Yes, it sure has been a while since I did a New Music Friday. I took a few weeks off for the Summer from blogging and I sure did miss it! We have some exciting picks for you this week, so let's just dive right back in. Let's Go!

Calvin Harris, Sam Smith - Desire

Calvin Harris and Sam Smith have teamed up once again to release their latest single, "Desire.

This collaboration between the Scottish DJ and record producer and the English singer and songwriter has already made a resounding impact on the music scene.

Here are some key points about the song:

• Genre: While both artists are known for their respective styles, "Desire" sees them veering from their usual musical styles to create a "trance inspired" dance track.
   
• Collaboration: This is not the first time Calvin Harris and Sam Smith have worked together. They previously collaborated on the hit song "Promises" in 2018.

• Reception: Despite the departure from their usual styles, "Desire" has been well-received by fans and critics alike. It has been described as a catchy track that evokes a sense of excitement.

Overall, "Desire" showcases the talent and versatility of both Calvin Harris and Sam Smith. Their collaboration has once again resulted in a memorable and enjoyable song for listeners to enjoy. I love the fresh new track from this talented duo and the video is superb! 

Jazzy - Giving Me

'Giving Me', the debut single by Irish-Jamaican artist Jazzy is a bold and captivating track that showcases her unique musical style.

With a blend of pop and R&B influences, the song immediately grabs your attention with its infectious melodies and catchy hooks. Jazzy's smooth and soulful vocals effortlessly glide over the energetic production, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

It has that "old Skool" house sound, which I am always a sucker for and just love to see young artists take on this genre! 

Tash Blake - Atomic Blonde

Tash Blake's latest song "Atomic Blonde" is a stylish and fun track that has been gaining popularity recently. It is a catchy, and up-beat pop song that showcases Tash's songwriting skills and vocals. 

The way I would describe the video, it has a retro feel with a blend of 60's James Bond and Barbarella vibes, and I am reminded of the fabulous Fembots from Austin Powers movies. Additionally, I see a bit of Uma Thurman.

Miss Blake does an excellent job of combining a vintage aesthetic with modern stylings.

I will always be proud to say our very first Jig interview was with this up-and-coming pop star. Keep an eye on her, she is overflowing with creative energy! 

Have a look and listen to the fun and vibrant video below.

Rita Ora - Don't Think Twice

Rita Ora's song "Don't Think Twice" is about letting go of doubts and reservations to trust and fall in love with someone fully.

The single is co-written by Rita and produced by Oak Felder.

The song has a positive message about moving on from a relationship and reminds the listener that they are not alone and that there are better things out there.

The music video for the song was directed by Taika Waititi, and Ora has described the single as being about just jumping in romantically and not thinking twice.

Additionally, Ora sings about "never feeling more alive" when her filmmaker husband Taika Waititi "saw her naked" for the first time.

Since I started this blog, Rita Ora has become one of my favorite artists to feature. 

As one fan states in the comments of the video, "I can't believe people are still sleeping on Rita Ora !They need to wake up and see the talent this woman has honestly."

I wholeheartedly agree!

Her new album ‘YOU & I’ is out now🔒❤️ https://ritaora.lnk.to/YouAndIID

Claptone - The Big Easy

Claptone is a popular house music producer and DJ  from Germany who has recently released a new track called "The Big Easy," a club-focused track released by Golden Recordings. 

It features brass samples and strings on a huge house beat. I recognized the horn riff from White Town's 1997 hit "Your Woman."  I dug a little deeper to find out the trumpet riff that powers this song (which sounds a little like the Imperial March from Star Wars) was sampled from a 1932 song called "My Woman" by the British bandleader Lew Stone, who recorded it with his Monseigneur Band with Al Bowlly on vocals.

Claptone is known for his mysterious persona, often wearing a golden mask during performances, which you will see in the live performance video below. 

COBRAH - MANIC

COBRAH, the Stockholm-based electro artist, has been making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of subversive pop and BDSM-inspired aesthetics. Her latest single, "Manic," is a testament to her boundary-pushing artistry and unapologetic expression. 

She has been steadily gaining recognition for her bold and provocative music. With previous hits like "BANG" and "SUCK," she has established herself as an artist unafraid to challenge societal norms and push artistic boundaries.

Her music is a fusion of various genres, incorporating elements of electro, pop, and BDSM-inspired themes.

COBRAH's music is often described as "BDSM-pop," a term that encapsulates the subversive and provocative nature of her artistry. She fearlessly explores themes of sexuality, power dynamics, and personal liberation through her music. Her songs are characterized by heavy basslines, infectious beats, and unapologetic lyrics that celebrate sexual pleasure and freedom.

See for yourself if COBRAH is pushing any of our boundaries below!

METTE - Van Gogh

Mette is a fast-rising singer-dancer-actor who has recently signed with RCA Records. She has released a new single and video called "Van Gogh", which is a beautiful portrait of self-expression.

The song is likely inspired by the famous artist Vincent van Gogh, who is known for his dramatic life and unorthodox talent. The song is highly anticipated and has been receiving attention from music industry insiders.

@carsonreid1710 on Youtube commented: "I know I’m not the only one instantly happy crying over your art!! For all it represents and makes space for, the courage it inspires. I’ve seen countless comments frustrated that you aren’t the one getting millions of views—that’s not needed to prove your brilliance or all that’s coming your way. BUT it shows how heavily authenticity hits us, how undeniable it is to want everyone to experience you too! All the love to you Mette!"

The disco vibe of the track is what grabbed my attention, and then when I watched the video I just had to include it on the list!