This week, hear a new song from Ghana-born, Australia-based artist Genesis Owusu, as well as new tracks from Yo La Tengo, Hozier and Yves Tumor. There’s also a collaboration between New York’s Samia and Minnesota’s Papa Mbye, plus a new track from Duluth, Minnesota’s AfroGeode.

Genesis Owusu, “Get Inspired”

The Ghanaian artist who migrated to Australia at a young age has been part of the growing African-Australian immigrant hip-hop scene. He’s been creating a cross-section of punk, funk, and hip hop, and on his latest song, “Get Inspired,” he’s channeling U.K. band Bloc Party with some indie-rock positivity.

Yo La Tengo, “Fallout”

A new album and tour is on the way from Yo La Tengo. To announce This Stupid World (which will be out February 10), the band dropped the new song, “Fallout.” The new tune is lo-fi and fuzzed out, a relic of a simpler time. It’s laid back and discordant at times, while talking about bleakness and pointlessness.

AfroGeode, “Just Be” feat. Ren Cooper

Based in Duluth, AfroGeode fuses trap and soul on “Just Be,” featuring vocalist/violinist Ren Cooper. “Just Be” is a perfect mix of lusty, smooth vibes and strong boundaries. “Come correct or don’t come at all” is the phrase that comes to mind, especially when it comes to expression and identity. No comments or gestures are necessary. “Just Be” is both a statement and a warning, to let people be free and just be who they are. Check out her latest album, Unprotected Woman, and see AfroGeode & the Gemstones perform at the Hook & Ladder in Minneapolis on Nov. 11. – Natalia Toledo

Samia, “Mad At Me” feat. Papa Mbye

It feels like summer is back when listening to the new song from New York artist Samia. Working with Rostam (Vampire Weekend, HAIM) to produce the track and bringing in buzzy Minnesotan Papa Mbye, “Mad At Me” is a pulsing song that pleads forgiveness and brings some bounce to the desperation.

Hozier, “Swan Upon Leda”

A deeply moving and haunting new track from Hozier fights for reproductive rights with compelling storytelling. The third album from Hozier, Unreal Unearth, is still a ways out, but on the new song “Swan Upon Leda,” Hozier tells a story of struggle and unease using the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan.

Yves Tumor, “God Is A Circle”

Following an acclaimed world tour, Yves Tumor has a new song, “God Is A Circle.” With deep breaths to create anxiety and momentum, it’s a stressful and chaotic listen. It’s challenging and thoughtful — but still danceable and catchy, which is becoming the norm for Yves Tumor’s work.

Playlist