Sunday Spin: New Releases From G-DRAGON, EASHA, MICO, and SURL
Sunday Spin is EnVi‘s weekly music showcase, where we bring you the hottest global hits in our curated playlist. Join us every Sunday for new music that sets the perfect tone for your upcoming week.
Dive into the rhythm of the moment with our specially curated playlist, featuring the hottest new releases that are redefining the soundscape. From electrifying beats to soul-stirring melodies, discover the tracks that will keep your playlists fresh and your spirits high.
G-DRAGON – “POWER”
K-pop titan G-DRAGON is back after a seven-year music hiatus. His electrifying new release, “POWER,” is a high-voltage anthem that radiates his signature confidence and flair. Crafted alongside hitmakers Tommy “TB Hits” Brown, Theron Thomas, and Steven Franks, “POWER” is G-DRAGON’s first solo release since 2017’s KWON JI YONG—the EP that redefined boundaries. Dropped through Galaxy Corporation and EMPIRE, the track fuses infectious hip-hop beats with G-DRAGON’s razor-sharp nasal rap.
He’s unbothered by the haters’ chatter, determined to prove them wrong with the sheer power they lack. In the chorus, he sings, “Do not waste your time, yeah, it’s gotta be me/Prove ‘em all wrong, I’ve got all the receipts.” Moreover, he emphasizes that his power stems from his accomplishments and achievements, setting him apart from others who may resort to corruption. His lyrics exert that true influence does not require underhanded tactics; his success is built on talent, hard work, and a string of impressive milestones. His accompanying music video bursts with vibrant colors and playful pop art, creating a visual feast that matches the energy of the track. Whether he’s surrounded by bold graphics or dynamic backdrops, G-DRAGON’s movements exude a sense of carefree confidence and a magnetic charm that will draw you in.
G-DRAGON has made waves as a member of the legendary group BIGBANG, credited with shaping the modern K-pop landscape and influencing a generation of artists worldwide. From pioneering fashion trends to his record-breaking solo endeavors, he’s collected awards, accolades, and a dedicated fanbase along the way. G-DRAGON’s back, and he’s ready to conquer.
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MICO – “The one to fall”
A Sunday Spin wouldn’t be complete without an angsty track, and EnVi‘s favorite pop rock musician MICO has just the song for us. Having entered a new era over the summer with his heartbreaking single “HOMESICK,” MICO returns with a selection of heart-tugging tracks in his fifth EP Internet hometown hero. Rich with new sounds and unheard narratives, MICO paints himself vulnerable in his intimate rendition of love, relationships, and the human experience. Reminiscent of 2000s pop rock, track “The one to fall” immediately grips listeners into a riveting experience both instrumental and lyrically. Over crying electric guitar and booming drums, MICO conveys a deep sense of longing, regret, and emotional complexity within a long-distance relationship.
Grappling with feelings of fear and vulnerability, “The one to fall” describes the struggle for emotional reciprocity while tackling the uncertainty dwelling around them about the future. MICO recognizes the difficulties of maintaining a connection when separated by distance and time. With the repeated chorus, “I’m hating how it played out on the day I had to leave / ‘Cause now I’m scared to love the thought of you the way you did with me / I know you’ll break and bend, and meet your end, before I’ll ever be / The one to fall for someone I could barely see,” highlights the lasting impact of these emotions and the speaker’s internal conflict about love and connection. Similar to the track’s heart-wrenching story, the accompanying lyric video shows MICO passionately singing while intensely miming the track’s instrumental performance.
Following the release of his EP, the artist plans to end his year with his final concert taking place in his hometown Toronto and start off the new year with an EU tour kicking off on February 8 with shows hosted in cities such as Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
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Laufey – “Santa Baby”
Halloween might have just wrapped up, but it’s never too early for A Very Laufey Holiday. Defrosted and ready for the winter season, jazz queen Laufey celebrates the festive holidays with her playful vocal jazz rendition of the classic Christmas song “Santa Baby.” Decorated with jingling sleigh bells and a whimsical orchestral score, Laufey keeps the seductive vocal tone while adding in fun jazz intonations via wind instruments and strings. This bossa nova-infused track gives the classic holiday song a fresh, upbeat twist, wrapping it in a joyful sound. The playful vibe is boosted by its lively rhythm and the catchy new lyrics, “Hurry up, be mine! / Santa baby, ah!” sung between the verses.
For listeners who wish to gather around the screen, Laufey gifted an early Christmas present to fans with a beautifully produced music video. Featuring American actor and comedian Bill Murray as the narrator, Laufey performs her program “Santa Baby” across varying sets on stage. With a small number performed by principal dancer Isabella Boylston of the American Ballet and fellow ballet dancers, Laufey performs alongside the quartet as they joyously (and comedically) conclude the tale as old as time.
