Sunday Spin: New Releases From Laufey, BIBI and Jackson Wang, ZEROBASEONE, and Luke Chiang
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.
As April reaches its end, artists in your radar have come to say goodbye to the month with novel hits ready to be played in your rotation! From reflective odes to mood-boosting anthems, Team EnVi uniquely picked this week’s soul-speaking tracks in preparation for the new days ahead!
ZEROBASEONE – “SWEAT”
Summer may be a few months away, but ZEROBASEONE have turned up the heat with their new single, “SWEAT.” The nine-member K-pop boy group’s latest release comes ahead of their upcoming EP, You had me at HELLO, slated to be released on May 13. ZEROBASEONE are no strangers to the classic boy crush concept — just check out their debut single “In Bloom” or Japanese hit “YURA YURA.” But “SWEAT” takes it to the next level with some extra heat that captures a summery feel.
Tapping into the house music genre, this is a track that is sure to get you dancing in no time. While house music is known for its repetitive beats and booming bass – which “SWEAT” is full of – ZEROBASEONE makes the single an earworm with its catchy chorus. They sing, “Oh, baby, I’ll make you sweat / Sweat, sweat, sweat, sweat / (You toward me) Burn it up / (With your touch) Turn it up.” The nine-member group also filmed a special music video to accompany the song’s release. With bright blue skies, fields of grass, sun flares galore, and zestful dance numbers with sprinkler showers, ZEROBASEONE will have you counting down the days until summer returns!
Gavin Turek – “Disco Boots”
After three years, L.A.-born singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer Gavin Turek dropped her groovy hit “Disco Boots” on April 26. Turek returned to the music scene with a bang with “Disco Boots,” an upbeat disco-inspired pop track that is a step away from her typical R&B/Soul sound, but not an unfamiliar genre to the singer. The track features an addictive synth-heavy beat with a chorus that’s an instant earworm. Turek sings about throwing on her disco boots and living it up, for there’s not enough time to fret about much else — and truly, she’s right! The visualizer that accompanied the release features Turek clad in a black puffy miniskirt with a sequined deep cut shirt and a dazzling pair of thigh high stiletto boots that encompass the energy of a disco ball. If you’re a fan of feel-good music that you can’t help but dance to, then be sure to add “Disco Boots” to your playlists!
Known as the disco queen of the modern era, Gavin Turek has a plethora of dance music tracks that will have any listener jumping onto their feet. Turek has been releasing music since 2017 with her debut EP, Good Look For You, and is now gearing up for the release of her sophomore album, Diva of the People, and the European leg of her tour starting in July.
BIBI & Jackson Wang – “FEELING LUCKY”
If you’re in need of a new upbeat track to brighten up your day, then BIBI and Jackson Wang have got you covered! On April 26, the duo released “Feeling Lucky,” a sweet pop track that’s an instant hit. The duo sing fondly about the way they can’t stop thinking of each other ever since the moment they kissed. The nostalgic instrumental coupled with the lyrics makes for a song built for the hopeless romantics of the season. Even the music video — that features BIBI and Wang scantily clad singing to each other with just a breath separating them — echoes the sentiment of the track seamlessly.
Jackson Wang Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
KIRE – “don’t stop”
Taiwanese singer-songwriter KIRE reeled in the summer vibes with his track “don’t stop.” Released on April 19, “don’t stop” is a sensual afrobeats track with R&B and pop inspirations. KIRE sings lustfully about his lover, obsessed with her and the way she makes him feel. So much so, in fact, that he will never let her go and hopes she never stops loving him. The lyrics are sexy and racy with an addictive chorus to match. Meanwhile, it is also coupled with a seductive beat to yield a track perfect for those warm summer nights.
KIRE also released a two-part music video as a pair of reels on his Instagram that reflect the vibe perfectly. KIRE can be seen with a woman while they are kissing and touching each other, the clumsy shots of them together taken on a camcorder that express that all-consuming desire KIRE sings about on the track. All in all, “don’t stop” is for the dancehall lovers.
KIRE is the founder of the company H.A.L.O Music and made his debut in October 5, 2020 with the single “來 Come.” If you’re ever looking for a moody track bordering on rap, pop, and R&B, look no further than to KIRE.
SOPHIE SHREDZ – “OMG”
Need a soundtrack to scream about life? Then dive right into rockstar SOPHIE SHREDZ’s newest track, “OMG.” Blending classic rock and the electronic elements of hyper-pop, “OMG” is the kind of song that makes you halt in your tracks and forces you to listen. SOPHIE SHREDZ embraces a darker feeling, unapologetically leaning into the punk-rock core of “OMG” and releasing its “unbridled energy. “I’m a fallen angel with some cracks in my halo,” she speaks-sings, as the erratic drumbeats and electric guitar riffs take a brief pause. Behind SOPHIE SHREDZ is Sophie Ruggiero, a New Jersey-born and Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her affinity for the guitar is on full display in “OMG;” her own guitar skills have been sharply honed since becoming a dedicated guitarist at 7 years old.
