Welcome to the 36th volume of Freddie’s Finds! Each week I spotlight 3-4 of my favorite new tracks of the week, ranging from a variety of genres and artists. This week includes Kaleah Lee, Zac Greer, and Marco Plus x Deante’ Hitchcock.

‍

“Anchored” by Kaleah Lee

In case you didn't get the memo when I first covered Kaleah Lee in August, you absolutely must be listening to her. The Canada native is one of my favorite new artists right now, and if that was not clear following her first two singles, then her latest installment certainly proves it. “Anchored” sees Kaleah transition into a slightly different direction, materializing in a sultry, folk ballad, featuring co-production from herself and Gabe Goodman. Speaking on the meaning of the track, Kaleah said, “I wrote ‘Anchored’ at a very specific point in my life where I was constantly feeling stuck, both physically and mentally. When I wrote it I was unsure about what I was doing with my life, and though the uncertainty was definitely scary, the thought of settling into the same patterns every day and doing something I wasn’t truly happy doing scared me even more.” The track arrives with another nostalgic, VHS style music video picturing Kaleah running through a park, providing yet another level of comfort to her touching vocals.

‍

‍

“i wish i never met you” by Zac Greer

The long awaited return of Zac Greer finally arrived this week, and it did not disappoint.  “i wish i never met you” comes as his first release since last year’s highly praised EP when things were fine. Opening with a buzzing instrumental, Zac sets the scene in his first verse as he attempts to fill a void in his heart, ultimately reaching out to someone he was once entangled with. However, as his reflection continues, he begins to realize that their relationship left him for the worse, singing, “I keep wishin’ / I just never met you at all / You got me trippin’, got me up all night,” over the perfect medley of percussion and electrifying guitar. Mixing in subtle touches of hyperpop in Zac’s signature fashion, the track is a much needed reminder as to why we need new Zac Greer music much more often. Hopefully “i wish i never met you” follows the theme of his prior EPs, and it will just be one more single until a project arrives.

‍

‍

“Need It All” by MARCO PLUS with Deante’ Hitchcock

After quietly building a name for himself over the last couple years, MARCO PLUS is finally ready to take things to the next level. In the last two weeks he has been named a Pigeons & Planes Best New Artist, announced his upcoming album Tha Soufside Villain LP, appeared on GRIP’s album and announced that he’ll be joining him on tour, and shared his latest single “Need It All” with Deante’ Hitchcock. Over groovy, head bop-inducing production, MARCO takes the first verse, walking us through his life, from school to tour to making music, arriving at a sense of purpose and confidence in his future. Deante’ takes the second verse, his unmistakable voice and effortless flow shining as brightly as ever. Look out for MARCO’s album, arriving next Friday, October 21.

‍

‍

You can check out all my previous finds in the playlist below: