Arjan Writes Newsletter #11
Arjan Writes Newsletter #11
Celebrating the state of Pop. Since 2002.
👋 Hello, Tuesday! After taking some time off, I’m still getting up to speed, so this newsletter is slightly shorter and sent out a little later than usual. My apologies! There’s so much fantastic new pop to discuss. Let’s get into it.
🍭 Bop of the Week: “Coconuts” by Kim Petras. The truth is that I will stan Kim Petras forever and ever and ever. She’s a superstar. I want her to win, and I’m serious about it. Petras is the queen of bops, so picking “Coconuts” as this week’s focus track for the Office Hours playlist should not be a surprise. "Coconuts" is a fun and flirty romp that helps to further detail Petras's distinct brand of girl power with a wink and smile. Listen HERE.
🌟 Much has already been said about the new Adele album. It’s flawless. One of the best things about this new album cycle is that Adele has been doing lots of promo and interviews. One highlight for me is Adele’s interview/session with beauty blogger Nikkie Tutorials. We see Adele in her rawest and purest form, which is the best Adele. Watch it HERE.
🔥 It’s all systems go for Gayle’s “abcdefu.” Playlists are leaning in, and it feels Gayle is primed for a massive breakout moment. Listen HERE.
🎄 ‘Tis the Season. I love that there are tons of artists out there crafting fun holiday music that will keep playlists and celebrations fresh and up to date. My favorite new holiday tracks this season include Jamie Miller “Home By Midnight,” Darren Criss “Christmas Dance,” Tyler James Bellinger “Christmas Without You,” Duncan Laurence “Wishes Come True,” Sigrid “Home To You (This Christmas),” Sia “Santa Visits Everyone,” Wrabel “This Christmas,” and Alessia Cara’s collaboration with Pentatonix on “Frosty The Snowman.” Make sure to have a pop holiday!
💛 An excellent release to check out this week is Hastings’ self-titled debut EP. I know very little about this Nashville artist except that he clearly has a knack for crafting high-grade pop music. I picked “Chapstick” as my bop of the week a few weeks back, and now here’s Hastings delivering an entire collection of immaculately crafted pop gems. There’s a whole lotta talent at work here. Don’t miss out. Listen HERE.
Office Hours Playlist Updates
📅 To the uninitiated, Office Hours is my new passion project to support and nurture new artists. Periodically, I will open up my Twitter DMs for official office hours to meet new artists, listen to pitches, and provide instant feedback. It’s been a gratifying experience to help out and lend an ear.
Every week, I add a selection of pitched songs to my Office Hours playlist on Apple Music. This playlist also includes tracks that I feel are extraordinarily great and fit the spirit of the Office Hours playlist: new, next, noteworthy, and very pop.
Thanks for all your pitches and suggestions for the Office Hours playlist.
🔥 My quick takes on some of the tracks I added this week:
“Coconuts” by Kim Petras. Don’t overthink it. This is my bop of the week. Listen HERE.
“Crisis” by Joshua Bassett. Bassett is such a gentleman. He let his ex-girlfriend (you know who) finish her story before putting out his response. “Crisis” is a heartfelt answer to a very personal situation. His gentle navigating of circumstances should earn Bassett his drivers license. (Listen HERE)
“Soaked” by LÉON. Sublime new single by the Swedish singer with a gorgeous ‘80s glow. (Listen HERE)
“Walk On Water” by Julian. There’s a joy and optimism about Julian’s music that’s infectious. He released his sophomore album late last month that’s excellent. “Walk On Water” is one of my favorite songs on the LP. The chorus is such a big release. It gives me goosebumps every time. It’s a well-crafted pop tune that gives me an appetite for more. (Listen HERE)
“Not Over You” by Joan. The Little Rock, Arkansas duo are truly the kings of sad bops. This one catches all the feels. (Listen HERE)
“Stable Life” by Dhruv. There’s something endlessly compelling about Dhruv’s DIY pop that’s both moody and filled with soul. Drhuv’s music is drenched in purity that makes it truly timeless. I'm excited about his forthcoming debut LP. (Listen HERE)
“Blank Me” by Hastings. Hasting is a rapidly emerging pop artist who should be on every self-respecting pop fan’s radar. This is the lead track from his debut EP. It’s a polished pop smasher with an emo-ish chorus that makes it very here and now. (Listen HERE)
“Go To Hell” by Clinton Kane. Ok, wow. Clinton Kane is very good. This track takes it to the edge of pop where it lives very comfortably. I think it has smash written all over it. I hope it gets a real shot. I want Kane to win. (Listen HERE)
“Sweet Talker” by Years & Years and Galantis. Olly really snapped on this one. What mighty stomper this is! The power of pop in full effect. Irresistible. (Listen HERE)
The state of Pop is strong.
Thank you for tuning in to my newsletter this week. I appreciate all the artists for sharing their music and ideas via direct message and email. My Office Hours on Twitter will return a little later this month.
Look for a fresh new edition of this newsletter every Saturday. Subscribe, share, and spread the love. (I’m also on Facebook now if that’s your social network of choice.)
And remember, always, the state of Pop is strong.