Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.
On this week’s list, we have the Cure’s swirling, expansive new single ‘A Fragile Thing’; Charli XCX’s ‘I think about it all the time featuring bon iver’, which heightens the original track’s existential loneliness and yearning, but also, via Justin Vernon’s shimmering vocals and interpolation of Bonnie Raitt’s ‘Nick of Time’, renders it all the more tender and gorgeous; Ekko Astral’s sprawling, dynamic protest song ‘pomegranate tree’; Scowl’s infectious and explosive ‘Special’, the hardcore band’s first single for Dead Oceans; ‘Dust’, the tenderly beautiful centerpiece of Caroline Says’ new album; ‘I Wanna Be on Your Mind’, another gentle earworm from 2nd Grade’s upcoming LP that features Catherine Dwyer of Remember Sports; Lily Seabird’s ‘Fuckhead’, an intimate rendition of a song the singer-songwriter wrote when she was 16; and Youth Lagoon’s ‘My Beautiful Girl’, a beautifully ambiguous piano ballad.
In contemporary art, Jung-Ai Chu stands out for her amazing ability to combine photography, video, and cultural discourse, both as an artist and curator. She’s known for organizing exhibitions that challenge traditional ideas of representation because her work reflects a deep understanding of historical and cultural contexts. Despite that, she’s still committed to honoring the artists’ visions, a delicate balance she exemplifies as a curator. Art, documentation, and theatre come together in Chu’s curatorial process to make exhibition spaces immersive, inviting audiences to explore complex ideas in new, interesting ways.
One of her most notable curatorial achievements is the 2019 Tokyo exhibition The President at an In-Between Stage. The exhibition featured the photography and videography of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen, captured by her chief photographer. This exhibition, held at the prestigious Tokyo Hillside Terrace, featured photographs and video documentation of significant historical events in Taiwan. Chu’s curatorial approach elevated the images from documentary photography to a reflection on leadership, public perception, and the carefully crafted realities of political figures in the digital age.
The exhibition explored the fluid boundary between documentation, theatre, and reality through the concept of “documentation theatre.” During an era of post-structuralism and a redefinition of truth, the exhibition raised important questions about the authenticity of reproduced images. President Tsai Ing-Wen was not simply depicted as a political leader but as a dynamic figure shaped by various societal forces, including media portrayals, academic scrutiny, and public discourse. Through Chu’s lens, the president became a multifaceted symbol, constantly reinterpreted by the world around her.
In addition to manipulating perceptions of time and space, Chu’s curatorial choices enabled the exhibition to be perceived as an interactive event that oscillated between the real and the imagined. Using thoughtful lighting and spatial design, Chu transformed real historical moments into theatrical narratives that enhanced the documentary nature of the photographs. A hallmark of Chu’s curatorial approach is the combination of documentary photography and elements of performance and theatre, where viewing becomes an immersive and participatory experience.
In 2020, Chu will be exhibiting Visualizing the City: Makoto Lin X Taipei 101, an exhibition at Taipei 101 that will showcase her innovative curatorial skills. Taipei’s most famous architectural landmark, Taipei 101, was the focus of this multimedia show. The urban landscape of the city was deconstructed by Chu and Lin using a variety of visual techniques, such as parallax views and mirrored imagery. Viewers were invited to view Taipei’s architecture, culture, and history in a whole new light as a result of this dynamic exploration.
From the observation deck at the top, visitors could view a sprawling urban landscape that reflected memory, culture, and imagination. The exhibition was centered on the concept of “folding,” and Taipei 101 served both as an observer and subject. Chu and Lin’s layered viewing experience challenged audiences to examine how cities are constructed both literally and metaphorically by juxtaposing interior and exterior spaces, present and past. As well as offering new perspectives on Taipei, the show challenged conventional notions of urban representation.
