10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of October 18, 2024
The temperatures may be rapidly dropping in our neck of the woods, but we're feeling quiet comfortable today, because this New Music Friday's top releases have been sizzling hot.
The last seven days have blessed us with unforgettable new albums, new singles from Max McNown, Rebecca Black and Ruel and an unexpected yet completely irresistible new collab between Bruno Mars and BLACKPINK's ROSÉ. This was one for the history books, so keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Oct. 18, 2024.
(Photo credit: John V. Esparza)
1. Ashwin Gane Brings on the Romance With New Single, 'Got It'
Rising hip-hop sensation Ashwin Gane never misses, and if you're already a fan, prepare to fall even more deeply in love with his music with the release of his new single, "Got It." The Detroit-based artist is as smooth, soulful and seductive as ever in this laidback love song, with a flow that feels effortless and a confident swagger that doesn't take away from the sweetness of the lyrics.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'milli-ON' Artist and Producer Ashwin Gane
2. some fear Embrace Change and Growing Up in 'Skin I Can't Peel'
Oklahoma City rock band some fear just announced the upcoming release of their self-titled debut album on Jan. 16, 2025, dropping a spacey new single, "Skin I Can't Peel," in the process. For us, it's the band at their very best, showcasing their hazy, lo-fi sound as they sing about the effort to stop living in the past and finally embrace how they are in the present. "Skin I Can't Peel" is a song I wrote about meeting someone where they're at in life, regardless of your common past," said the band's Branden Palesano in a press release. "It's about accepting, growing and realizing we all change as we grow older and shed our old skin."
3. Jovin Webb Tells His Story With Soulful Debut Album Drifter
We've been keeping an eye out for more from blues artist Jovin Webb ever since he appeared on the 18th season of American Idol, and his new debut album, Drifter, has been well worth the wait. Over 12 stunning songs, Jovin tells his personal story, with his soulful, raspy vocals and rocking blues sound driving each and every track. "To me, the title Drifter is just a reflection of my life, whether it's relationships, career, religion or just everyday living," Jovin shared in an interview with Sweety High. "I'm just drifting around trying to figure it all out. I'm sure most people can relate to that."
Also read about: American Idol Alum Jovin Webb Shares the 'Process' and 'Journey' Behind Debut Album, Drifter
4. Sofia Valdés Shows Us What She's Made of With Self-Titled Debut Album
24-year-old Panamanian singer-songwriter Sofia Valdés has been one to watch in recent years, and with the release of her eagerly anticipated self-titled debut album, she reminds us precisely why we can't get enough. Its 10 tracks demonstrate just how versatile she is as an artist, effortlessly switching between English and Spanish and bouncing between bossa nova sounds and retro indie pop, with a modern twist. It also includes collaborations with Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai, and Latin sensations DannyLux and Cuco, showing new layers of Sofia's artistry each time. "My hair is long again and my album is coming out tonight… and they say perfect timing does not exist…," Sofia wrote in a post on Instagram. "I went to hell and back in the making of this album… physically and mentally… (e.g. cutting my own bangs in the bathroom too many times, I looked like Ariana Grande in that SNL skit). I felt like my entire life had been leading up to this moment: My first album! You can imagine the amount of pressure I put on myself for this (alongside obvious pressures that came from being with a major label and working with an excellent team of talented people). You wanna feel like what you are doing is worth everyone's time. I met @michaeluzowuru in 2020 over a zoom call. He was a big fan of my first song that came out 'little did I know' which meant the world to me since I had been a big fan of his work for years. Years passed and we kept in touch and then we decided to make this project together. Michael introduced me to @alexgoose and it was game over. 💥"
5. Joy Oladokun Seeks Her Own Place in the World With New Album, Observations From a Crowded Room
Singer-songwriter and producer Joy Oladokun is having a very big year in 2024, from opening up for Hozier this fall on tour to recently announcing her own headlining tour across North American, and among the songs we can't wait to hear most are those from her latest album, Observations From a Crowded Room. It consists of 15 tracks (12 songs and three spoken-word "observation" interludes), primarily written performed and produced by Joy herself to make them more personal and introspective than ever. The album takes Joy's signature blend of folk and pop, infused with electronic and psychedelic elements, to tell the story of Joy's quest to find her own place in the world, both musically and personally.
