Photos: Shervin Lainez Design & Illustration: Sarah Kennedy Flowers: ASMITE Artistic Direction & Vision: Anna Caradeuc , Aja Pecknold Smith , & Alex Dziura "Call It A Draw" is the leading single off Uwade 's upcoming debut album Florilegium . This song is a one-sided compromise between Uwade and the person she is too scared to call back, saying that her not talking to them is "call[ing] it a draw" for their relationship. It seemed to being going good at the beginning, but has now turned sour, and to the point where she can't interact with them without fearing she will fall for them again or bad memories will arise. This alludes to the song's title also meaning that because this person was toxic to her, she will be toxic back. This is detailed further in the bridge, where she wants to experience the relationship again at its first stages, but also doesn't want to based on their breakup that was mostly likely rough. The drumline is soft and somewhat muffled throughout "Call It A Draw", which is complimented by the guitars that share a similar vibe. This even stays consistent with the occasional drum fills. Uwade's vocals are impeccable, managing to simultaneously sound as those they are at both ends of the octave scale. Her singing voice is a flawless fit for the production of this song. "Call It A Draw" is like if the season of autumn was a piece of music. It perfectly matches the overall vibe of Florilegium , and it makes complete sense that it would be on an album with an aesthetic themed around flora. Its instrumentation makes for the perfect leading single. Uwade is a music artist born in Nigeria, and grew up singing in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended Oxford University and Columbia university, where she studied music. She has also toured with the band Fleet Foxes in the past. She has made other extraordinary music alongside "Call It A Draw", including her songs "Nostalgia", "Out of My Mind", and "The Man Who Sees Tomorrow". Her album Florilegium comes out on April 25, 2025. She is set to embark on several tour dates starting in March 2025, and will perform in the United Kingdom and throughout the United States. Uwade is an amazing and incredibly talented music artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW UWADE: Instagram | Spotify  | Apple Music  | Facebook  | YouTube

Amber Ais has released her new single "Love Yourself", a song in which she encourages someone to better themselves. Ais explains that she is in love with this person, and is dealing with unrequited love, but also recognizes that this person leads an unhealthy lifestyle. She loves this person so much that she finds it more important that they start focusing on improving their quality of life and fix how they treat other people and themselves instead of them being together, even though, deep down, that is all she wants. However, since Ais' feelings are not returned, she accepts that they won't be in a relationship. “Love Yourself” is the perfect crossover of pop and RnB, as well as added alternative elements. This is present in the main guitar chords and vocals for the pop and RnB genres, and the drums and background guitar chords for the alternative genre. Ais has an incredible singing voice; it’s very distinct and she has a large vocal range. The way in which she sings brings out the emotions conveyed in the lyrics adds a lot of personality to the song. The harmonies on “Love Yourself” are impeccable, and the melody is very original. The producers of the song did a fantastic job mixing and producing, and Ais’ vocals truly match the vibes of the overall sound. Amber Ais is a music artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Ais grew up singing and decided to begin a music career in high school. She went on to earn a songwriting degree from Berklee. She has released other amazing songs throughout her career in addition to “Love Yourself”, including “Shy”, “Be Together”, and “Don’t Make It Hard”, and in 2022, she released her debut album Coming of Age . She has performed live before, including at The East Room in Nashville in August 2024, and has collaborated with other artists, including 5pacenew5. Amber Ais is an incredible and very talented music artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW AMBER AIS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Australian indie-rock band, Slowly Slowly, has recently dropped their 5th studio album, "Forgiving Spree", which is said to be their most made-for-the-stage project yet. TRACKLIST Forgiving Spree  Gimme the Wrench  How Are You Mine?  