10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of Dec. 11, 2020
With the holidays right around the corner, you might think that the music industry might slow things down a bit and start winter vacations early. You'd be so wrong.
In fact, in this second week of December, there have been so many unbelievable releases it's nearly impossible to pick just 10 favorites—and with new tracks by our favorite indie artists, holiday hits from huge stars and Taylor Swift releasing a surprise album out of nowhere, it's been hard to keep up! Keep reading for 10 big things that happened in music the week of Dec. 11, 2020.
1. Elise Eriksen Drops the Music Video for Hit 'Less'
Singer Elise Eriksen flew onto our radars in a big way earlier this year with the release of the funky pop hit 'Less,' co-written by Julia Michaels and featuring Shoffy and Blu DeTiger. But we have to say that we're even more in love with the honest yet bouncy tune after the release of its stylish music video. "'Less' speaks about things that are meaningful, but I wanted it to feel upbeat and fun because it has been such a tough year," Elise said in a press release. "I had such a great time making the video with Shoffy, Blu DeTiger and my friends, and I think it really comes across."
2. Blackstarkids Capture Our Hearts With 'Tangerine Love'
Blackstarkids is one musical trio that absolutely deserves your attention this year, and their heartfelt and dreamy new release "Tangerine Love" is the ultimate introduction to the group. This band's music is the perfect intersection between rock and hip-hop, creating something that fans of any genre can enjoy, and this song, full of jangly guitar and irresistible nostalgia, wonderfully encapsulates the ups and downs of teenage love.
3. Shura Remixes Overcoats' 'I'll Be There'
English singer-songwriter and producer Shura is a musical genius, and her remix of Overcoats' "I'll Be There" demonstrates exactly what she's made of. The original track is a melodic dream with entrancing echoing vocals, but this remix brings out an entirely different quality out of the song. With the same message, it transforms the tune into a super danceable electro-pop beat designed to get you moving. It's sure to win over new fans and get them listening to the stunning original as well. And if you love that, be sure to check out six more Overcoats remixes on the new EP The Fight (Remixed).
4. Isaac Dunbar Digs Deep With 'Intimate Moments'
17-year-old singer-songwriter Isaac Dunbar has never released a track we didn't adore, and his new song, "Intimate Moments," is no exception. Yet again, this track reveals a depth and maturity far beyond Isaac's years, and its vulnerable, angst-ridden message is something we can all relate to. "I use my song 'Intimate Moments' as a vessel for all my inner fears and insecurities," Isaac explained in a press release. "It's about my struggle of getting too close to people"
5. Ellington Releases Debut Single 'EMT'
As much as we miss the days of Ellington Ratliff being the drummer for the Lynch family band R5, we might be even more in love with his solo work. His debut single, "EMT," released earlier this week, with a bombastic, soulful rock sound reminiscent of Beck. The track seems to be about how having all of the things you think you want won't actually make you happy. It's incredibly suave, and it simply rocks.
6. Tate McRae Unleashes Powerful New Track 'R U OK'
Few artists can pull on our heartstrings like Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae, and her new bouncy yet sensitive track "R U OK" cuts us to the core. "'R U OK' is a song that I never thought I'd write," Tate said in a press release. "It has a very sassy and feisty tone, which made it a challenge to dive into that perspective—as I think I'm quite the opposite. I love that in this song there is a lot of emotional meaning behind the lyrics, with very trappy, bright and contrasting production at the same time." After listening, we really aren't okay.
7. Victoria Justice Makes a Triumphant Return With 'Treat Myself'
Has it really been seven years since Victoria Justice released new music? She changed all of that this week by dropping a powerful new track called "Treat Myself," which is exactly what we needed for this trying year. Listening to it is literally self-care. "That voice in our heads can tear us down, make us doubt ourselves and flat out lie to us," she explained on Instagram. "I wanted you guys to know that you're not alone. I hope you connect with this song in some way and I hope it can also empower you."
8. Meghan Trainor Releases 'I Believe in Santa' Video Starring JoJo Siwa
Bored of the same old Christmas tracks year over year? Meghan Trainor's vibrantly epic new "I Believe in Santa" is everything but boring, and sure to change things up this holiday season. And did we mention that the music video features none other than JoJo Siwa absolutely dancing her heart out in colorfully festive outfits? "JoJo is a superstar!" Meghan said in a press release for the video. "She works so hard and her incredible, positive energy is contagious. It was an honor to have her star in this music video!"
9. Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello Gift Us With Their Own Take on 'The Christmas Song'
'Tis the season for legendary holiday collabs, and we were counting down the days until couple Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello graced us with their own Christmas classic. The wait completely paid off, and their rendition of "The Christmas Song" is as gorgeous as we've ever heard. The music video featuring their own holiday celebrations is almost too cute to handle. It's one that kids from 1 to 92 will love.
10. Taylor Swift Drops Epic New Evermore Album Out of Nowhere
Where in the world did this come from? With Taylor Swift's birthday coming up this weekend, she decided to give us all an incredible present with her ninth studio album—and the sister record to Folklore—Evermore. These 15 healing tracks are a balm to the woes of 2020, and we cannot stop listening. The surprise drop also came with the release of a music video for the album's opening track, "Willow"—a flawless introduction to everything else to come.
Haven't been keeping up to date on the greatest new music this month? Click HERE to read up on our favorite releases of last week.