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Let's be real. Summer is already here somehow! Crazy, right? And with the summer comes our favorite pop hits. Are you looking for something to jam to by the pool? Maybe you need a playlist for your big, upcoming beach party. Maybe you're just ready to stay cool in your room and relax with some tunes. Whatever the case, don't worry because we've got you covered with our picks for the top 5 trending pop songs for the summer! 5. Homewrecker - sombr "Homewrecker" by sombr is an incredibly catchy story-telling tune about what it's like to love someone who's already taken, but you know they deserve better. While the story is a little morally grey, the song's vibes are immaculate. The indie pop sound is the perfect summer soundtrack, lending joyous rhythmic guitar and chimey background vocals to the overall soundscape. "Homewrecker" is currently sitting at number 5 on the Billboard pop charts, further adding to sombr's rising success that he's found within the past couple of years. So, what do you think? Will you be playing this indie anthem this year? 4. Midnight Sun - Zara Larsson Zara Larsson's "Midnight Sun" is an explosive pop hit that takes us back to the 2000s with it's electropop energy. It's the perfect jam for a summer beach party. The video and overall visual for the track gives that hyper-colorful Y2K, frutiger-aero look, an aesthetic that's coming back in full force this year. Not to mention, this song is so incredibly danceable! It's hard to believe Larsson's album of the same name was released all the way back in September 2025. The beat still feels fresh and vibrant, and we are loving it! If you've somehow missed it, check this one out! 3. drop dead - Olivia Rodrigo Our songwriter queen, Olivia Rodrigo just released her new album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love just last Friday. With it came some of her best lyricism yet. "drop dead" tells the story of the euphoric rush of a first date, explaining all the excitement of meeting someone new alongside the anxiety of it all. Rodrigo captures all of the ups and downs in rich detail, painting the picture of a first love all over again. The overall feeling of the song takes us back to our younger years, making for the perfect radio single to hear over the loud speaker at the local pool. It's no surprise that this album has been so long-awaited. We're big fans already! 2. Hate That I Made You Love Me - Ariana Grande Sitting at number 2 on our list is Ariana Grande's "Hate That I Made You Love Me", a darker themed hit that is taking the world by storm this summer. The semi-cryptic songwriting here is all about toxic relationships, for Grande, not only romantically, but with her fans. On the surface, the song seems regretful, but it's actually quite confident. To be beloved by a massive fanbase without really trying is a huge accomplishment. It just unfortunately comes with a few side effects. It's no surprise that this heart-pouring anthem is currently sitting at number 1 of the Billboard Hot 100, as it grabs all of us by the heartstrings. If you haven't heard it yet, give it a listen. You won't regret it. 1. So Easy (To Fall In Love) - Olivia Dean We've finally reached number 1 on our list! Our pick for the top trending song of summer 2026 is Olivia Dean's "So Easy (To Fall In Love)". This charming track is all about the gentle joys of falling in love. While some people find love difficult, Dean sees the descent as a smooth ride, taking us along every step of the way. This luscious, jazzy tune is perfect to share on a date with someone special this summer, or just to relax to on the porch with a cold drink. After the success of her song, "Man I Need", it's no surprise that Dean would have another brilliant hit just waiting to hit the charts, and "So Easy (To Fall In Love)" has done just that. The song has currently reached the number 1 spot on Billboard Pop Airplay chart, capturing everyone's heart along the way. Give this beautiful track a try some time! It'll melt your heart in this summer heat. So what did you think? Have you listened to these trending tracks yet this summer? If you haven't now is as good a time as any to make it happen! Just don't forget to enjoy the beautiful weather too! Feel free to let us know your thoughts at any of our socials below! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

