10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of December 13, 2024
We're now less than two weeks out from Christmas, but just because the holidays are nearly upon us doesn't mean our favorite music artists have thrown in the towel for 2024.
In fact, the last seven days saw the release of some truly thrilling releases, from a silver screen-worthy new music video from Benjamin Ingrosso to Fred again..'s latest inventive project, a surprise collab between Julien Baker and Torres and so much more. To listen to everything we loved best, just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Dec. 13, 2024.
('Back to You' via Universal Music)
1. Monobloc Yearn for Love With 'Take Me'
New York City's own Monobloc have a very exciting year ahead of them in 2025, with scheduled performances at SXSW and Rockin On Sonic, and they're closing out 2024 with the shimmery, yearning new single "Take Me." The post-punk quintet gets vulnerable on the track as they beg again and again to be taken in by the one they adore. The song also comes complete with an intimate visualizer consisting of black and white footage of the band's performances around the world.
2. Paco Drops a Sultry 2-Track Bundle
Rising artist Paco has been making a name for himself with a string of punchy double releases, but we think his latest two-track bundle is the most irresistible of them all. It includes "BODY SHOP." featuring Tommy Richman and "PLAN B.," both showcasing his versatility and strength in blending genres as he infuses Latin flavor into a sleek and sultry R&B sound. "They say songs sometimes come out of thin air when you least expect it… and well this one 'BODY SHOP.' is a special one like that," Paco explained in a press release. "It came together in just five hours, shifting from a dreamy pop R&B vibe to something loose and swaggy, creating an addictive track that's familiar yet fresh. As for 'PLAN B,' it was a track I nearly forgot about, but when I rediscovered it, I realized it had that perfect smooth, bouncy vibe that works in any setting—whether you're turning up, in your feelings, or cruising. Together, these two tracks complement each other with undeniable energy and flow."
3. Will Swinton Explores Grief and Heartache With His December EP
New Zealand artist Will Swinton has been rapidly on the rise in 2024, and we can't think of a better entry point to his unique brand of rousing and evocative folk music than his new December EP. Across seven tracks, the EP explores all of the facets of a broken heart as he works through all of the stages of grief, driven by his signature rich and raspy vocals that expertly convey the complex emotion of each moment. Its sound provides a warmth against the chill of heartache, and it really couldn't be a better accompaniment as the winter rapidly approaches. "This past month has been unreal," he wrote in a post on Instagram. "I finished writing, recording and filming music videos for my EP literally the day before I left for tour. Getting to tour around the United States and meeting all of you has been the best feeling in the world. I'm so proud of all these songs and I cannot wait for you to hear them."
4. Leanna Firestone Contemplates Revenge in 'Keeping Score'
23-year-old indie pop singer-songwriter Leanna Firestone has demonstrating her mastery of writing infectiously catchy and relatable tracks. Her latest release, "Keeping Score," is no exception. It's an upbeat power pop anthem about plotting revenge on the ex who wronged you, only to experience a confused jumble of emotions as you slowly fall for them again. By the end of the song, she's decided to let it go and stop keeping score—but how long will that last?
Also read about: Leanna Firestone Breaks Down Every Track Off Her Public Displays of Affection EP
5. Maverick Sabre Shares an Enchanting 'Know Better' Visualizer
Irish artist Maverick Sabre released his eagerly anticipated fifth album, Burn the Ring Things Down, in October, and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving. It includes the hit songs "Lay Down on Me" and "If I Could Only Love You Again," and our personal favorite track, "Know Better," just became even more memorable, courtesy of a new visualizer. Completely shot in black and white, the visualizer stars dancer George Jennings as he adds further depth to the song via a mesmerizing interpretive dance.
6. Celeste Makes Her Directorial Debut With Music Video for 'This Is Who I Am'
You may recognize Celeste's "This Is Who I Am" as the theme song of Peacock's The Day of the Jackal, and today, the track further comes to life thanks to its new music video, serving as Celeste's directorial debut. With echoing piano chords and stirring strings, the darkly cinematic track feels like it'd be an appropriate backdrop to any spy thriller, with the video weaving its own contemplative narrative, with the theme of womanhood front and center. "The initial thinking behind the idea is that there is a sense that we, as a people, are enduring a kind of suffering, perhaps due to a lack of connectivity among people in society," Celeste shared in a press release. "It has been my thinking for a long time now that we feel quite often that women are, or should be, the bearers of our comfort. But in the way our roles and lives have evolved, we are no longer the universal caregivers that keep a society functioning, feeling loved, nurtured, and in the safety of the metaphorical womb. I believe this has led to a level of frustration, of violence towards women. My hope is that the depiction of myself, although bound, shows a strength that defies the circumstance."
7. JESSIA Shares a Message of Optimism and Resilience in 'I'm Not Gonna Cry'
For those times you need a song that'll make you smile even when your heart is broken, JESSIA's "I'm Not Gonna Cry" is here to save the day. The Canadian pop artist just concluded her first-ever headline tour across North America, and her new single is an anthemic pick-me-up, perfectly pairing its uplifting sound and message to help us keep an eye on hope and the future when we're struggling. "This song is about the will to keep showing up for yourself, even when life gets tough," JESSIA said in a press release. "It's choosing to celebrate the good things instead of dwelling on the negative. I want it to pick the listener up, dust them off, and get them ready for their busy day or their girls' night out."
8. Julien Baker & TORRES Join Forces for 'Sugar in the Tank'
Earlier this week, Julien Baker and TORRES surprised fans be joining up for a surprise appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing new song "Sugar in the Tank." Today, they dropped it as their first collaborative single. The two first bonded over growing up queer in the South, bringing their experiences together to create a sweet and romantic track that defies expectations and reminds us all that country can be inclusive.
Also read about: 20 Angsty Julien Baker Lyrics to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
9. Fred again.. Finishes the Story of ten days With two more days
English producer Fred again..'s latest album, ten days, was released in September, and he's finishing of 2024 by concluding that story with a collection of two tracks titled two more days. The first is "light dark light," reinterpreting Angie McMahon's "Making It Through" and reinforcing its message of the cycles of life. Second is "little mystery," an homage to John Martyn's "Sweet Little Mystery," reflecting on highs and lows of the mystery of love.
Also read about: Angie McMahon Shares a Sister Record to Light, Dark, Light Again With New Light Sides EP
10. Benjamin Ingrosso Travels Through Time for Love in 'Back to You'
2024 has truly been Swedish pop sensation Benjamin Ingrosso's year. After releasing his critically acclaimed album Pink Velvet Theatre in October, he just announced a North America tour celebrating the album and dropped the music video for his latest single, "Back to You." The music video feels like a short film, set in Stockholm in 1950 before exploding into a frenzied time travel adventure with Benjamin doing whatever he can to save the one he loves. "I wanted the music video to feel like stepping straight into the world of Pink Velvet Theatre," Benjamin explained in a press release. "Each song on the album is kind of like a puzzle piece in the love story between the album's protagonist and Angela, showing all the stages you go through when you're madly in love. In the video, we're thrown back in time and get to follow the main character through his different dramatic emotional phases. He's pulled between love, panic, grief and obsession. At the same time, you're never really sure what's real and what's just happening in his head."
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Dec. 6, 2024.