Read New Music Friday 009 featuring ten releases you need to hear today:

1. Phoneboy – “What a Coward”

Indie rock band Phoneboy has released their new single “What a Coward,” accompanied by a music video, ahead of their upcoming album, Moving Out, which will be released on March 24th. The band said the new song explores the potential pitfalls of nostalgia, and the surreal scenes from their childhood depicted in the video were inspired by dream and afterlife sequences from film, TV, and other music videos. Phoneboy will embark on a tour to support their new album, starting in Asbury Park, NJ, on March 24th, and concluding on April 29th in New York, NY. The album features the band’s signature sound of undeniable toe-tappers and bittersweet bangers determined to fuel get-togethers from blowouts to dormroom dance parties. Stream “What A Coward.”

2. Skrillex – Quest For Fire (album)

The wait is finally over as Skrillex drops his highly-anticipated album, Quest For Fire, marking another milestone in the artist’s unmatched career. Having had an amazing run of performances and releases this year, Skrillex continues to solidify his name with this latest project. Collaborating with the likes of Fred again.., Four Tet, and Jamie XX, Skrillex pushes the boundaries of the genre and delivers a club-oriented and masterful body of work. Featuring appearances from some of his most forward-thinking friends such as Missy Elliot and Eli Keszler, Quest For Fire is set to be one of Skrillex’s most extraordinary releases. Stream Quest For Fire.

3. KID BE KID – “Naked Times”

Berlin-based artist KID BE KID unveils her new single, “Naked Times,” the first preview of her upcoming album, Truly A Life Goal But No Ice Cream, due for release on June 9th via Fun In The Church. KID BE KID, who comes from a family of professional musicians and is known for her beatboxing and singing, has been gaining traction on various music publications and radio stations, including BBC Radio1Xtra and Germany’s Deutschlandfunk Kultur. On “Naked Times,” she touches upon the topic of pretense in society, using metallic synth melodies and percussive rhythms created by her own voice to deliver an authentic message. Check out her electrifying performance in the song’s music video and stream “Naked Times.”

4. Michaël Brun – “Clueless” ft. Oxlade

Haiti-born, New York-based Latin GRAMMY Award-winning producer and artist Michaël Brun shares his latest single “Clueless”, featuring Nigerian singer Oxlade. The upbeat track is infused with Haitian and West African stylings, and is a fusion of Brun’s production and Oxlade’s operatic-leaning voice, delivering an Afro-Caribbean anthem that’s ready for the world stage. Brun has been praised for bringing audiences together with his annual Bayo Block Party Tour and was awarded a Latin GRAMMY® in the “Best Urban Music Album” category for his work on J Balvin’s Colores. Already accumulating over 100 million streams across his discography, “Clueless” is the first of many releases expected from Brun in 2023.

5. James Ivy – “Involved”

NYC-based producer, singer, and songwriter James Ivy dropped his dreamy shoegaze and pop-infused track “Involved” via FADER label. Moonlit and gauzy, the track infuses James’ electronica background with 90s’ alt-rock nostalgia. Detached from PC music and now writing with a guitar in hand, Ivy’s music is an honest reflection of where he’s been sonically and where he wants to go, as he explores a grungy and dreamy sound that remains true to his roots. The song follows the success of his single “Under Tongues” and this spring, Ivy will join keshi’s North American tour as direct support alongside Deb Never, No Rome, and others. Ivy, who started performing at iconic Manhattan venue Chinatown Chalet at 15, released his debut EP, “Good Grief!,” in the fall of 2020 and opened for Porter Robinson’s Nurture tour.

6. Indy – Threads (EP)

Indy Yelich O’Connor, also known as Indy, unveils her EP, Threads, on TMWRK Records, including the new lead single, “Freeloader,” which arrives with its own visualizer. The EP was a long time in the making, recorded over three years between New York, Los Angeles, and Indy’s native New Zealand, and sees that artist collaborating with Casey Smith, Andy Seltzer, Miro Mackie, and more. Growing up in a household surrounded by music, art, and poetry, Indy’s debut single, “Threads,” received critical acclaim and was followed by other well-received singles, including “Killer” and “Hometown.” After releasing two volumes of poetry, Indy’s return to music promises even more exciting releases to come. Stream the Threads EP here.

7. HCK9 – “Tell Me It Gets Better”

Driven by nostalgic 90s guitars, cinematic soundscapes and emotional vocals, HCK9‘s new song, “Tell Me It Gets Better” is a new anthem perfect for crying in the shower or screaming out of the car window at 3 am. The message is introspective, yet one we can all share after the past three years shone a spotlight on the public’s mental health and how it affects more people than we think. The Emo-loaded song plants us onto the battleground of the day-to-day and the problems we face. Co-written and produced by Dustin Dooley, the song is the title track of the HCK9’s upcoming debut EP and marks the start of the collaboration between London-based artist and Munich based Alt/Rock label Circular Wave. Stream “Tell Me It Gets Better.”

8. Omar Apollo – “3 Boys”

Grammy-nominated artist Omar Apollo has released his new single “3 Boys” after a breakout year. The simple yet romantic melody is layered with Apollo’s signature complex vocals sure to delight fans. The song marks Apollo’s first new music since his 2022 debut album, IVORY. Following the album’s success and a sold-out headline tour, Apollo will support SZA on her S.O.S. tour beginning at the end of this month. The new single is a departure from Apollo’s usual songwriting style, exploring the complexities of non-monogamous relationships. Omar’s previous singles have crossed genre lines and language barriers, including “Tamagotchi,” produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, which was highlighted on Barack Obama’s Summer 2022 playlist. Stream “3 Boys.”

9. Tei Shi – “¿QUIÉN TE MANDA?”

Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter, producer, and artist, Tei Shi has announced the upcoming release of her BAD PREMONITION EP on March 17th, alongside her new single, “¿QUIÉN TE MANDA?” Co-produced with Chairlift’s Patrick Wimberly and Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Jake Portrait, the bilingual track is an empowering and sultry song about deception, manipulation, and frustration she underwent while under contract with her former label. The forthcoming EP is a personal and emotional journey, a six-track body of work underpinned by a message of resilience and comprised of heartfelt and emotional songs. Tei Shi will also embark on a North American tour in support of the EP, starting on April 13th in New York and ending on April 22nd in San Francisco, after recently debuting on the catwalk for Elena Velez’s Fall 2023 show. Stream “¿QUIÉN TE MANDA?“

10. Eloise – “Giant Feelings”

London-based singer-songwriter Eloise has released a new single and music video for “Giant Feelings,” the second single off her debut album, Drunk On A Flight, which is set to be released on April 14th via AWAL. The album features 12 tracks that embrace the moment and empowers listeners to feel their emotions, no matter how complicated they may be. The new single is a slow ballad that delves into the complexities of heartbreak, showcasing Eloise’s songwriting prowess. The music video, shot in one take, features Eloise lamenting over her past relationship in Los Angeles. In addition to the album, Eloise also announced a run of headlining European tour dates starting in June. Stream the new single here.

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