6. Wyatt Flores Welcome to the Plains
Country artist Wyatt Flores has had a whirlwind year after being featured on the Twisters soundtrack, and it's about to get even better with the release of debut album, Welcome to the Plains. The album's 14 tracks are somewhat autobiographical, telling Wyatt's personal story of leaving behind his home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to take out on the road in his pursuit of his musical career. Driven by his powerful storytelling, it's a bold country-folk album sharing tales of joy, sorrow and everything in between. "It's an album about home and a search for happiness," Wyatt shared in a press release. "It's an album about Stillwater, Oklahoma, and all the other little towns that have raised people like you and me. It's an album about my family, and the people and places in my life who have defined who I am today. This album is happy on one side and heartbreak on the other, and whoever you are, I hope you find something you love in here."
7. Max McNown Shares the Light of Hope in 'Hotel Bible'
Since last year, folk artist Max McNown has gone from a complete unknown to a mega-viral sensation, and he's showing zero signs of slowing down anytime soon. The 23-year-old artist is about to embark on his first headlining tour and just released his striking new single, "Hotel Bible." Backed by jangly guitars, the soulful track is an anthem for hope and light even in the darkest and most desperate times. "Even the most confident among us doubt themselves at times," Max said in a press release. "'Hotel Bible' follows a loved one who's lost their ability to trust and love themselves. But as the lyrics illustrate, even in the darkness of self doubt, there can also be light. The song is meant to serve as a reminder of the best times of our lives, when we inevitably endure the worst… to see value in the times we feel cheapest."
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'A Lot More Free' Singer-Songwriter Max McNown
8. Rebecca Black Gets Bolder Than Ever on 'TRUST!'
No artist has had a trajectory quite like Rebecca Black's, and since the days of "Friday" memes, she's gone on to become a queer pop icon. The singer-songwriter's latest hit is "TRUST!," a techno-pop club track with a beat we can't resist, with bold and sexy lyrics that remind us just how far she's come. "It felt only right to kick off the next project with the loudest and brashest track I've put out yet, and 'TRUST!' embodies the essence of the fearlessness in this project better than anything," Rebecca explained in a press release.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Let Her Burn Singer-Songwriter Rebecca Black
9. Ruel Gets Lovey-Dovey With New Single, 'Cats on the Ceiling'
Following his big Lollapalooza debut earlier this year, 21-year-old Australian pop star Ruel has been releasing some unforgettable new music, including his latest, "Cats on the Ceiling." It's a vibey and optimistic love song that captures the unmistakable thrills that come with being young and in love."I think there is so much more out there for us to experience in this life if we can just 'let go' of all that pent up self-control from time to time," Ruel shared in a press release. "I wrote 'Cats' to express the joy that comes from giving in to the great unknown and I want people to be able interpret that in whatever way feels good to them."
10. ROSÉ and Bruno Mars Join Forces for Party Track 'APT.'
We certainly weren't expecting the week to end with a delightful new collaboration between BLACKPINK star ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, but it's precisely what we needed. "APT." Named after a popular Korean party game, it captures all of the energy of a high-octane hangout with your best friends in the world, and it'll also be the lead single of ROSÉ's debut studio album, rosie, out Dec. 6. "'APT.' is actually my favorite Korean drinking game that I play with my friends back home," ROSÉ explained. "It's so simple, puts a smile on your face, and breaks the ice at any party. One night in the studio I taught my crew how to play the game. Everyone was fascinated, especially when I started the chant, so we played around with it and I said we should make a song out of it… and after Bruno joined the track, the rest became history!"
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Oct. 11, 2024.