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- Review: "Shy on Believing You" - Claire Vandiver
Claire Vandiver's debut single, "Shy on Believing You," is an ethereal and enigmatic exploration of the complexities of ending a past love. Released on November 24th, 2024, and produced by Jared Corder of Polychrome Ranch in Nashville, TN, the track delves deep into the emotional turmoil of saying goodbye, blending introspective lyrics with dreamlike, shoegazey melodies. Drawing inspiration from moody icons like Vlad Holiday, Mazzy Star, and Storefront Church, Claire crafts a hauntingly beautiful narrative that resonates profoundly with listeners. The song’s haunting undertones and evocative vocal delivery create a sense of melancholy and introspection, making it a poignant listening experience. The production of "Shy on Believing You" showcases Claire Vandiver's ability to channel personal experiences into a unique artistic expression. The song's lush, atmospheric soundscape is characterized by its dreamy instrumentals and subtle yet impactful arrangements. The ethereal quality of the melodies, combined with Claire's soulful vocals, transports listeners into a world of emotion and reflection. The shoegaze influences are evident in the track's reverb-laden guitars and ambient textures, adding depth and dimension to the overall sound. The intricate layering of instruments creates a sonic journey that lingers long after the final note, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Claire Vandiver, hailing from St. Augustine, Florida, is a promising new artist who is quickly making a name for herself in the music industry. Her debut single is a testament to her ability to evoke genuine emotions and provoke introspection through her music. With her upcoming album set for release in 2025, Claire's mission is to make people feel and embrace the full spectrum of emotions for personal growth and catharsis. Inspired by the quote from her producer Jared Corder, "People remember you on how you made them feel," Claire aims to leave a positive impact on her listeners. Her unique blend of moody, dreamy, and shoegazey elements sets her apart as an artist to watch, and "Shy on Believing You" is a captivating introduction to her heartfelt and emotive songwriting. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW CLAIRE: Instagram | Spotify | Website | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Traffic" - Zarooni
In his latest single, "Traffic," Emirati-British singer-songwriter Zarooni captures the intense desire to break free from the feeling of being stuck. The track, which blends indie pop rock with dynamic, progressive instrumentation, starts off light and fun, only to evolve into an intense, tribal-driven soundscape. Through this seamless transition from upbeat verses to a deeper, psychedelic chorus, Zarooni takes his listeners on a two-sided journey that is simultaneously uplifting and profound. The song's structure reflects the complexity of its thematic material, engaging listeners with each unexpected shift in musical texture. Musically, “Traffic” stands out for its rich, evolving soundscape. Zarooni masterfully combines breezy indie pop elements with bold, intense rhythms to create a song that is as emotionally compelling as it is sonically diverse. The light, playful beginnings of the song draw listeners in, setting the stage for the more profound, tribal beats that follow. This juxtaposition of elements imbues "Traffic" with a sense of movement and progression, mirroring the song's thematic focus on breaking free from stagnation. The bold chorus, which employs psychedelic influences, provides a stark contrast to the initial lightness, making the listener's journey through the song both memorable and impactful. Zarooni, born Mohamed Zarooni, hails from a unique blend of Emirati and British heritage, bringing a rich cultural perspective to his music. Growing up in London within a family of music lovers, his passion for music was nurtured from a young age. Influenced by traditional Emirati melodies as well as Western pop and rock, Zarooni’s music seamlessly blends these diverse elements to create a unique and captivating sound. His soulful voice and poetic lyrics have earned him a growing fanbase, as he continues to bridge the gap between cultures through his art. Zarooni’s background and experiences infuse his music with depth and authenticity, making him a standout artist in the global music scene. With “Traffic” and his upcoming projects, Zarooni is poised to leave a lasting impact, reminding us all of the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ZAROONI: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Mystery Lover" - RLETTO
Rletto’s new single “Mystery Lover,” is a ‘say it with your chest’ kind of song. It’s about someone who felt like they needed to hide their relationship, but is now ready to love out in the open. This song talks about freeing yourself from the fear of judgment and living and loving the way you see fit. The lyrics, “No more undercover // I tried but I cannot hide // What I have with you,” not only speak to this idea perfectly, but they’re also Rletto’s favorite lyrics. Talking about what the song means to him, he said, “This song is a love letter to anyone that is tired of hiding who or what they love no matter the circumstances. It’s time to stop caring what everyone has to say about your relationship and simply LIVE.” “Mystery Lover” is like a musical buffet. It has a little bit of everything and you leave feeling so satisfied after you finish listening to it. Between Rletto’s deep, sultry vocals and his melodic rapping that comes in in the second verse, it has something for everyone. The title itself just draws you in out of curiosity. However, the mid-tempo R&B/ Pop beat that carries throughout also has a certain allure to it that keeps you listening and bopping your head to it at the same time. The music video also does an amazing job at showcasing Rletto as the superstar he is. With lots of fun and interesting visuals and Rletto’s swaggy dance moves, the song and music video really help show just how much of a multi-hyphenate entertainer he really is. Rletto has arrived. The 27-year-old Orlando native is a singer-songwriter who knows how to command a stage. Rletto attended the Berklee College of Music, where he had the opportunity to perform with Beyonce ’s original all-female band, Lucius the Band, and graduated in 2018. After relocating to Los Angeles in 2022, he worked as an assistant for Cardi B , Lil Nas X , and others. He was also a contestant on season 25 of The Voice , where he made it to the Top 20 as a member of Chance the Rapper ’s team. His music combines R&B, Pop, and EDM – providing listeners with a listening experience that will make them sing, dance, and feel all the way through. Rletto’s latest single, “Mystery Lover” is out now on all music streaming platforms. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW Rletto: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Don't Carry Things That Weigh You Down" - ELLDER
Expressing the need for support and compassion in times of mental uncertainty, "Don't Carry Things That Weigh You Down" by ELLDER is a beautiful exploration of self and relationships. The track starts off by communicating a need for the speaker's struggles to be recognized without being something that defines them. Moving through lyrics that crave change and touching metaphors like "I'm a slow bloom open", this song expresses the slow progress that the speaker makes on their journey to wellness. Asking questions like "when you go through changes, who am I?", this touching tune allows listeners to reflect on their identity relative to the people they care about. Piano opens the track with a slow, warm progression of chords. The vocals begin, with soft male singing working gently and pensively through the verse as higher soprano singing harmonizes beautifully, blending into the chorus. With a euphoric softness to the tune, the lyrics coast with the melody, artfully descending at the lyrics "down, down, down". The soprano voice takes over the second verse, with harmonizing and an introspective sound to the vocals. Gentle electronic instrumentals add an atmospheric percussion to the track, acting as a rhythmic beckoning of the uplifting meaning of the song. ELLDER is a project of two Canadian singer-songwriters: Carmen Elle and Ben Kunder. These musicians split their time between PEI, Toronto, and LA as they create meaningful music. The duo has won a CASMA Award for Best Original Song, with "Don't Carry Things That Weigh You Down" featuring in CBC Gem and HBO Max 's award-winning series, "Sort Of". Ben Kunder is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer on top of his singer-songwriter talents with albums and singles in his discography as a solo-artist. Carmen Elle is a producer and composer as well, on top of their singer-songwriter talents. They have music featured on the screen for platforms like Netflix , CBC , and CTV . Check out the links below to keep up with ELLDER and their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ELLDER: Instagram | Spotify | Website
- Review: "Good Cry" - Bruklin
