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  • Album Review: "Big Disgrace" - Haute & Freddy

    Photography & Direction: Silken Weinberg Art Direction & Production Design: Danielle Kaufman Two influential forces in the music industry have musically united in preparation for their debut album Big Disgrace , a contemporary lens into the theatrics and oddities of traveling carnivals and modern day society. T R A C K L I S T Symphony For A Queen Anti-Superstar Sweet Surrender Scantily Clad Freaks Shy Girl Dance The Pain Away Femme Hysteria Fashion Over Function Sophie Showgirl At Heart Fields of Versailles I Like My People Weird The virtuoso couple consisting of Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp have portrayed their music talents and skills by writing iconic hits for the biggest pop stars to making their own music and creating a distinct atmosphere in the music space. Upon forming Haute & Freddy (Buzz is "Haute" and Shipp is "Freddy") together, they released leading singles for Big Disgrace and began worldbuilding and shaping the campy carnival aesthetics for their first project, including being a part of Runaway Carnie Co LLC and working on immersive music videos. Once you click play on Big Disgrace , you will be transported to a baroque period of time with the modern musical influences of synths and pop symbolism. Symphony For A Queen To create this unique time-bending record, the renaissance-esque themes are not only presented in the visuals but in the production, lyrics, and vocals as well. Through clever metaphors, Haute sings about wanting to become a star and garner an audience, which can be compared to wanting to join the carnival and perform for the crowd. Symbolizing the craziness and vulnerability of an event like this showcases Haute & Freddy's amazing songwriting skills even further. "Symphony For A Queen" can be categorized as baroque pop, although its distinct melodies and one-of-a-kind sound create a brand new, never heard before musical genre. Anti-Superstar Representative of the topics and concept of Big Disgrace , they are summarized in the album's second track, in which Buzz calls herself the title of the song because of the pop music she's putting out with a past-century twist. Another reason is that she makes music for the love of the arts and creating, rather than for fame and attention. Throughout infectious basslines and accompanying synths, Haute shows how she is a chameleon when it comes to singing, quickly changing octaves and vocal styles to invoke the vibes of "Anti-Superstar". Sweet Surrender Breaking up is freeing and a breathe of fresh air on the third track of the album, "Sweet Surrender", with Buzz singing over an upbeat production about her feelings regarding leaving a partner no longer suited for her. The relationship ended on a good note, but then again, it still had to end. In regards to the song's instrumentation, strums of an electric guitar are converted to sound like disco synths, alongside energetic drums and sparkly sound effects. Scantily Clad "Scantily Clad" is the "title non-title track" of the record, dripping in sarcasm from pretending to care about what others think. Modest people who want to silence those who are true to themselves don't deserve any attention, no matter how "powerful" they appear to be. This song keeps you on your feet and makes you want to dance the night away as more 80s synths and party vibes are sonically translated through fun production styles and instruments. This doesn't even dissipate with the reverberated piano break, before "Scantily Clad" transitions into its twin track. Freaks Showing off your authentic and genuine self is continued lyrically from the previous track to "Freaks". Called the word by the "monarchs" that enforce timidity, the "Freaks" take the insult and turn it into a compliment. Being an outcast is much more cool and fun than always trying to fit in. The empowering lyrics perfectly pair with the powerfulness of the production. The synths make it feel as though you are floating through space and time, but also like you're jumping from one planet to another and dancing on top of them, with all the stars shining down on you. Shy Girl "Shy Girl" is all about wanting to break out of your shell after being put down, disregarded, and misunderstood by everyone around you. When you feel so out of place, you can't help but wonder when you will be able to be who you truly are, and not have to worry about the opinions of others anymore. Listening to this song feels like watching a coming-of-age movie that came out in the 80s, which is exactly what the lyrics invoke, as a majority of toned-down synths and power pop instrumentation dominate the production of the track. Dance The Pain Away Everyone has different ways of coping