June Music Wrap-Up

Happy summer! I can’t believe that we’re halfway through 2024 already, but boy has it been a great year for music! As always, it was hard to narrow my picks down, so make sure to check out this month’s playlist that has all of my favorite releases this from June, happy listening!

“Outside” by Asal

Released June 14

Asal has been one of my favorite artists since I first heard her songs last year. I was instantly captivated by her mesmerizing vocals set against strong, catchy, driving beats (nothing better than listening to her songs while driving with the bass turned up). Luckily for me, she’s been super active this year, releasing several singles and touring with Artemas.

Although I would argue that Asal’s songs are simultaneously perfect for a chill night in and a night out partying at clubs, the title of her newest song would suggest the latter. “Outside” is an addictive track that sees Asal playing a bit more with afro beats than on previous songs. If you’re looking for a hot song to blast this summer, look no further.

Asal will be touring with Artemas in the fall as well, playing her first headline show in London before heading back to the US, hitting several states as support for Artemas. You can find her tour dates here.

“Last Time We Never Meet Again” by Sarah Kinsley

Released June 20

It’s hard to believe that Sarah Kinsley doesn’t have an album out yet, but it’s true. The rising indie star has finally announced her debut full-length album Escaper with her recent single “Last Time We Never Meet Again,” and needless to say, I am super excited.

I first heard Kinsley back in 2021, and I was immediately entranced by her heartbreaking songs – full of strings and hard-hitting lyrics – that were paired with upbeat and catchy rhythms. “Last Time We Never Meet Again” remains true to this, with Kinsley narrating an all-too-relatable ending of a relationship where you’re left with a conflicting mix of love and sadness. While Kinsley’s vocals alone portray so much emotion, the orchestral and instrumental arrangements carry her voice in an almost whimsical manner, creating a fairytale of a song. Speaking of the track, Kinsley shares, “The song is meant to be celebratory, but it’s trying to make something that is really sincerely a goodbye – the closing of all these worlds that you inhabit with the people you love. A celebratory goodbye.”

Kinsley is far from saying goodbye to us, in fact, she’s just getting started. Escaper is set to release on September 6, after which Kinsley will embark on a tour across US, Canada, and Europe. You can find all the tour dates here!

“Scream from New York, NY” by Been Stellar

Released June 21

The title track from their debut album, “Scream from New York, NY” is a perfect example of why I love Been Stellar. A pensive song, it gradually builds in intensity, eventually reaching an urgent crescendo before falling back to a subdued end. Although they just released their first album, the band has been playing together for seven years and released a slew of singles along the way. Not to mention, they’ve toured with bands such as The 1975, and will hit the road this fall with Fontaines D.C.

As the title would suggest, Been Stellar are a band from New York, and part of the band’s appeal is their ability to acknowledge and embrace their locale. Let’s face it, it can be hard for emerging indie/alt bands to shake the inevitable Strokes and Sonic Youth comparisons. However, Been Stellar manage to make any comparisons redundant, emerging with their own gritty sound that doesn’t shy away from the fact that it is inevitably the product of their environment. Made up of Sam Slocum on vocals, Skyler Knapp and Nando Dale on guitar, Laila Wayans on drums, and Nico Brunstein on bass, Been Stellar is definitely a band to keep on your radar.  

If you haven’t already, listen to the full album here. And don’t miss your chance to see them live this year – see all of their tour dates here.

“Running Out Of Time” by Ashe

Released June 28

Ashe is back! After the success of her albums Ashlyn and Rae, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter has announced her third album, Wilson with a bright new song, “Running Out Of Time.” I know I say this about a lot of songs, but Ashe’s new release really is a perfect song for summer. The cover bears a clever resemblance to Bruce Springsteen’s Born In The U.S.A., and the music video is full of summery images set against the backdrop of warm landscapes and an American flag – a song to be added to your 4th of July (and every other!) playlist if you ask me.

Along with the single and album announcement, Ashe shared a heartfelt message to fans on social media, “What a scary and wonderful and bizarre thing to be back???? This is my first EVER independently released song without a record label and my first time directing my own music video alongside the deeply talented @lukemrogers. I’m woven into every detail, lyric and careful choice made. I haven’t been this healthy or excited or proud or fulfilled or RELIEVED in a very verrrrry long time… Every fan reading, thank you for not counting me out and believing in me when I could not believe in myself. Coming back to your loving arms is a warm welcome home.”

Welcome back Ashe, we missed you!

If you want to listen to all these songs and more, check out my June music wrap-up playlist!

#indie #review #pop #indierock #newmusic