Every year, there’s bound to be a new band or musician that comes from seemingly out of nowhere and takes the world by storm, at times ushering in sounds that could have come from another planet. Although our recap of new music is typically open to established artists and newcomers, we decided to try something different ahead of 2024’s closure. For this round-up of singles this week, we’re looking at new music, specifically from artists on the come-up, spotlighting corners of music not often seen in the mainstream. If you’re looking for more artists, new or established, give our Best New Songs of the Month playlist a listen to make sure nothing falls under your radar. And for pure artist discovery, check out our Artists You Should Know column.

Izzy Outerspace “Beautiful Blur”

A shimmering synth slides into a buzzing, dream-pop flurry on “Beautiful Blur,” the latest single from LA-based singer-songwriter Izzy Outerspace. True to the Switzerland-born artist’s name, the atmosphere of the track is comparable to the stars and sky thanks to the swirling production from ex-Smashing Pumpkins member Jeff Schroeder. However, her voice adds to the distinct weightlessness present in “Beautiful Blur,” where the marriage between soft instruments and engrossing mixing makes it seem like time is slowing down.

Beneath the spellbinding work behind the scenes is a song capturing Izzy in a stargazed daze, who sings impassionately about not wanting to be left behind or wasted by a love ready to move on. In spite of her romantic woes, “Beautiful Blur” finds her on the other side an adept conjurer of the cosmos, making universal themes of love and loss grand in scale with her heartbreaking vocals and nebulous instrumentals.

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

Listen to “Beautiful Blur” the new single from Izzy Outerspace.

Victor “TOOTHACHE”

Greek singer-songwriter Victor Vernicos, known simply as Victor, is readying for his upcoming EP, Waterfall, with “TOOTHACHE.” Formerly a Eurovision Song contestant in 2023, 18-year-old Victor has only released a handful of singles up to this point, gradually honing in on his brand of somber folk/R&B. “TOOTHACHE” is no different, employing an acoustic guitar to contrast his deep voice calling from a dark place. In a last-ditch act of desperation, he tries his luck one last time with a lover who he sings to as if on his hands and knees.

As the runtime progresses, the once simple formula of vocals over a guitar is expanded upon, with the addition of echoing background vocals and dramatic pop production matching Victor’s growing frustration. In the climax, “TOOTHACHE” turns into a pulsating, almost EDM-type track, increasing with intensity against Victor’s layered melodies. While in theory, “TOOTHACHE” has been done before by other artists past and present, the constant shifts in sound and emotion keep listeners on edge, not knowing what to expect next and serving as a promising teaser for Victor’s first EP ever.

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

Listen to “TOOTHACHE” the new single from Victor.

Vita Set “LO QUE DIGA HOY”

Off their recently unleashed album, ZONA CERO, synthpop band Vita Set questions the words coming out of their mouth on their standout track, “LO QUE DIGA HOY.” Always ones to draw inspiration from the dramatic highs and lows of interpersonal relationships, members Ignacio Urbiztondo, Franco Armisen, Matias Lima, Santiago Hernandez, and Manuel Alvarez play in tandem as the song details the speaker’s reckoning with not being able to tell the truth. The velveteen bass pulses and electronic thrashes make what’s clearly a sinking ship of a relationship sound like a slow seduction, brushing the problems under the rug in exchange for some steady grooves.

During the chorus is where “LO QUE DIGA HOY” takes off, letting the synths do as much of the talking as the lyrics for how much they shimmer in contrast to an abrasive guitar at the halfway point. By the time the climax arrives, the barrage of instruments, electronic or otherwise, soundtrack a real-time heartbreak with the intention of stirring up a last dance, exemplifying how Vita Set seeks to break hearts and get feet moving,

Visit Vita Set on Bandcamp and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

Listen to “LO QUE DIGA HOY” the new single from Vita Set.

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC

All three manage to push their respective realms forward, challenging what independent artists could do despite just getting started or rising up the ranks. But after you give their three new songs a listen, new discoveries don’t have to end with them.

Check out our Best New Songs of the Month playlist, where music gets added frequently for your benefit. Additionally, our New Music editorials and Music Artists You Should Know features offer deep dives into the current state of music, elaborating on the week’s releases and introducing rising artists, respectively.

Words: David Sosa