Welcome to AP A-sides, where we’re highlighting the very best songs from the past week. Every Friday, the AP editors will wade through the daunting number of tracks released daily, narrow down their favorites, and give them to you in one playlist. Because the definition of alternative is constantly in flux, there are no rigid parameters to our selections — just tracks we’re obsessively talking about and listening to on repeat. This week’s playlist features artists diverse in genre but singular in sound, including Starcharm, Sweet Pill, Lauren Auder, By Storm (fka Injury Reserve), Trembler, and more.
Read more: 26 of the most exciting rising artists to watch in 2026
Check out our picks below, and stay informed about everything coming out in January with our monthly album release calendar.
AP A-sides – January 30, 2026
- Accessory (Jason Balla of Dehd) – “Calcium”
- By Storm – “Dead Weight”
- dream fatigue – “spun”
- Lauren Auder – “praxis”
- Ms* Gloom – “Dumb 4 All”
- People I’ve Met – “For Hire”
- Softcult – “Hurt Me”
- Starcharm – “Wake Up”
- Sweet Pill – “Slow Burn”
- Trembler – “Like Sugar”
