10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of August 13, 2021

We don't know about you, but for us, it seems that summer is passing by in a flash. We don't want it to ever end—but at least the passage of time means we've been blessed with another stellar week of music.

And while it seems to be getting harder and harder to pick our favorites every week, we think these releases from Kygo, Chloe Moriondo and more are just the thing to celebrate the approaching mid-summer weekend.

Want to hear the songs we're loving? Keep scrolling for our 10 favorite things that happened in music the week of Aug. 13, 2021.

1. Saleka Stirs Our Souls With 'How Many'

Want to kick your weekend off with a moody, philosophical call for change? Look no further than singer-songwriter Saleka's latest single, "How Many." This moody and soulful R&B track showcases her powerful voice while asking some important questions that are sure to get you thinking. "I wanted this song to be a sort of protest song," Saleka explained in a press release, "but it was written during moments of darkness and despair and so what came out was more an expression of my disbelief at the system, the absence of justice and accountability, and mostly the unfathomable lack of value and care for human life. I was overwhelmed with questions."

 

2. Meet Me @ the Altar Rocks in Their Major Label Debut EP Model Citizen

Meet Me @ the Altar is a punk-pop band that should be on everyone's radars, and their major label debut EP, Model Citizen, is the perfect introduction to their melodic and vibrant musical approach. Check out the music video for "Brighter Days" and fall in love. "'Brighter Days (Are Before Us)' is one of the ups in life where things are starting to shape up," the band explained in a press release. "If our upcoming EP Model Citizen was a movie, 'Brighter Days' would be the scene where everything in life is still good right before it all hits the fan. We were so excited to work with a female director, Sydney Ostrander, for the music video and the lighting in the airplane we filmed inside perfectly reflects the meaning of the song."

 

3. Maude Latour Turns a Breakup Into a Catalyst for Self-Care in 'Clean'

Everyone handles breakups and heartbreak differently, and Maude Latour captures that spirit in the quirky yet endlessly catchy new song, "Clean." In response to finding out that her ex has moved on to someone new, she copes with self-care—making her bed, hydrating properly, wearing sunscreen every day and more—and honestly, we could take a page out of her book. "The written word is an important part of my life, philosophy and religion," Maude said in a press release. "I feel I'm in like some discourse with it always, some grand relationship with writing things down."

 

4. Carlie Hanson Sings About the End of a Friendship in 'Off My Neck'

Some friendships feel like they're meant to last forever and they just—don't—and Carlie Hanson's new single "Off My Neck" is all about that very specific type of hurt. We love its huge, anthemic rock sound, and the fact it's the type of track you'll be able to blast in the car when you've found yourself in a similar situation. "'Off My Neck' is about a friendship that goes sideways," Carlie explained in a press release, "and how you want to escape your own brain just to stop thinking about it—especially when it's someone you thought would be in your life forever."

 

5. Madeline The Person and Adam Melchor Duet About a Long-Distance Relationship in 'August'

19-year-old singer-songwriter Madeline The Person's dreamy music has had us swooning this year—and with Ed Sheeran also being a fan, we're definitely not alone. Her newest single "August," featuring Adam Melchor, is a wistful and melancholic duet showing both sides of the struggle of a long-distance relationship, and it is gorgeous.

 

6. Said the Sky Apologizes for a Relationship Falling Apart in 'Treading Water'

Is it just us, or is August the month for breakup anthems? Producer and musician Trevor Christensen, known better as Said the Sky, just released his new song "Treading Water," and it's as soulful and beautiful as it is heartbreaking. It's an apology of sorts, detailing a relationship at its breaking point, and it's guaranteed to tug on your heartstrings. "While a lot of the music I'm sitting on is definitely a little left of center, I think Treading Water feels like early Said The Sky days," he explained in a press release. "I hope people that hear it can find it sounds somewhat familiar, unlike my last release, 'We Know Who We Are,' which for me was a bit of a step in a different direction and something I plan on digging into more."

 

7. Kacey Fifield Captures the Pain of Being Ghosted in 'Ghost'

Getting ghosted does not feel good, whether it's by a friend or a potential love interest, and 16-year-old singer-songwriter Kacey Fifield encapsulates that pain in this nostalgic, '80s-tinged track co-written by Robbie Rosen and Little Rain. "'Ghost' is a heartfelt pop ballad inspired by the feeling that ensues following a broken bond/lost relationship, with memories seeming to 'haunt' you at every corner," Kacey said in an interview with Sweety High. "It was based more on an accumulation of experiences rather than a specific event. I've had my fair share of lost friendships, and it can definitely be hard to look back on memories with that person without feeling melancholy and nostalgic."

 

8. Greya and Marc E. Bassy Tell Both Sides of a Breaking Relationship in 'Lightning'

Yes—here's yet another song about a difficult breakup, but you will not regret listening to this one. Featuring Philly-born artist Greya and San Francisco singer-songwriter Marc E. Bassy, the duet tells two sides of the same story of a relationship dissolving because one person falls for someone else. ""Lightning' is a back and forth struggle between two different perspectives on a broken relationship," Greya revealed in a press release. "It's about loving someone who loves someone else, and the heartbreak that comes from knowing you'd do anything for someone who isn't sure about you. The flip perspective… being torn between two people"

 

9. Chloe Moriondo and mazie Get Therapeutic in 'not okay'

Beneath the fun and playful sound of Chloe Moriondo and mazie's new collab, "not okay" is an important message that we love. The song is all about talking about the fact that you're not okay—and maybe that's okay! Sharing that with others might help us deal with those tough moments a little bit better—just like this song has been helpful to us. We also love the appropriate therapist couch in the music video. "Working with Chloe on 'not okay' was such a dream," mazie said in a press release. "This was my first time getting to work with another artist and Chloe is a literal shining star. We had so much fun. I really enjoyed writing the song—I think everyone has been going through being not okay and I hope people find company in knowing that we aren't okay either."

 

10. Kygo and Zoe Wees 'Love Me Now'

Yep, we're closing this one off with another stunning song about heartache. German singer-songwriter Zoe Wees' vocals soar in this Kygo-produced banger about yearning for someone who'll love you through thick and thin and make you feel like you deserve it. This is one that'll stick with you for a long time. "It was really great working with Kygo!" Zoe said in a press release. "When we sent him our song idea he immediately came back to us with his first version that we all loved. His productions are so special—when you listen to his sound, you just know it's Kygo! I'm so happy to be able to work with him."

 

Missed us last week? Click HERE for all the biggest and best things that happened in music the week of Aug. 6.