This week’s New Music Friday saw the highly anticipated release of Katy Perry’s latest album, Witness, in addition to Lady Antebellum’s latest offering Heart Break. Whilst we’ve spent the past few days bopping along to both albums, we were also treated to a string of huge single releases.
We’ve already shared with you some of our highlights, including tracks from Kelsea Ballerini, David Guetta featuring Justin Bieber, Lost Kings featuring Ally Brooke and A$AP Ferg, Steve Grand, and Sam Feldt x Lush & Simon featuring Inna.
However, as usual, we’ve only just scratched the surface. We’ve rounded up some of the best new music releases from the past week for your enjoyment below.
Miley Cyrus – ‘Inspired’
Miley Cyrus is back with more new music. Her latest song ‘Inspired’ pays homage to her relationship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, who has always been there for her during her career. It was also inspired by Hillary Clinton, as Miley wrote it during her presidential campaign. ‘Inspired’ has been released in honour of Pride month, with the proceeds going to her Happy Hippie Foundation.
Lorde – ‘Sober’
It’s almost time for Lorde’s sophomore album Melodrama to be released, but to tide us over, the artist has shared yet another track with us. ‘Sober’ is a hypnotic offering which first came to fruition in the back of an Uber. Taking to Twitter, Lorde told fans that the song then came to life on producer Jack Antonoff and his actress partner Lena Dunham’s kitchen table before heading to the studio. Of the track, she said: “It’s leaning and drawling, juvenile and triumphant – impressing someone then embarrassing yourself.” ‘Sober’ follows on from ‘Green Light’, ‘Perfect Places’ and ‘Liability’, with Melodrama being released on June 16.
Pharrell Williams – ‘Yellow Light’
‘Yellow Light’ is Pharrell Williams’ latest offering, which is taken from the soundtrack of Despicable Me 3. It is one of five new original Pharrell songs which will appear in the movie. Pharrell is no stranger to the Despicable Me franchise – one of his biggest hits ‘Happy’ was featured on the second film. However, you might not also realise that he helped to compose the score for the first movie as well as the majority of the soundtrack songs, whilst also recording multiple songs for the second movie too!
Sia – ‘Free Me’
Sia is back with a powerful new offering called ‘Free Me’, in support for the #endHIV campaign. Speaking about the song, Sia said: “The HIV/AIDS epidemic is one that can affect anyone. I’ve proudly joined forces with the Abzyme Research Foundation and the #endHIV Campaign for the release of my song, ‘Free Me,’ to help raise funds and awareness for a potential breakthrough cure of the epidemic.” The accompanying music video stars Zoe Saldana, and is narrated by Julianne Moore, both of whom have teamed up with Sia to raise awareness and support for the campaign.
Sigala – ‘Came Here For Love’ featuring Ella Eyre
DJ Sigala is bringing the summer vibes once more with his new single, ‘Came Here For Love’. Teaming up with Ella Eyre, the track was written with Bryn Christopher who sang on Sigala’s ‘Sweet Lovin’. ‘Came Here For Love’ is full of tropical sounds and feel good vibes, all of which make this the perfect party anthem for any playlist. Sigala and Ella Eyre recently performed the track at Capital’s Summertime Ball and unsurprisingly set the stadium floor alight.
Bianca Ryan – ‘What I Gotta Do’
‘What I Gotta Do’ is the second single from pop princess Bianca Ryan, the original winner of America’s Got Talent. The track shows yet another side to the artist, proving that she is extremely versatile and relatable. Speaking about the song, Bianca said: “The song is flirty and it’s basically about getting and keeping someone’s attention and just trying to bring your relationship back to when things were fresh & young – which kind of parallels with my idea of the throwback sound. I’m asking, ‘What I Gotta Do’ to bring us back to when everything was good and we were smitten for each other.” The song is taken from her forthcoming EP, Part One – The Reintroduction which is due for release on July 14. You can read more about Bianca and her forthcoming music in our recent interview with her.
Janine – ‘Unstable’
New Zealand-born singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Janine is back with brand new music. Her latest single, ‘Unstable’, is a sultry offering which showcases her incredibly passionate vocals. Speaking about the track, she said: “I started writing and producing ‘Unstable’ 2 years ago and then brought it to 4E to help co-produce, so I’m really excited to have this track out. At the time, I used to talk about my relationship and say ‘When it’s good it’s really good and when it’s bad it’s so, so… SO bad.’ The truth is if you’re in that kind of relationship it’s not good at all, but sometimes we as people take time to unravel situations that are bad for us. ‘Unstable’ is about that back and forth. Now I’m happy with the relationships in my life and I want people listening to always remember you can be and deserve to be happy.”
Boba K – ‘What She’s Like’
‘What She’s Like’ is the bold new offering from Boba K. The hypnotic track is powerful and boasts an anthemic chorus which will be ingrained in your mind for the rest of the day. Boba K has an interesting story – the Ukrainian native moved to London in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. Moving to London allowed her to develop her singing voice and, in turn, her sound which is truly distinctive. There is no doubt that Boba K is an artist to watch out for over the coming months.
Amelia Payne – ‘The Battle’
Amelia Payne continues her incredible breakthrough with her new single, ‘The Battle’. Produced by Toby Scott, who also co-wrote the song with Amelia, the track is the ultimate anthem for anyone who needs to stand up for themselves in any situation which may bring them down. Amelia said: “The track can be interpreted in different ways. It can be relevant to a relationship or something someone may be going through life in general. The track’s main message is saying that you’re not going to be taken for granted and you’re ‘ready for the battle, for the war’ to stand up for yourself with whatever the situation brings at you. I would say it’s meant to empower whoever listens to it to help them get through it.”
What was your favourite New Music release from the past week? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix