Tones & I, VOIID & More: This Week's Best New Music

Listen To The Hit List Playlist!

Tones & I - I Am Free

Toni Elizabeth Watson, AKA Tones & I, seems to be gearing up for a major 2023, releasing her second single, I Am Free. As usual, her standard aptitude for making instant hits is present, but she’s definitely slowed down the vibes. I Am Free is reflective, forgiving and passionate and leans away from the general funky and upbeat swing that songs like Dance Monkey and Jonny Run Away exhibit. More so than ever, Watson showcases the raw power behind her voice, coupled with deep and inspirational lyrics; this is sure to be a winner on the charts.

VOIID - Free Kitten

Indie punk/rock legends VOIID have released their third single, Free Kitten, off their upcoming album Watering Dead Flowers. Playing homage to the true prime time of 90s punk/rock, this newest single is slow and subtle but still packs a punch. With grating electric guitars, crashing drums and a few strings added in for a cinematic feel, Free Kitten has all the elements to become one of this decade's pinnacle punk/rocks songs. The girls have crushed it on this one, but really, when have they ever missed?  

Babaganouj - She Wears Velvet

Brissy outfit Babaganouj have officially released their hotly anticipated album Jumbo Pet, with a favourite single already shining just a little ahead of the rest. She Wears Velvet is chaotic, fun and a plainly great listen. Featuring their trademark blend of dreamy indie-pop and crunchy indie rock, delivered by the triple-threat vocal attack of Charles Sale, Ruby McGregor and Harriette Pilbeam (aka Hatchie), She Wears Velvet brings the band back on the map, reminding us why we fell in love with Babaganouj in the first place.

Daniel Caesar - Valentina

Valentina is the latest offering from R&B king Daniel Caesar, which will most definitely have you in your feels. No surprises here, right? In Valentina, Caesar walks the perfect line between simplicity and complexity as he sings about pining after a love interest. Interesting synths, vibey base and slow beats make it hard not to groove along. As usual, the highlight is always Caesar’s unmatched vocals that inject this song with so much emotion it’s hard not to get caught off guard. 

Lastlings - Noise

Electronic duo Lastlings have come out with their second single of 2023, Noise, which will feature on their second album Perfect World. Mature and subdued, Noise is almost the exact opposite of what you’d expect with a title light that. Every sound and element of this song seems to be carefully considered, creating a simple but exciting club banger. Amy Dowdel from the group said on the song's release, “Noise is about reminiscing on an old relationship. The good memories. Talking late at night. Going to raves together. Dancing. All the arguing and making up. All the… Noise.”

You can listen to the Hit List playlist featuring all the above songs and more on Apple Music or Spotify. We also have our Underground playlists that showcase the best of Australia's emerging artists. Find them here.