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EASHA – “Exciting! Exotic! Evil!”
Healing souls one song at a time, Indian pop singer-songwriter EASHA continues to live widely and think deeply with her glamorous single “Exciting! Exotic! Evil!” Fueled by life’s perils and the thrills of the unknown, EASHA has curated a track meant to blast in your car for the perfect main character moment. Contrary to her prior soft-woven single EPs Love Letters and Gray Area, “Exciting! Exotic! Evil!” takes an experimental turn into the soundscape of indie-rock. Riding on a classic arrangement of acoustic and percussion, the song’s soft band instruments complement EASHA’s gentle yet vigorous vocals.
Personifying the song’s spirited instrumentals, “Exciting! Exotic! Evil!” is all about buzzing emotions of vulnerability and electrifying expectancy. The lyrics evoke a tense, dramatic atmosphere reminiscent of spy thrillers, exploring themes of danger, betrayal, and moral uncertainty. EASHA underscores the intoxicating allure of a dangerous lifestyle as she confidently recites “Exciting, Exotic, Evil!” With an explosive bridge singing, “I pulled the trigger / and I saw the papers / and I was trapped in corners / it was torture until it was over / I’ve felt the panic and I’ve beat the devil / and it’s a thrill until you hear the…” EASHA welcomes all the gritty romantics to sing loudly alongside her in this journey of adventure called life.
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BL8M, AKUGETSU – “Blink Gone”
After six months of anticipation, Korean artists AKUGETSU and BL8M, best known as the voices of original characters Till and Luka, return with a captivating duet. Serving as the following installment of the original animation series ALIEN STAGE, “Blink Gone” presents itself as an alt-rock track infused with a strong pop sensibility. It kicks off with a pulsating bass drum and shimmering cymbals, creating a vibrant fusion of lively electric guitar and lush violin. Despite their distinct musical styles and vocal strengths, AKUGETSU’s gritty vocals blend seamlessly with BL8M’s smooth tones, resulting in a captivating harmony. BL8M’s enticing slides between octaves and rich vocal colors draw you in, while AKUGETSU’s powerful and energetic delivery elevates the already thrilling listening experience. Singing of carpe diem, indie artist and director VIVINOS and animator and co-director QMENG illustrate the lyrics’ vibrant celebration of living in the moment and savoring the joy of life as it unfolds. Before we dive into the track’s lyrical and visual content, we would like to place a quick spoiler warning for listeners and viewers who have yet to watch the series. Team EnVi highly recommends watching the series rounds prior to this to fully grasp the following breakdown.
Following the aftermath of the previous round “Cure,” “Blink Gone” follows characters Till and Luka standing on the final stage of survival. With the catchy refrain “Oh, in a blink, gone,” the song emphasizes the fleeting nature of time, urging listeners to forget their worries and immerse themselves in the present. It paints a lively picture of parties and music, encouraging everyone to dance, let go of any burdens, and leave all your regrets behind. The imagery of colorful lights and electrifying energy creates an irresistible atmosphere, inviting viewers and listeners alike to embrace the thrill of now before it slips away. Ironic to the animation’s unfolding, this anthem serves as a reminder to seize every moment and enjoy life to the fullest. VIVINOS and QMENG brilliantly enhance the poignant narrative with an exhilarating animation that highlights the inner struggles of our tormented characters, contrasting beautifully with the song’s theme of life.
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mxmtoon – “passenger side”
Get ready to vibe, because mxmtoon is back with her brand-new album liminal spaces, and it’s an indie-pop treasure trove that’s bound to hit you right in the feels. Standout single “passenger side,” a bouncy track that perfectly captures the relatable dilemma of reflecting on a past love—because who hasn’t wished they could hit rewind?
With a catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, “passenger side” sets the stage for a playful yet poignant exploration of love gone wrong. mxmtoon dives into the heart of the matter with lyrics that slice through the fluff: “I’ve been giving everything I’ve got / You’ve been taking all of it (All of it) / You tell me it’s a two-way street / And I always seem to fall for it.” And when the chorus hits, you can practically feel her yearning to reclaim the time she lost in that failed relationship: “I wish that I could take back all the / Time wasted on a lover / Now I’m on the other side.” It’s a clever twist on the classic breakup anthem that invites you to bop along while musing on the lessons learned.
