As we head into the second weekend of Coachella 2026, we’re stunned to say that this is somehow an even bigger New Music Friday than the one that preceded it.
ZAYN’s latest album is definitely a highlight, but with a new James Bond theme from Lana Del Rey, new music from Johnny Huynh and so much more, there’s almost too much hot new music out this week than we can even handle. If you can’t wait to jump in and listen ASAP, keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of April 17, 2026.
(Photo credit: Nabil Elderkin)
1. Widowspeak Wonder When Someone Will Take the Wheel With ‘No Driver’
Indie duo Widowspeak is made up of Molly Hamilton and Robert Earl Thomas, who started the band 16 years ago and are now a married couple, and their seventh album, Roses, is out on June 5. If you’re not yet familiar, we suggest you get acquainted with their atmospheric new single, “No Driver.” The indie-pop track is about waiting around for someone who’s not fully engaged with life, aimlessly moving through it, and hoping they can come out stronger on the other side.
In a press release, singer Molly Hamilton shared the song “is about knowing and loving people who seem to thrive being on autopilot, at least for a while. It’s written from the perspective of trying to be supportive, and knowing it can be kind of magic when you’re in it, but also just waiting patiently for whenever they’re ready to move on from destructive behavior … I also kind of wrote it to my younger self. I’m 1000% on the other side of my wilder years (quit drinking almost seven years ago and now have a baby) but I definitely felt aimless for a long time. I care now, and caring about things and people and having a reason… is the whole point.”
2. Kevian Kraemer Can’t Stop Going Back in ‘i just get worse’
Breakout indie-pop artist Kevian Kraemer is gearing up to release his next EP, only if it matters, on May 22, and his newest single, “i just got worse,” will have you as excited as we are for the big drop. It’s a bombastic, high-energy rock track about self-destruction, going back to someone who’s exactly wrong for you and feeling completely helpless to the situation.
“We wrote ‘i just get worse’ in the basement of an Airbnb while on a writing trip this winter,” Kevian shared in a press release. “The trip was for my friend Knox, so it honestly blows my mind that the only song of mine that week turned out to be such a ripper. It’s about running back to someone that you know isn’t good for you, and it feels like the main track of a sports video game hahaha.”
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About ‘Teenagers’ Singer Kevian Kraemer
3. Jenevieve Delivers ’90s Vibes on ‘Flight Risqué’ Remixed With Freddie Gibbs and SALIMATA
“Flight Risqué” was one of our favorite tracks on Jenevieve‘s stunning 2025 album CRYSALIS, and with the deluxe edition of the album, subtitled (CODA), releasing on May 1, the remixed version of the song has us fully obsessed. This time around, she’s turned it into a powerful collab featuring Freddie Gibbs and SALIMATA, further bringing out the effortless ’90s vibes with their hip-hop prowess.
Also read about: 40 Passionate Jenevieve Lyrics to Use as Your Next Caption
4. Sam Tompkins Focuses on Gratitude With Comeback Single, ‘BEAUTY QUEEN’
After a long absence, English singer-songwriter Sam Tompkins is back with his first new music since summer of 2024. The new single, “BEAUTY QUEEN,” feels more than worth the wait as the pop-R&B star focuses on love and gratitude, with a laidback acoustic guitar vibe that pulls us right into the sweetness of their romance. It’s vulnerable as he balances insecurity with affection, unsure he’s deserving of her love while refusing to let it go.
“It’s inspired by my partner and the way I don’t always feel like I measure up to her,” Sam explained in a press release. “There’s a little bit of insecurity in there, but mostly it’s about how grateful I am that I get to spend time with her.”
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About who do you pray to? Singer-Songwriter Sam Tompkins
5. Cameron Whitcomb Falls Back in Love With Songwriting With His Deep Water EP
Canadian folk-rock artist Cameron Whitcomb has had a pretty spectacular 2026, and it’s only getting better with the release of his new EP, Deep Water. Last month, we won Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year at the JUNO Awards, and with a coupe of big tours as well as festivals lined up, the new five-track collection feels like the cherry on top. Featuring “Kingdom of Fear,” “You and Me” and the spirited title track, Cameron feels more at home than ever as he bares his soul with gritty vocals and jangly guitars.
“This EP is honestly just me excited to get some new music out,” Cameron shared in a press release. “2026 has been the best year of my life. It’s a mix of some more light-hearted, sappy love songs mixed with some very personal and vulnerable ideas. I think people are really gonna hear how much I’ve fallen back in love with songwriting. As always, please listen and take what you need. I love you.”