Hurricane  All Time  Love Letters  That’s That  Meltdown Masquerade  Born Free Slowly Slowly is a 4-piece indie rock group with just a bit of infectious pop flare. The band consists of frontman Ben Stewart, Alex Quayle on bass, Albert Doan on lead guitar, and Patrick Murphy on drums. They debuted together in 2015 with their single "Empty Lungs" and began making a name for themselves in the local Australian music scene. Two of their previous albums, "Race Car Blues" and "Daisy Chain", made it on the ARIA Charts . Throughout the past decade, they've played hundreds of live shows, including their own sold-out headliners, as support for artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers , Amy Shark , and Ocean Alley , and at music festivals such as Good Things Festival , Splendour in The Grass , NYE On The Hill , and Groovin The Moo . Their brand new fifth studio album, "Forgiving Spree", not only is specifically crafted to be perfect for live shows and to get a crowd going, but is one of the most emotional and vulnerable projects to come from the band so far. Taking influence from artists like The Killers , Bruce Springsteen , John Farnham , Gang of Youths , Stand Atlantic and Pale Waves , Slowly Slowly has a sound that mixes anthemic catharsis with energetic edge. Let's get into these tracks. Forgiving Spree  We kick off the album with the title track, "Forgiving Spree". This song sets the tone and in Ben Stewart's words, "provides a purpose" for the album. It's about the act of forgiveness in order to move on and benefit your own well-being, whether or not the forgiveness is necessarily deserved or not. Stewart sings of a string of bad luck in life, and how forgiving the ones who have done you wrong doesn't mean you have to ever face them again. You can put it in the past, and finally heal. Do it for yourself, not them. "Forgiving Spree" has a great mixture of emotional relatability while staying danceable and high-energy. It has a nostalgic, 80's pop/rock groove with just the right amount of grit and distortion to add some heaviness. The chorus has a melodic rhythm, a stunning harmony arrangement, and catchy lyrics that get you hooked and ready for more. Gimme the Wrench  Next, we have "Gimme the Wrench", which is inspired by a scene in the award-winning film written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon , " Good Will Hunting ". During this scene, the lead character is asked to pick between 3 items in which he will be punished with - a belt, a stick, or a wrench. To prove his strength and put himself to the test, he purposely chooses the most painful option - the wrench. Stewart wrote this song in the midst of chaotic but promising new beginnings, both within the bands career and within their personal lives. Although it was stressful and scary, they were ready to take on whatever was going to be thrown at them with pure determination. "Gimme the Wrench" has mellow verses with smooth vocals and a gorgeous picking pattern on the lead guitar; then once you hit the chorus, you get rock'n'roll power chords while Stewart shouts the title, really emphasizing the perseverance behind the song. How Are You Mine?  "How Are You Mine?" is about finding that type of love that brings you back to life, and sometimes you just can't bring yourself to believe it's real, but it is. As someone who used to be such a dejected person, you don't understand how someone so wonderful could want to love you and be in your life; however, because they gave you a chance, you feel like a weight has lifted off of your shoulders. Being able to love and love right has given you the opportunity to be the person you were always meant to be. In short, "How Are You Mine?" celebrates finding peace and solidarity with someone after battling with yourself for a long time. This song features a mixture of nostalgic grooves to keep you moving, with guitar and drums taking the lead. Stewart sings powerfully with a bit of a classic tone. The repetitive chorus leaves room for you to sing along, and yes, it definitely gets stuck in your head so get ready! Hurricane  "Hurricane" is a very vulnerable and personal track written by Ben Stewart, telling the story of finding out his wife was pregnant the day before their wedding, then to suffer a miscarriage four months later. To have such a beautiful and joyous day turn to such tragedy was very painful to deal with; but in turn, Ben was able to create this song along with producer Lucky West , and share his story. By the end of the song, Ben sings of how even though him and his wife have had to go through so much, at the end of the day they still manage to stick together and stay themselves. "Hurricane" is a mid-tempo, emotional punk/rock ballad, with slight synth-pop elements. The key is to focus on the story-telling and lyrics, along with the beautifully crafted melody and raw vocals. All Time  "All Time" is about two people who are literally soulmates; actual twin flames. Have you ever met someone and felt like you've already known them your whole life? The connection was so instant and you have this weird gut feeling... kind of like deja vu, that you've