with depression and hardships that put a damper on their spirits. The track "Dance The Pain Away" was aptly named as the answer to this universally shared trait that varies between all who carry it. One of these ways: dance. Blocking out all strife by dressing up and partying with your friends. The signature sound of cowbells and likewise sound effects make the song another musical period piece and hit. Despite the lyrical content, time-accurate - but also modern summery synths - are what drive the seventh track's production. Femme Hysteria A "Femme Hysteria" is an allusive reference to the Salem witch trials of the late 1600s, where men believed women were witches for the smallest and sexist reasons, leading to their imprisonments and the hanging of nineteen people. The lyrics of this track deal with the misogyny prevalent throughout society by incorporating significant events in history that were influenced by it. The rapid instrumentation and production of this track summon the atmosphere of a nightclub, packed with everyone on the dance floor being bedazzled by glowing multicolored lights and fog machines. Fashion Over Function The term "fashion vs. function" weighs the difference between aesthetics and likability and significance and practicality. Haute & Freddy pick the side of fashion in this argument in regards to harmful advancements in modern technology. They are okay with sacrificing the functionalism of the internet and AI if it means getting rid of its overwhelming impact on the world. An aggressive, wavering bass synth and a "boots and cats" drum pattern come together to amplify hauntingly beautiful and intergalactic foreground synths and harmonious vocals. Sophie "Sophie" is the subject of a tragic love story, a sad memory as the relationship never came to be. Despite having an intense crush, this was unrequited with Sophie already going through her own conflicts regarding romance and her current then ex-partner. The wrong timing is what causes paths to never be crossed with her. Although Freddy is pictured playing a lute in the song's music video, which is also the shoot where the album artwork was taken, the layered strums of acoustic guitars permeate throughout and fill the soundscape of "Sophie", creating autumn-esque tones. Showgirl At Heart The plot of "Symphony For A Queen" returns for the eleventh track of Big Disgrace . No matter what, Haute believes she deserves to be on stage, knowing its where she belongs and feels most like herself. "Showgirl At Heart" is a gorgeous ballad, defined by its keyboard notes and slow-tempo synths, as well as the electric bass chords that emphasize them. The drums transform the song into even more of an incredible pop song than it already is. Distant electric guitar chords add an extra element to the track and displays it as both distinct and reminiscent of the 80s. Fields of Versailles This bittersweet and penultimate "Fields of Versailles" is about wanting to escape the current world we live in, ran by billionaires while everyone else has to constantly work hard just to survive. The love from the relationship Haute is in helps her forget about all of this. The synths of this track reminded me of a video game or a coding program, as if Haute & Freddy are hacking into the mainframe of society to defeat the evil people that run it. Another fun element is the usage of deescalating melodies as we continue to hear Haute's extraordinary singing throughout Big Disgrace . I Like My People Weird The conclusive song of Big Disgrace mirrors "Freaks" and "Scantily Clad" as the lyrics remark on the tedious ideals revolving around being perfect and fitting into a mold, and how being yourself and doing what you want is far better, even if you're outcasted because of this. "I Like My People Weird" can be described as a celestial ballad, using reverberated synths that give off the vibes of solar systems and galaxies, and the beauty you find in them when looking through a telescope. Instead of a telescope, we hear the beauty of this song and the rest of the album through speakers. Big Disgrace is such a creative body of musical work in many different ways. As Haute & Freddy implement their expert songwriting skills in each track that emphasize the record's concept, the pairing of the upbeat, synth-filled production makes the album fun to listen and dance to. Both sides of the coin are explored with important themes regarding society and nightclub vibes, all the while maintaining the album's baroque carnival aesthetic. This is a fantastic debut project and I'm looking forward to the musical duo's upcoming Big Disgrace Tour with shows throughout North America and Europe! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW HAUTE & FREDDY: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

