It’s New Music Friday yet again, featuring another stacked lineup, from indie rock heartbreakers to K-pop icons stepping into their own artistry as soloists.
As we step into this sizzling summer weekend, there’s a track for whatever mood you’re in and whatever whims may carry you. Ready to discover your latest music obsession? Just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Aug. 21, 2026.
(Photo credit: Pacific Music Group)
1. Vacations Try Not to Get Left Behind With ‘Last Call’
Australian indie-rock band Vacations just released “Last Call,” the third single off their upcoming album, Pursuit of Anything, out Oct. 2. The warm and jangly rock track uses the image of last call at a bar to capture the very real fear of time rapidly slipping away, with frontman Campbell Burns reflecting on the anxiety of feeling stuck in trivial routines while life keeps moving forward.
In a press release, frontman Campbell explained that the new song was inspired by his love for “short and snappy pop songs.” He went on to say, “I always find it a fun challenge to write one, and I figured this album needed its own moment. ‘Last Call’ is based around the idea of feeling like you’re running out of time to achieve certain milestones. Maybe it’ll be okay, maybe it won’t, maybe your version of success is something else entirely, and that’s okay too.”
2. Balu Brigada Refuse to Rest With ‘BedHead’
Brother duo Balu Brigada just kicked a brand new next era with “BedHead,” their first new release since 2025’s acclaimed debut album, Portal. The dreamy, pulse-pumping alt-rock track arrives alongside an official music video and a packed international touring schedule, including upcoming arena dates supporting sombr and festival stops at Austin City Limits and All Things Go. Just like the song says, they’re not slowing down until they make their dreams a reality.
“‘BedHead’ is about trading sleep for a dream,” shared Henry and Pierre Beasley of Balu Brigada in a press release. “It’s being aware of all the hurts and heartaches that inevitably come from pursuing a passion project and deciding it’s worth doing anyway. Written after the busiest year of our lives, ‘BedHead’ bittersweetly details the sacrifices we make to relationships, sleep, and home life, and comes to the conclusion that we wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m g-g-g-good with that.”
Also read about: 50 of sombr’s Most Iconic Lyrics From I Barely Know Her and Beyond to Use as Instagram Captions
3. Kat Velasco Covers America’s ‘Ventura Highway’
Just because a song is a cover doesn’t mean it can’t also be deeply personal, and Kat Velasco’s new cover of American’s “Ventura Highway” is proof. Her version of the track was inspired by the loss of her brother, Evans, and his powerful connection to the state of California. Kat channels all of her grief and loss into a nostalgic, hopeful tribute about imagining staying on the road with him forever. It’s also set to appear on her upcoming debut album.
“‘Ventura Highway’ is a song I have loved since I was a child,” Kat explained in a press release. “After losing my brother Evans a year ago, it has taken on an entirely different meaning. Not only did my brother spend his final days in California, he absolutely loved it. There is something about the song that is so incredibly nostalgic and hopeful. It’s like being on the road with someone you love, though life is moving forward I’m always wishing I could stay in a moment with him forever. The imagery of California, the open road and sense of freedom completely embodies who Evans was and the way that he lived. Covering ‘Ventura Highway’ became my way of honoring him without making the tribute only about loss. It gives me peace in my mind to imagine him somewhere free and carrying him with me wherever the road takes me.”
4. BJRNCK Keeps the Story Going With A GIRL LIKE ME (Deluxe)
BJRNCK just expanded her A GIRL LIKE ME album with an impressive deluxe edition, adding five new tracks including collaborations with Fetty Wap and TINK as she focuses on bringing old-school romance and emotional honesty back to R&B. The deluxe also includes her recent single “Coming Home” with G Herbo for a sprawling 17-track collection.
“A Girl Like Me was already enough,” BJRNCK shared in a press release. “The Deluxe is just extra pressure”
5. Louis The Child Recruits Elohim for 3rd Collab, ‘Wish You Were Here’ Featuring Elohim
It’s pure magic every time electronic duo Louis the Child and singer Elohim team up, and their third collab together, “Wish You Were Here,” may be their best yet. The vibrant, fuzzy electronic track brings on the nostalgia, pairing Elohim’s tender, aching lyrics with Louis The Child’s playful and euphoric production. It’s glitchy and fun even as it describes a longing for the past and the desire to return to something that no longer exists.
“Third time’s the charm for us and Elohim,” Louis The Child said in a press release. “This one is lyrically emotional but sonically carefree and fun. It feels very true to where we’re both at, and we’re so proud to have maintained such a great collaborative relationship with Elohim. Hope you enjoy!”