When it comes to the end of the road for a relationship, sometimes you need to have a good cry, and singer Bruklin understands exactly how it feels to be overdue for one. In her moody electronic pop single, “Good Cry,” Bruklin laments over a relationship that has long been dead and buried, and the overwhelming pent-up emotions she now wishes to release. Bruklin sings about never getting the chance to properly mourn the breakup. Despite knowing the relationship is over, she can't seem to freely cry, as her tears are choked back. “I never broke down never opened up / Never got in my feels but I’m choked up,” she states. To get over the breakup, Bruklin says she’s “overdue for a really good cry.” If she can sort out her feelings over the fallen relationship and come to terms with its end, she believes only then can she find peace. “Good Cry,” features deep bass drums, reverb, and striking finger snaps that powerfully echo in each line. R&B and electronic elements coincide with pop sounds that make for a catchy and addicting beat. Bruklin’s smooth vocals ride off the electronic waves and resonating drum kicks. The rhythm denotes a dangerous subtle quality that reflects her frustrations at the inability to release her longtime bottled emotions. Instead of sitting in her sadness, Bruklin sounds angry that she simply can't cry, even with all her inward pain she's held on for so long. Bruklin sounds as though she believes she should, at the least, be deserving of this small comfort to process the breakup. The track's tone is not melancholic but rather bitter about the breakup and the lack of steps taken to deal with the aftermath. Pop artist Bruklin has skillfully amassed over 10 million views on YouTube and 3.5 million streams on Spotify. She has set the stage in the pop scene with stunners like “Magic Shop” and “STAY FRIENDS” paving the way. Bruklin’s debut single, “STAY FRIENDS," has garnered over 1.5 million streams alone, featuring addictive beats and danceable melodies. Aside from making her mark on the music industry with other singles like “No Contact” followed by her mesmerizing vocals, Bruklin has also made her way into the film industry and on TV. At only 11 years old, the singer began performing on a number of television shows and showcasing her stand-out vocals, which were not left unnoticed. In a notable performance, Bruklin set the stage for her musical journey by captivating audiences with her passion and voice in a cover of Imagine Dragon’s “Believer.” Proving she's a star not to be missed, Bruklin has teamed up with talented producers like Oak Felder and Tommy Brown to refine her sound and continue to tell stories through captivating lyrics and voice. Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW BRUKLIN: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
- Review: "Christmas Cards" - Skylar Lee
Don’t let the title fool you. “Christmas Cards” by Skylar Lee is not a holly jolly seasonal track about spreading holiday cheer. Instead, it is a tragic break-up song about surviving the cold season without the one person the singer thought she’d spend every Christmas with. Now, Lee watches their life through obligatory holiday cards—a tradition she was a part of only this time last year. In the song, she confesses the immense pain of receiving the highlights of a life she used to know to know the deepest intricacies about. In the first chorus, Lee explores the life updates she has already gotten. Then, in the second chorus, she shares the ones she fears for in the future. Lee concludes the song with the gut-wrenching outro: “And you’ll keep on sending ‘til you lose my address// At that very moment// We’ll have nothing left.” Her detailed songwriting places the listeners into the singer’s vulnerable mindset, flawlessly illustrating her devastating heartbreak. Skylar Lee is one of the industry’s most underrated talents. From her perfect pitch to her clever songwriting, she consistently delivers unforgettable tracks. “Christmas Cards” instantly captures the listener's attention with the singer’s angelic vocals and a soft, acoustic guitar, followed quickly by a subtle airy synth wave. She effortlessly reels the audience in, setting the scene for the melancholic atmosphere. Before she is even done with the first line, anyone listening determines the song is not a joyful track of merriment and whimsy. The delicate soundscape is reminiscent of a perfect blend of Sabrina Carpenter and Kelsea Ballerini, while maintaining Lee’s signature style. Throughout the track, her stunning vocals showcase their beautiful range from her lower register to her flawless falsettos, as well as the beautiful harmonies. In the break before the outro, a steady bass guitar is added while mesmerizing vocalizations begin, bringing a new dynamic to the track. Then, Lee closes the song with the original production, bringing the song full circle and ripping out the listener’s heart one final time. The simplicity of the music paired with the deep lyricism makes “Christmas Cards” the perfect winter track. The song exemplifies Lee’s innate talent, once again reminding fans why they fell in love with her to begin with. Skylar Lee is a pop singer, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville. From a young age, she knew music was her passion, so when she turned 17, she moved from Pennsylvania to Nashville to pursue her dream. Lee proudly wears her heart on her sleeve, which translates