  • Review: "Lines" - Lucy Frost

    2026 has been a crazy year for all of us so far. For some, heartbreak was included, and that can be hard to deal with. But… imagine seeing your ex (that you’re still in love with!) with someone else. INSTANT CRASHOUT. Well, don’t I have the song for you! “Lines” by Lucy Frost has struck down from heaven and graced us with it’s presence. She confesses her inner thoughts throughout this dark rich instrumental, creating such a deep yet comforting hit. This song deserves a rom-com and headphones, because it’s about to get real. To start this grunge song right, a low yet raspy guitar is introduced. Along with a deep yet subtle bass to marinate with the guitar. As the song progresses, synths are carefully placed to lean more towards the pop element. The drums are then present at the chorus, gradually expanding. However, it would be worthy to note that Lucy’s vocals are the forefront of what makes this song so gorgeous. Not only is she an angel, but her vocalizations that get introduced in the second verse carry listeners to the very end. Which, with a slow suspension, creates a banger outro that leaves listeners satisfied. This song was carefully crafted and has earned my blessings! Lucy Frost is a singer/songwriter hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. Her skills stem from her knowledge of film scores and multi-instrumentalism. She is also inspired by many artists, including but not limited to: Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, Elliot Smith, Billie Eilish, and Lola Young. With this background and inspiration, Lucy has been releasing tracks that tap into deeper meanings of transformation and discovery. With this track being the second single to promote her upcoming album, Lucy Frost has no intention of slowing down her musical takeover. Especially with her live performance experiences at venues like Hotel Cafe, The Village Social Club, The Burren and Harvard & Stone. If you enjoyed this song as much as I did, be sure to follow Lucy Frost using the links down below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW LUCY FROST: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

  • Review: "Good Scar" - Ava Franks

    Ava Franks has released her new single, “Good Scar.” An irresistible pop track that allows deeper exploration into feeling brave in the face of new love despite fears of the future, Frank settles herself with sparkling synths and a driving bass. “Good Scar” helps those who fear the future with a new partner by examining how, even though it might not work out, fear only holds back and never allows for the good to come into our lives. With a want to experience everything with her new partner, even the good and the bad, Franks is ready to explore new connections and face the future on her terms and who she chooses to be with.  “Good Scar” is intimate yet far-reaching throughout the song. Franks’ collaboration with producers and writers Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta shines through this song’s production, using both slowing tempos and a pick-up in the instrumentation at the chorus. These variations help the song feel new and fresh to listeners, adding to Franks’ growing discography. Speaking of Franks’ discography, “Good Scar” is a stand-out in her discography, both vocally and writing wise. Complex ideas create interesting concepts within the writing of “Good Scar” and an original take on songs that find singers starting a new relationship, and Franks’ vocals are as smooth as silk. “Good Scar” is a great introduction for those new to Ava Franks’ discography, and for those who are returning, it’s a warm welcome back.  Ava Franks is an American singer based in New York. Inspired by the storytelling by singer-songwriters like Sarah McLachlan and production of artists like Lorde Franks’ artistry shines throughout her discography. Singing from a young age, Franks has been inspired by music for as long as she can remember. Writing about the coming-of-age experiences that have happened within her early adulthood, Franks discovers that figuring out life one song at a time both helps her to reflect and do what she loves. If listeners would like to keep up with Ava Franks, they can follow her on her respective social media, linked down below.    Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW AVA FRANKS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

  • Review: "Wild Dogs" - Taylor Bickett

    In a haunting and raw new single, singer songwriter Taylor Bickett releases her first song since August of 2025. “Wild Dogs”, released on March 9th, plays with themes of betrayal and heartbreak, while showcasing Bickett’s lyricism and her ability to string together comparisons of two wildly different features. In this track and its title, she describes the way a relationship ended as the way that wild dogs eat their prey alive. This fact had interested her, and after researching the reasoning, the mindset of a scared wild animal felt all too familiar. “They’re scared of the bigger predators that will come along”, she says. They rush hastily to the kill, showing her the deeper reason behind a breakup. “Sometimes the person who hurt you isn’t some villain set on destroying your life; they’re just a coward.” Afraid of getting hurt themselves, they lash out and break off the partnership, while its heart is still beating. Bickett has a unique and wistful soundscape throughout her discography. Her tonality is soft and precise throughout her riffs, giving an innocence to the narrator that can only come from a reflection of the singer herself. She feels delicate and vulnerable, and within the opening melancholic guitar chords, the listener knows this story does not have a good ending. In the chorus, she sings “Was there something in the dark that made you feel weaker? / I don't wanna think you a vicious creature”. She begs for a reason behind this madness, and even in her fleeting moments believes in the good. She comes into her strength during the bridge, as the instrumentals swirl into a cacophony of guitars and cymbals. She sings, “Don't wanna think the devil of a small man / Don't wanna sharpen the claws of your pride / With my blood running over your hands”. She knows not to give him too much credit; at the end of the day, he is not a genius supervillain, he is just a weak man. Taylor Bickett has always had a story to share, and a song to sing. She was born in Indiana and now lives in Nashville, TN, and is currently preparing to set off on tour supporting Devin Kennedy. She has been making music since January of 2021, but blew up on TikTok with the release of her single “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS”, which held the lyrics “I swear 16 was yesterday, but now I’m closer to 28.” This line hit hard with many viewers, and created a trending audio with almost half a million fan made videos. The track has over 45 million streams, and since then Bickett has released two EPs, various singles, and tours as both a supporting artist and a headliner. One of these singles, “I Like Mondays” went viral as well, as fans related to her need for order and new possibilities. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more raw and lyrical works from Taylor Bickett, as she might just have another viral hit on her hands. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW TAYLOR BICKETT: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • "Just Let The Music Speak For Itself" - An Interview With Out In Front:

    Photo Credits: Out In Front Instagram On December 9th, 2025, I had the privilege of reviewing a concert for one of my favorite bands - AJR. This was one of those bucket list items that you don't even know really exists but it was one of my favorite nights that I've ever had. With the past concert reviews that I've done, I've just gone in, did my thing, then got out. With this concert though in December, I was blown away at one of the opening acts for AJR - Out In Front. We don't give enough credit to opening bands and how difficult that job can be. The audience has been waiting all this time to see their favorite band and we don't take the openers as seriously as we should. This difficulty didn't even seem to cross the minds of the three piece consisting of Ryen Wagner (bassist), Isaiah Volk (drummer) and Madie Renner (vocals and guitar). They came out with such confidence and blew the roof off the place at The Aragon Theater with their energy. I immediately started writing about them and when Madie - the lead singer of the band announced she'd be doing a little meet and greet, I knew I had to get their information. Cut to February 24th, 2026, Out In Front performed at The Majestic Theater in Madison, Wisconsin opening for Bryce Vince. I was able to sit down with the band for a very quick interview right before they went on to perform. Bre: Thank you for taking the time to chat before your performance. I wanted to get an idea on who the three of you are, how you met and how you formed. We can start there. Isaiah: We met as tennis coaches. I met Ryen playing college tennis and had forced him to get a bass. When he got one, we tried to start a band and it didn't work out. Then, I started working at a country club in LA so I got him a job there. But before that, Madie came in. She invited me to one of her shows but I wasn't really thinking about it. Then a couple months later, she came over to jam and sent me some demos. When I heard them, I could not believe it. This was old stuff that wasn't even polished. Immediately, I had a light bulb moment that we should try and do something since I've wanted to do this my whole life. That was in 2024. We were testing things out as naive as possible and having no clue what is going on. Madie: Exactly. I'm from Iowa. I went to college in Nashville for five/six years and then after living there, I moved out to LA. It was the classic "just a girl and a dream" scenario. I had no job and no place to place to live. I always loved tennis and I was coaching tennis in college on the side. Never in a million years would I have thought that coaching tennis would lead me to my music career, you know? I didn't really want to go to work but it ended up being the one that changed my life. Bre: That is so fascinating. I also love the contrast of the genre of music that you guys play since it's punk. Madie: It's such a posh job but we're the most emo kids you'll ever meet. Bre: That's so funny. I love that. I wanted to bring up your social media presence. It's very big. I'm curious what your take on it is for a networking and marketing tool and how that's helped you guys. Madie: I run our social media account. I live and breathe by it. I steal a lot of ideas from so many of my friends and other bands. You just have to be posting everyday as annoying as it can be. The ones that do the best are the ones that are the most authentic though. They're the ones that were shot on an iphone in Ryen's garage of us just jamming or rehearsing. You don't need to overthink it too much. Just let the music speak for itself. Bre: I know you guys just released a song back in January, right? Madie: Yeah, "In Another Life" Photo Credits: Out In Front Instagram Bre: Yes! It's been stuck in my head all week I think from those social media posts. It's working. I know this band is very young but you guys already have some incredible stats. Just that song alone has over 100,000 streams on Spotify. Madie: It's all we do. We just work everyday - 24/8. Bre: It's awesome. For 2026 - is there anything on the horizon that you guys can talk about at all? Madie: Right now, we're recording another EP. We have two songs done that we're so excited about. So definitely more music, more touring - another headline tour in 2026. Hopefully more collabs with some other fans. Bre: Do you have any dream collabs? Ryen: Hmmm. Dream collabs. Bre: I know. It's a loaded question. Madie: We just had our first collab with Bryce which is cool and already opening doors for us. We just love our friends. Collaborating with True North and When The Sun Sets would be fun. Any of our homies from the same region. Photo Credits: Out In Front Instagram Bre: Of course. That sounds like so much fun. Are there any dream venues that you guys want to play within the next year or even in 2027? Madie: We actually just talked about this. Ryen: Yeah, we were just talking about this over dinner. Isaiah's wins because he said SoFi Stadium. Isaiah: Are we talking dreams? Madie: Dream big! Ryen: I'd love to play at The Coliseum. Isaiah: At least at home, it would be a comparison to The Aragon in Chicago. It would be The Wiltern or even The Greek Theater. Those would be crazy for all of us. Even more-so The Troubadour or The Roxy would be fun too. Ryen: Fenway Park for me. Bre: Fenway Park would be incredible! You guys are all such incredible musicians. I really was geeking out when I saw you all perform and I had one last question. Where did the band name come from? Photo Credits: Out In Front Instagram Isaiah: I always say this, he's going to love to hear this. I was coaching my student Max Fickman on the court. This is when we were really starting out. He knew we were looking for a band name and we had just some crazy ones. But when I was talking to him, I was coaching him on the tennis court and told him to hit the ball out in front. I literally turned around, he was confused but it sounded good. I asked him how that sounded to him and he thought it was cool. So I stopped our lesson, said give me one second, texted them and I said I think I got it. Written By Bre Macomber FOLLOW OUT IN FRONT: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Pop Songs for Peace

