Happy Nuance Friday! We’re onto September, that special month that Billie Joe Armstrong always slept through. When the school buses start to roll out, and it feels like possibility is in the air. This week, we got some thoughtful gems, surprising collabs, and groovy rhythms to help start the month and soak up some of that hopeful energy. 

A.G. Sully – “EASIER TO BE ANGRY”

The Nashville-based, immensely talented genreless, alt-r&b leaning A.G. Sully releases her new single “EASIER TO BE ANGRY” Inspired by the anger from a recent breakup, the song contemplates hatred towards an ex as an emotional copout, protecting the self from dealing with the more painful truths. Centralizing Sully’s breathtaking voice with soft guitar plucks, shimmering keys, and soft backing vocals, the track breaks the listener’s heart in the sweetest way possible.

The single’s side-b, “TIRED (of being angry),” unveils another perspective of the healing process, featuring an intimate spoken-word verse documenting Sully’s reflection on her writing “EASIER TO BE ANGRY” with half a year of hindsight, with poetic lines like “Forgiveness like freshly washed sheets / Like a shower but the water never runs cold.”

Big Narstie feat. Ed Sheeran & Papoose – “Groundwork”

UK grime legend Big Narstie teams up with New York freestyle MC Papoose and Ed Sheeran on “Groundwork”–Instrumentally riding the line between hip-hop and pop with a melodic groove, the three each find their pocket on the track, with Big Narstie delivering a laid-back yet explosive opening verse, Papoose’s wordplay bringing his hard-hitting NYC perspective with slick wordplay, and Ed Sheeran pulling up emphatically on the hook. 

Elderbrook & Tourist – “Howl”

The multi-platinum London-based electronic artist Elderbrook releases vibey new collaboration with Tourist, “Howl,” a dreamy house track built upon a dance-ready groove, spacey synths, and layers of euphoric vocal melodies. The single kicks off Elderbrook’s upcoming rollout and coincides with his tour supporting ODESZA on the duo’s North American Stadium tour. 

Alex Warren – “Headlights” 

Social media influencer turned musical artist Alex Warren makes his highly-anticipated Atlantic debut with “Headlights”–an emotionally charged, reflective track that shows off Warren’s impressive vocal ability.

Be sure to check out Arlie’s live “N The Sticks” performance with Nuance, if you haven’t already, as well as our new Zine Issue featuring an interview with Arlie-frontman Nathaniel Banks and much more!