New Music Vault: June 2024
🥳 Celebrating Fresh Collaborations and Sonic Evolutions in the Latin Music Scene
The world of music is a constantly evolving landscape, with artists continually pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds. From Justin Quiles and Rawayana's collaboration to Washed Out's latest chillwave piece, Surfistas del Sistema's new ballad to Buscabulla's electropop revival, each release showcases the dynamic range and creativity of these talented musicians.
Let's dive into the latest offerings that are making waves and capturing hearts across the world.
Justin Quiles, Rawayana - “Boom Boom”
Justin Quiles and Rawayana have joined forces to create "Boom Boom", a chill reggae track that serves as the second single from Quiles' highly anticipated album Permanente. This collaboration with the Venezuelan band Rawayana infuses vibrant rhythms and catchy melodies, setting the perfect tone for summer.
"Boom Boom" stands out with its unique sonic blend, showcasing Justin's mastery in an ideal soundtrack for sunny days and warm nights. The single not only sets the stage for his upcoming project, but also marks an innovative phase in the singer’s career, highlighting his lasting impact on Latin music, and his exceptional songwriting skills.
A few New Music Vaults back we mentioned Rawayana’s role in fostering young talent within the Venezuelan music scene, particularly their collaboration with emerging artists like Comida Para Llevar. Similarly, Justin Quiles has been a cornerstone for the success of rising stars such as Ferxxo, following the release of their hit song "Porfa". Quiles' fourth studio album reflects his current status as a well-established and versatile artist and composer. The title of the album signifies his enduring presence and influence in the music industry, showcasing his talent in both sound and lyrics.
With a solid career and numerous hits to his name, Quiles has solidified his position as a leader in Latin music, ensuring his mark is both lasting and influential.
On a separate note, Rawayana was recently announced as the headliner of the Timeless Festival, which was mentioned on last week’s State of the Art section.
Washed Out - “Waking Up”
Ernest Greene, the Atlanta-based mastermind behind Washed Out, continues to push the boundaries of chillwave with his latest track "Waking Up". Renowned as one of the godfathers of the chillwave genre, Greene has consistently delivered lush, immersive soundscapes since his debut EP, Life of Leisure, in 2009. His music, often described as the auditory equivalent of a warm embrace, blends layered synths, gentle guitar melodies, and Greene's soothing vocals to create a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere.
"Waking Up" is a standout track from Washed Out's fifth album, Notes From a Quiet Life. This song exemplifies Greene's ability to evolve while staying true to the essence of his sound. The track features expansive soundscapes, immersive vocals, and a compelling blend of electronic and organic elements that transport listeners to a serene, introspective space.
The visual accompaniment for "Waking Up" is equally captivating. Directed by Jonah Haber, the music video was filmed in a single take during the full totality of a solar eclipse in Bandera, Texas, on April 8th, 2024. This ambitious project required months of meticulous planning and coordination, resulting in a breathtaking visual experience that aligns perfectly with the track's ethereal quality.
During the four minutes and eight seconds of the eclipse's totality, Greene's performance takes center stage as the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. This phenomenon serves as the perfect backdrop, enhancing the song's themes of reflection, introspection, and the enormous power of nature. The video allows viewers to disconnect from the outside world and immerse themselves fully in the music, offering a moment of tranquility and contemplation.
Washed Out's ability to craft such an evocative and mesmerizing experience, both sonically and visually, is proof of Greene's artistry and vision. As he embarks on his headlining US tour in support of Notes From a Quiet Life, fans can expect to be enveloped in the same lush, immersive soundscapes that have defined his career.
The tour kicks off on June 22nd in Ogden, Utah, and runs through August 24th in Birmingham, Alabama, promising to bring Washed Out's serene and captivating live performances to audiences across the country.
Surfistas del Sistema - “No te vayas”
Surfistas del Sistema, known for its innovative blend of rock and pop with '80s influences, have taken a softer turn with the single "No Te Vayas". This mellow, beachy, romantic ballad showcases a different side of the project, diverging from the funkier synthwave cuts that have characterized its most succesful releases.
Led by Fran Frione, Surfistas del Sistema has been pushing musical boundaries since its inception in 2013. Their discography includes standout albums like Modo Despegar (2015) and SOS (2019), illustrating their evolution from indie rock to more pop-centric sounds. The band has always been marked by Frione's penchant for exploration and experimentation, as evidenced by the previous track "Todo Me Recuerda a Vos", which has become a fan favorite, as depicted in recent performances of Frione’s band in venues of Guadalajara, Ciudad de México and beyond.
"Todo Me Recuerda a Vos" made waves not only for its captivating melody but also for its unexpected feature on Spotify's "Lo Mejor del Mes" playlist, a notable achievement in a list typically dominated by big reggaeton acts. This track's infectious groove and heartfelt lyrics, coupled with emotive vocals, created a sonic experience that resonated deeply with listeners and highlighted the band’s influence outside Argentina.
