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Calling all my sad hotties! I have a song for you! “How Can You, How Can I” by Halon is an anthem that can easily be related to. If you’re like me and turn your sadness into your fuel, give this excellent song a listen! This is Halon’s second single released as a teaser for her upcoming album, set to launch in spring of 2026. Her vibe of Lana Del Rey mixed with FKA Twigs creates a beautiful medley between alt-pop and R&B. And boy, is this one just gorgeous! The song starts off with very distant echos and ad-lib breaths, adding to the allure found throughout the song. There is a pulsing synth that carries us through her angelic voice, illuminating the song. There is a ton of reversed white noise that builds suspense for the chorus as well! The drums alter the song to make this sensual melody a head-bopping pop! I cannot get enough of her voice, as she is effortless and smooth throughout. Her vocal effects throughout this song make it even more steamy! It really gives Tate McRae vibes! All of these elements together make this song perfect! Halon is singer/songwriter hailing from Stockholm, Sweden. Before she was an artist, she was a ballet dancer. She caught the attention of Lana Del Rey’s producer, Rick Nowels, with her stunning lyrics. After coming out with single after single in 2022, she became a hit, with millions of plays. After that, she worked towards dropping her debut album, Music To Get Rich To , in February of 2025 with none other than Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah. From going to a dancer, model, founder of a duo group, to finding herself going solo, she has accomplished so much in such a short time span. If you’re looking for more of Halon and want to be on the lookout for her new album, be sure to follow using the links down below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW HALON: Instagram | Spotify

Drew Schueler's new song, "I Thought By Now," a part of his recent album, "Vulnerable For Once," is one that everyone can relate to when adulthood hits. With social media, television, and books all painting an idea of what adulthood should be like, its easy to start comparing yourself. But life is not linear, so things move at different paces for different people. Still, once you feel pressured, you can get overwhelmed and frustrated while wondering why you haven't reached a certain point in life you want yet. Schueler expresses some of this in "I Thought By Now." He perfectly shows just how easy it is to hold yourself to higher expectations because of external pressures. Comparisons can challenge your expectations, and make you doubt where you're at in life. Lyrics like "Work so fucking hard to stay in the same place / Sick of waking up every day. I thought by now I'd have more figured out" are vulnerable, showing frustration and other emotions that consume you. "I Thought By Now" has a sound that matches the vulnerability of the lyrics. There is a steady sound of a guitar the moment the song starts. The beginning of the song feels like Schueler is trying to reach out to his listeners. The guitar reels you into the song. Schueler's distinct vocals leave you hooked to the song. The intro immediately welcomes you into his inner-world, with his emotions drawing out the emotions of everyone listening. Near the end of the song, the sound completely switches for a second. The piano and guitar are replaced by intense, high-energy beats that feels like a final burst of frustrations and emotions coming out. His sound is reminiscent of Alex Warren , and fans of that singer, would enjoy this song. While the song is vulnerable, it also feels comforting and reassuring. "I Thought By Now" is the kind of song you could cry to, and be motivated by, knowing there are others who share the same experience and emotions as you. Drew Schueler is a vibrant up and coming pop artist, writer, and producer out of Nashville, TN. His vocals and songwriting abilities are well crafted and polished, helping him stand out in the Music City and beyond. His steadfastness in releasing stellar music and pushing it consistently has been growing his fan base. This has been leading him to soldify the groundwork needed for an emerging artist. In addition, Schueler recently won the grand prize for the NSAI Song Contest. With all his recent projects and achievements, he is ramping up for a breakout year. Follow Drew Schueler below to stay updated with all his future releases and projects! