New Music Friday: 6 new releases as we slide into the holidays

This will be the last New Music Friday of 2024 because after this weekend, there will be precious little to talk about in the way of new releases until we get into 2025. Happy holidays and we’ll see you on the other side.

Singles

1. Pillow Fite, A Friend (LHM Records)

A little while back, Pillow Fite, a queer alt-pop duo consisting of Art Ross and Aaron Green, released a debut album entitled Hard Feelings, Soft Promises. They’ve done some roadwork on both sides of the Atlantic and are working on some Canadian dates.

2. Raye, Oscar Winning Tears (The Orchard)

The English singer, who has written songs for everyone from Ellie Goulding to Beyonce and Rihanna to John Legend, also releases her own music. This is a single from her debut album which was released back in February but is only now getting some extra push. Timing is everything, I guess.

 

3. Chiara Savasta, Brand New Girl Brand New Machine (Cult Nation)

Savasta is a singer-songwriter from Montreal with an EP from which this is the title track. If you’re into bedroom pop, you should give this a listen.

Albums

1. AURORA, What Happened to the Heart? (Glassnote)

More dreamy bedroom pop from Norway’s Aurora Aksnes. This is from her fourth album which is filled with more of her trademark vulnerability. If you need a good cry over the holidays, this may help.

2. Jesse Malin, Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin (Glassnote)

A while back, Jesse suffered a rare spinal stroke and has been struggling to walk again. America being America, the medical bills quickly piled up. Fortunately, though, he has a lot of friends in important places. This record will raise funds for his Sweet Relief artist fund. Contributors include Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Billie Joe Armstrong, Tom Morello, Dinosaur Jr., Wallflowers, Frank Turner, Rancid, and more. Each friend contributes to the 27 songs on the album.

3. White Demin, 12 (Bella Union)

White Demin is an Austin band who I thought was going to break out big-time a few years ago. Now up to their 12th album, maybe this is the one that will do it for them.

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