First Listen: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of November
First Listens for November: Explore the Hidden Corners of the Musical Landscape with These Fresh and Exciting Tracks
Welcome to the “First Listen” column, a monthly spotlight on new music from rising musicians, curated by Jzon Azari and powered by YouTube Music.
Every month, we delve into the depths of the music world to bring you fresh sounds from artists who are yet to hit the mainstream. From the raw rhythms of underground hip-hop to the soothing strums of indie folk, we cover a wide spectrum of genres and styles.
Our mission is to give these talented artists the recognition they deserve and provide you, our readers, with a unique musical experience. So sit back, plug in your headphones, and prepare to embark on an auditory journey like no other. Welcome to “First Listen” your gateway to the undiscovered gems of the music world.
‘Angel Lonely’ - Sophie Marks
Sophie Mark is a musical phenomenon, with her new single “Angel Lonely” that has taken the world by storm. The song is a masterpiece of emotion and sound, with her voice that pierces the heart and her tune that hooks the ear. The song is also a reflection of her own story, of how she faced the darkness and found the light within herself.
Three years ago, Sophie Mark was at rock bottom. She had lost her job, her apartment, her friends, her relationships, and her loved ones. She had nothing to live for. She was lonely, depressed, and hopeless. But instead of giving up, she decided to use her pain as a motivation for her passion: music. Music was the only thing that gave her joy and comfort in those dark times. Music was her therapy, her outlet, her expression.
She started to write songs about her feelings, her struggles, her hopes, and her dreams. One of those songs was “Angel Lonely.” It was a song that she wrote about herself, from her present self to her past self. It was a song that reminded her that she was not alone, that she was strong, that she could overcome anything.
The lyrics of “Angel Lonely” are a message of encouragement and empowerment. They tell her to face the truth, to embrace the pain, to learn from the experience, and to grow as a person. They tell her that she has an angel inside her, that she can be her own hero, that she can create her own happiness.
“Angel Lonely” is more than just a song. It is a reflection of her journey, her transformation, her healing. It is a song that she hopes can inspire and help others who are going through similar situations. It is a song that she is proud of, and that is why it is one of her favorites on the project.
‘Insomnia’ - Lendryx
Lendryx returns with his latest single, “Insomnia,” and it is the third and final installment of a trilogy that began with “Forces” and “Just My Turn.” In this song, he expresses his restless feelings for a lover who keeps him awake at night, over a smooth and soulful production.
Lendryx explained the concept behind his trilogy in a statement: “At first, we were fighting our feelings, but now we’re deep diving into our emotions about a love interest. I want to tell a story the listener can easily follow. I love creating music that develops into something meaningful.”
The singer-songwriter has been honing his craft since 2007, when he started writing songs from a place of fantasy. He says that this has given him the ability to write about anything, which he considers a necessary tool. However, his inspiration this year comes from his own feelings and experiences, which he says have led to his personal and professional growth. He adds: “Because the music is so close to home, my idea of what 'success' has to be something I agree with, and not the industry. That’s how I maintain my resiliency.”
Lendryx's songs are not only catchy and relatable, but also showcase his attention to detail and his passion for his art. He crafts his songs with a divine blade of glory, as he puts his heart and soul into every word, melody, and beat. His trilogy is a remarkable achievement that deserves to be heard by everyone who appreciates good music.
‘Unpredictable” - Justine Tyrell
Justine Tyrell is a musical sensation, with her voice that soothes the soul and her tunes that make the heart sing. Her latest single, ‘Unpredictable,’ is a personal and honest song that explores the ups and downs of life and love.
Tyrell says that the song was inspired by her own struggles with expressing her emotions on the days that she felt low. “When you are in a heavy space or you’re having a day where you don’t feel your best, a lot of people will ask you: why do you feel this way? and when you can’t communicate that, it can feel very frustrating,” she says.
She adds that working with her collaborators helped her transform that idea into a positive message of having someone who supports you through those moments. “You can be your messiest self and that person is still down for you and has your back. I wanted listeners to really understand that it’s okay to be a mess sometimes, no one goes through life perfectly. Lean on the people who love and support you and appreciate how unpredictable this life can be,” she says.
‘Unpredictable’ is a song that resonates with many people who face challenges and uncertainties in their lives. It is also a song that celebrates the power of love and friendship. Tyrell hopes that her song will inspire and uplift her fans, as well as showcase her talent and passion for music.
‘Of Course’ - Aria Lanelle
Aria Lanelle is not your typical singer-songwriter. She is a self-taught producer, a Berklee graduate, and a genre-bending artist who draws inspiration from diverse sources such as Prince, Sophie, and Dawn Richard. Her latest single ‘Of Course’ is a testament to her versatility and creativity, as well as her personal journey of finding love in a chaotic world.