It's incredibly hard for us to live up to the expectations we set up for ourselves, to ignore our inherent need to prove success to everyone. Artist Sorrycarlee explores the feelings behind this phenomena in her brand new release "into it over it." The indie pop track explores the constant struggle to find a reward that never seems to come. With "into it over it," Sorrycarlee takes on the challenge to create a song with a melancholic theme and match it with instrumentals that feel more inspirational and uplifting than the lyrical content. It's a match that makes for a cinematic journey you don't want to miss. The introduction for "into it over it" grabs your attention immediately, it oddly makes you feel nostalgic, as if you're listening to a well-loved song you've heard hundreds of times before. The style of the track stays consistent with this theme as throughout the experience of listening to it, it never lets go of listeners attention. Sorrycarlee's voice is very sweet, but this sweetness doesn't take away from the emotional intensity. She really sells listeners this story of someone who is struggling to move past expectations. Just from the initial listen, it's easy to see that Sorrycarlee likes to challenge herself to be the best, to prove to others what she is capable of. The lyrical content stays true to this thought as it never feels too repetitive or too ambiguous, just perfectly transparent. What we can really take away from "into it over it" is that it can be very hard to live up to perfection, and no matter how hard we try, meeting expectations isn't always necessary. It's okay to work hard and do our best, as long as we don't hurt ourselves. Sorrycarlee, also known as Carlee Chappell, is an artist who began releasing music in 2024 with her debut single "cheap therapy." Before working in music, Carlee Chappell spent her time in academia, pursuing degrees in English and Psychology. She then realized it was time to make a change and switch to her true passion, music. Throughout her past musical work, she has stayed true to herself, writing music that perfectly reflects who she is. Previously, she has had the opportunity to collaborate with artists like Maddie Zahm, Francis Karel, and Abigail Barlow. Now that Sorrycarlee is on this creative path it's exciting to see what step she'll take next as her current work really shines bright. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW SORRYCARLEE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Neoni has released their new single, "Tombstone." An exploration into the silence in love and meeting again in the next life, Neoni goes on about how they'll meet their partners in the next lifetime if they don't get to love one another within this one. While being in love can lead to a relationship, other times it might be too little too late; with this knowledge, Neoni goes on to write that they'll meet their lovers at the tombstone, where they might be in love in their next lifetime. "Tombstone" tackles the willingness to wait until it's too late, filling the air with regret and with hope of meeting again within the next lifetime. "Tombstone" is a song that captures both a concept and a feeling well into one song, something that is both incredibly hard to do but also incredibly hard to have readers latch onto; Neoni pulls this off perfectly. While the angst of the song comes from the silence described by the duo, the hope of meeting in the next lifetime juxtaposes the angst quite beautifully, capturing a full image of being in love: while it may not be in fate's cards in this lifetime to bring Neoni and their partners together, they could always be together in the next one. A fairy tale within dark-pop itself, Neoni has hit the timeline where "Tombstone" is a standout within their discography. Neoni, made up of sisters Caitlin and Sydney Powell, are based within the United States. Standing by the quote of "sisters who argue and write songs," Caitlin and Sydney both contribute to the songwriting process that comes with Neoni. Debuting with their album Wars in a Wonderland in 2021, Neoni has independently built their catalogue from the ground up. This resulted in over 6 million listeners on spotify, a discograpy full of dark-pop and alternative, and having two songs with certified GOLD records. If readers would like to keep up with Neoni's newest releases and show dates, they can follow them on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW NEONI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

In her debut album released just last week, Bella Rose covers themes of “heartbreak, healing, confidence, nightlife, chaos, and the complicated ways people try to put themselves back together.” Titled Hot Girl Therapy, this album is exactly that. Rose has produced anthems of finding yourself, feeling yourself, and not feeling so hot, all encapsulating the human experience. Track number 10, “Everything You Need”, throws all of these ideas together into a pop song filled with great vibes and Rose’s energetic vocal style. The track follows the story of Rose finding her way and inspiration, and moving from insecure to realizing her worth. The title comes through in the chorus when she finally realizes she is all someone could ever need. This track opens with a nostalgic guitar strumming, quickly joined by an electric guitar’s finger picked chords that lend for head nodding and hip swaying. In the first verse, Rose appears almost sullen, feeling unmotivated and down. She sings, “I've been sitting still these days / My inspiration comes in waves”. As she reaches the pre-chorus, she starts