Hey! Did you know that there’s an entire aspect of KCRW music discovery that you might be missing out on? Fear not, because our 5 Songs to Hear This Week newsletter is now a weekly feature on our website. Watch this space for rundowns of the five songs that you need in your life immediately, curated by KCRW Music staff. Don’t want to wait for your latest taste of fresh tunes? Sign up for the Tuesday newsletter here, and have ‘em delivered directly to your inbox.
FKA twigs – “Eusexa”
Singer, artist, dancer, and muse of modernity FKA twigs is back in the spotlight with a new single that also serves as an artistic statement for her new era. According to twigs, she coined “Eusexa” to describe the "sensation of being so euphoric" that one could "transcend human form.” This inventive, techno-inspired single and its video bring that idea to vivid life. Viewer beware: behind this link is an especially twigs-y twigs video, featuring Zoi Tatopoulos choreography and the bodies that perform it. There is no total nudity, but an NSFW label is definitely in order.
Franz Ferdinand – “Audacious”
The voice of Alex Kapranos, lead singer of Scottish post-punk band Franz Ferdinand, always breaks through. Round, full, and clear as a bell — the theatrical bent of Kapranos’ vocal delivery works extra-well here. This celebratory, camp-adjacent, sing-it-loud single also serves as an announcement for The Human Fear (due January 10th, 2025). It’ll be Franz Ferdinand’s first new album in seven years. In the meantime, click play for an encouragement anthem that’ll have you shouting and swaying in no time.
Royel Otis – “Til The Morning”
Aussie buddy duo Royel Otis brings a grip of feelings out of this minimally-tracked single — an easy-to-love rumination on the sweet melancholy of missing somebody special. Given their names (Royel and Otis) and since-kidhood connection, these two seem destined to be a band, an idea which was proven out when they went viral for a stripped-down cover of The Cranberries’ Linger last month. Cozy up, put your cans on, and get deep in your feels with this track and its free-found-footage visualizer.
Joy Oladokun – “I’d Miss the Birds”
Let’s keep the cozy (and very fall-esque) singer-songwriter vibes going with this folk-narrative track from trailblazing artist Joy Oladokun. A talented lyricist, Oladokun is clear and concise while describing her experience of feeling two-kindsa-ways about her move to Nashville, Tennessee. Oladokun’s life experience as a queer person of color, especially one making music in the folk/country space, is a clear source of inspiration. She details it with elegance and clarity in this tough-stuff single while ultimately carrying forth an optimistic spirit.
Go Betty Go – “Party At Sea”
Longtime LA band Go Betty Go have been cranking out punk-ska-rock bangers together since the early 2000s. Their reputation for energizing and life-affirming tracks that’ll blow out your speakers (in a good way) is well-earned. In this particularly cheeky new cut, the band offers up their signature foot-stomping, chant-along format in an earworm-y, ocean-liner themed package. All aboard: you're invited to a party at sea(!).