Caroline Polachek – ‘Pretty Impossible’

The current it girl of alt-pop Caroline Polachek brought us the soundtrack to the latter half of February with her album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You. Fusing electronica with garage and a touch of house, she’s created a downtempo masterpiece that is an early candidate for album of the year. ‘Pretty Impossible’ is the song Caroline said she was most proud of in an interview with Crack magazine. Inspired by the string section on Massive Attack’s ‘Unfinished Sympathy’, it’s a dreamy trip-hop track full of lush violins and scatty beats. And that spoken word section is to die for.

Paramore – ‘Running Out of Time’

Paramore made their much-welcomed comeback after a 5-year hiatus this February with This Is Why. Anxious and introspective, the album deals with a myriad of global issues such as war and the pandemic and explodes with nervous energy providing a cathartic experience for the listener. ‘Running Out of Time’ is one of the best tracks from the album. Singer Hayley Williams wittily jests at her poor time management in this light-hearted melodic track that proves that the post-punk revival isn’t dead. Feel the tension slip away as you dance to those stabbing guitar riffs.

Janelle Monáe – ‘Float’

You’ll ‘Float’ to Janelle Monáe’s triumphant new track that’s “light as a feather”. The single is the first new release from the singer from 2021 and features Fela Kuti’s youngest son, Seun Kuti, as well as his band, Egypt 80. Janelle showcases her rapping skills on dub influenced track featuring a rich brass section and groovy guitar riffs. We’re hoping that this chill uplifting song could be pointing to a new era for the R&B singer and that more new music might follow!

Lizzo & SZA – ‘Special’

The dream team-up of course is in our playlist. This month Lizzo and SZA dropped a remix of  ‘Special’ featuring SZA providing stunning backing vocals to the fantastic tune. Motivating, uplifting, and comforting – it’s the ideal song for turning a rainy day to sunny.

PinkPantheress & Ice Spice – ‘Boy’s a Liar pt. 2’

PinkPantheress’ TikTok hit ‘Boy’s a Liar’ got a revamp this month when the singer collabed with our favourite new rapper Ice Spice this month. The suitably titled ‘Boy’s a Liar pt. 2’ brings us everything we loved about the original plus an outrageously catchy verse from the orange-haired baddie. We dare you not to sing along.

Lana Del Rey – ‘A&W’

‘A&W’ is the most exciting piece of work Lana has released in some time. The seven-minute-long song, which was released on Valentine’s Day in the Americana queen’s typical romantic style, is broken into two parts and manages to refer to personas Lana embodied throughout her impressively varied career. It starts with a piano-driven melancholic melody before plunging the listener into an electronic R&B beat with distorted vocals reminiscent of tracks from Ultraviolence. We can’t wait for when Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd hits streaming next month.

Jessie Ware – ‘Pearls’

The ever-classy Jessie Ware gave us a taste of hazy luxury this month with her latest single ‘Pearls’. Bringing us a funky nu-disco moment, ‘Pearls’ is full of the singer’s usual uplifting energy packed with lively keys, great backing vocals, and whispery addressals.If ‘Pearls’ is anything to go by we know we’ll love Jessie’s fifth album That! Feels Good! dropping on the 28^th April.

Kelela – ‘Enough for Love’

Warm and full of longing, the R&B track ‘Enough for Love’ is the fifth and final single from Kelela’s album Raven, which dropped earlier this month. Kelela’s second LP is another early contender for album of the year. The angelic-voiced singer expertly shapes a hypnotic nocturnal soundscape that’s desire-filled, mediative, and utterly rich – its sound and energy is unmatched. 

Maisie Peters – ‘Body Better’

Maisie Peters voices her anxiety over body issues in ‘Body Better’ which every woman can, unfortunately, relate to. Although the lyrics touch on a sensitive spot for many the track is a refreshing sway-inducing pop tune. Featuring frills, cake, and um… blood, the music video for the track sees pop’s newest sweet-faced princess getting her hands dirty whilst on a picnic with her friends. It’s sugar-sweet with a dark twist and we’re here for it.

