Exciting New Music Releases This Week
This weekend promises to be bright and sunny, making it the perfect time to explore fresh musical projects. Whether you're lounging at home or enjoying a refreshing drink outdoors, dive into the latest releases of the week. Featured this week are the cold wave sounds of u.r.trax, the sonic evolution of Casablanca Drivers, the dark R&B vibes of Lolo Zouaï, gems from the COD3 QR label, the soothing voice of aupinard, the vibrant rock of Pop Crimes, the personal transformations of Egide, the talky trance of Liv del Estal, and the enchanting melodies of Gia Margaret.
Featured Artists and Their New Releases
u.r.trax – _the party is where u.r_
From childhood drumming to cold wave algorithms, u.r.trax has made her mark in the music scene. She describes her style as "1% of a lot of things," where techno basements can merge with pop codes. Today, she releases _the party is where u.r_ under the Because Music label. Crafted on the move between flights and hotel rooms, this EP places her voice at the center of a universe where reality collides with the digital realm. Committed to a philosophy of collaboration, she invites artists like BEA1991, LEGIT GIRL DJ, Petit, Sentimental Rave, and Vladimir Dubyshkin to blend genres and create a sensual identity rich in freedom.
Casablanca Drivers – _Protocol_
Just a year after their last album, _Tabloid_, Casablanca Drivers return with _Protocol_, a ten-track album that marks a significant step in their sonic evolution. The Corsican band collaborates with well-known figures in the industry, including producer Nit, who replaces their previous producer Max Baby, while renowned director Alex Courtes shapes the visual aesthetic of the project. This artistic direction enhances the band's signature, diving deeper into electronic textures while maintaining their rock roots. The album is designed for live performances, with a release party planned at the Bus Palladium on May 6.
Lolo Zouaï – _Reverie_
After two years of silence and transformation, Lolo Zouaï returns with _Reverie_, an intimate reconciliation album. For the first time, the artist explores her French and Algerian roots through R&B, hip-hop, and more Eastern sounds. Her voice dances between French and English, guiding an introspective project. Embracing her triple identity—between Paris, San Francisco, and Algiers—she moves away from American standards to create a more personal sound, collaborating with artists like Dinos, Lous and the Yakuza, and Disiz. Overall, _Reverie_ portrays an artist ready to embrace her multicultural identity, a story that is essential in a time that desperately needs such bridges.
COD3 QR (Various Artists) – _[QR]D.114.AQRFR.26_
Laurent Garnier gathers the COD3 QR family for a new digital compilation. Activist of the underground English scene, Works Of Intent kicks off the collection with "Black Ribbon," a track blending techno and pop. Following are contributions from French producer Jules Wells with "Hey!!" and Belgian veteran Marco Bailey with "Dust on my Soul," a breakbeat-infused piece. The album explores various aesthetics, including Madben's electro-tech and Kmyle's hypnotic rhythms, culminating in a collaboration between Electric Rescue and rapper Abd Al Malik featuring cellist Gaspar Claus.
aupinard – _spleen. social club_
Blending bossa nova, R&B, and jazz, aupinard is carving a unique niche in France. His debut album, _spleen. social club_, showcases a soft voice close to the microphone, creating a sound that compels head-nodding even amid melancholy. The album features collaborations with notable artists like Ino Casablanca, Anaïs Cardot, and Sonny Rave, proving that aupinard is ready for this first release, an ideal soundtrack for your spring and summer evenings.
Pop Crimes – _Bright Lights_
In 2026, rock may seem like a relic of the past, but Pop Crimes challenges that notion. This Parisian quartet creates a space of freedom where adult turmoil transforms into electric pop songs. Following a post-punk and garage foundation laid in their 2023 debut, they take a leap forward with _Bright Lights_. Recorded live to capture the energy of the moment, this album reveals a brighter facet of the band with British-influenced electric ballads, showcasing their newfound ease and enhanced songwriting skills.
Egide – _Correspondances_
The story of Egide begins with the fusion of Judith, Antoine, and Wilfrid. After gaining attention in 2022 with _Daisy Danse_, the trio accelerated from 2025 to 2026, releasing singles to pave the way for their debut album _Correspondances_. Crafted over three years, the album explores their transformations and the missed encounters that shape a life, enriched by Julien Ribeill's influence of French Touch and nu-disco within their synthetic indie rock.
Liv del Estal – _Fragile Hardcore_
Forget the neatly packaged TV talent show contestant; Liv del Estal has shattered labels since her debut in 2020. This week's music landscape is vibrant and diverse, showcasing the exciting paths artists are taking in their creative journeys.
As reported by tsugi.fr.