to find herself again, reminding herself that “If I want it, gotta grab it”. The track builds into the chorus, where the soundscape is layered with various instrumentals growing in speed, mimicking Rose’s building confidence. She sings, “So when you picture me / I hope I'm always dancing / I’ll be your daily dose of energy / I'll give you everything you ever need”. Bella Rose started her music journey early, being selected for the GRAMMY Museum’s Music Revolution Project at just thirteen years old. There, she met Alex Bonyata, longtime friend and songwriting partner. Now based in Nashville, Rose has grown and collected many accolades, including opening for large artists like Ringo Starr and Andy Grammer, and honing her live performances by opening for Austin Mahone on his past sold out tour. In her music, she blends “euphoric pop production with vulnerable storytelling”, making her work very indicative of the life of a girl in her young adult years. Along with her music career, Rose also is the founder of All She Wants Media, an agency made to manage brands and creators. Make sure to follow the social media below to stay tuned for more from Bella Rose. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW BELLA ROSE: Instagram | Spotify | Website | YouTube

The best relationships rekindle hopes and dreams. Piper Connolly kicks off this summer romance with hints of nostalgia in her recent single "Beautiful Life." She sings "Give me a sign/I'm by your side, infatuated/ We were blasting that song in the car of the band that I always thought was overrated." The right person ignites every song and every subject with excitement. Connolly owns the optimism of someone who wishes on every star (and maybe every airplane). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Connolly strikes up the match, shining a light on all the small thrills. Connolly sparks the dreamer-mind with retro, groovy synths, sweet vocals, and a funky bassline in "Beautiful Life". This is a windows-down, shades on, seventy miles per hour down the highway type of love. The deep, vibrating bass replicates a strut down the sidewalk to the car, with her chin held high. Her light, charming voice flows with the melody like the breeze that rustles the palm trees and winds through ocean waves. All the simple joys come back into frame. The '80s synths explode with the bright, neon adrenaline, reminiscent of John Hughes's adventures. Phoenix-based singer-songwriter Connolly strums her guitar to a blend of genres. Most often, she jams out to alt-pop and rock-pop, breaking down themes of identity, ambition, young love, and heartbreak. She began performing at five years old, singing at Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. Connolly comes from a musical family. She worked with vocal coach Tara Simon and Jan Smith Studios. Connolly continues to rock out to her own beat. Check out the links below! Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW PIPER CONNOLLY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Singer-songwriter Taylor Felt is back with her latest single, “TANLINES.” “TANLINES” is a dark pop, vampy anthem about living life to the fullest. The song is a smooth blend of synthwave and pop-disco. With its high-tempo electro-inspired instrumental and the absolute explosion that is the chorus, “TANLINES” is a track destined for the clubs and late-night party jams. It’s impossible not to want to dance listening to “TANLINES.” Taylor Felt just released an electric song perfect for the upcoming summer. “TANLINES” is an enigmatic song. This is in part due to Taylor’s incredibly strong presence on the track. Taylor Felt is a dynamic and captivating performer, and she really makes “TANLINES” come to life. Not only is she a co-writer, but Taylor’s vocals have a special way of capturing the song’s essence. She is a singer chock-full of personality. “TANLINES” is a very vibey song. From the dark-pop aesthetic to Taylor's rebellious attitude, the track is effortlessly cool. Taylor Felt is one to keep an eye out for. The singer-songwriter has rose to high prominence with her multi-million social media following and various viral moments, such as her performance of the National Anthem before a San Francisco 49ers game. She was even selected to represent TikTok as an official ambassador at the 2020 Grammys. Her debut EP, “Dead Flowers” reached over 250,000 streams on Spotify in its first month alone. While one of her first ever tracks, “Once in a Blue Moon,” released back in 2021, now has over a million downloads on the streaming platform as well. While other Taylor songs including “MIRROR MIRROR” and “wasting ur breath” haven reached similar heights. “TANLINES” is the latest single off Taylor’s upcoming EP, “ELECTRABLOOM” set to release July 9th of this year. And if the song is any indication, the EP is going to be a must-listen. You can stream “TANLINES,” along with the rest of Taylor’s discography on all major streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW TAYLOR: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Music artist imstillFranci tells a story of someone hesitant with expressing his romantic feelings in her newest single "RUDE". She acts as the voice in the back of his head, constantly encouraging him to make the first move with his crush before other people do so before he gets the chance. imstillFranci reiterates that the girl this guy is after is beloved by many, and it would be "RUDE" of him to not present himself as the same and blow her off. His arrogance is clouding his judgement and the singer warns him that this is going to make him less appealing to his love interest. A bass guitar-driven song, the production and instrumentation of "RUDE" are both charming and exude lots of swagger. Altogether, the whole single is very catchy, especially the "la la la"s that imstillFranci sings at different points of the duration of "RUDE". Her vocals fits perfectly with the vibes of this song as well, both lyrically and sonically. "RUDE" carries so much personality with every element of its distinct soundscape, from the snaps and baseline to the way imstillFranci incorporates the theme of the lyrics with the theme of the production style. imStillFranci is a virtuoso from Bucharest, Romania, and grew up and is based in Berlin. Her love of music began at a young age, with inspiration brewing from the music she listened to and made with her family. She began her studio career in November 2024 with the release of her debut single "King". Since then, she has continued to add amazing songs to her discography, one of them being "Peace Without a Fight", which is set to be a track off her upcoming first EP. imStillFranci also was an incredible supporting act for the tour headlined by Austrian musicians Abor & Tynna. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW IMSTILLFRANCI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Love is one of the most powerful emotions. It has the power to create warmth and happiness, but it also can create more negative feelings. Sadness and pain is often viewed as an unavoidable extension of love. Whether good or bad, love can often feel intense and all-consuming. In "Driving In The Dark," Taylor Bickett shows what it's like when the intensity of love becomes addictive and destructive. Bickett's lyricism is deeply moving from start to finish, sharing a vivid story on the cycle of heartbreak. The lyrics give off this strong sense of undeniable passion, but there is also very clearly some pain intertwined with it. Lyrics like "Your kiss is like a razor / I'm breaking like my skin," "We both leave with claw marks on our bodies / I still have blood under my nails," and "We fan the flame to save the spark / Maybe that's just who we are / Always driving in the dark" lays out everything into the open, showing the intense push and pull cycle of love. "Driving In The Dark" is nothing short of a masterpiece. Throughout the song, there is a wistful vibe that creates a cathartic listening experience. There is a steady, consistent thrum of a guitar in the background that pairs perfectly with Bickett's emotion laden vocals. The song opens on a calmer, slower note and slowly builds until we hit a high point full of energy at the chorus. The song's progression fits the title, feeling like you are slowly gaining speed and speeding down a road with the windows down as you release all your pent up energy. Bickett's voice adds another layer of beauty that makes the song have its own distinct sound. Both powerful and emotional, her vocals alone have the ability to compel and tell a story that lingers in your heat. Nashville-based singer Taylor Bickett has been writing music for as long as she can remember, with many impressive projects and achievements that make her an unforgettable artist. Taylor Bickett's most recent song "Driving In The Dark" is a part of her upcoming debut album "Nothing I Can't Undo." The album will be released on July 17th and features 11 new tracks. One of Bickett's previous songs released in 2022, “Quarter Life Crisis”, was a major hit, first introducing the world to the talented singer. “Quarter Life Crisis" went viral on the app TikTok shortly after its release and has accumulated over 35 million streams on Spotify. Bickett's 2023 EP "grown up and lonely" was one of her first great successes that first introduced her music to the world. Taylor Bickett is set to begin her first headline tour this fall. To see if Taylor Bickett will be performing in your area, tickets can be purchased here! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW TAYLOR BICKETT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Photography & Creative Direction: Aidan Cullen Do That Again is the newest album from the incredibly talented musician Malcolm Todd. The second album but third full-length installment in his discography, he sings more alternative, emotion-fueled love songs, whether these emotions are passion and/or regret. T R A C K L I S T Jean Skirt Obsessica Free.99 Breathe I Saw Your Face Difficult Love Malcolm In The Middle Ain't That The Truth Gun To My Head X's & O's Lonely Song Good Bye Do That Again With several tracks from his 2024 mixtape Sweet Boy gaining him lots of recognition early in his music career, its not just those songs that make Malcolm Todd the amazing musician he is known as today. Born into and raised in an artistically-inclined family, he would begin to passionately pursue music after receiving a bass guitar as a birthday present. This would then lead him to develop his signature sound that separates him from other alternative artists, while still paying homage to those who inspired him during his musical journey. Malcolm released his eponymous debut album in 2025, and has now released his sophomore album Do That Again. Jean Skirt "Jean Skirt" proves that Malcolm is 3/3 with album/mixtape intro tracks. "Earrings" from Sweet Boy is a rapid anthem about uncertainty with an ex - "Harry Styles" from Malcolm Todd is an orchestral ballad about questioning the validity of fame - and now everything has come back around with a passionate song, both lyrically and sonically, to start off Do That Again, which is filled with elements that resemble these same vibes. Obsessica Red flags are ignored on both sides of a relationship in "Obsessica". The title of this track suggests how Malcolm carries his approach to different romantic partners, listening to his heart instead of his brain and disregarding any signs that a relationship wouldn't be ideal. Even as he closes out the song, he says names of different girls to amplify this message. The production of "Obsessica" is very influenced by 90s and 2000s indie rock, with the song emphasizing bass guitar and loud drums that beam through headphone speakers. Free.99 Vociferous musicality continues from the last track to "Free.99", where Malcolm sings about missing a past significant other, while still acknowledging the poor relationship they were in. By the end, although it wasn't healthy for either of them to be together, he still feels empty, confused, and isolated now that they are no longer together. The melancholia that defines the songs of one of the lyrical and musical categories Malcolm is known for is heavily represented throughout this song, also due to the composition of the chords and synths. Breathe The lead single of Do That Again, Malcolm surprised fans with cover art containing animal print and a whispered, sybaritic, and spoken-word intro, supplemented only with soft hi-hats. Then, the song cleverly flows into another lo-fi hit, where his dignified singing voice and delicate backing vocals are strung out and perfectly compliment the vibes of the overall theme and lyrics. Malcolm sings about yearning and feeling true happiness when he is with his partner, who he is often apart from, and wishes that they could spend more time together. I Saw Your Face While he has already sang about breakups on Do That Again, "I Saw Your Face" reintroduces the lyrical theme of yearning for a former significant other. While still maintaining of one of central themes of the albums, Malcolm switches things up from the distorted synths of "Free.99" with somber electric guitar chords, symbolizing how it feels like his whole world is crashing down on him from how much he misses his ex. Alongside this is emotional singing that also tells this story through the means of not just the songwriting, but the vocals and production as well. Difficult Love In "Difficult Love", Malcolm admits he is attracted to relationships when they aren't easy and straightforward, but when they require work and contain toxicity. He knows that this is unhealthy, but he sings about how he can't help but getting back together with an ex that reciprocates the same feelings towards romance that he has. The combination of Malcolm's distorted vocals and soft rock-esque guitar chords provide more unique production for this album, which has also been a key element of his post projects, and shows why he is such a distinct figure in the music industry. Malcolm In The Middle The production and instrumentation of the seventh track of the album is meant to portray childlike joy and whimsy, aptly titled "Malcolm In The Middle". The lyrics mostly articulate the same thing, but Malcolm still sings about how he is somewhat unsure about his relationship. In the verse and bridge, he details the happiness he has with being with his significant other, but in the choruses, he shares bittersweet feelings regarding this person and how is he not completely positive if their relationship is going to last. Ain't That The Truth On the eighth track of the album, Malcolm expresses his frustration towards someone that didn't prioritize the relationship they were in like he did. He hints at this person cheating and not taking his feelings seriously, often expressing the desire to be with other people. Like the other songs in Do That Again, the composition and melodies of "Ain't That The Truth" are