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW DREW SCHUELER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Jess Ball and Jelani Blackman’s new song, Lately, is an alternative/pop rap song about wanting your ex to see you for who you are now, not for the person you used to be. None of us want to be judged for our past mistakes because we already have to live with the guilt of those mistakes. Our regrets weigh heavy on the heart. It’s especially difficult when the people you love are the judge and jury. A part of maturing is changing, growing, and becoming a better person/partner. All of us deserve a chance to show others we've changed and all of us should have the humility to hold space for that growth because no one is perfect. Lately starts with Jess singing over an acoustic strum and immediately switching to Jelani’s melodic rap before the final chorus comes back in louder with more pronounced instrumentation. I appreciate this line, “I’ve been a bitch. I’ve been a dick baby. I don’t blame you if you feel you hate me. But can I ask that you don’t mistake me for who I was as who I am lately?”, because of how straightforward it is in a song full of self-reflective moments. I love the unique element the melodic rap adds and how much passion is being expressed throughout. It is one of the more unique songs I’ve reviewed this year and would highly recommend it. Jess Ball is an Australian singer and songwriter based in Melbourne. She is inspired by Cigarettes After Sex , Massive Attack , and Olivia Dean which shows in her music as she blends pop, indie rock, and hip hop. Before her solo career, she was a featured vocalist for numerous EDM artists. Jelani Blackman is a rapper and singer from London, England. He is heavily influenced by soul, R&B, and grime and has worked with other artists including Burna Boy and Wolf Alice . His music is fun with deep lyrical content particularly that of the reality of being a young black man in inner city London. Written By Jazz FOLLOW JESS BALL: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | Facebook  | YouTube FOLLOW JELANI BLACKMAN: Instagram   | Spotify

Zev and NAIM’s new song, I’m Good, is an upbeat indie/pop rock song about embracing being yourself at all times even when you should be changing. Even though I do believe in change, I also believe in staying true to yourself in that moment. Sometimes, your truth is making numerous mistakes and hitting rock bottom. We all change and grow, but we also go through stretches of life where we simply don’t care about improving. But, that is part of the growth process and we should embrace the chaos we create until we learn our lesson. I’m Good showcases great vocals from both artists, guitar-driven euphoria, and incredible production. My favorite lyrics are “off the toxin, never did caution, living in what people call a phase” because I relate to those the most. I can picture a music video where he’s jump roping on a mountain with a group of friends and partying into the night. The camera will frequently pan out and show the beautiful landscape and starry night sky. If you’re like me and want to enjoy a song of the summer in December, then this is the perfect track for you. Zev is a singer songwriter who attended the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded music at New York University. Before that, he was a professional jumproper with over 20 championship wins to his name. With this profession, he toured the world, performed in international Cirque du Soleil tours, and appeared on America’s Got Talent. NAIIM is a Canadian-Somali artist who combines rap, pop, hip hop, and R&B in his music. Growing up, he originally wanting to purse a career in medicine. His unique upbringing in a bi-cultural household surrounded by art and education from his parents allowed him to develop a passion for and purse a career in music. Written By Jazz FOLLOW ZEV: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok FOLLOW NAIIM: Instagram   | Spotify

"Rock Paper Scissors" by Ella Beyer reflects on the immaturity of an ex-partner as the speaker navigates through the murky waters of post-breakup betrayal. The lyrics boldly call out an ignorant perspective in a self-assured message: "just 'cause you're sober don't mean that you know more than me." Taking on complexities of power dynamics in relationships, with the chorus boldly painting a powerful image with the words: "in rock, paper, scissors, you pulled the gun." This haunting statement demonstrates the painful juxtaposition between one partner's loving playfulness and the other's threatening control. Intensifying the impact of this metaphor, the speaker reveals infidelity on the ex's side as ammunition. The storytelling in this track is striking and meaningful, promoting an inspiring message to listeners who feel stuck in their relationships: recognize when your partner is against you and hold them accountable. The sound of this track seems to mature with its progression, matching the character of its lyrics. Electric guitar opens the tune in a repeating riff before Ella's soft vocals join in. Her singing uses breathy highs that brush the lyrics with a sense of intimacy. Softening up the instrumentals, acoustic guitar brings warmth into the sound of the song. Vocal layers that feel like a whispering echo build towards the beat drop which brings in transcendent electric strings that hit the ear with a dynamic texture that evokes the feeling of revelation. Gentle percussion adds a progressive feeling to the track that blends folk, soft rock, and pop genres with its instrumental elements. Ella Beyer is an indie folk pop singer and songwriter from California. She evokes deep themes of love and growth in her lyrics and has an intimate vocal style that fans of Phoebe Bridgers and Lizzy McAlpine will resonate with. With a myriad of emotional, expressive singles in her discography, Ella's talents on the piano and guitar guide listeners on a sonic journey through storytelling lyricism. Her work has been supported by platforms like We Found New Music , and she has brought her soulful folk tunes to the stage at venues like West Hollywood's The Viper Room and Hotel Ziggy . Check out the links below to stay up to date with her music and performances. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ELLA: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

A delicious new single from a bigger project, Silent Child has released his latest must-listen track, "Get Well Soon." The song is part of his recent EP, Voices In The Dark , a project exploring the emotional journey of pushing past both external expectations and internal silence and finding truth between chaos and clarity. The conclusion of that sonic journey, "Get Well Soon" serves as a moment of reflection that reveals how far we've come. The track acknowledges the roller-coaster that is life, embracing the highs and lows along with the unexpected support that made growth and survival possible. Reflecting the narrative driving the song's lyrics, "Get Well Soon" provides a soundscape that conveys a sense of hope, gratitude, and purpose. The track is a blissful mix of peppy electropop beats, infectious bass lines, and rich, enthralling synths. Silent Child shows off his ability to push genre boundaries with a hint of nostalgia, combining the addictive elements of electronica, dubstep, rock, and alternative to craft his unique approach to pop productions. An immersive buffet for the ears, Silent Child's "Get Well Soon" features a genre fluidity and introspective lyricism on par with the likes of Twenty One Pilots . An Atlanta-raised and LA-based multi-instrumentalist and producer, Silent Child has entered an exciting new chapter of his music career with the release of his latest EP, Voices In The Dark . The seasoned, genre-bending musician began his music journey in the early 2010s, focusing on electronic and dubstep before evolving toward alternative and rock sounds. He draws inspiration from iconic artists like My Chemical Romance , Pierce the Veil , and Sleeping With Sirens , as well as elements of R&B, country, and hip-hop. Silent Child released some of his most successful tracks to date during the pandemic, including the captivating "Super Villain" and "Me & My Demons." Truly an artist no one wants to miss, Silent Child proves himself to be unbound by genre and ready to ignite a new era with his fans. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SILENT CHILD: Instagram | Spotify  | Twitch  | Facebook  | YouTube

Wrap yourself in a dreamy cascade of synths and comfort with “Close” from artist MERLYN. The first single off his upcoming album, Insomniac, MERLYN’s new single “Close” reflects on a tale of love and trust in the face of hardship and uncertainty. Merlyn describes his love life in complex, detailed terms that showcase a dynamic, nearly indescribable ability behind this track. While this work exemplifies the best qualities of pop, “Close” cannot be simply defined under these terms. As this track describes romantic experiences gone sour, as well as finding oneself and the “right” connection after these experiences, MERLYN allows “Close” to morph from one genre to another. At times, you’ll find yourself drawn to synths that remind you of 80's music success. During others, you’ll be transfixed by MERLYN’s smooth and polished vocals that remind you of 90’s pop excellence.  With lush and dream-like production, “Close” is a track that transports you to a place beyond the storybook laid out before listeners. While the introduction entails feeling unsatisfied following a failed romantic connection, the overarching message behind “Close” is to entrust that when the right connection comes along, it’ll be worth all previous trials and tribulations. As MERLYN describes falling headfirst into a connection thriving off of honesty, close physical touch, emotional intimacy, and pure energy, you’re whisked along on this journey with him. While this song is ultimate fun and plays off a multitude of energy-inducing, spellbinding genres, it does not shy away from the nitty-gritty of relationships. Part of the reason why the feeling of affection and close connection builds throughout the song is that MERLYN allowed himself to be vulnerable. This vulnerability unlocks an ability for him to become open to other possible connections, as well as explore what romance truly means for him. As this song unravels, you feel yourself in the same headspace as MERLYN and following a journey that feels entirely both personal and applicable to others.  