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Sienna Melgoza is continuing her 2025 hot streak with her latest release, “Hate It When I See Ya.” “Hate It When I See Ya” blends the singer-songwriter's signature alt-pop style with introspective lyrics of heartbreak and wisftfulness. The track’s lyrics are a particular highlight. Sienna’s songwriting accurately captures those conflicting and contradictory feelings that come after a breakup. According to Sienna, the song is about “an emotional tug-of-war,” and frankly, there is no better way to describe it. From missing them to feeling angry to realizing it’s best to move on, “Hate It When I See Ya” exhibits every messy emotion felt after a relationship ends. For those going through heartbreak, or for those who just want to re-ignite those old feelings, Sienna Melgoza’s “Hate It When I See Ya” is a pitch-perfect catharsis. “Hate It When I See Ya” is an incredibly constructed pop song. The track is a smooth blend of pop, alternative, and R&B. “Hate It When I See Ya” is written and mixed by some of the most renowned producers currently in the music industry. Alongside herself, Sienna worked with Caleb Hulin, Aaron Brohman, Ashley Mehta, Mat Mainhard, and Dale Becker. Those named have also worked with the likes of SZA, Avril Lavigne, Demi Lovato, and Billie Eilish, to name a few. Accordingly, “Hate It When I See Ya” is an incredibly glossy track with a high production value. Sienna’s vocals are light and airy, and when she harmonizes, there is a grand ethereality. “Hate It When I See Ya” is an instant earworm, with a richness that makes you want to listen over and over again. “Hate It When I See Ya” is yet another hit from Sienna Melgoza that proves she is one to look out for. Sienna Melgoza is a singer, songwriter, and actress. She is, on all accounts, a triple threat whose work across all mediums has grabbed mass acclaim and attention. As a musician, Sienna’s goal is to create art that is heartfelt and emotionally vulnerable, so others can listen and relate. This authenticity is how Sienna has reached the level of success she has today. Songs like “stitched on my tongue” and “differently now” are just a few examples of Sienna’s focus on genuine lyricism and alt-pop aesthetics. On Spotify alone, Sienna has garnered over 28,000 monthly listeners and hundreds of thousands of streams. Sienna’s career is only growing, and you can listen to her discography, including “Hate It When I See Ya,” on all major streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW SIENNA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | YouTube

Jess Ball wraps the tension between her flaws and loving someone with gentle guitar and soothing vocals in “Please Don’t Hate Me For This.” The tricky part of relationships is the risk of honesty, and how it can hurt the people that we love. For Ball, it’s a balance between loving herself and letting her emotions flow while protecting her partner. While candle-lit dinners, night walks on the beach, and coffee shop dates are part of relationships, the argument over movie night is just as important. The tension may be uncomfortable, but what counts is growing from it. Ball acknowledges her flaws. She sings, “Some things that I say don’t land…But you’re the best I’ve ever had/ Please don’t hate me for this.” Her humanity and vulnerability are what keep their relationship alive. And it lights up the song. “Please Don’t Hate Me For This” feels like the slow tide towards honesty, during that beach night walk. Ball’s voice is as soft as a summer evening breeze, relaxing without the bite of the winter chill. The trust in her lyrics thrives in the velvet texture of the vocals. The slight reverb on the electric guitar lends motion and fluidity to the song, much like gentle waves. It’s perfect for rolling the windows down and catching the wind or spinning to the music. Ball provides a rare type of tune, where you can sit and feel it or dance and sing along, just like the phases of a relationship. Jess Ball is a singer and songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. She found a love for music in 2009 when she was 11 years old. Since then, she has created songs with elements of pop, indie rock, and hip-hop. Her inspirations are Cigarettes After Sex, Olivia Dean, and Massive Attack. On social media, she posts her own music as well as covers of her favorite artists. In 2020, her third release, “I Found You (Neptune)” landed at Number 1 on the Future House Beatport Charts and Number 38 on SiriusXM’s Electro top songs of the year. In October, she released her single, "That Way." Stay tuned on her socials as she continues to create indie-pop music. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW JESS BALL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Even when you get past all those non-healthy coping mechanisms, there will always be new vices to help cover up a breakdown. I've definitely been there, especially when losing YOUR person. The one that's been in your life for what seems to be an eternity, gone. This feeling and idea are all interwined within Ella Collier's newest album's title track, "I DON'T DO DRUGS". She talks about the pain and struggle one goes through between bad habits and numbness. Ella speaks on this, saying that the song is about "all the ways I distracted myself from this sting I felt abandoned in, and how even though I don’t do drugs anymore, I will use anything else to numb myself from this realization that he’s really gone and that no high will ever feel the same as the person this song is about." That pain of losing someone can really break you down, and listeners can feel seen with the message Ella shares. This song has so many different elements that all combine beautifully. The star of the show is her vocals, with how intense and raw they are throughout! Even the robotic background vocals add such a cool effect that aligns with the grungy vibe. The drums thump along perfectly with the electric piano layer. Once the chorus hits, it’s similar to a heavy disco with claps adding more uniqueness. The song keeps it’s pace in the second verse, with added sticks and strong ornamentation. It ends nicely, as the song starts to mellow with a low pass filter. Overall, the song had so many unique elements that all came together to form this masterpiece, and I cannot wait to hear more of Ella Collier. Ella Collier is an independent artist, songwriter, and producer based in California. As a genre-bender, she combines pop, trap, acoustic, and hyper pop to create heartbreak songs full of heat! She is no stranger, as she has had front-page coverage on Apple Music, topped playlists on Spotify, and has been in NBA2k and Love Island. She currently has 76.8 thousand listeners on Spotify, and it is on an upward trend. She is hosting Zoom calls and building fan pages as we speak. She also collaborates with top-of-the-line producers, includi ng Joe Pepe (Iann Dior, Machine Gun Kelly), Dan Richards (One Direction), and Nicole Beaubien. To stay up to date with the latest from Ella Collier, be sure to follow her using the links below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW ELLA COLLIER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

For anyone who is struggling with the thought of trying to begin again, "what if it ends?" by Sidney is the song for you. This song is as thought provoking as it gets with such an emotional tug and pull from Sidney's point of view. The song brings us a story about how hard it can be to make the decision of committing to someone because what if all of this is for nothing? Especially if you're someone like Sidney who really just wants to be sure that all of this effort is for the one. This song pulls on the heart strings mixing it with pop music to make it an all around perfect, relatable and energetic song. The beginning of this song starts off incredibly gentle, honest and raw with just Sidney and an acoustic guitar. This is disrupted by the chorus, which explodes into a pop melody that feels like an itchy ear-worm with fantastic harmonies throughout. The second verse keeps the energy from the top of the song but just slightly more groovy. The lyrics are really such an important gem for this song because of how vulnerable and honest they are. They are incredibly relatable to anyone who has ever had that feeling of being unsure about wanting to commit to someone or a relationship because what if it ends? What if it all ends being for nothing? Sidney is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne who is breaking into the music industry with extreme force. Focusing a lot of the music in the indie-pop genre, Sidney brings heartfelt, thought provoking lyrics that are so unique and not really about what anyone's talking about. The newest single, "what if it ends?" stems from a place of uncertainty which I think a lot of people need to hear right now to make sure they know they're not alone. "what if it ends?" is the single off of the new EP, sharing the same title, which comes out on February 27th, 2026 which is highly anticipated to see how else Sidney will flaunt their incredible talent. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW SIDNEY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Jacoozy - Still Afloat Tour promotional flyer // Band members left to right: Killian Wright, Will Fentress, Isaac McMurry, Pauly Scott and Ramon Garcia The Bijou Theater in Knoxville, TN, was abuzz with the hope for a good show. It was Halloween, after all, and while most people could have been out at a costume party or hitting the bars down the street, the audience had chosen to spend their evening with bands Frute, Jacoozy and headliner Big Something.  Jacoozy is a five-member jam band hailing from Boone, NC, now based in Asheville. The band consists of guitarists Killian Wright and Will Fentress, drummer Pauly Scott, keyboardist Isaac McMurry and bassist Ramon Garcia. Together, they create a tight, electrifying sonic experience that leaves listeners breathless. I specifically came to Knoxville to see Jacoozy’s show (and to hang out with my friends in my college town on my favorite holiday). Their set consisted of five tracks, including songs from their new album, Still Afloat, as well as a few older tracks for more seasoned fans. As much as I love listening to them on Spotify, Jacoozy are at their best when in front of an audience. “Don’t Leave Nothin’ Behind” was first on the setlist. As I mentioned in my review of Still Afloat,  this is a perfect opening number, both for the record and their live performance. Each member of the band was given the chance to showcase their talents. From vocals to keys, bass to drums, it was easy to appreciate each sound individually and as a unit. The set then moved into “Hurry,” which was one song I was most excited to hear live. From the first note, the song takes off into an intricate guitar section that puts Wright and Fentress’s expertise at the forefront. Additionally, as someone who fully believes the drummer can make or break a band, Scott’s sound was the heart and soul of this track, and he continued to shine through the entire set. “Hurry” fully lived up to the expectations I had in my head, and the other members of the audience seemed to enjoy it just as much as I did. I looked up to the seating section above me to see a group of people on their feet, jamming so hard to this song that my friends and I were afraid they might fall from the balcony.  The audience on the floor was also fully hooked by this point, dancing around in their Halloween costumes. The members of Jacoozy were dressed for the occasion as an ensemble of WWE wrestlers, and the stage was decorated with headstones and glowing candles. These details contributed to the upbeat atmosphere and the magic of the holiday. Left to right: Fentress, Scott, Wright and Garcia (McMurry was out of frame for this photo) Next up was “Cold Hearted,” a track from their self-titled 2022 EP. A song lamenting about a connection gone cold, this song is all too relatable for some of us. This was a moment for the group’s vocals to shine. With all members lending their voices throughout their discography, their harmonies were particularly polished during this number.  “Spilling” was another stand-out of the night, with McMurry carrying much of the latter half of the song on his keyboard. While a typically underrated instrument, it was hard to overlook the keys with McMurry’s raw talent behind them.  The final song on the setlist was “Blinds”, released as a single back in 2024. This song was another highlight for the group’s vocals and lyrical storytelling. After the first few minutes, it blended into a soothing instrumental section that quickly picked up into a funky, upbeat rhythm enhanced by Garcia’s bass. For the occasion, this portion of the song was mixed with the iconic theme song from the movie Halloween.  The band was in perfect sync during the whole night, and by the end, all the audience members wanted more. The entire set was a chance to get lost in the sound and move like no one else was in the room. As a bit of a jam band virgin, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started listening to Jacoozy at a friend’s recommendation last year. However, I fell in love with their sound, and as expected, the live show more than lived up to their studio recordings. As this was my first official jam show, the only disappointment I felt afterward was that Jacoozy’s set wasn’t longer. I'm excited to see them again and expand my knowledge of this genre in the future. I was able to chat with Wright and McMurry after the show, and (after they both apologized for not playing my favorite Jacoozy track, “Early”), McMurry mentioned the potential for shows on the West Coast, including my home state of Arizona. Who knows what the future holds, but with a group as solid as this, anything is possible. Until then, Jacoozy will be playing shows throughout the greater South East   to close out the end of 2025, and “Still Afloat” is available on streaming platforms now.  Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Chilli Chilton has released her new single, “Catch Me If You Can.” Inspired by her travels around the world, Chilton tells an ex-partner to “catch her if they can,” as she slowly is going through the process of moving on aided by travels and living her life the way she wants to. Thanking the “broken road” for guiding Chilton back to herself, Chilton goes through the process of learning herself again after heartbreak. Without the travels she faced, Chilton wouldn’t have had the chance to connect with herself and learn how she’s grown on her own, something that listeners can relate to and feel as Chilton’s hook and songwriting go hand-in-hand to create a song perfect for the ending of a romantic comedy.  “Catch Me If You Can” captures the feeling of leaving something old to return home to oneself, something that Chilton sought out and found throughout her travels. When looking at the pop landscape, Chilton’s guitar-led song sticks out with earnest lyrics and feeling behind the vocals by Chiiton, creating an essence of authenticity that can lack within the genre that dominates the Billboard charts. Chilton’s lyrics create a cause to celebrate: finding oneself again and the independence and joy that come along with the journey to find them. With this in mind, Chilton executes what “Catch Me If You Can” seeks to do: celebrate the travels in life and all of the little moments along the way. Chilli Chilton is an upcoming pop singer-songwriter based in the United Kingdom. Using songwriting as a release for her emotions, Chilton’s lyrics are vulnerable and authentic, leading listeners to seek out songs from Chilton’s discography for every moment in life. While Chilton’s discography is limited, it captures listeners in with Chilton’s vocals and guitar and makes listeners feel seen within Chilton’s relatable lyrics. WIth over 14,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Chilton’s rise is something fans cannot wait to see, myself included. If you’d like to keep up with Chilli Chilton’s new music releases and new show dates, you can follow her on social media, linked down below.  Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW CHILLI CHILTON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook

In this spooky season, perhaps the most scary thing that could come about is the unsure back and forth of a situationship. This is the true horrors in life, not clown masks and skeletons but love bombing and commitment issues. In her latest single, Jennifer Ewbank wanted to detail this terror, and released her single “Scary Movie” this past Halloween. She stated that she wanted to turn “the chaos of mixed signals in a relationship ‘that drive you insane’ into a Halloween-tinged pop world full of suspense and playful wit”, which is exactly what this single came to be. Ewbank’s sound is a mixture of indie pop with a slight country twang, and she adds a bit of sass and 2000s nostalgia to create a unique vibe, along with lyrics that poke fun at spooky season elements, like brains and the infamous 3am witching hour. This track starts off with just Ewbank’s unique voice and a quick guitar line. She sings about picking her partner’s brain, begging to know what is going on up there. She slowly gains power in both her voice and the instruments swelling around her, until she reaches the chorus. In which, she sings, “Your signals leave me guessing in the middle / Hundred million pieces in the puzzle / I hear it in your eyes / And see it in your tone / This ain’t a scary movie but it’s pretty damn close”. Her bridge is where we hear the most spunk and sass, as she voices her frustrations and the music rises in intensity in each line, before she repeats the chorus again with a soft tonality, begging to be listened to. Jennifer Ewbank is a singer-songwriter with roots and influences in both the Netherlands and England. She has over 20,000 monthly Spotify listeners, which she has grown since her first release in 2011. Since then, she has released a plethora of singles, as well as an album in 2011 and an EP in 2024. She has recently signed with Breaking Records as a rebrand and the start of a new chapter. She is produced by Gordon Broothedde, and with this new team has felt a shift behind her music, with a focus of lyrics and themes on moving forward instead of fearing the past. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Jennifer Ewbank. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW JENNIFER EWBANK: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Margot & the Midnight Tenants are bringing potent alt-pop straight to your playlists. “Golden Key” is one of the singles off the band’s upcoming debut album, and this track is absolutely an amazing way to start it off. If you’ve ever known someone who keeps their secrets under the tightest of locks– especially when you should be aware of them– then you’ll definitely relate to “Golden Key”. This playful song commands every bit of its soundscape through a realized style and groovy beats. For those who love some alt-pop with a jazzy twist, “Golden Key” is going to click right with you. Margot & the Midnight Tenants have absolutely outdone themselves with “Golden Key”. It’s easy to see why it’s the lead’s (Margot Bennett) favourite track off the band’s soon-to-come album– with such a precise soundscape, you can’t deny that this song has some major style. I especially love the use of layered vocals and undeniably groovy percussion. Every single bit of it screams alt-pop, that amazing blend of innovation with a splash of that pop personality that we all know and love. The writing in “Golden Key” is similarly smooth, silky and slinky; every line seems to flow into the next, making singing along a completely effortless experience. The track is all about locks and keys and secrets, and holding onto that titular key for, perhaps, far too long. Whether you relate to the track or simply love it for the soundscape, “Golden Key” is one sonic experience that will have you humming it for a long while. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Margot & the Midnight Tenants is an alternative pop-rock band that is characterized by their blended singer-songwriter storytelling and hard-hitting energy. The band consists of Daniel Bloch (drums), Omer Berger (rhythm guitar), Noga Davidson (bass), Micha Gilad (keys), Idan Morim (lead guitar), and Margot Bennett (lead). They may be formally-trained musicians, but they throw out all the rules to make art that focuses on fun and their love of music. They debuted all the way back in 2017 with “Elmwood Street” and have since released an amazing array of songs that all tell a story. “Golden Key” is part of the band’s upcoming debut album. To keep track of their projects, drop Margot & the Midnight Tenants a follow on any of their socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW MARGOT & THE MIDNIGHT TENANTS: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | Website

