New Music Friday - 4/23/2021

It’s a pretty great week for new music which seems to be a recurring theme this year – that despite a pandemic, artists are finding ways to get their music recorded and distributed. It’s a great sign of things to come the rest of 2021. So let’s get to it and check out what I’m digging this week:

- Hannah Jadagu – The pop singer (and freshman music business major at NYU) created her debut EP in her bedroom during the pandemic and has produced dreamy pop music with an R&B backdrop. Check out the track “Think Too Much”

- Dinosaur Jr. – Melodic and Dinosaur Jr. usually don’t go together, but working with producer Kurt Vile this time around, the band has produced and less loud and more breezy album. There’s real chemistry with the band and its producer – it’s their most accomplished release in years. Check out the track “And Me”

- Alfa Mist – There’s a pretty amazing UK jazz scene with some great younger artists leading the way. Included on that list is Alfa Mist. He effortlessly flicks back and forth between poetic lyricist and poetic pianist. Check out the track “Mind the Gap”

- Eric Church – Taking a huge chance, after quarantining before we had to quarantine, Church released his third part of “Heart & Soul” today with songs that explore of open road heartland rock, swampy roots storytelling and free-falling love. There’s classic country mixed with Bob Seger and it all works. Check out the track “Jenny”

- Tom Jones – The 80-year old isn’t slowing down and his new release of covers shows he can still belt it out! Cool covers of songs from Todd Snider, Bob Dylan and more. Check out the track “One More Cup of Coffee”

- Dumpstaphunk – It’s been a long time since we’ve had new studio music from the jam-band, but the worth is clearly worth the wait. Ivan Neville and the crew bring a lot of joy and positivity with their funky new songs. Check out the track “United Nations Stom”

Today’s featured artist: Houston Kendrick

Speaking of making music during a pandemic, the Houston-based singer/rapper’s debut grapples with the kind of introspection that comes with spending a year in isolation. It’s a beautiful mix of new and old school R&B. He’s grown in his writing and singing since his 2014 single “Mine” and focuses on self-actualization and our own imperfections. He’s one to keep an eye on.