There’s definitely something for everybody in this round-up of new music from out artists. First up, rising Scottish songwriter and producer ONR (aka Robert Shields) returns with the powerful single “Must Stop,” featuring Sarah Barthel of Phantogram. The single features a catchy hook and production that takes you on a ride straight to the visceral, primal scream release. The 90s-inspired black & white/color music video is the perfect dramatic visual for the song as ONR repeats his mantra, “Must stop falling in love, stop falling in love…” “‘Must Stop’ is a song about being repeatedly hurt,” ONR says. “A desperation to be in love and to be loved by someone, anyone — and the blows you can take when you leave yourself so open.” Follow ONR on Instagram here.
Clinton John’s “Fresh” is exactly that – a fresh, exuberant take on the rush of new romance. “After my first break-up it was hard for me to imagine having feelings for someone else again,” says John. “I found myself comparing any new love interest to my previous experience and how everything after that just fell short.” “The next time I was interested in someone, it took me by surprise and definitely caught me off guard,” he adds. “It was almost like a light bulb went off in my head, letting me know I was capable of developing feelings again. That realization happened almost instantly, they were exciting and felt so fresh”. The ebullient pure pop bop is a comfortable earworm that definitely has me bouncing. Follow Clinton John on Instagram here.
In advance of her upcoming autobiographical EP self, out singer/songwriter kennedi drops the lyric video for her single, “Liquor Love.” The sensual synth-pop track offers an airy, vulnerable peek into the addiction that love can be. self is the first of a highly personal two-part project, set to be followed up by kennedi’s EP SABOTAGE in 2021. Having been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, kennedi created two EPs to distill both sides of her mental nature. Each carry their own unique tone and represent one hemisphere of her emotional state; self being the delicate light to SABOTAGE’s manic darkness. “The self EP is exactly what it sounds like — myself and all of the raw emotions that come with me,” says kennedi. “It’s a snapshot into how I felt in the moments during the time I was writing these songs. It tells the story of my journey over the past year — my relationships and life experiences. Honest and raw. That is self.” Follow kennedi on Instagram here.
After sending us musical missives from his summer on Fire Island, Seth Sikes returns to New York City and renews his love affair with the Big Apple via Stephen Sondheim’s “What More Do I Need.”
Celebrating the city and its singular energy, Sikes revels in how it has rebounded in style after the worst days of the Covid pandemic.
In the buoyant, breezy video (directed by Eamon Foley), Sikes is seen enjoying the best of the city: cavorting on the subway, riding a Citi Bike, fighting with neighbors, and traipsing through Times Square. It’s pure MGM movie musical happiness.
The message of the video: Even when you’re wearing a Covid mask, New York City remains the fabulous center of the universe.
• 
