Squirrel Flower — the moniker of Massachusetts singer-songwriter Ella Williams — has released a pair of new songs, “Ruby at Dawn” and a cover of Björk’s “Unravel,” both of which will appear on her new Planet EP, out Jan. 28 via Polyvinyl.
Planet primarily features self-recorded demos of songs that didn’t make the final cut of Squirrel Flower’s latest album, Planet (i), as well as two songs that were recorded during the Planet (i) sessions but not included on the album. Capping it all off is the cover of Björk’s “Unravel,” which Squirrel Flower tackles with the slightest instrumental accompaniment, placing her layered, effects-laden vocals at the forefront.
Squirrel Flower also released a music video to accompany “Unravel,” with Williams saying in a statement: “I filmed the ‘Unravel’ video by projecting open source footage of underwater lava cooling into rock over myself. I love the way the lava unravels and moves, looks like yarn, looks like a heart. It represents to me the tension and pain and exuberance of love.”
“Ruby at Dawn,” meanwhile, begins with just vocals and a lone synth hum, but later blossoms with a clattering percussion, a soulful bass skip and layers of harmonies as Williams sings: “Ruby at dawn/Walked all of me home/Couldn’t tell the difference/Between our clothes.”
In a statement, Williams explained why she wanted to release her early demos and unused tracks on the Planet EP, saying: “I’ve always felt that the pieces and process and secrets behind a finished record are the most important parts. Most of these songs showcase my own production and exact vision, my first time in a long time releasing music that I’ve produced alone. Releasing this EP is an exercise in self-trust and experimentation. Not all songs need to be precious and kept for the exact right time, not all recordings need to be perfect.”
Squirrel Flower is set to embark on a North American tour early next year. The run launches Feb. 3 at Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana, Illinois and wraps March 20 at 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis.
Planet EP Tracklist
1. “Open Wound”
2. “Your Love Is a Disaster”
3. “Unravel”
4. “Long Day’s Done”
5. “Sitting in Traffic”
6. “Ruby at Dawn”
7. “Live Wire”
VIDEOS
Kanye West has been lauded as a creative genius for often going against the grain and finding ways to make fans relate to his music and visuals, even if it is done through unconventional methods. His new music video for “530” accurately displays that ability, depicting common human experiences via puppets and people wearing masks.
The 47-year-old artist shared the lengthy visual via Instagram, supporting the record which appeared on his August 2024 collaborative LP with Ty Dolla $ign titled Vultures 2. Initially, “530” made headlines for the Chicago producer taking shots at his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and name-dropping Drake. However, the video took things in a different direction.
Puppets are used in the visual to represent women getting lip injections, looking at themselves in the mirror, styling their hair, or running errands. Male puppets also appeared in the video, seemingly carrying on with their everyday activities without paying too much attention to the women around them unless they have been enhanced by surgery. There is also a noticeable difference between some visually frightening puppets wearing masks and others who are much better put together. Watch the “530” video below.
“You a fake bi**h, you don’t really love Ye bi**h, go listen to Drake bi**h,” Kanye West rapped on the record. As for Kim Kardashian, he seemingly reflected on how difficult it was to lose her with the lines “Pray your soulmate got a soul when you meet her/ The crystal ball couldn’t tell me if they’d leave again / Problems too extra large to share it with a medium.” He also addressed how tough it was to co-parent, rapping, “The past year been a strange time/ Visitations on Facetime/ And who gon’ break who’s heart first? Always just breaks mine.”
Ye and Kim K officially got divorced in November 2022 and it was a difficult road afterward, as she soon began dating Pete Davidson. West quickly moved on as well, marrying Bianca Censori in January 2023. As for his on-and-off rivalry with the Toronto superstar, it is safe to believe he may never move on.
When Kendrick Lamar fired the first shot on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That,” the 24-time Grammy winner jumped in and revealed that he was on the “Like That” remix. He also spoke with Justin LaBoy and revealed that he enthusiastically linked up with Lamar, Future, Boomin, Rick Ross, The Weeknd, and A$AP Rocky to aid in the “elimination of Drake.” Listen to the “Like That” remix below.
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