very distinct, and how there are twist and turns with the tempo and volume of the production to create different emotions and vibes during the length of the song. Gun To My Head The title of track nine of Do That Again perfectly defines Malcolm spilling his guts and showing his true feelings and emotions, and being vulnerable with new and old listeners of his when it comes to his love life. "Gun To My Head" comes off as an upbeat, alt-pop song, but how Malcolm sings in regards to his current situation in terms of romance shows how conflicted he is. He feels as though no matter how long he is apart from his ex, he cannot rid of the memories and happiness he felt in their relationship from his head, causing him to regret the break up. X's & O's The intense bass and matching synths create an atmospheric experience when listening to "X's & O's", the tenth track of Do That Again, as Malcolm provides more early 2000s vibes with the melodies and harmonies that flow throughout the stunning production of this track. Guitar chords and distorted vocals take charge, with the choruses being the central, overarching elements of the song, where Malcolm continues to articulate his sentiments on love and relationships as a whole by writing in regards to an ex partner. Lonely Song "Lonely Song" consists of the quarter-life crisis Malcolm is going through, and how he feels comfort in newfound love due to how dejected he feels. He wants to try to pursue a new relationship instead of following his old habits of not taking romance seriously enough. He explains that he feels immensely out of place as his music career advances, and is upset that he can't share it with someone else, and this leads him to have this point of uncertainty in his life. The beat switch also signifies him wanting to change his life for the better for himself. Good Bye The guitar-driven twelfth track of the album, "Good Bye", presents itself as the last of Do That Again, but is actually the penultimate song, in which Malcolm wishes a sorrow farewell to an ex that he regrets leaving, but felt as though he had no choice but to do so. He reminisces on when the relationship made them both happy, but still reminds listeners that the good times have faded away, and how heartbroken he is from this. He sings about what could've been had they stayed together as well, to add fuel to his own fire and give even more emotional depth to "Good Bye". Do That Again The album concludes with the title track to reign in the warm summer upon us, as Do That Again was released at the start of it. Although a new season means for more memories to be made and new opportunities to arise, Malcolm sings the album's title over and over, suggesting he wants to stay behind and try to reignite past relationships, feeling as though he is unprepared to begin new ones. These feelings are very relatable to many, as its not easy to let go from what once brought you comfort, even though you know its not what's best for you. The ability to confide in one's own music is often hard for many artists to do, but Malcolm Todd does this flawlessly, which each track of Do That Again feeling like not just an impeccable song, but diary entries exploring his life and romantic relationships. He opens up about what others may not feel comfortable doing, providing a sense of relatability within his music for listeners to empathize and connect with on an emotional level. Malcolm also shows his phenomenal instrumental skills on yet another project of his, presented in all thirteen tracks of this astonishing record. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW MALCOLM TODD: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

"Four Words" by Ilianna Viramontes is a heartfelt love song. Taking listeners through a desire-riddled confession, this light-hearted track shows just how all-consuming love can be. Hyperboles poetically impress a deep feeling of connection into the meaning of this song with the words "I want to live in your mind" and "In a million dimensions, in a million spaces, I'd find you every time." The speaker of the song is wholeheartedly devoted, with urgency pulsing through her lovestruck and ongoing pleas to move forward in their relationship. A picture of romance, "Four Words" takes on the immersive emotions of a new relationship. Chord progressions on the acoustic guitar offer a heart-warming opening to this intimate love song. Ilianna's smooth vocals are conversational through the verse, gently gliding into an airy, breathy, and beautiful voicing of the chorus. Her singing carries a lovestruck daydreaming atmosphere into the track, sliding easily through highs. As the tune progresses layers of acoustic instrumentals and vocalizing blend harmoniously into a light, romantic sound. The song comes to a close with instrumentals growing quieter allowing the final lyrics to be graceful and unaccompanied. Fans of Lizzy McApline will love the way this track flows, with an authentic softness to the sound. A California native and Nashville-based singer and songwriter, Ilianna Viramontes first made a mark on the music scene on NBC's The Voice. From turning the chairs of music icons Miley Cyrus and Blake Shelton, to studying music at Berklee College of Music, Ilianna's vocal prowess and multi-instrumental talents continued to flourish. In 2025, she released her EP, For A Reason, showcasing her emotional lyricism exploring coming-of-age experiences. She regularly takes the stage at venues across Nashville including The Basement East and The Browery Vault. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ILIANNA: Instagram | Spotify

