julia’s january faves

lead curator

Julia Falcone

New releases for January is always a fun scavenger hunt. You get the chance to discover what era artists are coming into, setting the tone for future releases. To see the progress and arcs over their career is something I personally enjoy navigating. I think it also aligns with the new year and wanting to embrace growth. For my January faves I found that, like a lot of artists in my list, I’m going through a change—a change of wanting to continually grow in all aspects of myself. Michelangelo said it best, “I am still learning.”

Bubblewrap – Miette Hope

What a great track to start the new year. Produced, written, and performed by Miette Hope, “Bubblewrap” is a song that opens up and explores the ache and growing pains of being vulnerable. It is impressive to hear the outcome of someone not only knowing what they want to make a song about, but also to create and smooth out all of its edges all on their own. The song teeters on the edge of wanting to take that step and hesitating, knowing that by going forward, you can’t go back. Sometimes comfort can be a hinderance; “Bubblewrap” gives you an example of how it can be worth taking that leap of faith.

Anti You – Michael J Woodard

The runs, the runs for days. Woodard sings a song about heartbreak but makes it known—he isn’t the problem, his ex is. The production is a looped beat but never feels overused. Rather, the song continually flows with Woodward’s vocals. The chorus makes it clear, “I’m not anti-love I’m just anti-you.” Flipping the script on the usual heartbreak song, in the end sometimes you have to break it off.

nowhere fast – Neptune

This song makes me want a Jeep Wrangler SO bad. I want to drive around blasting this song and have my friends bring a camcorder to film the whole trip. Neptune’s song “Nowhere Fast” creates a balance of having a laid-back sound while still making you want to go out and explore, idealize your life for a little while. Sadly, the song is only about two and a half minutes long, so you’re gong to want to set the song on repeat.

It’s So Good – Jamie xx

If the two x’s feel familiar to you, it’s because Jamie is from the band The xx. I love songs with lyrics, but sometimes you just need music that focuses on the beat. This song builds an atmosphere where you make all on your own. Are you at a rave? Are you cleaning your room with headphones on? Driving to work? You can be wherever you want to be with this song. I will say I can’t help but wonder if for the next season of The White Lotus they will feature this track. I’m talking to you Mike White and Este Haim.

Not My Fault – Reneé Rapp feat. Megan Thee Stallion

I really feel this song doesn’t need any kind of explanation, but nonetheless, I’ll give one. You have powerhouse vocalist Reneé Rapp and rap extraordinaire Megan Thee Stallion, a dream collaboration that exceeded all expectations. In promotion for the new Mean Girls movie, Reneé sings about being THAT girl, alongside lyrics alluding to the movie itself with the famous line from Cady, “It’s not my fault you’re like in love with me.” From there, Megan comes in with her own verse with a great line, “It’s funny how the mean girl open all the doors, but I been told y’all, I’m the black Regina George.” Both of these women made one of the best new pop tracks out there—I for one will continue to listen on repeat. Also the music video? Thank you, truly.

DARLING DRIVE – METTE & Sam Gellaitry

I love a song that grooves and manages to make myself sway with each second the song plays. Gellaitry has done that with the help of METTE, and what a sound it creates. Before you listen though, put sunglasses on and then go for a walk. Now you’re really the main character that you imagine yourself to be. “DARLING DRIVE” creates a discoesque electronic song with lyrics that promise in the end, home is the company you have not the place.

In Emerald – Wyatt. C Louis

In my spare time I like to play my acoustic guitar. It’s not a common occurrence, but it is an outlet that helps mute my thoughts. Wyatt C. Louis’s new song, “In Emerald,” makes me want to bring my guitar to wherever they are, join in, and play. It’s a tender song touching on a past memory that leaves you a little homesick. With Louis’s voice, it has a tonality that soothes all aches that may come around. You will be surprised to find only three tracks live on their Spotify. But don’t get too blue, their debut album Chandler comes out May 24th. Mark your calendars.

In My Room – Medium Build

Medium Build has truly made a name for himself with his blunt and earnest lyrics that manage to evoke a true sense of loneliness that most of us have felt. Even with the niche circumstances that he has personally experienced, when he sings it’s not hard to empathize with him, regardless of relating to the situation. Seeing Medium Build’s career bloom has been really enjoyable as a fan. Earnest storytelling in music is coming through to the mainstream, and Medium Build’s name will be on that list.