As we find ourselves deep into the heart of summer, the music scene is hotter than ever. From chart-topping acts to indie standouts, this week’s instalment of What’s Going On delivers a vibrant array of new releases that capture the summer heat. Whether you’re seeking infectious dance anthems or introspective rock tracks, there’s something here for everyone. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow the artists.
Kid Cudi – GRAMMY Award-winning multi-platinum artist Kid Cudi is out now with “DREAMS I SEE,” the latest addition to the Moon Man comic soundtrack. Produced by Rami Beatz and Matt Spatola, Cudi channels vintage Man on the Moon and “Mr. Rager” vibes with his signature blend of rap and singing set against a vibey, drum-heavy backdrop. The song complements the latest edition of Cudi’s Moon Man comic book series, taking the reading experience to another level. In addition to the new music, there’s also a limited-edition clothing collection featuring artwork from the series.
Listen to Kid Cudi’s new single “DREAMS I SEE” below.
Nelly Furtado – Homegrown pop sensation Nelly Furtado announced her highly anticipated studio album 7, due out on September 20th via Nelstar/21 Entertainment/Universal Music Canada/Republic Records/Casablanca Records/Polydor Records. This marks a profound artistic evolution for the Canadian icon, following a lengthy period of personal rediscovery. Inspired by what she describes as a magnetic pull back to the studio, Furtado proudly proclaims 7 as her most inspired and personal work yet. Alongside the announcement of the album, came the release of her new single “Corazón,” featuring Bomba Estéreo, a testament to her time collaborating with local artists in Colombia. With uplifting and empowering lyrics in English and Spanish, pulsing rhythms, and eclectic instrumentation, Furtado reaffirms her status as a global pop superstar.
In this new era, Nelly Furtado wants to make us dance and we’re here for it. What inspired the sound of her new album? “I started going out again and I kept hearing my music being played and remixed by DJs, and at the same time, my eldest daughter was showing me how the online community – including a whole new audience of Gen Z fans – were discovering and embracing my music, 20 years later,” shares Furtado. “I heard the calling!”
Listen to Nelly Furtado’s new single “Corazón,” featuring Bomba Estéreo below.
Mayday Parade – Tallahassee, Florida rockers Mayday Parade are back with their latest single “Pretty Good To Feel Something” as they kick off the 2024 Sad Summer Festival tour alongside co-headliners The Maine. Produced by Zack Odom & Kenneth Mount, the track marks a bold new step for the band, now self-releasing music after fulfilling their record deal with their 2021 album What It Means To Fall Apart. Now masters of their own destinies, Mayday Parade plans to release music more often, focusing on killer singles like “Pretty Good To Feel Something.”
What’s the new track all about? According to Mayday Parade’s lead singer Derek Sanders: “‘Pretty Good To Feel Something’ is a song about bad things happening that alter your life and how eventually you have to let those things go and move forward. It’s about appreciating what’s left after it’s all said and done.”
Listen to Mayday Parade’s new single “Pretty Good To Feel Something” below.
Courteeners – Courteeners, the Manchester band known for their anthemic indie sound, have announced their seventh studio album Pink Cactus Café, set for release on October 25th via Ignition Records. The big news also comes with the release of their latest single “Solitude Of The Night Bus,” accompanied by a striking video directed by Dom Foster. The track blends euphoric electronic-pop with their indie-disco roots, featuring an infectious whistle that echoes themes of solitude and anticipation on a late-night bus ride hence the song’s title. With frontman Liam Fray co-producing and a lineup of notable collaborators, including DMA’S and Blossoms’ Charlie Salt, Pink Cactus Café needs to be on your radar as a potential album of the year.
Reflecting on the single, Liam Fray shares, “This came at a time of real questioning. Things weren’t going particularly well. No confidence. No direction. I think that’s why – whisper it – it’s on the fun side. This is the new us. I’d previously worked with Ola [Modupe-Ojo] on ‘Hanging Off Your Cloud’ and, like then, there was just a magic in the room that was irresistible. It’s a summer breeze. But it’s a winter’s night. Either way, sometimes you have to block out the noise. My late Uncle Pat loved a whistle so it’s a bit of a homage to him. Get on the bus; headphones in; go your own way. It’s the feel good, imposter syndrome hit of the summer.”
Listen to Courteneers’ new single “Solitude Of The Night Bus” below.
d4vd – At just 19, d4vd is captivating listeners with his new single “There Goes My Baby,” while in the midst of his sold-out international My House is Not a Home Tour currently sweeping through Europe. Known for his genre-defiant sound, d4vd’s new track is a stunning ballad that showcases his poignant vocals against a gentle acoustic backdrop, Lyrically, “There Goes My Baby” is an exercise in heartbreak and introspection. As the talented teen continues to resonate with audiences globally, this new single proves that d4vd has the goods to back up the hype. He’s the real deal.
Listen to d4vd’s new single “There Goes My Baby” below.
Cloud Cult – Indie-chamber-rock darlings Cloud Cult have dropped “The Universe Woke Up As You,” the latest track released from their upcoming album Alchemy Creek. Written and produced by frontman Craig Minowa during a stay in the Wisconsin woods after a challenging divorce, the album reflects on perspective and resilience. The band’s lineup, including violinist Shannon Frid-Rubin and cellist Daniel Zamzow rounded out the vision and contributed to a cohesive narrative of processing grief that unfolds seamlessly across the record. With a headlining slot at People Fest and a nationwide tour to follow, 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for Cloud Cult. Alchemy Creek is due out on August 8th via Earthology Records.
Listen to Cloud Cult’s new single “The Universe Woke Up As You” below.
