This week, we bring you new songs from Sharon Van Etten, Kamasi Washington, ODESZA, Aoife O’Donovan and Liam Gallagher — and get to know rising Minnesota artist Ber.

Sharon Van Etten, “Porta”

The pandemic caused many people to feel alone and isolated. Sharon Van Etten described the time as, "one of [her] lowest lows." The new single "Porta" came from those feelings of disconnect and is about the lows, but it’s also about moving beyond and finding some power to motivate through the hard times.

Kamasi Washington, “The Garden Path”

“The world feels turned upside down,” Kamasi Washington said of his new song in a press release. “There’s so much push and pull in every direction, from everyone you meet — no one knows what to think, who to believe, or how to approach life right now. No matter how smart you are, it’s hard not to feel blind.” The song, "The Garden Path," is a dizzying blend of percussion and horns from the Los Angeles-based jazz musician with a plethora of guests. It's jarring enough to knock you out of the rut and focus on the here and now.

Ber, “Meant To Be”

Ber (pronounced “bear”) is the stage name of Berit Dybing (BEAR-it DIE-bing), a singer-songwriter who grew up in Bemidji, Minn., then went to college at Leeds Conservatoire in England. She made it back to Minnesota during the pandemic, and she’s been staying with family in a Minneapolis basement as she’s watched her star rise internationally. Relatable and melodic songs like “Meant to Be” (a collaboration with Charlie Oriain), “I’m Not in Love,” and the post-quarantine crush celebration “Feels So Easy” have been landing on hot Spotify and Apple Music playlists, getting BBC airplay, and going viral on TikTok. This spring, Ber is headed to SXSW, where she’ll make her live debut; she’s hoping to play some hometown shows this summer. Watch for a profile on our website this Friday, Feb. 11. - Jay Gabler

ODESZA, “The Last Goodbye” Feat. Bettye LaVette

The Washington state duo lean heavily on Bettye LeVette's "Let Me Down Easy" for their newest single "The Last Goodbye." In fact, the song was the entire impetus for the studio visit; as the band says, "This song was born out of the concept of trying to bring these lasting, defining musical pieces like the 1965 release of ‘Let Me Down Easy’ by Bettye LaVette into a modern and contemporary electronic setting."

Aoife O’Donovan, “Passengers”

The Irish-American singer-songwriter Aoife O'Donovan has an ease and care as she delivers her lyrics that make each song feel like three minutes of safety. On her new album, Age of Apathy, it might seem like she's become disillusioned, but that ray of hope is still there in "Passengers." The song carries you along with lyrics like, "Stay in your lane, you’ll be fine." And with O'Donovan singing the words, you feel like you will be.

Liam Gallagher, “Everything’s Electric”

Say what you will about Liam Gallagher (if he doesn't like it, he's sure to say something back) but he knows his skill set. As he told Jill Riley in a recent conversation, he's a great singer and performer — he'll just let someone else write the song. And for this one, he pulled in Dave Grohl (who also plays drums on the track) and old pal Greg Kurstin (who has worked with The Shins, Foo Fighters, Adele, and Paul McCartney). It's a song that rips and rolls, and a great showcase for Gallagher's vocals.

Playlist