Round-up: 10 Songs You Gotta Listen To Right Now

Welcome to RIVAL’s week roundup, where we dive into a fantastic mix of tracks that we think you shouldn’t miss. We’ve got everything from Samantha Marie's evocative "Shapeshifting," which dives deep into the ups and downs of emotions, to Megan Burtt’s catchy "Drugstore Brand," a bold take on finding your true self in a world full of expectations. Plus, don’t miss out on rising stars like matty co. and XOLEX, whose fresh sounds are sure to leave you wanting more. Get ready to beef your playlist up!

SAMANTHA MARIE - "SHAPESHIFTING"

Samantha Marie Saglibene launched her "Shapeshifting" project during the summer of 2023, inspired initially by vivid colors and emotions. As she crafted her music, she navigated through challenges related to mental health, focusing on her own evolving relationship with self-awareness and the world. The concept of 'shapeshifting' emerged as a metaphor for the continuous evolution of human emotions and resilience.

MEGAN BURTT - "DRUGSTORE BRAND"

Continuing themes of preserving, finding, or refining one’s identity—Megan Burtt’s new single, "Drugstore Brand," featured on her album "Witness," is precisely about getting to the essence of self-identity against societal pressures, pinpointing the delicate dance between aspirations and contentment, all while mirroring the vibrant energy of New York City, a place with such a strong aura that can either feed or crush your very soul.

The song itself is a bit hard to catalog, you can’t exactly hang any clearly defined genre tag on it, but one thing is for sure, if you’d told me that the song was written by the likes of Townes Van Zandt or Kristofferson, I’d be inclined to believe you. This is about the highest praise I think I can give to any songwriter.

MATTY CO. - “LIFEHASBEENALOTLATELY”

Known artistically as matty co., Matt Cohen combines diverse musical influences shaped by his upbringing in Orange County, California, and his experiences within the music industry. His sound is an engaging mix of indie pop, R&B, and rock, making for a buzzing cocktail with a strong aftertaste of timelessness and groove.

In “LIFEHASBEENALOTLATELY” matty takes us on an emotional rollercoaster that explores the notion of feeling “stretched thin”, as it were, and he does so with one of the most unique, original, and grooviest sounds you’ll hear for a while. 

HIDDEN FORTRESS - "ELECTRIC SKELETON"

I like how my immediate reaction to encountering a project named “HIDDEN FORTRESS” was thinking I’d stumbled upon yet again another magnificent piece of dungeon synth, and although that’s clearly not the case, I was also not entirely off the mark, seeing how “Electric Skeleton” was born specifically from a passion for retrofuturistic funky synth grooves accompanying the endless pondering of the nature and purpose of humanity’s existence.

BRENDA CARSEY - "SOUL SHINE"

Brenda Carsey is an amazingly versatile artist who doesn’t stay put in one single genre, putting herself among the bold forefront of R&B innovators reconfiguring the genre beyond its traditional boundaries. "Soul Shine" is a synthesis of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. Collaborating with Matthew Christopher Wright, the track confronts the complexities of healing from damaging relationships, coming out swinging as a true empowering anthem for those who are done with being abused and mistreated - let your Soul Shine!

XOLEX - "REBEL CHILD"

Originally from a small town in Iowa, XOLEX, whose real name is Alexis Curran, discovered her songwriting talent during the pandemic, and once she set foot in a studio, she hasn’t been able to stop creating.

“Rebel Child” is a homey, retrospective piano ballad that very subtly includes a touch of country and a touch of R&B, something truly remarkable that I can’t say I’ve experienced before. Curran’s vocals are silky smooth as expected, but little by little, as the memories grow stronger so does her voice, into a full-on imposing roar that will make the hairs on your arms stand on edge.

REMY GARRISON - "DELUSIONAL"

Straight outta Nashville, Remy Garrison is a rising pop-country voice who is feeling mighty “Delusional” with this song. About what exactly? Well, you know how it goes with feelings of infatuation with not the right person, the one you hope you can change… that fools' errand is the kind that Remy was inspired to talk about, now that she’s wiser to it, perhaps in hopes that others realize and snap out of it!

TREVOR DRURY - “ALICE (WONDERLAND MIX)”

One running theme of this round-up is unconventional music with tons of genre flexibility, and Trevor Drury’s music blends alt-pop with influences from indie rock and jazz, creating something that most of us haven’t heard before. Drury’s latest EP, "Alice, It’s All In Your Head," from which this leading single is taken, reflects on his journey as a songwriter while he continues his education in music production.

This track is intense like a fever dream, expanding from a solid rock foundation with an insatiable hunger for unorthodox textures. Truly a marvel. 

A.D.A.M. MUSIC PROJECT - “KILLING MACHINE”

Founded by Adam DeGraide, AMP emphasizes collaboration, integrating the musical talents of various artists to create a distinctive hybrid rock sound that constantly pushes the envelope. 

"Killing Machine," inspired by the character Pathfinder from Apex Legends, features a driving sound and intense melodies that suit the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping first-person shooter genre perfectly.

ANNE STOTT - “PALM TREES AND PARKING LOTS”

Dividing her time between New York and Cape Cod, Anne Stott is an innovative singer-songwriter and activist devoted to exploring deep creative expressions. She channels her edgy artistry into an engaging blend of cinematic pop and indie rock influences. 

"Palm Trees and Parking Lots" reveals a journey from the bustling New York City to the liberating yet complex landscape of Los Angeles. Through striking imagery of "Palm Trees and Parking Lots," it explores the dual nature of urban life—offering freedom while highlighting disconnection.