Freddie’s Finds, Volume 11: Best New Music of the Week
Welcome to the 11th volume of Freddie’s Finds! Each week I will spotlight 3-4 of my favorite new tracks of the week, ranging from a variety of genres and artists. This week includes Rozie Ramati x Alé Araya, grouptherapy., Hamond, and Bert Knox x KADOLEAF.
“Orange Juice” by Rozie Ramati with Alé Araya
In just their second releases ever, Rozie Ramati and Alé Araya combine for a track, almost unbelievably, born out of the two creating a sample pack. “Orange Juice” is a beautiful, self love centered collaboration, delivering a message that everyone needs to hear. “The process of making Orange Juice was healing and cathartic for both of us,” Rozie said about the track. “As a result, the lyrical narrative is about connecting to and loving your inner child. Really it’s about being good to anyone though, whether that’s yourself, your friend, your lover, your parents, even your own kid, and we really want its healing nature to be felt when others listen.” The production style nearly draws your ears away from the lyrics, as ethereal background harmonies drive a guitar lead, quiet thinking inducing instrumental. If this is just the first release from the duo then I can’t wait to hear what’s to come.
“Pink Papers” by grouptherapy.
Amidst all of the amazing releases this last week in music, one has really shone through above them all - the newest project from grouptherapy., Truth Be Told. The three members, SWIM, Jadagrace, and TJonline, have truly developed into their own, creating an EP full of refreshing listens - and not to mention have the best cover art of the year. The lead singles, “Tangerine” and “Risky,” exemplify their impeccable chemistry, however my favorite off the project is the Jadagrace solo track, “Pink Papers.”
A wavy, bouncy production from Dee Lilly sets the groundwork for Jadagrace to display her incredible lyrical ability shining throughout. She sets out to cement her place in music on the first verse, before the second verse is more storytelling focused, drawing on prior moments in her life to show how far she’s come. This may be the first project I’ve heard from grouptherapy. but I will be spending all of next week listening to everything they have.
“Badget” by Hamond
What is a badget? The soon to be age-old question may never be answered, and a quick internet search will do nothing but help add to the confusion. All I know is “Badget” is a beautiful song by Hamond, one that is meant to express the confusion around the word itself. “Badget is a nonsensical word that matched the beautiful chords and choppy electronic production,” Hamond said on the track. “It felt like the confusing and conflicting emotions that come with leaving a relationship. So with this song, I announce a new word: badget.” The deceptively upbeat instrumental adds to this confusion, as paying close attention to the lyrics will reveal the true meaning. Hamond is building towards his debut album, and if his recent singles are just a taster, it’s going to be amazing.
“G TRAIN” by Bert Knox, KADOLEAF, and tookhozy
I love when a track takes inspiration of an artist’s hometown, and “G TRAIN” by New Yorkers Bert Knox and tookhozy, as well as Virginian KADOLEAF certainly does that. While it starts at the title, the New York theme only expands as the track goes on, with one of Knox’s first lines being, “Took the G train down to Redhook” amidst an incredibly smooth flowing and vivid verse. KADOLEAF lends his voice on the hook, creating a nostalgic sounding aura, pairing seamlessly with the production from tookhozy, a perfect balance of groovy and mellow with the occasional horns. This is certainly a trio that works well together, creating a track you will not want to miss.
You can find all of my past finds in the playlist below:
