10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of May 14, 2021
We're counting down the days until we get to see music live again, but until then, new music will do just fine.
This week in particular, some of our favorite artists came out with some killer new jams! From Olivia Rodrigo to Katy Perry to new up-and-comers, there's music all across the board. Below, you'll find the top 10 big things that happened in music the week of May 14, 2021.
1. Kara Connolly Releases New Song 'Something More'
Out today, May 14, is Kara Connolly's first single of 2021, "Something More." This is something we can all relate to, especially since we're on the cusp of getting back to "normal" life. Instead of stressing over everyday things, this song is a gentle reminder to remember everything we've learned in the last year."As we slowly exit this pandemic and return to whatever new normal exists for us, I hope we don't forget the lessons we've learned in isolation," Kara explains in a press release. "There has to be something more than the paint-by-numbers, work until you're burned out, constant comparison, and power struggle that we've gotten used to and is reinforced generation to generation."
2. AJ Mitchell Stuns With New Song 'Growing Pains'
AJ Mitchell's latest single "Growing Pains" comes before the release of his debut EP, Skyview, to be released later this year. Upon listening to the song, we were instantly vibing. The beat of the song and his vocals together make for one stunning combination, and even reminds us of some of Justin Timberlake's older content! The chorus itself is super catchy: "This right here, that's just growing pains. There ain't much to figure out."
3. Wonho Collabs With Kiiara on Release of New Music Video for 'Ain't About You'
Wonho completely stuns with his new music video "Ain't About You," featuring Kiiara. The song itself makes us want to coast down the highway and blast it, dancing the night away. If you're going through a breakup, this song will speak to your soul. Just look at the lyrics: "You're so hard to resist. A love that hurt like this. I wish it wasn't hell to love you more than you love yourself." As for the video, it's even better than we expected. Wonho looks like a total snack and our crush is real. We also love when Kiiara comes in, with our favorite look being her dress in the desert. This is a must-watch!
4. Rapper Calboy Debuts New Song and Video, 'Ten Toes Down'
Lil Uzi Vert, is that you? No, it's Calboy with his new song, "Ten Toes Down." This rap song has some depth behind the curtain, as he speaks of staying true to yourself in all situations. This is something we can all get behind and is a great reminder to remember who you are. "I speak about staying 10 toes down throughout all situations, regardless of how many snakes are in the grass," Calboy explained in a press release. "I feel you should always remain yourself, and stay solid no matter how many people double-cross you. The strong always prevail."
5. American Idol Winner Laine Hardy Drops New Song 'Memorize You'
Country singer and previous winner of American Idol, Laine Hardy, finally gave his fans what they've been begging for—new music! His latest song, "Memorize You," just dropped today, and we couldn't wait to listen to it. And guess what? It completely blew us away. This country singer is seriously going places. Laine's feel-good song is something we could picture being our summer anthem this year.
6. Joy Oladokun and Maren Morris Team Up on New Song 'Bigger Man'
When we found out Joy Oladokun and Maren Morris were teaming up on a new song, we knew it was going to be a banger. "Bigger Man" is all about being the bigger person, which as we all know, isn't always easy. Both Joy and Maren's voices blend together in such a soothing manner, and this song is something we could listen to on repeat. "In my life, I sometimes experience being the youngest and the most inexperienced, and yet I have to conduct myself as though I am way above my years or my maturity," Joy shared in a press release. "I think it's an old feeling, especially for women and people of color, of having to be stronger, better, brighter, and harder working at everything just to get a shot. We wrote from that place and the song was born."
7. renforshort Drops New Song and Music Video for 'Fall Apart' feat. glaive
renforshort paired up with glaive for her latest song, "Fall Apart," which comes before the release of her upcoming album, off saint dominique, out June 4. The music video for "Fall Apart" takes place in a rundown home where ren sings with incredible emotion in her eyes. Then, glaive takes the screen, and his vocals leave us in a dream-like state, despite the punk-ness of the song. "I played something and Stint thought it was dope so we just went with it," ren shared in a press release. "This song has been a favorite song of mine for so long now, I feel like I've been waiting forever to put it out, I knew it needed a feature though and that's why it was taking even longer, legit a year later I knew who I wanted to do it and we got glaive on it, who is probably one of my favorite artists ever."
8. Australian-Born Sam Fischer Wows With New Track, 'Simple'
Yet another song that will gut you to your core is Sam Fischer's new track, "Simple." Most of us have found ourselves in toxic relationships that don't do anything for our well-being, and Sam describes it perfectly in this new bop. "I wrote this song through one of my lower points of the last year, but it's one of my favorite songs," Sam explained in a press release about the song. "Relationships have their struggles, even in normal times—and this year has been anything but normal. It's hard to be there for someone when you're struggling to be there for yourself. I'm grateful to be with an amazing woman who is willing to fight through the hard times to get back to the simple love that started everything."
9. Katy Perry Has Fun With New Track and Music Video for 'Electric'
Katy Perry is back and better than ever with her new track and music video for "Electric." Featuring a cameo by none other than Pikachu, the two celebrate Pikachu's 25th anniversary with the fun new song. In the music video, Katy and Pikachu see younger versions of themselves, and they help them along the journey in a stealthy way. The video is fun, light-hearted and a must-watch.
10. Olivia Rodrigo Drops Another New Single, 'Good 4 U'
Olivia Rodrigo's "Good 4 U" sounds like the love child of Avril Lavigne, Lorde and Billie Eilish. Featuring a punk rock vibe with acoustics reminding us of Avril, we're loving that Olivia is stepping outside of her comfort zone. "Good 4 U" is unlike anything we've seen her do, and we can't wait to see what other songs she has up her sleeve this year for us! Remember when "Drivers License" came out and we all lost our minds? Yeah, no doubt that's going to happen again.
If you missed last week, look HERE to find out all about the top 10 things that happened in music the week of May 7, 2021.