MERLYN is the self-produced singer-songwriter project of David Senécal. Growing up in the suburbs of Montréal, Canada, David was part of a non-musical family but developed an obsession with it at age six, leading him to play many instruments (piano, guitar, french horn, and flute) and produce music of his own. Finding relief in writing his own fantasies and plunging heartbreaks & infatuations into his work, David finds comfort in creating his own world and forming MERLYN. A queer and strength-laced ode to vulnerability and femininity, MERLYN was formed to create understanding and help others feel uplifted and moved. With his first single, Morning Sex, from 2019, MERLYN garnered over 5k streams on Spotify and was able to display his sultry, powerful vocals that additionally showcase inspiration taken from techno-house music. With the 2024 release of his biggest hit, Plan B, MERLYN was able to put his grooviness on full display for future projects. Now, with an array of unreleased songs under his belt, MERLYN has many surprises to come. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW MERLYN: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

In a fun and upbeat new single, singer songwriters Femi and Dave Todd tell the story of “that electric moment when you meet someone who completely grabs your attention.” Describing a meet-cute in a bar, the track has a pop sound, with a slight country twang, almost like Morgan Wallen or Post Malone’s country-esque album F-1 Trillion. Femi and Todd blend together in this storyline, each taking a verse describing the night. Its tone is conversational and fun, giving the feeling that you are watching this interaction between the two yourself, feeling the instant connection and ripples of hope between them as they dance the night away. This track opens with the narrator speaking the first words to his intended catch of the night, whether to her directly or to himself to hype up. In the first verse, the conversational tone of the track is established as he sings, “Hey honey / How’s it going? / Have we met? / I’m feeling lucky / If we haven’t yet / Are you a model?”. As he gets to the chorus, he compares his luck of the night to anything and everything positive- not having to pay rent, drinks on the house, gas in your tank, and every light green just for you. It is lighthearted and fun, like the rest of the song. He ends the chorus with the titular lyric “Who U goin’ home to” hoping that the answer is him. Femi is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Congers, NY. ‘Femi' comes from his birth name Oluwafemi, which he has switched to after a few years of working under the stage name Frank Pierce. The switch came from wanting to represent his true identity and authentic self, instead of a stage name that didn’t feel like him. Femi has been working with Dave Todd on the side for a while now, crafting this single. Todd is also a singer songwriter from Upstate, NY. He has one other single, also a collaboration, and his internet presence is one of few words, but a set of guitar videos with various covers of classic artists. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more work from both Femi and Dave Todd, potentially even together. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW FEMI: Instagram | Spotify   FOLLOW DAVE TODD: Instagram   | Spotify

Self-destruction comes in many forms, and unfortunately staying in toxic relationships is one of them. You know it’s not right, and staying is prolonging inevitable pain that may never heal, but you can’t strip yourself away. Sometimes choosing pain over numbness feels like the right way to go. “The Countdown” is a new single from Taylor Davidson that explores cycles of self-destructive habits and the unhealthy routines that are so easy to run back to. With stark lyricism, dynamic production and authentic vocal delivery, this song has you reflecting on your own personal bad habits. It feels like a diary page you can’t stop reading. If you’re someone that’s stuck in an attachment to someone who hurt you the most, “The Countdown” is for you. Taylor wrote “The Countdown” as an honest confession that feels like you’re watching her private spiral in real time. It’s full of self-awareness on how easy it is to choose pain over feeling nothing at all. “Then at least I will feel something, it’s better than nothing.” We love the things that hurt us the most when we are drowning in emotions. Why stab the knife ourselves when we can hand it off to someone that can cut deeper? Truth be told, habits are hard to break. I admire Taylor’s vulnerability to feeling stuck and questioning if there’s an out. “The Countdown” is something we may all relate to on some level whether we are ready to acknowledge it or not. Taylor Davidson is a 22 year old singer-songwriter from Dallas, Texas and is currently based in Nashville Tennessee. She fell in love with music at a young age which led her to start writing and performing her own music. Her debut single “Lonely” was released in 2020 and she’s been