Welcome to another instalment of What’s Going On, Biff Bam Pop’s weekly new music roundup. Each week, we bring you the hottest new tunes from a diverse array of genres, maximalist pop to hip-hop, stripped-down singer-songwriter fare to covers of hits from days gone by, and everything in between. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
Conan Gray – Gen Z’s reigning pop troubadour Conan Gray is out now with his new single “Killing Me” via Republic Records/Universal Music Canada. Conan Gray got together with producer Max Martin (The Weeknd, Adele, Ariana Grande) for this infectiously catchy synth-heavy pop banger. Lyrically, the track sees Conan singing about the push-and-pull of a relationship that he knows isn’t good for him yet he can’t let go of. Explaining how “Killing Me” came to be, Conan Gray states: “I wrote “killing me” while I was sick with the flu. It was a miserable time where I was both physically sick, but also super heartbroken over somebody. Hence, ‘you’re KILLING me.’ I think we all have those people who don’t treat us nearly well enough, but we just can’t seem to let them go. People who call you at 2 AM, and who you know you shouldn’t pick up……but you do. “Killing Me” is for when you’re on your last limb begging this person to just please stop torturing your heart.”
Listen to Conan Gray’s new single “Killing Me” below.
Toosii – Platinum artist Toosii sent his fans into a frenzy as he announced his upcoming project JADED, due out on November 17th via South Coast Music Group/Capitol Records/Universal Music Group. Along with that announcement came the release of the lead single “Suffice.” The Yozo, C7actus, and Kevin Varol-produced track sees Toosii getting a little more personal and raw. With his vulnerable and introspective bars, the Syracuse-born rapper continues to show why he’s one of the hottest acts in music today. What’s “Suffice” all about? According to Toosii: “When we look at our reflection, we look inside ourselves. In this song, I feel like looking into the mirror is about trying to see your future — looking for signs that what you hope for will come true, but recognizing that there are some things you just can’t control.”
Listen to Toosii’s new single “Suffice” below.
Trevor Horn & Iggy Pop – Trevor Horn’s new covers album Echoes – Ancient & Modern is due out on December 1st and sees him working with everyone from Tori Amos to Rick Astley on covers of some of his favorite songs. Serving as a taste of what listeners can expect from the project is his cover of the Depeche Mode classic “Personal Jesus” with Iggy Pop on vocals. Iggy Pop’s distinctive bellowing voice coupled with Horn’s organic production really amps up the blues influence of the Depeche Mode original and places it solidly in the forefront. Speaking on the process of recording with Iggy Pop, Horn says: “He said: ‘I’ve heard the track, I’m going to do three takes where I gradually get crazier and crazier and then a fourth take where I speak it and that will be it. You don’t mind if I run my own session?’ I said, ‘No, go ahead,’ and that’s exactly what he did. It’s Iggy, after all. Iggy adds another truth to whatever he does. We didn’t let the Johnny Cash version enter our thinking. We came to it as though there was only the Depeche Mode universe and here’s Iggy swinging it his way on some deviant variety TV show he happens to host.”
Abbey Cone – Singer-songwriter Abbey Cone is celebrating the simpler things in life on “Coffee With You,” her brand-new single. Drawing inspiration from Johnny Cash’s famous “this morning, with her, having coffee” about his idea of paradise, the stunning ballad instantly resonates with listeners. Co-written alongside Ben Roberts (Carolina Story) and Chris August (Keith Urban, Hootie & The Blowfish), “Coffee With You” showcases Cone’s uncanny ability to channel relatable feelings into her songs. Speaking on “Coffee With You”, Abbey Cone reveals: “This is my last release of the year before I go back into hibernation to make more music. I’ll leave you with this and hope you snuggle someone you love during the upcoming winter season while listening to it; your lover, your dogs, your cats… anyone you love. It’s less about coffee and more about finding and appreciating someone you can say nothing and everything with (and also it’s about coffee, because duh).”
Listen to Abbey Cone’s new single “Coffee With You” below.
41 – If you live long enough, you’ll see everything come back around. Such is the case with “Stomp Stomp” featuring Dee Billz, the new single from hip-hop collective 41. The Brooklyn crew consisting of Jenn Carter, Kyle Richh, and TaTa sampled Soulja Boy’s 2007 hit “Crank That”, effectively paying homage to one of the original viral digital hits. The electrifying party-rap single has an infectious beat that’ll make you want to move and the sonic callbacks to the production elements from “Crank That” gives “Stomp Stomp” endless replay value. 41’s unique style and energy in this song are a testament to their rising presence in the hip-hop scene. They’ve already gotten co-signs from Nicki Minaj and have been opening for Sexyy Red, so keep an eye on these guys!
Listen to 41’s new single “Stomp Stomp” featuring Dee Billz below.