Also read about: These Louis The Child Lyrics Also Make Perfect Instagram Captions
6. Ruth B. Comes to Terms With Life in Peace to Make Album
Ruth B. just dropped her third album, Peace to Make, and it’s precisely the kind of dreamy, yearning project we can find ourselves lost in for days at a time. Melding R&B and lo-fi pop sounds, its dozen tracks are about making peace with some of the harsh realities of life, whether than means accepting that your best days may be behind you or not being able to be with the one you love, but looking forward regardless, believing happiness is still possible. It’s reflective and nostalgic, and just the thing to set the mood when you need a good cry.
“Finally, finally finally!” Ruth wrote in a post on Instagram. “Can’t believe I’m saying this … My album Peace To Make is coming August 21 💗 I’ve spent the last few years living and writing this album. Its been one of the most beautifully challenging and transformative times of my life. Being able to weave these stories and melodies into one body of work has been so fufilling and knowing it will be yours soon… well I’m just so happy. 💗”
7. Cruz Beckham Shows Us What He’s All About With Debut EP, Wear & Tear
Cruz Beckham has officially released his debut EP, Wear & Tear, and its a testament not just to the rising star’s musical prowess but also to his authentic connection with the fans. Recorded with his band, The Breakers, the EP’s six tracks were curated with feedback from fans on tour, shaped by the audience that’s gotten him to where he is today. We adore his sound, evocative of our ’90s Britpop favorites, and can’t wait to hear him on the road, as he kicked off his debut headline U.S. tour just last week.
“This EP is a tribute to the live shows that kickstarted my career,” Cruz shared in a press release. “Everyone who’s come to the show, who I met, I’ve listened to the songs they wanted out and here they are. I can’t wait for these to be in the world. It’s the beginning of a beautiful journey we get to take together.”
8. paris jackson Captures Joy and Angst With HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE
Almost six years after the release of her fan-favorite debut album, wilted, paris jackson is back with the release of her unforgettable sophomore album, HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE. Its 11 tracks lean into hazy alt-rock sounds, with paris’s lyricism and songcraft becoming more open and raw, as well as more confident, than ever. The release includes beloved singles “zombies in love,” “teenage drama,” and “stitched (on & on),” crafting a powerful coming-of-age story about the highs and lows of the human experiences and figuring yourself out along the way.
“I made this record for teen-me, and for anyone else that felt the way I did at that time,” Paris wrote in an Instagram post. “Rock on my angsty tumblr girlies.”
Also read about: Powerful Paris Jackson Lyrics to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
9. Sam Smith Opens Up to True Love With Hazel Eyes
Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Sam Smith just released their fifth album, Hazel Eyes, a stirring tender project that was three years in the making. Its 12 tracks creative a narrative taking us through the experience of falling in love, unfolding in real time—and inspired by Sam’s real-life romance. Sam co-produced the album, combining elements of pop, country, R&B and folk sounds as they learn to finally love openly and develop full trust in a relationship.
“In many ways, this album brought me closer to myself than I’ve ever been,” Sam said in a press release. “It taught me to embrace what comes naturally to me as an artist and honor the music I love most, which is timeless pop that connects with people from all walks of life. It also showed me that being vulnerable isn’t just about exposing your pain—it can be just as vulnerable to be openly romantic. And in the world we’re living in right now, singing about queer love with complete honesty and directness feels very important.”
10. Tiffany Young Goes Solo With Edge of Calm
Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany Young just released her debut solo album, Edge of Calm, showcasing her one-of-a-kind talents as she sets out on her own musical journey. The swoony R&B title track centers on the power of simply being present for someone during life’s hardest moments, driven by vulnerability, reassurance and quiet resilience. Its 11 tracks showcase Tiffany’s range as not just a vocalist, but also asongwriter and creative director. She’s also celebrating the release with the Edge of Calm Tour, kicking off Sep. 12 in Hong Kong. After more than a decade shaping global K-pop, we love seeing Tiffany embrace her own spotlight.
“10 years of music, memories and growing together and somehow … here we are, still sharing these moments,” Tiffany wrote in a post on Instagram. “Thank you for listening, for staying and for meeting me somewhere between the chaos and the quiet. This chapter means more to me than I can put into words, and it feels so special to finally share it with you. heres to letting these songs become a little part of your story, too… with all my love, always.”
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Aug. 14, 2026.
