Erik Alesi, “Last Breath”

As a founding member of The Rhyolite Sound, voted Best Vegas Band by Weekly readers in 2019, Erik Alesi knows his way around a catchy song. “Last Breath,” which was co-written and produced by Zach Ryan, is the Alesi’s first release since he left the band six years ago. “It’s a tune about having a dream become a reality before you kick the bucket,” Alesi says. The song integrates woozy guitars with crisp vocals from Alesi and a chorus you won’t stop humming. linktr.ee/erikalesimusic

Aaron Archer, “Ache Anyway”

Aaron Archer demonstrates why he’s the jack of all trades on this song that recalls ’90s-era grunge. The singer-songwriter wrote, produced and played every instrument on “Ache Anyway,” his husky vocals complementing the crashing cymbals and variable strumming of the chorus and building within the drum-dominant verses. It’s an emotional song, one Archer says stems from an on-and-off relationship that ended with the death of his significant other. The single’s artwork honors her—a photo of a painting she commissioned but never picked up. “It now resides in my house,” Archer says, “and I thought it was apt to use it for this.” aaronarcher.bandcamp.com

Cuddlethot, “A Little More Lonely”

Hip-hop artist Cuddlethot keeps it succinct and island-vibey on “A Little Morev Lonely,” a track exploring the fed-up feelings we reserve for those who drain us. “I know it can be cold in my igloo/But I can’t let my energy get misused,” she sings over light guitar flourishes and a throbbing beat. It’s a strong new year release we foresee many adding to their playlists. juiceboxent.com/cuddlethot

Gregory Michael Davis, “In the Dark”

The pandemic might have curtailed Gregory Michael Davis’ tour of 2019 album One Damned Song, but the break gave the rapper and former mathematician a chance to dive into something different with his nine-person band. The result? Music sessions inspired by the post-disco, early ’80s funk era. “In the Dark” follows the perspective of Depression, a snake oil salesman trying to convince the listener he’s there for them. As bleak as that sounds, the song is anything but, with its tuneful chorus and jazzy arrangements. songwhip.com/gregory-michael-davis

Ekoh, three tracks

The only thing faster than Ekoh’s rapid-fire delivery of bars is his rapid-fire delivery of singles. The Vegas rapper recently dropped “Loki,” “Save Yourself” and “Heater 2” within about a month. Ekoh’s a lyrical machine-gun on “Heater 2,” blowing through verses without taking a breath. “Loki” stands out as a love letter to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that belongs on a movie soundtrack. Meanwhile, “Save Yourself,” is a more somber release about losing your way but wanting your partner to get out. Each track holds linktr.ee/ekohmusic different but still-meaningful weight.

Fremont Singles Club, “Steppin’ Out”

The Fremont Singles Club, Aaron Archer in collaboration with various local musicians around town, made its debut in 2020 with “Boulder Highway Hooker.” On its second release, the project revives Aretha Franklin’s classic sessions with guitarist Duane Allman. Sara Jean Worrell, of Archer’s former band The Seams, leads on vocals, Joe Lawless plays keys and Archer adds backing vocals and virtually everything else. It’s a soulful toe-tapper to keep in your rotation. aaronarcher.bandcamp.com