Jealousy is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their life, and India Thieriot is saying the quiet part out loud in her latest single “Downfall.” Picture this– you have a lifelong goal that you share alongside a friend. You’ve both been working toward it your entire lives, and while you’re so close to reaching it, your friend grasps it first. “Downfall” is all about friendship jealousy, that green monster rearing its head in your relationship even when you know you should be rooting for your buddy. Resentment and guilt combine in this single, harnessed in a dynamic soundscape as we question who we are when we’re suddenly praying for the downfall of the people we should be cheering on. Friendship jealousy is a complicated thing and “Downfall” perfectly captures that weird grey area it occupies. On one hand, you should be happy for your friend and their successes– their gain isn’t your loss. But on the other, the human brain is a strange thing and sometimes we can’t help the way our hearts twist when we see someone get the exact thing we want. India illustrates this complexity all while keeping the soundscape feeling light and fun. The chorus is catchy and pulls you straight into it, infinitely hummable as you think on your own friendship jealousy. I especially love India’s vocals. She has an amazing way of coiling around the lyrics that truly breathes life and passion into the song. The lyrics themselves are also fantastic. My favourite part has to be the beginning: “I don’t want to be this person.” The song starts off with a denial and then spirals into great detail, asking why and how the narrator should act when they feel so jealous. It doesn’t help that the friend’s success has seemingly gone to their head, leaving the narrator even more lost. It’s all such a great way to paint jealousy in friendships, and “Downfall” nails it completely. India Thieriot is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, whose musical career began at the age of ten when she first started penning songs. Since then, her sound has grown into what you hear today, a blend of soulful indie rock and pop. She’s inspired by artists like Emily King, Kacey Musgraves, and Taylor Swift, with thoughtful lyricism at the core of her music. For India, songwriting is a way to process life experiences, to bring them into music and find them there. Her debut single “Changes” released back in 2016, and she has since dropped many other songs. Her most recent track “Downfall” is her third single of 2026. If you loved “Downfall,” don’t forget to check out the rest of India’s vast discography, and drop her a follow on her socials, too! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW INDIA THIERIOT: Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music

Something that I've been keeping an eye out for more in my life is where whimsy comes in to play. So often, it feels like we're living the same exact life over and over again but when I see someone who has the audacity to wear a silly hat, wear a silly shirt etc, it feels like they're breaking the fourth wall of the simulation we're living in. Malaika's new song, "Simple Like That" gives me the vibes of that. Its unique sounding chill vibe completely broke up the fast paced weekend that we just came out of which felt like a breath of fresh air. Let's dive into a song that allows a little whimsy, shall we? I'm not always drawn to songs that use a lot of technology (my Foo Fighters tattoo can vouch for me) but every now and then, I'm pleasently surprised at how technology and music can pair together so perfectly. Malaika's genius at using technology as a tool versus something that is getting in the way of authenticity shines in this song. The beginning of the song sets the tone of the whole thing with this digital ticking sound that carries throughout the whole song. There's not a ton of complexities in this song but it's not a bad thing. The way that this levels out with Malaika's calming voice but smart lyrics allow the song to stand with its own complexities. Malaika is a singer, songwriter and producer based in London. Quickly becoming one of London's rising and most exciting indie artsists, they blend catchy melodies with honest relatability flexing their natural capabilities at connecting with listeners. Malaika gained attraction after being gaining support from Spotify's editorial playlist as well as their songs reaching out further to audiences. They have also been thrown on some iconic Spotify playlists including, "Fresh Finds Indie," as well as getting support from BBC Introducing." Their new song can be heard on all streaming platforms. Written By Bre Macomber FOLLOW MALAIKA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

A love ballad inspired by feeling seen and heard by someone, "What do you want?" aims to confirm that an unbelievably good thing happening is real. Trust in healthy relationships is established when vulnerability is reciprocated. Frau discerns this truth in her lyricism. She sings in the first verse, "when I can't cope I call on you for help," and likewise in the fourth, "when you can't cope you call on me for help." Although exciting and hopeful, emotional uncertainty lingers around her ability to accept love that doesn't fit the framework she's used to. In the singer's own words, "The song explores those early bouts of uncertainty, the fear of being too honest too soon, and learning to accept love from someone willing to be just as vulnerable." "What do you want?" is the lead single on frau's upcoming debut album, flutter, coming in September. Driven by guitar and electric pulses of percussion, the track is both plainly earnest and atmospherically stacked. Modern in its instrumental composition, the song is still able to channel an emotional frankness