already met them before? You can just tell in your heart that this person has been the one by your side in every life you've had; and they will continue to be the one now and in every life for the rest of eternity. "All Time" has a two-step beat and soft, dreamy electric guitar. The lyrics are so clever and story-driven, it adds to the addicting nature of this song. The melody is easy to follow, but is an ear-worm to say the least. Everything about this song keeps you on your toes and wanting more, wishing that it would never end - hey, almost like the love story they're singing about. Love Letters  The story behind "Love Letters" all began when Stewart was teaming up to write with songwriter and producer Courtney Ballard . They started having a conversation about how nobody sends love letters anymore, and then it sparked inside Stewart's head how the songs he writes for his wife are in a way, love letters, but ones that you can listen to. Thus the song "Love Letters" was written with Stewart's wife in mind, and how she's able to have his love letters with her wherever she goes. This song is a banger and a half, with romantic and sensual verses that transition into an energetic chorus with strong electric power chords, flawless vocals and a repetitive but super catchy lyric/melody mixture that is easy to sing along to; and trust me, you'll want to. There's even a bad ass, draw dropping guitar solo that you won't be ready for. That’s That  "That's That" is a danceable breakup song with lots of confidence and attitude, except there's a moment you realize it might just be a mask to cover up the pain. It's a lot easier to pretend that you don't care whenever someone breaks your heart than it is to show them that they've hurt you. This song has a very heavy 80's pop influence with a rawness to the instrumentation. The drums stand out greatly, with a groovy, popping bass and a mixture of both bright and heavy guitar. The melody, vocal style and stunning harmony arrangements are giving nostalgic boyband vibes in the best way possible. The song builds emotionally and dynamically, having this realness to the sound quality that you don't often hear anymore these days. I just love it. I also can't fail to mention the saxophone solo, which gives the song more life and 80's thrill than you could ask for. Meltdown Masquerade  "Meltdown Masquerade" is a song Ben Stewart wrote, calling out his younger self and poking fun at all the times he had unnecessary dramatic and emotional moments out of immaturity. I think this is something we can all relate to and admit to at a point in our lives. It takes life experience, growing up, the determination to be better and most of all, courage, to admit when you've been in the wrong or have made a mistake. Going full circle to "Forgiving Spree", you also have to learn to forgive yourself, and in return, love yourself. "Meltdown Masquerade" takes a dark alt. rock approach in it's soundscape, with syncopation in the chorus that gives a slight jazz / funk feel. Born Free Last but certainly not least, we have the closing track, "Born Free". Fair warning on this one - please go grab your tissues now. Stewart wrote this song after having several deaths within his family; and with pure soul and raw emotion, he created a masterpiece. This song is so impactful and important that Ben Stewart believes it'll be the song they choose to play at his funeral one day. "Born Free" is a stream of pure poetry and consciousness. For the first four minutes of the song, it's very mellow with soft, distorted 90's guitar and highly emotional vocals, just about on the edge of tears through out. Then, we reach a major climax point, where we go into a full-blown heavy rock soundscape while Ben continues to sing the refrain with tenderness. The track ends with a voice recording that captured Ben and his wife in the moments after he grabbed his guitar and this song just flowed right out of him. To say I was blown away by this album would be an understatement. To leave me speechless is a rare occurrence. Trying to find the words to describe the amount of talent that went into this just wouldn't ever be enough. Not only are the members of Slowly Slowly just naturally good at what they do, but you can feel their love and pure passion radiating from the music they are creating. "Forgiving Spree" has unskippable tracks, each one so detailed and perfectly crafted with intention for listeners to love without a doubt. It has everything a music lover could ask for - emotion, great lyrics, catchy grooves, fantastic vocals, and a full band instrumentation in each and every song. Like mentioned earlier, this album was made to play live, which is exactly what Slowly Slowly is gonna do with it. After playing a lineup of music festivals, Slowly Slowly will be embarking on their first ever international headlining tour in Europe. Make sure to check out their social links below and see if there's a show near you! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SLOWLY SLOWLY: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Kelsea Ballerini broke into the country music scene as a bright-eyed 19-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee. After over a decade of hard work, her efforts have paid off. Fresh off the release of her 2024 record, “Patterns,” Ballerini embarks on her first-ever arena headlining tour. I saw her on the fifth night of her 30-date tour at the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia. Before Ballerini’s set officially started, the screens lit up with a graphic of a happy blue heart from her single, “Heartfirst,” off the “SUBJECT TO CHANGE” album. The heart addressed the audience with a set of rules to, “be kind, don’t throw things, and most importantly, let it all out.” Ballerini’s music and live performances are a safe place for her fans to let out all of their pent-up emotions. As the heart said next, “Did you really  go to a Kelsea Ballerini concert if you still have your voice the next day?” Excitement was high as Ballerini started the show with the titular track to her album, “Patterns.” Her vocals were strong and clear, commanding the stage as all eyes were on her. To begin, she sat silhouetted upon a mountain of suitcases, representing the metaphorical baggage she sorts through in her latest album. The stage remained dark as Ballerini’s name came up on the screen while visuals of her played behind her.  When she moved down to the front of the stage, a spotlight came up to shine upon Ballerini in her geometrical gold dress. She looked gorgeous with her long, wavy blonde hair flowing as waved to the crowd. She then started playing “Baggage,” which has become a fan favorite from Patterns. A song about moving forward in a new relationship after the end of an old one, the heartfelt and relatable lyrics clearly connected with the audience as they yelled them back to her. From there, she went back a decade to play her debut hit single, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Released when Ballerini was only 19, this song opened the door for her launch to stardom. The love for this song has only grown stronger as time has gone on, and it was clear that some OG fans were there to show their support. The energy of girl power and sisterhood was high the entire night. However, all of the men around me seemed to enjoy the show as much as the women they came with. Soon up was, “IF YOU GO DOWN (I’M GOIN’ DOWN TOO),” an anthem of female friendship and a promise to be a true ride or die for your girls. Though I went to the show by myself, I didn’t feel left out seeing the other women grab their girl friends and promise to be there for them until the very end.  After another throwback with “Hole in the Bottle,” Ballerini exited the stage for a few minutes as glowing lights descended from the ceiling and the visual of a spinning carousel appeared on screen. Ballerini returned to the stage in a skin-tight, glittery catsuit and shimmery black heels. She strutted down the catwalk with the confidence of a born performer, which, of course, she is.  Her stage presence shined as she sang, “Blindsided,” a song detailing the feelings of anger and betrayal that occur after a breakup. Since its release, this song has resonated with fans who have taken Ballerini’s words and projected their own experiences on them. This was clear as the noise level rose with fans screaming the words as loud as they could. “So, we have some female rage in here, huh?” Ballerini asked as she started another angry anthem with, “Miss Me More,” followed by, “We Broke Up.”   Things calmed down with “Two Things” and “Mountain With A View/Interlude.” Next up was “WAIT!” This song is my favorite from “Patterns,” and I have been waiting to hear it live since the album was released in November. It completely exceeded my expectations and was the highlight of my night. Ballerini exited the stage a second time and returned in a glittery black romper and an acoustic guitar. Her band had also exited the stage, letting her have a moment alone with the audience. She spoke about the evolution of her career and her gratitude for the love and support her fans have shown her throughout the years. She also spoke about her dog, Dibs, who was sitting backstage with her partner, Chase Stokes. Fans know the love Ballerini has for her dog, especially as she played the song she named him after. After a few more throwback songs, Ballerini went back to playing songs from “Welcome Mat” and “Patterns,” ending the set with “How Do I Do This?” She exited the stage in a shower of confetti as the crowd cheered. But that wasn’t all. The stage lights came up again to reveal Ballerini in a dramatically fluffy black jacket. For her