Sunday Spin: New Releases From Koven Wei, Tiffany Day, Justin Nozuka, and grentperez & Benny Sings
Sunday Spin is EnVi‘s weekly music showcase, where we bring you the hottest global hits in our curated playlist. Join us every Sunday for new music that sets the perfect tone for your upcoming week.
How about celebrating the first day of autumn with EnVi’s specially-selected mix of tunes?
Packed with the latest releases from emerging artists, these refreshing songs will take you on a versatile musical voyage. Whether you’re looking for new musicians or want to hear recent releases from your beloved artists, this week’s Sunday Spin features tracks you won’t want to miss.
Koven Wei – “REBEL”
Just two months since his last release, Toronto-based Asian American artist Koven Wei returned with his latest single “REBEL.” “REBEL” is a significant departure from anything Wei has done in the past. With this release, Wei treads into hip-hop with this fusion of rap rock that still pays homage to his pop-punk roots. Over rough guitars and gritty vocals, Koven Wei proves yet again how he can easily transition between genres and make it his own. “REBEL” is rowdy, and Wei raps all about taking down his enemies until he rises victorious like a “rebel.” With striking lyrics that are shouted out throughout the track, Wei’s pen game is hot. You’ll find that two minutes just isn’t enough because Wei leaves you wanting just one more verse. “Bullet to the pipe bite down you had to settle / But there ain’t no holding back / Boy you know I’m like a rebel,” Wei screams.
Known for his unapologetic and unabashed anthems, Koven Wei is making waves in the alt-rock scene. Although he’s from Toronto, a city rich with history in the R&B genre, Koven isn’t afraid to be different and continues to create music that resonates with other misfits. With a repertoire blending together rock, hyperpop, electronic, punk, and rap — with just one year in the game — Koven Wei is someone you need in your library.
Ley Soul – “Into Sands”
Stellar sensation Ley Soul went from releasing original songs on YouTube to garnering 1.1 million Spotify monthly listeners in less than a year. With only two songs on Spotify, she was able to build a steady fanbase with her Neo Soul sound and ethereal vocals. Five months after the release of her single “Fortune Eyes,” she is back with her third official release “Into Sands,”
While Ley Soul is your average college student during the day, behind the mic, she is a powerhouse in the world of Club Jazz. After promoting her song “Intergalactic Janet” on TikTok, millions flocked to streaming services to take in her soft voice and Erykah Badu-influenced accompaniment. With her new song “Into Sands,” Ley Soul delves into topics of dissociation and self-discovery. While feeling like she can see through everything but herself, she sings, “I’ll find myself in time / Across the phantom line / I can’t find myself today.” As she reaches the chorus, there are gentle yet eerie screams that get louder as the song goes on while she is in “the in-between.” Though the genre teeters between alternative R&B and her known Neo Soul sound, the craftsmanship and cohesiveness easily allow for the combination of both.
Wabie – “Gentle Guide”
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Wabie is here for you. His second album, Sun Chaser, is finally here and we can’t get enough of it. After success from many singles and his first album Double Superfine, Wabie has blessed our playlists with nine new songs. They’re soft, romantic, and feel like a breath of fresh air.
While some people might be new to Wabie’s music, Wabie isn’t new to the music scene at all. With a strong start to his solo career in 2019, he released two singles: “Cyclones” and “Hey Lover!,” a cover of the 1965 song by The Daughters of Eve. Since its release, it has reached over 155 million streams on Spotify. In the five years since then, Wabie has honed in on his sound and image, bringing us to his newest creation Sun Chaser.
Introducing his new album is the song “Gentle Guide.” In true Wabie fashion, it’s a serene indie folk song with underlying nostalgia. It has similar themes and tones to his single “Loving Tree,” released earlier this year. With lyrics like “I’ll make a pretty corpse beneath the tree,” there is a sense of melancholy and sadness but acceptance of life. While the vocals are light, they still feel alive and bright, a contrast to the message of the song. Although the track is less than three minutes long, it leaves a lingering want to reconnect with nature and reflect on childhood memories. Closing with the mantra “No one knows peace like a tree,” Wabie moves onto the rest of his album, where every song is just as good as the last one.
