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

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

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

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

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

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

Jennifer Ewbank has released her new single, “Between The Head & The Heart.” An emotionally raw yet uptempo single, Ewbank finds herself caught between her intuition and her attachment. With a constant battle between what she wants versus what she feels, Ewbank writes out a common experience in dating: doubt that a relationship wouldn’t work, no matter how much we want it to. With the fragile space between a relationship that looks perfect on paper and how it feels beneath the picture portrayed, Ewbank struggles to find her sixth sense of what to do. With “Between The Head & The Heart” building up to her newest album, Ewbank’s discography continues to impress. “Between The Head & The Heart” not only intimately encapsulates this in-between, but captures an immersive production that can only be described as explosive, just as the fight between the head and heart usually is. A country-pop inspired single with folk influences, “Between The Head & The Heart” fills it’s three minute runtime with uptempo yet quiet verses that build up to powerful choruses, with both the verses and choruses turning emotional from not only the instrumentation but Ewbank’s vocals. Speaking of Ewbank’s vocals, her singing is the final touch for making this song as great as it is. She not only secures the same emotional tone in the production into her voice, but her notes create a sense of explosive want, something that neatly wraps the boy on “Between The Head & The Heart.” Jennifer Ewbank is a singer-songwriter hailing from the Netherlands. With her Irish, Dutch, and English roots providing inspiration for her discography, Ewbank’s music is nothing short of intriguing. Recently signing with Breaking Records, Ewbank’s discography is only bound to grow with time. Although, that’s not to say her experience in the music world is limited; in fact, it’s the opposite. Competing in Better Than Ever (RTL) and The Voice of Holland along with performing internationally multiple times, Ewbank’s experience informs her discography to keep evolving. With her music full of emotions and character, there’s no stopping Ewbank now. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW JENNIFER EWBANK: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Jessmin has returned with her newest single, "Ur So Good," an upbeat pop tune to scream with the windows down. "Ur So Good" is about falling for someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. Charming, seductive, and just elusive enough to make you doubt yourself. It captures the tension between knowing you should know better and letting yourself be swept away anyway. Being led on can be tough, but Jessmin's version takes it in a different direction. "You're so good/Got me hanging on a wire/Say you never meant to/The people pleaser’s excuse." The track is self-aware, and that makes it feel empowering for the listener. Jessmin brings pop with attitude: band-driven songs full of roaring guitars, sharp hooks, and a confident energy made for the stage. Her music is honest and relatable, without frills, but always hitting the mark. Born in Audincourt (France) and raised in Alphen aan den Rijn, Jessmin was already on stage at a young age. At fifteen, she appeared on X-Factor, but it wasn’t until the lockdowns in 2020 that she truly found her own direction. With a guitar and her laptop, she began writing songs that were sharp, unfiltered, and completely her own. Her lyricism never fails to impress, most notably in the bridge, "So many things that still feel left unsaid/Echoing, going in circles, round in my head/Now it seems you’re leaving me for dead/But I can’t put this all in the past." With her new single "Ur So Good," Jessmin reveals an energetic and playful side of her sound. The track is guitar-driven, direct, and made for the stage — a next step toward her upcoming EP. The single was produced and mixed by Nick Jongejan and builds on the rawer, live-oriented direction Jessmin previously set. Following earlier attention for her single "Ur So Good," she is developing as a pop artist with a clear and distinctive signature. In 2026, Jessmin is working on her first EP, balancing energetic songs with more vulnerable moments. "Ur So Good" is out now on all streaming platforms. Make sure to follow Jessmin for updates! Written By Deanna Moody FOLLOW JESSMIN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Ellise’s sophomore single from her upcoming EP continues the electrifying energy of her previous release. While “Sexxxtapes” is a sensual break-up song, “Littlepill” is one of the artist’s few love songs. She connects the two tracks in the first verse with the line “Fever, Fiction // Sexxxtapes on your sofa.” On Apple Music, the lyrics even utilize the stylization of the first track. With this and the muse appearing in both music videos, Ellise reveals that the EP will be a cohesive story with each song connecting. “Littlepill” explores the singer’s insatiable appetite for her partner, needing them like a drug. In the chorus, she sings: “You got me hooked and it kills // On my tongue like a