encore, she sang “Penthouse (Healed Version)” from “Welcome Mat.” She hit every note, crushing every high note with ease. As the title suggests, Ballerini has long healed from her past experiences. However, she still managed to express the raw emotion that comes after a brutal breakup. The energy was palpable as she ended the night on a high note. As she exited the stage for the last time, I wished she could play her entire discography. The evening felt like a night of self-care surrounded by 13,000 other people who needed it as much as I did. Though it can feel like the weight of the world gets heavier each day, Ballerini reminded us all to “check it at the door” and enjoy a night of catharsis through music. If you need a night that feels like a sleepover with your closest friends, Kelsea Ballerini is your girl. Her music has held me through the best and the worst times, and I look forward to seeing her again in the future. Ballerini’s talent is undeniable, and her vocals sound the same, if not better than they do in studio versions of her music. With her captivating stage presence and ability to make a seemingly personal connection with everyone in the audience, she is a superstar, she is finally getting the recognition she deserves. If anything, her live performances just prove that a headlining tour was long overdue.  Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

In this smashing new hit, EEVAH gives us a glimpse into grief and the guilt that comes with the grieving process. The heart-wrenching yet relatable lyrics help bring the point of the song home. Some of my favorite lyrics from the song are, "The brightest memories that sting as they fade out / The whitest flowers they bought and then laid down / You would have smiled at it all if you saw that / I lie awake and think of that." These lyrics personally resonate with me. In my past experience with grief the reminiscing is the hardest part. Towards the end of the song, we're give a clear picture of all the emotions that come with grieving when the song says, "I hang my head in shame / Should I hang everything up again / And I didn't see it coming then / It still hurts me when I think of when you left me." There's a level of rawness exposed by the artist that helps the listener connect. Everyone has or will experience grief within their lifetime, and this song perfectly displays what it looks like to sort through those feelings. I would say we're met with a melancholic, yet dreamy, tone. The lyrics are rather nostalgic, holding lingering emotions regarding someone from the artist's past. This conveys a bittersweet feeling within the song. The overall production of the song helps deliver an intimate tone. This helps tie the mood together, which appears wistful yet reflective. It evokes emotional vulnerability with an underlying sense of warmth. The instrumentation adds a hypnotic feel, adding even more emotional depth, which furthers the wistful mood. The synthesizers, guitar, and soft drums pull the song together by making the emotions appear more vivid. The minimal use of percussion helps the song feel intimate rather than dramatic, allowing the listener to connect by focusing more intently on the vulnerability expressed in the lyrics. EEVAH comprises Nicole Hope Smith (vocals, bass), Faye Clayton (drums), and Embrace guitarist Richard McNamara. EEVAH combines moody atmospherics with indie pop, creating something fresh for listeners. Their previous singles have received plays from BBC 6Music and BBC Radio 1. EEVAH has supported artists such as Everything Everything, Duran Duran, and We Are Scientists. Last year, they embarked on their debut headline tour. EEVAH continues creating music that helps bridge the gap between lyricism and infectious, stadium sized anthems. The song "I Still Think of You" comes from the upcoming EP "I Didn't See It Coming" which is set to be released May 23rd. If you're looking for something vulnerable, unique, and raw, make sure you check out EEVAH. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW EEVAH: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing one of Cheska Moore’s singles, but I gotta say this one is definitely a new favorite! “Stop Myself” is the latest single by the UK artist. It’s sexy and sultry, and the perfect accompaniment to any spicy romance book you may have on your “to be read” list. I went ahead and listened to this while re-reading “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace, and it made the experience so much better. The song is about craving the attention about someone you can’t have, and needing to stop yourself because you know there’s no chance for a connection to develop. That’s a feeling that I’ve come to understand all too well. You can practically hear the desperation bleeding from Moore’s voice, which only draws me in deeper to the song and its meaning. I