Welcome to the 14th 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 aldrch x bixby x Roan, UMI, Ryan Hall x han.irl, and Shaolinn.

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“running on empty” by aldrch, bixby, and Roan

With every release, aldrch just continues to become my favorite producer, and his collaboration with bixby and Roan is no different. To say I’ve been listening to “running on empty” on repeat is an understatement – I literally haven’t turned it off. aldrch lays down an incredible guitar line for the instrumental, combining it with electronic elements throughout to create the perfect base for the vocalists. Both bixby and Roan have such infectious voices, each equally as captivating on their respective parts – Roan takes the intro and hooks while bixby takes the two verses. The duo collide for an explosive outro that takes the song to even greater heights – they only had to repeat six words for it to be stuck in my head, “I can’t keep running on empty.” This is an absolute must listen to track, and one that is going to be at the top of my playlist for a while.

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“whatever u like” by UMI

When UMI released their first single, “sorry,” off their upcoming project, it was my favorite song of theirs yet. That lasted for all of 6 weeks, as their next single “whatever u like” has completely shattered all expectations. UMI professes their undying love for someone throughout the track, capturing the highs of the feeling despite the breaks in their relationship. Beyond its grooviness and nostalgic undertones, the song contains a magical aura, a concept affirmed in the music video as UMI and three others are seen prancing with fairy wings before settling at a beach party, channeling a youthful energy. Speaking on the video, UMI said, “i hope this video reminds you to let your inner child play – and to be as free as your soul desires!” UMI is providing a perfect segway into summer, with both a video and song that are sure to be playing throughout.

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“FACETIME” by Ryan Hall and han.irl

The long anticipated first release from the duo of Ryan Hall and han.irl is finally here and it definitely does not disappoint. “FACETIME” perfectly blends a variety of influences, resulting in quite the sonic experience. The duo tell a story of a long distance relationship that ends over a FaceTime call, each providing their own perspective of what led them to this situation. Ryan explores how they each played their part in this tumultuous ending, describing the constant pain he felt as the relationship began to wind down. han.irl delivers the other side of the FaceTime call, further explaining the negative impacts the distance had on each of them, while understanding that they have to let go in order to be able to find themselves. It’s an incredibly heartfelt track, almost guaranteed to bring out all the emotions with the dual narrative. 

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“Time Flies” by Shaolinn

If you haven’t heard of Shaolinn yet, now is the time to dive into her already incredible discography – increased with the release of her newest single, “Time Flies.” The softest of intros leads right into Shaolinn vulnerably expressing her emotions, grasping with a gaping hole in her life as she longs for someone. Speaking on the track, she said on Instagram, “This song means a lot to me, it reminds me of the memories I recollected while in isolation. Knowing that time flies endlessly. How it can be the cause of self destruction.” An acoustic instrumental is all that is needed to star alongside Shaolinn’s stunning vocals, as varying guitar riffs carry throughout the entire song.

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You can find all of my past finds in the playlist below:

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