Your favourite weekly new music roundup is back and we’re kicking it up a notch for this first instalment of the year. We’re going to highlight five artists to watch in 2023. They’ve all got distinct sounds and something special that’ll have you hooked. Rappers Coi Leray and Meechy Darko, rising Canadian stars Preston Pablo and Nemahsis and uber cool New York psychedelic disco trio Say She She. It’s a jam-packed edition of What’s Going On, but what better way to start a year of new music. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
Preston Pablo – Canadian crooner Preston Pablo is kicking off the year with a brand new single, “AY AY AY.” Fresh off of having a huge radio smash (Top 5 spot at Top 40 and Top 10 at Hot AC and Mainstream AC) with “Flowers Need Rain” with Montreal producers Banx & Ranx, the promising singer-songwriter is taking aim at the dance-floor. With lyrics about money, cars, and girls and letting listeners know that he’s still “still drippin on ’em”, AY AY AY” is party ready and showcases a grittier side to Preston. Sharing his thoughts on the new single, Preston Pablo says: “this song is the fantasized world built around my wildest desires. It’s my materialistic idea of success being manifested through a song.”
Listen to Preston Pablo’s new single “AY AY AY” below.
Coi Leray – Rapper-social media sensation Coi Leray has steadily been releasing music since 2018, but it feels like she’s poised to have a huge 2023. Last year saw the release of her highly anticipated debut studio album TRENDSETTER, which included the breakout hit “No More Parties” with Lil Durk. Coi Leray wrapped up 2022 with the release of her single “Players.” Built off a sample of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message”, “Players” has struck a chord with fans and even Coi’s most ardent critics who have taken her to task for her previous releases and early live performances. The track has already gone wildly viral on Tik Tok, the social media platform where Coi Leray reigns supreme.
Listen to Coi Leray’s single “Players” below.
Say She She – Brooklyn trio Say She She wowed listeners and critics alike with their debut album Prism, released last fall. Their infectious post-disco grooves and sweet vocals saw them get co-signs from incredibly cool acts like Lucius and Clairo, and a ton of love from all the right tastemaker outlets. Co-produced by Michael Buckely (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Lee Fields & The Expressions) and Vince Chiarito (Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Antibalas), Say She She’s new standalone single “Trouble” is sure to keep that momentum going. And it has a fun 1950s-inspired video to go along with the track’s throwback vibe. Keep your eyes on Say She She!
Listen to Say She She’s new single “Trouble” below.
Meechy Darko – One third of the critically acclaimed Brooklyn hip hop group Flatbush Zombies, Meechy Darko is making a splash with his solo efforts. His 2022 album Gothic Luxury resonated with listeners, leaving them enthralled by how Meechy Darko channeled grief, catharsis and raw honesty into the darkly funky album. It’s not all doom and gloom and brutal introspection for this talented rapper. His new single “Sliders” has a decidedly lighter feel and features Flatbush Zombies and Col3trane. Speaking on “Sliders”, Meechy Darko says: “Wanted to release a fun song with my brothers before the year was done… Since you think all my music is scary, how’s this for a change?”
Listen to Meechy Darko’s new single “Sliders” featuring Flatbush Zombies and Col3trane below.
Nemahsis – Canadian artist Nemahsis has won over audiences around the world with her vulnerability and signature style. Her latest single “criminal” is only going to keep that love going. The captivating and emotive track also comes with a sleek Sam Davies-directed music video. Featuring surveillance footage, lush imagery, different guises, and costume changes, the “criminal” video further establishes the mystique of Nemahsis. If you liked what you heard, Nemahsis is kicking off a run of North American tour dates in Toronto at The Great Hall on February 16th.
Listen to Nemahsis’ new single “criminal” below.
