In the ancient world, purple was originally the colour reserved for the imperial families of Rome, Persia and Egypt and while it’s no longer elitist, there’s still something special to be had to the red-meets-blue hue. Our Purple Pop selection showcases the most luxurious, beautiful and unmissable pop music finds for our ears to yours.
Our first Purple Pop recommendation this week is a tender, sun-soaked ode to heritage, memory, and identity. With breezy acoustic guitar and honeyed vocals, Labit’s ‘MANGOES AND RICE’ radiates warmth while reflecting on the Filipino-American experience through a deeply personal lens. His lyrics, nostalgic yet forward-looking, form a heartfelt conversation about family, resilience, and self-worth. The accompanying music video beautifully mirrors the song’s sentiment, evolving from workplace fatigue into a vibrant backyard celebration of culture and belonging. Released in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, the track is both timely and timeless. ‘MANGOES AND RICE’ is sweet, sincere, and soulfully empowering. This is Labit at his most intimate and inspired.
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‘Lasting Effects’ is a softly devastating, yet empowering ballad that captures the bittersweet clarity found after heartbreak. Anchored by ambient keys and hushed percussion, the track showcases Avery Lynch’s trademark vulnerability and emotional depth. Her lyrics cut deep, transforming pain into self-realization with quiet strength. Co-produced by Jordanlilvee, Michael Blum, and Lynch herself, the song feels intimate yet universally resonant. It’s a powerful statement of growth—where sorrow becomes strength, and wounds become wisdom. With ‘Lasting Effects’, Avery Lynch continues to refine her artistry, delivering a heartfelt anthem that lingers long after the final note. A beautifully restrained, resonant triumph.
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Sibling duo Paperwhite crafts a soundscape rich in kaleidoscopic textures and pulsing rhythms, creating a sense of movement through uncertainty. ‘This Feeling’ is a lush, cinematic return to form, blending dreamy synth-pop with emotional clarity. Katie’s ethereal vocals glide over Ben’s polished production, striking a perfect balance between tension and release. The track reflects on resilience in the face of life’s unknowns, urging listeners to trust their inner compass. ‘This Feeling’ shimmers with hope and quiet strength, signaling Paperwhite’s triumphant resurgence and setting the tone for their long-awaited EP Reach. It’s nostalgic yet fresh.
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savannah’s acoustic version of ‘on again’ beautifully reimagines her indie-pop debut. Stripping back the shimmering synths of the original, this take unveils a more organic, folk-inspired dreamscape. The addition of glockenspiel and banjo alongside rich, layered vocals brings the song’s inherent emotion and storytelling even closer. It’s a testament to the song’s core strength, allowing its nostalgic and healing qualities to shine with a tender, intimate glow. This acoustic rendition offers a fresh, equally captivating perspective on savannah’s enchanting sound.
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Dutch pop artist REINDIER delivers a powerful and profoundly personal message with his new single ‘Geef mij nog deze nacht’ (give me this night again). Born from his battle with a head tumor, this self-described horror disco track is an intense, danceable anthem urging listeners to seize the moment. It’s a raw, honest call to dance like there’s no tomorrow, transforming a traumatic experience into an exhilarating celebration of life. This second single from his upcoming album MONOMAAN showcases REINDIER’s remarkable ability to translate deep emotion into compelling, unapologetically vibrant music.
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Written during a pivotal college transition, ‘Overthinker’ intimately explores the uncertainty of what comes next. Bella Rios delivers a relatable and raw pop-rock anthem capturing the anxieties of young adulthood. The singer’s powerful vocals, reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo and Reneé Rapp, deliver clear-headed lyrics that transform overthinking into a cathartic and engaging listen. With a nod to ’90s music videos in its visual, ‘Overthinker’ showcases Bella Rios’ fearless blend of pop-rock influences, making it an honest and anthemic reflection on navigating life’s bittersweet transitions.
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Meagher’s debut single ‘Daydreams’ is a compelling introduction to his DIY sonic vision. This genre-defying track beautifully blends classic R&B vocals with alternative-pop guitar textures, creating a lush and immersive soundscape. Crafted with trusted collaborators, the song reflects Meagher’s personal philosophy of finding clarity in his imagination, evident in his assertion, “I’m trying to never quit my daydream.” ‘Daydreams’ is a promising start, showcasing Meagher’s commitment to meaningful songwriting and hinting at the seven more singles poised to follow.
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EFFECTIVE 12:01 PM marks their original debut with ‘Lack Of You’, a refined pop experience that effortlessly blends modern electronic and acoustic elements. Led by Kotaro, the Tokyo-based project delivers a track that is both introspective and dynamically compelling. Kotaro’s pure and emotionally rich vocals bring vibrant color to the strong melodic lines, making the song universally accessible. ‘Lack Of You’ transcends genre boundaries, weaving influences from chill, ambient, and pop-rock into a unique and profound sonic world, showcasing a rare artistic sensibility.
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With shimmering synths, feel-good grooves, and cinematic energy, ‘Tom Cruisin’’ captures the thrill of freedom, whether you’re poolside, club-bound, or cruising top-down at sunset. JUNG absolutely nails it with this sun-soaked indie-pop anthem bursting with good vibes, infectious hooks, and a nostalgic nod to carefree summer days. Released independently via their own label, it marks a bold new chapter for brothers Tom and Henrik Ljungqvist. The track’s buzz even landed them a Paramount invite to meet Tom Cruise at the Mission Impossible premiere. High-energy yet heartfelt, ‘Tom Cruisin’’ is JUNG at their most playful and confident. This is pure sonic escapism.
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‘GIANT’ is a raw and resonant indie pop gem that captures the quiet chaos of emotional overwhelm from Brazilian artist Germano. Blending spoken-word vulnerability with lush, melodic choruses, the track builds with layered guitar riffs and steady percussion, mirroring the emotional weight it carries. Germano’s lyrics dive deep into self-perception, the fear of being “too much,” and the exhausting habit of internalizing pain. His DIY artistry shines, not only in the track’s intimate production but also in the self-made music video that adds a visual layer to his introspection. ‘GIANT’ is a strikingly personal anthem that feels both cathartic and deeply relatable.
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PURPLE MELON 