13 Standout Songs From May That May Have Gone Under Your Radar, News In Progress

We at TREMG love spotlighting rising and underappreciated talent to give underground creators a platform and the recognition they deserve. So many artists spent May offering fans new treats, releasing some of the best work of their career, and opening up in their lyrics like never before. Throughout May, we got to talk to incredible artists like Favor, Sophia Marie, Maeve Steele, and Julia Bhatt about their new projects, but there’s a whole world of talent making their own waves. Here are some of our favorite new releases from this month!

Ali Gatie – “IDK”

Ali Gatie brings a festival favorite to the masses with “IDK,” a pop-rock anthem about falling in love and hoping the relationship lasts. It’s an adorable ode to how getting to know someone new can turn our worlds around for the better, and you’ll be rooting for Ali’s romance as he gushes about how happy he is. Between the lyrics and the vocals, this is definitely a standout in his discography! If you don’t already love Ali, “IDK” what you’re waiting for. Get to know him on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter!

This song is extra special because I performed it for the first time at Coachella. The energy was unreal, we had so much fun, and now I’m just excited to share it with the world.
Ali Gatie

Cannon – “College Friends”

With graduation season in full swing, we can’t think of a better time to be blasting Cannon’s “College Friends” on full volume! This pop-rock anthem talks about the challenges we face when we’re transitioning from our teen years and the carefree attitude most people hold during that time to adulthood and the pursuit of our dreams. It’s challenging for anyone to figure out how to balance their social life with their goals, especially in a pandemic, and simply put, Cannon just gets it. Become “Friends” with him and connect on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter!

When I graduated from college, I found myself worrying about whether I was sacrificing too much time chasing my goals to spend time with my friends, or sacrificing too much time with my friends to chase my goals. I soon came to realize that in trying to be two places at once, I ended up nowhere. Part of the process of graduating and growing up for me has been learning how to decide where to allocate my time.
Cannon

HEESEUNG of ENHYPEN – “Off My Face”

ENHYPEN’s HEESEUNG shows off his gorgeous vocals like never before with his mellow cover of Justin Bieber’s “Off My Face,” a love song that likens a romance’s impact to that of a drug. And simply put, he sounds angelic. It’s a nice change of pace from the high-energy songs like “Blessed-Cursed” that ENHYPEN have stolen our hearts with, while also showcasing what we knew all along: HEESEUNG and his bandmates are some of the most well-rounded K-Pop idols around. Step into the band’s immersive musical world by checking them out on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, their official Twitter, and the members’ Twitter!

‘Off My Face’ is a song I often enjoy listening to by an artist whom I highly respect. It’s taken almost two years to release a cover for our fans ENGENEs, and I really wanted them to hear my version of it.
HEESEUNG

Nick Bonin – “Next Time It’s Too Late”

The next generation of pop-punk artists are absolutely mind-blowing, and Nick Bonin is definitely one of the frontrunners. His new single “Next Time It’s Too Late” is full of adrenaline, urgency, and pure emotion and angst about feeling like you have to hide your feelings. Over the past few years, Nick has overcome obstacles like poverty and agoraphobia, and “Next Time It’s Too Late” is a triumphant declaration that he’s entering a new chapter of his life and career. Make sure you’re along for the ride by following Nick on Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and Twitter!

‘Next Time It’s Too Late’ is a song I wrote about not waiting to tell someone how you feel, even though it’s eating you from the inside. The verses detail the struggle of holding things in without expressing them, leading to more pain and confusion.
Nick Bonin

Nyxen – “Silence In Motion”

In the best way possible, “Silence In Motion” sounds like something that would’ve soundtracked an intense scene of Gossip Girl back in 2008. The latest offering from Nyxen’s upcoming debut album, PXNK, is a high-energy pop-rock anthem about wanting to be “just like them,” seemingly about the fight for individuality versus conformity. Come on, tell us that Taylor Momsen’s misfit character Jenny Humphrey wouldn’t be blasting this in her room after having a showdown with the queen bee, Blair Waldorf. You can’t! But what you can do is jam out to “Silence In Motion” and learn more about Nyxen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and her official site!

[This song is] a fast-paced journey into what it feels like to be an outsider. An introverted over-thinker idolizing the freedom and confidence they see in the people around them, wanting that for themselves. ‘Silence In Motion’ felt fitting as a name, the silence of erratic thoughts speeding through your mind, the silent movement of people you cross paths with, and the effects of unspoken words as you move through time.
Nyxen

paris jackson – “lighthouse”

Expanding on the storyline of her track “wilted,” paris jackson draws from the 90s rock energy of legends like Nirvana (who the music video even pays homage to) on “lighthouse,” a track about feeling lost in a relationship and worrying about not being enough for the person you love. While she’s “intoxicated on what could have been,” she’s firm in recognizing that she deserves better and moving forward. As she should! You can move on over to paris’ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with her future work.

I continued to write about this same old heartbreak that ‘wilted’ is about. A lot of the new songs coming out are similar stories about the same person and heartbreak. I guess I’m just exploring different feelings. ‘wilted’ was a more melancholy record, and now I’m exploring more of the anger…
paris jackson

Pretty Killer – “Blossom” (feat. Kellin Quinn and Monty Xon)

With so much incredible rock music coming out on a daily basis, it’s pretty hard to narrow down what the best releases of the year will be. Even then, we’re positive that “Blossom” is one of them! This pop-punk track incorporates an 808 like artists such as Machine Gun Kelly and iann dior have been doing, but feels like a refreshing offering in a vein we haven’t heard in a while. It has an effortless summer vibe that definitely earned it a spot on our sunny day playlists. Be sure to keep up with the pretty killer band that is Pretty Killer on Instagram!