especially love the lyric, “I feel that heaven’s / Getting away from me / Getting afraid of what I might do / If you were close to me”. It’s obsession at its finest, and impeccably translated on the page. One thing I love about Moore’s voice is the slight grittiness that you hear. I’m not sure if that has to do with the details added during post-production, but it suits her extremely well. It’s unique, and a sound that I don’t hear very often from most artists. And speaking of the production, it’s incredible! This is the kind of song that I think would go insane at a club or EDM rave! Most of Moore’s songs have this stellar level of production added, and I love it. It’s extremely well done, you can tell there’s a lot of love and talent put into every song. Last time I reviewed one of Cheska Moore’s singles, it was back when she released “Psychos In Love”. I can definitely tell that she’s grown a lot as an artist since that release. Moore is a UK-based singer and songwriter whose career first began in 2019, with the release of her hit single, “Boy Who Tried.” Then, in 2020, she began to get more attention online with the covers she would post. She covered hit songs like “Believe” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, which helped her go viral online. Moore has around 57,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and that’s just at the start of this year. She is bound to skyrocket as an artist come the end of 2025. “Stop Myself” is streaming everywhere online, now, so go be sure to check it out! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW CHESKA MOORE: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | YouTube

Award-winning Swedish singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Alex Runo, has released his long-time anticipated debut EP/mini-album, "Living & Breathing". TRACKLIST No Good Gone Living And Breathing Paper Love White Flag I Am More Than This White Flag - Live Studio Version Alex Runo is not a new name to the industry. Growing up on listening to artists like Sam Cooke , Stevie Wonder , Aretha Franklin , Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding , Alex Runo grew to love the raw classic sounds of soul, funk, rock, blues and gospel music. Writing songs and performing live became his passion. He dedicated almost 2 decades of his life touring with other artists such as Shirley Clamp , Uno Svenningsson , Robin Stjernberg , and Lisa Miskovsky , as a backup singer, guitarist and bassist. He has written and produced songs for/with Asian superstars like Evan Li, EXILE , TVXQ , and Cho Yong Pil , having gone multi-Gold, Platinum and winning multiple awards for various projects. Working out of Studio 3 at RoastingHouse Music in Sweden, Alex decided it was time to put some of his own music out there for the world to hear. He released his debut single "Underdog" in 2020, and has continued to tour for the past several years with artists like Måns Zelmerlöw , Carola , Jill Johnson , and Tingsek . Alex's music is a unique fusion of his classic muses, with a modern pop twist that can cater to anyone's tastes. “I write music that I hope makes you feel something, whatever that feeling might be." - Alex Runo No Good Gone We kick off this project with "No Good Gone", an empowering track about fighting your inner demons and not giving up on yourself no matter how bad things get. Stay optimistic, because anything is better than nothing at all. Just keep searching for a light somewhere in the midst of your darkness. There is always hope. My personal favorite lyrics in this song is, "Six feet under water, sure makes it hard to breathe, but six cents and a dollar somehow bought me relief". "No Good Gone" has a nostalgic, Soul-Pop and RnB soundscape with a super funky groove. After each chorus, the song breaks down into a holy-like interlude, with a gorgeous vocal arrangements and organ. For the duration of the song, Alex sings between a powerful falsetto and grit, with a distortion effect to add to the classic quality and tone. The song weaves dynamically and emotionally, creating a perfectly crafted hit. Just when you think it's over, it busts out into a final 25 second, groovy instrumental outro. Living And Breathing Next, sitting at track number two is the title track, "Living And Breathing". This song is about being madly, deeply in love with somebody who you know isn't good for your well-being anymore, but you just can't help the way you feel about them. There's something inside you that knows you should let go, but you also have this unbearable feeling that you can't live without them, regardless of toxic behavior. Alex sings, "‘Cause there’s something magic in the madness that you bring / I know I’m living & breathing when I’m with you" . "Living And Breathing" starts with just piano and Alex singing with soft and soulful emotion. The song