Lately June 15

Recap of June 8-12

Hello!

Thanks so much for reading Lately. I’m working away each week combing the internet to find new music releases that speak to me, as well as sharing the music that I’ve been into lately.

Olivia Rodrigo - you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love

Really good third album from Olivia Rodrigo, and it’s a project that’s really got me thinking.

Firstly about where “teenage girl music” sits in the greater critical landscape; even though teenage girls continue to be one of the most powerful and influential fan demographics on the planet, I feel as though the art that’s perceived to be made for them is written off really quickly. I think it’s something that everyone outside of the demographic has been guilty of, especially boys and men, and I really wonder how it can be changed. On one hand, artists like Olivia Rodrigo that were literally teenage girls when they started their career, that strive to evolve and make art that’s true to them and has tons of integrity, make strides in breaking down what perceived “teenage girl music” is. On the other hand, is it up to these artists to convince men to take them seriously, even as they continue to sell out arenas and break records? I also think about, even though teenage girls are a very powerful demographic, it makes them the prey of record executives because if they can get those girls on their side, they know they’re set to rake in millions. So does this compromise the art in pursuit of selling to this demographic, and how nefarious can the record executives get in trying to manipulate an inherently impressionable group of people?

Secondly, it’s really got me reinvigorated about how effective just real, personal songwriting can be. I’ve always loved albums that are conceptual and make statements, think beyond their own boundaries and push music forward. However, what I’m realizing is that sometimes operating at that high of a level and reaching that beyond can sometimes make the artists feel on a different plane than you. Whereas I feel like this album did a great job at reminding me that songwriters are just people, and I think that’s a testament to just how effective Rodrigo’s songwriting is.

All that being said, this album is conceptual; the first half chronicles the overwhelming rise of a new relationship, and the second half sees its demise and devastating aftermath. Some of the songs here are genuinely heartbreaking; “begged” is a standout as well as “less,” two beautiful and heartbreaking honest ballads. Sonically these are Rodrigo’s most memorable songs, with her strongest melodies and production that takes inspiration from several genres across the 80’s and 90’s. I think some of it still sounds a little bit too polished where I wish she took a few more risks and not everything wrapped up as neatly as it does, but that’s nitpicking in what I think is a really great album that I’m enjoying more and more as I listen. I recommend it and if you have any teenage girl music reservations you should cast them aside!

Kelsey Lu - So Help Me God

A dynamic new album from Kelsey Lu dropped on Friday, and while I think it loses a little bit of steam halfway through, it sticks the landing and is a really interesting project. Their voice has a beautiful range across these tracks, they’re expressive and powerful, and the production is beautiful as well. The strings on tracks like “Portrait Of A Lady On Fire” are so lush and enticing. Intro track is also 8 and 1/2 minutes long which is a very bold choice but they pulls it off quite well. Things slow down a bit with “American Sonnet” which I feel is a bit too dissonant and meandering for a seven minute song. However, I think this is definitely worth your time and I’m looking forward to spending more time with it.

Hovvdy - Blast

New single from Hovvdy in anticipation of their upcoming album Big World, and I like it way more than their single from a few weeks ago “Try Try Try.” I think Hovvdy have a pretty unique thing going for them, and it seemed as though none of that was coming through on that track, whereas here they’ve got a bit more of their mojo. Love the breakbeat drums and the warm guitar riff, the refrain in the chorus is really catchy too. Back on track for being excited for this album!

Pocket - POCKETCORE

Cool track from Pocket, he’s really developed his own signature sound while still being interesting which is a tough feat. He’s incorporating more vocals into his works that I really like, the piano sound in the background of this one is also gorgeous. Not really much to say other than it’s a fun little bop!

What I’m Listening To

Not sure if you really want to read me write more about Rosalía, but I went to her show on Saturday and it absolutely blew me away. She is such a singular talent, her live vocals were stunning, the production of the show was spectacular and intricate without being overdone, and the live instrumentals brought so much to the tracks from LUX. It was also just inspiring that someone can actually be so talented and intentional with their art, it’s something she’s so devoted to in such a beautiful way. “Reliquia” and “La Yugular” both made me so emotional, especially the former as it was the second track performed so there was still so much of that high energy in the air from when a show like that is just starting. So, that’s pretty much all I’ve been listening to both before and after the concert, you can read my review of LUX here.