Fresh Tracks for a Stale Spring

While we’re all in the middle of reconfiguring our lives, relearning how to connect with other people, and re-establishing boundaries and priorities, we look for moments or relief from the unyielding pressure on our chests. Artists can help us find those moments of relief in the music they’re creating and sharing this spring. Below are just a small handful of recently released projects that are bringing those moments for us over at HearQueer.

Editor’s note: If there are artists that are helping you find comfort, and you have the means to, pay for an album you’d normally stream, order merch online, become a patron on Patreon, or send them some cash if their Venmos and PayPals are open.

“Keep Cool” by Hail Varsity 
For Hail Varsity, the decision to release their debut EP in late March came long before we had a communal sense of what the world would look like in the spring of 2020. But, despite the strange timing, the Lincoln-based trio felt compelled to share this piece of themselves with others in hopes that it would bring some sense of comfort. The EP addresses topics like grief and loss, feelings that are more than relevant and in the weeks following the release.

“white ppl ep” by white ppl
white ppl’s debut self-named EP is a collection of tracks that the trio describes as reminiscent of love letters to past, current, and future partners, embodying the joyful experiences in platonic and romantic relationships. Cado San, Ano Ba, and Elly Tier formed the Chicago-based project that pulls influences from each member’s personal musical style. Neo-soul vocals paired with rhythmic rap verses over a blend of emo, funk, and hip-hop instrumentals create this unique auditory experience. 

“Good Energy” by Lava Dreams
If there’s something that unifies all Lava Dreams tracks, it’s the way they’ll transport you to another plane through transient and dreamy guitar melodies. “Good Energy” is three minutes of smooth vocals and lyrics dripping with optimism, a pleasant respite from today’s social media feeds and news reels.

“garden - stripped” by Mae Krell
Mae Krell’s stripped down version of their recent single, “garden,” is vulnerable and emotional, looking inward to personal growth in the middle of a tumultuous year. The track captures the feeling of isolation that comes with intense self-reflection, something that can feel both terrifying and empowering.

“Scare You” by Sammy Plotkin
Sammy Plotkin’s new track, co-written by Dia Morgan Chaimovitz and produced by Mishka “mischief” Bier, asks the listener to reflect on their emotionally intimate relationships, to be vulnerable and open. Sammy’s emotive lyrics are partnered with a dark pop melody, synthesized hooks paired with guitar riffs that pair well with the headspace he shares on the track.

“Love in the Time of Quarantine” by EXNATIONS
This fresh track by dreamy pop trio EXNATIONS looks this period of time straight in the eye, employing the group’s trademark style: lyrical realism meets synth beats and smooth melodies. If you happen to be (safely) walking around Kansas City (while adhering to social distancing guidelines), you might find one of several posters that drummer Taylor Hughes left around the city as part of a pre-release scavenger hunt.