that is reminiscent of early 2000s songwriting. Operating at a slower tempo than many songs in the indie alt-pop genre, the bpm lends itself to capturing a prominent hesitance. While learning how to experience honest love, the singer also acknowledges that it might disappear. Knowing that relationships have no guarantee and may cause more harm than good, frau hopes to confirm someone else's reciprocated feelings in "what do you want?" Nashville-born and Brooklyn-based musician, frau is a singer, songwriter, and producer. Growing up singing Kidz Bop and participating in school choirs, music has always held an important place in her life. Since 2020, the multi-disciplined musician has been building her richly melodic electric sound. Averaging over 5,000 monthly listeners on Spotify with just a handful of singles, her upcoming 9-track album, flutter promises to increase that number. Listeners can find her performing live around the New York area announcing upcoming shows via her social media. Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW FRAU: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Whether we like it or not, AI seems to be here to stay. It has gradually been invading every part of our lives, impacting anything from art to work to social media and beyond. AI has been at the forefront of conversations in our personal and professional lives, drawing attention to all the ethical dilemmas and environmental problems it has caused. While the platforms continue to be rife with ethical and environmental challenges, like stealing artists' work and accelerating carbon emissions, AI is still being used by companies and individuals to aid in a variety of things. The music industry is one of many in entertainment navigating changes and challenges that AI is bringing. Like what Lauren DiGiovanni discussed in Pop Passion's previous article, "What's Going On with Music and AI in 2025," it's no new thing that creators have been using AI to generate lyrics and instrumentals, but it's important to stay up to date on new developments. To shed some light on how AI usage has been evolving in the music industry, here's a look into the emerging "AI Music Trends in 2026." One of the most concerning developments in AI usage is the amount of music being created that is entirely AI generated. Creators have been using platforms like Suno AI and Udio to generate songs where every aspect, like lyrics, vocals, instrumentals, and production, are synthesized by artificial intelligence. This started as a novelty but has quickly become a problem as AI-generated songs have been topping charts and challenging human creation. Some examples of AI-generated artists are The Velvet Sundown, Breaking Rust, and Zania Monet. Photo Credits: Adobe Stock Despite the increase of AI being integrated into music creation, music industry leaders have been making efforts to regulate AI usage and shift towards an approach that focuses more on AI as a collaborative tool instead of something to generate fully automated songs. In 2026, AI is becoming more of a creative partner as over 60% of music producers use AI to aid in audio cleanup, ideation, stem separation, and mixing. There also has been an increase in using AI for mashups, birthing a trend that aids in creating remixes and combines unexpected genres, like country and metal. Further regulating AI's usage and combatting the challenges it has caused, streaming platforms and distributors have been active in pushing for transparency that will protect human creators and prevent royalty dilution. Distributors like DistroKid have started requiring creators to disclose if their tracks are AI-assisted and categorize the level of AI generation. Spotify has begun beta-testing AI-credit labels directly on tracks, so listeners know how a song was made. Streaming services like Deezer have also updated their policies to label fully AI-generated songs to prevent the dilution of main discovery algorithms. As for the legal landscape of using AI, labels have been making strides to enforce copyright protections. Startups have been facing high-profile infringement lawsuits from major labels as issues like voice cloning become more prevalent. Despite the obvious issues with AI usage and copyright, licensed AI models are still becoming a norm in the music industry as the likes of Universal and Warner Music form partnerships and licensing agreements with AI companies like Udio. How do you feel about AI usage in the music industry? Do you think it should be used during the creative process? Let us know on our socials! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Moving on is hard. Sometimes it feels almost impossible. Alexa Kate’s latest single “Not Your Fault” details these trials and tribulations with a nostalgic, ethereal soundscape, and a voice full of pain and wistfulness. She explains that it is not her ex lover’s fault that it is so hard to move on, and that she sees them everywhere and in everything. In the late nights and in the lights going down, she pictures what they used to have and the way they made her feel. She mourns this loss, and simultaneously hopes that they mourn her as well. Kate’s goal in her music is to connect on real and emotional levels, and she certainly has found a community with this single that understands how it feels to be stuck in the past, stuck in a love that has since died. This track opens with a nostalgic tune, electronics added to the instruments to make them feel like they are swirling around in a haze. She starts right away with lyrics about holding on to the past, and while she knows that it is not helping her move on, she can’t help it. In the pre-chorus, she sings about where she sees her past lover- in closed doors, in cars, and even under the stars. She reaches the