    Photo credits: Vecteezy As the world continues to descend into chaos and political unrest, it's important to find ways to escape and dream of a better tomorrow. Artists have continuously used their music to express their discontent with the state of the world and share their hopes for peace, giving us a release from the tensions that have been spreading globally as well as hope that one day we will all be united instead of at each other's throats. Whether you're feeling exhausted from the violence and hatred we constantly see or if you're craving some kind of inner peace from personal turmoil, here's our list of "Pop Songs for Peace." 1. Imagine - John Lennon An infamous song that remains well-loved to this day, John Lennon's "Imagine" is a thoughtful, mesmerizing ballad that dares us to dream of a world that isn't ruled by hate or greed. The lyrics of the song were mostly written by Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono, and dives into thought provoking questions about what it might be like to live without the motivations leaders and people typically kill and die for. One of the most successful moments of his solo career, the track challenges listeners to imagine truly living in peace, even if that means some would have to give up things like power or material possessions. 2. Heal The World - Michael Jackson Dripping with anti-war sentiments, Michael Jackson's "Heal The World" is another fitting anthem for this list and the state of the world. The track is a tender plea encouraging people to make a better world for everyone free of violence and hate. A song that remains relevant to this day, "Heal The World" resonates deeply with the state of the world, letting us imagine and escape into Jackson's vision for peace as global tensions continue to rise. 3. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye Inspired after the Four Tops' Renaldo "Obie" Benson witnessed police brutality towards anti-war protesters, Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" has been a timeless anthem encouraging peace since its release in 1971. The track is a soulful cry against injustice, war, and violence, and remains relevant to this day as people around the world navigate the chaos and political unrest that has been erupting. 4. We Are The World - USA for Africa Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, "We Are The World" is a charity single recorded in 1985 by the supergroup USA for Africa. The track is an appeal to human compassion and empathy, encouraging listeners to share peace and love with everyone. Sung by a plethora of icons, "We Are The World" featured the likes of Stevie Wonder, Steve Perry, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, and Lionel Richie among several others. 5. Where Is The Love? - The Black Eyed Peas Initially an outlet for post-9/11 anxiety, The Black Eyed Peas' "Where Is The Love?" became a versatile anthem for peace as it takes a stand against issues like pollution, gang crime, US government hypocrisy, racism, war, and terrorism. It encourages listeners to take note of all the injustices happening in the world and question where all the love has gone. Though the song was released in 2003, it holds relevance today as the world struggles with similar challenges and craves a peace that seems too distant. 6. Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer Sadly, John Mayer is still waiting for the world to change for the better, something he expressed in his 2006 mainstream pop-rock hit, "Waiting On The World To Change." The track's lyrics explore the passive attitudes toward improving our world conditions through striving for things like global peace or pushing back against harmful politics, shedding light on how helpless average citizens often feel against the powers running the show. Though the upbeat song seems bleak sometimes lyrically, it's an inspiring track nonetheless as it encourages us to wish and hope for better times. 7. Peace - Taylor Swift From her eighth studio album, Folklore , Taylor Swift's "Peace" focuses more on the journey to finding inner peace when facing personal turmoil. Though it's a different take on the idea of peace from other songs in this list, it's still important to have songs to listen to that inspire a sense of calm and finding self-love throughout any kind of turbulent time in life, whether it's something felt globally or personally. What are some of your go-to songs when needing to escape the chaos of the world? Are there any in this list you listen to when thinking about peace? Let us know on our socials! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

