Miami-based singer-songwriter and label owner AZSH is returning, and with a positive reminder as catchy as her tunes. Her latest single, “Cool to Be Kind,” is a brisk, soul-kissed anthem that treats kindness as a decisive move. Pushing against a world that tends to equate physical strength with tough-guy bravado, AZSH flip the script and counter retro-inspired rhythms with a message every bit as potent as the music it propels.
Produced by O.I.AM and released through AZSH’s artist-owned imprint, Empty Bus Records, “Cool to Be Kind” blends the genres of The German Songwriter, maintaining a distinct and international sound that she refers to as her signature Miami Pop. Seeping warmth from the first beat, trippy grooves lay themselves out underneath AZSH’s velvety, sing-talking voice, an intoxicating flip-over vibe that straddles reflectiveness and the dancefloor with a grace more akin to folk-pop. It’s a song that makes listeners want to sway, while also prompting them to ponder empathy, connection, and authenticity. AZSH provides a lesson in the truth that kindness isn’t weakness, it’s a particular kind of subdued power. Lines praising human differences and emotional candor resonate in today’s climate, which can be hostile to compassion. There’s earnestness in her delivery, a feeling that she’s not preaching so much as extending an invitation to celebrate empathy as a strength.
The song’s music video, which was shot on location in sunny Miami Beach, is a fitting complement to the single. AZSH’s earthy, animated aesthetic pairs well with the bright colors, conveying a calm confidence that comes across as effortless rather than forced. With a natural smile, an easy pose, or just a fun interchange captured on video, the essence of living openly and kindly is showcased.
AZSH doesn’t just release a song with “Cool to Be Kind,” she creates an experience, reminding us all that music can lift, bring together, and empower. It’s evidence that a peppy beat, soulful harmonies, and the kind of message you wear on your sleeve can all fit together wonderfully, making kindness sound and feel absolutely rad. For listeners who are open to a healthy serving of feel-good, groove-laden, and soulful introspection all in one song, AZSH has graced us with something special that will not only play on repeat but also linger in your ears for days after the very last note fades.