In such a contentious election year, with so many voices drowned in the mix, few are heard, others cut fiercely, defiantly through the noise, and that is the case with Chel’s new single “Nasty Woman.” The singer-songwriter debuts a single and accompanying video that highlights the ardent fight for women’s equality in all fields, in all spheres. With vocals that display force and grace, Chel rides a quaking beat that leads to instrumental swells and ascents that you can’t help but feel profoundly within. In the small bridges of the track, Chel’s voice floats elegantly towards a fabulous beat drop. The song title, a reference to words infamously uttered by President Donald Trump, reminds us that many women have awaited this coming election perhaps most fervently than many, ready to exact change. In “Nasty Woman,” Chel offers a slick and soulful pop single that rattles with hot emotion and frigid, piercing intent. In a year full of statements, some have a bit more bite to them; stream the music video for “Nasty Woman” premiering below. – René Cobar    

L.A.’s Mei switches up the tempo in his new single “Frankenstein,” via simple acoustic guitar strums, vocal ascents, and a charged-up passion. Where Mei’s indie-pop summer single “Rudimental” displayed his vocal versatility with switches from passionate croons to confident and sharper rides of the beat that led to full choruses powered by synth ambiances, “Frankenstein” keeps it bare, yet just as daring. Melancholic, and ultimately hopeful, “Frankenstein” has an obvious heart, a red mood to sink to, completely; stream “Frankenstein” below for a warm transition from warm days to cooler evenings. – René Cobar

Brittany Campbell puts you on cloud nine with a new R&B single titled “Champion” that is romantic with its dexterous electric guitar riffs, snappy beats, and atmospheric breaks. Campbell’s vocals, in sweet motion with those of Phil., tell a story of passion universal and use each verse to spread that, culminating in soothing refrains. The song, released on National Coming Out Day, is accompanied by a music video whose comic book aesthetic is charming, each frame fantastic and sensual. “Champion” pays complete tribute to all the elements that make R&B timeless and, in the process, delivers an important message about love; stream “Champion” below for a trip up to a better place. – René Cobar

There is hardly a better way to prepare for the weekend than by letting go of the extra cargo and fusing into the groove of “ Rollercoaster,” a sweet indie-pop single by LA’s stylish duo JUICYPEAR. The glossy new track uses its sexy rhythm (fat bass) and melting electric guitar chords to usher one dance-pop hook after the other, the voice of Jasmine Mayeda guiding the euphoria of the moment. Together with her husband Jacob, Jasmine Mayeda rides the beat past its sharp sonic curves and composes a beautiful song that moves from dream-glitch bridges to a funk-futuristic rock finale that may leave your hair a mess. “Rollercoaster” is the sophomore single from JUICYPEAR, who reflects on the new single as follows: “Some seasons of life can feel like you’re riding an emotional rollercoaster. We thought it would be cool to bring the viewer into some of those life moments, while weaving in and out of vintage TVs, to show even our relationship has its ups and downs.” Nothing in the world is perfect, but in the pursuit of that perfection, a story weaves itself, that with its imperfections, becomes something better, more precious by far. Hang in there, stream our premiere of “Rollercoaster,” and enjoy the ride. – René Cobar