The ever-evolving Dawn Richard announced a new album, Second Line, is headed our way this spring, and with lead single “Bussifame,” she didn’t just give us a first taste — she served up a whole damn buffet. “She better do it luxe, you getting the heat,” begins Richard as she goes on a hip-house tear, riding the rhythm with ease while remaining sharp in her delivery. She’s cocky and she’s earned it: In case you haven’t noticed, “I been giving you hits,” she declares. “I second line on you h-es, making new ways/ That’s what we do babe, we do it our way.”
“Bussifame” is about letting your body follow the groove, but it’s a catchy confidence booster as well if you need it. In a press release, Richard herself calls Second Line a “movement to bring pioneering Black women in electronic music to the forefront.” Watch the Richard-directed “Bussifame” video above. Dare you not to dance. — KRYSTAL RODRIGUEZ
Kaytranada, “Caution”
At this point, you just know a Kaytranada song as soon as it graces your ears. The Canadian producer premiered his latest single “Caution” earlier this week (Feb. 17) on TikTok as part of the platform’s Black History Month celebration. At two-and-a-half minutes long, it’s short and sweet, almost like an interlude, but even in that brief space Kaytra has created a cozy, chill, house party-like atmosphere with energetic vocal chops and that clean, telltale groove. A looping instrumental, “Caution” is designed for vibing for as long as you can nod your head. — K.R.
Myd, “Born a Loser”
No one (who doesn’t suck) has been on a proper vacation in a year, but legend has it that if you listen to Myd’s “Born a Loser” with a cold, fruity cocktail in your hand and then squint into the sun, you will actually travel through space and time to a tropical beach full of mirth and merriment. The only caveat is, you won’t be able to walk straight, and your peripheral will be full of deranged smiles.
At least that’s how it feels when we listen to “Born a Loser,” the latest cut from the French producer’s forthcoming debut LP by the same name. It samples Bobby Lee’s 1966 single “I Was Born A Loser,” sprinkling the heartfelt lament over wobbly synths, a stuttering snare and a steady house beat. The video depicts Myd falling into COVID-19 quarantine insanity, running into his wig-wearing counterpart at every turn. (The film is even colored with scratchy crayon, a la A-Ha’s classic video for “Take On Me.”) It’s bizarre and wonderful, exactly what we need as we come upon the anniversary of the strangest and most difficult year in living history. Myd’s album is due out April 30, which is great news. Indeed, as Bobby Lee’s 1966 B-side said “My Luck Is Bound To Change.” — KAT BEIN
SG Lewis, “Back to Earth”
Few young artists hit the scene with such a developed concept as SG Lewis. The English singer-songwriter, musician and producer aimed high from the start, delivering high-level storytelling with his EP trio Dusk, Dark and Dawn throughout 2018 and 2019. Today, he makes a bold statement with debut album Times, a shimmering, 10-track collection of disco-laced groove and modern moods. “This album is an ode to the present moment, and the finite chances we have to celebrate it,” Lewis tweeted. “It’s an exploration of escapism and euphoria, and the memories attached to those experiences.”
He came through with monster features from Nile Rodgers, Robyn, Channel Tres and more, but their presence only assists in Lewis’ own brightness. Much of the LP was teased in singles, and the whole record is worth a listen, but we’re highlighting “Back to Earth” for its brilliant use of organic samples. Hand claps and background voices make us feel like we’re actually at a party, and that’s something that means a whole lot more in 2021. — K. Bein
Purple Disco Machine Feat. The Knocks & Moss Kena, “Fireworks”
Purple Disco Machine is due for a big-ass crossover hit, and it may have just arrived with his latest, “Fireworks.” A collab with British vocalist Moss Kena and reliably excellent dance duo The Knocks, the track takes the buoyant disco funk that’s made the German producer a remixer of choice for artists like Lady Gaga, Diplo and Fatboy Slim and adds a pop slant with a very singable chorus about the better days ahead. This one lights up like a firework, for sure. — KATIE BAIN
Seth Troxler & The Martinez Brothers, “Play In The Dark”
This underground power duo links for the first time in seven years with the dark, slinky and fairly weird “Play In The Dark.” Out on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels imprint, the track is outfitted with a hypnotic synth and the sound of morse code, over which Seth Troxler plays ringmaster with lyrics about seeing you at the club that are dually compelling and strange. These vocals persist as the production gets fuzzier and more chaotic — more or less just like a real night out at the club. This is The Martinez Brothers’ debut on Crosstown Rebels and Troxler’s first release in awhile, with the track kicking off a series of new tracks from Troxler to be released throughout 2021. — K. Bain
Various Artists, 20 Years: Cocoon Recordings
German techno icon Sven Väth’s mighty Cocoon Recordings imprint is celebrating two decades of existence with a 15-track compilation featuring new and and exclusive music from artists who’ve long been part of the Cocoon family. Stars including Solomun, Josh Wink and Pig&Dan make contributions that span the genre’s capabilities, with Tiga & Roman Flugel’s buzzy, minimal “Look to the Sky” dishing up some particularly deep, dark weirdness that’s designed, as press release so aptly states,” for those freaky late night hours.” — K. Bain