Considering Taipei 101’s symbolic status, Visualizing the City is particularly noteworthy. Chu reframed it as a site for cultural exchange rather than seeing it as a symbol of Taiwan’s modernity and global influence. Through the exhibition, Taipei 101 became more than a tourist attraction, it became a place to reflect on art and culture, putting it on the map as a living part of the city’s history.
The influence Chu has on international artistic communities extends beyond these large-scale projects. Among the exhibitions she participated in as a curator and artist in Istanbul in 2023 and London in 2024 were The Dark Side at Boomer Gallery in London. In addition to bringing meticulous attention to detail to her own creative practice, her photographic work is deeply informed by her curatorial expertise.
Chu’s work reflects a constant interest in how photography transcends its documentary roots to offer deeper, more complex insights. She always engages deeply with the world around her, whether exploring political figures, urban landscapes, or personal themes. Chu consistently invites audiences to engage intellectually and emotionally with her work through her exhibitions.
In the contemporary art world, Jung-Ai Chu has made an undeniable impact. She is able to balance cultural awareness with bold artistic choices. In Chu’s work, viewers are given a chance to consider how art can reshape how we understand reality, representation, and identity by continuously pushing the boundaries of art’s interaction with society.
Incredibly beautiful places await discovery throughout the world, all the way from famous landmarks in Rome and Paris to those little hidden gems only the locals know about in Asian coastal towns that have the best ramen. But amidst all the excitement, one thing can throw a wrench into your plans—staying connected with your family and friends. That’s where eSIM steps in, making life easier for travellers everywhere.
Unlike the traditional SIM cards we’ve used for years, eSIM offers a swift solution that even I have come to love whilst on the move. You can learn more about eSIM and figure out just why its the go-to option for you.
So, let’s dive in and see how it stacks up against the trusty SIM card we know so well.
Is eSIM Better Than a Physical SIM?
For many vacationers, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s that simple. Physical SIM cards have been our go-to for years. We all know the drill—buy a SIM, pop it into your phone, and you’re good to go! But these little cards come with their share of headaches. You must buy a new one in every country, swap them out, and keep track of those tiny things. I’ll be honest, dropping a SIM card or lost it in your luggage is one of the worst feelings.
So, eSIM shines here. The term “eSIM” stands for “embedded SIM,” as the name suggests. It’s built right into your phone. No more physical cards, no more swapping, and best of all, no risk of losing it. With an eSIM, activating a new plan is as easy as tapping a few buttons on your device. These elements make eSIMs a game-changer for frequent travellers.
Another big plus is the ability to switch between carriers without leaving the hotel. Imagine landing in foreign country and connecting to a local network within minutes—all without hunting down a SIM card kiosk. You can’t overstate how convenient it is.
Adult business woman with a cup of coffee talking on the phone outside
The Advantages of eSIM
There are plenty of reasons why eSIM is becoming the preferred choice for international eSIM users. For starters, it’s effortless to set up. You can arrange everything from your phone before you even leave home, which means no more standing in long airport lines or trying to decipher foreign telecom options when you land. That’s why eSim has become so popular. According to Straits Research, the global eSIM market size was estimated tobe at USD 8.34 billion in 2022. That’s quite big to say the least.
A SIM card is no longer required. You don’t need to carry around cards, adapters, or cases anymore. With an eSIM, everything is handled digitally. That’s less to carry around and less to worry about losing.
Switching between networks is also a breeze. While physical SIM cards require you to remove and insert a new one physically, eSIM lets you change networks digitally. A few taps in your phone settings, and you’re ready to go—no need to deal with those fiddly SIM trays.
Another feature travellers love is dual-SIM functionality. If your phone supports it, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. This is perfect if you want to keep your home number active while traveling but still use a local number for cheaper data and calls. No more choosing between your home line and a local plan—you can have the best of both worlds.
And finally, security is a big win with eSIM. If you lose your phone, you don’t have to worry about someone stealing your SIM card and misusing it. Your data is stored safely inside your device, offering an extra layer of protection that physical SIMs just can’t match.
Does eSIM Work Everywhere?
Sadly, not quite yet. While eSIM technology is spreading quickly, it’s still not available in every country. Many major destinations in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia have embraced eSIM, so if you’re visiting these regions, you’re in luck. However, there are still some areas where traditional SIM cards are the norm.
It’s always a good idea to check whether the country you’re travelling to supports eSIM before you go. A quick online search can save you the hassle of finding out the hard way. But even if eSIM isn’t an option, don’t worry—traditional SIM cards are still a solid backup for those more off-the-grid destinations.
Final Thoughts
Despite its convenience, flexibility, and added security, eSIM is the ideal choice for travellers. It might not work in every country just yet, but it’s already widely available in most of the top destination spots, and its reach is only increasing.
For most, especially those who hop between destinations frequently, eSIM offers a level of convenience that is difficult to beat. So, get mobile smart and stay connected with an eSim!
Stevie Nicks returned to Saturday Night Live for the first time since December 1983 last night (October 12), performing as the musical guest alongside host Ariana Grande. Nicks first sang her recent single ‘The Lighthouse’, a women’s rights anthem co-produced with Dave Cobb and Sheryl Crow, before delivering a rendition of her 1981 hit ‘Edge of Seventeen’. Watch it below.
In an email interview with People, Nicks said: “Well, performing on Saturday Night Live is now as it was then. It’s just about the biggest thing you can do, bigger than a stadium show because it’s going to go out all over the world. “So if you wanna talk about being nervous about something! It doesn’t matter how many shows you’ve done or how much you practice, you’re going to be nervous!”
“So if you wanna talk about being nervous about something! It doesn’t matter how many shows you’ve done or how much you practice, you’re going to be nervous!” she added. “You can never say that Saturday Night Live does not help you to gain lots of new followers, younger people, older people, etc. And so to be asked to do it again … has thrown me into an absolute nervous frenzy, but I’m really excited.”
Grande appeared as the musical guest on SNL just months ago, and she last hosted back in 2016. It didn’t take long for her to break into song during her opening monologue, where she (despite her best intentions) impersonated Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Gwen Stefani. She also starred (and sang) in a number of sketches, including one where she does her Celine Dion impression. Check out those clips below, too.
Nat & Alex Wolff have teamed up with Billie Eilish for their new single, ‘Soft Kissing Hour’. Listen to it below.
On Instagram, the duo wrote: “It’s out!!!!! We’ve never been prouder of anything in our lives. @billieeilish is a brilliant artist and producer and unfathomable talent and the opportunity to collaborate with her on this song was a dream come true.”
“Alex, Billie and I (Nat) sat in a room until 4 AM with a piano an acoustic guitar and one handheld mic,” they continued. “No professional equipment, no recording engineer, no “adults”, just three people who love each other eating vegan chocolate and making music. If you listen really closely, you can hear Shark (Billie’s beloved pup) snoring in some of the tracks. “Forget the day before this….it’s the soft kissing hour and you have all the power.”
Nat & Alex Wolff are currently supporting Billie Eilish on her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour.
Waxahatchee was the musical guest on CBS’ Saturday Sessions yesterday (October 12), where Katie Crutchfield and her band performed three songs from her latest album Tigers Blood: the title track, ‘Crowbar’, and ‘Right Back to It’. Watch it happen below.
Following the release of Tigers Blood in March, Waxahatchee performed ‘Right Back to It’ with MJ Lenderman on Colbert and ‘365’ on Kimmel. More recently, the singer-songwriter shared the song ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.
If you are a caregiver or helping a loved one with mobility issues, you are probably struggling with transferring the patient from one place to another. Moving someone from a bed to a wheelchair or from a chair to a bathroom sounds simple only in theory. But in reality, it’s physically demanding, requires patience, and needs to be done with care to avoid injuries for both the patient and the caregiver. This can also be helped by chairs to transfer patients.
Transferring patients with limited mobility is more difficult as you have to give them all the support they need to move. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make patient transfers easier and more comfortable for everyone. We will be discussing the tips, tricks, and tools to help you reduce strain and stress.
