April showers bring new music! At least, that’s how we’re gonna frame it here for the latest instalment of What’s Going On. While the industry is largely in Coachella mode, great new releases have been dropped by artists that deserve a spot on your playlists. Let’s dig through the noise and get to the good stuff. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
Lenka – Aussie singer-songwriter Lenka leans into the bittersweet on “Sunshine Girl,” a soulful pop gem that is equal parts bright and wistful. Drawing on ‘60s retro flair and a keen sense of emotional honesty, it’s like heartbreak in soft focus. She’s dropping her new album Good Days on May 29, via Skipalong Records. The new album sees Lenka finding light in heavy moments and making it feel easy, even when it’s anything but.
Listen to Lenka’s new single “Sunshine Girl” below.
Preston Pablo – It’s been a minute since we’ve covered Canadian crooner Preston Pablo. The effortlessly cool Timmons-born singer is back with “Selfish,” a bassline-driven bop that signals the start of a new era. Stripped-back but with a way that leaves a wicked groove intact, Preston’s vocals float above the fray. The JUNO-winning star (2023’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year, hello!) trades vulnerability for main-character energy here. It’s pure confidence distilled into a 3-minute pop song, and we’re here for it.
Listen to Preston Pablo’s new single “Selfish” below.
Footballhead – In case you missed it, Chicago-based rockers Footballhead quietly dropped their latest album Weight of the Truth a few weeks ago and it needs to be on your radar! The band wears their 2000s alt-rock and mall emo influences on their sleeves with power chords, heavy emotions, and anthemic poppy choruses. It’s aggressive yet reflective, tapping that post-millennial hard rock sound without feeling pastiche. If you need an entry point, start with the instantly memorable standout track “Fall Away.”
Listen to Footballhead’s “Fall Away” below.
Owen Riegling – Canadian country superstar Owen Riegling is out now with “Anything But Me,” a giant, self-acceptance anthem that trades doubt for hard-won clarity. The final preview of what listeners can expect from his upcoming album In The Feeling, the track leans into big hooks and even bigger heart. Co-written with Connie Harrington, it’s a career-defining moment and the kind of song that will be a staple on his setlists for decades to come. All that, plus Riegling is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on April 22. Talk about major street cred! It doesn’t get much bigger than that.
Listen to Owen Riegling’s new single “Anything But Me” below.
Florence Road – The name Florence Road might not ring a bell for you, so let’s put you on! Fresh off their Spring Forward EP, the Irish four-piece sharpen their mix of aching vocals and widescreen indie pop on standout track “Rabbits Can Swim,” a tender slow-burn that hits with quiet force. Think Cranberries melancholy with a modern shimmer. The group, consisting of childhood friends Lily Aron (vocals), Emma Brandon (guitar), Ailbhe Barry (bass) and Hannah Kelly (drums), is set to hit the road for select North American dates opening for The Last Dinner Party. Get into them.
Listen to Florence Road’s new single “Rabbits Can Swim” below.
