New Music Monday: A taste of winter, with 5 new songs

New music from Melissa Etheridge, Black Pistol Fire, Kings of Leon, Bon Jovi and Hollerado

The first blanket of snow has settled, muffling the world in a quiet hush. The landscape is crisp white, the air is sharp and clean, and the season of deep introspection has begun. But just because the world outside is slowing down doesn't mean the music has stopped evolving. Welcome back to New Music Monday—your weekly stop for tracks that cut through the winter silence and make the cold months feel like their own vibrant soundtrack.

This week’s lineup spans raw blues-rock, arena-sized reflection, classic rock nostalgia, and urgent indie pop—perfect for a long drive down a winding, chilly backroad or a quiet evening with a mug of something warm. Let’s dive in.

Melissa Etheridge – "Don't You Want a Woman"

Melissa Etheridge returns with the powerful track, "Don't You Want a Woman," a compelling piece that feels like a real "forbidden hymn" about self-reclamation and desire. Built around her signature raspy, passionate vocals and a soulful rock arrangement, the song is a declarative statement about a woman choosing the identity she wants to embody. Like much of Etheridge's work, it carries a deep sense of confessional authenticity and righteous urgency, making it a standout anthem for listeners seeking empowerment and raw musical honesty. It’s an instant classic in her discography that shows her enduring power as a performer and songwriter.

Black Pistol Fire – "Low Twang"

The Toronto-born, Austin-based rock duo Black Pistol Fire delivers "Low Twang," a track that fully embodies their explosive blend of garage punk, Southern rock, and deep-seated blues influence. Driven by a raw, chugging riff and pounding, relentless drums, this song is dripping with energy. "Low Twang" showcases the duo's ability to find a repetitive, blues-inspired groove and then kick the distortion into overdrive, delivering an aggressive yet infectious sound that feels like a cross between The Black Keys and a classic Buddy Guy jam. It’s a track that demands to be played loudly and adds a vital shot of intensity to any playlist.

Kings of Leon – "To Space"

Kings of Leon continue to refine their distinctive brand of arena rock with their new track, "To Space." Featuring the magnetic vocals of Caleb Followill, the song leans into the band's capability for grand, sweeping soundscapes. While perhaps not positioned to be a massive commercial hit like some of their earlier work, "To Space" offers a rewarding listen for longtime fans. The music is instantly recognizable as Kings of Leon, creating an effortless and absorbing atmosphere that is perfect for contemplative listening during a late-night drive or when looking to escape into something ethereal and expansive.

Bon Jovi – "My First Guitar"

Bon Jovi taps into a deep vein of personal nostalgia with "My First Guitar," a track that moves beyond a simple love song to become a melancholic, reflective ballad. The song's narrative is centered on Jon Bon Jovi's recent experience of buying back the instrument he owned as a child, using it as a vehicle for looking back at his origins. With a laid-back tempo and prominent guitar work, the track often personifies the instrument, describing it in terms of long-term companionship and respect. It's a sentimental addition to their catalog that celebrates the enduring, foundational role music has played in the singer's life.

Hollerado – "What Killed Elvis Presley"

Returning from a hiatus, Canadian power-pop band Hollerado surprise-released "What Killed Elvis Presley," a standout single from their new material. This track is classic, hook-laden Hollerado, featuring infectious melodies and a powerful pop sensibility wrapped in slightly rowdy, slacker rock energy. Lyrically, the song carries a wistful, cynical edge, declaring the relatable sentiment, "Hope I don't catch the American dream." It is a fast-paced, catchy song with high energy, demonstrating that the band's knack for creating compelling, guitar-driven indie-pop remains perfectly intact as they wrestle with the absurdities of life and middle age.

And that’s your New Music Monday rundown. From the soulful rock of Melissa Etheridge to the frantic urgency of Black Pistol Fire and the reflective nostalgia of Bon Jovi, these tracks provide a compelling soundtrack for the week ahead. They cut through the quiet of the snow-covered landscape with bursts of vital energy and moments of deep, resonant introspection.

So whether you’re cozying up by the fire or bracing the cold for a crisp winter walk, let these new songs be the sound of your week. We'll see you next week.