Add to the playlist: the wild club-pop of Zara Larsson’s co-writer Helena Gao is the best song of the week | Music

From Aarhus, Denmark
Recommended if you like Caroline Polachek, Zara Larsson, Grimes
Next thing The first project is coming later this year

You can’t make a better songwriter than co-writing nine out of 10 of the album’s defining moments – namely Zara Larsson’s. Midnight Sun – then getting a Grammy nod for it. It’s a fun way to relaunch Helena Gao’s solo career. Over the past few years, the Chinese-Danish artist has released several singles and EPs – Stand by God divides the difference between NewJeans and R&B, and comes with a great Sims-referencing video – but his new music seems to be growing better, leaving behind his old taste due to the strong weaving of heavy bassnces and the strong shaking of Carol. Polachek, singing in English and Mandarin.

You can trace his evolution in the songs released over the years. When Gao released Pretty Please in 2023, the shiny, new rhapsody was filled with the words: “I’m smart,” she said, knowing her parents could hear her words. But the first taste of his new era, Lao Shi 老师, translated as “teacher”; his good looks bloom like flowers as he thinks about “new roles” and “maximizing happiness”. It’s more innocent than it sounds, he says, “in the wake” that shows him “reconnecting with my Chinese identity”.

Born in Aarhus to a Chinese mother and a Danish father, Gao moved to Copenhagen, studied jazz and studied – again – in Copenhagen. and the Rhythmic Music Conservatory which makes up all the Danish superstars breaking borders, before moving to split his time between London and Shanghai, indulging in the clubs of both cities. It all comes back through the upcoming project that is supposed to make Gao’s name. Laura Snapes

This week’s best songs

Saul Williams – Conspiracy (for Moors and Gonjasufi)
“You can choose to want to be…” A delightful return from a prolific poet, delivering a rousing wisdom as if to a newly formed band of rebels, using piano accompaniment. BBT

Lily Seabird – Election Day
That being said, “Love Me or Leave Me Alone” is great – especially when I’m screaming in the middle of an alt-country guitar and a songwriter scheduled to release in 2026. LS

Yushh – Little Revenge
With bass designed to play on a souped-up hatchback’s fury, the West Country dancer puts together a powerful secret weapon for the festive season. BBT

case/lang/nerves – Accidental Tattoo
Being ten years since Neko Case, kd lang and Laura Veirs teamed up for a solo album, this dedicated bonus track from those sessions is beyond heaven. Come on ladies, give us Vol 2. LS

Fimiguerrero – Skywalker (ft Fakemink)
Taken from Fimiguerrero’s pained and head-spinning EP The Statue of a Fool, he joins a UK rap star undercover to hear about a relationship he’s stuck with over Wraith9’s soulful hit. BBT

Jordan Patterson – Cinderella
The LA songwriter’s music is as expansive as it can be: the sound of his voice creates an impasto-like texture, calling for melodious and melodious piano and rhythmic music to his melodious rhythms. LS

Tierra Whack – Candle Wax
Set among the new hip-hop mixtapes of Whack’s Museum, Whack uses a tight, repetitive rhythm to evoke a low-key yet unwavering feeling: genius. BBT

Subscribe to the Guardian’s rolling Add to Playlist selection on Spotify – or transfer to apple, Waves or other services