into vulnerable lyrics and creative hooks. Her perfect-pitch ear provides a unique talent when it comes to songwriting. She has already made impressive waves in the music industry, including being featured in Rolling Stone India for two of her 2022 tracks, “Hotel in a Hurry” and “Modern Art”. Additionally, Lee was a Top 25 finalist in the American Songwriting Competition for “Modern Art” and a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition for her single, “Too Good to Be You.” Following down the path of her inspirations like Maisie Peters, Mimi Webb, Conan Gray, and Dagny, Lee continues to garner more and more fans for herself, proving that she is on track to be one of the world’s next great pop musicians. Her innate talent has earned a spot on many of my playlists, but my personal favorite is my Blondes With Bangs playlist! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW SKYLAR: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Born To Want More" - Caroline Romano
"Born To Want More" by Caroline Romano boldly takes listeners into trials of falling in love. Following an encounter with a past romantic partner and learning of their new love, the speaker falls down an introspective spiral of wondering if she was ever made to find and keep love for herself. Lyrics grapple with the difficulty and exhaustion that comes from brutal and repeated rejection. Words like "I watch my friends fall in love, and I'm lucky if I fall asleep" capture the restlessness that emerges from feelings of romantic isolation. The bridge of the song lists the steps that always seem to occur in the speaker's romantic journey, from trying her best and wearing the right clothes only to be rejected. Perseverance and pain surround the vulnerable lyrics of this track with words like "no one's around, but still I reach." Standing in solidarity with those who feel defeated by dating's seemingly fruitless cycle, this track inspires hope in listeners, letting them know they are not alone in wanting romance. Opening the track with a male voice interrogating with questions of want, the song delves into warm acoustic guitar strumming. Caroline's vocals are high and gentle with an extremely expressive breathiness through the verse, raising higher through the chorus. Drums and powerful electric guitar bring a soft rock sound to the chorus as echoes of the vocals allow its emotional questioning to reverberate after the powerful instrumentals fade. Through the bridge, the instrumentals gain strength and volume, with Caroline's singing growing in force and texture to match the intensity of the emotion. The song ends with soft vocals and guitar, truly allowing listeners to follow along the journey through reflection, passion, and contemplation through the sound. Caroline Romano is a musician from Mississippi who moved to Nashville and enveloped herself in the city's lively community of music. She has been releasing music since the age of fifteen, with a wide range of genres including emotional ballads and pop-punk sounds making up her style. Touching on vulnerable themes of mental health, growth, and love in her lyrics, Caroline's touching songs resonate with listeners through their comforting authenticity. With music earning a place on the Billboard Dance Chart, support from platforms like Just Jared and Hollywood Life , and performances in Nashville-based venues like The End and The Basement East , she has established a powerful musical presence. Check out her growing discography of an album, singles, EPs, and collaborations with other artists by clicking on the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW CAROLINE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Album Review: "rosie" - ROSÉ
rosie is the debut album by K-pop singer ROSÉ , and is titled after one of her nicknames. It’s also the artist’s first solo record, and is mainly pop with RnB influences. It was preceded by two singles, including “APT.”, a collaboration with Bruno Mars , which received major success on the charts and gained 400 million views for its music video in a month. T R A C K L I S T 1. number one girl 2. 3am 3. two years 4. toxic till the end 5. drinks or coffee 6. APT. (with Bruno Mars) 7. gameboy 8. stay a little longer 9. not the same 10. call it the end 11. too bad for us 12. dance all night ROSÉ is from Australia and is based in South Korea. She has been a member of BLɅϽKPIИK (BLACKPINK) since 2016, one of the most famous K-pop groups as they have dominated not only K-pop but the rest of the music scene as well. She began her solo career in 2021 with her double single R , and three years later announced her debut album would be released on December 6, 2024. number one girl rosie begins with a ballad, although “number one girl” is not fully piano driven, as drums are added to the production halfway through. The core of the song contains a soulful melody and vocals from ROSÉ, belting in the chorus as she asks her crush/love interest to return the same feelings she has for them. She wants them to see her as the main person in their life, and she wants to be appreciated and wants to be the girlfriend for her crush, who she loves and really wants to be with. “number one girl” is powerful overall, lyrically and sonically, but still a song of wanting in regards to potentially unrequited love, and a great way to open an album. 