littlepill.” She feels entranced by her lover and feels she needs him “like it's do or die.” She is completely devoted to them and willing to give them anything she wants. This is a stark difference from the former track, which explores the aftermath of this passionate romance. Ellise’s songwriting consistently draws vivid imagery for the audience, immersing them in her reality. Ellise is known for her dark-pop soundscapes. While “Littlepill” maintains her deep beats, the track drips with infectious dance influence that stands out against her previous projects. Both songs from her upcoming EP contain livelier, pop productions, representing the singer’s new era. The track kicks off with a subtle synth wave before switching to the steady beat. This immediately leads into the verse, with Ellise’s soothing vocals and the airy instrumentation that creates a dreamy atmosphere. When the chorus hits, the tempo increases, and additional instruments are introduced. This creates the dance-pop soundscape that replays in the listener’s mind for the rest of the day. Throughout the song, she utilizes falsettos, showcasing her impeccable vocal range. With her soft yet powerful vocals, mesmerizing production, and intricate songwriting, “Littlepill” is another impeccable addition to Ellise’s already flawless discography.  Ellise is a dark-pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. She moved to the area at 17 to pursue her career. Since then, she has made incredible waves in the industry. In just her first year, she was selected for the UPROXX Uncharted series to work with producer Chris Seefried to craft her first single, “Break Down.” The same year, she was a finalist in the 2016  iHeartRadio  Rising Star Competition. In 2018, she released her debut EP, Can You Keep A Secret?  In 2021, she released her debut album, Chaotic. She has collaborated with artists such as Iggy Azalea,  Savage Ga$p , and my personal favorite,  Mothica , and DeathbyRomy , on a remix of Ellise’s song, “Soul Sucker.”  With two full-length albums and two EPs, Ellise is best known for her haunting pop songs that fuel the inner dark side of listeners. She recently wrapped up Act II of the PRETTY EVIL tour with Meg Smith and is now focusing on her EP. Read my interview with her about the project here and follow her on all socials to stay up to date with new music and announcements! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW ELLISE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Slow Motion" comes as the titular single off Raquel's first release this year, her EP Slow Motion . The song details romantic notions of falling for someone new. Wanting to hold onto those tender moments, Raquel sings soulfully, "Love me, love me slow, I think you are somebody I wanna know." While the song itself is an upbeat ballad, the lyrics wrap around listeners softly, inviting the feeling of falling in love to linger. She describes the vulnerable experience of opening up to new love when singing,"'I feel stuck in a daydream, and you rip me open at the seams..." Her lyricism plucks vivid images out of familiar ideas. This track exemplifies the fresh mix of RnB, Soul, and playful Pop that Avery Raquel has curated as her sound. Instrumental tracking heavy on percussion and keys creates a buoyant soundscape for Raquel's voice to ricochet off of, filling the song with vibrancy. The electric keyboard aids in creating trance-like melodies that band alongside exciting drum grooves to hypnotize listeners. The singer's vocal runs move through the song with a powerful ease, navigating smoothly between vocal registers. Her background harmony tracks add depth and warmth to an already delightfully comforting voice. Charming and relatable, "Slow Motion" is a track that inspires sporadic dancing and wistful daydreaming. Canadian R&B talent Avery Raquel has nurtured a unique blend of sound, beyond any one genre, that has earned her well-deserved critical acclaim. In 2022, her self-titled album "Avery Raquel" marked a pivot in her evolving sound, characterized by soul-infused grooves, lush harmonies, and modern Pop resonance. The album debuted on the Canadian iTunes Top 200 R&B/Soul album chart at #5. Five tracks from the album were finalists in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition in 4 different categories, one of which took home the Grand Prize in the Pop category. Performing across Canada at various venues and events, the young musician has entertained audiences professionally for over a decade. Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW AVERY RAQUEL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In the music industry today, we're shorted on some incredible folk musicians that don't get the light of day like pop artists. Pop songs tend to be always on the pedestal and ahead of every other genre when it's also the most removed from an authentic human sound. When a folk artist can do that genre well, it's noticeable and everyone talks about it. "Cornerstone" by Luna Keller and Allison Leah is a perfect folk song and I really hope everyone ends up talking about it. There's such a perfect blend of so many elements in this song, like harmonies, guitar and the melodies that truly all come together to make one masterpiece of a song. There are so many elements to this song that really stand out and I hope that while pointing out those moments, I do the