New Music Roundup: Ariana Grande, Suede Islands, Erkyah Badu & V.A.L.
Today’s best new tunes.
Ariana Grande, “Everyday” Feat. Future
What happens when Future Hendrix and Ariana Grande connect? A collision of flaring synths, fist-pump ready basslines and a marriage between Ari’s virtuosic voice with Fewtch’s blunt-force croons. Surprisingly, the duo make a repeat-worthy number. — Ralph Bristout
Suede Islands, “White Dresses”
Suede Islands mixed neo-soul, electronic and jazz in to one delightful single titled “White Dresses.” This group is the beautiful brainchild of songstress BxRod and producer/arranger 7thSoul, both hailing from the Bay Area. What makes this a noteworthy track is the combination of BxRod’s tranquil vocals paired with 7thSoul’s endearing production, creating a magical and emotional listening experience. According to the duo, “White Dresses” was influenced by the “beauty and elegance of classic Greek sculptures and structures as well as the imagery and idea of professional ballerina.” That further explains why the song’s production is so serene and flows. If you enjoy this song, be sure to check out their debut EP, Asleep in Oasis. — Erin Ashley Simon
Erykah Badu, “Come And See Badu”
It’s usually Badu that puts the voodoo on her male counterparts, but there’s something about Drizzy (not his beard) that cause our favorite Analog Girl to go full digi and upload music to her SoundCloud. Here, Erykah tries her hand at a PARTYNEXTDOOR/Drake collab, “Come And See Me,” where she interjects herself into the proceedings to create a rendition that’s warmer and doesn’t offer the detached coldness of the original. It transforms the number from a swaggering tug of war over love into a sensual longing from the heart. — Jayson Rodriguez
V.A.L., “Positive Vibes” Feat. Big Nics
Dutch and Surinamese born artist Dwain Kammeron’s latest single “Positive Vibes” made me smile on the inside and outside, thanks to its boom-bap style. Don’t we all long for that “golden era” of hip-hop sound? That KRS-One flow, that Pete Rock & C. L. Smooth vibe, that J Dilla production. Wait, let me not get ahead of myself, I was simply reminiscing over old times…pun intended. But, even if that’s the case, let’s not let this sentimental moment overshadow V.A.L.’s lyrical ability. His verses have the ability to get engrained in our heads just as much as the drum loop. Following the lead of artists such as Joey Bada$$ and Pro Era, it’s great to see V.A.L. (Kammeron’s performance name) take this old-school style and mold it into his own. — E.A.S.