As the new year blossoms, and rejuvenated students return to campus, it is time to address what is on everyone’s minds: New Year’s resolutions. George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center is overflowing with high-spirited Eagles ready to establish a new workout routine for 2024. Students, perhaps having decided to eat more healthily, leave the Dobbs Common Table salad bar barren every afternoon.
However, if eating smarter and amping up your physical activity aren’t quite your speed, don’t fret. Broadening your horizons, improving your wellbeing or seeking fulfillment in life takes many different forms. Among these less popular alternative resolutions is expanding your music taste. If you are looking to dip your toes into something new and completely stress-free, below are some upcoming albums to keep on your radar.
“Blue Raspberry” by Katy Kirby
Release Date: Jan. 26
Like sunshine melting against bare skin or the moon creeping out from behind a string of clouds, Katy Kirby’s music is entrancing. She pairs soothing melodies with pronounced acoustic instruments and emotionally cutting lyrics to hypnotize the listener. Although originally from Spicewood, Texas, Kirby currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Since Kirby released her debut album, “Cool Dry Place” (2021), publications like NPR Music and Pitchfork have recognized her for her candid lyrics and intoxicating vocals. As noted by Pitchfork, Kirby uses songwriting to cope with her departure from evangelical Christianity and her previously suppressed queerness. Her latest single for the upcoming album, “Hand to Hand,” is a complicated conglomeration of imagery, leaving much for the listener to learn about her inspiration from her complex life experiences.
Kirby will release her sophomore album, “Blue Raspberry,”on Jan. 26. The album is set to be even more intimate than her prior work. She will play at The Masquerade in Atlanta on Feb. 8, featuring songs from her new album.
“Everybody Can’t Go” by Benny the Butcher
Release Date: Jan. 26
Benny the Butcher is a U.S. rapper and songwriter from Buffalo, N.Y. He was a member of the hip-hop collective and label, Griselda Records. The group has two releases: an extended play, “Don’t Get Scared Now” (2016), and their album, “WWCD” (2019). Benny the Butcher officially signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2021, and his upcoming album will be his first release under this label.
The rapper is known for his ’90s rap style, rhythmic beats and ear-worm lyrics. His new album will explore the turbulence associated with rising to the top of the hip-hop genre and his experience with violent street life. In his newest single, “BRON,” Benny the Butcher steps back into game swinging with the lyrics, “I’m back in championship condition / I can’t resist all this winnin’.” To hear what he does next beyond the leading single, check out “Everybody Can’t Go” on Jan 26.
“House On The Water” by Ashley Kutcher
Release Date: Jan. 26
Ashley Kutcher is an example of using social media for professional growth. The 23-year-old musician is finding success in promoting her upcoming projects by posting her original songs on TikTok, vying for the attention of lovestruck, or lovesick, girls who might relate. Kutcher gained internet popularity for her unique vocals and a TikTok video series called “Random Writes.” In this series, Kutcher asked her fans to share intimate stories that she could transform into beautiful songs. Her track “Love You From a Distance” (2021) amassed over 90 million Spotify streams, largely due to its popularity on TikTok.
Kutcher is devoted to emotionally-intense ballads with a pop-country flare. The most notable feature of her music is her voice — raspy, yet equally smooth and soft. Her newest single, “Girl In The Mirror,” explores her insecurity and self-sabotaging tendencies and sets the tone for her upcoming album: introspective, relatable and crushing. If that excites you, tune into her debut album, “House On The Water,” at the end of this month.
“What an enormous room” by TORRES
Release Date: Jan. 26
TORRES, also known as Mackenzie Scott, is a singer-songwriter from Macon, Ga. She released her self-titled debut album in 2013, establishing her indie-rock sound and lyrical capability. Her songs explore topics such as religion, queer romance, mental health and womanhood. TORRES doesn’t shy away from existentialism, tackling philosophical inquiries, such as the existence of God. Since 2013, She has refined her songwriting, utilizing concrete imagery and personal details in her lyrics to heighten the relatability of her songs. The emotions in her lyrics are accessible but complex. TORRES identified Stevie Nicks as one of her greatest inspirations, even mimicking the crescendo of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” (1977) in her track “Don’t Go Puttin Wishes in My Head” (2021).
TORRES has released three singles throughout 2023 from her upcoming album. In these tracks, TORRES pairs a synth-pop beat with sultry vocals, perhaps ushering in a new era for her music. The album, “What an enormous room,”is set to release on Jan. 26.
“What Do We Do Now” by J Mascis
Release Date: Feb. 2
J Mascis is a U.S. singer, guitarist and songwriter. He led the alternative rock band Dinosaur Jr. that dominated the indie music scene in the late ’80s and early ’90s. The group attracted a lot of interest. “Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr.” (2021) is a documentary by Philipp Virus that explores the personal relationships between the band’s members and their experience in the eclectic rock scene. The group ultimately disbanded in 1997 due to personality conflicts between Mascis and fellow band member Lou Barlow. Mascis has released three solo studio albums since then: “Several Shades of Why” (2011),“Tied to a Star” (2014) and “Elastic Days” (2018). His work demonstrates the soulful quality of older rock music, highlighting his melodic folk voice and his skill with electric guitar. His newer work remains true to this style as his recent single, “Right Behind You,” features his iconic guitar shredding and distinctive vocals. Mascis’ fourth studio album “What Do We Do Now” will be available on Feb. 2.
