10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of October 11, 2024
Goodbye, Brat Summer. Hello, Brat Fall.
The lime green hyperpop universe just got even bigger with Charli xcx's remix album, featuring appearances from Ariana Grande, Tinashe and more. But Brat wasn't the only exciting release for the week. Jennie Ruby Jane dropped her first single, "Mantra," under her joint venture label with Columbia Records, Odd Atelier. Meanwhile, Tyla and Tori Kelly offered deluxe editions of their self-titled projects, and The Kid LAROI finally gave us "APEROL SPRITZ."
(Photo credit: Harley Weir)
To learn why we loved these tracks so much and even more music we enjoyed, continue scrolling to discover the 10 big things that happened in music over the past seven days.
1o. Sierra Spirit Premieres Her Debut EP, coin toss
Native American singer-songwriter Sierra Spirit is the artist everyone should know.
In her new EP, coin toss, it's clear that she has a superpower for creating infectious folk-pop sounds and an even higher penchant for storytelling. Her lyrics are largely inspired by her upbringing in the Otoe-Missouria tribe and the Keetoowah Band of Cherokees, as shown in "better wild" and "bleed you."
"I want to be a voice for my community, amplifying that we're still here," Sierra revealed in a press statement. "The culture is still moving."
Also read about: Stephen Dawes Talks Touring, His Latest Project Up At Night and More
9. Syamali Kicks Off Her Career With Power Ballad, 'California Rain'
After cultivating a rich following on TikTok with her viral covers, Syamali is ready to carve her own path. The singer recently signed with Quality Control (alongside the likes of City Girls and Quavo). Today, she took her first step with "California Rain."
The track is a powerful ballad detailing the feeling of being neglected by your partner: "I'll wait for you, but you're like California rain/ I know you'll take forever to give me one day."
8. Sebastian Schub Desires to 'Sing Like Madonna' on Jazzy Track
Where would our current musicians of 2024 be without the influence of artists like Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and Freddie Mercury? In "Sing Like Madonna," German-born, London native Sebastian Schub pays homage to these greats over a lush beat.
"I wanna sing like Madonna/ I wanna dance like a queen," he croons in the chorus. "I wanna move like Freddy/ And kiss the sun/ Scream 'Hallelujah'/ Bang Springsteen's drums."
7. mxmtoon Channels Homesick Nostalgia on Sentimental Single, 'rain'
There's a bittersweetness to leaving your hometown for the first time. There's an even more poignant feeling when you return sooner than you expected. On her new song, "rain," mxmtoon knows the feeling all too well.
"And it's so sad to think/ That I won't be here forever/ Going home, going home/ But I'll always remember," she declares. "'Cause I said I'd go back home, but I don't really know."
"Rain" will appear on mxmtoon's upcoming album, liminal space, out Nov. 1.
6. The Kid LAROI Officially Releases His Viral Single, 'APEROL SPRITZ'
We've been waiting on the edge of our seats for The Kid LAROI to share the full version of "APEROL SPRITZ" since he began teasing it this summer. The day is finally here, and its everything we could've wanted and more.
In the rising hit, The Kid LAROI reassures his partner that she's the only woman he sees, even in a crowded room. Perhaps, it's an allude to his real-life relationship with Tate McRae (one of our fave celeb couples, btw).
Also read about: Spencer Sutherland Seizes Every Aspect of Life With His Operatic Sophomore Album, The Drama
5. Tori Kelly Adds Four New Tracks to Her Self-Titled R&B Project
Tori Kelly showcased her versatility on Tori in July 2023—she became sassier, fiercer and even more confident—with Y2K-inspired R&B tracks and, of course, her otherworldly vocals. Since then, this self-titled project has grown bigger and bolder with a full-length album and now, a deluxe version.
This release features four new songs: "distance;" "bottomline," featuring fellow powerhouse JoJo; "u" and "beautiful war," featuring Pink Sweat$. It's sultry, feel-good pop that we're certain will be on repeat for the next year.
4. K-pop Girl Group aespa Continue the SYNK Saga With 'PARALLEL LINE'
We already knew aespa was spectacular as a quartet, but on their latest single album, each member proves their solo prowess, too. Karina has the bass-driven, hip-hop-influenced "UP," Giselle's got the steamy R&B track "Dopamine," Ningning on the sharp but playful "Bored!" and Winter closing it out with EDM tones on "Spark."
If you were lucky enough to see aespa on their SYNK : PARALLEL LINE international tour, you probably recognize these tracks from the solo stages.
Also read about: Ferry Townes Chats Duetting With Liz Gillies on Their Gorgeous New Collab, 'What You've Done'
3. Tyla Expands Her Self-Titled Universe With a Deluxe Edition
Tyla is rounding out her breakout season with the deluxe version of her self-titled debut. Inside Tyla +, you'll find three new efforts: "Shake Ah," with Tony Duardo, Optimist and Maestro Fresh Wes; "Push 2 Start" and "Back to You." The first and third songs on the album also mark some of the first fully self-written tracks of her catalog.
Next week, Tyla will headline the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, where we'll likely get a debut performance of the new music.
2. Jennie Drops an It-Girls Anthem With Her Solo Single, 'Mantra'
Blinks have been anticipating what would be next in this second season of BLACKPINK. Despite renewing their group contract, they went a different route as individuals. Jennie opted for a joint venture with Columbia Records called Odd Atelier.
The first to arrive is "Mantra," fitting for her it-girl status: "This that pretty girl manta, this that flaunt ya, just touched down in LA/ Pretty girls don't do drama 'less we wanna, it'll be depending on the day."
In a press statement, Jennie revealed, "It's the perfect song to begin my new era. I think 'Mantra' will make my fans happy but also show a new side of me as a solo artist."
1. Charli xcx Extends the Brat Era With a Star-Studded Remix Album
Last but definitely not least is Charli xcx's Brat and it's completely different but also still brat. What makes it different is that each song now has a feature. "B2B" now has an appearance from Tinashe, and "I Might Say Something Stupid" recruits The 1975 and Jon Hopkins. And of course, she brings Ariana Grande onto "Sympathy Is a Knife."
That's only scratching the surface of what's included in the album, so you'll have to listen to get the full story. We're thrilled to let you know that the remixes are super different from the original Brat, which makes the listen-through even more fun.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases from the week of Oct. 4, 2024.