This week in pop music saw some major releases and up-and-coming musicians. Katy Perry put forth another single off her upcoming project, Sasha Sloan gave herself the motivation to keep on moving, and Caroline Polachek reconciled with a past relationship.
Every week, Uproxx will round out the best new pop releases of the last seven days. Listen up.
Katy Perry — “Harleys In Hawaii”
Katy Perry is riding motorcycles in Hawaii on the aptly titled single, “Harleys In Hawaii.” Co-written and co-produced by Charlie Puth, the song features a smooth and bouncy beat behind Perry’s full vocals. The new single is the singer’s third from her upcoming sixth studio album, still without a title or release date.
Caroline Polachek — “Look At Me Now”
The former frontperson of late-2000s indie-pop group Chairlift is making a name for herself with recent music under her own name. The latest single, “Look At Me Now,” is the “diary entry” of the record and more reflective than her last. Over gentle strumming, Polachek adds dimension to the song’s soundscape with a wistful voice.
Sasha Sloan — “Keep On”
Sasha Sloan’s third EP Self Portrait is, as indicated in the title, an honest and reflective view of the singer’s life. “Keep On” exemplifies the theme and is an anthem for Sloan’s self-love mantra. An electric drum beat keeps a fast-paced rhythm on the single over Sloan’s sugary vocals. With the new EP, Sload pivots to focus on her solo career after penning music for the likes of Charli XCX and Camila Cabello.
Nasty Cherry — “Music With Your Dad”
After selling out their debut live show in LA, Nasty Cherry has been releasing a slew of singles off Charli XCX’s label Vroom Vroom Records. The latest, “Music With Your Dad,” was written in the span of the day the band first met. Over a funky bass, the four melt electric guitar riffs with punchy vocals.
Dana Williams — “Hard”
Dana Williams inherited some of her musical talent from her late father, who was a session player for the likes of Madonna, Stevie Nicks, and Michael Jackson. Williams is now gearing up for a big release with an onslaught of singles, “Hard” being the latest. A slick production, the single’s pounding drums cut with vocal samples under Williams’ enchanting voice.
Electric Guest — “Basic“
“Basic” is a stand-out off Electric Guest‘s latest full-length record, KIN. As the band stated in an interview with Uproxx, they aimed to make an “unapologetic, out-there pop record that hopefully wasn’t void of sentiment.” And they were successful in that quest with “Basic.” A wobbly synth opens under rhythmic shakers, setting an upbeat pace for the dynamic tune.
James Vickery — “Pressure” Feat SG Lewis
Fresh off a deal with TH3RDBRAIN and Roc Nation publishing, James Vickery teamed up with SG Lewis for the stirring single “Pressure.” The first off his forthcoming record due out next year, the single opens with shimmery synths and a clapping drum beat while Vickery soulfully croons of unrequited love.
Diplomacy — “Silver Lake Queen”
How To Get Away With Murder actor Jack Falahee fronts his new project Diplomacy, formed with childhood friend DJ Elephante. Opening with a crashing beat, “Silver Lake Queen” artfully combines energetic electric guitar riffs with Falahee’s soft vocals.
TWINKIDS — “I Luv You“
LA-based duo Twinkids masterfully blend ’80s J-pop influences with distinctly polished synths. The duo offers “I Luv You” as an anthem for heartbreak. But instead of the stereotypical soft guitar that is many times accompanied by a melancholy theme, Twinkids opts for sweeping melodies and crashing beats.
Sheppard — “Die Young”
After nearly calling it quits following a major health crisis, Australian synth duo Sheppard make a triumphant return. A pounding beat under a warm guitar riff opens “Die Young.” Sheppard’s impressive vocal range is showcased while the instrumentation builds to a crescendo in the chorus.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. .
