“My truth…” shared Demi Lovato last night, along with her new single, Sober. The 25-year-old singer, who is open about her past struggles with drug use and alcoholism, admits to breaking her six years of sobriety. “Mama, I’m so sorry I’m not sober anymore,” go the lyrics. “I wanna be a role model / but I’m only human/ I’m sorry that I’m here again / I promise I’ll get help / It wasn’t my intention.” The release follows her beautiful guest feature on Fall In Line from Christina Aguilera’s new album, Liberation. Want to offer moral support? Go scream for her performances in London on 25 June and Birmingham on the 29th, but first, stream Sober a bunch of times on i-D’s BEST NEW MUSIC playlist.
Almost as moving is the second single from Amsterdam artist RIMON. We premiered her Soul Train-inspired debut Grace back in January, and have been sitting waiting patiently for more. Nighttime, written from the perspective of a stripper, is a laid back R&B number with deeper meanings that touch on — according to RIMON — “Hindu beliefs about Lakshmi, Alakshmi and the white owl.” Cool.
We already told you about Florence + The Machine’s stunning Big God and the witchy video that comes with it. Same goes for Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande’s Pharrell-produced the light is coming. And new 88rising-signee Lexie Liu for that matter, who, though already pretty well known in China, just unleashed her new single on the wider world for the very first time.
Elsewhere, in funkier climes, Kamasi Washington has released his spectacular third full-length, Heaven and Earth. With it came a super geeky Street Fighter-focussed visual for Street Fighter Mas, the theme tune Kamasi created for his video game alter-ego. Legend. We’ve got album track Connections opening playlist proceedings today, with over 8 minutes of jazz hijinks. Also in the funk department is Nile Rodgers and CHIC with — wait for it — Mura Masa, Vic Mensa and Cosha (FKA Bonzai) with new banger, Til The World Falls. Surprising line-up, totally great result.
There’s loads more, including new stuff from artists as diverse as Years & Years, MorMor, Ojerime, Jaden Smith, Roisin Murphy, Skepta, Couros, Underworld x Iggy Pop, and the return of both Paul McCartney and Death Grips. Separately. Enjoy!
Want more playlists? Try Aussie band Cub Sport’s take on queer love songs.