Working with Kellin was amazing. I’ve been a huge fan of his work since like high school so I think anytime you get to work with someone like that it’s always like a little surreal. Monty Xon is a super cool dude, he’s definitely on his way to the top and I’m glad we got to work with him!
Jason Pascucci of Pretty Killer

rei brown – “Thinking Bout You” (feat. Joji)

Joji joins rei brown for the ultimate intergalactic adventure with “Thinking Bout You,” a sleek pop track about the push-and-pull of a long-distance relationship that leaves both parties fulfilled and conflicted. If you’re currently feeling drained by your own LDR, “Thinking Bout You” will take you to another world where that pain feels more like a temporary price for an all-consuming, rewarding passion rather than a form of purgatory. Or if you’re lucky enough to be with the one you love, soundtrack a relaxing night in with this R&B-pop jam. Get to know rei brown on Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and his website, and vibe with Joji on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and his site.

I wrote my part mostly in the context of a long-distance relationship. There are hints in it that suggest it takes place in a different, more sci-fi reality.
rei brown

Rina Sawayama – “This Hell”

Rina Sawayama is a pop icon for a new age, and “This Hell” is the perfect summary of what she’s capable of. With nods and mentions to female legends like Shania Twain, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and Princess Diana, Rina calls out how callous our society can be and throws a party that even Satan would approve of to show that life deserves to be celebrated, no matter who you are. To join Rina’s party, check her out on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and her official site, and be sure to pre-save her sophomore album Hold The Girl, due in September!

I put in as many iconic pop culture moments as I can, but the song is more than that. It’s an important song for me given the human rights that are being taken away from minorities at a rapid rate in the name of traditional religious beliefs, more specifically I was thinking about the rights being taken away from the LGBTQ community when I wrote this song. When the world tells us we don’t deserve love and protection, we have no choice but to give love and protection to each other. This Hell is better with you.
Rina Sawayama

Shobsy – “Driven”

Merging pop and R&B into an alluring mix reminiscent of The Weeknd, “Driven” is an electrifying love song that touches on the frustration of confused boundaries and unclear emotions. With an 80s synth flair and a 2000s-esque club atmosphere, “Driven” sounds like what a fun night out with friends feels like. By the end of the song, you’ll have one thought to say about it: “I love you, baby.” If you love it as much as we do, connect with Shobsy on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

‘Driven’ is a song inspired by the feeling of being toyed with by someone you have fallen in love with. It captures the mood of the crossover where sexual tension meets true commitment. In the song, the character is being tortured by their love interest’s lack of clarity with what they truly want.
Shobsy

Sizzy Rocket – “Rebel Revolution”

Just in time for Pride Month, Sizzy Rocket unveils the ultimate confident banger with “Rebel Revolution,” touching on her sexuality and confidence in a pop-rock package that’s simply addicting. It continues on the badass vibes we’ve gotten from Sizzy in the past, but it feels like a triumphant step forward into new territory with a stronger energy than ever before. It’s effortlessly cool and destined to get you on your feet. While you’re up, check out Sizzy Rocket on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

I wanted to make a hot, gay summer anthem. Honestly, ‘Rebel Revolution’ is about being gay as fuck. I had to free myself and let go of the fear I was harboring from being shamed and told to hide my gayness early in my career. It’s about taking my power back, the idea that true rebellion comes from within. A rebel is simply someone who dares to show themselves to the world – and this song is calling all rebels.
Sizzy Rocket

sona blue – “17”

On “17,” English singer-songwriter sona blue reflects on a crumbling relationship with a detailed acuity that really brings the story to life. The song feels like diving into cool water as waves flutter past you and you’re lost in a haze of sorts, mirroring how sona feels like the romance he describes got lost in a haze. Simply put, this song is mystical and ethereal, and it sets the stage for a whirlwind future for sona blue’s artistry. Keep up with him on Instagram and his website so you can be one of the first to know about his upcoming work!

It’s about that part of a relationship where things start to break down. I wrote this about someone I was with for a short time, but our lives quickly went in different directions. I knew it was the beginning of an end, but I still wanted to cling onto it.
sona blue

Vera Blue – “The Curse”

Vera Blue’s deep-rooted emotion and empathy is part of what makes her lyrics so special, and she completely leans into her sympathetic side with “The Curse.” This friends-to-lovers anthem showcases the confusion and frustration that can come up when you fall for one of your closest companions, drawing from what one of her own friends felt when they found themself in that situation. Even though she experienced it via proxy, Vera makes the story feel uniquely hers while her strong vocals make it all the more alluring. Learn more about Vera Blue on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and her official site!

When I see my friends hurting or going through something, it hurts just as much as it would if it were myself. I am a big empath, so raw emotions immediately come to the surface. When writing ‘The Curse,’ I’ve found myself inspired by the lives of those I’m close to, yet all these things that I’m writing about, I relate to 100% and have happened to me. It’s almost like it’s happening all over again, but my perspective is on the outside.
Vera Blue