Our first staff picks of 2024 spans genres and countries, and kickstarts what’s sure to be a stellar year for music.
It’s officially the new year, which not only means you’re likely drafting (then discarding) some ambitious resolutions, but also that a heap of fresh music is on the way, alongside Happy Mag’s weekly staff picks.
2024 has some pretty big shoes to fill, since last year offered up a whole host of breakout moments for soon-to-be stars and quality releases from established household names.
Thankfully, if the first week of the new year is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. Spanning multiple genres and countries, this week’s staff picks are hopefully a precursor of the greatness yet to come in 2024.
Read on for Happy Mag’s weekly roundup and staff picks for the best tracks released in the week that was.
Scared Of Sharks — Ode To Rose St.
Morgareeka, punk outfit Scared Of Sharks drop into 2024 with ‘Ode to Rose St.’ a dose of perfect alt-punk rock to swing your way into the weekend that lies in wait.
Giving a sweaty, hearty nod to that special place that resides somewhere for all of us, the place with a constant stranger asleep on the couch, a place that requires no need to call ahead, a place where you can have your cake and eat it too. You know the place, and Scared of Sharks nail it.
Buck Meek — Cuero Dudes and Beauty Opens Doors
Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek adds to his impressive run of solo releases this week with the double-single Cuero Dudes and Beauty Opens Doors.
Offering both a reimagination of his previous tracks (Cuero Dudes) and an entirely new original (Beauty Opens Doors), the singles prove Buck Meek can take the spotlight all on his own.
Tatyana — Down Bad
Lifted from Tatyana’s just-announced album It’s Over, latest single Down Bad sees the London musician reflect on unrequited love alongside frantic choral arps and lush melodies. It’s Over is set for release on March 22.
Ducks Ltd. — Train Full of Gasoline
Power-pop duo Ducks Ltd. bring the anticipation around their forthcoming album to fever pitch with Train Full of Gasoline, a rollicking joyride of frenetic indie pop. The single comes ahead of the Canadian group’s sophomore album, Harm’s Way.
SPRINTS — Heavy
SPRINTS have translated the feeling of paralysis into song with Heavy, the latest single from the band’s hotly-anticipated debut album Letter To Self.
Drawing influence from 80s gothic, the cacophonic release further establishes the garage punk band as ones to watch.
Paige Valentine – Pure (Reimagined)
WA folk-pop artist Paige Valentine revisits her debut single with Pure (Reimagined). Adding updated flairs to the 2020 original, the track follows December release Horoscopes, and readies listeners for the singer-songwriter’s debut album due out in March.
Katelyn Tarver – Japanese Cafe
Imposter syndrome, self-confidence and fear of the unknown provide the basis of Japanese Cafe, the gorgeously airy indie-pop single from LA’s Katelyn Tarver. Lush melodies and sunny guitar riffs await you.
Bayonne – Blank Cloud
While experimentation has always been at his core, Bayonne streamlines his sound with latest single Blank Cloud.
Drenched in acoustic guitars, layered synths and woodwinds, the Texas composer stays true to his textured sound while leaving plenty of breathing space.
