As we hit the mid-point of October, this week we have added ten new tracks to our Discovery Playlist, on both Apple Music and Spotify, including two songs we premiered earlier in the week. Our track of the week is “Stay In Your Lane” from the fabulous Courtney Barnett.
This new track signals the start of her next musical chapter and is her first release since the surprise instrumental album End Of The Day, as well as her first new song since the critically acclaimed 2021 album, Things Take Time, Take Time. Yes, it’s been a wee while. And what a return. It has her trademark richly vivid lyrics that still leave room for interpretation. As always, the guitars are a highlight, and there is a pulsating, driving rhythm section which rips menacingly. You must check out the accompanying video — it’s not for the faint-hearted.
“There’s No Stopping Me” is the latest single from North London singer-songwriter Jonathan Jeremiah and his forthcoming new album We Come Alive (Out November 7th via [PIAS]). Lyrically it taps into something both deeply personal, but also relatable and resonant. It’s all about having the courage to move on; and about living life deliberately. It’s practically a positive affirmation in song form; and with sweeping strings, layered vocals, and Jeremiah’s rich vocals up front – the vibes are immaculate!
Jack Carty is one of our favourite indie-folk singers, and he is back with “Pollyanna”, a track that acknowledges that life can be tough but offers encouragement to tackle these challenges head-on. As always, his vocals are just ever so calming. Sweet piano and a gentle rhythm section allow the vocals to carry the warmth and intimacy of his lyrics. “Polyanna” is about resilience, hope, and the quiet courage of optimism,” says Carty. “It’s a song that came from reflecting on how we carry ourselves through life’s harder seasons and the strength it takes to keep choosing joy.”
Matt Corby has gone Motown (sort of) on his new single “Burn It Down”. The single is the second to be released from his forthcoming album Tragic Magic – which is out March 6th next year. The single has Corby leaning further into a classic soul sound and it is a joy. “Burn It Down” is fun, playful and groove-laden. Alongside Corby continuing to show his multi-instrumentalist chops, there’s some sweet backing vocals from Meg Mac and Nat Dunn; and a string section just to add to that vintage energy further.
You can currently catch Corby as a special guest for Teddy Swims‘ I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour. Most of the dates have sold out, but there’s been a handful of shows with tickets remaining if you’re quick.
Alice Ruby is a rising indie-pop artist from Naarm. Her latest single, “Hitch Hiking”, is a lush, cinematic indie pop track that explores the beauty and impermanence of fleeting connections. The track showcases her many talents—dreamy vocals, intricate guitars, strings, and more. Alice will be celebrating the release of “Hitch Hiking” with a headline show on the 4th of December at NightHawks Bar in Collingwood. Get there if you can and support live music!
“PLAINTIVE NATIVE” is the thunderous new single from Walsall duo BIG SPECIAL; and comes hot on the heels of their surprise second album NATIONAL AVERAGE in July. According to the duo, “The song is about political turmoil clouding the minds of the nation that turns moral conviction into apathy. It’s about worry for the future and a lack of hope. It’s the confusion of trying to be good when everything is so bad and not knowing how to navigate and trust all the wagging fingers and waving fists.” It’s a timely release (and not just in their native UK); it’s loud, raucous, powerfully confronting and also completely compelling; with an almost punk poet spoken word delivery at times. One for fans of IDLES and Fontaines D.C.
Also added to the playlist this week is “Thirteen”, the beautiful new single from artist, producer and activity Malaika Mfalme. The personal track is from Mfalme’s forthcoming second EP Unfurling. We also have “These Days”, the nostalgia tinged new track from First Nations rap trio 3%. It’s all about the times when the days stretched out, and life felt simpler; but also a reminder to live in the present and enjoy those moments before they fade into the past. It’s deceptively poignant; even more so when you see the track’s accompanying music video.
Finally we’ve also added “Descending Love” from John Drake, and “As I See” from Laura Adeline, both of which we premiered here exclusively earlier in the week.
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
Courtney Barnett “Stay In Your Lane”
Jonathan Jeremiah “There’s No Stopping Me”
Jack Carty “Pollyanna”
Matt Corby “Burn It Down”
Alice Ruby “Hitch Hiking”
Malaika Mfalme “Thirteen”
3% “These Days”
Big Special “Plaintive Native”
John Drake “Descending Love” [Exclusive Single Premiere]Laura Adeline “As I See” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header image credit: Pooneh Ghana
