Heavy Rotation

Five tracks to hear now

By Caitlin Rockett

“YOUR HERO IS NOT DEAD,” BY WESTERMAN

Will Westerman’s debut solo album, Your Hero Is Not Dead, pays homage to idols living and lost. Mark Hollis, the late frontman of British new wave band Talk Talk, is the hero referenced in the title, but Westerman’s delicate guitar work and accessible lyrics indicate a reverence for folk troubadours like Joni Mitchell. The title track hews closer to folk than any other on the album, but some subtle work in post-production by Nathan Jenkins (aka Bullion) calls back to the synth pop of fellow Brits Tears for Fears.

“NO,” BY BILLY NOMATES

“There’s a punk in me that likes anyone that takes things the way they should be and says no,” Billy Nomates told Music Glue ahead of the release of her debut album. “You just see so many artists seeking approval, like they have to please everybody and be marketable. I like rawness.” An artist who knows her brand, Nomates steps out swinging on “No,” a swaggering, bare-faced takedown of outmoded ideals and paper-plate-deep pop culture: “No is the greatest resistance / No to your nothing existence ... No to your ivory towers / No’s gonna start a war / So die if you think it's worth fighting for." Her bedroom-produced sound — blending minimalist punk rock with the funky attitude of Northern soul — grabbed the attention of fellow purveyors of raw Sleaford Mods, who’ve championed Nomates’ music, and Geoffrey Barrow (instrumentalist for Portishead), whose Invada Records imprint is releasing Nomates’ debut record (though the release has been delayed because 2020 takes no prisoners).

“CAN’T FIGHT,” BY LIANNE LA HAVAS

In this single off her upcoming self-titled album, Lianne La Havas digs in just a little deeper to save a relationship on the brink of collapse. “A little peace, a little love / A little bit, is that enough?” she asks in the chorus, finally admitting, "I can't fight away this love.” La Havas (a stage name derived from a play on her Greek father’s last name, Vlahavas) has been steadily building a solo career since being discovered on MySpace in 2008. She provided backing vocals for soul singer Paloma Faith and folktronica outfit alt-j, which just about sums up the intersection of music La Havas creates. With cheekbones that could cut glass and a velvety coo that could melt the pieces right back together, it’s no wonder Prince took her under his wing several years before his death.

“I’M GETTING TIRED,” BY JACKNIFE LEE, EARL ST. CLAIR, BETH DITTO

Irish producer Garret “Jacknife” Lee teamed up with Earl St. Clair and Beth Ditto to produce this ode to the inner turmoil of life in 2020. Lee — an in-demand producer who has worked with the Cars, U2, Taylor Swift, Blockparty, Regina Spektor and more - finds a way to fuse noise-rock, jazz and funk in “I’m Getting Tired,” while leaving ample room for St. Clair’s straightforward lyrics: “I’m getting tired of feeling run down now / Anxiety’s high as buildings downtown / I want to hide until the sun goes down / Turning the tide / I hope I don’t drown." This is Lee's first release as a solo artist, and a solid reminder of why so many artists clamor to work with him.

“FLORES NO MAR,” BY POPULOUS, EMMANUELLE

Brazilian singer Emmanuelle lends her slinky vocals to this smooth dance-floor track by Italian producer Populous. More slow burn than sweaty booty shaker, “Flores No Mar” is an offering to the Candomblé (an Afro-Brazilian religion) deity Lemanja, goddess of the sea and of all things feminine. If you’re looking to warm up a socially distant backyard party, “Flores No Mar” should create some humidity, even in the high plains.