Summary of Western Music Releases [June 2025]

Venus (Bananarama Cover)Royal Republic

Royal Republic – Venus (Official Video)

Royal Republic, an accomplished rock band formed in Malmö in southern Sweden in 2007, released a truly unique cover in June 2025.

It’s their bold reinterpretation of that famed disco anthem bearing the name of the goddess of beauty—originally created by Shocking Blue and later a massive hit as covered by Bananarama.

The track is accompanied by a much-talked-about music video in which the band performs as a fictional black metal group called “The Blastbeaters,” unleashing a fierce performance with a Volvo 140 in the background.

The result is a standout cover that explosively overturns the image of the original with a hard rock sound.

As the first installment in a four-part series of disco classic remakes, it showcases their playful spirit and musical adventurousness, making it a track that heightens anticipation for what they’ll do next.

GET HIGHERSophie

SOPHIE – OOH (Official Stream)

SOPHIE, the innovative producer from the UK known as a standard-bearer of hyperpop who was sadly lost in 2021.

A track she worked on during her lifetime has, over time, reached many music fans.

This piece fuses cutting-edge sounds with a liquid-metal sheen and a high-tension beat that gets your body moving naturally—another dance number with real impact.

The repeated phrases convey a sense of liberation, a rising euphoria that follows the body’s impulses.

According to her collaborators, the “ego-free creative high” they felt seems to be the very source of this track’s dynamism.

Originally available only on the Japan edition of the 2015 album Product, it will be included on the 10th-anniversary edition releasing in June 2025.

Perfect for when you want to surrender to the sound and dance, or for anyone seeking forward-thinking pop.

OOHSophie

SOPHIE – GET HIGHER (Official Stream)

SOPHIE, the UK-born music producer who illuminated the future of pop music.

In a posthumous flowering of her talent after her sudden passing in 2021, a long-unreleased track is being issued as part of the 10th anniversary edition of the compilation album Product.

The song, nurtured since around 2011 and finalized in 2019, features vocals by X Factor alum Jaide Green.

Rather than dwelling on heartbreak, it radiates a bright, powerful energy.

Its sound—combining hard-edged yet fluid beats with effervescent synth tones—showcases a quintessential fusion of SOPHIE’s innovation and pop sensibility.

The track also embraces a deeper theme that explores fluctuations in identity and feelings in love, inviting multiple interpretations from listeners.

This electrifying piece will be released as a single in June 2025, with a physical edition following in July.

It’s a perfect pick for those seeking her cutting-edge sonic world and high-energy dance pop.

IcarusShadow Academy

Shadow Academy – “Icarus” (Official Video)

Shadow Academy, the American rock duo featuring Dan Avidan—also known for his work on YouTube—and Emmy Award–winning producer Jim Roach, have announced a noteworthy new release for June 2025.

The piece bears a striking title reminiscent of figures from Greek mythology, and delivers stirring, expansive guitar riffs and a dramatic song structure that embody the “big music” they champion.

Following the trajectory of their debut album Shadow Academy (April 2022) and the advance single One Way Mirror (feat.

Griffin Taylor), the track was released alongside its music video on the same day, garnering 28,000 views in just four days.

While no specific tie-ins have been confirmed at this time, it’s a must-listen for those who enjoy highly narrative music or want to lose themselves and forget the everyday for a while.

Documents (Feat.Nas)Slick Rick

Documents

Slick Rick, the finest storyteller representing hip-hop’s golden era, originally from the UK and based in New York.

His long-awaited album “Victory,” released in June 2025, includes a track featuring Nas.

About 26 years after their collaboration on the classic 1999 album “The Art of Storytelling,” the legendary duo reunite.

Over an East Coast hip-hop–driven track, Slick Rick’s seasoned narrative delivery intertwines with Nas’s profound lyricism, creating a masterful song born of stunning chemistry.

Produced as a visual album that weaves its tale through imagery as well as sound, the project’s visuals were screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and became a hot topic.

A richly satisfying track by two legends devoted to the art of words—an irresistible piece for anyone eager to experience the essence of hip-hop.

2 Mazza (Feat. Drake)Smiley

Smiley – 2 Mazza (Feat. Drake) [Official Music Video]

This is a much-talked-about release from Smiley, who is based in Toronto, Canada, and is signed to Drake’s label OVO Sound.

Over a hypnotic trap beat with an R&B flavor, Smiley showcases his signature light, agile flow.

The featured Drake counters with his unmistakable presence, further elevating the track.

The song’s lyrics hit home as they speak candidly about tough circumstances—captured by the Toronto street slang “mazza”—and the determination to rise above them.

This track is a lead single from the mixtape “Don’t Box Me In,” released in June 2025, with a music video dropping the same day.

It’s a perfect pick for listeners who love the blend of street atmosphere and polished sound, and for anyone seeking inspiration from artists chasing their dreams despite harsh surroundings.

Arabella (feat. Kristyn Hope)TULIP

TULIP – Arabella (feat. @kristynhopevox)

Canadian-based alternative rock/folk band TULIP has released a noteworthy track in June 2025, featuring Irish vocalist Kristyn Hope.

The clear, emotional vocals fuse with edgy guitar tones, and the thrilling mid-section and powerful guitar solo make for a highly satisfying listen.

Brimming with energy that feels like it captures the moment when determination to overcome hardship and a hidden passion burst forth, the song seems poised to inspire its listeners.

There’s no tie-in information at this time, but its dynamic quality—easy to imagine igniting a frenzy live—is a major draw.

A recommended listen for anyone seeking a fresh musical discovery.