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Alicia DC – “Circles”
Between opening for Hojean to releasing multiple singles to growing her personal YouTube channel, Alicia DC has had an incredibly active year. To fans’ delight, the Singaporean singer has returned with her new track “Circles,” a song that is unlike anything we’ve ever heard from her. While her song “bbb” was known for elements of genres like jazz, Latin, and math rock, she’s mixed something much different now. “Circles” features genres such as folk, art-pop, Bossa Nova, and Fock.
As “Circles” starts, the listener is immediately isolated in a forest with only the sleepy, dreamy voice of Alicia DC to guide them. Led by wispy notes and changes in instrumental pace, the lyrics focus on a cyclical journey. “It is about wanting to leave social circles, families and even bad habits,” said the singer. “This is a song that hits the hardest when you realize that you are stuck in a loop once again, and face that feeling of suffocation with no clue of what to do, or who to turn to for help.” With Alicia DC being the writer and producer, it is evident that every word and detail was skillfully chosen to reflect the tone.
Lilium – “怪味 (A Strange Smell)”
Revolutionizing the Hokkien-language sound is Taiwanese band Lilium. Their third album Everything Will Go Wonderfully is already making waves and starting conversations. After their second album Road to… won “Best Taiwanese Album” and “Best Album Design” at the 33rd Golden Melody Awards, the anticipation rose for what they would come up with for their new music. What they ended up creating is a diverse and individual album driven by narrative and modernizing old traditions.
From deities to fortune tellers, Lilium thought of it all, but the characters and storytelling aren’t the only thing driving the album. The group took their third album as a chance to explore the possibilities of different musical elements. Found in the fourth track, “怪味 (A Strange Smell),” is a recorder solo. With efforts to rejuvenate the adoration surrounding the instrument, Lilium created a rearrangement from a beiguan piece. Unknown to many, beiguan is a theatrical music genre that found immense popularity in Taiwan from the 17th to 20th century. Surrounding the recorder is an ensemble of instruments assembling to make a funky, retro tune accompanied by dramatic and campy vocals.
With their new album, Lilium truly found a sound that not only represents the group, but is Lilium at its core. From beginning to end, Everything Will Go Wonderfully oozes trained and coordinated artistry, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Tiffany Day – “Simon Said”
Tiffany Day, a Chinese American independent pop artist, released her 10-track debut album “LOVER TOFU FRUIT“ on September 13. One of the main tracks on the album, “SIMON SAID,” is an upbeat pop song that captures the tender feelings of betrayal, while also conveying the message of reclaiming one’s self-worth.
“Simon Said” has a catchy melody that expresses feelings of hurt caused by her former partner’s actions. Tiffany Day addresses her ex-partner, revealing that frustration. She confesses, “You burned the only bridge we ever shared / You’ll never see me on your screen again.” This conveys a sense of empowerment and the decision to cut ties with her ex. Her crisp vocals, assertive emotional tone, and raw honesty in the lyrics make it a powerful statement of her personal experience and resilience.
Tiffany Day, originally from Wichita, Kansas, started her music career by posting singing covers and original songs on YouTube, which ended up going viral. It wasn’t until she moved to California for university that her career began to take off. Having released three EPs and her debut album, it is evident that Tiffany Day is a force to be reckoned with.
ANA SKY – “Loving You is Hard”
Los Angeles-born singer Ana Sky presents a lively perspective on the difficulties of unhealthy relationships in her debut song “Loving You Is Hard.” The song’s haunting aura, melancholic melody, and reflective lyrics create a mystery that enthralls listeners. The captivating chorus, filled with powerful harmonies and a memorable hook, leaves a lasting impression on the audience. The inspiration for this track comes from Ana Sky’s personal experiences in college pursuing a one-sided love.
AC Burrell, the producer of this track is well-recognized for his exceptional work with top-tier artists including Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Zendaya. This track signifies another important milestone in Ana Sky’s advancing career. On September 6, she received the esteemed Breakthrough Artist Award at the 2024 Daily Front Row’s Fashion Media Awards. At the award show, Ana Sky dazzled the audience with an electrifying and exclusive performance of her then-unreleased debut single “Loving You Is Hard.”
Back in June, Ana Sky was the opening act for indie pop group Transviolet. During her time on the tour, she captivated audiences with her unique blend of expressive lyrics and catchy melodies. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, as she now receives well-deserved recognition and awards as an emerging artist. Her debut single “Loving You Is Hard” signifies the beginning of a thrilling journey for this breakthrough artist.