Why Should You Consider Safe and Comfortable Transfer?
Let’s say you are trying to move someone who can’t fully support their own weight. It can be difficult physically and emotionally without the proper techniques or equipment. The person being moved may feel anxious or uncomfortable. As the caregiver, you might worry about hurting your back or accidentally causing harm.
That is why safe transfer techniques matter so much. When done correctly, patient transfers will be smooth and comfortable. This reduces the risk of injuries for the caregiver and discomfort for the patient. When the process is easier, the caregiver experience becomes more positive overall.
Techniques to Make Transfers Easier
Before starting a transfer, there are some factors that you should consider.
Plan Everything Beforehand:
Understand the situation first to make sure you can transfer the patient quickly. Where is the patient going? Are there any obstacles in the way? Does the patient have any special needs, like pain, limited movement, or medical devices that require extra care? Also, talk to the patient and let them know what you are about to do. This helps them mentally prepare and makes the process feel less rushed and more respectful.
Use Proper Body Mechanics:
For caregivers, how you position your body makes all the difference between an easy transfer and a painful one. Always stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to provide a stable base. Bend at your knees, not your back, when lifting or lowering someone. Avoid twisting your torso when carrying out a transfer. Instead, you can pivot your whole body in the direction of the movement.
Take Your Time
When you are moving a patient, rushing can lead to mistakes. Take your time and move slowly. If the patient needs to adjust or if you need a better grip, pause and readjust as necessary. Ask for help if it feels too heavy or difficult to manage alone.
Tools That Make Transfer Easier and Safer
If you are tired of lifting heavy loads or want to make the process as safe as possible, there are some must-have devices. These devices make the process much easier and more comfortable.
Electric Patient Lifts
If you have never used an electric patient lift before, be ready to experience the best thing. These devices are absolute game-changers. With the push of a button, an electric lift can handle most of the heavy lifting for you. They make the transfer smooth, efficient, and much less physically demanding.
One example is the Advance Portable Hoyer Patient Lift, which is designed to safely and easily move patients with minimal effort. Transferring someone from the bed to a chair or from a wheelchair to the bathroom? This tool takes the strain off your body and gives you a more comfortable experience for the patient.
Transfer Boards
Transfer boards are also known as sliding boards. They are a simple yet effective tool for moving patients from one place to another. These are typically used for patients who can partially support their own weight. Instead of lifting the patient, they can slide across the board, which reduces the need for heavy lifting and makes the process quicker and smoother.
Gait Belts
A gait belt wraps around the patient’s waist and gives the caregiver something firm to hold onto when assisting them with standing or moving. It helps provide balance and support and is great for short transfers where a lift or board may not be necessary.
Final Thoughts
Transferring patients with limited mobility can be very difficult for caregivers and stressful for patients. But it should not be a source of stress or discomfort. Proper techniques and tools can make the transfer process smoother, safer, and more comfortable for everyone. When you take the time to protect your body and use the right equipment, you create a better experience for both yourself and your patient.
Shein Clothing grew from scratch to a top online fashion store in less than 20 years. The store supplies low-priced and trending wear including clothes, accessories, and shoes. Shein fast fashion is a household name among today’s young generation. They prefer the store because it provides many budget-friendly trendy styles.
Regardless of the store’s popularity, concerns about Shein’s product safety are growing. The company is widely criticized for improper labor practices. Many critics say the company’s products harm the environment and contain high chemical levels.
About Shein Fast Fashion
Shein is a fast fashion company with a client base spanning over 150 countries. The company started in 2008 as a wedding dress distributor but expanded quickly. Today, it supplies all types of clothing, footwear, and accessories. As a fast fashion brand, Shein clothing sells cheap and trendy clothing.
