What’s New This Week: 1/3/24

We’re ringing in the new year with a great variety of new songs! Be sure to check out our highlights below, and click here for all our new songs!

·  “Dear Insecurity” by Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile: From her self-titled album, Brandy Clark writes a relatable song about coming to terms with our various insecurities. This emotional ballad featuring Brandi Carlile includes a beautiful melody and a piano-friendly accompaniment, and it’s a fitting song to reflect on what obstacles we may need to overcome to become our best selves.

·  “Lifeline” by Alicia Keys: From the soundtrack for the recently released movie The Color Purple, this song reminds us that you are not alone, and someone will be there to serve as your lifeline. The piano part begins with a two-measure eighth note riff that appears throughout the song, so get familiar with that pattern, and then bring in the inspirational vocals.

·  “From the Start” by Laufey: From Laufey's recently released album Bewitched, the song is about having feelings for someone that only thinks of her as a friend, and she wants to tell him how she really feels. This piece has a bossa nova feel, so be sure to bring out syncopated chordal shifts, and enjoy singing this lovely unique melody.

·  “Interstellar” by Costantino Carrara: From the 2014 hit movie Interstellar, the main theme has continued to be a popular piece to play. Signature Artist Costantino Carrara creates his own gorgeous interpretation, featuring the familiar repeated note throughout. Focus on hand crossover as well as the flowing sixteenth note patterns.

·  “Paper Rings (Wedding Version)” by Paul Hankinson: Originally by Taylor Swift from her album Lover, the lyrics discuss the love for her partner, and she’s so committed to him that she would marry him with only paper rings. This wedding piano arrangement by Signature Artist Paul Hankinson includes tastes of Pachelbel's “Canon in D.” It’s a beautiful, peaceful arrangement, perfect for an interlude or a short processional in a wedding ceremony.

·  “Waves of the Danube” by SkyGuitar: Originally composed by Iosif Ivanovici in 1880, this is one of the most well-known Romanian tunes. This fingerstyle guitar arrangement by Signature Artist SkyGuitar is reminiscent of Johann Strauss. Keep a light waltz feel throughout, and watch out for repeated sixteenth note patterns at the end.

Unique Pick of the Week

·  “Maneater” by Hall & Oates: From the album H2O, this song was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. The song originally contained reggae elements, but the duo decided to switch over to a Motown feel. The lyrics are actually not about a woman but rather about greed in New York City in the '80s. This arrangement includes the recognizable bass line in the accompaniment. Try out the chords on a synthesizer to get the ultimate ‘80s effect! John Oates recently recorded a reggae version to be able to explore the song's roots. Click here to check out this distinctive version.

Click here for all our newest sheet music, and be sure to download our Musicnotes app!