10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of September 8, 2023

You might think that the long weekend would make this a slower week of music, but that couldn't be more wrong. In fact, it felt like this was one of the biggest musical weeks of the year so far.

We probably could have done a top 30 for the week, starting with unbelievable new album releases from both BTS's V and Olivia Rodrigo, plus some epic collabs and sizzling new singles from up-and-comers and hitmakers alike. Want to know how we're kicking off the fall season? Keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Sep. 8, 2023.

1. Bittersweethearts Encounter the Beginning of the End of Love With 'Empty'

L.A.-based indie rock band Bittersweethearts is one of our favorite up-and-comers on the scene, and their new single, "Empty," is a delightful nostalgia trip. It's dreamy yet gritty as vocalist Zoe Infante sings about a relationship gone bad and the moment you realize you're over it. There's a power in refusing to grin and bear it in the face of the toxic relationship, and we adore the way this track captures that emotion sonically.

 

2. Will Swinton Begs to Stay Together on 'Leave in the Morning'

New Zealand-born alt-pop artist Will Swinton has been making quite the name for himself on TikTok, both for his incredible sense of humor and his unbelievable voice, which is put on full display in his emotional new single, "Leave in the Morning." Driven by the folksy strum of a guitar, the single highlights the rawness of Will's vulnerable voice as he sings about a relationship that's not going to last and begs his love not to leave.

 

3. The Moss Celebrate the Great Outdoors in 'The Place That Makes Me Happy'

Just because the summer is ending doesn't mean we have to start spending all of our time indoors, and The Moss's new track, "The Place That Makes Me Happy," is the ultimate celebration of the great and wild outdoors. The single blends an uplifting blues rift with playful vocals for a summery, warm ode to being outside—complete with a music video filmed in the woods in Utah. The band is also gearing up for a very busy season,  playing at Endless Sunshine Festival and Music Midtown Festival before heading out on a headlining tour across the U.S., and this is one we cannot wait to hear live.

 

4. Meet Me @ The Altar Linger in Self-Doubt in 'Strangers'

Pop-punk rock trio Meet Me @ The Altar are having quite the year, with their newest single "Strangers" being the latest cherry on top. The track is effervescent yet angsty as it addresses the anxiety and self-doubt that can hold us back from from being true to ourselves. "'Strangers' wrestles with self-consciousness," shared the band's frontwoman, Edith Victoria, in a press release. "It's about experiencing the nagging self-doubt that fuels imposter syndrome or accuses you of not being strong enough to endure what life has a tendency to throw at you. The song explores the sensation that you're missing out on being your true self and reaching your full potential because you can't shake the thought that you're not good enough. Sometimes I catch myself questioning how much further along I might be toward my goals if it weren't for anxiety and self-sabotage." The new track will also appear on the Past // Present // Future Deluxe, dropping Sep. 29. Until then, you can catch the band supporting 5 Seconds of Summer on their North American arena tour.

 

Also read about: Photo Tour Diary: Meet Me @ The Altar Get Candid About Their Hangout Festival Performance

 

5. Capri Everitt 'Arcade' With Setou & Senyo and B Martin

19-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter Capri Everitt has quite the resume—including holding a Guinness World Record for the most national anthems sung in their host countries in one year—and her new single, "Arcade," is a fun dance-pop song for the ages. It's vibey and seductive as Capri sings about playful, carefree love, and features twin producer duo Setou & Senyo as well as artist B Martin.

 

6. Now United's Mélanie Drops Solo Single 'Misconception'

Now United fans rejoice because the group's members have been working on their own singles, and they've begun rolling out, starting with Mélanie's new song, "Misconception." The Côte d'Ivoire artist's solo debut, also featuring Now United's U.K. artist Lamar Morris, is a sleek, soulful R&B track about misunderstood flirtations, and it's bound to be stuck in our heads all weekend.

 

Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Now United's Josh Beauchamp

 

7. HWASA Makes Her Solo Comeback With Self-Love Anthem, 'I Love My Body'

It's hard to believe it's been two years since Mamamoo member HWASA's last solo release, but her latest, "I Love My Body," marks a triumphant return. This bouncy retro-pop track is an anthem to self-love, reminding us to embrace ourselves as we are and to look past society's expectations to choose happiness for ourselves. "It's been a very long time," HWASA shared in a press release. "It seems like I cannot even remember what thoughts have been blocking me until now. One thing is certain, that I am truly happy and thankful."

 

8. Metro Boomin, Swae Lee, NAV and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie's 'Calling' Gets a Super-Powered Music Video

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was the animated movie event of the summer, and on top of everything else perfect about the film, it also had a show-stopping soundtrack. This week, the super-heroic collab between producer Metro Boomin, Swae Lee, NAV and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodi—"Calling"—got even better with its own Spider-Man infused official musical video. The fan-favorite song (and semi-sequel to Post Malone's "Sunflower") brings together the sounds of four unique hip-hop artists to create something one-of-a-kind, and the new video is a must-watch if you can't get enough of Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy.

 

9. Olivia Rodrigo Bares Her Soul on Coming-of-Age Album GUTS

Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS has been one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year ever since it was announced, and this 12-track stunner does not disappoint. As always, Olivia perfectly captures the essence of growing up—from the euphoric emotional highs to confusion, doubt and the lowest of the lows—in the most irresistibly catchy manner possible. This pop album is infused with rock, punk and folk in equal measure, and it's one that's sure to stand the test of time. "Hey, guys!!!" Olivia shared in a handwritten note on Instagram. "Today is the day! My sophomore album, GUTS, is out everywhere!!! I feel so many feelings. I feel excited, nervous, proud, but mostly I feel so grateful. I feel grateful for everyone on my team who believes in me and supports me so unwaveringly. I feel grateful for my collaborator Dan who pushes me and inspires me and without whom this album wouldn't have been possible. And lastly, I feel so immensely grateful for everyone who has so generously supported me over the past few years. Thank you to everyone who has listened and streamed and been sooo kind. I owe so much to you guys and I really hope you dig these new songs. Lots and lots of love 4 ever and ever!"

 

Also read about: Here's Everything You Need to Know About HSMTMTS Star Olivia Rodrigo

 

10. BTS's V Stands on His Won With Debut Album, Layover

BTS's V has been a longtime fan favorite, and with the release of his first-ever solo album, Layover, it's clear that all of the fuss is well deserved. The six-track album is introspective rather than big and flashy, with an emphasis on sleek pop-R&B that's so smooth it feels nearly effortless. We also adore the title, Layover, which hints that this is just one stop on the way to whatever's next for V. This doesn't just feel like BTS—or any of the other members' solo outings, for that matter—showcasing V's unique and distinctive talents with each note. "Since I'm the last one to release a solo album among BTS members, I am nervous, but I'll show everyone what I've been working on one layer at a time," V explained in a press release. "Layover is an album that captures the essence of who Kim Taehyung is as a person. It's fresh, surprising, and relaxing."

 

Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Sep. 1, 2023.