Today, Berkeley folk artist Maya Elise premieres her newest song, “Side of the Road.” The track tells the story of a summer road trip, which makes it especially fitting that it’s perfect for singing along with. In the first verse, as Maya describes all the people she is picking up along the way, her rich vocals fill every crack between guitar and drums with a friendly warmth. Though she gives us only a few details on each person she meets, you can almost see each of their faces: the woman in Portland making jasmine tea, the Washington man she learned to trust, the brave woman from Alabama, and the South Dakota man looking for a home all look somewhat familiar. The song gradually builds to a transcendent scene in which the car full of new friends go skinny-dipping in the Atlantic Ocean, perhaps the ultimate symbol of the trust they have built along the way. On “Side of the Road,” Maya reminds us that making friends doesn’t have to be as complicated or awkward as we often make it out to be. Sometimes all it takes is two people going in the same direction and choosing to not be alone. The rest, perhaps, will figure itself out.

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.