  • Review: "Everything I’m Not" - FLEUR ROUGE

    Womanhood is a challenge! It has its ups and downs, but some emotional support helps. This song, however, can be the support for you! Fleur Rouge’s newest single, “Everything I’m Not”, captures the essence of womanhood. Her message of imperfection as both self-preservation and rebellion carries strong throughout the song. She shouts to the world “Hey! It’s okay to not be where society wants you to be”. With all of these meanings, it creates a perfect song to let your frustrations out when feeling down in the dumps. Click here to listen to “Everything I’m Not”! Starting off strong, her vocals start the song, followed by a deep hit to punctuate her words. A beautiful metronome like sound keeps the pace flowing throughout. After the verse, a grungy yet funky melody is introduced. This creates such a beautiful alt-pop scene for her vocals to ebb and flow in the chorus! There is also so many vocal effects at play to further add to the complexities of the song, such as harmonies and glitchy-like alterations. As the song continues, Fleur shows off her bilingual side in verse two, creating a deep connection within. This then leads to the much-anticipated drop, which, when it comes, it heals every part of the soul. This song is beautifully crafted, and I cannot imagine the evolution Fleur has in store. Fleur Rouge is a French-born yet London-raised singer/songwriter. She originally trained as an opera singer from the age of 11-16, which allowed her to tour across Europe. This also allowed her to set a foundation for her vocal skills, which blossomed within her aesthetic. In February of 2020, she released her first single “Growing Pains”. Since this, she has a firm spot in the alt-pop world. Fleur draws inspiration from many different artists as well, including but not limited to: Billie Eilish, Lorde, BANKS, and many others. If you liked this song as much as I did, be sure to follow Fleur using the links down below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW FLEUR ROUGE: Instagram | Spotify

  • Review: "SAME TIME" - Matt Hansen

    "SAME TIME" by Matt Hansen is a heartfelt track that explores the emotional turmoil of a toxic relationship. The speaker of this song reflects on the way their romance causes so much pain, walking listeners through the relationship from the first moment the couple met to the toils of trying and failing to make a happy relationship work. The track shares a relatable message, that love is complex with lyrics like "I wish that it was simple, that it was someone's fault." Through sleepless nights and compromise, the song explains the pain of a romance that steals self-love from your grasp. Resolute and heartbreakingly honest, this song is a breakup anthem that will get you lost in emotion. Bright piano chords open the tune with a resonant progression of chords before soulful vocals drive the melody. This heartbreak ballad embraces the bold, rounded qualities of Matt's singing. Its raw and simple delivery of vocals and piano infuse the sound with an authentic sense of vulnerability. Matt's deep voice feels gentle through the first verse, progressing over the coarse of the song. In the chorus, his powerful vocals project in an all-encompassing articulation of the lyrics. The expressive singing grows louder throughout the track, closing the song with a raspy exclamation of "I know you won't change, neither can I". As the lyrics end, the last chord rings out, offering an abrupt close to the song that allows listeners to experience the weight of its meaning. Matt Hansen is an independent artist whose talents as a singer and songwriter garnered the attention of millions of social media followers across the globe. He initially broke into the public eye with beautiful covers of late 1990's and early 2000's classics, and has since released music to an ever-growing fan base. Matt has amassed nearly 5.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, a vast discography of emotionally resonant singles, and collaborations with artists like Kygo . Recently touring Australia, Matt opened for artists like Teddy Swims, Lauv, Alec Benjamin, and Train. Check out the links below to keep up to date with his music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MATT: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