Many people have questions about Shein’s safety and the legitimacy of its website. You will often find questions like “Is Shein safe to order from” and “Is Shein safe for credit cards?” Yes, Shein safetyis guaranteed to millions of online shoppers. This answers questions like “Is Shein a legit website and “Is it safe to buy from Shein?” Reviews show the company delivers on time and the website uses encryption and safe access methods. If you still wonder “Is Shein trustworthy”, it is generally considered safe although users should practice safety measures.
Why is Shein so Bad
Shein manages to penetrate the market quickly through superior supply chain management approaches. Its key driving factors include the following.
The brand only produces small batches at a time ensuring there is just enough for the market. This lets the company only produce trendy items.
Its production lines can manufacture new fashion in a few days. This ensures it meets market demands.
Shein’s production and distribution strategy is impressive and attractive to consumers.
The clothing brand grew 10 times between 2018 and 2024, producing over $30 billion in revenue annually.
Regardless, the company has several issues to remain a top supplier of cheap products. These compromises have raised concerns among environmentalists, human labor, and compliance experts. They argue the company’s products do not meet the environmental safety threshold. It is believed the company compromises worker safety and pays low wages.
Is Shein Going out of Business?
There have been rumors and many people have asked – is Shein shutting down? The company is doing well and making billions in profits annually. Shein customer service is above average and many young people like the company. Its global expansion plan could help it reach over $100 billion by 2030. However, this prediction will be only possible if the company addresses the current concerns.
What Safety Concerns should Shein Clothing Address?
Environmental Concerns
The company focuses on fast fashion products causing consumers to buy new clothes too often. The company adds approximately 6,000 to 10,000 new items to its website daily. Since they are fast fashion products, people buy and dispose of them too soon. These products are mostly made from non-renewable and non-degradable materials like polyester.
People dispose of them in landfills too soon which adds more textile waste. Shipping these products overseas increases sea pollution by ships, adding to the carbon footprint. Packaging materials and local transportation of the items increase pollution.
Product Safety
Several environmental organizations like Greenspace have reported the presence of dangerous chemicals in Shein’s products. Tests have shown most of their products contain high levels of lead and phthalates. Studies show lead causes damage to the central nervous system and the brain. Phthalates damage people’s health by disrupting hormones. Many experts say Shein’s products are below international safety laws.
Poor Labor Practices
Investigations have shown Shein’s labor force is subjected to inhumane work conditions. Reports show the company hires cheap labor and employees work up to 18 hours. The company does this to keep its product prices low. Due to this, some workers earn $20 daily, and there are violations of human rights concerns.
The Cost of Fashion Change
Shein reports that it’s making efforts to address these concerns and implementing transparency in its supply chain. However, critics believe the company cannot achieve this goal while using the fast fashion model. They believe the company has to overhaul this approach to make a difference. Critics advise the company to require a slowed-down production approach.
This might mean increasing prices and producing high-quality products. Producing safer and better-quality products will likely attract challenges. Nevertheless, failure to address these concerns might make the company lose the trust of customers and drive it out of business. Implementing them might attract a new wave of customers, which could lead to higher profitability.
To Sum it Up – What Next for Shein Clothing?
Shein’s future depends on its ability to address current concerns and challenges. The company is currently an example of poor environmental, product quality, and worker mistreatment. This can change quickly if the company adopts international safety and quality standards. It can become a good example and trendsetter to other fast fashion brands. Consumers are more aware of environmental care and will support fashion brands that show a proactive approach to this care.
Chat Pile are back with their second full-length, Cool World, via The Flenser. The follow-up to 2022’s God’s Country was mixed by Uniform’s Ben Greenberg, marking the first time the Oklahoma City band has worked with an outside mixer. “Cool World covers similar themes to our last album, except now exploded from a micro to macro scale, with thoughts specifically about disasters abroad, at home, and how they affect one another,” vocalist Raygun Busch said in a statement. “If I had to describe the album in one sentence, it’s hard not to borrow from Voltaire, so I won’t resist – Cool World is about the price at which we eat sugar in America.” Read our review of Cool World.
Touché Amoré have returned with Spiral in a Straight Line, their first album since 2020’s Lament, via their new label home, Rise Records. The 11-track effort features collaborations with Julien Baker and Lou Barlow, and it was preceded by the singles ‘Hal Ashby’ and ‘Nobody’s’. “This record took almost an entire year to write, which is the longest a record has ever taken us,” vocalist Jeremy Bolm told New Noise Magazine. “Not because we weren’t inspired, because we actually found ourselves more productive than we’ve ever been. We just had a lot of start and stops because of touring. A lot of us were also going through very big life changes, especially leading up to the record. I think that caused a lot of tension, but not tension in a way of inner conflict because we got along so well and really clicked in a way that represents the amount of time we’ve been a band.”
Belgium-based, California-born singer-songwriter Tucker Zimmerman has released his eleventh studio album and debut for 4AD, Dance of Love. The record was produced by Big Thief, who also serve as his backing band alongside collaborators Mat Davidson and Zach Burba. In a statement, Zimmerman said: “After years of writing and filling a box with over 500 song sheets, I had finally found my path, my originality, my voice. It had become clear to me that songs of only one kind were worth spending time on: those which had a positive message and a peaceful vibration […] Just poetry. Little hums that perhaps might lift us all above our daily worries and fears, little hums that try to make the world a better place to live in.”
Holly Macve has released her latest album, Wonderland, via her own label, Loving Memory. The record features the Lana Del Rey collaboration ‘Suburban House’, which appeared on the February EP Time Is Forever, as well as the singles ‘San Fran Honey’ and the title track. “I went through a lot during that process of writing Wonderland, a lot of big life changes,” Macve said in our Artist Spotlight interview. “Living situations, coming out of the pandemic, going through a big breakup. Spending a lot of time in LA, and then spending a lot of time on my own as well after not doing that for years. There was a lot reflecting that happened and a lot of time that I had to get to know myself – who I am on my own without being in a relationship, what I want in life, what my dreams and aspirations are as an individual person. I think it’s very much getting to know myself again after maybe going through a period of time where I didn’t.”
ELUCID has dropped a new record, REVELATOR, via Fat Possum. It’s billed as the New York rapper’s third studio album, following 2022’s I Told Bessie and 2016’s Save Yourself. It features two songs with his Armand Hammer bandmate billy woods, including the previously unveiled ‘INSTANT TRANSFER’, as well as guest appearances by Creature and Skech185 and additional contributions from August Fanon, Child Actor, the Lasso, and DJ Haram. “I wanted to get as freaky as I could at this moment,” ELUCID remarked. “I wanted people to hear things, maybe for the first time, or in a way they haven’t for a long while.”
Danish-Chilean artist Molina has unveiled her debut album, When You Wake Up, via Escho. It features the previously released singles ‘I Am Your House’, ‘Neverland’, ‘Scorpio’, and ‘Organs’, a collaboration with fellow Copenhagen singer-songwriter ML Buch “It’s a record where I focused on the accidental and immediate,” Molina said of the LP, allowing these qualities to “become the center of the songs.”
Out now via Western Vinyl, The Lucky One is the first Caroline Says album in six years. The Lucky One. The No Fool Like an Old Fool follow-up was previewed by the singles ‘Faded and Golden’, ‘Roses’, and ‘Dust’. During the process of writing the record, Caroline Sallee moved from Texas back to Alabama, and then to Brooklyn. According to a press release, the songs explore “the yearning for sincerity in relationships and daily life,” as well as “themes of childhood, youthful innocence, the complexities of grief, and the sting of unmet expectations.”
Tomato Flower’s Jamison Field Murphy has put out a new solo album, It Has to End, through Ramp Local. The singer-songwriter cites Syd Barrett, Chris Weisman, and the Olivia Tremor Control as some of the influences behind the LP, which blends pop, ambient, and noise music. According to press materials, “It Has To End is an insular creation that is still deeply social. All the songs are about people: friends, family, partners. Layers of memory morph into each other in the songs just as tape recordings from different time periods interweave.”
