New Music Friday: Highlights from the Latest Playlist Featuring Japanese Breakfast and More

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Artists in Focus
4. The Broader Context: Indie Music in 2025
5. Playlist Roundup
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Weekly Playlist: This week's selection prominently features Japanese Breakfast alongside notable tracks from artists such as Smerz, Kae Tempest, and Lonnie Holley.
• Diverse Sounds: The playlist not only highlights indie rock but also encompasses genres like hip-hop, experimental, and alternative music, showcasing the vibrant musical landscape of 2025.
• Cultural Impact: Artists like Kae Tempest and Lonnie Holley are pushing boundaries, reflecting significant cultural narratives and societal issues through their music.

Introduction

As the sun rises on another New Music Friday, listeners are met with an eclectic blend of sounds set to invigorate the music scene for the week. Did you know that over 50 million songs streamed on platforms like Spotify every month? That figure underscores the exhilarating vastness of the music industry today and the continuing evolution of artistry. This week's featured playlist includes fresh releases that not only engage our auditory senses but also invite us into richly woven narratives—such as those from Japanese Breakfast, Smerz, Kae Tempest, and others.

In this article, we will explore the highlights of the week's music offerings, delve into the artists’ backgrounds, and discuss the notable themes and trends that emerge from their latest works.

The Artists in Focus

Japanese Breakfast – “Picture Window”

Japanese Breakfast, the solo project of Michelle Zauner, continues to charm listeners with her dreamy soundscapes. The track "Picture Window" is a shimmering integration of nostalgic pop melodies and lyrical introspection. Born from Zauner's experiences as a bi-cultural artist, her music often explores identity, grief, and resilience, resonating deeply with an audience that finds solace in her vulnerability.

Influence and Impact

Zauner's rise to prominence also reflects larger trends in the music industry where female artists are increasingly taking charge. Each note she plays is steeped in personal and cultural context, allowing listeners a glimpse into her world while fostering a connection that feels both intimate and expansive.

Smerz – “You Got Time and I Got Money”

Emerging duo Smerz returns with the pulsating track "You Got Time and I Got Money," merging electronic beats with smooth vocals. The pair, known for their innovative take on pop, delivers a narrative steeped in themes of commerce and personal connection, suggesting that in the modern world, time truly equates to money.

Kae Tempest – “Statue in the Square”

Kae Tempest’s "Statue in the Square" is a powerful entry that critiques societal norms with its raw lyricism and dynamic delivery. Tempest, whose work often intersects poetry and music, tackles subjects such as identity and the human experience, compelling listeners to reflect on their place within the corporeal and metaphysical realms of society.

Lonnie Holley (ft. billy woods) – “I Looked Over My Shoulder”

Lonnie Holley's collaboration with billy woods results in the contemplative track "I Looked Over My Shoulder." Holley's work is often deeply influenced by his background as a visual artist and his experiences growing up in the American South. Here, the listener is invited into a world rich with historical context and emotional depth, emphasizing the need for reflection amidst the chaos of modern life.

Planning For Burial – “A Flowing Field of Green”

In "A Flowing Field of Green," Planning For Burial melds ambient sounds with shoegaze elements, expressing feelings of longing and introspection in a couple of stirring moments. The track exemplifies a sonic journey, invoking emotions tied to nature and memory.

Other Notable Entries

• Speedway – “Passion Play” offers an energetic rush, characterized by rhythmic guitar riffs and an infectious chorus.
• Tropical Fuck Storm – “Bloodsport” aggressively merges rock and punk elements, bringing new life to the genre's themes of disillusionment.
• Weatherday – “Green Tea Seaweed Sea” envelops listeners with lush soundscapes, transporting them to serene vistas of creativity.

The Broader Context: Indie Music in 2025

As we enter 2025, the indie music scene continues to flourish against a backdrop of global challenges and changing listener habits. Artists are taking bold steps to not only create music but to engage with their audiences on deeper levels—both emotionally and politically.

A Shift in Sound and Theme

The ongoing pandemic has catalyzed a shift in musical themes, with many artists exploring concepts of vulnerability, communal grief, and resilience. This week's playlist reflects these sentiments through its varied offerings.

Themes of Identity

Many artists on this week’s playlist, particularly Kae Tempest and Japanese Breakfast, are repurposing their platforms to address personal and collective identities in today's socio-political climate. They wield their narratives as tools, inviting listeners to explore their identities in connection with broader societal issues.

The Role of Digital Platforms

As digital music consumption continues to dominate, playlists like the one curated by BrooklynVegan serve as cultural artifacts, creating shared experiences across diverse audiences. With millions of listeners tuning in weekly, the influence of these playlists on emerging trends and artist visibility cannot be overstated.

Playlist Roundup

The complete BrooklynVegan playlist for the week of March 21, 2025, features:

1. Japanese Breakfast – “Picture Window”
2. Smerz – “You Got Time and I Got Money”
3. Alan Sparhawk with Trampled by Turtles – “Stranger”
4. Kae Tempest – “Statue in the Square”
5. Debby Friday – “1/17”
6. Lonnie Holley (ft. billy woods) – “I Looked Over My Shoulder”
7. Planning For Burial – “A Flowing Field of Green”
8. Speedway – “Passion Play”
9. Tropical Fuck Storm – “Bloodsport”
10. Deerhoof – “Imigrant Songs”
11. caroline – “Total euphoria”
12. Arm’s Length – “You Ominously End”
13. Weatherday – “Green Tea Seaweed Sea”
14. PremRock – “Void Lacquer”
15. Friendship – “All Over the World”
16. Jeffrey Lewis – “DCB & ARS”
17. Cousines Like Shit – “No”
18. Snapped Ankles – “Smart World”
19. Index For Working Musik – “Sister”
20. Bibi Club – “Orgiastic” (Stereolab cover)
21. Dutch Interior – “Beekeeping”

Conclusion

The artistry celebrated in this week's playlist signifies an ongoing journey of exploration and expression. From Japanese Breakfast to Kae Tempest, artists are not only crafting songs but are also shaping cultural conversations that will resonate for years to come. Each week reminds us of the diverse landscape of music—filled with experiences that enrich our lives, broaden our understanding, and invite personal reflection.

As we continue to adapt to the rapid changes in the music industry and listen to the stories these artists tell, we become a part of their journey—from fleeting notes in a bustling playlist to lasting legacies in the fabric of art and culture.

FAQ

What is the BrooklynVegan Weekly Playlist?

The BrooklynVegan Weekly Playlist is a regularly curated collection of new music releases that highlight diverse genres and artists, aiming to showcase songs that resonate with listeners and reflect the current music landscape.

Who are some notable artists featured this week?

This week's playlist includes artists such as Japanese Breakfast, Kae Tempest, and Lonnie Holley, each bringing unique perspectives and sounds to their music.

How can I listen to the playlist?

You can subscribe to the BrooklynVegan Weekly Playlist on music streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music to stay updated with the latest releases.

Why is diversity in music important?

Diversity in music allows for a richer listening experience, offering audiences various perspectives and cultural narratives that can foster understanding and connection among different communities.

How often is the playlist updated?

The BrooklynVegan Weekly Playlist is updated every Friday, reflecting newly released tracks that the curators feel are noteworthy and engaging.