adding to her discography ever since. Taylor has a natural gift for blurring the lines between pop country and indie alternative. Her voice has a sweet grit that she combines with emotional lyricism about life, love and heartbreak. Her music takes listeners on nostalgic journeys to the center of Taylor’s heart. If you’re a fan of “The Countdown” check out the links below to hear more of Taylor’s music and stay up to date on future releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW TAYLOR DAVIDSON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Zola Sky has released her debut single, “Travis Kelce.” A new single ushering in a new take for the modern feminist, Sky finds herself a new crush. Debating if they’re up for the challenge of dating her, Sky asks her potential partner if they’re ready to support her like Travis Kelce. With the allusion referencing the infamous relationship between football player Travis Kelce and pop icon Taylor Swift, listeners realize how a person should  support their partner by listening to “Travis Kelce”: by being the loudest in the room. While owning the fact that being ambitious doesn’t mean that a woman is not open to love, Zola Sky balances the two sides of womanhood equally. Within “Travis Kelce,” Sky creates a challenge: how do you balance lyrics that both capture the ache of wanting love while owning the fact that you want a lot more in life than just someone to love? With “Travis Kelce,” Sky captures both the vulnerability of wanting both love from another and results from work ethic and ambition. Not only does Sky capture the intimacy between the two conflicting interests, but as a debut single, “Travis Kelce” delivers on what listeners want out of current pop artists today: lyrics that are truthful and relatable to them while production puts out pop perfection. Zola Sky is an up-and-coming Australian artist. With pop-punk perfection and gritty yet vulnerable lyrics, Sky is no stranger to the spotlight. Although this is her debut single, Sky has premiered other music as well, doing so in Triple J’s DIY SUPERGROUP competition with “10 Seconds,” which reached a peak position of number four on the Unearthed pop charts. With previous success with pop music, it’s no secret that Sky has also had success with live music as well. Headlining the Sounds Dangerous! Festival, as well as accompanying Sofia Isabella on her sold out tour, it’s no secret that Zola Sky is destined for success. If listeners would like to keep up with Zola Sky, they can follow her on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW ZOLA SKY: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

LMNT 115 and Daya create the tension that precedes bliss in their latest single “Paradise.” Love is a fire, a combination of passion and destruction. DAYA admits a desire to get closer, despite the risk of burning. The sparks outweigh the danger. Daya sings, “You’re like a fire that I can’t touch/ I keep on hoping we find paradise.” Although the attraction is as strong as a magnet, it’s like forcing two-like poles together—-they push away from each other. The repeating question “Will I ever get closer to you?” stings like the pain of running. But the endorphins keep the artist chasing this love. LMNT 115’s arrangement of the kick drums, synth pads, and Daya’s melodic vocals mirror the push and pull in the relationship. The steady tempo and kick drums have a steady momentum of one foot in front of the other, walking closer to paradise—-the one. Then, the beat stops, and the production focuses on the synth pads. Time slows down. You’re so close, and yet, so far. Daya sings with a desperation that shakes with power and vulnerability (not to be mistaken for a weakness). The drop is the total wave of oxytocin when you make that connection.  Production duo LMNT 115 and Grammy-winning artist DAYA collaborated for the EDM song. Z, the duo’s songwriter, and Fab, the duo’s producer, find inspiration in anime, manga, and the cyberpunk world. Their name is a reference to Element 115, an otherworldly fuel material, represents the creativity that ignites these electrifying tracks. Daya is known for her vocals and collaboration with The Chainsmokers in “Don’t Let Me Down.” She earned a Diamond certification from the RIAA and a Grammy for “Best Dance Recording.” They continue to pull fans in immersive storytelling and moving beats.  Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW LMNT 115: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube FOLLOW DAYA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Sam Fender has been one of my favorite artists since the release of his second studio album, “Seventeen Going Under.” Influenced by 90s and early 2000s artists like Oasis and Green Day, Fender’s music is distinct and authentic.  