Battle of the Idols

What’s up, music pals,

I’ve got some exciting news: We’ve got new readers joining our music space! ✨✨✨

It’s been a while since I did a proper intro, so here’s a quick re-introduction:

I’m Valerie — a musical and digital creative based in Singapore, and the person behind Music Musings. I started Music Musings as a way to streamline my music recommendations into one place, and it’s since grown into a fun little way to share new finds with friends and fellow music explorers.

As a marketer by day, building this newsletter has been both creatively refreshing and an insightful learning journey. Beyond being just a space for recommendations, I hope Music Musings continues to grow into a community where we can vibe, connect, and celebrate music in all its forms.

Meanwhile, this week I’m shining the spotlight on some of this generation’s rising pop idols and bands that you might not have heard of yet, but definitely deserve a spot on your radar. While the world of groups and bands is often dominated by K-pop giants and chart-topping names, there’s a whole scene of emerging groups making waves under the surface.

So here’s my little tribute to the underrated and the up-and-coming. Because great music deserves to be heard. ✨

If you’re new to this space, here’s a big, warm virtual welcome hug. And if you’ve been here since the start — here’s a tight, grateful hug. I’m so glad to have you all here 💖

Keep rockin’ on,

Val ♫

(P.S If you are reading this in your email, please click “Read Online” at the top-right corner next to the date for a better reading experience!)

In this week's setlist:

• 🎤 Introducing Your New Bias

• 🥁 Band Beats Beyond the Streets

• 🔁 This Week’s Song on Repeat

• 🎶 New Music This Week

🎤 Introducing Your New Bias

The allure of idol groups has definitely evolved — with bigger stages, flashier concepts, and everyone vying for the spotlight, it can feel a little overwhelming to keep up. In the midst of all that dazzle, I’ve been quietly tuning into the hidden gems that don’t always trend, but deserve their own moment.

Looking for a new group to stan? Here are some songs from this week’s picks:

• Crush by Citizen Queen

• Trash by BGYO

• GIRL-FRIEND by ZOLAR

• Growing Pains by Trousdale

🥁 Band Beats Beyond the Streets

Some say punk and rock were left behind in the 2010s, but let’s be real: they never died. They just evolved and came back with new sounds, new stories, and a whole new generation of alt kids keeping the spirit alive.

Step outside your usual lineup of millennial go-to bands and give these bands a listen:

• Cobalt Blue by Any Name’s Okay

• DISCIPLE by The Warning

• Yêu by 7UPPERCUTS

• Some Kind of Magic by Grayscale

🔁 This Week’s Song on Repeat

Think of Me by HUGEL, David Guetta, Kehlani and Daecolm: Summer came early — I’ve been hooked on this track ever since I saw HUGEL drop it on his videos. I can’t WAIT to bop to this on the dance floor someday.

💌 Vibey Fuzzies

Got a song you’d like to dedicate to your special someone? We’d love to hear it!

🎶 New Music This Week

Full 180 by Eli Patterson: Let’s go on full country with the music and full on pop on the vocals — you’ll get a interesting indie rock concept.

Caught in Your Love by Boys World: ICYDK, this girl group disbanded in last July. Their time as a group may be over but the girly pop vibes in the song lives on 💃

Inspired by this week’s music picks?

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