August Music Wrap-Up

I know I say this every month, but boy was it hard to pick only four songs to highlight in August’s roundup! From Charli XCX’s “Guess” remix featuring Billie Eilish to Fontaines D.C.’s new album, it was a packed month filled with new songs from a number of genres. As such, August’s new music playlist is stuffed full of new gems. Keep reading for my top 4 picks. Happy listening!

“You’re Invited” by The Dare

Released August 7

Indie sleaze has a new name and it’s called The Dare. Although he’s been big in certain circles of NYC for a while, his production on Charli XCX’s “Guess” propelled him into many ears who wouldn’t necessarily know of him – like me, for example.

“You’re Invited” is a pulsing and catchy track that makes me feel like I’m in the late 2000s, pushing through the crowd in a club trying to get outside for a smoke. Lights are flashing, people are making out, and I’m living life, broke because I live in NYC but also rich, because I’m living in NYC. Ok, maybe not quite – I wouldn’t know – but that’s the aesthetic The Dare invites you to imagine with his tracks. Electroclash at times, manic fun always.

Safe to say, after listening to his released songs and investigating who the enigmatic, suit-wearing musician was, I was hooked. Something about his songs scratch a very particular itch and leave me craving for more. And while he only has a couple of tracks released so far, his debut album What’s Wrong With New York? will release on September 20, offering new material for fans to go crazy for.

He’ll also be embarking on his first headline tour across the United States and Canada. Check the dates out here – you’re invited.

“God Help Me Now” by Ellur

Released August 8

I know I’ve covered Ellur’s music before, but as soon as I heard “God Help Me Now,” I knew I had to include it on my monthly wrap-up. Ellur’s songwriting is consistently touching, but she outdid herself on her newest track.

Ellur’s deep, warm voice ponders frustrations and fears related to navigating a world full of betrayal, loss, violence, love, and hope. Similar to their previous single “Boys,” there’s a somber note to the song, but rather than wallow in despair, Ellur offers a voice of hope and resilience. As the song builds, there’s a rousing finale that begs to be blasted, offering a ray of sunshine amidst darkness.

“‘God Help Me Now’ is the most honest song I've ever written,” shared Ellur, “I approached co-writers Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Jack Leonard back in September with my heart on my sleeve, opening up about how I had so many things I wanted to write about that scared me. I joked with them about my dreams of writing that one song where people get on their friends shoulders and scream the lyrics. I wanted to write someone's favourite song.” I think it’s safe to say, mission accomplished.

The Halifax-based artist has had a successful summer run, playing a slew of festivals, including Reading and Leeds Festival. Check out her upcoming dates here. “God Help Me Now” is the first single from their upcoming EP, said to be out in January 2025. Till then, listen to the track below.

“For Cryin’ Out Loud!” by FINNEAS

Released August 8

FINNEAS is nothing if not multitalented. From his work on Billie Eilish’s albums to his solo album Optimist, FINNEAS is a singer, songwriter, and producer extraordinaire. “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” is the first single and title track from his sophomore album, which is set to release on October 4.

“I had the honor of making these songs with some of my closest friends and I can’t wait for them to be yours,” shared FINNEAS about the album on Instagram. For Cryin’ Out Loud! signals a shift in his creative process. In the past, FINNEAS opted to work in smaller, limited collaborations – his albums with Eilish are very much a duo project. However, with his upcoming album, he conducts live studio sessions with other musicians.

This change can be heard throughout the track, as spirited brash embellishments flare, giving the song a bouncy, jazzy touch. Overall, it’s a catchy and fun song, even though the lyrics and music video allude to a darker message.

Directed by Isaac Ravishankara, the unpredictable music video features FINNEAS in an endless loop of accidental deaths, including a couple of jump scares as he falls down an elevator chute and gets hit by a bus. A play on the saying “your love is killing me,” the music video is just as entreating as the track – watch it below!

“Trouble” by Delacey

Released August 30

I first listened to Delacey’s music back in 2020. The pandemic was just starting out, and I found solace in the honest, dark, and sometimes angry lyrics on her debut album, Black Coffee. Flash forward to 2024 and her latest release, “Trouble.”

It’s slightly melancholic track, exploring themes of vulnerability, love, and emotional turbulence. However, the driving beat has a sense of hope and innocence as Delacey’s powerful, raspy vocals and the song’s production combine to create an intimate atmosphere. Imagine running through a field, knowing your “trouble” is waiting at the other end, but running still, because in the moment, you’re free and in love.

The lyrics convey a struggle of being deeply drawn to someone who brings both joy and pain, encapsulating a sense of bittersweet longing. The repetition of “Every time you look at me I'm in trouble” underscores how unavoidable this attraction is. There's an awareness of the destructive consequences, but the emotional pull is so strong that you can’t help but be drawn in, almost like a magnetic force. I think most of us can relate to that, which makes the song all the more resonant.

“I can’t quite put into words the things I wanna say about this song. The body of work that I have recently made with @natecampany and @jtdalyart is what I believe to be the best music I’ve ever been a part. I can’t wait for you to hear it all,” wore Delacey about the track in a post. I can’t wait to hear what she puts out next, but in the meantime, she’ll be playing a few shows on the East Coast. Check out the dates here.

Listen to all of these songs and more on my August new music playlist!

#indie #review #pop #indierock #newmusic