Publishing date: Apr, 01, 2022
The first quarter of 2022 has come to an end, but the year continues to be an amazing one for new music. Last month, Charli XCX gave us the dance album of the year, Maren Morris made us smile and cry at the same time, Rex Orange County charmed our hearts, and Rosalia proved why she’s one of the most exciting artists in music. The release schedule for April is looking even crazier—here are the upcoming releases we’re stoked about:
April 1
Red Hot Chili Peppers – ‘Unlimited Love’
- The legendary California rock band returns on April Fools Day with Unlimited Love, their first record since 2005 with master guitar player John Frusciante. While the lead singles may have underwhelmed some, this record is bound to be full of memorable Chili Pepper moments across its 18-track runtime. There are not many bands that have the level of personality that the Chili Peppers do, and Unlimited Love should have all the crazy Flea bass solos, Kiedis rap flows, Frusciante guitar licks, and Chad Smith drum fills we’ve all been missing. Hopefully, this record breaks new ground for the band and isn’t just a nostalgia trip.
PUP – ‘The Unraveling of PupTheBand’
- The Toronto pop-punk maestros are back with their first full-length record since 2019’s highly acclaimed Morbid Stuff and seem to be having the most fun of their career. With a looser and more raw approach compared to their past records, PUP seems destined to deliver an album that’ll make up for all the moshing we missed out on over the past two years. Prepare yourself for the most fun you’ll have all year. Canadians can also catch PUP live in Victoria, BC on April 8th and 9th, tickets are available here.
Christian Lee Hutson – ‘Quitters’
- One of the most underrated songwriters of our generation returns with Quitters, the follow-up to his acclaimed Phoebe Bridgers-produced debut Beginners. Hutson has had quite the prolific few years, he’s featured on some brilliant records, released three cover EPs, and starred in the latest film from Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas. If you’re a fan of Phoebe Bridgers, Blake Mills, or Elliott Smith, you need to check out this record. “Rubberneckers” and “Age Difference” are some of the best singles of 2022 so far, and this record is destined to be one of Hutson’s best.
April 8
Father John Misty – ‘Chloe and the Next 20th Century’
- Lyrical wizard Josh Tillman is back this month with Chloe and the Next 20th Century, a record that seems to mark a return to his more conceptual tendencies. Tillman has released three singles thus far, and each has been completely different but brilliant in its own way. As usual with Tillman, be ready to dive deep into the heavily layered songwriting and lush instrumentation throughout this record—it’s bound to leave you shaken to the core like his past records have.
Vince Staples – ‘Ramona Park Broke My Heart’
- Following up his brilliant Kenny Beats-produced album is a tall task, but if there’s anyone who can surpass all expectations, it’s Vince Staples. Going back to his Summertime ‘06 and Big Fish Theory sound, Vince is here to show us all why he’s one of the best and most unique voices in rap. Expected to be full of wild features and masterful production, Ramona Park Broke My Heart is set to be the first amazing mainstream rap album of 2022.
Jack White – ‘Fear of the Dawn’
- One of the most influential rockers of the past 25 years delivers Fear of the Dawn this month, the first of two records he is set to release this year. Continuing his venture into the experimental rock realm, White pulls out every trick in the book—including a Q-Tip feature. Expect the unexpected with Fear of the Dawn, and get ready to be shook in the best way.
Camila Cabello – ‘Familia’
- Cuban pop-star Camila Cabello releases her third record Familia this month, inspired by her breakup with Shawn Mendes, isolation, and “family and food.” Familia is set to be the pop blockbuster release of the month, and there are definitely going to be some inescapable tracks from the record. Collaborators include Ed Sheeran and Willow, so you already know you’ll be hearing Familia wherever you go this summer.
Omar Apollo – ‘Ivory’
- Following his three massively successful EPs, bedroom-R&B artist Omar Apollo is finally dropping his debut album Ivory. Spanning 16-tracks and featuring artists like Daniel Caesar and Kali Uchis, Ivory is poised to be a landmark debut for Apollo and Warner Records. If you’re a fan of Bruno Major or Cautious Clay, you should check out this record on April 8th.