‘Of Course’ was born out of Aria’s experience of watching post-apocalyptic, retro-futurist shows and movies like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Blade Runner during the quarantine. She felt a sense of irony and wonder as she fell in love for the first time in her life, amid the uncertainty and gloom of the pandemic. She realized that love was not something that happened to her, but something that she chose to embrace and nurture, even when it was hard and risky.
The song is a departure from Aria’s previous songs, which were mostly about heartbreak and anger. She wanted to change the narrative and speak positivity over her life, even though the relationship that inspired the song did not last. She hopes that the song will inspire others to be open to love and connection, instead of succumbing to hate and isolation.
The song also showcases Aria’s production skills, which she honed by herself, with some vocal editing help from her fellow Berklee alumni Seth Daniel, and the mix/master by Max Rayden. She wanted to be true to her musical influences and sound, without conforming to the expectations and pressures that come with being a plus sized Black girl in the industry. The song is part of a larger album that will feature more of her experimental and eclectic style.
Aria Lanelle is a chameleon of a talent, who can adapt and transform her music to suit her mood and vision. Her new single ‘Of Course’ is a glimpse into her soul, and an invitation to join her on her musical journey.
‘Crisis’ - Taylor Gray
With a voice that bares his heart and soul, Taylor Gray sings his way into our ears and minds. He is a rising star who has honed his craft and sound, By investing in himself and his musical vision. His latest single, “Crisis”, is a powerful expression of his frustration and loneliness as an artist who feels overlooked and undervalued. The song was written on a bus ride home after attending a show of a fellow musician, where Gray felt a surge of envy and self-doubt. He poured his emotions into the lyrics and the melody, creating a song that captures the essence of his artistic journey.
Gray says that he wants his song to touch the listeners in a human way, and to relate to their own existential questions. He also hopes that his song will inspire other independent artists who face similar challenges and struggles. He says, “I have felt so much loneliness in my journey, and I hope ‘Crisis’ sends the message ‘you are not alone’ to those who need to hear it.”
“Crisis” is a song that speaks to the heart of every artist who has ever felt discouraged or hopeless. It is also a song that celebrates the resilience and courage of those who pursue their dreams despite the obstacles. Taylor Gray is an artist who has a lot to offer, and his single “Crisis” is a testament to his talent and passion.
A symphony of other sounds that enchanted our senses at the first encounter were…
‘Governed By Love’ - Sidibe
‘Meet Me In Da Skreets’ - Saucy Santana
‘Moonlight’ - Samoht
‘Stutter’ - Chris Brown
‘Knock My Door’ - Taigenz
‘Sleeperz’ - Saany G
‘White Tee’ - Spence Lee
‘Healing’ Ela Ozturk
‘Obianuju’ - Lil Gaga
Hope U Ready - DeVonte Singh
First Watch presented by YouTube Music
‘Facing the Worst Fears’ - Jerry Long
In his latest project, lovemesooner, Jerry (formerly known as Hodgy Beats) takes us on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and redemption. The project, which consists of a short film and an 18-song LP, is a reflection of Jerry’s personal and artistic growth over the past decade.
Jerry, who rose to fame as a member of the hip-hop collective Odd Future, has always been a versatile and innovative artist. He has experimented with different genres, styles, and collaborations, ranging from rap to rock, from solo to group projects, from underground to mainstream. He has also faced various challenges and struggles, both in his career and in his life.
lovemesooner is Jerry’s way of confronting and overcoming those challenges, as well as celebrating his achievements and aspirations. The project is a testament to his passion for music and storytelling, as well as his desire to connect with his fans and inspire them.
The short film, which was directed by Jerry himself, is a visual representation of the themes and emotions that pervade the project. It features scenes of Jerry riding a mechanical bull, symbolizing his determination to stay on his path despite the obstacles and setbacks. It also shows him interacting with his friends, family, and collaborators, highlighting his sense of community and gratitude.
The film is accompanied by snippets of songs from the LP, which showcase Jerry’s musical diversity and creativity. The songs range from introspective and vulnerable to upbeat and confident, from soulful and melodic to hard-hitting and aggressive. The songs also feature guest appearances from artists such as Tyler, The Creator, Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, and more.
Jerry explains the meaning behind the project’s title in the film: “It’s like our mental state. To wake up in the morning, that’s like getting on the bull. We are struggling, personally, for something that we’re going through. It might knock us off. It’s like getting knocked off the bull. That’s why we need to ground.”
lovemesooner is Jerry’s way of grounding himself, of finding his balance and purpose, of expressing his true self. It is also his way of inviting his listeners to join him on his journey, to relate to his experiences, to learn from his mistakes, and to love themselves sooner.
lovemesooner is set to release on December 6th, 2023. You can watch the short film below.
Enjoy the entire playlist only on YouTube Music.