SOTW: “The Edge” – The American Dawn

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Isabelle Braudakis ’25

Song of The Week: “The Edge” – The American Dawn

Released: February 7, 2025

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Them and I, Paradise Blossom, Beach Vacation

The American Dawn, the project of Tennessee singer-songwriter Isaak Wesley Isbell, has been steadily carving out a name in the indie music scene. Isbell started out producing songs in his bedroom, relying on raw talent rather than a big studio or industry connections. His debut single, “Her,” dropped in July 2024 and quickly gained traction, racking up over 35 million streams in just six months. Thanks in part to TikTok, where the song’s emotional depth struck a chord with listeners, The American Dawn built a growing fanbase eager to see what he’d do next. His latest release, “The Edge,” which came out in February 2025, proves that his breakout success wasn’t a fluke—he’s an artist with real staying power.

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AOTW: The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Thursday, March 20th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Fiona Galang ’27

Album of The Week: The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Released: January 31, 2025

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Lana Del Rey

The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow is an immersive sonic journey that showcases his continued evolution as an artist. The album blends elements of R&B, synth-pop, electronic, and alternative sounds, creating a dark yet captivating atmosphere. In this album, the artist collaborates with Anitta, Florence + The Machine, Future, and others. 

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AOTW: Annie DiRusso – Super Pedestrian

Thursday, March 6th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Elizabeth Kosik ’25

Album of The Week: Annie DiRusso – Super Pedestrian

Released: March 7, 2025

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Indigo De Souza, Soccer Mommy, Bully

Annie DiRusso is an indie-rock artist from NYC, now based in Nashville, who blends garage rock energy with pop-driven melodies. Her music pulls from both cities, creating a style that feels both raw and catchy. She’s built a dedicated fanbase through her singles and debut EP, “Don’t Swerve,” leading up to her first full-length album.

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AOTW: Sam Fender – People Watching

Thursday, February 27th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Fiona Galang ’27

Album of The Week: Sam Fender – People Watching

Released: February 21, 2025

Rate: 7/10

RIYL: Bruce Springsteen, The War on Drugs, Arctic Monkeys

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SOTW: “Lying in the Sun” – Kook Joey

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Elizabeth Kosik ’25

Song of The Week: “Lying in the Sun” – Kook Joey

Released: January 22, 2025

Rate: 9/10

RIYL: Maggie Rogers, Renforshort, Beabadoobee

Kook Joey’s debut EP, Losing Limits, introduces her folk-inspired sound with a nostalgic 60s influence. Collaborating with Luke Carruana and Chris Smithson of Caravana Sun, as well as producer Tobias Priddle, she crafted a collection of songs that reflect her musical journey. The EP blends deep folk elements with warm, sunlit tones, creating a heartfelt and immersive listening experience.

One of the standout tracks, “Lying in the Sun”, captures the easygoing, reflective nature of Kook Joey’s style. Recorded in Sydney with Carruana and Smithson, the song embraces a laid-back energy, shaped by their outdoor writing sessions. Mixed by Priddle, it highlights her ability to blend organic instrumentation with soothing melodies, making it a defining piece of Losing Limits.

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AOTW: Sophie Jamieson – I Still Want To Share

Thursday, February 13th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Genevieve Torkornoo ’25

Album of The Week: Sophie Jamieson – I Still Want To Share

Released: January 17, 2025

Rate: 7.5/10

RIYL: Flora Hibberd, Fionn Regan, Paramore

Sophie Jamieson is an alternative and indie singer. She’s starting off the year right with a full studio album called I Still Want to Share. The album features a wide variety of music, ranging from guitar to orchestral instruments like violin and cello, adding warmth to the sound. One of my top picks from the album is “Camera,” which also happens to be the title track.

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SOTW: “Dub Vultures” – The Convenience

Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Song of The Week: “Dub Vultures” – The Convenience

Released: February 10, 2025

Rate: 9/10

RIYL: Parquet Courts, Blur, Squid

The Convenience is a band that thrives on blending nostalgic sounds with a modern touch. Drawing inspiration from decades past, they craft music that feels both familiar and fresh. Their approach to melody and tone reflects a deep understanding of genre fusion, whether it’s funk-infused grooves or raw, emotive guitar work.

“Dub Vultures” leans into early 2000s angst with precision, layering whiny guitars over a restless rhythm that captures the emotional turbulence of youth. The track’s “spidery” guitar work is sharp and deliberate, weaving a Ziggy-like tone that feels uniquely personal. The Convenience nails the balance between replication and originality, making “Dub Vultures” a compelling listen that resonates with both nostalgia and modern sensibilities.

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AOTW: Bad Bunny – Debi Tirar Mas Fotos

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Isabelle Braudakis ’25

Album of The Week: Bad Bunny – Debi Tirar Mas Fotos

Release: January 5, 2025

Rate: 10/10

RIYL: Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, Maluma

Once again Bad Bunny has set the stage for all Latin artists around the world. Not only has he perfectly mastered and mixed a reggaeton album, this time, he incorporates traditional Puerto Rican sounds such as salsa, bomba, and plena, creating a perfect blend that showcases his passion and love for music and most importantly, his home.

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AOTW: Flora Hibberd – Swirl

Thursday, January 16th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Album of The Week: Flora Hibberd – Swirl

Release: January 17, 2025

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Cate Le Bon, Deradoorian, Kate Bollinger

Flora Hibberd’s debut album, “Swirl,” is a thoughtful exploration of language, connection, and the spaces where meaning slips through. Based in Paris but originally from the UK, Hibberd draws on her experience as a translator to craft poetic, layered lyrics that blur the lines between French and English. Each of the album’s 11 tracks feels like a reflection on how we communicate, weaving together themes of hidden codes and fleeting moments of understanding.

The album showcases Hibberd’s range, with songs like “Remote Becoming Holy” offering a whiney yet affectionate vocal tone reminiscent of FKA Twigs. “Jesse” stands out with its sentimental lyrics, while “Code” leans into folk-inspired beats, creating a grounded yet expansive sound. Produced by Shane Leonard in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, “Swirl” feels intimate and deliberate, capturing Hibberd’s unique voice and vision. It’s an album that invites listeners to pause and reflect, rewarding them with layers of emotion.

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