Publishing date: Aug, 31, 2023
September 1
The Paper Kites – ‘At the Roadhouse’
About a year ago, The Paper Kites stumbled upon a building in Campbells Creek that used to be a shop that served gold miners. Now long abandoned, the band decided to give it a new life and transformed it into a music space. For a whole month, they worked on songs during the week, then performed them for a local audience on Friday and Saturday nights. They would let the songs evolve and, when ready, would record them live. This place was dubbed The Roadhouse and the new album was born. The album captures the essence of a live performance with the first track even featuring the sounds of an audience settling down at the start of the show. At The Roadhouse, in all the glory of its unique origin story, will be an album with an impact.
September 8
Olivia Rodrigo – ‘GUTS’
Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated sophomore album is set to release on September 8. The album promises a more upbeat and rock-influenced sound, even compared to her debut, Sour. Rodrigo collaborated with producer Dan Nigro again to create a fresh, yet familiar vibe. The album’s themes center around growth and navigating the challenges of young adulthood with the first released songs, “vampire” and “bad idea right?” hinting at the album’s direction. In a world that demands you to heal your inner child and teenager, Olivia Rodrigo’s albums are a safe space to indulge them.
Laufey – ‘Bewitched’
Laufey is one of the few musicians breathing life back into Jazz, and this new album is a prime example of it. You could say that we are Bewitched by the new album—yes, another pun. Sorry, not sorry. The track is full of soaring instrumentals and if you’re a hopeless romantic you’ll absolutely fall in love with her lyrics. For example: in the titular track “Bewitched” off the album, Laufey shares some of her feelings about a new love calling it “all-consuming, fire fuming / Cursing at the moon and losing.” Pretty intense stuff. (Also, it’s pronounced like “lay-vay” not however you just read it in your head).
Bakar – ‘HALO’
Bakar comes to us with his second album HALO and if it’s anything like the singles he’s already released from it, we’re in for a treat. One of his more recently released songs, “Right Here, Right Now”, highlights him embracing a grittier indie-rock sound. The track is simple, but in a way that leaves plenty of room to show off Bakar’s musicality.
James Blake – ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’
Making a mega comeback into music releases, James Blake will be blessing our ears soon with Playing Robots Into Heaven. James has released two singles from the upcoming album, “Big Hammer” and “Loading.” He is trying to step forward into the contemporary club space without recreating anything he’s ever made before. This will be his sixth studio album. We need not say anymore, it’s James freaking Blake, after all.
September 15
Vagabon – ‘Sorry I’
Inspired by the dance beats of German music and co-produced with ex-Vampire Weekend band member Rostam, Vagabon’s Sorry I Haven’t Called is set to be a great album. Some of the album’s best parts are in it’s simplicity. “This whole record is how I talk to my friends and how to talk to my lovers,” Vagabon said. “I think honesty and conversational songwriting can become poetry. There’s beauty in plainly speaking without metaphors and without flowery imagery.”
Mitski – ‘The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We’
Mitski is known for her heartbreaking lyrics hidden behind disco-inspired upbeat music, but this album appears to be a step back to her more acoustic roots. The first track on the album “Bug Like an Angel” starts with just her and her acoustic guitar (which always makes me think of her Tiny Desk concert where she screamed into her guitar). Similarly, “Heaven” and “Star” are also more mellow tracks. They have their moments—especially “Star” with its orchestral build-up—but remain more emotional and less poppy than some of her previous works. From the three tracks we’ve heard off of this album, we’re excited to hear whatever heartbreak Mitski has for us for the rest of the album.
The Beaches – ‘Blame My Ex’
Blame my ex? Say less. Sisters Jordan Miller, and Kylie Miller, and honorary sisters Leandra Earl and Eliza Enman-McDaniel have more than a decade together under their belt. Their new album Blame My Ex, is a marking of them entering a new—post-breakup—era. In all its 90s-tinged alt-pop-rock glory, highlighted by the hit lead singles, “Blame Brett” and “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid”, we can pretty much guarantee its repeat factor. Heart-wrenching emotional depth packaged in an upbeat, danceable 10-song album, what more could we ask for?
September 29
Miley Cyrus – ‘Bangerz (10th Anniversary Edition)’
The album that shook up society and encouraged some ass-shaking is celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary. Bangerz changed the course of the year 2013. Hannah Montana was no longer and this was Miley’s debut as Miley Cyrus. As Miley currently unpacks her youth through an active video series over social media in honor of her recent single “Used To Be Young”, there’s really no better time to celebrate the anniversary of this album that marked a pivotal moment in both her professional and personal life. We may all rise for the 10th Anniversary of Bangerz, and bow down to Queen Miley.
Jorja Smith – ‘falling or flying’
Jorja Smith is releasing her highly anticipated second album, falling or flying. The long-awaited album will be released on September 29 through Famm and was announced after the recent release of her singles “Little Things” and “Try Me.” Smith described the album as a reflection of her active mind, with each song capturing a unique moment of stillness––so pure. To mark the album’s debut, Smith will be performing a series of concerts in the United Kingdom during the upcoming fall months.
Thomas Rhett – ‘20 Number Ones’
Country artist Thomas Rhett has revealed plans for a retrospective vinyl collection titled 20 Number Ones, celebrating his impressive achievement of 20 No.1 hits over the span of a decade. The collection, set to release on September 29, will encompass all of his chart-topping songs, along with his latest single “Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)” as a bonus track. This project aims to trace the evolution of Thomas Rhett’s career, highlighting his growth as a dynamic and successful artist in the country music scene. The compilation serves as a reflection on his journey, marking his significant accomplishments and the chapters of his life represented by these songs. Thomas himself expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone and excitement for the future, emphasizing the meaningful connection these songs have with his fans. The collection will provide listeners with a comprehensive view of his musical progression, from his beginnings as a new artist to his current status as a prominent figure in country music.