The sun is shining! The birds are chirping! There is a bit of light out at 8pm! As spring kicks into high gear, this week is full of new music releases that are sure to inspire some warm weather celebratory listening parties. Including a laidback daydreamy love song from Remi Wolf, a punchy anthem from artist to watch Alemeda, and a party-scene ready bop from Victoria Monét, the second full week of May has an offering of music that is sure to get you up and dancing.

See below for V’s picks for New Music Friday!

Remi Wolf, “Prescription”

Indie-pop act Remi Wolf has released her first solo song of the year with the laid-back track “Prescription.” Known for her psychedelic and eccentric sound, Wolf uses her trademark woozy production as a means to put her vocals on full display on “Prescription.” Her ability to belt out admissions before breaking out into whines of epic proportions on the song is a true flex of vocal capability, which has resulted in a track that is tailored for a windows-down sing along sesh as summer comes into full swing.

Victoria Monét featuring Buju Banton, “Party Girls”

Following her hazy stoner anthem “Smoke,” Victoria Monét is keeping the celebration going with her newest track “Party Girls.” On the single, Monét infuses her infectious R&B sound with a splash of dancehall, resulting in a track that is tailor-made for the approaching summer heat. “’Party Girls’ is an ode to women around the world who keep celebrations alive!” shares  Monét on the release. “If you recall any social gathering, nightlife extravaganza or day party you’ll likely recall a moment where a woman made it so much more exciting! I wanted to make a song giving credit where it’s due, while simultaneously curating a sensual Caribbean-infused R&B song to continue the fun to. I hope this song makes you feel sexy, empowered and appreciated!”

Jorja Smith, “Little Things”

In her latest release, Jorja Smith has wrapped up the adrenaline rush of spotting someone in the club and the crush that proceeds, with “Little Things.” Produced by P2J and New machine, the track is a showcase of Smith’s smooth-as-butter vocals, which cascade effortlessly over a house beat. “The song is pretty self explanatory,” explains Smith. “I had a lil concoction – rum, ting and a magnum. When we started creating this song I was just imagining hearing this walking into a party and seeing someone I’d had my eye on. It’s fun!”

Bishop Briggs, “Baggage”

Alt-pop musician Bishop Briggs has released her first track of the year “Baggage” as a reflection upon her own insecurities. Briggs’s shockingly powerful voice booms atop of a production that blends alternative and techno influences, reflective of the conflict inside of her own inner turmoil. “I am not perfect,” shares Briggs. “In fact, I’m quite messy. I could say life is messy, which it is, but part of becoming an adult has been acknowledging the messiness that I have too. ‘Baggage’ is the first song where I stand in the mud and triumphantly stomp my feet in it. I can only hope that others feel empowered to own their version of messy and know that they aren’t alone in it. I have found that when I unabashedly show my imperfections and my wounds I am growing. So, there you have it, that’s my baggage.” 

Durry, “Who’s Laughing Now”

Indie rock brother and sister duo Durry have released an updated version of their 2021 song, “Who’s Laughing Now.” Originally released as a demo, inspired by the trappings of a quarter life crisis in suburbia, the song blew up on social media, which led to the duo quickly finishing and releasing the song. “‘Who’s Laughing Now’ went viral before it was even finished being written,” explains vocalist Austin Durry. “What started as a cynical outlook on life was flipped on its head overnight, as it rocketed to popularity. The next morning I left for the studio to try and capture this once in a lifetime viral moment. I realized the song I had written was wrong, and there was still hope left in the world. On the drive to the studio I rewrote it, inspired by the success and excitement of the public. This song is literally written about the success of its own demo.”

Charlotte Cardin, “Looping”

Sampling Barbara Streisand’s “The Way We Were” and reflective on obsessions, Charlotte Cardin has released her newest single, “Looping.” Co-written and produced by Mr Hudson, Felix Joseph, and Jason Brando, the track is a soulful offering from the Canadian musician, where her full-bodied vocals truly shine. “I thought I was writing about Mr Hudson’s dog who sees life in black and white,” shares Cardin on the track. “Jay was under the impression we were writing about my obsessive thought patterns. Felix was randomly sampling Barbara Streisand’s ‘The Way We Were.’ And somehow all of this made sense. Or did it? Fuck, I’m looping again.”

Alemeda, “UR SO FULL OF IT”

Up and coming star, Alemeda is elaborating on her expansive range of sounds with her newest single and major label debut, “UR SO FULL OF IT.” The self-made musician who grew up between Ethiopia and Arizona first made waves on the internet with her 2021 independent single, “Gonna Bleach My Eyebrows,” as a catchy and bubbly track where she finds freedom after ridding herself of a toxic love. On “UR SO FULL OF IT,” Alemeda shares a similar sentiment of disdain for an old flame, yet here she packs a strong punch with her soulful voice floating over an angsty production.

Baby Tate featuring Saweetie, “Hey, Mickey! (Remix)”

In her take on the 1981 Toni Basil hit, Baby Tate has tapped Bay Area rapstar Saweetie for a remix of the track as well as a technicolor music video. Saweetie’s verse adds even more flavor to the already infectious track with lyrics like, “I’m about my cheddar, but I never been no snitchey / Zip them lippy’s, flexin’ all that cash / But you acting like a kiddie.” The visual for the remix is an invitation into the celebratory world of Baby Tate, as her and Saweetie zoom into rap excellence in an all-out rainbow party.