GrentPerez and Benny Sings – “Fuzzy Feeling”
Emerging artists grentperez & Benny Sings have dropped their latest single, “Fuzzy Feeling,” a perfect love song to kick off the fall season. The track beautifully encompasses grentperez’s indie pop style, featuring catchy melodies and a vibrant production ambiance.
In “Fuzzy Feeling” grentperez expresses his complex mix of emotions relating to love. He uses unique imagery in his lyrics, such as “butterflies in the stomach” and “feeling like a predator’s prey,” adding depth to the emotional landscape portrayed in the song. Delving further into the song’s meaning, grentperez confesses, “’Fuzzy Feeling’ is a simple, lighthearted track about someone who unknowingly affects you and your heart.” The music video features him dressed in various styles and includes scenes of him playing with or driving cars, paying tribute to his profound love for cars.
Despite only being in his early twenties, 2024 has been a significant year for grentperez. He achieved major milestones, such as collaborating with singer Lyn Lapid on their single “Room For You,” and opening for Laufey during the Australian leg of her global tour. This year has made it clear that grentperez is an undeniable talent and he is surely an artist to lookout for.
Grent Perez Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Benny Sings Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Hyejin – “Good Sport”
R&B singer Hyejin released her latest single “good sport” on September 20. In this track, Hyejin tackles the struggles of self-doubt and fear of being misunderstood. She acquired inspiration for her music from esteemed songwriters such as Amy Winehouse and SZA. Hyejin merges her introspective lyrics with dreamy melodies, creating a whimsical touch to her music. In “good sport” she confesses, “Don’t know what to do / I’m waiting on you / Tried to play it cool, ” illustrating her uncertainty and expressing a desire for understanding and acceptance.
Hyejin independently released her debut EP, WHAT A SHAME!, which has rapidly amassed a devoted fan base. Accumulating over eight million streams and securing placements on Spotify’s Viral 50 and Viral Hits charts. Hyejin’s future in the music industry appears promising, with her success on an upward rise.
Justin Nozuka – “Chlorine”
Japanese Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Nozuka captures the sting of unspoken love in his track, “Chlorine,” the lead single from his latest album of the same name. The twelve track album was released on September 20, and features Nozuka’s familiar folksy sound with added edge.
“Chlorine,” the track, with its delicate acoustic backdrop and his signature soulful vocals, paints a picture of fleeting summer romances. The lyrics are a mix of regret and nostalgia, with lines like “Did I tell you I’m in love with you / I was scared to tell the truth” offering a vulnerable confession. Framed against an imagined backdrop of pool-hopping weekends and carefree summer nights, the song captures the shift into lonely, windy fall feelings. “Chlorine” dives deep into the heartache of someone leaving just when you’re finally ready to open up.
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LUSS – “เจ้ากระต่ายน้อย (Tale of the bunny)”
The dynamic Thai-pop duo LUSS is taking us on a journey of self-discovery, and leaving us feeling renewed and refreshed. LUSS is made of lead singer and lyricist, Coco (Cocobunny) and Ben (benlussboy), the producer and beat maker. Their new album Is There Anything on the Moon? spans through genres like classical to theatrical to cyberpop, constantly leaving the listener guessing. Previously released singles “Kai Palo,” “Lonely (Extrovert?),” and “Crush” have found their home on this album surrounded by 11 new songs, including two English tracks.
One new song, “เจ้ากระต่ายน้อย (Tale of the bunny),” has been released aside a music video with dystopian scenery and powerful narrative. With Coco as the main character and Ben as her mastermind partner, she is able to escape the cage where she was held. While breaking free she sings, “Whatever lies down where shadows fall / I must stand tall.” The impactful lyrics compliment and ultimately encompass the plot of the video. But it’s not just in the music video that LUSS were able to break out of the confinement that held them. Around Thailand and the world, LUSS is becoming a group that is changing the game for just how far philosophy and introspection can go in music.
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Other tracks in this week’s Sunday Spin playlist include “SAD SONG” by K-pop boyband P1Harmony, Emei’s “ALL THESE KIDS,” “Bakunawa” by Ruby Ibarra, and AUDREY NUNA’s “Mine.” Listen to everything mentioned and more, curated by Team EnVi only for you on Spotify.
Want more of the latest releases? Check out our previous Sunday Spin here!