Recently, things have been feeling a little too stressful for the beginning of summer. The end of the year makes sense to be crazy due to the holidays but I've always loved the apprach of summer for longer days and warmer weather to remind me to slow down a bit. This year, it's been taking me a bit longer to try and set those roots down to go slower. The music that I surround myself with is definitely a big part of that too. As soon as I played "Sermon" by David Wimbish and The Collection," I realized that going back to my folk-loving roots might be the answer the choas that's been the beginning of summer. "Sermon" brings a much calmer vibe than the songs in the past couple weeks I've reviewed which is always a nice change of pace. The 12th song off their next, highly anticipated album, "Sermon" sets the tone for a Lumineers or Mumford and Sons style of folk music that screams fun summer nights. The song's blend of a perfect mountainous voice with an acoustic guitar throws us into the headspace of bonfires and beaches. Something that David Wimbish and The Collection are perfect at is creating folk music that is created in the modern world but feels like it's from the era of Jim Croce and Simon Garfunkel. "Sermon" is the perfect song of the summer. David Wimbish is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from North Carolina. After four albums and touring with their original band, The Collection, David has started a new journey as a solo artist. Stepping away from the alternative roots that drove The Collection, David has taken a different approach with the solo music which fans have been all about. With songs massing over 11 million listens on Spotify, "Sermon" brings us the warmth of summer vibes. David also has alternative versions of other fan favorite songs from previous albums so there's something for everyone. Written By Bre Macomber FOLLOW DAVID WIMBISH AND THE COLLECTION: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube

Estella Dawn has released her brand new single, “Japanese Boots.” an intimate investigation into falling for someone who seems too perfect. An indie-pop release, “Japanese Boots” looks to Dawn’s writing abilities as the song unfolds within the snapshots Dawn writes about throughout the stages of falling. Whether it’d be through Dawn capturing the feeling of “wishing on people like stars” and not knowing the color of anything due to her being distracted by her partner, Dawn puts out one of her best lyrical pieces to date yet. On top of that, Dawn also allows for the production to steer the way so that the lyricism shines more; “Japanese Boots” is a soft, atmospheric, and acoustic guitar-led production, only allowing for Dawn’s vocals and lyricism to shine even more. “Japanese Boots” captures a somewhat niche topic within the songwriting space; rather than someone who hurts us, “Japanese Boots” centers on someone who may be great, but may seem too perfect due to past experiences. Throughout the song, Dawn notes different snapshots that feel real and places listeners within the emotional world in which Dawn and her innermost thoughts, something that I really commend Dawn for. It’s easy to just write about thoughts without experiences, but Dawn turns her thoughts into snapshots in the relationship she’s experiencing with her partner. Those snapshots help listeners connect with Dawn, drawing them in further into a discography that features highlights, but “Japanese Boots” may just be my favorite highlight so far. Estella Dawn is a Kiwi singer-songwriter. Hailing from New Zealand, Dawn also is a producer and multi-instrumentalist, creating a visionary catalog that’s both genre-bending and unafraid to take risks. With over 30 million streams across her discography, Dawn’s work ethic and creativity don’t go unnoticed by her eighty-five thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. With discography highlights such as “Detached,” an alt-country anthem, her cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” and now romantically-fearful “Japanese Boots,” there’s no doubting that Dawn’s discography will continue to grow both with new songs and with new listeners. If readers would like to keep up with Estella Dawn’s newest releases and show dates, they can follow her on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW ESTELLA DAWN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube