Whether appreciating the past, looking forward to the future, or leaving you on your toes as to what comes next, our latest crop of best new songs will undoubtedly reveal a groundbreaking revelation or two. After giving the three artists featured here a listen, be sure to check out our Best New Songs of the Month playlist for more talented artists.

Joel Jerome “Los Angeles”

Don’t let the guitar or cutesy cover for “Los Angeles,” the unpredictable single from prolific singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer Joel Jerome and singer Paloma Parfrey, fool you. At first, establishing a false sense of security with the alt-country opening, the two up the ante as the drums pick up at the speed of a charging gorilla. When it seems as though the song has settled into a cross between grunge and garage, the acoustic guitar at the beginning comes back into the fray. What could have potentially turned out to be a Frankenstein’s monster of a track instead is a successful tug of war where two vastly different genres come together in an unconventional ode to Los Angeles.

Visit Joel Jerome on his website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

illuminati hotties “Can’t Be Still”

After teasing a new album last year with “Truck,” alt-rock project illuminati hotties are finally back with their latest single, “Can’t Be Still.” The build-up to the chorus attempts to keep a calm and collected tempo, but the burgeoning wanderlust heard in the lyrics makes it impossible to stay still to the indie-rock anthem. Sarah Tuzdin, who’s been making waves behind the scenes as a producer, embodies the song’s jittery sentiment, singing in multiple inflections that match the music’s high and low reaches in intensity. Although coming in less than three minutes, Tuzdin wastes no time getting to their desired destination, which happens to be an equally catchy and roaring call to keep moving forward in life.

See illuminati hotties during their headlining tour at their LA stop at Teragram Ballroom on Nov. 1 or San Diego stop at Casbah on Sept. 26.

Visit illuminati hotties on their website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

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Xiuhtezcatl “1992”

In contrast to the other rock-fueled songs on the list, activist/rapper Xiuhtezcatl looks to hip-hop for his introspective appreciation of his mom’s activist roots in “1992.” The central focus on “1992” juxtaposes the modern production, which distances itself from a typical trap beat without veering the song into all-out 90s homage through the potential utilization of boom bap or g-funk. What it does for Xiuhtezcatl’s intentions is show how he stays true to his style of alternative hip-hop, all while continuing the trend of the environmental activism that began with his mom in 1992. On top of a chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head, thanks to Xiuhtezcatl’s confident flow, it’s impossible not to stop and take in his family’s journey while bobbing your head.

Visit Xiuhtezcatl on his website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

In addition to our weekly round-up of best new songs, you can turn to our Best New Songs of the Month playlist in case you missed out on any potential new obsessions. Our New Music editorials and Artists You Should Know features are equally reliable sources for the best from artists on the rise!

Words: David Sosa

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC