This week’s New Music Friday features a blend of highly-anticipated projects and singles from your favorite artists, from Charli XCX to Rex Orange County.
Nija Charles, also known by the mononym Nija, dropped her long-awaited solo debut Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You. Throughout the ten tracks, the singer-songwriter fuses the confident swagger of rap with modern R&B, priming herself for a takeover of the music industry.
Meanwhile, Rex Orange County has finally returned, and with a single release, an album tracklist reveal, and a tour announcement in tow. Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama collaborate on a down bad anthem, renforshort follows up her successful 2021 EP with a new single, and Col3trane teases the sound of his new album with a soulful single featuring Lucky Daye.
Tap into our picks for Best New Music Friday below.
Charli XCX with Rina Sawayama, “Beg For You”
Pop queens Charli XCX and Rina Sawayama link up for new single “Beg For You,” a collaboration from Charli’s forthcoming album CRASH. Though Charli and Rina have been friends for years, this is the first time they’ve worked together on a project. Against a dance-pop beat, Charli and Rina sing lyrics of frantic yearning for a lover: “I'll remember your kiss on the nights when I miss you / Something I can't forget when I'm restless in bed / Yeah, you got me obsessed.”
Nija, Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You
Your favorite artist’s favorite songwriter’s debut solo project has finally arrived, and it’s a unique mix of vulnerability, confidence, and power. Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Nija has released a collection of ten R&B tracks titled Don't Say I Didn't Warn You, which includes her three viral hit singles from 2021, “Ease My Mind (Come Over),” “Finesse,” and “On Call.” Nija’s stellar songwriting credits include massive records like Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande’s “Rain On Me” and Chloë’s “Have Mercy,” and many, many more.
It’s now the young producer and songwriter’s turn in the spotlight, and she’s more than ready. “There’s a stigma against songwriters turning into artists because usually they give all their sauce away,” said Nija in a statement. “But I’ve always made sure I went above and beyond people’s expectations, so don’t say I didn’t warn you about that.”
Rex Orange County, “KEEP IT UP”
British singer Rex Orange County released “KEEP IT UP,” the first track off of his new album WHO CARES? on Wednesday, which is slated for release on March 11. The video for the single looks like it was shot on a vintage camcorder, and follows a dancing Rex around the city of Amsterdam. This week was a big announcement week for Rex Orange County and his fans, as he released this new single, the album art and tracklist for WHO CARES?, as well as 2022 tour dates. The singer’s last studio album, Pony, was released back in 2019.
renforshort, “moshpit”
Renforshort's latest single is all about a toxic romance, one that continues to treat her heart like a violent mosh pit. “If I take an elbow to the face / One more time I think I’ll break / I’m not saying I’m a saint, but you're hell,” goes the chorus. “Moshpit” is the 19-year-old alt-pop singer’s first release since her summer 2021 EP off saint dominique. The music video for “moshpit” relies on the theme of isolation, following renforshort through futuristic, dream-like, and chaotic situations.
Warning: the music video contains scenes with strobing effects that may affect photosensitive viewers.
Col3trane with Lucky Daye, “Bag”
Genre-defying artist Col3trane has a smooth new collaboration out with R&B singer Lucky Daye called “Bag.” For both hopeless romantics and fans of soul, the single is suave and romantic, with Lucky and Col3trane crooning pining lyrics over a jazz-infused beat. “Bag” is a perfect addition to that Valentine’s Day playlist you’re prepping. “I’m all in my bag, all in my bag / All in my bag for you.”
Col3trane’s debut album Lush Life is slated for release later this year.
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