song justice. The first moment that the vocals begin in the beginning immediately sets the tone for the rest of the song. There's something about these two voices that helps you relax while listening to this song. I love so much that it feels so human with very simple music alongside the two artists. The acoustic guitar comes through just fine but the real stars are the harmonies - especially in the chorus. You can feel the vocals really stretching between each other and compliment everything. There's nothing better than two incredible vocalists that have come together to share their talents. Luna Keller is a singer-songwriter who split time growing up between Germany and Spain. With these two cultures, they were surrounded by music that was there to influence them in such a unique way. Luna's music is a blend of folk and pop but does such a great job at blending the two, weaving in and out of them making Luna and Allison Leah a perfect match. Allison is a singer-songwriter from Nashville, TN who labels their music genre as "heartfelt folk-pop." These two together are going to be unstoppable. Their new single "Cornerstone" is available to stream everywhere. Written By Bre Macomber FOLLOW LUNA KELLER: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | Facebook  | YouTube FOLLOW ALLISON LEAH: Instagram   | Spotify  | Website  | TikTok  | Twitter

Harry Styles has been a major influence on my life since childhood. Like most girls who grew up in the early 2010s, I was a devoted Directioner, and I dedicated a large part of my Tumblr blog to them. I was devastated when Zayn left the band, even more so when the band announced a hiatus, and never came back. As part of my capstone project in my senior year of high school, I wrote a 25-page paper about One Direction and “fangirl” culture, then got matching 1D tattoos with my best friend soon after. I’ve followed each member’s individual career closely throughout the years. Styles' fourth studio album, “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally” (now aptly nicknamed by fans as “Kissco”), was released on March 6. Kissco charts new territory in his catalogue. Inspired by 80’s new wave and 90s house music, as well as various elements of funk, psychedelic, and Britpop, it is unlike most of the work we've heard from him before. In the nearly four years since his last album cycle with “Harry’s House,” Styles has spent much of his time out of the public eye. Residing in Italy for much of this time, he has stated that he needed this time to figure out who he was outside of the public persona to fully feel present in his life again. While he loves what he does professionally, having it consume his entire personality since his adolescence was taking its toll.  I wasn’t sure what to expect after four years without his music, and once lyrics, singles and album concept art started to be teased, I wasn’t sure how I'd feel about this progression. It was immediately so different from anything he’s ever done, yet I knew I had to hear more. Tracklist Aperature American Girls Ready, Steady, Go! Are You Listening Yet? Taste Back The Waiting Game Season 2 Weight Loss Coming Up Roses Pop Dance No More Paint By Numbers Carla’s Song Aperature The album opens with “Aperature,” the record’s first single. Released on Jan. 22, this track swaps his typical upbeat pop sound for the throbbing drive of house music and is a stark deviation from anything Styles has released up to this point. The title comes from the aperture control on a camera lens, allowing more or less light into the photo. This track follows that concept, as Styles wants to let in as much light into his life as possible. He dreams of connecting with others to make life brighter. The repeating lyrics, “We belong together, it finally appears, it’s only love,” say it perfectly. We as humans need to come together and love each other, and the only way to feel truly free is to release the fear of connection.  American Girls “American Girls” was an instant favorite of mine upon first listen. There is a clear maturity and personal reflection in Styles’ lyrics. At 32, he has grown immensely over the span of his 16-year career. As he watches his friends settle down and get married, he must come to terms with being in a different life stage than the people he grew up with. Even if he himself is not ready to settle down quite yet, there is still a sense of melancholy at feeling the priorities of those around you shift so drastically. The lines, “I’ve known you for ages, that’s all that I’ve heard… I’ve seen it in stages, all over the world // my friends are in love with American girls,” reference seeing the stages of his friends’ relationships, and being on actual international stages and encountering new people and seeing their relationship dynamics, even in passing. The bass is upbeat and rhythmic, while the ambient guitar and piano chords feel intentionally hollow. This feeling is amplified in the parts without instrumentals. With only Styles’ voice present, listeners can feel him grappling with his loneliness throughout the song. It is strong and intriguing, a clear indicator of the inward reflection he’s been doing during his hiatus.  Ready, Steady, Go! “Ready, Steady, Go!” is another favorite of mine. This funk-inspired number follows a jumpy, grooving bassline. Yet, there is a clear house music element in the underlying synths. The instrumentals build to almost create the feeling as though you’re flying through the air on a moving train, rushing towards something at full speed.  