The sun’s out, the birds are singing and there’s a faint whiff of spring in the air. That means it’s time to revamp your playlists, wind down your car windows and turn it up to 11. As always, we’re bringing you the very best new music from the UK and the US. Get stuck into our radar picks with Ariana Grande, Matoma and MAGIC, plus the new one featuring Camila Cabello.
John Legend & Ariana Grande – ‘Beauty and the Beast’
United States
The eagerly anticipated ‘Beauty and the Beast’ movie starring girl of the moment, Emma Watson, is due for release March 17th. If you can’t wait that long for the magical retelling, Ariana Grande and John Legend have dropped the title track from the movie. Oozing with Disney vibes and an equally as picturesque video, it’s a great slow jam to sing in front of the mirror.
Follow John on Facebook and Twitter. You can catch Ariana on Facebook and Twitter here, too.
Katelyn Tarver – ‘Tired Eyes’
United States
You might recognise Katelyn from her role in the Nickelodeon series ‘Big Time Rush’. Now, she’s back with a grown-up style, sound and swagger. Her sophomore EP, ‘Tired Eyes’ is mature pop, mixed with raw emotion into something that you can’t help but devour excessively.
Follow Katelyn on Facebook and Twitter.
Sonny – ‘Since We’ve Begun’
United Kingdom
With vocals so smooth you could drown in them, 17-year-old Sonny is back with his second single taken from his forthcoming EP. ‘Since We’ve Begun’ is a stylish and stripped-back song about the early stages of love.
Follow Sonny on Facebook and Twitter.
Imagine Dragons – ‘Believer’
United States
Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum selling are just a few of the accolades you can tag on to Imagine Dragons. Now, they’re back with a brand new video for their new single, ‘Believer’. Speaking about the new release, vocalist Dan Reynolds said, “‘Believer’ is about finding a place of peace and self-confidence. The video depicts a man facing his inner self, the toughest critic of all, while paying homage to some of the classic movies we grew up with.”
Follow Imagine Dragons on Facebook and Twitter.
Julia Michaels – ‘Issues’
United States
Julia Michaels’ ‘Issues’ is already shaping up to be one of the year’s defining pop anthems. The cinematic video to accompany the release tells the evocative story of the song’s emotional lyrics and powerful delivery.
Follow Julia on Facebook and Twitter.
Holland – ‘Forget Your Name’
United Kingdom
Holland’s debut, ‘Secrets’ saw her gain support from BBC Introducing and firmly placed her on multiple, ‘Ones To Watch’ lists. Her first offering for 2017, ‘Forget Your Name’ doesn’t disappoint. Speaking about her latest release, Holland said, “‘Forget Your Name is about a really toxic relationship and how one way or another, it is coming to an end.”
Follow Holland on Facebook and Twitter.
Matoma and MAGIC! – ‘Girl at Coachella’
United States
Taking a side step from his usual house-orientated productions, Matoma is back with some help from MAGIC! vocalist Nasri. ‘Girl at Coachella’ blends reggae and pop to create the perfect feel-good summer vibe.
Follow Matoma on Facebook and Twitter.
Pitbull & J Balvin feat Camila Cabello – ‘Hey Ma’
United States
Taken from ‘The Fate of the Furious’ album, ‘Hey Ma’ is the first-time-ever collaboration between J Balvin, Pitbull and Camila Cabello. Speaking about the release ex-Fifth Harmony member Camila said, “I’m so excited to be a part of this incredible franchise, especially with it being filmed in my original home of Cuba.”
Follow Pitbull on Facebook and Twitter.
Kenji Jawai (Steve Aoki remix) – ‘Utai IV-Reawakening’
United States
Inspired by the motion picture, ‘Ghost In The Shell’. DJ and producer, Steve Aoki has put his own spin on the score of ‘Utai IV-Awakening’. The hard-hitting and bass heavy track is what we’ve grown to love from Aoki.