The Linda Lindas have followed up their 2022 debut Growing Up with a new LP, No Obligation, out now via Epitaph. With multiple members of the LA punk band still in school, the album was written and recorded during spring breaks, winter breaks, and long weekends. It includes the previously shared songs ‘All In My Head’, ‘Yo Me Estreso’ featuring “Weird Al” Yankovic, and the title track.
I Should Call Them, the debut full-length by Sudanese-American artist (and Sex Education actor) Dua Saleh, has arrived via Ghostly International. Following a string of EPs dating back to 2018, the album features appearances by serpentwithfeet, Gallant, Sid Sriram, and Ambré. “now, im leaning into my raw emotions more than ever, allowing myself to dance to the rhythm of the universe,” Saleh wrote on Instagram. “i was beckoned by a force of nature to do this & almost feels like a quest, an oddessy-like experience. the songs on this album are an experimental itineration – they’re sonically complex and blend genres that float freely in my mind. at the heart of it all, it’s a collection of songs that portray the spiritual power, resilience, joy of love, & pain of heartbreak found b/n two lovers.
BABii has unleashed her third album, DareDeviil2000, via Boxset Recordings. The follow-up to 2021’s MiiRRORwas preceded by the tracks ‘J0YR1D3’, ‘Scarface’, and ‘Sweet Tooth’. “DareDevil 2000 is my reflection on Hell and the villains it engulfs,” BABii explained in a press release. “As I’ve journeyed through this realm, creating this record and embodying these characters, I’ve found myself exploring how villains often emerge from environments akin to a personal hell, where the harsh realities of their existence fractures their moral compass as a means to survive. Rather than a final destination, Hell becomes their genesis, shaped by the harsh realities they exist in. Having grown up in fragments of this hell and broken free, I am lucky enough to intimately understand the intricate relationships with these villains who once played roles as my protectors, mentors, muses in my life, many of them who I still hold very close to my heart. This record is my tribute to the demonized, a celebration of survival – and my sympathy for the devil.”
Ariella has released her debut album, CryBaby, via Lauren Records. The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter cites Lomelda, Pinegrove, Slow Pulp, James Taylor, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Brian Eno as some of the influences behind her music, and the LP draws from experiences such as heartbreak, evolving friendships, and the loss of her father. Ariella previewed the record with the songs ‘Call Me Your Angel’, ‘Now’, ‘Blindsided’, and ‘Ready’.
Other albums out today:
GloRilla, Glorious; Goat, Goat; Harmony, Gossip; The Offspring, SUPERCHARGED; The Blessed Madonna, Godspeed; Field Music, Limits of Language; Dawes, Oh Brother; Current Joys, East My Love; La Femme, Rock Machine; Sam Wilkes, iiyo iiyo iiyo; Jelly Roll, Beautifully Broken; Leila Abdul-Rauf, Calls From a Seething Edge; RÜFÜS DU SOL, Inhale / Exhale; Nate Mercereau, Excellent Traveler; JW Francis, SUNSHINE; Rod Wave, LAST LAP; Boycalledcrow, eyetrees.
Olivia O., one half of the NYC-via-Atlanta duo Lowertown, has shared a new single from her upcoming sophomore album, No Bones, Sickly Sweet – out November 1. It’s called ‘Rejection’, and it follows previous offerings ‘Hole’ and ‘One Hit Wonder’. On Instagram, the artist said the track is for “all the people who like to cry and be sad.” Take a listen below.
Chat Pile
Touché Amoré
Belgium-based, California-born singer-songwriter 
Holly Macve
ELUCID has dropped a new record, REVELATOR, via 
Danish-Chilean artist 
Out now via 
Tomato Flower’s Jamison Field Murphy has put out a new solo album, It Has to End, through 
The Linda Lindas have followed up their 2022 debut 
I Should Call Them
BABii
Ariella has released her debut album, 
