We at TREMG love spotlighting rising and underappreciated talent to give underground creators a platform and the recognition they deserve. But while we love a good monthly roundup, there’s so much great music coming out on a weekly basis that we wanted to share even more. And artists like Lauren Spencer-Smith and Ez Mil were killing it this week! Here’s what you may have missed over the past few days.
TREMG News
Machine Gun Kelly’s mainstream sellout era is in full swing, and he reflected on its main themes, his career, and more in an insightful interview with Billboard. We wrote a recap of the story’s main highlights, including some cat content and thoughtful commentary on his versatility.
And disco fans, you can rejoice, because we agree that the genre deserves a comeback. Grab your mirrorball, turn the lights down, and check out our thoughts on why here!
New Signings
A big congrats goes out to New York’s very own With The Punches, who just announced their new deal with Mutant League Records. They’re celebrating this new chapter of their career with the high-octane new single “Stoneham Blues,” a Neck Deep-esque track about how things change over time, whether that’s love, the promises you made someone, or something else you once held dearly. If you like what you hear, keep an ear out for their Discontent EP in May!
New Singles
America Jayne opens up to a lover about mental health, trauma, and her past experiences on “Open Casket,” a touchingly raw track that she clearly poured her heart into. It’s a stunning blend of high-octane rockers like Paramore along with a softer alt side a lá Julien Baker or Japanese Breakfast. We know “Open Casket” will wind up being one of our favorite songs on her debut EP, Homecoming, due this June, but we’ll eagerly listen to every new track she has up her sleeve!
’Open Casket’ is a shameless plea for vulnerability. The song explores the beginning of a relationship and the desire to share everything with a person in an attempt to grow closer. The subject is urged to be ‘ugly’ – as the protagonist bares their soul – illustrating their near-death experiences, abuse, and insecurities. ‘Open Casket’ was inspired by the intoxicating feeling of first falling in love and the hunger to devour every little bit of information that person shares with you.
America Jayne
K-Pop superstars SEVENTEEN are taking their global success to the next level with “DARL+ING,” their first-ever English single that offers a feel-good love song with an airy acoustic atmosphere, accented with bright synths. Member WOOZI even took part in both the songwriting and the composition! It’s perfect for driving around with the windows down, a sunny beach day, or even just boosting your mood on a day off. Dare we say, this might be some of SEVENTEEN’s most refreshing work to date.
Lauren Spencer-Smith is one of our favorite rising singer-songwriters, and she proved herself to be more than worthy of that title with her brand-new single, the introspective “Flowers.” The best way to describe this song is simply ethereal, with Lauren’s voice flowing over a light piano instrumental so gorgeously. She tells the story of a relationship that went wrong with a focus on how their wrongdoings made her feel about herself, making it a vulnerable adventure that LSS fans will adore for years to come.
‘Flowers’ is about looking at a past experience and knowing I deserved more. I want people to be able to contemplate their own situations and learn from them and heal if they need to. You aren’t alone and it gets better.
Lauren Spencer-Smith
Ez Mil celebrates his hometown in the Philippines on the triumphant “Dalawampu’t Dalawang Oo (2200),” an ode to how far he’s gone that never fails to uplift his roots and family. With every word he raps, you can feel the deeply embedded emotion he carries and effortlessly translates into his work. We can’t wait to hear how this story fits into his DU4LI7Y album when it comes out this summer! Ez Mil is putting Tagalog rap on the map and making a name for himself on the global music scene.
It’s my own narration of a story filled with struggle. With this song, I hope listeners can feel the angst, and my pride, mixed with orchestral instruments fused with nerve wracking-beats. It’s a song about the citizens of Olongapo first and foremost, the bad and the beauty – but it doesn’t just stick to one city, but can speak to all Filipinos as a whole. I’ve always been proud representing my hometown, 2200, so anyone who is proud of their city will definitely feel this.
Ez Mil
Live Events
The Asian-focused entertainment company 88rising made history with a mind-blowing segment on the main stage at Coachella this weekend, becoming the first record label to ever get a showcase slot on the main stage! Artists like Warren Hue, BIBI, and Hikaru Utada electrified the crowd leading up to what might’ve been the most talked-about moment of the night: CL closed the show with three solo songs before recruiting her 2NE1 bandmates for the ultimate reunion with “I’m The Best.”
Warning: The performance video below contains flashing images – viewer discretion is advised for people with photosensitivity.
Music On Screen
We know we’re not the only ones still buzzing about this year’s GRAMMY Awards, and host Trevor Noah is one of the people still getting excited about the memories made that night! He recently recapped his experience meeting one of the biggest acts in the world, none other than BTS, and described them as “the nicest group of people you’ll ever meet.” He sung their praises when it comes to their kindness, their attitudes, and their stage presence, and we’re gonna live vicariously through this video until we get to meet the boys ourselves.
Need something refreshing to watch that’ll also inspire you? Look no further than Trick Daddy Dollars’ B****, I Got My Pots! cooking show co-hosted by Corey “C.O” Evans. Each episode sees Trick connecting with a special guest while making something delicious that you’ll definitely want to try at home. It’ll be airing from April 18th to 22nd at 10 PM EST and April 23rd from 3 PM to 8 PM EST on FOX SOUL, a free platform dedicated to uplifting Black creatives. So don’t miss your chance to see it – dive into FOX SOUL right here!
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What were your favorite releases this week? Let us know in the comments below or link up with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