Step into a multilayered, imaginative world within “EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE” from artist JXCKY. An electronic soundscape accompanied by smooth, emotion-laced vocals, JXCKY has given listeners a song that is both deeply personal and easily relatable to audiences. “EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE” delves into the topic of finding oneself and experiencing the struggle of your loved ones not understanding this change. JXCKY leaves it all out on the table, diving deep into details of how he’s gone about this change and the ways this impacts specific relationships within his life. The title itself, “EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE,” is a nod to the emotions often overwhelmingly felt by people in general, nonetheless, someone feeling singled out amongst their loved ones, as JXCKY is in this track. JXCKY does not skimp on intricately detailed songwriting, a fully fleshed-out story, and beautiful vocals intermixed with personal experiences. The kind of freeing experience felt while listening to this track is one that you won't want to miss, especially if you’re looking for something fresh and heartfelt.    “EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE” is a complex, gorgeously stacked collection of experiences & nuances put into one striking track. Upon solely listening to it, without examining the lyrics, it’s clear from the emotion put into JXCKY’s vocals that this song comes from both a creative & personal place, which is shown with care and respect. JXCKY tells his story with his head held high, while simultaneously showing listeners that it’s okay to feel hurt when not accepted/understood by loved ones. Lyrics such as, “No I wouldn’t be surprised they think I’m faking this,” and, “No I’ve never heard a silence quite this loud,” are stunningly written examples of how isolation while struggling, especially without having the support of loved ones, will lead you to not only have to break away from unhealthy dynamics but also to trust oneself completely. JXCKY brilliantly balances electronic playfulness with emotion, allowing the instrumental pieces behind “EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE” to speak for themselves as he unravels this story. The pop qualities of this song are bold, yet do not jump out at you immediately. JXCKY clearly has an understanding of the pop genre but additionally allows for the nature of these experiences to speak for themselves, therefore blending with elements of varying genres such as electronic, indie, and alternative.  JXCKY is a queer Chinese-Cambodian artist currently based in Melbourne, Australia. JXCKY’s music mixes the grittiness of the rock genre with the flair of trap, creating a modern identity that transforms chaos into craft. Aiming to cut through the noise in the music world, JXCKY delivers his music with honesty and embeds his truth with razor-sharp hooks and crazy falsetto-laced vocals. Every piece of JXCKY’s music is a production of its own, blending the spectacle of pop with elements that bring emotional release. Upon releasing his debut EP, Thriving in Perpetual Darkness , JXCKY had to decide to step away from music to handle a personal issue. Now, as an independent artist, formally with TEAMWRK Records, he has poured his transformation and personal discoveries into his sophomore EP. JXCKY’s recently released sophomore EP, A BODY FOR AN EYE, serves as an offering for the queer, POC, and creative communities he stands with.  Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW JXCKY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Different People" allows us to visualize what it's like to love someone and reflect on your time together. Ryan Nealon takes us down memory lane, reflecting on all the memories he's had with his past love interest. One of my favorite lines says, "Holiday's, you're still hostin' at your house / Do you realize that there's someone / Who doesn't come around anymore?" This line warms my heart with the talk of the holiday's while also giving me the pang of sadness that comes with heartbreak. The chorus gives the song even more power and meaning when it says, "Do you wish we could start over? / 'Cause it kind of stings / You're doing our favorite things / We're different people." This gives the song a full circle moment, we know exactly how the artist feels when they reflect and question a past relationship. Ryan Nealon gives us the perfect blend of tone and mood with the song "Different People." The tone is very reflective on past events and feelings. We also get little snippets of wistfulness. This helps tie in the mood of the song which is bittersweet nostalgia. In the midst of the nostalgia we also get a sense of loss. This doesn't imply a hard and awful breakup, it just implies a heartfelt separation that was in the best interest of both. The backbone of the song is the acoustic guitar which helps build the vocals. With the mellow consistency of the acoustic guitar, it builds the lyrics in a deep and heartfelt way. This makes it feel like the song is tugging at our heartstrings. All together this song could have what it takes to melt butter because of how smooth and heartfelt it is. Ryan Nealon is an up and coming singer/songwriter from San Diego, California. His music has been cited as fragile, emotional, and beautiful. After relocating to Los Angeles in 2013, Nealon has performed across the United States. He's also been included in over 100 publications including Earmilk, the San Diego Union Tribune, Instinct Magazine, and American Songwriter. Ryan Nealon is also an ambassador for non-profit organizations like AFSP, MADD, Boo2Bullying, and NoStigmas. If you're looking for a heartfelt ballad for the fall season, make sure to check out "Different People." Support Ryan Nealon and keep your eyes peeled for his next hit! Written By Destiny Vahrenkamp FOLLOW Ryan Nealon: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