3am The feelings of intense adoration and wanting spill over into “3am”. This is an upbeat and fun pop song, guitar chords mixed with a trap beat, combined with an addictive chorus and its vocal effects (the line “Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh”). ROSÉ voluntarily ignores all relationship survival instincts and chooses to look past all warnings in the name of love. She is so obsessed with her crush that she sees only the good in them, despite what other people might say in opposition. ROSÉ finds comfort in this person, knowing they will be there for her at any time, including even at moments that aren’t the best, luring her into a false sense of security that this person is fully trustworthy, when they are not. 3. two years This song is about being unable to let someone go, and in this case, an ex-partner. Despite a lot of time passing, ROSÉ still thinks about this person and misses them, even though she has tried to work past these feelings. She realizes this person was not good for her, during and after the relationship, which is why she ended things with this person. However, she is tricked by nostalgia, making her think the good parts of the relationship defined the entirety of it, which is why she misses it, but this is not true due to nostalgia playing tricks on the mind to make you think something that occurred in the past was positive, even though it was not. “two years” features distinctive vocal effects, which do not disrupt ROSÉ’s amazing singing. 4. toxic till the end “toxic till the end” describes a pernicious relationship. Being “on-and-off” with a partner adds difficulty to the relationship you have with them, which is what ROSÉ details in the track. Her ex-partner is a bad person, singing “Jealous and possessive // So manipulating”. The toxicity was present throughout the relationship, a different message from “two years”, where ROSÉ sang about missing her ex. She now realizes the relationship was never good, and there was nothing to be nostalgic about or miss. The production of “toxic till the end” consists of a synth reminiscent of an electric guitar that increases in volume and tempo during the choruses, but is more muted during the second verse. 5. drinks or coffee A unique beat is aligned with a dance and ambient synth to make “drinks or coffee” the dark pop and club anthem song it is. Crushing hard makes its return to this 80s pop inspired track, as ROSÉ knows the feelings between her and her crush are suddenly mutual after realizing she is attracted to them. The crush grows so quickly over a short period of time that it does not matter to her if they share that they have these feelings to each other that night or the next morning, just as long as they end up together, since she is now starting to fall for them. The lyrics presumably take place at a club, which is mirrored perfectly by the production of “drinks or coffee”. 6. APT. (with Bruno Mars) While “Mickey” by Toni Basil has been sampled frequently in popular music, “APT.” is yet another creative and expansive take on the song. With Bruno Mars (who is also one of the songwriters for “number one girl”), he and ROSÉ came together to make the powerhouse leading single for rosie . Their singing voices perfectly blend together, partly due to both of them being such talented vocalists with large ranges. An example of this is during the bridge, where ROSÉ raises her voice up an octave, and then Mars echoes his voice along with her’s. Lyrically, the song is another account of ROSÉ asking out her crush due to strong romantic feelings she has for them. gameboy “gameboy” has a mixture of different guitar chords with a pop-trap beat, with an increasing and decreasing synth in the background. More vocal effects can be found on this track. The common theme in music of how men like to play games makes the title of the song a play on words. ROSÉ realizes a former love interest was actually not what they seemed at all, revealing themselves to be childish and immature. The song is most likely referencing “3am”, where she saw the signs of this person being a bad partner and proceeded to date them. Now, she regrets not seeing her ex for who they were at the start of the relationship. 