As the days grow warmer and the nights shorter, May has brought a fresh wave of new releases that might have slipped under your radar. This month has been a feast, delivering diverse tracks that deserve a spot on your playlist. Whether you’re seeking the perfect soundtrack for your summer adventures or just looking to discover new artists pushing the boundaries of their genres, we’ve got you covered.
1. Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson has just dropped a rollicking new single, “Hang Tight Honey,” a standout track from her upcoming album, Whirlwind, set to release on August 23. The song is a high-energy anthem celebrating the grit and determination of those who work tirelessly for their loved ones. Wilson took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the track, reflecting on the challenges of constant touring and the importance of home. She wrote, “Iâve been runninâ the roads nonstop for a few years now and I ainât gonna lie to yâall, sometimes it can be tough being away from home that much. At the same time, remembering what âhomeâ is and the things that I get to do for the ones I love because of the work I put in, is what keeps me going and makes it all worthwhile.” “Hang Tight Honey” is a tribute to the hard-working men and women who hustle every day to create a life worth living for those they care about most.
2. Hourstone
Hourstone has released his unique single and music video, “Milky Way Rising.” Known for his award-winning music videos, which have been honored at film festivals around the world, Hourstone continues to push creative boundaries. His video for “Carry You (Like I Do)” won Best Music Video at the Paris Play Film Festival, and he has received accolades from prestigious festivals such as Los Angeles IndieX Film Fest, Milan Filmmaker Awards, and Dublin Movie Awards, among others. “Milky Way Rising” introduces a fresh experimental twist by featuring a female vocalist for the first time.
3. Willow
Fresh off an intimate performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, Willow is back with her sixth studio album, Empathogen. The 12-track LP, highlighted by the singles “Symptom of Life” and “Big Feelings,” marks Willow’s third full-length project in just four years, following 2021’s Lately I Feel Everything and 2023’s Coping Mechanism. Empathogen continues to showcase her evolution as an artist, blending emotional depth with a fearless exploration of sound.
4. Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
Post Malone is making waves as he ventures into country music with his new single, “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen. Dropped on May 10, this track marks Malone’s first foray into the country genre and will be part of his upcoming debut country album, slated for release later this year. The collaboration is already generating significant excitement.
5. SIA
After years of anticipation, the wait is over as global icon Sia has officially released her new album, Reasonable Woman. This marks her first full-length album in eight years, and the excitement surrounding it has been immense. True to form, Sia has delivered a collection that meets and exceeds the sky-high expectations of her fans, solidifying her place as one of pop music’s most innovative and powerful voices.
6. Orville Peck
Orville Peck has unveiled Stampede: Vol. 1, an album of duets featuring legends like Willie Nelson, Elton John, Nathaniel Rateliff, and more. Announced in April, the album includes seven duetsâtwo covers and five original tracks. Peck teased the project with a rendition of Ned Subletteâs âCowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,â alongside Willie Nelson. Additionally, he teamed up with Elton John for a vibrant cover of the 1973 classic âSaturday Nightâs Alright (For Fighting).â Stampede: Vol. 1 showcases Peck’s ability to blend his unique style with the timeless sounds of his collaborators.