Fender released his third studio album, “ People Watching ,” in late February of this year, and it ushered him into a new level of success. The album became the fastest-selling vinyl album by a British artist in the 21st century, with 43,000 vinyl sales in the first week. It also received rave reviews across music publications and was praised for its exceptional lyrical storytelling and signature sound. It was also my top listened to album on Spotify Wrapped 2025. Fender announced “People Watching (Deluxe)” on October 17, with eight bonus tracks on the docket. Some of the songs on the tracklist had been released on 7” vinyl for World Record Store Day on April 12, but these tracks were mostly new to fans, especially those who couldn’t get their hands on a vinyl copy. Upon listening, it is safe to say that they were well worth the wait. Tracklist I’m Always On Stage Talk to You (ft. Elton John) Fortuna’s Wheel Rein Me In (ft. Olivia Dean) Me and The Dog Tyrants The Treadmill Empty Spaces I’m Always On Stage “I’m Always on Stage” is a slower track that puts Fender’s vocal and lyricism before anything else. Set to a simple acoustic guitar, Fender’s voice is full of emotion as he reflects upon his path to fame and the things it has cost him.  As implied in the title, Fender struggles with feeling like he is always in the spotlight, even during his moments alone or with loved ones. He is not sure where the person he is onstage ends and the person he is privately begins. There is pressure to be happy and never waver in light of his success, and he is never settled. This song sets the tone for the majority of the Deluxe tracks with its heavy themes of self-loathing, self-sabotage and major loss. Talk to You (ft. Elton John) “Talk to You,” featuring Elton John, is a highlight in Fender’s discography. Longtime friends, Fender and John beautifully meld their talents together on this heartfelt track. The song begins with a gorgeous intro from John on the piano, blended with a signature Fender guitar riff.  The song explores the heartbreak of losing a great young love, especially when you were the one who ruined it. Fender describes how he was unfaithful to a long-term partner and lost them as a result. It explores feelings of guilt and loneliness, as Fender wishes to reconnect with this person and gain their forgiveness even though he has caused them pain. He knows it is selfish to ask them for help forgiving himself, but he can’t help it. He also examines how his upbringing has influenced his behavior, but tries not to use this excuse to justify it. While he may come from a background that normalized infidelity, he also recognizes that he is the one who chose to be unfaithful, not anyone else.  Fortuna’s Wheel “Fortuna’s Wheel” is the shortest bonus track, yet it makes a major impact. With soft, quivering vocals and a melodic acoustic guitar, Fender bids goodbye to a former lover, perhaps the same person he was speaking to in “Talk To You.” Additionally, the guitar riff is similar to the one that follows in the next song, “Rein Me In,” further connecting this song to the others on the project. As mentioned in the title, Fender mentions Fortuna’s Wheel, a concept in medieval philosophy that represents fate. The wheel belongs to the Roman goddess Fortuna, who spins the wheel at random and changes the circumstances and standings of those on it. As a result, some suffer great pain and misfortune, while others move to the top and can bask in their new luck.  In this case, Fender describes waiting to see where fate will take his connection with this former partner, and whether they will forgive him. He knows they may hate him now, but he is hopeful that time will help them heal and bring them new company. It is a tender song as he accepts his fate, no matter what comes. Rein Me In (ft. Olivia Dean) “Rein Me In” was one of my favorite tracks from the original “People Watching” album, but adding Oliva Dean onto it elevated it to a new level. Dean is a British R&B/pop artist whose second studio album, “The Art of Loving,” has been dominating the charts and my playlists. With hit singles like “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” “Man I Need” and “Nice To Each Other,” her voice is strong yet soothing, soulful, and romantic. Fender and Dean’s vocals blended to create a magical new version of this already incredible song. The track explores Fender’s reluctance to be vulnerable with a partner, ultimately leading to the end of the relationship. As he reflects upon how he ruined a good thing, Dean’s vocals come in to play the role of the partner who was wronged.  She tells Fender that there is no bravery in running away from tenderness and that being too afraid to love is more cowardly than allowing her in. Being alone is the easy way out, and while experiencing vulnerability is scary and at times difficult, he needs to give up his pride and open his heart to her. Having this added perspective of the partner on the other side of the relationship enhances the song’s story and is a refreshing addition to an already stellar track.  