Hypnotizing listeners back into his universe yet again, Frank Ocean returns with highly hyped new single “DHL” from the artist’s first studio album release since 2016. The track dropped unannounced at the end of Ocean’s most recent blonded RADIO session, giving a taste of what is rumored to be a thirteen-track LP. Ocean teams up with electro-house producer Boys Noize on “DHL” and delivers swirling sounds and carefully casual lyrics. The song begins with his signature, stylized ambient noise—reminiscent of a more somber, slow version to the introduction of “Nikes.” He raps about a lover, things he’s bought, and attending fashion week in camping gear, “Look like I’m dressed for a hike / But I really look like I’m in Paris.” A mundane tone, almost droning, takes over the beats of the song and paints a portrait of Ocean in his day to day life—as normal as it can be. Following the announcement of “DHL” came the news of two other singles, “Cayendo” and “Dear April." Both were premiered at Ocean's new club PrEP+, where the artist played some remixed snippets. Both old and new Frank fans alike can look forward to new content being released in this era of activity.

Drinker’s “Wave” experiments with highs and lows starting with deep ambient noise and brightening slowly as it progresses. The rich synths provide a deep fullness with little moments of light coming in through meticulously placed guitar riffs and nuanced harmonies. The experimental pop duo explores the cyclicality of life and its endless searching through the metaphor of the moon’s influence over the tides as Aaron Mendelsohn repeats, “who is this? / I’m stuck inside a wave.” Ariel Loh’s production aids in the cyclical quality without falling victim to boring repetition. Much like the ocean, it is slow, steady and relentless, but it is riddled with moments of surprise— a spirited yet subtle shaker, a quick riff of high hats, and ethereally manipulated harmonies. The song builds slowly on itself ebbing and flowing from one complex interconnection of sounds to the next until it hits its brink. It does not slow as it ends as much as it just finishes leaving the listener waiting for more. “Wave” is the fifth single from Drinker’s upcoming debut LP, which is due out May 3rd via B3SCI Records.

Sven Gamsky, best known as rising indie-funk superstar Still Woozy, is the definition of DIY. Part new-age R&B, part psychedelic pop, and part experimentation, his sound doesn’t fit neatly into a box. He has yet to come out with an album but has steadily been releasing hit singles since 2017. He writes, records, and self-produces all his music in his garage-turned-studio space in Oakland, California. His artwork is weird and vibrant, and it’s all made by his partner. Most notably, he’s unsigned, yet his Spotify monthly listenership currently resides at a cool 2.3 million. For all his unconventional methods, his success isn’t a mystery—his groovy, chill tracks are easy listening for music-minded ears. Gamsky's newest single, “Lava,” is no exception. It’s a vibey, sun-soaked jam that begs to be blasted on good speakers. Dreamy synths and a wavy guitar line cast the song in a warm, shimmery glow, while the swinging bass and tight percussion maintain the funky, head-bopping beat. Gamsky’s vocals are soft and pleasing even though he’s singing about a riff with a loved one, nicely complimenting the atmospheric arrangement and proving his sound is something of an unstoppable force. “Lava” is another smooth, abstract jam from the master of transcending genre. Keep an eye out for Still Woozy's debut EP, Lately, set to release on May 8th.

Queens-based songwriter and producer Sam R. (aka Glassio) has listeners wrapped in a psychedelic, dance dream with his new alt-electronic project, Biomes. In the debut single,“Everything I Need," Sam uses elements of Persian music with electro-synth beats and indie-pop vocal stylings to create a unique brand of dance music that will keep you engaged yet entranced. “Everything I Need” begins with a subtle hum that then grows and stays consistent throughout the song. Soon, it’s joined by well-blended layers of synths, percussion, and floaty vocals that take us down a rabbit hole of sound. As the current of the song ebbs and flows, the lone singer is suddenly joined by a swelling chorus who lament for the remainder of the track—“One of these days I’ll wake tomorrow, I want to see the sun come up the way, I used to know.”

"Marching Song" is the latest release by indie-folk songwriter Izzy Heltai in anticipation of his full EP out April 19th. Izzy's simple and often nomadic life is deeply reflected in his music. An unusual power and constant movement dominate his storytelling. There is a quality to his voice that is very timeless and comfortable, even when the lyrics tell a stirring story. "I couldn't tell you through the telephone / that I am not myself / I am not myself anymore." The horns and keys throughout the song offer a contrasting softness to the raw guitar. Izzy delivers a refreshing voice in the folk community. There is something very delicate, yet purposeful about his instrumentation and songwriting. You can catch Izzy Heltai on tour in the United States and Canada this fall.

“Sold You Out,” a new song by Beauty Queen, will make any day feel like a Sunday afternoon. The band, hailing from San Francisco, is due to release their forthcoming EP, Out of Touch on April 19th via Brooklyn’s Sleep Well Records. "Sold You Out" is truly pleasant and comforting, and sometimes, especially these days, that’s the kind of song we need. It’s a track that makes smiling at the fresh spring leaves seem like an entirely normal and not dorky thing to do. Yes, synth dream pop is all the rage right now, but Beauty Queen has truly hit the nail on the head with what the genre is trying to achieve. Even though "Sold You Out" is full of synths and simple chord patterns, it’s layered in an unpretentious yet non-basic way. Like many other west coast bands, Beauty Queen appears to be drawing from artists like Washed Out and Tennis, but there's still something distinct about what they're doing. Take a listen and see what I mean, I swear I’m not over-selling it.