*Mothica Concert Poster via Mothica Mothica celebrated my favorite holiday in style with a special one-night Halloween Extravaganza in Los Angeles. The night was filled with spooky fun, including tarot readings, a costume contest, and two mystifying supporting acts. Dark-pop princess, margø , kicked off the night with her mesmerizing performance dressed as HIM from The Powerpuff Girls. Then, The Whorror Show , a spooky-themed drag group, led the crowd in an awe-inspiring production. Mothica’s picks to open her show were ingenious, flawlessly encapsulating the horror and thrill of the holiday. Once Mothica hit the stage, everyone was shaking in anticipation for her powerful performance – and she did not disappoint.  Mothica kicked off the show with an ominous intro. While her band played subtle instrumentals, a black 7-foot coffin stood in the middle of the stage, covered by a black sheet. The audience erupted in excitement as we knew what, or rather who, was in that casket. Suddenly, the sheet was ripped from the coffin, revealing Mothica in one of the most stunning outfits I have ever seen. She performed “The Void,” the first track from her latest album, Kissing Death . This song was more of an interlude to the project, slowly introducing the listener to the dark themes of depression, anxiety, and mental health. Mothica beginning the concert with this track subtly lured the audience into the eerie theme of the night.  Mothica Coffin Intro Throughout the show, Mothica kept the audience engaged through her witty remarks, deep vulnerability, and intimate stage presence. Her voice was stunning, hitting every note flawlessly and bringing the recordings to life. She commanded the stage and brought light to the darkness. I had lost count of the number of times Mothica held my hand and sang directly to me (shoutout to my husband, who magically found us a spot front row while I was at the merch table meeting margø ). Mothica made every single person in the crowd feel special and cared for, because at a Mothica show, it is a safe space for everyone. This is a setting we desperately need in these uncertain times.  Mothica also made everyone know they are loved and they matter. After relapsing and attending rehab last year, Mothica released a new version of her hit song, “Vices.” In the new version, she changes the bridge to be about her fans, telling them: “If you see me on the stage // I'll wipe the tears right off your face // You're the reason I'm okay.” This part of the song always gives me chills, so I knew I would cry – and I did. Then, she immediately followed the song with a speech about her attempted suicide at the age of 15, which led to her writing the song, “Forever Fifteen.” Her speech detailed how things would get better - that her life got better. She never imagined she would still be alive at her age, but she is, and she has a support system bigger than she could even dream of. She wanted everyone in the crowd who has ever had thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation to know that she sees them and she loves them. There was not one dry eye in the room after that moment. Everyone in the crowd had tears streaming down their face, or at the very least welling up in their eyes. Mothica moved the crowd in that moment and brought much-needed compassion and empathy to their lives.  Mothica with Karlee Skipper It is always a special moment when I get to meet the artists I have worked with on Pop Passion Blog and see them perform live. While I have been an avid Mothica listener for several years now – the artist has always been at my top 3 on Apple Replay – I did have the honor to write a review for her song “Another High” last year. Similarly, margø is another artist we have worked with a handful of times. I had only listened to her more casually before working with her and her team. But being able to review her music and be more active on her social media has made me adore the artist and anticipate every new release. Being able to see these two dark-pop phenomena perform their songs that explore themes of murder and mayhem was an absolute treat – especially the day before Halloween.  margø with Karlee Skipper During the show, Mothica officially launched her new era of music. She has been teasing her new album and its intriguing imagery – Mothicorp. This new image brings the aesthetic of Mothica to the corporate world, symbolizing her depression and anxiety. At the concert, she told the crowd that she has been “applying for real jobs” to fund her new album. Suddenly, someone in a suit came onto stage and handed her a business card. Mothica read it aloud, stating that she was accepted into Mothicorp and her first day will be November 11th, implying new music will be released that day. On Monday, November 3rd, Mothica announced her brand new single, “Evergreen Misery.” She also told the audience this would be her “Rockica” era, indicating her new music will have an edgier sound.  Mothica is one of the best modern artists; from her authentic lyrics to her powerful vocals, she is a rockstar in the making. Seeing her live is an otherworldly experience that you do not want to miss out on. Mothica performs at several rock, pop-punk, and metal festivals year-round. If she doesn’t have anything near you soon, make sure to follow her on social media to keep up to date. You never know when she may be added to a new line-up or announce a headlining tour. Apply for Mothicorp today! Mothica announcing new music release date and performing unreleased track Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