  • Review: "Nice Guy" - Emma Teufel

    Nice guys are the scariest type of guy you can fall for. The ones who seem to bend over backwards so you’ll fall head over heels just for them to break your heart. All the kindness ends up being an act that we easily go along with. Emma Teufel just released her new single “Nice Guy” that dives into guys using chivalry as a secret weapon. The track is incredibly catchy with modern pop synths and melodic layers. It empowers everyone to take a step back and avoid giving these guys any of your time. Save yourself the heartbreak and give this track a listen. “Nice Guy” paints the picture of someone who wants to believe so desperately that their heart is good, when in reality he uses others to for an ego boost. Emma described this person as “A guy that would take a bullet for himself, and no one else.” Charming and convincing on the outside, yet they are so self-centered all they can do is manipulate. “Nice Guy” is the realization that not everyone is who they seem to be. “The nicest guy, what a lie.” It’s all disillusion that breaks our trust beyond repair and Emma won’t allow that to happen again. This is for all the girls who truly wanted to believe in someone and were let down by their false persona. Emma Teufel is an American singer-songwriter who has grown up surrounded by creativity. She has a natural gift for the arts and has explored fashion, film, music, etc. Music always help a special place in her heart and after putting more focus on it, she found it’s exactly where she wanted to be. “Parking Lot” was her debut single that was released in 2024, and she’s since then released seven more. Emma has poured her heart into her music to find escape and her listeners adore her relatability. Lyrically she explores her journey of being a young adult and the hardships, heartbreaks and empowerment you find in every corner. If you loved “Nice Guy” be sure to check out the links below to explore her discography and stay up to date on future releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW EMMA TEUFEL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

  • Review: "Art Gallery" - Love You Later

    Back with a her latest single, Love You Later has released "Art Gallery," a track that embraces the intense, bittersweet feeling of learning to love yourself again. Sharing the inspiration behind her latest song, Love You Later explains, "Art Gallery is all about self-discovery and exploration. It's finding yourself in the chaos of life and growing to trust and love yourself again. Shedding old skin - outgrowing people and places - in order to find yourself. Realizing you can't truly find yourself until you lose yourself - and to me, that is what it means to be human. I believe this song will connect with and inspire old and new listeners. Especially with all of the chaos happening in the world right now, finding and centering oneself is one of the most powerful tools we have." Ethereal and dream-like, Love You Later captures hearts with the mesmerizing soundscape of "Art Gallery." The track paints a picture of hope and new beginnings with an undercurrent of sadness, capturing the metamorphosis that occurs when you grow and change to become the person you're meant to be. As this isn't an easy or always happy process, Love You Later expertly crafts this song to mix joyous instrumentals and impassioned vocals with a hint of sorrow, expressing the difficulties of leaving who you were behind while seeing light on the horizon for what the future holds. Hailing from Nashville, Lexi Aviles is the face behind Love You Later, an alt-pop project near and dear to her heart. The artist uses her discography to build a sonic dream world of euphoric instrumentals and soul-baring lyrics, reaching listeners globally with over 7.9 million streams. Already having several accomplishments under her belt, Love You Later has earned her way onto Spotify's Indie Pop and New Pop Picks playlists, as well as gained recognition from tastemakers like MTV, EUPHORIA , FLAUNT, Ones To Watch, LADYGUNN, and more. Love You Later has also collaborated with a list of impressive artists, including members of The Band CAMINO , Andy Seltzer , Asia Whiteacre , Marshall Vore , and Madi Diaz . Certainly an artist you want to watch, be sure to check out all Love You Later has to offer! Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW LOVE YOU LATER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | SoundCloud  | YouTube