Princess Nokia – ‘Closure’

Princess Nokia gets angsty on their newest single ‘Closure’ switching their signature pop rap style for noisy alt-electronica. With boisterous drums and raw riffs, Nokia channels her sadness and anger over a failed relationship into a catchy breakup anthem that will heal the heartbroken. 

Yunè Pinku – ‘Night Light’

A twilight set electronic maze of twinkling sounds, Yunè Pinku’s progressive house track ‘Night Light’ sparkles as an endlessly replayable unique dance track. The London-based artist never fails to produce interesting, dreamy tunes that have us dancing the night away in a trance.

Nia Archives – ‘Conveniency’

Jungle heads will love Nia Archives’ liquid D’n’B and neo-soul fusion. As expected from the fun-loving DJ, singer, songwriter, and producer ‘Conveniency’ brings all the good vibes for pre or post-club antics. With scatty beats and gorgeous layered harmonies, it’s a sunny track that will put a smile on your face. The track is a single from Nia’s forthcoming EP Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall set to come out next month – keep an eye out for more playlist-worthy tunes.

Yaya Bey – ‘Exodus the North Star’

Vulnerable neo-soul will always have a place in our hearts and playlists. Brooklynite Yaya Bey’s ‘Exodus the North Star’ fuses neo-soul and reggae to create something special that we can’t stop playing. Yaya’s unique vocals pack a punch starting soft and then crescendoing into a powerful performance as she begs her lover to take her to paradise. It’s an ultra-romantic track that we’re goo-goo for.

_{Words by: Molly Sutherland}

_{^{Header Image: artist collage}}

The post You Need These February Faves In Your Playlist appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Paramore

The pop punk band make a much-welcomed return in 2023 with their sixth studio album This Is Why set to release next month. Paramore will embark on a huge tour that starts in February and will run through until early August. Supported by the likes of Bloc Party and Foals this is one party you’ll find us at.

Shygirl

Our favourite mythical creature will be visiting a venue near you this year as she undertakes her world tour to promote her ethereal debut album Nymph which came out last year. With intergalactic trancey beats, flashing neon lights, and Shygirl showcasing glittery garms we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Taylor Swift

Probably the most anticipated tour on our list. The Eras tour will mark Taylor’s first tour since 2018. Having not had a chance to tour Lover, Folklore, and Evermore due to the pandemic the tour will be in support of all her albums including of course her latest Midnights that came out last year. The tour will feature an extraordinary number of amazing women-led support acts such as Paramore, beabadoobee, Phoebe Bridges, Girl in Red, MUNA, Haim, Gracie Abrams, and GAYLE. Whilst so far only US dates have been announced for the first leg something tells us more dates will be following shortly.

Weyes Blood

Weyes Blood, the mystical soft rock singer-songwriter Natalie Mering, has set off on her In Holy Flux tour. The tour started back in December and the singer will cover the US and Europe by its end in April. Evoking eerie folk-pop vibes these shows will give all those who love a bit of spooky feminine magic life.

SZA

The woman of the moment SZA is due to start her tour exhibiting her R&B masterpiece SOS in February. The album, which came out in December last year, has been praised by critics as one of the best albums of 2022. At the moment only US dates have been announced but we’re crossing our fingers for UK dates to be dropped soon!

The Weeknd

We are unbelievably excited to see Abel Tesfaye perform Dawn Fm, his 80s-inspired dance/R&B album, on his After Hours Til Dawn Tour this year. The second leg of the tour continues in June with The Weeknd playing Europe, the UK, and Latin America. We’re sure seeing ‘Sacrifice’ live will be mind-blowing.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith will be undertaking a huge tour to celebrate the release of their album Gloria, which comes out later this month. The ‘Stay With Me’ singer’s tour starts in April and will run all the way to November with the tour beginning in the UK. Sure to bring healing energy as well as a few spicy moments, their shows will be a blast.