Orville Peck – ‘Bronco’
- Be ready to sit back with a glass of red wine by the fire because country music’s most interesting sad boy is back. Masked country-rock icon Orville Peck returns this month with Bronco, a record divided into three distinct chapters. This record comes three years after his acclaimed debut Pony, highly successful tours, and a track appearance on the last season of Euphoria—needless to say, we are more than ready for some new Orville.
Wet Leg – ‘Wet Leg’
- Hot off of their massive show at South by Southwest last month, Wet Leg is finally set to release their debut self-titled record in April. Featuring the rapturous singles “Chaise Lounge” and “Wet Dream”, the record should be the British punk rock ride that we all need heading into the summer. Wet Leg is here to stay and you’ll likely be seeing a ton of them this year, so may as well hop on the hype train early!
Fivio Foreign – ‘B.I.B.L.E.’
- Hot off of “City of Gods” in collaboration with Kanye West and Alicia Keys, Fivio is set to release his debut record B.I.B.L.E. later this month. Since releasing two EPs in 2020, Fivio has quickly risen to the top of the rap game with multiple cosigns from the genre’s biggest and best, including Meek Mill, Quavo, and Lil Baby. The record is a whopping 25 tracks long and includes features from Lil Yachty, Ty Dolla $ign, and the late Pop Smoke.
April 15
Kurt Vile – ‘(watch my moves)’
- Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Kurt Vile is back with his 10th record (watch my moves) later this month. The modern-day ’70s artist has been one of the most unique songwriters in music over the past decade, and this 15-track record looks to further prove his ingenuity. Featuring Cate Le Bon and the revamped Sun Ra Arkestra, the record should make up for the four years we’ve gone without new Kurt Vile music.
April 22
Fontaines D.C. – ‘Skinty Fia’
- Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. are back with their sophomore record and they have a lot to say. Inspired by the intensity of living in London over the last few years, the band looks to expand on their peculiar indie rock sound with Skinty Fia. The singles have given us a taste of the different sounds of the record, and the title track proves just how heavy the band can get. Check out the latest record from these Irish lads, you’ll thank me later.
S. Carey – ‘Break Me Open’
- After taking a four-year break from his solo career, S. Carey is back this month with his fourth record Break Me Open. Best known as the drummer and backup singer for Bon Iver, Carey’s music is perfect for kicking back and relaxing on rainy days with a cup of tea and your favorite book. The lead single “Break Me Open” is a perfect example, as Carey’s falsetto and the layers of synths soothe you to the core. If you like Bon Iver, you’ll also enjoy Break Me Open. Fans can watch S. Carey live in Vancouver on July 15th, tickets are available here.
April 29
Toro y Moi – ‘MAHAL’
- Groove-lord Toro y Moi makes his return after three years with MAHAL, his “boldest and most fascinating journey yet” and first release with Dead Oceans. With features from Unknown Mortal Orchestra and The Mattson 2, expect this record to be an earworm living rent-free in your head. There are not many artists who can make you dance like Toro y Moi, and MAHAL should give us all the bops we need as we head into the summer.
Let’s Eat Grandma – ‘Two Ribbons’
- British electronic queens Let’s Eat Grandma are set to release their third record Two Ribbons, featuring the killer singles “Happy New Year” and “Hall of Mirrors”. The record looks to be more introspective and reflective than their previous work, best seen (so far) on the lead single “Two Ribbons”, which also happens to be the album closer. This is one of the best tracks of the year and sets the expectations high for this forthcoming record. Catch Let’s Eat Grandma live in Vancouver on November 19th, tickets are available here.
Like what you saw? Here’s more:
The 22 Artists On Our Radar For 2022
The March Releases We’ve Set Reminders For
Every Song From ‘Euphoria’s Season 2 Premiere