Welcome to Beats of the Week, KLAT’s hot new spot for discovering the freshest sounds and rising stars in the music scene! Every week, we will be handpicking the hottest new tracks and artists that deserve a spot on your playlist. Whether it’s a catchy chorus that gets stuck in your head or a beat that makes you move, we’ve got something here for everyone. Our list is packed with new releases, notable mentions, and some tunes from our team’s current rotation. Get in and discover the songs that are making waves and setting the tone for the week ahead!
Sabrina Carpenter – “Taste” and Short n Sweet Album Sabrina Carpenter is back with a bang! Her new album Short n Sweet, released on August 23rd, has been trending since it dropped, particularly with the standout track “Taste,” featuring the ever-popular Jenna Ortega. The classic horror-inspired music video, sees Carpenter and Ortega going from fierce fighting to an unexpected kiss, is a visual treat that’s sparked a lot of conversations online. The video has already garnered over 26 million views, proving that Carpenter knows how to keep her audience hooked.
Asake – “Lungu Boy” Asake continues to dominate the charts with his hit album “Lungu Boy,” released earlier last month. Although it’s been a while since its release, the album remains a fan favourite, thanks in part to collaborations with big names like Travis Scott on “Active” and Wizkid on “MMS.” Asake’s ability to blend Afrobeat with contemporary sounds is what keeps his music fresh and exciting.
KATSEYE – “Touch” Girl-group pop is so back! Released last month, newly debuted international girl group KATSEYE dropped their first EP, “Soft Is Strong”. Formed through the survival show “Dream Academy”, the group includes six girls from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Accompanying the album, a Netflix docu-series was also released, showcasing where the programme started all the way up to the debut of KATSEYE. Arguably the most popular song from their EP is “Touch” with its catchy chorus and viral TikTok dance trend, the song is guaranteed to be stuck in your head for weeks. The music video itself is visual perfection from transitions, to styling to showcasing the payoff of the girls’ intense training.
Nathan Misra – “Survivor’s Guilt” Welsh artist Nathan Misra’s “Survivor’s Guilt” is a powerful song that speaks to the collective anxiety of our times. Misra’s message is clear: “Don’t let the fear debilitate and divide. If you are down know that hope comes from the guiding light in your heart. Be patient with yourself, with the world. There are no strangers, just brothers and sisters. Find common ground. Sometimes union requires discomfort, sometimes we must concede our point of view to allow room for another’s, while still holding to our truth. Recognise what truly threatens your peace, and know that your peace is your wealth. Protect it all costs and share it freely, because when you are in your peace, you are in your power.”
Jungle – “Let’s Go Back” Jungle have done it again by delivering another groovy mood-booster to round off the summer. Together with this single they’ve dropped a music video, once again starring the fabulous dance moves of Will West. The song itself is quintessential Jungle with their infectious rhythms that ignites a feeling you that just makes you want to dance!
A$AP Rocky – “HighJack” featuring Jessica Pratt– A$AP Rocky’s latest release, “HighJack,” featuring Jessica Pratt, is an eclectic mix of sounds that stands out from a lot of his other records. Co-produced by Greg Kurstin, Hitkidd, Jordan Patrick, and Zach Fogarty, “HighJack” also includes background vocals from Creed B Good and Jon Batiste, adding a rich, soulful layer to the track. Rocky himself described Pratt’s influence as a combination of Portishead and Stevie Nicks, and it shows in the song’s atmospheric vibe. The video, which recently dropped, only adds to the song’s allure, making it a must-watch.
The Dare – “Perfume” The Dare has been making waves recently with his uniform-esque black skinny suit and being dubbed ‘the poster child for indie sleaze’. His new album “What’s Wrong With New York?” dropped on September 6th and features his hit song “Girls”, originally released in 2022. One of the breakout tunes from this album that we’ve been loving is “Perfume” with its accompanying music video that looks like it was pulled from a 2010s Calvin Klein ad. This capitalising on nostalgia is something we’re seeing more and more of and The Dare is no different with bringing back that trashy, sweaty, club culture aesthetic, reminiscent of the mid 2010s.
Maddie Regent – “Sleeptalking” Brooklyn-based pop artist Maddie Regent is kicking off a new era with her single “Sleeptalking.” Known for her dreamy vocals and emotive songwriting, Regent’s latest track is a lush, synth-pop anthem that explores the darker side of self-sabotage. Co-produced by Cade Hoppe and Harper James of Eighty Ninety, “Sleeptalking” mixes organic instrumentation with electronic elements, creating a sound that’s both grounded and ethereal. The song captures the tension of wanting to be happy but being unable to shake off a looming sense of unease. It’s a relatable theme that Regent navigates with grace and honesty.
And that wraps up this edition of Beats of the Week! Whether you’re in the mood for pop, rap, or something more introspective, there’s a track in this week’s lineup that’s bound to resonate with you. We hope you’ve found some new tunes to add to your rotation.
If you’ve got a track that deserves a spotlight, don’t hesitate to share it with us. Your music could be the next big thing on our list.
Read more from the Beats of the Week Column
