Welcome to another fun edition of What’s Going On, Biff Bam Pop’s weekly new music roundup. From the infectious pop bangers of Johnny Orlando and Chappell Roan to the ultimate kiss-off anthem from Rachel Chinouriri, we have the latest tunes guaranteed to ignite your senses. Joining the mix are the eclectic retro vibes of the band Lawrence and a hot new remix of a recent Preston Pablo release. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
Johnny Orlando – Homegrown global pop superstar Johnny Orlando is out now with his hot new single “Wait For You” via Universal Music Canada/Republic Records. For the new track, the Canadian singer-songwriter teamed up with hitmaking Montreal producers Banx & Ranx who have worked with everyone from Dua Lipa to Sean Paul. The pure pop production is the perfect backing for Orlando’s crooning vocals and relatable lyrics about yearning for the one you love. Johnny Orlando says, “So excited that ‘Wait For You’ is finally out in the world. I’ve been holding onto this song for about a year waiting to drop it. It feels like summer is just around the corner, and we made this for you all to blast with your windows down. I hope you enjoy.”
Rachel Chinouriri – Alternative indie pop artist Rachel Chinouriri has been hotly tipped as the next big thing. The acerbic and unflinching Brit has received praise from tastemaker outlets such as Nylon, NME, Time, etc, and has had Academy Award-nominated actress Florence Pugh feature in her viral “Never Need Me” music video earlier this year. Rachel has just released “It Is What It Is,” the final preview from her long-awaited debut album What A Devastating Turn Of Events due out May 3rd via Elektra. The largely spoken word track showcases Rachel venting her frustrations about a no-good potential partner.
Speaking on “It Is What It Is,” Rachel states: “Well, I was definitely in a petty mood. It’s interesting because humans are full of flaws and I have the privilege of going through therapy, which has massively helped me with my self development journey. However, there are those moments where you want to be so petty because someone’s done you wrong. I’ve learned I’m responsible for how I allow men to treat me because they feel I’m worthless enough to be treated that way and it’s a big F U to them as I’ve not discovered how much I deserve. I just feel annoyed I never got to say what I wanted and that’s fine… I have this song instead and it is what it is :)”
Listen to Rachel Chinouriri’s new single “It Is What It Is” below.
Chappell Roan – Burgeoning Midwestern pop diva Chappell Roan recently unleashed her new single “Good Luck, Babe!” to the world. Out now via Amusement/Island Records, “Good Luck, Babe!” features an irresistible blend of Chappell’s lush balladeer vocals against a synth-laden ‘80s-inspired backdrop. The queer icon’s signature raw and relatable lyrics are on full display in this empowerment anthem, with her singing about the importance of self-love and self-acceptance after leaving a relationship. Chappell shares, “I needed to write a song about a common situationship within queer relationships — where someone is struggling with coming to terms with themselves. It’s a song about wishing well to someone who is avoidant of their true feelings.”
Preston Pablo – Rising Canadian pop sensation Preston Pablo is keeping his momentum going with a hot new remix. Originally released late last year via 31 East/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada, “Dance Alone” has gotten new life thanks to a collaboration with Qing Madi and Nonso Amadi. The Canadian singer’s vocals sound right at home next to labelmate Nonso Amadi and 17-year-old Nigerian singer-songwriter Qing Madi. “When ‘Dance Alone’ first came out, so much of the traction was coming from Africa, so I’m super pumped to be able to put out this afrobeats version of the track,” says Preston. “This song has always felt global to me so having this kind of remix is very exciting. I met Nonso a while back and have been a big fan ever since, so to now have him and Qing Madi, who is incredible, part of this remix is so cool. I can’t wait for the fans to hear this!”
Listen to Preston Pablo’s “Dance Alone” (Qing Madi & Nonso Amadi Remix) below.
Lawrence – 8-piece band Lawrence just dropped their first new single of 2024, “Guy I Used To Be.” The band fronted by siblings Gracie and Clyde Lawrence take on a retro ‘80s-inspired sound on this one. The upbeat sonic burst of sunshine also serves as the first release from the band’s forthcoming Family Business album, stay tuned for more info on that! “‘Guy I Used To Be’ is a song about how the right person can totally change your life for the better. Whether it be a new romantic partner or even just a new friendship, sometimes having your life turned upside-down can be a great thing. We had been listening to a lot of Huey Lewis, Michael McDonald, and 80s-era Michael Jackson, so we tried to bring some of the joy that we feel when we listen to those records into this one.”