8. stay a little longer A piano pop song that transforms into a RnB one, and the longest track on the album, “stay a little longer” is about a breakup that is taking a mental and physical toll on ROSÉ, who is asking her partner not to leave her, a new definition of the wanting she had previously for them to be with her. She already feels broken at the end of the relationship, and she feels as though if this is the last time she sees this person, she will become more heartbroken. Alongside ROSÉ’s stupendous vocals are beautiful piano and guitar arrangements, making you feel as though you are on the beach listening to the track. Not only is this song outstanding, but the guitar solo just ties everything together. 9. not the same “not the same” is a bossa nova inspired track, the production solely containing multiple guitar lines, excluding the organ that appears towards the end of the song, as ROSÉ easily switches octaves throughout the song. She regrets putting faith into a relationship that did not work out and a partner that did not actually love her back. The relationship that she put a lot of work into does not appear to be what it once was, which adds to the pain of the reveal of her significant other not sharing the same dedication to the relationship that she had. ROSÉ also regrets giving this person a second chance in the relationship, as this is not the first time they have put the relationship in jeopardy. 10. call it the end Another wonderful ballad makes up the tenth track of rosie . It is apparent to ROSÉ that the relationship she is in has taken a turn for the worst, and is unsalvageable. She recognizes that the only choice left is to leave her significant other after previous confusion on what their status is. She believes the relationship should end, as it can no longer survive, and she sings “I’m a better me because of you”. She remarks on trying to remain hopeful to repair the romance, and once saw a way that this could have happened, but if something does not feel right, including continuing a relationship, then you should not pursue it, which is the case for this song. 11. too bad for us ROSÉ uses symbolism in “too bad for us” to represent her failing relationship. Referencing her name, she calls the relationship a “desert” that is unable to grow “roses”, roses being the good parts of what a relationship should be, which is now barren like a desert. Her and her significant other essentially have the right ingredients to a healthy relationship, but they do not know how to combine them, which has led to a break up. “too bad for us” is mostly an acoustic song, but adds in dynamic drums halfway through, similarly to “number one girl”. Towards the end of the song, during the bridge, there is a gradual increase of the tempo, adding a distinctive part to the track. 12. dance all night A RnB-pop song is the perfect way to close out such an amazing album such as rosie - especially with a piano solo. “dance all night” is as if the end credits of a movie were transformed into a song. The tracks of this album all discussed wanting, whether it was ROSÉ wanting someone or wanting her relationship to end. Now, she just wants to dance to look towards better things beyond the hardships she faced throughout the record. The production of the track is very uplifting and reminiscent of the easy-listening genre, especially with the guitar chords. The melody is very lovely, as well as the harmonies, especially during the choruses and bridge. I loved this album so much and I think this is a great way to start a solo career - with a 10/10 debut record. Not only do ROSÉ’s vocals encapsulate the heart of each and every track, but the album also has a roster of iconic songwriters and producers in pop, such as Amy Allen and Greg Kurstin, making it pop perfection. ROSÉ is also a songwriter for every track, and she has impeccable literary craftsmanship, describing how it feels to want to be with someone no matter what, and also to experience toxic relationships. This album came in with a bang, not only with APT. being the successful leading single, but this being ROSÉ's first solo album and first debut album, and I believe its release was handled exceptionally. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW ROSÉ: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "big mouth" - Molly Frances
Trying to sleep as that one conversation plays endlessly in our minds is a night where we've decided sleep is no longer an option. Did we say the wrong thing? Did we share too much? What do they think of us now? Sometimes these questions become so overwhelming that the best choice is to just stay home or say nothing at all. Is it wrong though to share what's on our mind? It can be hard to see that the problem isn't that we feel like we overshared, but that the people around us might immediately judge us for being honest. At the end of the day, these conversations can't be let go. It makes it even more difficult to share our thoughts without questioning everything we say to the point that silence is solace to the immense weight we fear our