The month of March is known for bringing greenery, new life, and the promise of warmer weather. Although it’s currently still snowing here in St. Paul, MN, the past month’s music releases were ripe with debut albums and jams about growing from insecurity and self-doubt.
This month, Soccer Mommy (a.k.a. Sophie Allison) released her debut album, Clean. Since its release, the album has resonated with fans across the country for its unfiltered exploration of insecurities, identity, and love. In the album’s mere 34 minutes, Allison speaks back to controlling and manipulative exes, reflects upon formative relationships, and reveals the uncertainties she holds for her future. The album is a beautiful statement on the messy and unpredictable years of young adulthood, and has made Soccer Mommy a household name.
Los Angeles-via Minneapolis rapper, Lizzo, released a new single called “Fitness.” The track is filled with Lizzo’s unwavering self-confidence. She raps about working out and investing time in her body, while reminding us, “I don’t do this for you.”
R&B artist Ness Nite dropped her debut album, Dream Girl. On the song, “Tightrope,” Ness Nite outlines her journey to trust herself and not turn to anyone else for approval.
Cardi B finally graced us with another song this month, titled “Be Careful.” “Be careful with me/ It’s not a threat, it’s a warning,” Cardi B sings on the song’s hook. She reminds us that despite her strength and fierce independence, she still deserves a love that can be gentle.
Haley Heynderickx released her first full-length album, I Need to Start a Garden, this month. “I’m tired of my mind getting heavy with mold,” Heynderickx sings on the track, “Oom Sha La La.” The song dips in and out of moments of self-doubt, and at the end of each chord progression, the guitar slips in a downward chromatic motion. However, instead of giving into her doubts, Heynderickx channels that uncertainty as the song builds. The song reaches its climax as she screams, “I need to start a garden!”
That line has stuck with me since I first heard it. It’s rolled around in the back of my head and has served as a personal mantra for the month of March. Maybe instead of letting the stresses of our daily lives compound and grow moldy, like Heynderickx, we can learn to turn that raw material into fodder for new growth.
Use the player below to listen to the full playlist:
- “Pristine” – Snail Mail
- “Room” – Shamir
- “Scorpio Rising” – Soccer Mommy
- “Tightrope” – Ness Nite
- “Reflections On The Screen” – Superorganism
- “California Finally” – La Luz
- “Velvet Elvis” – Kacey Musgraves
- “AZ” – Now, Now
- “Fitness” – Lizzo
- “Be Careful” – Cardi B
- “Caramelize” – Frankie Cosmos
- “Oom Sha La La” – Haley Heynderickx
Pass The Mic 