After EP 2 is the second electronic/alternative pop EP from the band After, consisting of Justine Dorsey and Graham Epstein and is known for their encapsulating Y2K aesthetic. Deep Diving The Field Where we are now Baroque Outbound Close your eyes As the iconic late 90's/early 2000's aesthetic has made waves into recent media again, only a handful of people have managed to accurately replicate it and its nostalgia. If you want that in the form of music, look no further than for the band After. Formed in 2023 with the release of their debut single "Something Special", Dorsey and Epstein come together to create magnificent music that makes you feel like you're flying and dreaming at the same time. They have released several singles over the past two years before releasing their debut EP After EP in April 2025. A few months later, they released their second EP After EP 2 in October. Deep Diving The popular leading single of the EP, “Deep Diving” explores the many different aspects of nature. As you listen to the song, you travel from the beach, to the sky, to the mountains, and everything in between. You’re made to feel like you’re traveling through thin air and witnessing all the spectacles of life. You can see every landscape and the curvature of the planet. You transport through the clouds like you’re a plane, and swim through the sea like you’re a fish. The production supplements this, with its sci-fi-esque synths and sound effects and reverberated guitar chords, as well as the drums fills that bring you back down to Earth. The Field The second track is about trying to forget a former partner, but everything reminds you of them. As much as you try to move on, your brain always goes back to the times you spent together. The line “You’re every face and you’re every sound” perfectly defines this feeling, as its inescapable. “The Field” is a combination of futuristic synths, distinct sound and vocal effects, and 2000's indie-rock instrumentation - After’s signature sound - and this song is a great example of it. The lyrics also use more personification of nature to describe feelings and emotions surrounding love and loss brought upon by past or current relationships. Where we are now The production for “Where we are now” takes a more acoustic approach compared to the two previous tracks, although it still features pop elements. Dorsey sings about how she feels about the relationship she is in. She loves her significant other and wants to spend more time with them. She deeply appreciates the moments they have together and never wants them to end, as she enjoys their company. Some lines may imply there might be some difficulties in the relationship due to the distance between them, but there’s not enough to take away the love Dorsey and her partner have for each other. Baroque After EP 2  does a complete 180 with its fourth track containing hard rock elements with metal-esque singing. The song starts out as dark pop and the relationship presented in the previous track appears to take a turn for the worst as Dorsey and her significant other break up. Her ex has problems regarding the kind of the person they are, as she sings “When you realize you’re selfish? / I know you can’t help this”. She realizes the person she was with isn't what she made them out to be. The breakup was caused by this and the rockiness of the relationship. The emotional aspects of the lyrics are a great pair with the powerful and showstopping production of “Baroque”. Outbound “Outbound” seems to be Dorsey trying to just to be friends with ex, but they also could be trying to see if they could get back together again, depending on if there are still romantic feelings present. While there’s still tension, the love they had for each when they were together is still there - they are just trying to convert it into platonic love for now. The production sounds like a combination of the first three tracks, showing how talented Epstein is with his production skills and overall musicianship. Dorsey sings in a cadence that is new to the EP, which shows how talented she is with her singing abilities. Close your eyes More references to sleeping and dreaming can be found in the final track of this EP, “Close your eyes”. This song also is about the complications that can come with a rocky relationship, with the lyrics specifying in longing and jealousy. Dorsey believes her partner thinks about someone else while they are together, and she wishes this wasn’t the case and wonders why this is happening. She tries to confront her partner about this, but then changes her mind right before she’s about to, because she doesn’t want her suspicions to be confirmed. In the background of “Close your eyes”, there are piano notes that create a unique atmosphere for the production. From the first to last track, After EP 2 is nothing other than a beautiful work of art. Everything about it is flawless, from the production, to the vocals, to the visuals - it is pure perfection. Justine Dorsey and Graham Epstein are both incredibly talented and its always amazing when two people who have outstanding musical chemistry come together to create together. Its obvious they both had intricate visions for their music and they always execute them fantastically, including with their newest EP. I can't wait to keep listening to their music and see what's in the store for them. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW AFTER: Instagram | Bandcamp | Apple Music | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.