Atwood Magazine is thrilled to present our Editor’s Picks column, curated and penned by Editor-in-Chief Mitch Mosk. Each week, Mitch will highlight a selection of songs, albums, and artists that have inspired him. There is an abundance of exceptional music waiting to be discovered, and all it requires from us is an open mind and a readiness to listen. Through our Editor’s Picks, we aim to illuminate our own musical findings and feature a varied range of new and recent releases.
This week's selections include Nami, Borderline, Litany, Lucy Dacus, Social Order, and zzzahara!
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Nami’s third single, “Suzette,” is a bright and irresistibly catchy tune that immediately catches the ear with its playful charm and vibrant energy. Infused with a delightful sense of longing, the song exudes a carefree spontaneity that perfectly encapsulates the thrill and madness of pursuing someone who seems just out of reach. By combining addictive melodies with subtly playful lyrics, “Suzette” turns yearning into an infectious dance track.
"'Suzette' is an energetic track," Nami explains to Atwood Magazine. "I let my inspirations blend into this tune and aimed to make it as catchy as I could. I'm proud of it; it embodies that chase after a girl – if you delve into the lyrics, it might come off as creepy, but that was intentional – some of my favorite songs have a hint of creepiness,” he chuckles.
With lines like “I saw your pretty eyes passing me by,” and “You know you want me too,” the song expresses a fierce and undeniable passion. Nami portrays the heart-racing tension of wanting someone he feels he doesn’t yet have, drawing comparisons to the King of Pop with his emotionally charged refrain: “Suzette, I ain’t got you yet, but no one’s taking you from me.”
Nami creates an enchanting soundscape, expertly merging lush instrumentation with moments of raw, unrefined honesty. The song’s bright rhythm and dynamic chord changes echo the emotional push-pull present in its storyline. While “Suzette” is purely fictional, Nami skillfully conveys feelings of hopeful anticipation and playful obsession, resulting in a track that is both sweetly seductive and delightfully quirky.
Residing in LA, Nami identifies as a student first and an artist second, highlighting his curiosity and passion for creative exploration. "I design things, and I love discussing various topics," the producer, designer, and songwriter states. "I don’t see a divide between myself and my artist persona, which some might consider unhealthy, but it feels just fine to me."
Despite having worked as a sound designer and co-producer for well-known artists like Ariana Grande and Jack Harlow, Nami's artistic journey is just beginning. His debut single “Northstar” was released earlier this year, followed by “Connoisseur” on Valentine’s Day, and now “Suzette” in mid-March.
“Suzette” holds a special place for Nami as one of his most upbeat tracks, reflecting his ambition to create something memorable and joyfully addictive. “I want people to enjoy it for years,” he smiles. “There’s a lot of detail in my music, some subtler than others, but they all reveal themselves in time. I dedicated a lot of energy to producing it, focusing on maintaining the main melody throughout, while Buddy Ross contributed that fantastic chord progression in the pre-chorus that really elevated the concept.”
“Many of its elements remain raw and unrefined! That’s one of my favorite aspects of my album. There were countless chances to deliver a polished version of every song, but I intentionally chose to go in a different direction as a sort of gentle rebellion.”
“Suzette” is pure joy and serves as an excellent introduction to an artist – or rather, student – with a bright future ahead. From its upbeat, feel-good tempo to its captivating melodies, Nami’s latest release is an instant singalong, inviting listeners to surrender to its carefree essence. Its catchy hooks and bubbly vibes solidify Nami's position as an exciting new voice, creating high expectations for what comes next. His debut album, WARM, is scheduled for release on May 9 via ONDAS!
"When It's Raining" by Borderline
It’s quite fitting that I'm discussing a song titled "When It’s Raining" amidst such dreary weather. Perhaps art truly reflects life or maybe the weather decided to channel intense emotions today. Borderline’s latest single captures the duality of dark and stormy elements while radiating warmth and mellow light—a soulful, cinematic power ballad brimming with raw emotion, leading to a beautifully bold, spiritually uplifting release.
According to the New Zealand band, formed around 2021 and known for their debut album “Perfect Movie Scene,” released in 2023, “When It
Washington's newly formed Jenner Fox Band invites us to remain still, to breathe, and to observe what we've overlooked in "Right Away" – the personal fourth single from their forthcoming debut album. This gentle, subtly captivating track guides us back to the present, moment by moment, with each breath, creak, and heartbeat.
Originating from Chicago and Lagos, Dreamer Isioma is elevating their sound and artistic vision with the release of their third album, 'StarX Lover.'
The Dare will launch a deluxe edition of his highly praised debut album, named 'What’s Wrong With New York?: Afters’. It is scheduled for release in June.
Selected by Mitch Mosk, this week's Editor's Picks includes tracks from Nami, Borderline, Litany, Lucy Dacus, Social Order, and zzzahara!