10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of September 27, 2024
It's the first New Music Friday of fall, and listening to all of this week's biggest releases, it's clear that change in is in the air.
The last seven days were something else, featuring an emotional new music video from Billie Eilish ahead of her next tour, a surprise Harley Quinn-inspired album from Lady Gaga and so much more. If you're eager to hear it all, just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Sep. 27, 2024.
('Birds of a Feather' via Darkroom/Interscope Records)
1. Tyler Hubbard Celebrates the Unsung Fighters With 'Heroes'
With his latest inspiring track, "Heroes," country music star Tyler Hubbard sings a song to the unsung heroes of everyday life. It's a laidback yet heartfelt ode to the seemingly regular people whose daily heroic actions typically go unrecognized, also serving as a powerful reflection of the heroes we all have in our lives. Tyler will also be performing the track on Sunday, Sep. 29, at the 23rd Annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk, honoring those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks. "In my mind, heroes serve and put others before themselves, and I wanted to shine a light on the everyday heroes who do this without always being recognized — teachers, first responders, farmers and anybody who takes the time to lend a hand to someone in need," Tyler shared in a press release. "It's all about people helping people. I hope when people hear this song, they reflect on the everyday heroes in their own life and are reminded that everyone can be a hero for somebody. It's a small way to say thanks and give these real life heroes the recognition they deserve."
Also read about: Tyler Hubbard Had a Night to Remember in L.A. With BMO Stadium Concert and a Surprise Aftershow
2. Brittney Spencer Shares Deluxe Edition of My Stupid Life
Rising country artist Brittney Spencer is one to watch in 2024. She released her debut album, My Stupid Life, in January before being featured on Beyoncé's unforgettable Cowboy Carter in March, and now, she's returned with a deluxe edition of her album, gaining the subtitle (The Party That I Almost Missed). The new release features six brand-new songs on top of the 13 original album tracks, including our personal favorite, "Guitar Lady." "Someone asked me what the common thread or theme is in this album," Brittney wrote in an Instagram post. "I thought for a second and replied, 'longing.' There's six new songs on this deluxe that feel almost like letters I've hand written and mailed to my hometown friends whenever I'm having FOMO again, or to an ex that always left me in limbo guessing, or to my teenage self that grew up singing in church and excited for service to end so I could listen to The Chicks, India Arie and John Mayer… lol. It's essentially taken my whole life to live and write these stories. Since forever, my first album has been my all consuming goal and my whole heart. I hope its final chapter finds a way into yours."
3. Pale Waves Share a Powerful Story of Young Queer Love on New Album, Smitten
We don't think English rock band Pale Waves have ever been better than on their newly released fourth album, Smitten. Consisting of a dozen glimmery, synth-backed pop-rock tracks, it serves as a glimpse into frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie's youth. Its relatable songs—of romance, heartbreak and confusion—are told through the lens of young queer love. "I found myself writing about not just a certain time period, but my whole life, from years ago," Heather said in a press release. "When I fall in love, I fall deep, and it's interesting to me that you can feel so fascinated and smitten with someone and then they can become a total stranger. So I feel like Smitten really summarized perfectly what I felt for others at a certain point."
Also read about: 27 Lovelorn Lyrics From Pale Waves' Smitten Album to Use as Instagram Captions
4. Dylan Schneider Shares His Biggest Ups and Downs With Debut Album, PUZZLED
It's taken eight years since moving to Nashville to pursue his dreams as a country singer and songwriter, but Dylan Schneider's debut album, PUZZLED, is finally here—and it's been worth the wait. The album's 16 songs, all written or co-written by Dylan himself, showcase his relatable lyricism and cross-genre appeal with pop and rock influences as he shares his personal story thus far. "The album PUZZLED is about the growth and lessons I've learned in life since moving to Nashville in 2016," Dylan shared in an interview with Sweety High. "It's been eight years of ups and downs, from my career to my family as well as relationships. The final track sums it all up as best I could, and I can't wait for everyone to hear it."