Known for her unfiltered lyricism and a sound that dances between dreamy and upbeat, mxmtoon’s newest release follows her 2022 album rising. With liminal spaces, she continues to carve out her unique space in the indie-pop realm, blending heartfelt storytelling with a sound that makes you want to bob your head—and maybe even cry your heart out.
TEHYA – “TRAP DOOR”
In the wild world of breakups, there are always two sides to the story, and someone usually gets the villain role in someone else’s drama. TEHYA’s newest release “trap door” flips the script on her villainous portrayal in a past relationship. The Filipino-Native American singer-songwriter said about the song, “If he needs me to be the villain in his story in order to move forward, then I’ll be the villain, but there’s no reason I can’t have fun doing it.” In this high-energy track, TEHYA cheekily leans into the drama, embracing her role as the irresistible “trap door” that lures men into a whirlwind of heartbreak with her clever and witty lyrics. Rather than shying away from the pain of a breakup, TEHYA confidently flaunts her power, crafting catchy lines that not only highlight her self-awareness but also serve as a bold reminder that heartbreak can be both fun and liberating. It’s as if she’s winking at her audience, encouraging them to embrace their inner mischief and recognize the strength that comes from reclaiming one’s story. In “trap door,” TEHYA shows that heartbreak doesn’t have to be a gloomy affair—it can be a spirited dance where she’s not just the protagonist, but the dazzling diva who knows how to turn her trials into triumphs.
TEHYA, a rising star in the alt-pop scene, burst onto the music radar with her debut single, “crowd pleaser,” l and “peach pit,” featured on the Bose x NME: C24 mixtape alongside Teddy Swims and Laufey. The song arrives just in time to mark the start of Native American Heritage Month. Growing up in Seattle, TEHYA’s Filipino, Cherokee, and Scotch-Irish heritage and her father’s influence as a funk drummer fueled her passion for music from an early age. Now a self-taught guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, and lyricist, TEHYA’s DIY, genre-blending style positions her as a fresh voice in alt-pop—unconventional, unbound, and ready to make waves with “trap door.”
SURL – “FOREST (MOUNTAIN AND ELEVATOR)”
South Korean indie band SURL returns after five years with XYRUP. The new EP features fresh tracks and previously released singles “Hypnosis” and “ringringring.” Inspired by life’s complexities, XYRUP explores themes of anxiety, loss, and the relentless pressures of categorization, capturing the band’s raw reflections on the struggles of the modern world.
The 5-minute track takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Starting slow with a melancholy indie beat, vocalist Seol Hoseung’s distinctive vocals pull you into the melody. The introspective lyrics in the first half reflect feelings of disillusionment, capturing life and dreams that aren’t unfolding as hoped: “Words floating around my dream came out of your mouth rudely / Everything that was my precious is burning down here.” Midway, the song takes an electrifying turn into a harder rock style, marked by a striking guitar solo. The second chorus intensifies with a fierce declaration: “Burn / All the things / All your mind / All you’ve got.” The track delivers the best of both worlds, offering a treat for rock and indie fans alike.
SURL is composed of vocalist and guitarist Seol Hoseung, guitarist Kim Doyeon, bassist Lee Hanbin, and drummer Oh Myeongsuk. Debuting in 2018 with the single “Stay Here”, they quickly garnered attention in South Korea and internationally for their genre-blending sound and captivating lyrics.
MEMI – “LOVE SONG”
MEMI brings a moment of reflection with her latest release, “LOVE SONG.” The evocative rock ballad captures the essence of heartbreak, weaving a narrative around the pain of a failed relationship that resonates with anyone who has loved and lost.
Despite what the track title implies, the song is anything but a love song. Rather, MEMI sings about a relationship that has soured and completely broken her understanding of what love is. Faced with disillusionment, MEMI captures the frustration and sadness met with when an her idealized vision of love meets with an angst-ridden reality. In her standout lyrics, she boldly declares “That’s why I hate love songs / I hate singing love songs.”
2024 has been a landmark year for MEMI, who performed her first U.S. show at SXSW as part of JADED’s “FRIENDS” showcase. Known for standout singles like “Guitar Pick” and “Thin Lips Club,” MEMI has also made her mark as the guitarist for the Korean indie rock band 24HOURS.
Curious about her inspiring musical journey and what she hopes to achieve next? Check out our artist spotlight on MEMI to get the inside scoop.
Other tracks in this week’s Sunday Spin playlist include “Hora Lala” by Japanese rock band KANA-BOON, “TRIGGER” by K-pop boy group THE BOYZ, and “9 LIVES” by alt-pop artist EMEI. Listen to everything mentioned and more, curated by Team EnVi only for you on Spotify.
Want more of the latest releases? Check out our previous Sunday Spin here!
