The dog days of summer are here, and these new tunes are perfectly cool. For your tropical vacations and poolside hangs, we’ve got the best new metal, indie, pop-punk, and rock finds that just dropped in July. From Arankai to lolitslea and beyond, these new songs will be your favorite new listens this month.
Arankai — “Meant To Live” (Switchfoot Cover)
Metal artist Arankai just dropped his own cover of Switchfoot’s “Meant To Live” for Hopeless Records’ Songs That Saved My Life. The artist shared, “’Meant To Live’ was my gateway to rock music, and I’m honored that I get to enjoy such a full-circle moment singing this song. As a young kid growing up, I needed an outlet that reflected how I felt and lyrics that impacted me personally. This song managed to do all of that. Switchfoot was the first rock band that I listened to at 12 years old, and they changed how I thought about music. Switchfoot became a great source of inspiration and shaped how I think about rock ‘n roll. Their musical and lyrical inspiration still applies to me today.” You can catch Arankai on tour this fall. Grab tickets here.
lolitslea — “Summer 09”
Following the release of “BURNOUT!! BURNOUT!!” lolitslea is back with a nostalgia-inducing summer bop, aptly titled “Summer 09.” The artist shares, “It was the year between middle school and high school (for me). The first year I had full ‘freedom’ (no summer school, no camps) to ride my bike with my friends, have my first kiss, galivant my neighborhood. A nostalgic-sounding, coming-of-age summer anthem. Inspired by ‘Kids In Love’ by Mayday Parade.” The track is set to appear on lolitslea’s upcoming sophomore record RollerCoaster Tycoon, due out on September 15.
Empires In Orbit — “Cat Eyes”
Empires In Orbit, aka Gary Mann and vocalist Fe Malefiz, has released their new track “Cat Eyes.” Mann shares, “I almost scrapped this song before giving it to Miriam to write vocals to. I wanted to challenge myself to writing a horror trap song and thought I did an ok job, but it was so simple I didn’t think it would work. Miri said send it anyway and we’ll see what happens. Turns out, it’s our banger. Funny how that works.” Catch the new track on their upcoming LP Audiodrome, due on August 14.
Lovely Colours — “Safe & Sound”
Seattle’s Lovely Colours is going to be your next favorite indie-rock group. They just launched their new single, “Safe & Sound,” and it’s a must-listen. Bassist and lyricist James Rosales says of the track, “‘Safe & Sound’ is us exploring a different space creatively. We wanted to lean into something more raw, dark, and urgent while keeping the moody, sparkling core that feels true to Lovely Colours. We’ve been experimenting with new songwriting and production ideas, and this song felt like the perfect introduction to where we’re headed. It’s been exciting to watch it come alive in our live set, and it’s absolutely the kind of song you crank up in your car or throw on your headphones.”
Radkey — “Victory”
Public domain is a beautiful thing, and Disney’s Steamboat Willie got the punk-rock treatment in the new Radkey video for “Victory.” And don’t be surprised if you see it in an upcoming hype video this football season. The band says, “When we were recording or going on tour, we’d always watch the Foo Fighters ‘Back and Forth’ documentary to get us pumped up. In that documentary, Dave mentions that he wanted to write an amazing set opener. So we’ve always wanted to write that ultimate opening song for our sets. We came up with the idea to do a song about the Kansas City Chiefs that’s just about kicking ass and winning. It gets you in the perfect headspace for a show.”
The Hails — “Fool”
The Hails better be all up and down your summer playlists with their soothing indie rock sounds. Preceded by the single, “Story Of You And Me,” the group has revealed their new offering, “Fool.” The band’s Franco Solari says that the song “speaks to when we choose to play the fool in our relationships, deceiving ourselves about truths about our partner that we choose to deny, even though we may know better.” Robbie Kingsley adds, “‘Fool’ makes you feel like you’ve walked into a leopard-print room with your best leather jacket on and been greeted by a waitress holding a martini. You think you’ve made it to heaven, but she ends up throwing the drink in your face just for the hell of it. But you kind of like that.” This fall, you can catch The Hails on their headlining Duckpond Tour. Grab tickets here.
Ryan Oakes feat. Set It Off — “Lights Out”
Ryan Oakes and Set It Off‘s Cody Carson may have just dropped the collab of the summer. Oakes shares of the release, “’Lights Out’ is a high-intensity, confrontational track about taking control and making sure everyone knows the stakes. It’s about showing up, standing your ground, and dealing with anyone who crosses the line without hesitation. The song mixes tension, swagger, and danger, painting a picture of someone who is calculated, unstoppable, and not afraid to assert dominance. At its core, it is about power, presence, and the thrill of walking into a situation where you set the rules and the consequences are unavoidable.”
Carson shares, “I’m so excited that Ryan and I finally got to collaborate. We’ve done some
writing sessions for his songs in the past, and I really love his style and the way he thinks
of lyrics. He’s just a really talented rapper, singer, and overall artist. When he sent me the
pitch for ‘Lights Out,’ I listened and immediately fell in love with it. It had an energetic,
punch-you-in-the-face vibe that I resonated with so much, and I could instantly hear what
I could do on the track. With my boy Jayden Seeley in the studio, it was just a big friend
fest. It was all love and fun. It’s my pleasure to be on this, and I’m glad Ryan invited me
to be a part of the song.”
