This week’s edition of What’s Going On features new music from Hennessey, Greta Van Fleet, Valley, Zoe Wees, and Imelda May. Sonically, these tunes are all over the board but they are all well worth a listen. As always, if you dig what you’re hearing, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
Hennessey – What do Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, and Larry Page have in common? They are all namechecked in “8 Men”, the new single from Hennessey out now via Velvet Elk Records. The scathing slice of electropop points out the vast disparity between the economic struggles that so many people face and the fact that Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, Larry Page, Amancio Ortega, Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, Larry Ellison, and Bill Gates have more than half of the money that everyone else in the world has combined. Unsurprisingly, the new dance-punk single is quickly catching fire with listeners during this period of pandemic-induced financial anxiety for so many. The “good old fashioned hipster band from New York” is fronted by Leah Hennessey, stepdaughter of David Johansen. With that sort of pedigree coupled with a take no prisoners attitude, I can’t wait to see what Hennessey do next.
Listen to Hennessey’s new single “8 Men” below.
Valley – Everyone loves a bit of nostalgia. Canadian indie-pop band Valley are taking us back to the ’90s with “Like 1999”, their new single. The band – consisting of Rob Laska, Karah James, Mickey Brandolino, and Alex DiMauro – touches on how we’re all currently living in uncertain times and need to escape back to the simpler times when Friends and 10 Things I Hate About You dominated our minds. “Like 1999” sees the JUNO nominated band going for more of a stripped-down sound but still retaining the signature pop ethos that listeners have come to love from Valley. Put on your favourite ’90s teen movie, throw some Pizza Pockets in the microwave, turn up Valley’s “Like 1999” and get lost in the nostalgia.
Listen to Valley’s new single “Like 1999” below.
Zoe Wees – German pop singer-songwriter Zoe Wees wants to empower girls around the world with “Girls Like Us,” her uplifting new single. The talented 18-year old first caught the attention of listeners with her song “Control” last year and “Girls Like Us” should help catapult her into global pop superstardom. The catchy girl power anthem tackles impossible beauty standards, insecurities, and the pressure that society continues to put on girls. On what inspired her to make the song, Zoe Wees states: “For me it was the hardest feeling to grow up in a world that you feel doesn’t accept you. We all have insecurities but this is what makes us beautiful.” With her songs that push a message of solidarity and togetherness and already previously having a viral hit, the future is bright for Zoe Wees.
Listen to Zoe Wees’ new single “Girls Like Us” below.
Greta Van Fleet – Those Greta Van Fleet boys are continuing to drop new singles from their forthcoming sophomore album The Battle at Garden’s Gate and “Heat Above” is their latest offering. Following the success of the band’s fifth #1 rock radio single “My Way, Soon” and “Age of Machine”, “Heat Above” is a mesmerizing treat for the ears. After a dazzling ethereal opening, the track builds over time into more of the sound we’re used to from the band. Personally, I had to listen twice back-to-back just to take it all in. Giving us a hint of what we can expect from their new album, Greta Van Fleet revealed this week that the songs would touch on themes of freedom, self-empowerment, power in community, and respect for Mother Earth. Greta Van Fleet’s Greg Kurstin produced album The Battle at Garden’s Gate is due out on April 16 via Lava/Republic Records.
Listen to Greta Van Fleet’s new single “Heat Above” below.
Imelda May – Irish artist Imelda May is back with “Just One Kiss”, her first new single in four years via Decca Records. And she’s not alone, “Just One Kiss” is a duet with Noel Gallagher and also features Ronnie Wood joining in on guitar. It all came together over text and the rest is history. The slinky romantic track perfectly combines the best of blues and Britpop, making it an instant earworm. Describing what “Just One Kiss” is all about, Imelda states: “That moment you know it can go either way. The sharp notion if you succumb you might just lose control. The split second decision you know might change everything, with just one kiss. Could you resist?” If you like what you hear, Imelda May’s forthcoming sixth studio album 11 Past The Hour is due out on April 23.
Listen to Imelda May’s new single “Just One Kiss” with Noel Gallagher featuring Ronnie Wood below.
