This week, we hear new songs from Mason Jennings, Hurray For The Riff Raff, SASAMI and Franz Ferdinand. We also get a track from Los Angeles producer extraordinaire Terrace Martin’s new album ‘Drones’, out this Friday, and we hear a new track from Snoh Aalegra, a Swedish artist now based in L.A., featuring Tyler, the Creator.

Mason Jennings, “On The Brink”

Last we heard from Minnesota artist Mason Jennings, he was teaming up with Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard for an album under the name Painted Shield. They apparently got on so well that they started talking about a folk album, which has turned into a new album from Jennings called Real Heart, out Feb. 4, 2022. In a press release about the first single "On The Brink", Jennings said, “This song is in response to people I’ve met since I’ve been in the public eye using spirituality or the words ‘I love you’ for their own manipulative gain. I am a very open and trusting person and what I’ve had to learn the hard way over the years is that some people have really dark and selfish motives and they will use a person’s empathy and openness as an entry point for their own agenda. In other words, I’ve had to wake up and learn better discernment.” 

SASAMI, “The Greatest”

Inspired by a Japanese folk spirit that has the head of a woman and the body of a snake, this song was written and recorded during the pandemic to combat “toxic positivity,” allowing Los Angeles songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sasami Ashworth (aka SASAMI) to create an outlet for others to get out their “anger, frustration, desperation, and more violent, aggressive emotions." The new album pulls in some metal elements (inspired musically by Korn and System of a Down) as well as some songs co-produced by Ty Segall, so prepare for a more dark and industrial sound from SASAMI.

Hurray For The Riff Raff, “Rhododendron”

New Orleans-based artist Alynda Segarra has returned with her project Hurray For The Riff Raff. The new song, "Rhododendron," highlights the laconic and almost amused vocal delivery of Segarra (several outlets have likened it to a Lou Reed style). The song is about being in nature and having  a "mind expansion. A psychedelic trip. A spiritual breakthrough." 

Snoh Aalegra, “Neon Peach” feat. Tyler, the Creator

The Persian-Swedish artist just announced a huge tour (hitting up The Armory in Minneapolis on May 8, 2022) as appreciation for the R&B sounds on her latest album, Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies, is gaining traction. "Neon Peach" features Tyler, the Creator, and calls to mind some '90s-style collaborations.

Franz Ferdinand, “Billy Goodbye”

The archdukes of indie rock are back at it with a greatest-hits compilation on the way March 11, 2022, called Hits To The Head. The Franz Ferdinand album will also feature a couple of new songs, including "Billy Goodbye," which features a nod to some '60s pop with swirling guitar and a catchy chorus. 

Terrace Martin, “Leave Us Be”

A key figure in the Los Angeles hip-hop scene, Terrace Martin is set to release a new album on Friday called Drones. The three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist has a stacked “featuring” lineup on the album: Kendrick Lamar (with whom Martin has worked before on To Pimp a Butterfly), Kamasi Washington, Leon Bridges and Snoop Dogg. In a statement about the album, Martin said, "There are touches of R&B, touches of jazz, touches of hip-hop, touches of classical, Cuban music, West African music, house music." So expect a wildly diverse album pulled together by Martin's clever production.

Playlist