New Music Friday - 4/22/22

I love discovering new music - So many times on New Music Friday, I’ll feature a favorite artist who has released new music. Today is different. I’m excited about today’s featured artists. Dive in with me…Here’s what I’m digging this week:

Singles of the Week:

“American Teenager” by Ethel Cain

The new cut from the Florida-born, Alabama-based singer-songwriter combines the anthemic elements of country rock with Cain's poppier impulses. There’s rich harmonies layered on top of shimmering guitars and a thumping bass. “Growing up I was surrounded by visions of Nascar, rock’n’roll, and being the one who would change everything,” Cain writes. “They make you think it’s all achievable and that if nothing else, you should at least die trying. What they don’t tell you is that you need your neighbor more than your country needs you. I wrote this song as an expression of my frustration with all the things the ‘American Teenager’ is supposed to be but never had any real chance of becoming.” It’s a fantastic track from another new-to-me artist and I can’t wait for her full-length debut dropping in May.

Album of the Week:

Becca Stevens | Attacca Quartet by Becca Stevens & Attacca Quartet

First some background - Becca Stevens is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who tests the limits of musical identity - from jazz to folk to indie-rock. I’m blown away by the North Carolina-bred, Brooklyn-based artist who has teamed up with the Grammy award-winning Attacca Quartet. It came about when Stevens was approached with an intriguing concept: to reimagine a selection of her songs with string arrangements. It was a life-changing opportunity, introducing her to her future husband, the acclaimed violist, composer, and member of the Quartet, Nathan Schram.

The release is bold and the performances are a passionate reimagining of her early work. There’s shades of Tori Amos and Kate Bush in Stevens' voice and the music that’s performed.

Standouts from the release are “Reminder” which showcases the call and answer of Stevens voice with the strings of the Quartet. “Venus” is transformed from a brash anthem originally performed with the amazing Laura Mvula to a gorgeous, powerful classical piece.

There’s so much to love with this release - It’s worth a number of listens as I guarantee you’ll hear something new and exciting each time. Becca Stevens and the Attacca Quartet gained a new fan in me today. I can’t wait to continue my musical journey with them for years to come.