Every Friday, the staff at Atwood Magazine shares their current musical favorites for the week – whether it be a song, album, or artist that has resonated with them recently.
This week’s roundup highlights tracks from Ziggy Alberts, Polly Money, Phoneboy, Laurel Bloom, Olivia Cox, Waverly Drive, Love Spells, Without Willow, Coastal Club, Cameron Sage From, Clovers Daughter, Aurehl, Luke Tyler Shelton, and Night Cycle!
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:: “I’m With You” – Ziggy Alberts ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
With over a decade of experience, six studio albums, and countless concerts behind him, Ziggy Alberts has cultivated his own unique sound. The Australian singer/songwriter, beloved by Atwood Magazine readers, radiates warmth and positivity through his acoustic indie folk music, guaranteed to brighten anyone's day.
“I’m With You,” released in mid-January as the final single from his seventh studio album, New Love (set to drop on February 21st), is a heartfelt, sun-drenched tribute to life's “simple, yet meaningful” moments. Featuring bright acoustic guitar, vibrant clapping, driving drums, and soothing harmonies, the song translates its joy into deeply felt music full of warmth, energy, and hope.
Remembering their first encounter at a bookshop, Alberts expresses gratitude for their connection in a universe where they’ve both moved on. The song captures the essence of adventurous love, proclaiming, “I’m with you, I’m with you.”
Describing it as a “happy song,” he shares, “It’s not overly sentimental; it’s just easygoing and uplifting, which is what I adore about it.” The creative spark for it ignited at home in Australia before being refined during the Rewind World Tour.
Aren’t you tired of loneliness just for art's sake?
Say yes! (yeah yeah)
Aren’t you exhausted from choosing head over heart?
Say I am! (I am)
The song follows in the footsteps of earlier releases like “Where Does The Love Go,” “Outlaw,” and “New Love,” presenting a cheerful, charming sound that's hard to resist. Ziggy Alberts infuses his work with an exuberant spirit that makes his music uplifting and life-affirming.
:: “Milk & Honey” – Polly Money ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
Polly Money’s new single "Milk & Honey" is a shimmering tribute to the electrifying experience of first love, blending exhilaration with vulnerability. With her ethereal vocals and lively indie-pop production, Money creates an intimate yet expansive sonic environment.
The warm, honey-like melodies juxtapose the emotional conflict inherent in navigating new feelings, resulting in a captivating exploration of queer romance. Self-identifying as a “lesbian overlord,” Money embodies confidence and genuine authenticity, establishing herself as a crucial voice in the indie-pop genre.
The single is paired with a striking minimalist music video directed by Rosie Carney, highlighting Money’s raw emotions against a simple backdrop. She aims to transport listeners back to their own memories of love’s early stages with “Milk & Honey,” a track that is both catchy and emotionally rich, paving the way for her upcoming EP, T-Shirt Nothing Else.
:: “Better Than You” – Phoneboy ::
Chloe Robinson, California
Phoneboy’s “Better Than You” is a vigorous anthem you’ll want to replay. The edgy vocals paired with energetic rock sounds make it a bold breakup anthem. The music video complements the song’s intensity, portraying band members engaged in a wild night out following a brief romantic encounter.
This track will be featured on their upcoming album, Heartbreak Designer, which delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Consisting of singer/guitarists Wyn Barnum and Ricky Dana, bassist James Fusco, and newest member keyboardist/vocalist Jordan Torres, Phoneboy delivers lively and memorable music that is remarkably catchy.
:: “Painting the Sunlight in My Room” – Laurel Bloom ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
Laurel Bloom’s debut EP encapsulates cozy, dreamlike warmth that makes it distinctly moving. The Swiss singer/songwriter allows emotions of light and love to wash over listeners with her collection of indie folk songs contemplating life, time, and personal growth.
Bloom recorded the EP in her childhood home, transforming it into a small studio with her friend Konstantin Aebli. The intimate environment played a vital role in the emotional storytelling present in each song, tackling themes of growing pains, letting go, and embracing childhood's tranquility.
Through poetic lyrics and vibrant melodies, Bloom invites listeners into a realm that resonates deeply with personal experience and reflection. "Riddles of My Youth" stands out, but as with any EP, the entire record offers a
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The team at Atwood has shared their current music picks: This week's selection features Ziggy Alberts, Polly Money, Phoneboy, Laurel Bloom, Olivia Cox, Waverly Drive, Love Spells, Without Willow, Coastal Club, Cameron Sage From, clovers daughter, Aurehl, Luke Tyler Shelton, and Night Cycle!