Lizzo

If you’re looking for a night full of fun and giggles look no further. Lizzo is touring The Special Tour commencing next month with dates in the UK, Europe, and the US. The tour will be promoting Special the funk-pop-disco hybrid that came out last year and includes the banger ‘About Damn Time’. We think it’s about damn time you get tickets.

Angel Olsen

American singer-songwriter Angelina Maria Carroll, better known by her stage name Angel Olsen, will be continuing her winter tour from now until March travelling through the US and then Australia. The tour will be showcasing her sixth Americana-style studio album Big Time which was released in June of last year. We just know it would be glorious to hear Olsen’s lush vocals live.

Big Thief

Big Thief had a stellar year in 2022 with the release of their highly praised alt-country inspired album Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You. The warm receival of the album as well as the popularity of their shows last year have led to another tour. After their American dates, the band will be coming to the UK in April before they move to Europe so make sure you get your hands on some tickets.

Caroline Polachek

 To promote her album Desire, I Want To Turn Into You coming next month the American singer-songwriter Caroline Polachek will be embarking on her Spiraling tour starting in the UK in February before she travels to Europe and then back to the US. Promising electrifyingly good pop music, an energetic adoring crowd, and of course stunningly chic outfits you won’t want to miss out.

Harry Styles

The British icon Harry Styles continues his Love on Tour tour this year to celebrate the release of his number one album Harry’s House. The singer is set to tour Australia, Asia, Europe, and the UK lasting until late June. Harry’s shows are sure to be a huge spectacle and with the Grammy-nominated band Wet Leg his tour is a must-see.

Words By: Molly Sutherland

Header Image: @0800shygirl Instagram

The post 2023 Music Tours We’ve Been Waiting For appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Random Access Memories – Daft Punk

With the announcement that Daft Punk were putting away their keyboards and robot heads for good back in 2021 many fans of the French House pioneers were distraught. This iconic duo brought us dance tune after dance tune and their four studio albums will influence electronic music for decades to come. Their last and most daring album, Random Access Memories, turns 10 later this year. The album was released on 20^th May 2013 and featured impeccable guest such as Panda Bear, Julian Casablanca, Nile Rodgers and of course Pharrell Williams – it’s no wonder it was such a huge success with critics and fans alike. Random Access Memories sat at number one on the UK Album Charts for two weeks and also won Album of the Year at the 2014 Grammys. The flawless ‘Get Lucky’ will forever be in our hearts and our playlists. 

Pure Heroine – Lorde

The New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde redefined pop music with her debut album Pure Heroine ten years ago in 2013. The album, whose birthday is on the 27^th September, features luscious double-tracked vocals with deep dark bass set to electronic drum beats. It is regarded as one of the best albums of the 2010s by critics and has fans in artists such as Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Dave Grohl and the late David Bowie as well as influencing the music of Conan Gray and Olivia Rodrigo. Chart-topper ‘Royals’ had a hold on all of us in our teen years and it continues has a hold on us now. “We don’t care/ We aren’t caught up in your love affair!”

Paramore – Paramore

With Paramore scheduled to return with their sixth studio album This is Why on 10^th February 2023 it seems fitting that their eponymous 4^th album should be turning 10 years old on the 9^th April this year. The album was a huge success for the band being ranked as among the best of the year as well as of the decade. ‘Ain’t It Fun’ also won the group a Grammy for Best Rock Song. Paramore featured the pop punk singles ‘Now’, ‘Ain’t It Fun’, ‘Still Into You’, and ‘Daydream’ that still have us jumping up and down in our bedrooms as they did back in 2013.

Vaudeville Villian – Viktor Vaughn – 16th September 2003 – Turning 30 This Year

The late great MF Doom, Daniel Dumile, had a lot of aliases he released music under, one of them being Viktor Vaughn. Although he only released two albums under Viktor Vaughn Vaudeville Villain is certainly one of his finest. Released on the 16^th September 2003 the album, which turns 20 this year, is a masterclass on how to make interesting, fun and off the wall hip-hop. Viktor’s flow is smoothly transfixing and the production on the album is perfect with great samples that create a dark and intriguing sound. Whilst Doom may be gone his music still has a magical effect on his listeners.

