There’s no denying how packed the last six months were in new releases. But with half of 2024 ahead of us, so much music has the potential to climb up and stand among the best of this year. Since the start of this year, our best new songs each week and our Best New Songs of the Month playlist have been keeping up with what’s been coming out from newcomers and seasoned veterans. As is tradition, these are three of the best new songs of this week.

Portraits Of Tracy “Found But Dilla” feat. Duckwrth

A year after the success of Portraits Of Tracy’s debut album Drive Home, the Baton Rouge singer/multi-instrumentalist has dropped a deluxe version containing remixes and instrumentals from the six additional tracks. Amid the reimaginings is the newly unveiled “Found But Dilla,” featuring the first artist Tracy has ever formally collaborated with in the form of LA rapper Duckwrth. As indicated by the title, the song is dedicated to late hip-hop producer extraordinaire J Dilla, whose distinct, sample-based sound is honored through the laid-back beat, which matches Tracy’s high-pitched vocal inflections.

Duckwrth’s verse slides onto the song like a form-fitting puzzle piece, pairing exceptionally well with the eclectic energy and overall sense of willingness to stretch how far an inspiration can go. The outro, where the vocals ooze into the production, exemplifies Tracy’s prowess as a producer. While most of the track is unmistakably a tribute to J Dilla’s production style, the last leg offers a tease of where Tracy is heading sonically, undoubtedly an exciting turn for the still-growing artist.

“I wanted to pay homage while still giving a bit of my style,” said Tracy. “It’s like a J. Dilla, Alternative R&B hybrid thang. Last, but definitely not least…Duckwrth’s verse is smooth like butter!!!”

Visit Portraits Of Tracy on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.

Listen to “Found But Dilla” the new single from Portraits Of Tracy below.

Emma Peters “Cariño” feat. November Ultra & Noor

French singer Emma Peters serenades you right from the start on “Cariño,” one of the standout tracks off her latest album, Tout de suite. Although the song feels aimed at one person in particular, the two features from November Ultra and Noor never crowd the personalized songwriting at the heart of “Cariño.” The decision to go for a more stripped-down track as opposed to more energetic singles like “Multicolore” and “Juliette” speaks to the intimacy that remains the song’s emotional core throughout—especially when the lyrics are sung in multiple languages, appealing to a broader audience swooning over desperate love. Additionally, the subtle inclusion of fluttering electronic flairs in the instrumental creates an even calmer atmosphere, softly cradling the vocals from start to finish. Perhaps most impressive is Peters choosing to sing in Spanish despite predominantly singing in her native French. However, without knowing that, it would seem as though she only sings in Spanish the way the lyrics come through with a clarity that proves her ability to challenge her own status quo.

Visit Emma Peters on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.’

Listen to “Cariño” the new single from Emma Peters below.

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC

Henry Morris “Junkie”

As one of the high points on his debut album, Jawbreaker, “Junkie” by LA singer-songwriter Henry Morris beautifully captures the painstaking lows of addiction. Alongside mellow drums and a smooth guitar, Morris details a fateful encounter with a woman who pulls him out of his drug-induced daze. Before he can reach that point, he walks through life as if everything around him were a dream, an atmosphere captured through the dreamy instrumentation consistent across all five minutes. So much so that the last two minutes are left to the instruments to do all the talking, suggesting there’s still a persistent daze to life that follows Morris long after his story has concluded. Despite the track not being among the seven singles released prior to the album, the fact that the “deep cuts” of the album are just as strong, if not more so than their more popular counterparts is an early indication of Morris’ potential after formally beginning his career just last year.

Visit Henry Morris on his Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.’

Listen to “Junkie” the new single from Henry Morris below.

In addition to the Best New Songs of the Month playlist, which we update regularly, our New Music editorials and Artists You Should Know features are excellent new music sources on or off your radar. As always, our best new songs installments will help you keep up with what’s coming out week by week, ensuring you hear the absolute best of the best.

Words: David Sosa