chorus and sings, “It's not your fault / That no one compares / Or could ever make me feel the way you did / Or that I've memorized / The space in time / Of the almost I've been chasing ever since”. The real heartbreak comes in the outro, where she layers her own haunting vocals over intense lyrics. Kate sings, “You really did a number on me / It would be easy / If we never met”. Alexa Kate strives to make connection within her music- that has always been the goal. The New York native does not view her artistry as just a way to make a quick buck or grow stardom, she views it as a way to understand her feelings, and hopefully allow others to find themselves in her words. With over 20k monthly listeners on Spotify, she is creating a community that “translates digital fandom into something real, tangible, and tactile”. “Not Your Fault” is the first single off of Kate’s upcoming EP, a collection that she focused on keeping her indie pop sound, but also tried to dive even deeper into themes of nostalgia and intimacy. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more real and raw music from Alexa Kate. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW ALEXA KATE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Perth-based singer-songwriter EDIE plants the seeds and pulls fans into her world of electric synths and neon lights in her latest single "Garden of Edie." Such as a garden does, activating the senses, EDIE immerses listeners into the scene. She lets go of comparisons, bleaching her brows and jumping onto the dancefloor. When her world seems uncontrollable, EDIE finds peace in expression. EDIE lives for herself, and that's what she wants to teach us. Upon the title, it would be easy to assume acoustic guitars and violin strings, but EDIE modernizes her nature. She's untamed, ambitious, and colorful, filling the room like wildflowers blooming in a field. The four-on-the-floor beat carries the thrilling momentum. Each crack of the snare echoes like pulling up the weeds of worries and regrets. EDIE is all about living in the moment. EDIE sinks into raw feelings throughout her music. With distorted guitars, she unleashes the rage of lying partners and friends that turn into traitors. With bubbly tones, she sings about wearing her heart on her sleeve. Now, with her upcoming EP, "Garden of EDIE," she's leaning into the Y2K textures. Check out the links below to listen to more of her music! Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW EDIE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Falling for someone is never easy when it riddles you with anxiety. You sit in your room mentally picking petals off flowers questioning “they love me, they love me not.” It can feel silly letting your mind sit on this person for so long without knowing how they feel. Aly Navarro released her new single “Embarrassing” about the quiet anxiety of developing feelings for someone and not knowing if it’s mutual. The track is an acoustic-driven indie folk ballad. Filled with soft guitar and honest vocals, this song puts all her vulnerability on the table. It’s a personal confessional for the ones who want to be loved but fear they will never get it. Aly stated “Embarrassing encapsulates the heart wrenching feeling of being completely enamored with someone, and knowing deep down that you love them in a way that they will never love you back.” She got the inspiration for this song from a personal experience when she realized she placed all her happiness in the hands of someone who never cared about her happiness. It feels humiliating to put that much hope into someone who never deserved it, but unfortunately it happens to most of us. The song moves through her overthinking in a way that has you feeling like you’re the one sitting in her mind. You feel every punch of the internal fight Aly faced. Aly worked with Michael Leto to produce the song and they took the creative decision to keep the track minimal allowing her vocals to take the spotlight. It’s full of emotional heaviness proving that simple can always hit with a strong impact. Aly Navarro is a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles and originally from Miami, Florida. Submerging herself between the folk, pop and indie rock genres, she’s effortlessly created a sound that is special to her. She began writing songs at the young age of 12, and it sparked a passion that she’s carried throughout her life. Writing from personal experiences of navigating adulthood, her music is relatable to many of us. Aly crafts her songs to feel intimate so her listeners feel like they’re sitting right there with her. She graduated Berklee College of Music with a songwriting degree and is now set to release her debut EP, Do Not Resuscitate this year. Follow the links down below to stay up to date on shows and future releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW ALY NAVARRO: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