Be The Cowboy – Mitski

Japanese American singer-songwriter Mitski Miyawaki solidified herself as the coolest girl in indie rock with her fifth studio album Be the Cowboy released on the 17^th August 2018. This year we celebrate its 5^th birthday. The album was universally acclaimed by critics and was Mitski’s first album to feature on the Billboard 200 and charted in the UK, Canada, and Ireland as well as the US. Combining joyful pop with brooding lyrics about feeling unloved and damaged Mitski’s music speaks to young women globally. The tracks ‘Washing Machine Heart’, ‘Nobody’, and ‘Me and My Husband’ exploded on TikTok and encapsulates the female angst as Fiona Apple’s music did for women in the 90s. 

Dirty Computer – Janelle Monáe 

The multitalented queen of the androids Janelle Monáe’s album Dirty Computer will turn 5 on 27^th April this year marking 5 years since we were last blessed with her music. The album features several familiar artists such as The Beach Boy’s Brian Wilson, Zöe Kravitz, Grimes, Pharrell Williams, and most notably Prince who collaborated on the whole album before his death in 2016. As ‘Make Me Feel’ is the ultimate pop anthem and ‘Pynk’ is a sweet sexy number we can’t stop playing – there’s no doubt that the album holds up. Whilst Janelle has been busy with her acting career starring in the Knives Out sequel Glass Onion, horror film Antebellum, and the live action/CGI remake of Disney’s Lady and the Tramp we hope that she finds time to make more funky music soon!

Isolation – Kali Uchis

Isolation by R&B star Kali Uchis is another album turning 5 this year. The album, which came out on the 6^thApril 2018, features a bundle of talented artists such as Bia, Steve Lacy, Jorja Smith, Reykon, Gorillaz, Tyler, The Creator, and Bootsy Collins resulting in fun, cool, playful, laidback tracks that demands attention. Since its released Isolation has been certified as gold in the US having sold more than 500,000. This timeless R&B album continues to bring joy to our lives and playlists. ‘Dead to Me’ and ‘After the Storm’ in particular bring the vibes we just love.

Wolf – Tyler, The Creator

Speaking of Tyler his second studio album Wolf turns ten in 2023. The ground-breaking alternative rapper turned heads with Wolf, released on the 2^nd April 2013, which combined the witty lyrics on tracks like ‘Domo23’ with blunt honesty demonstrated on ‘Lone’ and ‘Answer’ where on the latter he expresses the desire to talk to his estranged father. The album features stars such as Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams, Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, and legendary R&B singer Erykah Badu. With so much variety on one record Wolf still holds up as one of the best rap albums of the 2010s.

Frank – Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse will always be one of Britain’s biggest icons. Her death in 2011 crushed the nation but her fiery spirit lives on through her hugely influential soulful music, bold style, and selfless charity work. Nearly 20 years ago, on the 20^th October 2003, gained attention with her jazzy debut album Frank. Smooth, seductive, and just oozing charism and charm Amy secured herself as the artist to watch for the noughties and stole our hearts. We still love sticking this album on and chilling out with Amy as she croons sultry ballads about the woos of her love life.

Oracular Spectacular – MGMT

MGMT supplied us with the perfect bangers for our house parties, seshes, and club nights when they flooded on to the indie scene with their debut album Oracular Spectacular back in 2008. The American duo released the album on the 22^nd January with positive reviews from critics and the catchy yet melancholic tune ‘Time to Pretend’ won the group an NME award in 2009. Whilst ‘Kids’, ‘Time to Pretend’, and ‘Electric Feel’ are instantly recognisable bops those who aren’t familiar with the rest of the album should absolutely check it out for some funky psychedelic tracks that still sound fresh 15 years later.

_{Words By Molly Sutherland}

^{Header Image : @whoismgmt Instagram}

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