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About ‘Shoot Me Dead’ Artist Cameron Whitcomb
6. Max McNown Celebrates the Ones Who Love the Real Him With ‘Heart You Didn’t Break’
24-year-old country singer-songwriter Max McNown has been one of the most rapidly rising artists in the genre, and his latest single, “Heart That Didn’t Break,” is all about appreciating those who know and love the real him. It’s about recognition of the human being he is beyond the artist, and how his loved ones manage to support and lift him up when he’s struggling with the darker sides of game.
“It touches on the common truth: A man is only as strong as the woman and family who lift him up,” Max shared in a press release. “The song is a plea that no matter what this life brings, someone will prioritize who I am beneath the artistic brand, a prayer that those I love will ‘protect my soul’ in the midst of chaos.”
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About ‘A Lot More Free’ Singer-Songwriter Max McNown
7. Ava Max Is Unapologetically Defiant With ‘Out of Your Mind’
Pop superstar Ava Max is no stranger to viral, billion-stream hits, and her newest single, “Out of Your Mind,” feels like it has everything it takes to also reach that milestone. It’s a pulse-pounding and upbeat pop-rock anthem that’s bound to get stuck in your head for days on end as Ava refuses to let others define her, instead striking out and playing by her own set of rules. The beat is irresistible, creating the perfect backdrop for Ava’s stellar vocals and signature falsetto.
“‘Out Of Your Mind’ is my personal F U to people who want me to change and fit in a box to make someone comfortable and forget about my own dreams entirely,” Ava said in a press release. “Unfortunately, to everyone wondering, you have to be crazy in order to achieve something extraordinary. The theme reminds me of ‘Sweet But Psycho.’ I feel how I felt right before that song blew up. The need for change, and I felt like I didn’t want to just give up because of a few failures. I’m back at that place in my life where I not only want to prove people wrong, I am embodying who I truly am again. And that is a lil bit psycho… and outta my mind.”
Also read about: 60 Unforgettable Lyrics From Ava Max’s Don’t Click Play and More to Use as Captions
8. Johnny Huynh Needs His Love to Breathe With ‘OXYGEN’
Viral artist Johnny Huynh has long enchanted us with his dark pop sound and smooth yet raw vocals, and he’s at the top of his game with his new single, “OXYGEN.” Johnny’s ready to embrace something wholly new with the track, feeling like a desperate plea as he tells his love just how badly he needs them, comparing their presence to the oxygen he needs to stay alive.
“I have been working on ‘OXYGEN’ for the past six months,” Johnny wrote in a post on Instagram. “So much love and passion has been put behind this one and I dedicate this one to YOU all. Thank you for riding with me 💙”
Also read about: Johnny Huynh on Exploring the Lightness and Darkness of All-Consuming Love in ‘RED ROSE’
9. Lana Del Rey Brings New James Bond Theme, ‘First Light,’ to Life
As lifelong lovers of the James Bond films and their iconic theme songs, we couldn’t be more excited to hear that Lana Del Rey would be bringing the latest theme to life, and the song has exceeded all of our expectations. “First Light” is the title track for 007 First Light, a new video game retelling Bond’s origin story, and releasing on May 27, and it’s fully worthy of the franchise with its dramatic and moody ambiance. It was also co-written by legendary Bond franchise composer David Arnold, backed with stirring strings and stinging horns, allowing Lana’s voice to soar as the tale unwinds.
“Having been part of that musical lineage, I understand how important it is to honor its heritage while allowing it to evolve. Lana brought an elegance and atmosphere to the song that felt perfectly suited to continuing that tradition while introducing something fresh for a new era.”
Also read about: 32 of the Best Lana Del Rey Lyrics As Instagram Captions
10. ZAYN Gets Inspired by His Heritage With New Album, KONNAKOL
Singer-songwriter and producer ZAYN is constantly reinventing himself as an artist, and it shows with the release of his fifth solo album, KONNAKOL. Taking its name from a South Indian vocal percussion technique, its 15 songs are more culturally influenced than Zayn’s past released, drawing from South Asian vocals and rhythms to add new layers to his heartfelt brand of pop-R&B. Including “Sideways” and “Die For Me,” it’s more nuanced and rich than ever, and we can’t wait to hear these bold new tracks live when he kicks off his biggest-ever world tour on May 12.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of April 10, 2026.
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