Sun’s out, tunes up, and the vibe is scorching hot! This week’s instalment of What’s Going On is serving pop bangers, heartbreak anthems, breezy folk, and everything in between. Whether you’re blasting it by the pool, sweating it out at a block party, or just pretending your walk to work is a music video, we’ve got the soundtrack to your summer. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
Reneé Rapp – Multitalented singer-songwriter and actress Reneé Rapp unveils “Mad,” the fiery new single from her upcoming sophomore album BITE ME, out August 1 via Interscope Records. The fun music video, co-starring fellow actress Alexandra Shipp, captures a relationship unravelling inside a luxe hotel suite. The song captures the energy and attitude that Rapp is bringing into this new phase of her career. Bold, brash, and here for a good time. Following the massive success of “Leave Me Alone,” which racked up over 23M streams, “Mad” cements Rapp’s status as a fearless voice in pop’s A-list.
Watch the new music video for Reneé Rapp’s “Mad” below.
Rohin – Alt-rock newcomer Rohin is making a major splash with “Someday,” out now via Universal Music Canada. Co-written with Valley’s Rob Laska over two and a half years, the track captures the emotional fog of a late-night taxi ride home. The track effortlessly blends ambient textures with Brit-rock influences, plus Rohin’s dynamic vocals and raw lyrics explore the complex realities of coming of age in a fractured world. “Someday” is the first taste of Rohin’s upcoming sophomore EP, following 2024’s follow me down. At just 21, Rohin is carving out a space all of his own in Canada’s rock scene.
Listen to Rohin’s new single “Someday” below.
Sons of the East – Australian indie-folk trio Sons Of The East return with their long-awaited sophomore album SONS, out now via MGM. Brimming with heart, harmony, and a keen sense of wanderlust, the album showcases the band’s signature blend of folk, soul, and country. Breezy standout track “It’s Alright” arrives with a joyful video set on a Sydney commuter ferry, highlighting the band’s knack for finding beauty in the everyday. With over 700M streams and a sold-out world tour underway, SONS marks a triumphant new era for the band. Get on board!
Watch the new music video for Sons of the East’s “It’s Alright” below.
Sunday Morning – Rising New Haven, CT-based band Sunday Morning announced their debut full-length album, Eternal Grief, out October 31 via Open Your Ears Records. Lead single “Pulling Thorns” sees the band grappling with loss and acceptance, giving insight into the emotional core at the center of the album. Anchored by an anthemic chorus and a fun sample from Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman, the track sets the tone for what listeners can expect from Eternal Grief.
Listen to Sunday Morning’s new single “Pulling Thorns” below.
Have Mercy – Maryland rockers Have Mercy are back with their long-awaited sixth album the loneliest place i’ve ever been, out August 29 via Rude Records. These boys rock hard! “august 17,” the album’s lead single, is a raw, guitar-heavy emotional gut-punch. With soaring alt-rock melodies and vulnerable stripped-bare lyrics, this record promises a moody, intimate journey perfect for late nights and heavy hearts. This band needs to be on your radar.
Listen to Have Mercy’s new single “august 17” below.