Credit: Spotify Before Act 3 (whenever it arrives) graces our earholes, I wanted to go back and review Acts 1 and 2. To give a little background about the three act project, Beyonce created this project as a way of reclaiming genres that had originated with black people. I just reviewed Act 1 so please check that out before proceeding. Act 2 received many accolades including Grammys for Best Country Album, the first black woman to win it, and the long overdued Album of The Year. Two years ago, the album divided people because of their own personal opinions about what country is and isn't. Let's dive in... AMERIlCAN REQUlEM BLACKBIIRD 16 CARRIAGES PROTECTOR MY ROSE SMOKE HOUR WILLIE NELSON TEXAS HOLD 'EM BODYGUARD DOLLY P JOLENE DAUGHTER SPAGHETTIl ALLIlGATOR TEARS SMOKE HOUR ll JUST FOR FUN ll MOST WANTED LEVll'S JEANS FLAMENCO THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW YA YA OH LOUISIANA DESERT EAGLE RIIVERDANCE ll HANDS ll HEAVEN TYRANT SWEET HONEY BUCKIlN' AMEN Setting the stage with American Requiem and moving to Blackbird, the album starts off with heavy subject matter being the main focal point. Moving through the album, she bounces between upbeat songs like Texas Hold ‘Em and Spaghetti and ballads like Protector and Alligator Tears. The most shocking moment came when she busted out her Italian opera chops in Daughter. The latter third is Renaissance-coded. It really picks up and seperates itself from the rest of the album. With songs like Ya Ya, Riverdance, and Tyrant, she shows her versatility and commitment to making fun music. She finishes off this timeless project with the best send-off possible, Amen. The album wasn’t a straight run through of three, four, or five minute songs. It featured many interludes such as My Rose, Smoke Hour ll, and Desert Eagle. Each one served its purpose in transitioning from one song to another and ushering in a different kind of country sound. Cowboy Carter is a Beyonce album consisting of country pop, outlaw country, and Americana. While country at its core, each song had elements of other genres. Ya Ya is rock and roll, ll Hands ll Heaven is contemporary R&B, Tyrant is Southern rap, and so on and so forth. I would describe it as 1/3 traditional country, 1/3 moden country, and 1/3 experimental with notes of country. Simply put, it’s her most genrebending album, hence the fact she called it a Beyonce album. Most of the songs are slow/mid tempo, but the lyrics really shine because of the subject matter and how it relates to her upbringing and personal experiences. This album is her most impressive to me because everything has to be sung, written, and produced perfectly to accurately convey the multiple genres each song artistically blends. Very few can master this level of creativity. My unwavering top three will always be American Requeim, Ya Ya, and Sweet Honey Buckin'. Credit: Random J Pop Cowboy Carter was born out of discrimination. In 2016, she performed Lemonade's Daddy Lessons at the CMAs and received immense racist backlash for it. This album was already going to have cultural impact, but that incident made this moment even more significant. It caused more black and Gen Z people to seek out country music which boosted the careers of rising black country artists through streams and sales. Whether it was small businesses, fast fashion retailers, or high end designers, there was a huge uptick in both the sales and creation of Western-themed clothing. In addition to that, the world tour also had the same amount of significance. It triggered a cowboy fashion craze in England, a hotel price increase in concert locations, and a meteoric rise in black-owned brands particularly black women-owned small businesses that speciliazed in Western-themed clothing and accessories. It also broke numerous venue records including highest attendance, highest gross, and career milestones in each stadium’s history. Another moment where black history shined. Another sociocultural phenomenon. Another historic era in the books. Written By Jazz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Melanie Herrera has released her new single, "I Think I Lied." Remembering back on the different memories once shared with a partner, Herrera looks at a past connection with nostalgia and regret. With a want of no-contact by Herrera herself, she now looks at the memories with a want for her ex-partner back. Throughout the verses, Herrera reflects back on memories that get brought up by different experiences, like going to a coffee shop her and her ex-partner would go to. When looking back with a romantic lens, "I Think I Lied" captures the longing of wanting a partner back after reminiscing on memories. "I Think I Lied" is a master class put on by Herrera in capturing the feeling of wanting an ex back, but not knowing how to exactly act on it. The feelings deeply relatable, as when looking back on places or photos that spark memories and give us joy, we want to relive it, even if it's only a small piece of us. There's an essence of contradiction that I also think it really cool, as the upbeat production and Herrera's lyrics that are full of regret contradict each other. It feels as if this song plays in the background when the main character realizes that they do want to be with the romantic interest after they got into a fight and start developing a plan to do so. Overall, Herrera's newest single is not one to miss, as "I Think I Lied" falls right between cinematic and relatable. Melanie Herrera is a singer-songwriter based in New York City. With a love of storytelling and music, Herrera's discography is chock-full of emotionally-fluent songs that feel like diary entries into Herrera's life. Raised in a household full of Mexican and Argentinian heritage and culture, Herrera's music is shaped by her early days of living, from singing with her father's band to an eclectic music education. With an acting and social media background, Herrera's music comes to listeners with ease. If you'd like to keep up with Melanie Herrera's newest releases and show announcements, you can follow her on her social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW MELANIE HERRERA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