The lyrics are sexy and fun, as Styles explores a one-night stand that turns into a multiple-night fling. “One, two, three times you’re on me, and suddenly // Ready, steady, go!” This song feels like the rush you get as the night begins; you don’t know where it’s going to end up, but by the end, you’re left breathless and craving more against your better judgment.  The track repeats the title through the latter half of the track until transitioning into a plunking piano riff that brings back the house music inspiration. Closing off at only 2 minutes and 39 seconds, I wish this song could last longer, but perhaps that’s the point. The brevity makes it somewhat unsatisfying, like a certain itch you just can’t scratch enough, and have to return to again and again. Are You Listening Yet? “Are You Listening Yet?” is chaotic in the best ways as Styles tries to navigate the delicate balance between listening to your head, listening to your heart, and listening to outside influences.  The first lines create a clear visual of a person trying to escape their problems through casual sex and quick fixes while simultaneously trying to be engaged in therapy, “God knows your life is on the brink // and your therapist’s well-fed // the fix of all fixes // unintimate sex.”  This stark duality is jarring, yet one that many of us can relate to. While having self-awareness behind why  we may be doing something is the first step, you must still find a way to overcome self-destructive tendencies. Still, if we shouldn’t be doing them, why are they so fun? The concept of this song is reminiscent of the line from his 2019 track, “Lights Up,” where he asked his listeners, “Do you know who you are?” In this case, he demands to know, “Are you listening [to yourself] yet?”  Taste Back “Taste Back” navigates the experience of reconnecting with an ex as a form of familiarity during a lonely time. There’s a hopeful undertone to the lyrics as Styles recounts the feeling of settling back into a routine with this person, without even trying. He writes, “Talk in tongues, no common sense // Like two old friends // Where’d you get the confidence to call me baby?”  This song is vulnerable, with an air of heartfelt cautiousness that comes when the possibility of being hurt again by the same person arises. He needs to know if this person truly wants him back, or if they just need a little temporary comfort, as he sings, “Did you get your taste back? Or do you just need a little love?”  The Waiting Game “The Waiting Game” is a callout to those of us who remain self-aware in negative situations while simultaneously letting them play out. We may pretend that our shortcomings aren’t truly our fault, romanticizing destructive cycles and avoiding the responsibility we have to stop them. Yet, we have the gall to pity ourselves in the end. In this case, Styles analyzes a relationship he knows isn’t right, yet he stays anyway. Whether out of fear of being alone or needing to fill the void while biding time for something (in this case, someone) better, he is playing “the waiting game.” The instrumentals are slow and dreamy, highlighting the escape Styles describes seeking by letting this relationship play out.  Being with someone as a form of comfort to avoid being truly alone with your own thoughts may seem worth it in the moment, but it slowly drains both parties as they can’t find the strength to leave. Styles describes going “emotionally dry” as a result of staying, and the relationship is eventually a loveless husk of itself. The song is brutal to listen to and reflect upon, but perhaps it’s the honesty we need to hear. Season 2 Weight Loss “Season 2 Weight Loss” is a dynamic melange of sounds that truly highlights the experimental nature of this album. Dubbed “the mission statement of the album,” this song is simply Styles coming back as a stronger version of himself.  Throughout the lyrics, Styles reflects upon the feeling of letting others down by being his true self. He must get serious and decide which thoughts and opinions are his own, and which ones are manifesting as a result of craving validation from others. And is it okay to want that validation, and how much is too much? Styles has been put upon a pedestal in the public eye since he was 16 years old, and it’s only been within the past four years that he’s truly taken time away and explored himself outside of his role as a pop star. Now reemerging into the spotlight, he feels reinvigorated and more self-assured. In a few interviews given during this album cycle, Styles has explained that he’s been enjoying music as a listener, rather than a creator, and it has invigorated his motivation and creative process. This evolution is evident throughout this entire record, but this song is the most obvious example of this growth.  Coming Up Roses Perhaps a continuation of the story told in “Taste Back,” “Coming Up Roses” is about tentatively getting back with a former partner. However, this time, you’re hoping, “if we stay the course, we could get it right.”  The imagery puts listeners in the moment of sitting across from someone you still love over drinks. “Hangover chasing,” and stumbling over your words, you’re talking about the potential for starting over through rose-colored sentences. You’re apologizing for things you haven’t owned up to yet, and while you might not even believe the words yourself, you want the other person to.  