Just when people assume the Austin music scene has been chocked lifeless by the pandemic, our local musicians continue to release absolute bangers. Whether you dig dreamy synth pop or Latin love, here are six sensational singles you need to listen to today.
1 – “Ella” by Gina Chavez
Is it clear by now how much we love Gina Chavez? The prospect of new music in these dark and desperate days feels like a ray of sunshine, and Chavez delivers.
“Ella” serves as a survey course to everything she does well. Seductive Latin rhythms propelled by a reggaeton thump and covered in a blanket of smooth vocals, “Ella” struts and sways. Chavez even graces the track with a rare hip hop break. Love this new song from a celebrated Austin artist.
2 – “Slow Down” by Ley Line
Many a keyboard strike has been dedicated to the lovely four-piece Ley Line and for good reason. The group’s latest single, “Slow Down,” is a stripped back hammock tune begging for everyone to take time to–well–slow down. Timely for these uncertain times, this laid-back call to inaction is just the sort of medicine many of us need right now.
Listen to the track courtesy of our friends at KUTX
3 – “Pause” by Flora & Fawna
A COVID-inspired call for optimism in the face of ever-encroaching tragedy, Flora & Fauna presents “Pause,” a slick groove track swollen with the complex emotions our current quarantine brings. Within the space of three minutes, vocalist Lili Hickman wrestles with nightmares and anxieties leading to one solution: just hit pause. Advice we should internalize during these bizarre and threatening times.
Keep reading: 5 Ways You Can Support Austin Music During the Coronavirus Crisis
4 – “Something Good” by The Lagoons
A new Lagoons song? Sign me up! Rather then beseech us to chill, the music does all the talking. Silky saxophone and birdsong open to a pure 10-mph-under-the-speed-limit maraca shake and kick drum thump.
A subtle tune longing for connection and good news, “Something Good” feels timely without being obvious. And that groove. That luscious, undeniable groove. Can’t wait to cruise down Rt 12 to Dripping Springs bumping this laid-back jam.
Listen to “Something Good” on Spotify
5 – “Little Spoon” by fuvk
It’s official. fuvk discovered a “Becoming John Malkovich” wormhole into my heart, so she can play puppeteer with my emotions. “Little Spoon” is a somber admission of codependence layered atop delicate acoustic guitar and the occasional flute swell. Lines like “when we fight it feels romantic / I’m addicted to your pain” reach deep into past failed loves and shattered relationships.
If COVID is causing the quarantine blues, then you may want to steer clear. But if you’re like me, then a good rainy day song can bring comfort. Gorgeous.
6 – “No Dancing” by Sweet Spirit
Writing a song lamenting an empty dance floor while being intrinsically boogie-able is a tough trick to pull. Don’t tell that to the legendary Sabrina Ellis and Sweet Spirit. “No Dancing’s” snake charmer groove, bombastic drum strikes, and cloying vocals evoke images of the final party before the apocalypse.
Blindly hopeful in its groove, but resigned to the current truth. Despite all that, “No Dancing” reminds me the clubs will open, social distancing will be repealed, and one glorious day, we’ll resume digging music the way nature intended. Trick pulled.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Simple. Who’s your favorite Austin artist?
