Steamboat Locals strives to be the place you learn about new music first! Whether it’s a new song from an artist you know, or an innovative sound from an artist you ought to know, Steamboat Locals is constantly updating our music selection each week. Here are some new songs added just this past week:
“Trippin On You” – John Butler Trio
“Trippin On You” is the latest single from John Butler that serves as the lead single from his forthcoming studio album, marking the third installment in his ‘Four Seasons’ project—a series of four albums reflecting different periods of his artistic journey. Recorded in Fremantle with co-producer James Ireland, “Trippin On You” blends infectious melodies with heartfelt lyrics. Butler describes the song as an exploration of the effort required to maintain the positive aspects of life, stating, “This song is about relationships, work and internal narratives. I’m struck that ALL good things in my life need work to maintain their goodness.” The release of “Trippin On You” coincides with the announcement of an extensive U.S. summer tour. Butler will be performing alongside artists such as Dispatch, Donavon Frankenreiter, G. Love & Special Sauce, and Illiterate Light, with dates in Colorado on August 7 at Red Rocks and August 8 at Dillon Amphitheater.
“Azizam” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s latest single, “Azizam” serves as the lead track from his forthcoming eighth studio album, Play. The title “Azizam” is a Persian term meaning “my dear” or “my beloved,” reflecting the song’s romantic theme inspired by Sheeran’s wife, Cherry Seaborn. Collaborating with Swedish-Iranian producer Ilya Salmanzadeh, Sheeran infuses the track with elements of Persian music, incorporating traditional instruments such as the ghatam, daf, and santoor. This cross-cultural approach aims to blend Sheeran’s signature acoustic style with exotic rhythms, creating a danceable and heartfelt composition. In discussing the song’s creation, Sheeran expressed a desire to explore new musical territories. “Azizam” incorporates Middle Eastern instruments and rhythms, it retains Sheeran’s quintessential English pop essence, blending familiar acoustic guitar work with new cultural elements. This fusion exemplifies Sheeran’s ability to innovate within his established musical framework. Accompanying the single’s release, Sheeran announced his intention to adopt a more dynamic approach to sharing music, aiming to release new songs every two to three weeks leading up to the full album launch. This strategy reflects his desire to engage listeners with a steady stream of fresh content and maintain a continuous connection with his audience.
“Hear Me Roar” – Scott Nice with Siren & Seer and Heather Christie
“Hear Me Roar” is a collaborative single by producer Scott Nice, duo Siren & Seer, and vocalist Heather Christie that track blends organic instrumentation with electronic production, featuring a prominent banjo melody layered over bass-driven rhythms. The song’s fusion of folk elements with modern electronic beats exemplifies the artists’ commitment to genre-blending and innovation. Scott Nice, known for integrating acoustic sounds into electronic music, has a history of collaborations that bridge diverse musical styles. Siren & Seer, the duo of Luke (a.k.a. saQi) and Bria (a.k.a. Diamonde), began their joint musical journey in 2020, combining their individual artistry into a unified project. Heather Christie brings soulful vocals to the track, enhancing its emotive depth. Reflecting on the collaboration, Scott Nice expressed that working with friends adds a special flavor to the music, allowing their relationships to extend out into the world through their combined contributions. This sentiment underscores the communal spirit that permeates “Hear Me Roar.”
“Idiot Box” – Sharon Van Etten
“Idiot Box” is a standout track from Sharon Van Etten’s collaborative project, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, which marks a significant evolution in Van Etten’s musical journey, embracing a darker, gothic-inspired sound that diverges from her earlier folk and indie roots. Thematically, “Idiot Box” serves as a compelling call to break free from the confines of passive consumption and to engage more actively with the world. The lyrics, particularly the refrain “Come on outside, let me hear those thoughts,” encourage listeners to step away from isolation and express themselves openly. “Idiot Box” exemplifies Sharon Van Etten’s artistic evolution, offering listeners a thought-provoking and sonically rich experience that challenges them to engage more authentically with themselves and the world around them. Sharon Van Etten will be playing in Denver on May 12 at the Ogden Theatre.
“Afterlife” – Michael Schulte
German singer-songwriter Michael Schulte’s newest release delves into themes of love and loss, reflecting Schulte’s introspective songwriting style. delves into the profound themes of enduring love and the belief that connections can transcend even death. The song’s poignant lyrics express a commitment so deep that it promises reunion beyond this life, encapsulated in lines such as, “I will find you in the afterlife.” Currently, Michael Schulte does not have any upcoming concerts scheduled outside of Europe for 2025, but that could change soon as he continues to find critical acclaim with this release, alongside the also recently released “Broken Sunshine” and “Beautiful Reason.”
“Relationships” – HAIM
“Relationships” marks HAIM’s return to the music scene after a three-year hiatus, released in March. This single serves as the lead track from their forthcoming fourth studio album, introducing a fresh sonic direction for the band by blending elements of ’90s R&B with HAIM’s signature style. The lyrics delve into the cyclical nature of love and heartache, posing existential questions about the inevitability of relationship struggles and whether they stem from personal immaturity or inherited patterns. Lines like “Don’t they end up all the same when there’s no one left to blame?” encapsulate this introspective theme. ”Relationships” was initially written in 2017 during the sessions for their previous album, “Women in Music Pt. III,” but was set aside until the band felt the timing was right. This release not only signifies a new chapter for HAIM but also showcases their evolution as artists, embracing new production collaborations and musical styles while maintaining their introspective lyrical approach.
“back to friends” – sombr
sombr, born Shane Boose, is an American singer-songwriter and producer from New York City’s Lower East Side, who original gained viral attention with is his self-released singles on social media platforms. Now, signed with Warner Records, sombr released “back to friends” on December 27, 2024. The track delves into the complexities of transitioning from a romantic relationship back to friendship, capturing the emotional turmoil and longing that accompany such a shift. sombr’s poignant lyrics and emotive delivery resonate with listeners navigating similar experiences. Since its release, “back to friends” has garnered significant attention, accumulating over 71 million global streams across platforms. “back to friends” exemplifies sombr’s ability to craft relatable narratives within his music, blending indie and alternative elements to create a sound that is both unique and universally appealing.
“Communicating” – Bad Suns
”Communicating” is the latest single from American pop-rock band Bad Suns. The song captures the essence of a quintessential Southern California experience, inspired by frontman Christo Bowman’s drive through Los Angeles on a sunny day. He aimed to sonically recreate that blissful feeling with whimsical synths, an intoxicating groove, and funky rhythmic licks informed by the colorful sounds of Japanese City Pop. Lyrically, “Communicating” delves into the early stages of Bowman’s relationship with his now-fiancée, reflecting on the initial conversations and unspoken expectations that laid the foundation for their 12-year journey together. Bowman reflects, “Lyrically, I was inspired to reflect and sift through my memories of our earliest times together, back when we couldn’t have possibly predicted what the future held in store for us.” ”Communicating” marks Bad Suns’ first new music since their 2023 EP, “Infinite Joy,” and showcases their continued evolution, blending nostalgic influences with contemporary pop-rock sensibilities. Bad Suns will be in Colorado Springs on June 1 at the Black Sheep.
Don’t miss these exciting new tracks and keep an ear out for more updates on upcoming concerts and events in Colorado. Whether you’re a fan of folk, indie-pop, bluegrass, or rock, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the Steamboat Locals Choice for Music!
