Evan Ballew, Music Director
Vansire – “For the Moment”
Now with 10 years of experience under their belts, Minnesota’s Vansire sounds more intentional than ever on their fourth full-length album, “Taking Solace.” From their humble beginnings in high school drumline and recording early demos on an iPad, the duo of Josh Augustin and Sam Winemiller blend swirly Tame Impala-esque synthesizers with Vulfpeck levels of warm groove. With a 21-song tracklist the transitions between songs are quick but every note feels meticulously crafted. Tunes like “80s KANGOL” and “Inside Loop” feature rap verses that give the album a refreshing pace, making it one worth listening to over and over again.
Slippers – “Wants For Everyone”
On her full-length debut, multi-instrumentalist Madeline Babuka Black delivers a standout indie pop record that blends vintage charm with modern sensibilities. Playing off elements of surf-rock and crunchy garage guitar riffs, on “Slippers 08” Babuka Black’s songs look back at life in the aughts through a sepia-tinted lens. Crisp production from fellow indie rockers Joo-Joo Ashworth and Mo Troper create surprising moments with jangly guitar breaks and sci-fi synth stabs. Released under the acclaimed indie label K Records (Beat Happening, Modest Mouse, Beck), the new record from Slippers will fit right at home with any summer soundtrack.
John Garcia, Morning Show Host
Tierra Whack – “WHACK JOB”
Tierra Whack (real name) returns with the opening track from her newest album, WHACK’S MUSEUM. The entire album is packed with razor-sharp punchlines, unpredictable flows, and the offbeat humor that has made her a cult favorite for years. Produced by Conductor Williams and Chris Keys, the beat is gritty and simple, giving Tierra plenty of room to show her lyrical ability. The slow-motion beat switch may even have the listener second-guessing if something is wrong with the song itself. The project is bold, quirky, and another example of why Tierra continues to be a “whack of all trades.”
Charli xcx – “Wink Wink”
After redefining pop culture with the BRAT era, Charli XCX is back with “Wink Wink.” A playful, provocative burst of electro-pop that leans into her signature mix of irony, confidence and club-ready production. Her new single is packed with sharp hooks, punchy synths, and the kind of cheeky attitude that has become a Charli trademark. Lyrically, she toys with the idea of leaving her “bad girl” reputation behind, while making it clear that she is still having plenty of fun with the image. The song is the latest preview of her upcoming album ‘Music, Fashion, Film,” arriving July 24.
*viewer discretion advised*
Zoe Curran, Digital Content Manager
Kelela – “outta time” (feat. A.K. Paul)
A wig with a sharp bang can change the world. At least it can when Kelela is wearing it. The sonic seamstress initially made her mark with her twisted R&B mixtape Cut 4 Me in 2013, followed by three critically acclaimed studio albums. With an opening beat strangely reminiscent of a slowed-down version of Soulja Boy’s 2008 hit “Kiss Me Through the Phone,” “outta time” is a distorted exploration of relationship dependence and anxiety. Culminating in a charged back-and-forth between the singer and British musician A.K. Paul, the theme of this track is tension.
“outta time” is the first single of her upcoming album, new avatar, set to release on July 10.
FKA Twigs – “On Your Mind” (feat. Lil Yachty)
Wild and alone. At the time of its release, the hugely popular (to the point it was meme-spawning) “Cellophane” didn’t do it for me, and for that, FKA Twigs, I apologize. EUSEXUA slid onto my plate as a sleeper hit of 2025, but it wasn’t until I saw her live performance at Coachella this past May that the full Twigs obsession hit.
What a gift to encounter an artist with such a rich body of work still topping herself decades later. There’s so much to explore, and it’s all good. It’s all so good. I can’t even pick a favorite; this is just the newest track to devour.
Boy Harsher – “Jeans”
Leather line dance. Almost exactly two years after I left Jackson for something bigger, Boy Harsher released “Jeans,” and that feels like fate. In a love letter I wrote in 2022 to my small town upbringing, I wrestled with the very tension this track explores: following gut feelings to big places while still longing for the wide-open skies of home. That’s life living in a small town. Gave it all up just to feel free. Expect ‘80s, denim and lots of leather in Boy Harsher’s punchy new single.
*viewer discretion advised*
