The three artists whose songs are featured on this week’s best new songs list might differ in style and background, but all three happen to be going through their revelatory moments beautifully captured in their latest, lavish singles. As we’ve done for previous weeks, as well as our Best New Songs of the Month playlist, updated regularly, here are three new songs that could very well be gateways to your new favorite self-discovery.

Ambar Lucid “Truth Is so Loud”

Although she hasn’t slowed down in the slightest, consistently dropping singles and EPs since the release of her last album, Garden of Lucid, Ambar Lucid is ushering in a new, avant-garde era for herself with “Truth Is so Loud.” Always one to bless her tracks with angelic vocals, her latest single is no different, creating a unique sense of tranquility with the way her voice blends into the percussion and fluttering electronic flairs in the production. In the last stretch of the song, the gentle nature evolves into a living and breathing atmosphere, an evolution captured in the music video where the black and white visuals are juxtaposed by Ambar in full red paint, steaming from the back and staring into the camera.

On the making of “Truth Is so Loud,” Ambar Lucid took to Instagram and said: “For about 5-7 years I’ve been trying to build success in this strange place called the music industry. I was locked in figuring out how to play the game according to rules others have written; I thought this was the only way. However, I thank the universe for the knowledge and wisdom it has provided me along my journey, and for the ability to see outside of this barrier I was attempting to put my soul in…I want to provide a meaningful and long term positive impact on the world. I want to build a legacy I am profoundly proud of that lives beyond me. A legacy that encourages seekers of The Truth to look at it in the eyes and acknowledge it for what it is.”

Visit Ambar Lucid on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

Clairo “Sexy to Someone”

It might not seem like it based on how Clairo always remains a prevalent topic of conversation within music, but it’s been three years since the indie-pop singer-songwriter dropped her sophomore album, Sling. Now back and employing the help of co-producer Leon Michels, best known for working with The Dap-Kings and El Michels Affair, she’s announced her upcoming album, Charm, out July 12th, with “Sexy to Someone.” Sliding on 70s instrumentation effortlessly, Clairo flourishes in the middle of a musical banquet, surrounded by horns, sonorous synths, and a piano crisp in sound. Clairo and soul music might not have been on your 2024 bingo card, but there’s no denying it’s a welcomed endeavor for an artist who’s only ever grown with each passing release.

Charm the new album from Clairo arrives on July 12th via Clairo Records.

Visit Clairo on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

Youth Lagoon “Lucy Takes a Picture”

Like a filmmaker born in the body of a songwriter, Trevor Powers, better known by his experimental indie project Youth Lagoon, has unveiled his latest single, “Lucy Takes a Picture.” The song opens to a vibrant palette of synth beds, lively strings, and distant croaks populating the already decadent production, with Powers’ androgynous vocals matching the uplifting, cinematic energy. Considering he wrote the song while back at home in Idaho, it’s no surprise the lyrics, speaking on the search for redemption, sound so intimate they ought to be meant for Powers’ ears alone.

Powers, having what might be one of the most surreal backstories for a song in history, said: “In February, I walked past a bus stop and noticed a small piece of paper tucked into the bars of a metal bench. In shaky handwriting that looked both deranged and Biblical, the note said, ‘This is the tale of my resurrection. I died so I could live again.’ l found the nearest patch of grass and lay down like a dummy. This note was either a message from an angel or the ravings of a pharmaceutical junkie — maybe both. Either way it was just for me. I don’t think it’s possible to have true character without first catching a glimpse of hell. Maybe that’s what it meant? In the words of W.H. Auden, ‘Don’t get rid of my devils, because my angels will go too.’ Whatever this poetic rascal, angel or imp was getting at, these words rang the bell of my soul. I went home and wrote ‘Lucy Takes a Picture.’”

Visit Youth Lagoon on Bandcamp and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC

Beyond our best new songs of the week, be sure to track our Best New Songs of the Month playlist to make sure you didn’t miss out on any potential new favorites. To stay on top of all the latest music coming out, our New Music editorials and Artists You Should Know features are always there to catch any and all upcoming acts!

Words: David Sosa