10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of December 6, 2024
If you've been feeling a little lethargic since returning from a long and indulgent Thanksgiving weekend, this week's New Music Friday is sure to get you back on your feet with some of the biggest, boldest and most energizing releases of the whole year.
Honestly, we would've been happy to listen to ROSÉ's epic debut solo album, rosie, on repeat all weekend long if it weren't for rousing new albums from Travis Japan and CRAVITY, new holiday classics from SZNS and David Kushner, Aswin Gane's latest thrilling EP and so much more. To start listening, just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Dec. 6, 2024.
(Photo credit: Amy Lee)
1. Ashwin Gane Exudes Smooth Confidence on His Got It EP
Rising hip-hop sensation and producer Ashwin Gane has been making waves in 2024, and with his new EP, Got It, Ashwin's proves he's got what it takes to be the next big thing. Featuring five tracks, the EP flows with his unique musical signatures, combining lusciously smooth R&B beats with his irresistible vocals to tell his story. Whether he's discussing wealth and fame or romance, he perfectly balances a bold confidence with thoughtful introspection. "With this EP, I wanted to create music that feels alive, no matter the setting—whether you're turning up, vibing out or reflecting on life." Ashwin shared in a press release. "It's a fusion of soulful R&B, gritty hip-hop, and the kind of storytelling that defines my sound." The EP also dropped just a week ahead of the release of feature film Trap City, on which Ashwin served as executive producer, post-production supervisor and music producer
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'milli-ON' Artist and Producer Ashwin Gane
2. SZNS Get Sassy With Holiday Single 'If Santa Knew'
SZNS is a one-of-a-kind girl group, recently named one of the Grammys' Girl Groups to Watch. With their new single, "If Santa Knew," members Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring put a bold and sultry twist on holiday songs. It begins like a romantic holiday ballad before turning the concept on its head with a pulsing beat and edgy breakdown as they sing about how they may have landed themselves on Santa's naughty list. The group told Sweety High, "It was so much fun sharing our favorite holiday memories, hometown rekindles, rituals and traditions, and we wanted the song to have that same energy—festive, but also playful and a little bit sexy!"
Also read about: SZNS on Playfully Walking the Line Between Naughty and Nice on Holiday Single, 'If Santa Knew'
3. Mallrat Channels the Nostalgia of Going Home in 'Horses'
Australian singer-songwriter and producer Mallrat just announced that her upcoming album, Light hit my face like a straight right will be out on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. Joining singles "Hocus Pocus" and "Ray of Light" is her newest single, "Horses," a raw exploration of the the uniquely potent emotions that coming home can trigger. Paired with an atmospheric and nostalgic, building sound, it creates a similar sensation for the listener. "I made this song with my friend Alice Ivy," Mallrat shared in a press release. "A lot of the lyrics on this song are about going home and how alone that makes me feel. The first verse is describing catching the train home from school with my little sister Olivia. She has passed away since I wrote this song and so it really makes me miss her."
4. Noah Rinker Laments Lost Love With 'Wherever I Go'
Rising artist Noah Rinker has established himself as one of the most exciting voices in Americana, with new single, "Wherever I Go," poised to be his next viral hit. The folk track is equal parts rousing and mournful as he sings about a lost love whose spirit has never really left, and the feeling that a part of her will follow him to the very end. "This song is incredibly special to me, and I'm so excited to finally share it with you," Noah shared in a post on Instagram. "I wrote it late one night, gazing out my window at the northern lights during the solar storm we had back in May—a moment I'll never forget. This song holds a deep meaning for me, and I'm so grateful it now gets to live and grow with each of you. "
5. CRAVITY Carve Their Own Path With FIND THE ORBIT Single Album
K-pop superstars CRAVITY have repeatedly shown us what makes the nine-member group one of a kind, and with their latest single album, FIND THE ORBIT, they're yet again carving out the unique path of their own orbit in the K-pop world. It consists of three tracks—focus track "Now or Never," plus "Secret" and "Horizon"—effortlessly gravitating between bold rock and disco-pop to bouncy space pop, marking a new era in CRAVITY's musical journey. "'Now or Never' is about recognizing the importance of the moment and taking on the world with confidence," the group revealed of the focus song in a press release. "We wanted to express our fearless approach to life and music through this track."
