There has been a lot of great new music released over the last few weeks. You can find out what was released this weekend in our New Music Report, but take a look at what we've been listening to lately. Our editors Nicole, James, and Isha have shared some of their Expert Picks for the week. Check it out below:
Nicole's Picks
The Vamps featuring TINI - "It's A Lie"
Talk about a summer song that is just FUEGO. "It's A Lie" is from The Vamps' new album Night & Day (Night Edition), and it's a collab between the guys and Argentinian actress/model/singer TINI (real name Martina Stoessel - Tini for short). Night & Day has been a bit of departure from The Vamps' previous material, with the first few singles being more EDM focused, and "No Lie" is another example of the guys' versatility on this album being more Latin-influenced. This song will make you want to book a one way ticket to Argentina right now.
Loote - “High Without Your Love"
If you're not familiar with Loote yet, allow me to introduce you. They are a New York City-based pop duo consisting of Jackson Foote and Emma Lov Block. I decided to check them out after a friend and fellow singer/songwriter LAUV mentioned them while talking about working on Cheat Codes and Demi Lovato's "No Promises," which Loote also helped to write and produce. Well, Loote released a single of their own recently called "High Without Your Love," and it is just as addicting as "No Promises." The pop/dance song is perfect for summer, and it looks like we'll be hearing more from the duo after having been recently signed to Island Records. Definitely go check them out.
Follow Nicole on Twitter: @NicoleMastr0
James' Picks
Motez - "The Future" featuring Antony & Cleopatra
In an effort to move away from his club-centric material, Motez takes a stab at something new by teaming up with London-based duo Antony & Cleopatra for a soulful record called "The Future," which also includes a twenty piece children's choir. It's feel-good, atmospheric and, most importantly, genuine. "‘The Future is a song I wrote a few years ago with my good friend Alex Burnett," Motez said in a statement. "It’s a song about a relationship that came to a conclusion and all of a sudden I found myself facing the path of an uncertain future. It’s about the fundamental truth that sometimes we inevitably grow apart, and while we mourn a love lost, we celebrate that we once loved and were loved."
Lana Del Rey featuring A$AP Rocky - "Summer Bummer"
Ahead of the release of her new album, Lust for Life, Lana Del Rey dropped two new songs featuring A$AP Rocky: “Summer Bummer,” which also features Playboi Carti, and “Groupie Love.” Even though the latter stays in line with the pop siren’s usual dreamy pop, “Summer Bummer” is the real stand-out amongst the pair, with LDR dipping her toes back into urban-influenced territory. On this hazy track, Lana sings about a love that is doomed, but for now, things feel much safer in the comforts of her own bed. We feel you, girl.
Follow James on Twitter: @newyorkinstinct
Isha's Picks:
French Montana featuring Max B and The Weeknd - "A Lie"
French Montana’s second studio album dropped on Friday (July 14). But, that’s not all! The recording artist also released the music video for “A Lie,” a track that’s featured on his sophomore project. The hot single features The Weeknd and Max B. Throughout the visual, Weeknd and Montana roam NYC streets, while rapping and singing about how official they are. Max B – who’s currently serving time in prison – made appearances in the video via old footage of himself. Cameos of other artists are also visible in it. Both Montana and Spliff TV directed the vid for "A Lie." You can watch it below.
Rob Markman - "I Don’t Wanna Wait"
Rob Markman has to be one of the most famous hip hop journalist in the country. He first gained notoriety during his time at MTV. Now, he’s the Head of Artist Relations at Genius – and a really cool guy, if you’ve ever met him, might we add. Even though he’s still in the journalism lane, Markman is now letting us know that he’s still got bars (he was once an upcoming rapper, prior to entering the journalism industry). He dropped a new track entitled “I Don’t Wanna Wait” and we would be frontin’ harder than Pharrell is we said that it wasn’t nice. It features Kirby Maurier and was produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. Listen to it here.
Follow Isha on Twitter: @IshaThorpe