This one’s going to be infinitely relatable to those of you who have ever been called outspoken. Maybe they say you’re passionate, candid, or even a rule-breaker with how willing you are to say it like it is. Hayley Orrantia’s latest single “Rebellion” is a snapshot of what it means to be a rebel, and wanting to press against the boundaries to break them completely. You stand up, fight for what’s right– and if that makes you rebellious, then so be it. Wrapped in a smooth soundscape, Hayley’s amazing vocals, and catchy hooks, this track will make you never want to back down. One listen to “Rebellion” and you’ll be singing it aloud all day, no matter who tells you to turn down the volume. I think my favourite part of “Rebellion” is how buttery-smooth its soundscape is. There’s a flow to it that helps you slip right into the track, effortlessly pulling you along its chorus and verses. The vocals, the instrumentals– it all comes together to form the backbone of a song that has some super sleek lyricism, making it both catchy and having a message everyone can relate to. “Rebellion” highlights the want to defy the restrictive rules society has laid out for us. Whatever form that takes on for you, it’s something many of us can understand. I especially adore the line, “I was born with fire in my blood / Can’t resist getting into good trouble.” It underpins how we’re always fighting the good fight, standing up for ourselves and resisting the people who try to put us down. It’s a great track to blast when you need that extra boost of confidence because “Rebellion” is right in your corner, cheering you on. Although she’s best known for her role as “Erica Goldberg” in the ABC hit comedy The Goldbergs, Hayley Orrantia is also a big part of the music world. She first got her start in 2015 with her debut single “Love Sick,” and her debut EP The Way Out has charted in both the US and UK. You may also recognize Hayley’s name as the runner-up for Season 7 of the Masked Singer, where she was disguised as the Ringmaster. With a passionate, soulful style, her music brings audiences together. If you loved “Rebellion,” be sure to check out the rest of her tracks, too! And don’t forget to drop her a follow on her socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW HAYLEY ORRANTIA: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube | Website

Expertly written lines upon lines of romantic similes can be found in the newest single from Alissa Feudo, "Cliché Habit", a song about the love and security you experience when you know you are with the right person. When you and the significant other you are meant to be with are together, you feel like everything is right in the world, and you "wouldn't have it no other way". Your heart feels loved and appreciated with your partner, and they feel the same way and express the same feelings to you. This is what Feudo depicts in her lyrical composition, where she displays her incredible songwriting. Indie and vaporwave elements are combined for the production of "Cliché Habit" to create a never-before-heard sound that flows throughout the song like waves rippling in the ocean at the start of summer. Feudo's enchanting vocals perfectly compliment the elegance of the instrumentation, consisting of alternative-esque acoustic guitar chords and drums. Also, since Feudo is based in Texas, you can detect references of country music while listening to "Cliché Habit" in addition to all the complex layers that comprise this amazing new addition to her discography, Alissa Feudo's impeccable musicianship doesn't stop with just "Cliché Habit", as she has lended her skills when featuring on other artists' songs, and for her own studio career since 2022. From the release of her debut solo single "Don't Say" to her anticipated upcoming debut album, both her own work and the hits she's made with frequent collaborators show her ability to shift genres with ease and be an amazing artist while performing them. She also has made other fantastic songs, including but not limited to "Life's Blood", "Paper Thoughts", "Frequency", and "What's Left Is Now". Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW ALISSA FEUDO: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

"Could You Lie" by Mathias Julin explores the feeling of dread when two people know a relationship is beyond repair. Clinging to the comfort of their partner, the speaker expresses, "I don't wanna have to miss your feeling." The song draws listeners into the vulnerable state of this romance, with two people dancing around the inevitable end of their relationship: when each partner is honest about their feelings. The words "said you didn't want to fight.," and "try to own it, it's a small mistake," lay out the tension in this love. It speaks to how any relationship, whether strong or fragile, can be a source of comfort. This moving track shows the complexity of letting go. The sound of this contemporary pop song blends acoustics, electronic instrumentals, and resonant soulful pop vocals to portray internal conflict. The tune jumps from an energetic pulse of piano chords to the strumming of acoustic guitar, bringing an immersive depth to the song. The lyrics start off slow as Mathias's vocals slide into a smooth falsetto. Through the chorus, his powerful pop singing projects over a blend of instrumentals with piano and percussion adding a rich fullness to the atmosphere of the track. Championed by Mathias's emotional vocals, "Could You Lie" will resonate deeply with fans of artists like Shawn Mendes. Mathias Julin is a pop artist whose soulful, emotional music first rose to popularity through TikTok, with a loyal fanbase of people who resonate with his honest, storytelling lyricism. He released his debut EP, Someday, in 2025, providing listeners with a collection of songs that explore themes of complex relationships and personal growth. As a singer-songwriter, Mathias's work delivers authentic messages that resonate deeply with people experiencing the dramas of navigating love and life in general. Check out the links below to stay up-to-date with his music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MATHIAS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube