Welcome to another hot edition of What’s Going On, Biff Bam Pop’s weekly new music roundup where we dive headfirst into the latest and greatest tunes that deserve a place on your personal playlist. Whether you’re a fan of big pop hooks, evocative lyrics, or a genre-defiant blend of sounds, we’ve got a little bit of something for everyone as we unveil the tracks that are setting the tone for the week ahead. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
Gossip – Stop what you’re doing. Indie rock trio Gossip are back! Real Power, Gossip’s first new album in 11 years, is due out on March 22nd, 2024 via Sony Music Entertainment. The band hooked back up with super producer Rick Rubin, who previously worked on the band’s 2009 album Music For Men. A bright slice of purposeful pop, “Crazy Again” is brimming with optimism and serves as a triumphant return. What’s “Crazy Again” all about? Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto says: “‘Crazy Again,’ the first single from Real Power, is a blissful classic that channels the energy of deep connection and joy. The song is about actually being in love and feeling so safe.”
Listen to Gossip’s new single “Crazy Again” below.
Sebastian Gaskin – Here’s an artist who’ll be one to watch in 2024. The groundbreaking Toronto-based, Tataskweyak Cree Nation singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sebastian Gaskin is out now with their new single, “Medicine.” With a fresh sound like nothing else you’ve heard before, “Medicine” pulls from a variety of sounds including melodic hip hip, pop, R&B, and the traditional sounds from Gaskin’s upbringing. Discussing what “Medicine” is all about, Gaskin says: “‘Medicine’ is a song about love, and being in it, reveling in it. I am grateful and elated for this first release with Ishkōdé Records and Universal Music Canada. Directly inspired by my culture and the heart on my sleeve, this is my first single in over 3 years and I cannot wait to share it with you all.” We can’t wait to see what Sebastian Gaskin does next!
Listen to Sebastian Gaskin’s new single “Medicine” below.
halfnoise – Musician Zac Farro just unveiled his latest full-length sonic journey as halfnoise, City Talk, via Congrats Records . This seductive indie-pop album seamlessly weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of sounds, particularly drawing inspiration from the sultry tones of 1980s Japanese City Pop. Farro’s love for the trendy retro City Pop sound runs through much of the project, but is perhaps best executed on the album’s opening track and latest single, “Love & Affection.” The album also serves as a bit of a love letter to Los Angeles, with Farro reflecting on love, lust, and longing in the City of Angels. City Talk stands as a testament to the Paramore drummer’s ability to craft an immersive and alluring musical body of work.
Listen to halfnoise’s new single “Love & Affection” below.
Angélica Garcia – Newly signed to Partisan Records, buzzworthy pop performer Angélica Garcia is keeping her momentum going with a hot new remix. The NYC-based artist tapped TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek for a haunting makeover of her track “El Que.” The evocative song that deals with grief is made all the more dark thanks to Sitek’s reworking. What was it like collaborating with Dave Sitek? According to Angélica: “I loved meeting Dave. It felt like meeting someone from the same planet. I think it’s pretty cool that he constructed this remix using only my lead vocal as a reference. My favorite thing about the remix is that he was able to tap into the mysticism of the song but through a swirly, glittering lens.”
Listen to the new “El Que (DAS Remix)” below.
Ariana and the Rose – Brooklyn pop sensation Ariana and the Rose has a new single that’s out of this world! The latest release from the performer’s Lonely Hearts Club album, “Cosmic Lover” is full of shimmering synths and a melody that will have even the most faraway extraterrestrials hooked. Speaking about her new single, Ariana states: “Everything from the 80s-tinged Initial Talk remix to the old-Hollywood-inspired galactic music video for “Cosmic Lover” is filled with joy. The amazing community we’ve been able to build through this album has meant so much to me and I cannot wait to go out with a bang on these upcoming tour dates! Just getting to dance and sing with everyone in person will be the perfect ending to this album era.” You’ll be able to catch Ariana and the Rose live as her headlining US tour kicks off on November 28th in Chicago.
Listen to Ariana and the Rose’s new single “Cosmic Lover” below.