Buscabulla - “11:11”
Puerto Rican sensation duo Buscabulla is back with their first original track in four years, "11:11". Released under the esteemed Domino Records label, this song marks a triumphant return for the band, steering them back to their signature electropop roots. Following the massive success of their 2020 album Regresa, which garnered them high-profile collaborations with artists like Bad Bunny, Kali Uchis, Jhayco and Helado Negro, Buscabulla is poised to reclaim their spotlight.
"11:11" is a vibrant fusion of electropop with rhythmic influences from merengue and other Caribbean genres. Self-produced and mixed by Rich Costey, the song captures the dynamic energy of Buscabulla's live performances. Raquel Berrios and Luis Del Valle, the creative forces behind the project, channel their childhood memories into this track, drawing inspiration from the music their mothers played during cleaning days.
The past few years have been transformative for Buscabulla. From career highs like their collaboration with Bad Bunny on the track "Andrea", to profound personal losses and creative standstills, Berrios and Del Valle have emerged stronger and more introspective. The success of the Bad Bunny song has materialized in nearly half a billion streams on Spotify, and it’s most definitely brought their glossy chillwave discography to a wider audience, showcasing their versatility and resilience.
"11:11" signifies more than just a new single; it marks the beginning of a new era for Buscabulla. The track embodies a mystical rebirth and a renewed sense of purpose.
To celebrate the release of "11:11," Buscabulla will perform select dates this summer, including shows in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. These performances promise to be a testament to their revitalized creativity and enduring appeal.
Feid - “SORRY 4 THAT MUCH”
Colombian reggaeton superstar Feid has released a new single, "SORRY 4 THAT MUCH", blending melancholy with danceable beats. The track unveiled on June 7th, continues to explore the theme of heartbreak, a familiar territory for Feid, who is known for his introspective tracks like "Vacaxiones" and "Le Pido a Dios".
Feid, who hinted at the new release during his sold-out performance in Chicago, dives deep into the emotional struggle of a love that couldn’t be. The single is now available on all streaming platforms, and the accompanying music video, shot in the vibrant streets of Japan, features the artist against a backdrop inspired by Japanese pop culture—a nod to his 2021 album Inter Shibuya - La Mafia.
The video’s colorful and animated aesthetic contrasts with the song’s poignant lyrics, capturing the essence of letting go and moving forward.
"SORRY 4 THAT MUCH" follows the massive success of Feid's latest hit song “Brickell”, and also his previous hit, "Luna," which has garnered over 1.6 billion streams worldwide and topped the Billboard Latin Airplay chart. While "Luna" delves into the pain of a breakup with nostalgic and confused verses, the new track leans towards acceptance and the importance of moving on. This evolution in Feid's music resonates with fans, offering a fresh yet familiar sound to dance and reflect upon.
Tui, Moshiru - “I Want Your Love”
Brazilian prodigy Tui has been steadily rising in the electronic music scene, known for his innovative fusion of house, traditional Brazilian sounds, and eclectic influences from Japanese 80s pop and others. His latest track "I Want Your Love", featuring young Brazilian producer Moshiru, showcases his evolving artistry, and the snowball effect growth he has experienced in 2024.
"I Want Your Love" embraces a more traditional chill house vibe. The track is a smooth, captivating blend of mellow beats and soothing melodies, perfectly suited for both late-night listening and energizing daytime playlists. Moshiru's production prowess shines through, adding a fresh, contemporary twist to Tui's established sound.
In another New Music Vault from a few weeks back, I highlighted Tui's impressive ability to blend diverse musical elements seamlessly. His track "Slice of Heaven," featuring pop singer J.V., showcased his knack for combining electronic music with R&B, creating an infectious groove that resonated with a wide audience. This versatility has been key to Tui's rapid ascent in the electronic music world.
Tui's collaborations with European producers like Paccu and DJU DJU have significantly contributed to his growing popularity. These partnerships have not only expanded his reach but also enriched his sound, making him a sought-after name in the global electronic music scene. Each release builds on the last, creating a momentum that propels him to new heights.
Honorable Mentions
Rich the Kid, Kanye West, Peso Pluma, Ty Dolla $ ign - “Gimme A Second 2”
James Blake, Lil Yachty - “Midnight”
Jend, Paccu - “Often”
FIL BO RIVA - “Black & Blue”
Frook - “Snowday”
laurél - “Casualidad”
Tommy Newport, Roosevelt - “Tangerine”-Roosevelt Remix
Washed Out - “Wait on You”
L’Imperatrice - “Any Way” (feat. Maggie Rogers)
As the musical landscape continues to evolve, these new releases highlight the innovation and creativity driving today's artists.
Each track not only adds to the rich tapestry of modern music but also sets the stage for what’s next in their respective genres.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth reviews as we continue to explore and celebrate the ever-changing world of music.
Until next time, keep the rhythm alive!
Marco Pisciotti
Music enthusiast, Content creator
Bogotá, CO June 29th, 2024