New Music Friday: Brandon Woody, MonoNeon and More
Each week, Babylon Radio brings you a handpicked selection of five songs, spotlighting new and upcoming albums, overlooked gems, and fresh singles. Expect a wide range of sounds from around the world and across genres, with a special focus on unique artistry and multicultural collaborations. This week’s roundup includes rising-star trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody, bass virtuoso and funk iconoclast MonoNeon, and more.
Brandon Woody, For the Love Of It All (Blue Note)
Release date: May 9
Baltimore trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody delivers a bold and heartfelt statement with For the Love of It All, which also marks his full-length debut on the historic Blue Note label. Described via an official press release as “a manifesto, a ritual, a hymn to the enduring power of love,” the album positions Woody as both an innovator and a griot, weaving gospel, jazz, and improvisation into an emotionally rich tapestry. Grounded in his hometown and heritage, For the Love of It All is anchored by themes of memory, perseverance, and community, while also channeling the Akan concept of Sankofa, which refers to a return to one’s roots in pursuit of self-discovery.
Dargz, Friends & Family (Studio Dargz)
Release date: May 9
An increasingly integral part of the contemporary London alt-jazz scene, Dargz is known for his genre-blending approach and eclectic style, partly drawing from the hip-hop flavour of his New York City roots. His latest album, Friends & Family is a collaborative tour-de-force, blending contemporary jazz, funk, pop, and R&B, and built around a mix of live instrumentation and sample-led production. From sun-soaked tracks to more introspective moments, the record represents a deep, personal and joyful artistic statement, enriched by top guests like Oscar Jerome, Blue Lab Beats, Nadine El Roubi, Mysie, Milan Ring, and Moses Boyd.
The Mayflies USA, Kickless Kids (Yep Roc)
Release date: May 16
After a decades-long hiatus, North Carolina power pop cult favourites The Mayflies USA return with Kickless Kids, a 12-track set of hook-filled alt-pop and their first new album 2001. Formed in 1996 amid the fertile Chapel Indie rock scene of the times, the band released three critically acclaimed albums and played over 250 shows in six years before calling it quits in 2002. Their decision to reunite came after guitarist Matt Long suffered a mysterious, life-threatening illness in 2022, prompting them to rekindle their chemistry. “We got these songs down so organically. It never felt like we were trying to get the final album version of anything,” reflects bassist and vocalist Adam Price. “It’s the way you hear about bands we love making records in the sixties and seventies, this slow, accretive process—a labour of love.”
MonoNeon, You Had Your Chance…Bad Attitude! (Floki Studios)
Release date: May 16
Bass virtuoso and funk iconoclast MonoNeon returns with You Had Your Chance…Bad Attitude!, a bold new studio album recorded between his hometown of Memphis and Iceland’s legendary Floki Studios. Blending his signature mix of deep funk, 1970s soft rock, and soulful, synth-laced R&B, the album explores themes of identity, connection, and self-expression through a raw, spontaneous set of songs crafted with longtime collaborators and featuring standout guest appearances. Also known as one of the last musicians to work with Prince and for his contributions to artists like Nas, MonoNeon continues to push genre boundaries while staying deeply personal, with his new full-length also marking his first release via Floki Studios’ label imprint, with distribution by Color Red.
Peter Baumann, Nightfall (Bureau B)
Release date: May 15
Bureau B presents Nightfall, the first solo album in eight years from legendary synth pioneer Peter Baumann, following 2016’s Machines of Desire. A key architect of the Berlin School of electronic music, both as a core member of Tangerine Dream during their most influential era and as a solo artist, Baumann is celebrated for fusing cerebral exploration with cinematic sweep. With Nightfall, he embarks on a new sonic journey, weaving atmospheric compositions rich in mystery and narrative depth. Described in the official press release as embracing “impermanence to transport the listener into a series of shapeshifting soundscapes,” the album marks a compelling new chapter in Baumann’s five-decade journey.
