Under The Current is back for 2020, highlighting some of our favorite releases each month that may have slipped under your radar.
We’ve already seen a slew of new music in January 2020. Between massive releases from artists like Halsey, Porter Robinson, and more, a lot of music probably slipped right past you. That’s what I’m here for. From veteran singer-songwriters to brand new electronic artists, these are 10 of the best releases from January that you probably haven’t heard yet.
Check out our favorite new releases below, and stream our entire Freshly Picked Beats playlist, featuring these tracks and more.
Waxahatchee – Fire
Katie Crutchfield has been releasing strikingly beautiful music as Waxahatchee for the better part of a decade now, and her newest track “Fire” is a return to the intimate, personal singing and songwriting of her earlier releases. With a new album Saint Cloud slated for late March and a North American tour to follow, Waxahatchee needs to be on your radar in 2020.
The idea and melody for “Fire” was dreamt up while driving over the Mississippi River from Memphis into West Memphis, AR, sun reflecting off the water which literally made West Memphis glow. The song’s written by me, to myself. It’s about the internal dialogue of shame surrounding mistakes you’ve made in the past and how we spiral and beat ourselves up when we slip. It’s meant to be a bit of a personal pep talk. If I can love myself unconditionally, then I can move through the world a little easier. If I can accept that I only have a partial view of the universe, and that I can’t know everything or control much of anything, then I can breathe a little easier, take better care of myself, and be closer to my own truth. – Katie Crutchfield
Discrete x Sistek – Typo (ft Tudor & Voss)
“Typo” is an electro-pop gem featuring collaborators from all corners of the globe. Stockholm-based Discrete and Chilean producer Sistek are joined by Welsh and Nordic singer-songwriters Tudor and Victoria Voss for an inescapably catchy back and forth song about a messy romance.
“Maybe the all-nighter induced Tudor and me to dig into emotions that we might otherwise not have explored. When I brought the song to Sweden, Discrete and Victoria sustained that momentum. We barely had time to think. We just rode our instincts all the way to the finish.” – Sistek
Luttrell – My Friend The Sun
Luttrell released one of our favorite albums of 2019 with his debut Into Clouds and he shows no signs of slowing down in 2020. “My Friend The Sun” is an enigmatic vocal and synth-driven melodic house track, and the first taste of his upcoming LP Lucky Ones. With a new LP and a massive North American tour ahead of him, Luttrell is poised to take over in 2020.
TÂCHES – Show Me (ft moodbymatteo & Benny Bridges)
British-born, Los Angeles-based producer TÂCHES is back with his newest single “Show Me” feat. moodbymatteo and Benny Bridges. The track is the lead single from his upcoming Sacred Heart EP, signaling big things for the rising artist in 2020.
A wild fusion of diverse world influences combined with a vocal of modern pop sensibility. This one oozes youthful passion and memories of adolescence. – TÂCHES
Anthony Kalabretta – Terracotta
“Terracotta” is the debut track from newcomer Anthony Kalabretta’s forthcoming EP. His dreamy melodic house sound immediately evokes Rüfüs Du Sol vibes, and his years of behind-the-scenes production experience are evident in this polished track.
Carrousel – I Wasn’t Well EP
Los Angeles-based duo Carrousel craft futuristic pop melodies influenced by a broad spectrum of sounds ranging from the blues to psychedelic rock, to shoegaze, to new wave. Their new EP I Wasn’t Well is a multilayered journey that explores dark nightmares and cinematic highs, and is captivating every step of the way.
Matt Fax – Animal (ft Trove)
He might be a new name to you, but Progressive artist Matt Fax has already caught the attention of legends like Lane 8, Above & Beyond, and Jason Ross. His newest track “Animal” is the lead single from his upcoming album, and features a striking vocal performance from Australian singer & songwriter Trove.
No Mana – Strangers (ft Jantine)
After an endless string of EPs, Mau5trap prodigy No Mana is finally releasing his long-awaited debut album Secret Level on February 14th. The first taste of what is sure to be an incredible record is “Strangers” featuring Jantine on vocals.
Donna Missal – Hurt By You
A potent emerging musical force, New Jersey native Donna Missal melds alternative rock, soul and roots music with ease. Her new single “Hurt By You” is an uplifting song about a breakup celebrating the new journey rather than dwelling on the past.
pronouncedyeah – Freedom (ft Molly Moore)
Featuring starlet Molly Moore on vocals, pronouncedyea’s “Freedom” is the first release on Armada Music, and showcases his production skillset at its fullest. The multifaceted pop-tinged track showcases Moore’s vocals while supporting them with a bed of enchanting synths.
These are just a few of the songs in the newest update to Freshly Picked Beats. Be sure to check out the Spotify playlist in its entirety below.
Featured Image: Waxahatchee