Hey Mr DJ, put a record on! More on that to come. In this week’s instalment of What’s Going On, we’ve got a fine collection of the latest new music releases. Plus, a mid 2000s banger from rockers Blue October just got a new coat of paint. Exciting stuff! As always, if you dig what you hear, follow and stream these artists.
Troye Sivan – Aussie pop prince Troye Sivan is throwing a big queer dance floor fever dream with “Party,” his hypnotic, club anthem that is indebted to Madonna’s iconic hit “Music.” Built around a sample of the 2000 classic, the track channels the sacred freedom of queer nightlife into a call to action. “Party” also comes with a stunning music video that transforms partying into a timeless ritual, proving Sivan can deliver both sweaty club euphoria and high-concept pop spectacle. Sir Ian McKellen also appears, because why not?
Listen to Troye Sivan’s new single “Party” below.
Sylvan Esso – Somehow, I missed that we got a new album from Sylvan Esso! Ow ∞ marks the duo’s first album in four years and their debut release on their own Psychic Hotline label. Self-produced by members Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, the record embraces dystopian anxiety, Y2K nostalgia and experimental collaboration. For a taste of what you can expect, check out the pair’s latest single “Sledge,” which delivers apocalyptic vibes with a surprisingly upbeat pulse.
Listen to Sylvan Esso’s new single “Sledge” below.
Freya Skye – Rising English pop star Freya Skye is out now with “bad taste,” a catchy fan-favourite turned official studio single that first made waves during her sold-out Stars Align Tour. With her biggest international tour dates ahead, a debut album in the works and over 2.8 billion streams already under her belt, 16-year-old Skye’s star is moving fast. You might not know the name now, but you will!
Listen to Freya Skye’s new single “bad taste” below.
Blue October – Twenty years later, Blue October are finally giving Foiled the victory lap it deserves. The veteran rockers just dropped a new video for “She’s My Ride Home.” Directed by Zach Merk, the visual amplifies what’s already such a vulnerable love song. Blue October fans can rejoice as the band is preparing to perform the album in full on their anniversary tour.
Watch the new music video for Blue October’s “She’s My Ride Home” below.
Wavves – Perhaps in a surprising move, Wavves are going full mall-emo on Cherry Soda, a new ten-track album arriving October 30 via I Surrender Records. The first single “Pinesol” blends ’90s grunge’s heavy melodic pull with Nathan Williams’ fuzzed-out California punk. Oddly enough, the track is inspired by true crime. With big distorted guitars, massive pop hooks and references to household cleaning products, this just might be the sharpest left turn we’ve seen from Wavves yet.
Listen to Wavves’ new single “Pinesol” below.
