What’s Spinning?: Let’s Get Nostalgic
Welcome to “What’s Spinning?,” a new column updating Reedies about recent music releases, spotlighting both what’s niche and already popular! As we settle into the new school year, I can’t help but drift towards tracks that reminisce on the past…
The first track on my release radar is “We dare to remember” by Chicago-based alternative pop/rock artist Mei Jun. This nostalgic single was released on August 22, 2025, accompanied by a simple music video: a single shot following the artist literally walking down memory lane. The song’s lyrics describe the narrator’s wistful yearning for a past relationship, as well as mounting hope for the future: “[...] if we could dare to remember / and dare to believe it.” As Mei Jun sings the listener through an equally painful and passionate memory, his voice oozes with melancholy. The track’s instrumentals and mixing are evocative of the pining, romantic alternative songs by bands of the ‘90s and 2000s like Coldplay, Snow Patrol, and Keane. In fact, a preview of the music video went viral on TikTok before its release, with commenters reminiscing on a musical era gone by. Mei Jun’s rich lyrics work perfectly together with the classically sincere piano and guitar accompaniment, swelling at the end to pull at the listener’s heart strings.
Second on my release radar is “The End,” which was released on August 27, 2025, by London-based independent violinist and singer Ninush. Ninush, also known and credited as Nina Lim, has already had a prolific career, playing in both classical orchestras and with popular artists such as Little Mix, Michael Bublé, and Black Country, New Road. She is coming hot off the recent release of her debut single, “Stardoll,” and both tracks have been uniquely amazing, hinting that she has lots more success to come. A single word to describe “The End” would be ethereal. An expert blend of orchestral music, electronic elements, and vocal layering results in a delicate yet powerful track reflecting on a distant blurry memory as Ninush asks the listener, “will you think of me / when there is nowhere left to go?” Ninush’s airy, gauzy vocals blend seamlessly with digital-sounding staccatos that will haunt your ears long after your first listen. “The End” is more than a collection of sounds, but a feeling, like chasing after a ghost that slips away each time you think that you have it in your grasp. Listen to this distinctive and poignant song for a gentle trip through a sweet daydream, but prepare for your emotions to be stirred!