Also read about: Dylan Schneider Shares the Process of Finding Himself With Debut Album, PUZZLED
5. Jenna Raine Shares New Video for Viral Hit, 'Roses'
Rising pop star Jenna Raine has made quite an impression with her latest single "Roses," with the viral sound racking up a quarter of a million views on social media in just a month. Today, the beloved song got its own feel-good music video that perfectly matches the joyful, optimistic vibes of the track. It's an ode to embracing happiness and positivity, with a stirring, folksy sound to match. "Feeling extremely grateful," Jenna shared in a post on Instagram. "Thank you to everyone who has been listening. Love y'all and have a good, good day."
Also read about: 20 Wistful Jenna Raine Lyrics to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
6. Wyatt Flores Reckons With Burnout and Creativity With 'Oh Susannah'
Up-and-coming country artist Wyatt Flores is gearing up to release his debut album, Welcome to the Plains, on Oct. 18. He just gave us another taste of what's to come with the new single, "Oh Susannah," a rousing and anthemic opening up that tackles the push and pull of burnout and creativity. "The story behind this song is just me having to take a mental break back in February and coming back to it all realizing that I need to take care of myself before I can even think about taking care of others, and that's all I ever wanted to do," Wyatt shared in a press release. "So I did have to take a step back and this song is an apology from me to my fans."
7. elijah woods Goes on a Quest of Self-Discovery With Hey There Elijah EP
Canadian singer-songwriter and producer elijah woods has made 2024 his year, reaching a billion streams as well as growing as both an artist and human being. That's very apparent on his new EP, Hey There Elijah, consisting of six captivating pop tracks sharing elijah's story over the last year and a half. It's a journey of self-discovery, growing up and what it means to turn 30, with elijah's effervescent and irresistible sound driving the narrative forward. "This project feels more mature than my previous work, both sonically and thematically," elijah shared in an interview with Sweety High. "It took me down a path of deep self-exploration, more so than many of my past releases. I see Hey There Elijah as a really interesting and significant chapter in my career. As an artist, I think it's so important to explore different sounds and feelings in my music, and I hope fans are able to appreciate this season in my musical journey. I really hope listeners love the EP as much as I do!"
Also read about: How elijah woods Went on a Journey of Self-Discovery With His Hey There Elijah EP
8. Damiano David Showcases His Solo Artistry With New Single, 'Silverlines'
Italian singer-songwriter Damiano David is probably best known as the frontman of rock band Måneskin, but he's embarking on a new journey as a solo artist, and we want to follow him along every step of the way. He just shared a first taste of his debut solo project with "Silverlines," produced by Labrinth, and it's a work of art. With dream-like orchestration and a cinematic feel, it puts Damiano's soaring vocals front and center, feeling like just one piece of a much bigger operatic tale.
9. Lady Gaga Explores the Chaos of Harley Quinn With Surprise Album, Harlequin
Leave it to Lady Gaga to completely transcend the boundaries of genre and performer vs. character with her new surprise album, Harlequin, inspired by her role as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux. With the film arriving on Oct. 4, the album's 13 jazzy tracks tease the upcoming film in a way only Gaga could, inspired by the chaos and beauty of Harley herself. It reimagines vintage pop with interpolations and interpretive covers, as well as fully original songs, taking us on an emotional journey right alongside Harley Quinn, and if you think you know what's about to come next, think again.
10. Billie Eilish Yearns for Eternal Love in New Music Video for 'BIRDS OF A FEATHER'
"BIRDS OF A FEATHER," off Billie Eilish's powerful third album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, has been a fan favorite ever since its big release in May, and it's just become even more powerful with a new music video. The yearning and romantic track is a love song about the kind of eternal love that lasts until your final breath, with the video showing Billie being dragged around by the invisible forces of love. The song also features one of Billie's most iconic vocal performances ever caught on tape, and the timing couldn't be more perfect with Billie kicking off a massive 34-date North American tour on Sunday, Sep. 29.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Sep. 20, 2024.