As SOPHIE SHREDZ stated in a press release, “‘OMG’ is about living rent free in another person’s head. It’s about when someone’s hate for you turns into an obsession.” She continued to add, “The song pokes fun at them for wanting to tear me down when I’m thriving and living my best life.” Meanwhile, the music video for “OMG” is a kitschy — and a tad bit eerie — treat that was directed by Lucy Flores and produced/styled by MK Kopp. Shaky, unfocused camera footage and unconventional angles help take the lyric “I’m inside your head” in an almost literal direction, getting as close to “inside your head” as possible. Basically, who needs motivational talks when you have SOPHIE SHREDZ’s confidence blasting in your ears?
Liv Miraldi – “Teeth”
Sing and scream at the top of your lungs with famed singer-songwriter Liv Miraldi’s vulnerable single “Teeth.” Following her previous release “Friends of the Family,” an emotional ode detailing the complexity of infidelity through a daughter’s perspective, Liv returns with another powerful piece revolving around the struggles of mental health. Posing as a cautionary tale about the false facade of one’s outer appearance, “Teeth” asserts the reality of never truly knowing what’s going on in someone’s personal life. Infused with the sound of indie-pop and an emotional guitar riff, Liv’s soft-spoken vocals bring the poignant narration to life.
Confessing the loss of lust for life, Liv drowns under extreme depression and hopelessness as she explores the dark narrative of one’s destroyed youth and failing to thrive in life. Stated via a press release, Liv described the coming of her authentic track: “I was at my lowest during this time, grappling with profound heartbreak, loss, and depression; but, from social media all you would see is that I’d signed a publishing deal, moved to LA, and was living ‘the dream.’ When I look back on this season, the only noticeable sign that I was struggling was that I had stopped smiling with my teeth.”
Stella Jang – “I CAN DO THIS EVERY DAY”
Starting today and for the upcoming days, Stella Jung hopes her positive energy will be delivered to the public in her recent single “I CAN DO THIS EVERY DAY.” Renowned as a singer-songwriter who brings out the everyday moments of life, Stella feels pleased as she reflects on the great pleasures and delights she feels in her day-to-day routine and life. Acknowledging the times of intense weakness and absence of control in life, Stella Jang strays away from the temporary happiness obtained from flamboyant plans or ambitious goals. Through her new single, Stella, instead, sings about her small daily achievements and the happiness they bring. She also continues to compliment herself greatly for accomplishing common tasks.
Composed and written by Stella herself, this feel-good old-pop track celebrates the little successes while highlighting the strokes of serenity that come with your mundane living experiences. Filmed in a retro-like screen aesthetic, Stella enjoys herself as viewers are brought into a day in her life. Stella is seen cheerfully singing and dancing as she goes down a list of chores in her colorfully decorated home, reflecting the playful atmosphere of the song and the artist’s persona.
Laufey – “Bored”
Why don’t we call it for what it is and be honest with Laufey in her latest love story “Bored.” Featured in her new edition of her album Bewitched: The Goddess Edition, the Icelandic-Chinese musician continues the Bewitched story as she shows off a more honest and raw side of her music. In the melancholic musical narration of “Bored,” Laufey falls out of love with another who is self-possessed, self-obsessed, and — to put it simply — boring. Tired of the selfish talks and fed up with the ignorant behavior, the artist describes the negative emotional toll the other has caused upon her through his harmful behavior.
Laufey’s rich-alto voice takes various shapes throughout this mellow jazz-pop track as she harmonizes alongside the layered guitar and backing vocals. She also released an official audio video with lyrics, where she is seen leaning on a barre in a studio showing disinterest and impartial attitude to what’s around her. Laufey wears a bright red gown over a matching red leotard paired with a long red silk ribbon and blush pink ballet flats, perfectly matching the dance studio setting.
Luke Chiang – “Never Tell”
After being absent for four years due to a throat disease and getting a severe hand injury, R&B/Soul Taiwanese singer Luke Chiang made his most anticipated return with his sentimental single “Never Tell.” Opening up with emotive strings and keys, “Never Tell” works with an orchestral set reflective of a piano quartet and violin with lo-fi type beats in the background. Luke sings about his journey back to music and his healing process in between. Calling for patience and reason behind action, Luke confesses his desolation through these rough times. In “Never Tell,” he also conveys his inner turmoil through a time of helplessness, desperation, and healing.
Following the release of his fifth single, “Paragraphs,” in 2019, Luke Chiang was diagnosed with LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux), resulting in a complete halt in both career and singing as a whole. Through numerous failed treatments and defeating moments, Luke persevered and learned how to live alongside his condition while simultaneously ensuing creative outlets. Although still recovering from his case and taking it one song at a time through his rehabilitation, Luke Chiang keeps moving forward in his music career and continues to serve as an inspiration to many.
Other tracks in this week’s Sunday Spin playlist include “Little Light” by DOYOUNG, “Dear Me,” by LiSA, and “Awesome” by Sherman Zhou. 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!
