeting and falling for someone new and realizing there's a high likelihood that it could end badly, but you want to believe it'll work out." It will also appear on his next EP, i tried, which drops on June 14.
Also read about: Victor Ray Dishes on the Toxic Relationship That Inspired 'Comfortable' and What's Next in 2024
9. ZAYN Gets Vulnerable on 4th Solo Album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS
After ZAYN's many years in One Direction and three solo albums, we thought we knew what to expect from the artist, but his fourth entry, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS, has surprised us yet again. Written over the last six years, these 15 songs are more personal than ever, with less of an R&B focus than his previous albums. The album is mostly stripped-back acoustic pop, allowing his vocals to be the star of each vulnerable and dreamy track. "This is my favorite album that I've made to date, mainly because it comes from a place of sheer honesty and vulnerability," ZAYN shared in a press release. "I wanted each song to feel as if it was just me sitting beside you telling you how I feel, singing directly to you. It's raw and stripped back and the type of music I always hoped to make."
10. Billie Eilish Strikes Gold Yet Again With HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
With the release of Billie Eilish's third album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, it's more apparent that ever that Billie simply does not miss. Every one of its 10 tracks more than earns its spot, and we think Billie made the right decision not releasing any singles ahead of the release, because it's one of those classic albums that's made to be enjoyed as a singular collective from start to finish. From the dreamy acoustic "SKINNY" to the pulsing and ethereal "BLUE," these songs explore love and lust in all of its forms, from playful flirtation to desperate yearning, flaunting Billie's versatility while never straying from thematic cohesion. "So crazy to be writing this right now I'm nervy and excited," she shared in a post on Instagram. "Not doing singles I wanna give it to you all at once 😛 Finneas and I truly could not be more proud of this album and we absolutely can't wait for you to hear it."
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of May 10, 2024.