Is there anything quite like the rush of discovering a new song or artist you can’t get enough of? We think not, and that’s exactly why we at TREMG love spotlighting rising and underappreciated talent to give creators at every level the recognition they deserve. So many artists spent April offering fans new treats, releasing some of the best work of their career, and opening up in their lyrics like never before. Throughout April, we got to talk to incredible artists like Karnival about their latest projects, but there’s a whole world of talent making their own waves. Here are some of our favorite new releases from this month!
Hayley and the Crushers – “Unsubscribe”
Anyone else feel like time has been moving at the speed of light lately? It’s especially palpable in the music industry, which is what Hayley and the Crushers discuss on “Unsubscribe.” It reflects on the simpler, more conventional times in the industry while also admitting it was a “time bomb” all along – nowadays, there tend to be more opportunities for artists to build their platforms, even though that can make members of the industry feel more isolated than ever. The building guitars and frantic drums add to the tension and really help tell the story until Hayley closes with “I’ll see you around,” cementing her passion for what she does and refusing to give up in the face of such changes. Link up with Hayley and the Crushers on Facebook, Instagram, and their website!
Creative environments and communities are always fraught with this tension of new and old, reverence for the past and the courage to push forward. At some point, the bubble bursts and things start changing. Maybe that’s neither a good nor bad thing. But it’s always rich territory!
Hayley Crusher Cain
Liv Miraldi – “Teeth”
You might already know Liv Miraldi from her songwriting credits with artists like MOD SUN (“Battle Scars”) and CIX (“Lovers or Enemies”), but if you haven’t checked out her solo work yet, then you definitely have to catch up now that she’s released with “Teeth.” The song sees Liv looking back on a happy childhood while experiencing various pains in the present, noting how she doesn’t smile as brightly anymore. It’s a beautiful exploration of young adult life and mental health, honing in on how we can be (or seem like we’re) on cloud nine one second only to crash the next. The song is bound to become a flotation device for anyone going through a similar feeling, thanks to Liv’s emotive vocal delivery and stunning storytelling. Get to know Liv on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter ahead of her 2019 album, due later this year!
The song is a cautionary tale about how things can look perfect from the outside, but you never truly know what’s going on in someone’s personal life. I was at my lowest during this time, grappling with profound heartbreak, loss, and depression. But, from social media, all you would see is that I’d signed a publishing deal, moved to LA, and was living ‘the dream.’ When I look back on this season, the only noticeable sign that I was struggling was that I had stopped smiling with my teeth.
Liv Miraldi
Luke Hemmings – “Benny”
Luke Hemmings has been the dynamic frontman of 5 Seconds Of Summer for over a decade, and he unveiled his astonishing boy EP this month, with one of our favorite tracks being “Benny.” The track focuses on the darker side of fame and success, reflecting on how Luke has spent much of his life away from loved ones (including his brother, Ben) because of touring and various obligations. It’s vulnerable and veracious, showing fans a new side of Luke’s artistry after years of singing about long-distance love on songs like 5SOS’s “Wherever You Are.” Every sparkling step forward he takes gets us even more excited about what the future holds! Step into Luke’s world on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
The song is about guilt. I spend a lot of time away from my family and live in a different country than them. As you get older and life moves on, things happen at home and it’s the guilt of not being there and missing moments. It’s hard to miss the good moments, but even harder to miss the bad moments. You can’t be there to fix it all and be there for the ones you love.
Luke Hemmings
Spencer Crandall – “See It Like You”
We could all benefit from some hopeful optimism, and that’s what Spencer Crandall celebrates on his sunny new single, “See It Like You!” The song shows admiration for his girlfriend who sees the world through sparkling glasses, singing into spoons in the kitchen and managing to make friends wherever she goes. It’s infectiously cheerful and deserves to be your next kitchen karaoke song! We’d place our bets on this being any country lover’s song of the summer. If you like what you hear, connect with Spencer on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and his website. And check out his girlfriend’s adorable reaction to the song!
‘See It Like You’ is just pure happiness and sunshine in a song. I remember writing this song and driving around listening to it, with my windows down, unable to wipe the smile off my face. I hope my fans love this one as much as I do!
Spencer Crandall
Victoria Justice – “RAW”
For so much of Gen Z, growing up with Victoria Justice has been such a special experience. On Victorious, she taught us to relentlessly pursue our dreams, and now, she’s encouraging us to embrace all the “RAW” parts of ourselves with her stunning new single. The song expresses Victoria’s fears and curiosities about new love, wondering how her partner will react to her “anxious,” “lovely,” “weird,” and “ugly” sides. Even with those fears, she promises she can offer a real love they’ll never forget. It’s mellow pop perfection, capturing a universal experience in such a beautiful way that’s real and raw. Keep up with Victoria on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter!
‘RAW’ is a feel-good song about wanting to feel loved and accepted for the person I am. The many sides of me, the good, the bad, and the not-so-great. After all, isn’t that what we all want?
Victoria Justice
What were your favorite releases this month? Let us know in the comments below or link up with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
By Madison Murray
Featured Image: Luke Hemmings, Courtesy of Wackermann & Partners