April has given way to May, and as the months change, maybe it’s time for a refresh. That means out with the old playlists and in with the new. Speaking of new, indie artist Kendall released her debut single ‘Tell Me’ today, May 1, 2026. This round-up pairs it with other recent releases to bring into the new month!
Kendell – Tell Me
‘Tell Me’ is a gorgeously produced acoustic pop track that benefits from the bright warmth that it brings to the table. The vocals have a high-pitched buzz to them in a way that plays along beautifully with the acoustic guitar, and the percussion smoothly carries the tempo and rhythm along. It’s warm and summery in sound, but it also has quite a bit of emotion to it. Additionally, there’s some nice emotiveness in the vocals that helps to drive a theatrical nature. Lyrically, it’s about wanting to hear about stories and dreams and being vulnerable while trying to find the strength to move forward.
Sara Mateos – Friends Not Friends
‘Friends Not Friends’ is an emotional track that uses piano, cello, and soft percussion to carry things along. The vocals in this track pop out well, and there are portions with harmonies that add a lot of beauty to things. What really shines, though, are the vocals. They have a deep emotional drive to them, and this does well at delivering the deep narrative to be heard in the lyricism. When it comes to the lyrics, this track seems to be about the need to move on from toxic friendships to grow and move forward in life. It tackles concepts such as insecurity and troubles with moving forward.
Arianna Chetram – Candy Babe
‘Candy Babe’ is serving R&B pop idol realness with the bendy, rhythmic vocals and instrumental bounce. This track is so full with its several guitar layers, some being plucky, and some being melodic fingerpicking. The percussion is really simple, but that works well, as the rhythm of each instrumental aspect carries the track. This goes the same for the vocals. The smooth, sultry drive of the vocals in this track is astounding and does well at giving something to sing along to. This track seems to capture a back-and-forth love with an allure to it, but an aspect of wanting not to have the relationship shared out loud.
Lusinate – Truth Hz
‘Truth Hz’ is a house EDM bop with hyperpop influences that has an absolutely addictive energy. The bass drops have really great build-up and a really strong delivery. Also, the way that layers of instrumentation build over time leaves something new to raise the energy around every corner. It fades back at times with moments that are more vocally driven, which once again build from there. The main focus seems to be on the musicality, but it also captures a narrative of yearning for another. Also, the pick-up at 2:07 is absolutely fire!
Dr. GO – The Valley
‘The Valley’ benefits from adding some really well-mixed guitar layers and vocal harmonizations to Dr. GO’s electronic sound. Listening to it from the start feels like going on a journey, as much of his music does. It feels natural and earthen, but then a snare line ushers in electronic synths that make it sound like a futuristic voyage through space. This one does great because even without the regular synths, it holds up. Then, it blends the guitar sounds with the electronic sounds so cleanly. This one doesn’t just feel like another instrumental synth song. It feels like an adventure.
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Polina
