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The Weeknd – “São Paulo (Feat. Anitta)”
However you feel about polarizing singer-songwriter, producer, and all-around artist Abel Tesfaye — known to you as The Weeknd — his creations in music (and beyond) always capture the world’s attention. The artist landed back in the spotlight last month with this high-intensity club track featuring Brazilian popstar Anitta. Made up of immersive wall-of-sound synths, a whack-a-mole beat, and vocals dripping in reverb — this track is an intense ride. Plus, its video offers glammed up body horror that begs not to be put into words. If you’re into that kinda thing, take note of your surroundings, gird your loins, and click play.
Crystal Murray – “Quick Thrill (Feat. Lava La Rue)”
Crystal Murray needs your attention and she’s more than worthy, so cough it up. At just 22 years old, the singer-songwriter has already undergone one reinvention as an artist, offering up this single as the proof of concept. Consider it proved: From the fuzz-punk delivery, to the eyebrow-raising lyrics, delightful melange of samples, and sonic flourishes — this track is pure, rebellious, hard-edged fun. And UK artist Lava La Rue makes for a perfect creative partner in the running-rampant music vid.
Homer – “Wishing Well (Feat. girl named GOLDEN)”
Ascend to a higher plane with this vibey track from Homer Steinweiss, a long-in-demand studio drummer who’s broken out of recording for the likes of Solange and Adele (his specialty being “retro soul”) to release his own music. This track showcases his wealth of experience: it’s a musical pastiche that features layers of expert instrumentation along with a honey-drip vocal feature from NYC singer girl named GOLDEN. Click play for the chilled out, high-production soundtrack you need to keep it steady this week.
Annahstasia – “Sunday”
Fall calls for poetry and LA’s own Annahstasia’s got it in spades. This gorgeous, all-analog track invites you to revel in its complexity: in lyrics, in structure, and in vocal performance. Bringing to mind great artists like Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, and Nina Simone — this track and the rest of Annahstasia’s catalog offer a commanding new take on a vintage-hued troubadour style. And be sure to listen the whole way through, the song’s final crescendo summons a certain witchiness that tickles us just right.
Two Shell – “Everybody Worldwide”
Fresh UK electro-dance duo Two Shell landed firmly in the scene with this buoyant club track back in September… But perhaps the moment to lean on its excellence… is now(!). Combining house and trance elements with underground influences, and taking a cartoonishly fun approach thanks to two animated avatars, this track will help you escape whatever's taken over your head-game lately. Daft Punk would approve. Feeling it? There’s now plenty more where that came from as the duo’s self-titled LP landed a few weeks ago.