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As writers with a passion for all things music related, get to know the people behind every ORANGE music article through our opinions on the medium we love best.
Story by Lauren Cook
“Brockhampton is riding a wave and they don’t plan on wiping out soon. After releasing an album trilogy last year, their next album “Puppy” (originally called Team Effort) has been slated to release sometime during summer, according to the group’s founder Kevin Abstract. For me, I’m particularly anxious because I want to know what direction they will be taking with it. Knowing just how ambitious each member in the boyband is, I know they’ll be working hard to make this album different from the “Saturation” trilogy. In an Instagram live video, Brockhampton previewed a song and I feel like despite the soft album name, this album will end up being grungier than the others they’ve previously released. From a picture posted on twitter, it also appears they will be working with other big name artists like Skrillex. For me, it’s cool to see that because they’re start was so grassroots. They’re just some high school buddies and internet friends who came together to make something life-changing. So yeah, I’m pretty excited for that.”
–Lauren Cook
“I’m hoping The 1975’s “Music For Cars” will be released before the year ends. But being a fan of this band from Manchester is never an easy feat. Vague Instagram posts and the occasional Tweet from lead singer Matty Healy are often the only way to find a lead. In an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 in early 2017, Healy gestured towards a 2018 release for “Music For Cars,” but not much information has been revealed since. June 1 is always a possibility, as it references a seminal day for the band. Whenever The 1975 releases “Music For Cars,” fingers crossed that I can press play soon, I’ll be more than ready for more of their self-referential, glittery brand of pop music.”
–Kennedy Williams
“Last September, Ezra Koenig tweeted that Vampire Weekend’s long-awaited follow up to 2013’s “Modern Vampires of the City” was, “80% done but the last 20% is always the hardest.” For indie-kids everywhere, it seemed the dry spell was finally over. Working title, “Mitsubishi Macchiato,” Koenig has described the album as more in the springtime vibes than their previous albums — perfect for a late spring release. Even with multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij having left the band, Koenig has confirmed that he will be included in some of the songs off the album. Hopefully by late spring, we’ll be blessed with bouncy indie-pop tales from Vampire Weekend and a New England preppy wardrobe to accompany it.”
–Savannah Olson
“It’s been five years since Sky Ferreira released the gritty and electrifying “Night Time, My Time.” As a longtime fan, the process of waiting for her sophomore album, “Masochism,” has been nothing short of agonizing. Ferreira took to Instagram to apologize for its many delays, sharing she had been “stuck at the mercy of other people” for many years and refused to put out anything that only met “the bare minimum for some.” Despite the wait, I find it exciting that her artistry will be showcased with complete sincerity on this forthcoming album, alongside a visual EP to complement it. Her recently active on screen presence has also been comforting in its own way, with appearances in David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” revival as well as last summer’s major blockbuster, “Baby Driver.” The mere sight of Ferreira crooning a cover of The Commodores’ “Easy” for the film served as an exciting reminder for fans that something truly special from the synth-pop artist is in the works.”
–Zoe Judilla
“Maggie Rogers first burst onto my radar in fall 2016 with her single “Alaska,” the breathtaking result of her folk artist roots combining with introspection newly found in dance music. You might know the one; it’s the song from the viral video of Pharrell Williams brought to tears at a NYU masterclass. Rogers has since garnered quite the buzz for herself, following up with EP Now That The Light Is Fading in February 2017 and a trio of inventive music videos. Rogers possesses an openness in her sound and songwriting that makes it hard not to crave more after getting a taste. Fortunately, we may not have to wait that much longer for a second helping. Rogers has recently announced a summer festival circuit and been dropping hints on her social media that an album is imminent. It seems not too far-fetched to hope that we’ll finally get a new release in the next few months, just in time for Rogers to provide the soundtrack for your summer with her luminous brand of dance music.
–Annie Lyons
“Post Malone dominated 2017 after releasing his debut album Stoney in December 2016. Fans have been anticipating his sophomore album, Beerbongs and Bentleys, ever since he announced it shortly after releasing Stoney. I, with millions of other fans, were crushed when he tweeted that the album has been postponed. Since then Post has been receiving backlash via social media for still not releasing it 3 months after the initial release date. This is definitely my most anticipated album for 2018 because everything Post touches turns to gold. In an era of quick and careless rap albums, I appreciate him for taking his time on this one. However, I think a lot of fans will agree with me that it’s time for some new Post.”
— Mandie Meier
“Creating an album to follow up the success of AM must be a lot of pressure, but the Arctic Monkeys are set to complete their sixth studio album sometime this year. Lead-singer Alex Turner and drummer Matt Helders have focused heavily on side projects this year, Turner working with his other group The Last Shadow Puppets and Matt Helders recording with artists such as Iggy Pop. Listeners have been waiting for five years now to see what tunes will release that will inevitably rule our summer playlists again. I’m certainly interested in what direction this album will go in, and whether they will go back to their more rock heavy roots like in “Favourite Worst Nightmare” or stick to the smooth sound that brought them so much fame with AM.”
–Gabrielle Sanchez