The instrumentals are delicate, with gentle strings that feel like spring. They carry out much more of the latter portion of the song, contributing to the pensive, heartbreaking atmosphere of the song overall.  Pop “Pop” was an instant hit for me upon first listen. It’s a true dance number with funky disco beats and a prominent bassline that makes me want to have a night out. It is a callback to Styles’ 2022 track, “Cinema,” in which he wrote, “You pop, when we get intimate.”  Though a bit less overt in its sexual nature than “Cinema,” “Pop” is still sensual and thrilling. It explores the rush of a new connection you want to enjoy in the moment. You don’t know where it will end up, but a fling is sometimes best when it consumes you wholly, taking you to places beyond your control. “Am I in over my head? // This could go anywhere // I do it again and again.” You know you should behave and put on the brakes, but you just have to see where it will go. Like the feeling of a new crush, the instrumentals are electrifying and blended, reflecting the lyrics as Styles writes, “First time tasting it // It’s a nice mix of two flavors.” The lyrics aren’t subtle, but they’re covert enough not to feel like overkill. This heady mix is one that I’m going to have on repeat for weeks to come.  Dance No More “Dance No More” continues to explore the feeling of being disconnected from others/yourself, despite trying to live in the present moment. The funkiest track on this album, Styles coyly masks some of its deeper meaning behind its bouncy drum-and-bass line.   The repeating line, “DJs don’t dance no more,” reflects upon the role artists must play as people who both produce and consume music. As producers, they are at the mercy of entertaining their audience, and may miss out on the fun themselves. Following the common thread of this album, the lyrics also imply that the DJ persona is a mask that Styles feels he must put on for the sake of others.  It begs the question, “Are you acting out of love and authenticity, or are you trying to put on a show so others will like you/approve of you?” Paint By Numbers “Paint By Numbers” grapples with feeling both grateful for and suffocated by fame. Reminiscent of the idea that someone is “stuck at the age they got famous,” Styles describes being stuck with an image that someone else has placed upon him. While he can admit that it can be lovely to be noticed, it “has nothing to do with [him]” and should instead be about the music. He must “paint by numbers” and articulate himself in perfect alignment with these expectations, but the colors he is painting run before he can stop them. His true personality must shine through, and perhaps the true beauty comes from the colors and facets of himself running together. The instrumentals are slow and simple, beginning with little more than a strumming acoustic guitar, a snare drum, and the vulnerability in Styles’ voice. This song is ruminative and heartfelt.  Carla’s Song Inspired by his real-life friend, the concept for “Carla’s Song” came from the moment Styles introduced Carla to Simon and Garfunkel’s album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” He described the moment of watching her discover this music as akin to seeing in Technicolor for the first time. As she discovered a new world to fall in love with, it reinforced the reason behind why he makes music – to make other people feel that way through his own work. One day, he will be gone, but his songs will outlive him, and people decades from now will be able to fall in love with his work. There is something special about seeing things you love through the eyes of someone newly experiencing them. We often go through life blind to the beauty that is constantly surrounding us, because we take it for granted. Even if we truly love the things we say we do, it may get to a point where we take them for granted. However, new life can be breathed into them when we share them.  Styles repeats the lines, “It’s all waiting there for you // I know what you like, I don’t have to read your mind // I know what you like, you can hear it any time.” These feel like a sort of mantra that reminds us that the world is  waiting out there for us, and the new things that will bring us joy are right around the corner. It ties the album together with a hopeful bow; get up and see the world. I enjoyed KATTDO overall, and I truly think it signifies growth in Styles’ personal and professional lives. The time he spent away from the spotlight gave him a chance to reevaluate who he is making his art for. While Fine Line and Harry’s House will always hold a special place in my heart, knowing that he is finally making it fully for himself breathes new life into his work.  He explores the nuances of finding himself throughout this record, with many songs having commonly threaded lyrics about the trials and tribulations of staying true to yourself, versus listening to the opinions of others, and being unsure what conclusions can even be drawn by the end of that journey. And, does  that journey ever truly end? Styles still seems unsure, but perhaps finding out isn’t the answer, and dancing through life is.   Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.