Doechii’s February: A Month of Triumph and Artistic Brilliance

February 2023 will undoubtedly go down in history as the month that catapulted Doechii into the stratosphere of stardom. The Tampa, Florida rapper, who affectionately refers to herself as the "Swamp Princess," began the month as a rising talent but ended it as a household name. Her trajectory to fame was nothing short of meteoric. On February 2, Doechii delivered a show-stopping performance at the Grammys, blending her razor-sharp lyrics, boundless energy, and even some impressive gymnastics to leave the audience in awe. That night, she also pulled off a major upset, winning the Best Rap Album award for her critically acclaimed project Alligator Bites Never Heal. Her victory speech, filled with emotion and gratitude, became one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony. If you hadn’t heard of Doechii in January, you certainly knew her name by the end of February.

But Doechii wasn’t just celebrating her win; she was already looking ahead. Just hours after her triumphant night at the Grammys, she dropped a bold new single titled Nosebleeds. The track is a confident, unapologetic victory lap, showcasing her signature wit and swagger. On the song, she ponders aloud, “Will she ever lose?” before answering with a nod to another iconic Grammy moment: “I guess we’ll never know.” The single’s cover art, which features a Grammy Award, was clearly designed well before the ceremony, proving that Doechii had unwavering faith in her success. Her confidence is infectious, and Nosebleeds serves as the perfect anthem for her newfound superstardom.

A Month of Musical Diversity: Exploring February’s Best New Tracks

While Doechii’s Nosebleeds kicked off this roundup of February’s most notable new songs, the month’s releases were far from one-dimensional. The musical landscape in February was a testament to the diversity and creativity of modern artists, ranging from upbeat, genre-blurring anthems to softer, introspective sounds. Here are six standout tracks that defined the month:

1. Valerie June – "Joy, Joy!"
   Memphis-born singer-songwriter Valerie June brought a much-needed dose of positivity with her vibrant single Joy, Joy! Known for her unique "organic moonshine roots music," June’s voice shines on this track, blending elements of soul, blues, and folk. The brassy chorus is infectious, and her elastic vocal range adds a playful touch. The song feels like a celebration of finding joy in life’s simplest moments, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in June’s genuine enthusiasm.

2. Perfume Genius featuring Aldous Harding – "No Front Teeth"
   Perfume Genius returned with another hauntingly beautiful track from his upcoming album Glory. No Front Teeth is an eerie acoustic ballad that gradually builds into a stomping psych-rock freak-out. The addition of New Zealand singer-songwriter Aldous Harding’s haunting vocals only adds to the song’s surreal atmosphere. Harding’s unique style fits seamlessly into Perfume Genius’s sonic universe, creating a track that’s both unsettling and mesmerizing.

3. Mamalarky – "#1 Best of All Time"
   Hailing from Texas, Mamalarky is a band that thrives on tension—between technical complexity and pop simplicity, between structure and spontaneity. Their single #1 Best of All Time is a testament to this dynamic. Skittish percussion and elastic basslines provide a shifting foundation for lead singer Livvy Bennett’s sharp, witty vocals. The song’s unpredictable twists and turns make it a standout, and its clever lyrics only add to its charm.

International Flavors and Introspective Sounds

February also saw the rise of international artists and the return of beloved indie and folk voices, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table.

4. Obongjayar – "Not in Surrender"
   Nigerian-born, British-based musician Obongjayar continued to push boundaries with his electrifying single Not in Surrender. Blending Afrobeat, electro-pop, funk, and hip-hop, Obongjayar creates a kinetic energy that’s impossible to sit still to. His music is a testament to his ability to merge global sounds into something entirely fresh and original. If you’re new to his work, his 2023 Tiny Desk performance is a great introduction to his dynamic style.

5. Waxahatchee – "Mud"
   Alt-country staple Waxahatchee returned with Mud, a haunting outtake from her 2024 album Tigers Blood. The track showcases Katie Crutchfield’s raw, emotional storytelling. “I’m a fool in angel’s clothing, I’m a glutton for being let down,” she sings, her voice cracking with vulnerability. The song’s warm instrumentation, including banjo and brushed percussion, softens the edges of her deeply personal lyrics, creating a sense of intimacy and connection.

William Tyler’s Ethereal Soundscapes and the Weightlessness of Music

Finally, no roundup of February’s best tracks would be complete without mentioning William Tyler’s Concern. The Nashville guitarist and composer is known for his ambient, wordless music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Concern is a luminous soundscape that feels both timeless and futuristic, evoking the same ethereal beauty as his 2016 album Modern Country and his score for the film First Cow. Tyler’s upcoming album, Time Indefinite, promises more of this weightless, otherworldly magic.

The Amplifier Playlist: 7 New Songs You Should Hear Now

This month’s playlist is a celebration of diversity, featuring tracks that span genres, moods, and geographies. From Doechii’s bold declaration of victory to Waxahatchee’s introspective balladry, and from Obongjayar’s electrifying Afrobeat-infused hip-hop to William Tyler’s ambient soundscapes, these songs capture the spirit of innovation and creativity that defined February’s music releases. Whether you’re in the mood for something upbeat and anthemic or slow and reflective, this playlist has something for everyone.

So, sit back, press play, and let these tracks transport you to a world of sound that’s as eclectic as it is unforgettable. And as Doechii so confidently reminds us, sometimes you just know you’re destined for greatness.

Tracklist:

1. Doechii, Nosebleeds
2. Valerie June, Joy, Joy!
3. Perfume Genius featuring Aldous Harding, No Front Teeth
4. Mamalarky, #1 Best of All Time
5. Obongjayar, Not in Surrender
6. Waxahatchee, Mud
7. William Tyler, Concern

Let the music take over and remind you why February 2023 was such an unforgettable month for new sounds.