Me and The Dog “Me and The Dog” is another favorite of mine from the nine deluxe tracks. The lyrics are clever from the first line, and instrumentally, this song is a blend of rock and funk influences. “The dog” is a metaphor for depression, and was referenced in “Something Heavy” as something that “so many good people [are] falling victim to.” The dog may also be a reference to Newcastle Brown Ale, a local brew from North Shields that is commonly referred to as the dog. In this case, it also amplifies how Fender and those around him may use substances to escape their current realities and get out of their heads. Self-sabotage is a common theme in Fender’s work, and in this track, he expresses that he does not need other people, as “it’s just [him] and the dog.” In this way, he is isolating himself in the midst of his depression as he feels like “the dog” is the only one who understands him. His depressive state is one he feels he has inherited and therefore must live with forever. Additionally, he states that, “[He doesn’t] need a nemesis // [He’s] got [his] hands full with [himself].” These feelings are amplified by his surroundings, giving him “small town induced psychosis” as he sees the way the dog is going after other people in his small bubble. Tyrants “Tyrants” is a track that has a more hopeful feeling than the others, as it spreads a message of taking control of your mental health and fighting the urge to self-destruct. This song is a rallying cry to “rail against the tyrants now // the ones who rattle in your head.”  There is also a mention of Fortuna’s Wheel, as Fender states he is running on it and trying to “evade the low side of the road,” meaning that he is running against fate and hoping that it does not tip him into a depressive state again. He recalls times he has allowed his ego to take control of him and ruin his chances of true connection. In this song, he encourages listeners, as well as himself, to love as though they have never been hurt before.  This is one of my favorite songs from the Deluxe release, and the instrumentals are a beautiful mix of creamy guitars, amplified percussion and 80s-style synth keys in the background. Fender’s vocals are strong and clear, and when mixed with the tones of background vocalist Brooke Bentham, something magical happens. This is an excellent track, and one that I will return to when I need it to lift me up. The Treadmill “The Treadmill” is an early-2000s Britrock-inspired track that likens Fender’s place in life to being stuck on a treadmill. While he may seemingly be progressing, he is still staying in one place while everyone around him is moving on in life. He is terrified of being alone forever, especially as he watches his friends get married and settle down. He also references running into an ex-lover as she “looks like [she] came out the spa,” while he is praying that God will improve his appearance. He feels lightyears behind in the healing process and is convinced that she is doing much better than him, even though he is only judging that from the outside. While sonically upbeat, the lyrics subvert the tempo by being extremely sad and self-flagellating. This duality is something that Fender has a true knack for, and this track is another highlight of that skill. Empty Spaces “Empty Spaces” is a heartwrenching piano ballad that exposes the fullest extent of Fender’s vulnerability and insecurities. Wrapping up the album, this track embodies the hollow, cavernous feeling in your chest in the midst of great sadness. Fender looks at himself in the mirror and realizes he doesn’t recognize himself as his depression has even overtaken his appearance.  He remembers that someone he once loved is now a stranger, and he longs to connect with someone again to combat his loneliness. He also recognizes that he “know[s] it was [him] who pulled the trigger” and ruined things, but he is still confused as to how he ended up here. There is a profound emptiness within him that he has attempted to fill since, yet nothing helps. As his mental health spirals, he also grapples with the concept of mortality and the afterlife as he recounts the story of his friend’s young daughter crying over being alone one day. Fender’s heart breaks at this story, and he believes that the concept of Heaven was invented as a way to provide some solace and explanation in the face of loss. This is a somewhat painful track to listen to, but ultimately relatable for anyone who has experienced the anguish of depression. Fender’s lyrics and vocals are raw and touching, amplified by a simple piano track, creating a beautiful, tragic end to this project.  Overall, these eight tracks are the perfect bookend to the “People Watching” album. The original 11 songs on this album blew me away from the first listen, and these are no different. It has been remarkable to witness the way Fender has progressed throughout his career, and his already strong lyrical and vocal abilities have only improved with time. “People Watching Deluxe” is a true triumph in his career, full of emotional depth and raw instrumental talent, and I look forward to savoring it for months to come. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.