February’s Best New Music: A Celebration of Emerging Stars and Eclectic Sounds

Doechii: The Swamp Princess Reigns Supreme

February 2023 belonged to Doechii, the Tampa-based rapper whose meteoric rise reached new heights. The self-proclaimed Swamp Princess stepped into the month as a rising star but left it as a household name. On February 2, Doechii delivered a show-stopping performance at the Grammys, showcasing her artistic depth and physical agility. Her album Alligator Bites Never Heal took home the award for Best Rap Album, and her emotional acceptance speech left a lasting impression. Capitalizing on her triumph, she dropped "Nosebleeds," a bold and confident single that solidified her status as a superstar in the making. The track’s cover art, featuring a pre-prepared Grammy, underscored her unwavering belief in her success. Doechii’s victory lap is a testament to her artistry and ambition, proving that she’s here to stay.

Valerie June: A Jubilant Ode to Joy

Following Doechii’s high-energy anthem, Valerie June’s "Joy, Joy!" offers a stark contrast with its radiant positivity. The Memphis-born singer-songwriter, known for her "organic moonshine roots music," kicks off her upcoming album Owls, Omens, and Oracles with this uplifting track. June’s voice soars on the brassy chorus, her vocal range stretching with infectious enthusiasm. The song is a breath of fresh air, embodying the joy it celebrates. With "Joy, Joy!," June reminds us of the power of music to uplift and inspire, making it impossible not to move along to its infectious rhythm.

Perfume Genius and Aldous Harding: A Haunting Collaboration

Perfume Genius returns to the spotlight with "No Front Teeth," a haunting and surreal collaboration with New Zealand’s Aldous Harding. The track begins as a stripped-back acoustic melody but escalates into a stomping psych-rock explosion, blending the二人’s eccentric styles seamlessly. Harding’s enigmatic vocals add depth to the song’s eerie atmosphere, while Perfume Genius’s genre-pushing production creates a sense of unpredictability. For those unfamiliar with Harding, her critically acclaimed video for "The Barrel" is a must-watch to fully appreciate her unique artistry. "No Front Teeth" is a testament to the magic of collaboration, offering a glimpse into Perfume Genius’s upcoming album Glory.

Mamalarky: A Band That Defies Expectations

Mamalarky, a Texas-based four-piece, is a new discovery that’s quickly gaining traction. Their single "#1 Best of All Time" is a fascinating blend of technical complexity and pop simplicity, creating a sound that’s as unpredictable as it is engaging. Skittish percussion, elastic basslines, and Livvy Bennett’s wry vocals make the track a dynamic listen. Bennett’s lyrics, filled with clever wordplay and confidence, reflect the band’s ability to keep listeners on their toes. With their upcoming album Hex Key, Mamalarky is set to challenge expectations and carve out their own niche in the indie-rock scene.

Obongjayar: A Kinetic Fusion of Sounds

Nigerian-born, British-based artist Obongjayar brings the heat with "Not in Surrender," a high-energy track that blends Afrobeat, electro-pop, funk, and hip-hop. The song’s kinetic beat and electrified atmosphere are impossible to sit still to, with Obongjayar’s dynamic vocals leading the charge. For newcomers, his 2023 Tiny Desk performance is a great introduction to his unique style. "Not in Surrender" is a vibrant celebration of movement and resilience, showcasing Obongjayar’s ability to craft infectious, genre-bending music.

Waxahatchee and William Tyler: Soft Sounds to Round Out the Month

Waxahatchee’s "Mud" and William Tyler’s "Concern" provide a softer, more introspective contrast to the month’s bold offerings. Waxahatchee’s outtake from Tigers Blood features Katie Crutchfield’s raw, emotional delivery, complemented by warm instrumentation that softens her pastoral and deeply personal lyrics. Meanwhile, William Tyler’s "Concern" is a wordless, ambient composition that evokes a sense of weightlessness and ethereal beauty. The track, from his upcoming album Time Indefinite, underscores Tyler’s mastery of creating luminous, instrumental soundscapes. Together, these songs remind us of the power of music to evoke emotion, whether through words or wordless melodies.

The Amplifier Playlist: 7 Tracks You Need to Hear

This month’s playlist is a testament to the diversity of new music, featuring tracks that span genres, moods, and styles. From Doechii’s triumphant "Nosebleeds" to Valerie June’s joyful anthem, Perfume Genius and Aldous Harding’s surreal collaboration, Mamalarky’s unpredictable indie-rock, Obongjayar’s kinetic energy, Waxahatchee’s emotional depth, and William Tyler’s ambient bliss, there’s something for everyone. These seven songs capture the spirit of February’s musical landscape, proving that no matter where your tastes lie, there’s always something new to discover and celebrate.