words may carry. Molly Frances expresses the thoughts we all share when we feel like we've said too much in her new song "big mouth." Biting our tongue can't be as bad as the conversations that haunt us at night, right? The song opens with a question where Molly Frances begins to express her thoughts on whether she overshared and how she plans on dealing with that anxiety from the conversation. The melody has a soft, electric tone that gently pulses similar to how our heart races when we start to stress on things we regret saying. Though she continues to sing the first verse calmly, the pulsing melody continues alongside. She shows how she can still carry on the conversation normally while hiding the regret or worry she feels over something she had said. The beat grows stronger and her voice is powerful as the thoughts and questions grow endless. She knows that there's a chance they didn't even think twice about what she regrets saying and how they might also be having their own thoughts endlessly looping in their heads, but that lingering, stressful feeling continues. In the second verse, she continues to express how she tends to always share what's on her mind. She fears that her honesty might've ruined the moment, even though she knows they probably forgot what she said in minutes while she's still thinking about it for hours. She decides rather than share what's on her mind, she holds back and says things that don't mean as much as the things she actually wants to say represented by the "blah, blah, blah," in the bridge. Molly Frances' serene yet powerful voice perfectly highlights the thoughts and worries we have had in times when we've felt regret over saying what's on our mind. "big mouth" is truly a beautiful song to drown out the conversations we can't stop playing in our heads. Molly Frances, who is established in Brooklyn, New York, started to grow in the music industry with her song released in 2022, "Meet the Devil." She was raised in Maryland, where she then moved to Nashville to learn more about music at Belmont University's School of Music. She is inspired and influenced by artists like Carol Ades and Holly Humberstone, but also finds great inspiration within her local community. Her emotional and relatable lyrics paired with her tranquil and powerful instrumentation has truly made her stand out as a indie pop singer and songwriter. Molly Frances will continue to show her talent in her pop EP "Collector" in the spring of 2025. Written By Nini Alano FOLLOW MOLLY FRANCES: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Winter Sweater" - Andelyn
The song 'Winter Sweater' brings us the feeling of yearning for home. We experience the way the artist thinks about her childhood hometown and the memories she holds from that place. Not to say she doesn't like the town she's in now. However, there's something nostalgic about reflecting on the first home you remember from your childhood. There's a few sets of lyrics that embody this idea well. The first being at the beginning of the song when it says, "Wish present day was frozen in time, / Tired of those little white lies / Saying I'm fine." I think this line speaks volumes on the emotion the artist feels towards her hometown and present day life. Towards the end of the song, we get another set of powerful lyrics that say, "But the clock keeps ticking and I can't go back / Oh, the memories of us are all I have." The line is relatable for anyone who's listening. We all know that the clock, representing life, waits for no one. The things we experience today will become memories tomorrow. Listening to 'Winter Sweater,' is like being wrapped in a warm hug on a cold winter day. The warmth of remembrance and nostalgia is thick throughout the song. Having those elements shine brightly in the piece helps strengthen the reflective and melancholy mood. It gives us a warm and bittersweet experience when listening to it. Some of the instruments that help take this song to the next level are the piano and acoustic guitar. They present us with emotions that drive the song. Without these instruments, the piece would lack something very valuable. Having them gives us a stronger sense of longing. The lyrics are the cherry on top of the perfect song. They represent everything that the melody is trying to convey on it's own. Adding all of these little elements together helps tie the bow on a song that feels like a present to us as the listener. Andelyn is an indie-folk artist based in Orange County, California, but she is originally from Utah. She was raised with a love for music, singing and playing the piano at church. This helped kickstart the journey she is on today as an artist. Songwriting and performance are an introspective and reflective process for Andelyn. It helps her learn more about herself and the world around her. She's inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, Niall Horan, Kacey Musgraves, and Noah Kahan. Her music is not only about her own experiences, but also about helping others find value in their own experiences and reflect on them in a healthy way. Some of the bigger themes she tackles in her songs include loss, love, and self-discovery. If you're looking for a new artist to listen to, I highly recommend Andelyn. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Andelyn: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok
- Review: "beside you (so boring!)" - Barb
Confronting the challenging reality of a half-hearted romance, Barb's new release "beside you (so boring!)" is a fascinating journey through physical sensations into stark revelations. The speaker of the song takes you into her situation, feeling like a hidden secret and working to understand her reality with thoughts like "who's to say if I can bear to fake it?" Taking on the emotional weight of easily picturing her partner with someone else, the speaker of this song feels like an observer more than a participant in this relationship. With an interesting and emotionally-loaded exploration of a complex relationship, this track will captivate you with its hesitance to let go. Acoustic guitar strumming and Barb's atmospheric, feminine vocals open the song. Electronic instrumentals layer on along with rhythmic percussion before heavy electric guitar adds a dynamic excitement to the track. Gaining in volume and showing off Barb's passionate vocal projection, the chorus has a captivatingly energetic soft rock sound, leaning into the percussion even more. Vocal layers add texture to the tune in the second verse, with lifting harmonies creating a reflective mood. Ending with an incredible electric guitar riff, this track has an exhilarating sound. With fascinating blends of acoustic, electric, and electronic instrumentals, "beside you (so boring!)" will excite you with its vast musical expression. Barb is an indie pop-rock musician from Texas. She uses her lyrics to explore meaningful and complex themes of relationships and love, influenced by a queer lens. Fans of girl in red and The Beaches will appreciate the vulnerable lyricism and energetic sound of Barb's music. Hailing from an athletic background as a D-1 athlete, Barb is no stranger to hard work and dedication, as she brings the same level of commitment to her musical career. She has graced the stages of venues Austin-based venues like Mohawk and Long Center , letting listeners enjoy her vocals and skills on the guitar. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music and keep an eye out for upcoming releases. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW BARB: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok
- Review: "How Are You Mine?" - Slowly Slowly
Reflecting on a love that changes you for the better, Slowly Slowly have released their fiery new single, "How Are You Mine?" The track ends the year on a high note, giving us a taste for what's to come for the group in 2025 as they prepare to release their fifth studio album, Forgiving Spree . Shedding light on the narrative behind "How Are You Mine?," frontman Ben Stewart shares, "It’s a celebration song. I struck the lottery. I’d built this persona as the lonely sad guy, and it’s like shedding skin. I can be happy." Through his relatable lyricism, Stewart shows us how joyous and healing love can be, giving us something positive and upbeat to think about as 2024 comes to a close. An enthralling mix of indie, pop-punk, and pop-rock, Slowly Slowly's "How Are You Mine?" is an upbeat love song for the ages. The track has an electrifying soundscape, featuring addictive melodies, driving beats, and thrilling guitar riffs to match the song's rousing lyrics. Stewart radiates positivity, flawlessly delivering an intoxicating vocal performance over the track's exhilarating instrumentals. Inspired by many great artists, Slowly Slowly's "How Are You Mine?" is perfect for fans of The Killers, Gang of Youths, Stand Atlantic, and Pale Waves. Debuting in 2015, Slowly Slowly kicked off their sensational career with their first single, "Empty Lungs." Since then, they have grown from an indie band to an Australian favorite, growing their impressive catalog by four studio albums with a fifth on the way. Two of their albums have enjoyed much success on the ARIA Charts with Race Car Blues and Daisy Chain peaking at number 7 and number 5 respectively. Also finding success as a live act, Slowly Slowly have proven themselves to be a force in the indie genre, playing festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Good Things, and Groovin The Moo, as well as sharing the stage with icons like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Amy Shark. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SLOWLY SLOWLY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube


