  • Review: "3am" - Ava Della Pietra

    Artwork by: Georgia Nerheim "3am" is the newest single from Ava Della Pietra , a song about knowing the relationship you're in is dissipating, and also knowing it’s too hard to accept the reality of it. Della Pietra tries to prevent her and her significant other from breaking up, but she realizes this isn’t feasible, as the two of them no longer are a good match. Essentially, it hurts to have who was once her significant other leave but it would also hurt for them to stay. She is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and this situation is becoming more dire as she knows she has to make a decision, even though she keeps trying to avoid doing this as much as possible. The production and instrumentation of “3am” pulls inspiration from genres such as pop, alternative, and folk. The verses are elegant and melodic, while the choruses take this and emphasize it further, while also adding more guitars and drums to create a fuller sound. The strums of the guitars throughout “3am” add a country vibe to the song while still maintaining its overall pop soundscape. When it comes to the vocals for the single, Della Pietra is an amazing singer and her harmonies make everything sound as though it’s a live performance, even though it’s a studio recording, adding a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the production. Ava Della Pietra is a musician and actress from New York. Her acting career began as she was growing up, with performing in plays, including the musical School of Rock  on Broadway. In the meantime, she was beginning to perfect her musical craft. Since then, she has won many awards for her songwriting talents, and has also learned how to play several different instruments. In November 2019, she began releasing music with her debut single “Christmas Tonight”. In August 2022, she released her debut EP truth or truth . Having been praised in many music publications and TV networks, it’s without a doubt Della Pietra is an extraordinary pop star! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW AVA DELLA PIETRA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Concert Review: JADE - "THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!" Tour in Pittsburgh, PA

    After releasing her hit debut solo album, "THAT'S SHOWBIZ BABY!", the pop queen we all know and love from the record-breaking girl band, Little Mix , embarked on her first ever solo headlining tour. Jade is known for her fun-loving personality, paired with the voice of an angel. With her solo music, she created something so unique that it took the pop world by storm. Taking influences from icons that she grew up listening to like Diana Ross and Madonna, her style has a huge sense of nostalgia, filled with deep emotion and soaring vocals while also using experimental electronic dance elements to keep you on your toes. SET LIST FUFN Headache Before You Break My Heart Unconditional Fantasy Self Saboteur Lip Service Plastic Box Glitch Frozen (Madonna Cover) Dance Break Natural At Disaster Midnight Cowboy Wasabi (Little Mix) gossip IT Girl Silent Disco Church Angel Of My Dreams At The Roxian Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1,400 piled into the intimate venue to see Jade shine like the superstar that she is. With a DJ as her opener, he understood the assignment, playing a Little Mix song as the opening and closing song to get the crowd pumped and ready to dance the night away. When it was time for Jade to come out, there was a theatre curtain on the stage as she began to sing "FUFN", playfully sticking parts of herself out of the curtain before fully revealing herself. Jade Performing "FUFN" at The Roxian Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA - Photo by @ethanlucas553 Jade spent the night playing her whole entire album, and then some. She was so incredibly happy the whole time, smiling the biggest smile I've ever seen in my life. You could tell it meant the world to her to go back to her roots and have these more intimate experiences with her fans in these smaller venues. She sang and danced her heart out, and loved every minute of it. There wasn't a dull moment. I was in such awe that it almost didn't feel real. She was giving it her all and vocals were on point. She gave sass and attitude, as well as emotion when necessary. She made everyone in the room feel special for being there and shined brighter than I could've ever imagined. Jade at The Roxian Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA - Photo by @ethanlucas553 Something important to mention is her incredible dancers, Samuel and Alexander . They brought so much extra life to the stage and moved like I've never seen people move before. My favorite number was definitely "Glitch". The way they danced with Jade along with the breakdown and lights was out of this world. Obviously though, we need a shoutout to "Lip Service" too though. You just needed to be there. However too, there was an incredible dance break where Samuel and Alexander took to the stage by themselves and showed us everything they had, and impressive is an understatement. Jade performing with Alexander at The Roxian Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA - Photo by @ethanlucas553 For the encore, right after "Church", Jade went up to the balcony section of the venue, where she revealed a fan was going to propose to their girlfriend. It was such a cute and special moment to witness, and that's when she sang "Silent Disco". It was the most emotional, magical and wholesome moment of the night, and you could tell that even Jade was having trouble holding back some joyful tears. She made her way back to the main stage to perform the final song of the night, "Angel Of My Dreams", where for the final chorus, she disappeared and reappeared with giant angel wings on her back. Jade performing "Church" at The Roxian Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA - via @jadethirlwall on Instagram Jade is the type of performer we need more of nowadays. She is such a genuine person inside and out. She's honest about the downsides of being in the music industry. However, she loves her fans and that doesn't stop her from making music that she loves and performing like there's no tomorrow. You wanted a show and you got one. Her voice is full of soul and passion, and all you have to do is look at the expressions on her face to know that the stage is where she belongs. I can't wait to see what is still to come in her solo journey. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

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