July Music Wrap-Up

You know the drill, it's time for another monthly wrap-up! Keep reading for my top 4 picks this month, and check out all of the new songs I enjoyed here. Happy listening!

“Angel Of My Dreams” by JADE 

Released July 19

“Angel Of My Dreams” is making a good run to be one of my favorite songs this summer. The first solo single from JADE – who you may know as Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix – is a hypnotic song that I just can’t get enough of! There are so many beat drops, switch-ups, and impressive vocals that grab my attention during the track. I’m not usually the biggest pop fan (so sue me (song reference guys, please don’t actually sue me)), but this song scratches an itch I didn’t even know I had.

“Angel Of My Dreams” truly feels like an album packed into one frantic, carefree, and vivacious track that chronicles JADE’s love/hate relationship with the music industry. “This song means everything to me - my love/hate letter to the music industry, telling my story from the beginning of my journey to now. It’s the perfect introduction and launch into my world as a solo artist so buckle the fuck up lolllll,” shared JADE in an Instagram post.

She also shared a heartfelt message with fans, “I didn’t want to do a safe first single, that was really important to me. I’m setting the tone of who I am as an artist on my own. I want people to hear it and be like ‘what the fuck is that song?’. My worst nightmare is for someone to hear my song and go ‘that’s nice’.”

Safe to say, “Angel Of My Dreams” is a wild ride, and I can’t recommend watching the music video enough. Written and directed by Aube Perrie (who also directed the music video for Fontaines D.C.’s “Starburster,” which is another one of my favorite releases this year), it adds an eccentric and exaggerated visual element to the song that elevates it times ten. Watch it below.

“Just Like North” by Angie McMahon

Released July 25

It was divine intervention, cosmic alignment, or just pure luck that led me to stumble upon Angie McMahon’s music last year. I was grasped by her debut album, Light, Dark, Light Again, which is full of atmospheric songs that alternate between making me want to cathartically run through a field or to lie in said field, staring at stars in the sky. “Just Like North” is no different, and for good reason!

“The song belongs in the Light, Dark, Light Again universe, recorded during the album sessions in North Carolina, and it didn’t fit onto the final track list but has always been one of my favourites so I’m real happy it’s out!” wrote McMahon about her new single in an Instagram post.

One of the most compelling parts of McMahon’s writing is the repetitive, almost meditative lyrics she employs as driving forces throughout her songs. There is also a strength in her vocals that brings to mind Florence Welch, in addition to underlying softness that reflect the raw lyrics that she sings. On “Just Like North,” McMahon embraces pain and hurt, acknowledging they’re a part of life, just like joy is. A timeless sentiment, it’s made all the more touching by her poetic lyrics.

If her songs are cathartic, seeing them live is a whole other experience. She’ll be going on tour later in August, and while unfortunately none of her stops are near me, check out the full list of dates here to see if there’s any near you!

“California Sober” by Victoria Canal

Released July 26

“California Sober” marks a sonic shift for Victoria Canal and infuses her Cuban roots into an exciting single. You might’ve seen me feature her recent single “June Baby” on my Pride Playlist or seen her perform with Coldplay at Glastonbury (!!) but drop all expectations you may have for her newest song.

“Today marks a sonic shift & pushing out of my comfort zone (aka sad girl indie). ‘california sober’ is a trust fall for me - implementing my cuban roots, exploring my love of pop, openly embracing my queer journey & sensuality - fully spring-boarding from my last project that explored body image, dysmorphia, and the disabled experience. that was so meaningful to me but also quite heavy & taxing, you know? it’s cathartic to be deep but it’s also cathartic to be FUN, and goddamnit i feel hot these days ! feeling sensual is so worth celebrating!” wrote Canal in an Instagram post. And I can tell you, it feels good to hear a fun, hot song!

I always love when artists I follow make bold moves, and this is definitely a bold move for Canal. And one that pays off. Her lyrical prowess floats over bouncing beats and Cuban-influenced sounds, full of confidence and charisma. Sensual queer liberation at its finest, I’m still waiting for an official music video. In the meantime, check out Canal’s upcoming tour dates here!

“Sick Of The Blues” by Porridge Radio

Released July 30

British post-punk/indie-rock quartet Porridge Radio are back! Another cathartic song, “Sick Of The Blues” is a roaring track that builds from a gentle whisper into a thrashing, freeing scream. A brief, jazzy outro softens the song, but it’s one to blast at max volume.

“‘Sick Of The Blues’ is about being heartbroken and taking back some joy, remembering that you’re the source of your own happiness, not someone else, even when you’re hurt and left with a hole in your heart,” said bandleader Dana Margolin about the track, “After being messed around enough, you just want to take back control. I just wanted to let it go, stop letting it consume me. I wanted simplicity, to have fun and remember everything good that could possibly happen. To love wholly, to not take anything too seriously. To have fun with my friends, to remove the tunnel vision and fall in love with my life again.”

In addition to releasing the single, Porridge Radio announced their fourth album, Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me, out October 18. “Sick Of The Blues” will serve as the triumphant closer for the album, leaving me super excited to hear the rest. Porridge Radio will also embark on a tour that runs into 2025. Check out all their dates here.

#indie #review #pop #indierock #newmusic