Every Friday, the team at Atwood Magazine shares their recent musical discoveries – be it a song, album, or artist that has resonated with them during the week.
This week's roundup includes tracks from Mint Simon & Tafari Anthony, Tasha, Sydney Jo Jackson, Ananya, mer marcum, HANNAHBELLA, Winter Gardens, Raue, The Safest Place, Lorensa, Choses Sauvages, 45ACIDBABIES, Zanski, Heather Nova, Riaan, Maria Rosa, Famous Friend, Bobby Freemont, Dan Arwady, Winyah, Levi Robin, Sleeper’s Bell, The Neon Sea, Asher Moss, and Morgan Visconti!
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:: “Feel Better” – Mint Simon & Tafari Anthony ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
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:: “The Beginning” – Tasha ::
Sophie Severs, Boston, MA
March has arrived, bringing us to the brink of Spring; the birds are chirping again, and the gentle breeze replaces winter's harsh gusts. On a night prior to these signs of spring's arrival, I witnessed Tasha perform “The Beginning” in Bushwick.
Crushed amongst fellow concert-goers, I was captivated as Tasha played the opening chords of her brief but sweet set. “The Beginning” symbolizes budding new possibilities; “this is not the end, it’s just the beginning,” she sings with upbeat drums and steady guitar strumming. “I’ve been trying to be more forgiving / Buy some flowers just for something pretty” … the lyrics resonated with me profoundly.
What could be more beautiful than possibilities or more uplifting than hope? Even in darkness, what can be more empowering than community love? Tasha skillfully explores these themes, melting away winter's sadness with a warm flicker of soft yet firm optimism. Let this song lead you from winter into spring and towards the fresh starts we all desire.
:: “You Should Be Here” – Sydney Jo Jackson ::
Joe Beer, Surrey, UK
London-based artist Sydney Jo Jackson takes listeners on a trip down memory lane with her latest single “You Should Be Here.” Blending the finest elements of classic soul and blues with modern production, she creates a sound that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. With her rich, soulful voice and emotive performance, this new single acts as a timeless and sultry slow burner.
Though it appears to be a heartfelt romantic release, “You Should Be Here” actually addresses themes of personal flaws and breaking toxic cycles. Through songwriting as a therapeutic outlet, Jackson addresses her own accountability and the complexities of personal growth. The result is a song that, while rooted in vulnerability, takes an unexpectedly uplifting turn. “You Should Be Here” encourages reflection on personal journeys, offering a unique and positive energy that transforms introspective moments into an anthem of hope and healing.
:: “All That Glitters Isn’t Gold” – Anaya::
Josh Weiner, Washington DC
Since the late '90s, “all that glitters isn't gold” has become a well-known adage thanks to Smash Mouth and their hit “All Star.” The wisdom remains valid and certainly worth building a song around. Anaya, originally from Zimbabwe and currently based in London, tackles this phrase with a sound distinctly different from Smash Mouth’s alt-rock approach. She blends indie pop with gentle piano on her first single of 2025.
“Some lessons hit harder than others,” she notes. “This song reflects a realization that lingers after a moment passes. It’s about reflecting on something (or someone) you once cherished, only to recognize the flaws you overlooked.” It showcases impressive maturity for an emerging artist, leaving fans eager for her follow-up to her 2023 debut album, i woke up one night, which is currently in the works.
:: “Junkyard Dog” – mer marcum ::
Mitch Mosk, Beacon, New York
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:: Parasite EP – HANNAHBELLA ::
Danielle Holian, Galway, Ireland
HANNAHBELLA’s debut EP, Parasite, is a bold and fearless dive into the darker aspects of the human psyche, blending glitchy hyper-pop, techno beats, and alternative rock into a genre-bending experience. Produced by the talented Jessica Richardson (WhenTheBeatIsBad), the EP features raw emotional intensity that addresses themes such as depression, anxiety, grief, and loneliness. Amid the turmoil, HANNAHBELLA threads resilience and hope throughout, providing a space for listeners to confront discomfort and find solace. Notable tracks include “I like to tell myself” and “Oh My Goodness.”
Already gaining traction on prominent Spotify playlists like New Music Friday and Misfits 2.0, Parasite stands as a cathartic statement
Playful, bold, and occasionally surprising, Addison Rae's "High Fashion" presents a unified glimpse into her artistic 'rebranding,' with lyrics centered around themes of luxury.
Icelandic indie folk artist Arny Margret guides us through her deeply moving second album, ‘I Miss You, I Do,’ exploring each track. This work is intimate, delicate, and ambitiously bold, embracing a broader sound while maintaining its raw emotional essence.
Chicago-based artist Madame Reaper presents her essay, ‘Not Your Mother’s Women’s History Month,’ discussing how artists, music enthusiasts, and the broader community should take action during this time, as part of Atwood Magazine's Women's History Month series!
Benson Boone embarks on a new phase of his music career with “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” an energetic pop-rock anthem that marks a lively, positive shift after the worldwide success of his debut single, “Beautiful Things.”
The Atwood team shares their current music recommendations: This week's selection features Mint Simon & Tafari Anthony, Tasha, Sydney Jo Jackson, Ananya, mer marcum, HANNAHBELLA, Winter Gardens, Raue, The Safest Place, Lorensa, Choses Sauvages, 45ACIDBABIES, Zanski, Heather Nova, Riaan, Maria Rosa, Famous Friend, Bobby Freemont, Dan Arwady, Winyah, Levi Robin, Sleeper's Bell, The Neon Sea, Asher Moss, and Morgan Visconti!