When your admiration for someone is strong enough, there are moments when you can’t help but step back in awe that you actually know them. Nashville’s Carmen Canedo explores that feeling with an acoustic guitar and a folksy chorus of angels on “How Can I Know You.” Like the musical setup, the lyrical scenes are powerful in their tender simplicity. With the right company, everyday activities like watching the clouds or sipping hot tea become vessels of tender significance. Your perception of temperature can even shift; suddenly, sitting on the icy ground is a small price to pay to be with this special person. In fact, as Canedo says in the chorus, you may even “welcome the chill.” What strikes me is that this is not exclusively a description of romantic love. Although you could feel this way about a partner, you could also feel it about your mother, or your friend, or your baby nephew. It’s a special strand of love found only in genuine camaraderie, and the feeling of incredulity that comes with it is totally understandable. We are taught from a young age that magic isn’t supposed to exist.

MADDEE's newest single “Dry” is a soft downtempo R&B track about the inescapable nature of loneliness. The Toronto-based electronic-soul artist experiments with a purposeful combination of silky brass sections, sparse piano and precise percussion with the help of percussionist and producer Gray Rowan. Her soulful jazz vocals are the highlight as she sings about the necessity of maintaining self-worth within relationships. It’s soft and winding—never really leaving a meditative state on what went wrong as she sings, “I don’t know how to feel / something feels like it is missing / and I can’t tell what it is” before repeating “I can’t run from it.” MADDEE has come to the realization that she must address her loneliness instead of attempting to escape it. Maybe there is even some importance in experiencing the full breadth of emotion that can accompany the loss of a relationship. “Dry” is a taste of what is to come on MADDEE’s upcoming six-track EP Red Mind out October 17.

Last week, chic pop artist EVA released her new EP, Truthfully. Full of shimmering synths, honest songwriting and heady dance arrangements, the 8-track release is the perfect music for a night on the town with your friends. The opening track, “Truthfully,” is bright and playful, and sets the tone for the rest of the EP. Crisp and clear production emphasizes the vibrant instrumentation, notably the sharp, pulsing percussion and electric, 80s-inspired keys. The arrangement throbs behind EVA’s dreamy vocal. Light and euphoric, her gorgeous soprano is a guiding force throughout the song. Her blunt, straightforward lyrics reflect the theme of the song: “Truthfully and honestly, I’ll always be there.” “Truthfully" is the first in a collection of freeing, accessible pop songs from a captivatingly fun artist. Don't miss your chance to see her perform live while enjoying a three-course meal and complimentary cocktails at Guadalupe Inn in celebration of our 10 year anniversary. Buy your tickets here.

London trio Girl Ray have dropped a new single to set a groovy tone for their upcoming sophomore LP. "Show Me More" tells the story of a classic back and forth, when things feel right but "your boo is playing savage games." Lines like "Don't give me these highs then leave" capture the will they/won't they energy of an unhurried summer fling that simply needs a nudge to evolve into something more. The chic tune gravitates towards a mainstream hook and poppy bassline, aided by the springy production of Ash Workman, whose credits include Christine and the Queens and Metronomy, for whom Girl Ray will be opening this fall. "Show Me More" is polished and sleek without losing the handcrafted haze at the heart of Girl Ray. Girl is due out on November 8 through Moshi Moshi Records.

Common Holly delivers another take on human growth and restlessness with the second single, “Joshua Snakes,” from her forthcoming sophomore album When I say to you Black Lightning. Montreal singer-songwriter, Brigitte Naggar doesn’t shy away from the self-delusion and pain that manifests in her own head. "Joshua Snakes" embodies the search for a calm and peaceful place amongst constant chaos and self-doubt. Naggar’s airy, smooth vocals coast along as she lets out her poignant lyrics, “I’m tied against the tracks / But I can’t figure out the ending.” Things step further into disarray as the instrumentation becomes more brash and bold toward the latter half of the track. Punchy guitar kicks in and uncertainty seems to be circling as Naggar leads us to the end, asking “Can’t get enough, can we?” In the end, we’re left wondering who really wins in this back-and-forth, an inner fight with ourselves that we've all experienced in one form or another. When I say to you Black Lightning is out on October 11 via Barsuk/Solitaire.

Breezy indie-pop duo slenderbodies’ new single, “arrival,” is as lush and atmospheric as a drive through the Redwoods. Awash in warm soundscapes and soaked in reverb, the arrangement is vibrant and tranquilizing; you’ll happily lose yourself in its calm, swaying beat. The opening notes are a sun-soaked rush of autumn air to your senses. Surreal, spacey synths set the mood, followed by slenderbodies’ signature silky vocals and lyrics that perfectly fit the bigger picture: “Bend around the road / I give away my silhouette / Nothing holds you like the sun / I'm youthful in the morning light.” Breathy and distinct, the harmonies are hypnotic. The clear, thoughtful production creates accessible clarity and allows you to hang onto their every word—even if you can’t always understand the lyrics. Relaxing and smooth, “arrival” is the definition of “chill vibes,” and is the perfect song to ease you into fall.