Also read about: CRAVITY Embraces Their Dreams Through EVERSHINE
6. Lauren Mayberry Proves Her Power as a Solo Artist With Vicious Creature
Lauren Mayberry is perhaps best known as the frontwoman of Scottish synth-pop band CHVRCHES, but with the release of her solo debut album, Vicious Creature, that might not be the case for long. With her first project, Lauren sought to shed any expectations, instead focusing on fully and freely exploring her sound, without boundaries or restraints. Its 12 tracks, including singles "Something in the Air" and "Crocodile Tears," is her musical truth, channeling her biggest influences and inspirations while being undeniably Lauren. "So much of this process has been an exercise in empowering myself to listen to my own intuition—something I really trained myself out of," Lauren said in a press release. "That's ultimately why you start making things—because you felt a feeling, and you wanted to articulate that somehow. I think it was important for me to relearn that kind of independence, and recognize what I bring to any table I choose to sit at."
7. Travis Japan Continue Their Global Takeover With Sophomore Album, VIIsual
We can't think of another J-pop group that's exploded in global popularity over recent years quite like Travis Japan, and they're keeping the momentum going with the release of their second album, VIIsual. It consists of 13 tracks, including hits "Crazy Crazy," "Fly Higher" and "Sweetest Tune," brimming with the energy and passion that put the seven-member group on the map. "First, I think VIIsual represents the part of our personality that can be seen from the outside," Travis Japan's Umi shared in an interview with Sweety High. "We have been fortunate enough to be recognized for our singing and dancing, and I chose this title because I wanted people to focus more on these kinds of skills that we've been working hard to develop over the past year. Of course, the VIIsual nature of things isn't the only aspect of our character, and the aura that comes from within and the personality that a person possesses is also quite visual in a way, so this album sums both up well."
Also read about: J-Pop Superstars Travis Japan Discuss Their Journey So Far and 2nd Album, VIIsual
8. Max McNown and Hailey Whitters Team Up for 'Roses and Wolves'
Country artists Max McNown and Hailey Whitters have both made a big impact in 2024 with their soulful musical talents, and they're somehow even better together on the new collaborative track, "Roses and Wolves." Both artists bring their own unique perspectives to the moving track, reflecting on the pain of a broken heart while looking forward with the understanding that the hurt is temporary, and live goes on. It's a song of hope and healing, making it just the thing for those looking to soothe their own heartache. "The privilege of hindsight helps us accept that relationships don't always last forever," Max shared in a press release. "'Roses and Wolves' is written from a place of comfort in the realization that the world will keep spinning and heartbreak is part of life. Hailey Whitters' beautiful vocals created a unique energy and truly brought this song to life!"
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'A Lot More Free' Singer-Songwriter Max McNown
9. David Kushner Puts His Own Twist on the Holidays With 'Empty Bench'
We never would have expected "Daylight" singer-songwriter David Kushner to release a Christmas single, but after hearing "Empty Bench," we've realized the match couldn't be more perfect. It's a powerful anthem about the sense of lonesomeness that can come with the holidays, with David's signature deep and raspy vocals perfectly complementing the twinkle of holiday bells and melancholy piano keys. He reflects on loss and revisiting the places that were once filled with a sense of love and togetherness, as well as a unique pain can be felt ever more deeply during the festive season
Also read about: How David Kushner Explored the Contradictions of Life With Debut Album, The Dichotomy
10. ROSÉ Cements Her Status as a Pop Powerhouse With rosie
We can't even begin to describe how much ROSÉ has surprised and delighted us as a solo artist, earning her place as one of today's most vibrant and exciting pop stars. Her debut album, rosie, seals the deal. With "APT." featuring Bruno Mars taking the world by storm and "number one girl" tugging on our heartstrings, we knew the album would be groundbreaking, and as a full collection of 12 tracks, it's one of our favorite projects of the entire year—made even more special by the fact that she co-wrote and executive produced every song on the album. New single "toxic till the end" might be the best of them all, with a cinematic music video we haven't taken off repeat.
Missed our favorite tracks before the Thanksgiving holiday? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Nov. 22, 2024.