Top new music releases on August 15

It’s Friday, and that signifies the start of a seven-week countdown until the arrival of Taylor Swift’s new album. While the allure of show business is strong, let’s not overlook the exceptional new music releases that can soundtrack your anticipatory excitement. This week, Dijon, a Maryland artist blending R&B and rock, takes center stage with a surprise album titled Baby. Known for collaborations with Bon Iver, mk.gee, and most recently, Justin Bieber, Dijon’s Baby is a sample-rich collection reflecting on fatherhood and personal growth.

Molly Tuttle is another artist breaking new ground with her album So Long Little Miss Sunshine, which includes a bold cover of an Icona Pop track. Joseph Decosimo, on the other hand, goes back to traditional folk standards with Fiery Gizzard, adding his own touch to the genre. Stephen Thompson is joined by Amelia Mason from WBUR in Boston to dive into these albums and more on this episode of New Music Friday.

Here’s a rundown of some of the albums discussed:
– Dijon, Baby: Fans of Mk.gee and serpentwithfeet will appreciate Dijon’s latest work.
– Marissa Nadler, New Radiations: Those who enjoy Angel Olson and Laura Gibson will find solace in Nadler’s new release.
– Molly Tuttle, So Long Little Miss Sunshine: If you like Margo Price and I’m With Her, Tuttle’s album is worth a listen.
– Pile, Sunshine and Balance Beams: Ovlov and Cloud Nothings fans will enjoy Pile’s new offering.
– Joseph Decosimo, Fiery Gizzard: Followers of Sam Amidon and traditional old-time music will appreciate Decosimo’s exploration of folk standards.

For more in-depth discussions and the best songs from these albums, tune in to NPR’s All Songs Considered podcast, available on the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. In the Lightning Round segment, five more albums worth exploring are highlighted, but not fully discussed, to save you time. You can find the best tracks from these albums on New Music Friday playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms.

As you delve into these new offerings, remember that there’s always more to discover beyond the mainstream hits. Take a chance on some new music this week and let the sounds of these talented artists guide your journey into the weekend. Happy listening!