builds with guitar and gentle drums, with slight electronic production elements to add some experimental flare. At the end, we get to experience an explosion of energy and passion as Alex belts flawless high notes, with new heartbreaking lyrics to bring a conclusion to the story. Paper Love "Paper Love" compares the fragility of relationships to the nature of paper. Paper can be both sturdy and easily destroyed. You can fold it, crumble it up, twist it... it'll be wrinkled and damaged forever but it's still intact; almost like a heart - but make one wrong move and it can rip or tear - that, you can't fix. If you put a flame to a piece of paper, it'll be gone within seconds; just like that one final disagreement right before a breakup that changes everything for good. "Paper Love" has a wide mixture of keys and synths, creating an electronic influenced soundscape with layers upon layers of beautiful vocals and cathartic harmonies. The song builds with drums and bass, eventually leading to a climax with horns, giving the song some of Alex's signature soul and blues flare. White Flag "White Flag" is a validating song about how giving up doesn't make you weak. Sometimes, stepping away is the bravest and smartest thing to do. In the end, that is what makes you the bigger, better and stronger person. This song gives heavy, classic soul rock vibes. It's very empowering, with strong and gritty lead vocals, singing a melody with plenty of satisfying blues notes. The electric guitar shines on this track, adding just the right amount of distortion and darkness. This song has a rhythm and beat and a background vocal riff that makes you want to both clap and sing along. It's very anthemic and a perfect crowd-worker. I Am More Than This I'm not gonna lie to you, this one brought a tear to my eye. "I Am More Than This" is about recognizing your worth, and wanting to do something about it. It may take a long time and lot of effort to get to where you want to be, but you're not going to sit around and let yourself be stuck anymore. It's time to take action, and live the life you've always wanted and deserve. "I Am More Than This" is a slow, emotional ballad with a swaying groove. It features gentle electric guitar, keys, drums and horns to give it that classic soul atmosphere. The melody is crafted to be cathartic and powerful, perfectly conveying the message it was meant to send. White Flag - Live Studio Version Lastly, we have the live version of "White Flag", which was recorded and filmed at the Wikman Drum Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. This was a part of a band project by a few of Alex's best friends, called " Therapy Sessions ", in which they invite new artists to come play with them live for each show. Alex got to be in the premiere episode, showcasing his never heard before song at the time, "White Flag". This version is significantly different in a very good way. It gives a whole new mood to the song. It's both mellow and energetic; it's dynamically diverse, having it's highs and lows to really draw out the emotion. An extra saxophone and trumpet were added to create a 3-piece horn section, adding a jazzy tone to the soulful mix. The duration of the track is over 2 minutes longer, with a gorgeous and cathartic instrumental break before the last chorus. There's a reason why soul music has it's name; because it comes straight from the soul . Alex Runo is a natural, and when you listen to his music you can tell that these songs just flowed right out of him, purely and effortlessly. The best music is made with raw human emotion, and this EP is exactly that. The style is such a big fusion of sounds all ages and backgrounds know and live, that really anybody could listen, connect, relate and appreciate it. If I had to do some comparing, I'd say if you're a fan of Ed Sheeran , Bruno Mars , Justin Timberlake , and/or Sam Smith , I have no doubt you're gonna love Alex Runo. Alex is all about performing live, so make sure to follow him below to keep up on when he will be performing near you! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ALEX: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

London-based artist Moniah’s latest release “RUN” is a bold and refreshing electronic pop single deep in both bold rhythm and sincere exploration of her freedom and identity. “RUN” details a past relationship that wasn’t supporting Moniah’s personal growth. She moves past this partnership to further her own self-discovery and personal freedom outside of this person. Despite “RUN” being about a relationship coming to an end, Moniah stays positive that this will not be enough to hold her down. She details aspects of the relationship with lyrics like “Drag me through the dust, then run to Vegas”, displaying the disappointing treatment she’d been receiving. After, though, the lyrics “Meet me on the field / I’m there / I’m there” play, telling the ex-partner and the listener that she is up for the challenge of being hurt and doubted. This track is both personal in Moniah’s own experiences while having the relatability to anyone who has had to leave a relationship that was no longer beneficial to them. In the moment, it’s hard to say goodbye despite knowing it’s what’s best for you, but the aftermath always plays out in your favor. Moniah, and anyone else who has been in a similar position, now has the freedom to discover and grow parts of themselves that were once being held back by someone who wasn’t in their corner. Moniah knows how to pull from her own emotions and create an amplifying and uplifting track that resonates with her audience. Click here to listen to "Run"! “RUN” is an electro pop track that encapsulates everything that Moniah set out for it to do. In her words, “RUN” is her “most fearless song yet” and “...fun, electrifying, and unapologetically bold”. Truly an electrifying dance pop single, this track maintains an energetic pace from the start that slowly builds to a chorus that will magnify the room. Although “RUN” is high-energy, Moniah never falls short to keep up with the momentum. Combining her soulful voice with the pop beats of this single make for a highly satisfying synth-pop experience. Moniah states that this track was carefully crafted for an unforgettable listening experience, and she hits the nail on the head with this feat. Beginning in the R&B scene, Moniah’s music trajectory has turned to pop to create exciting, genre-fusing art. Despite the change in direction of her music, Moniah’s super-charged voice remains at the forefront. Passionate and expressive, Moniah is able to take her raw songwriting and turn it into a refreshing pop track that is sure to excite. Moniah blends a number of influences within her music with artists like PinkPantheress and Beyonce . Through her influences she is able to create her own unique brand of pop. “RUN” is her latest release coming after her single “HARSH REALITY”, a slower yet still incredibly introspective piece. Her upcoming debut EP is set to release this Spring. Written By Navi Madrid FOLLOW MONIAH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

LEW - Dead Inside via Instagram LEW underwent a complete rebrand in 2024. The now pop-rock singer-songwriter once sang country music under her legal name, Lauren Weintraub. In the final quarter of the year, she announced her new stage name LEW — her initials — and the fresh sound change. Alongside this announcement, she released her lead track from Dead Inside, “ Army.” While I have adored LEW since her country days, I instantly re-fell in love with this new persona and the fiery music that came along with it. Dead Inside  is a skip-less EP that encapsulates this new sound while maintaining the artist’s signature cheeky lyrics. Through the five new songs, the singer takes the listener through a vivid story of love, heartbreak, and pain.  Track List Army Hideous Pressure Points Jared  Dead Inside LEW is a multigenre singer-songwriter born in Boston and now based in Nashville. She moved to the music city in 2014 releasing country-pop songs. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and several country music festivals. In 2023, I had the honor to see her as a supporting act for Tenille Arts at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. I went in completely unknowledgeable about who Lauren Weintraub was, but I left a fan of the phenomenal singer whose voice gave me goosebumps – something that doesn’t happen to me often. The artist has received impressive achievements, including a nomination for “TikTok Songwriter of the Year” at the 2022 iHeartRadio Awards and being named a HITS Magazine “One to Watch” in 2022. LEW is heading on a mini tour to promote Dead Inside . Head to her   website  to snag tickets and don’t forget to follow on Social Media to stay updated with all new releases and announcements! Army LEW kicks off her flawless EP with the lead single, “Army.” The fiery track exposes her ex-boyfriend for his toxic behavior while showcasing the singer’s mesmerizing vocals. The first time I heard the song, I couldn’t stop replaying it (and if I’m being honest, months later, it’s still on repeat). The song is a perfect pop-rock anthem that would satisfy any fan of Paramore . LEW’s lyrics are undeniably clever. She kicks off the song immediately calling out his 32+ red flags, including disliking The Beatles and loving things “that are a little bit illegal.” The pre-chorus hints at the hook when she sings, “My friends all say I dodged a bullet, but it’s worse than that.” In the chorus, she breaks into everything she dodged: a year of bad sex, him wishing she was his ex, and her waiting up for him to never call her, just to name a few. Then, she ends the chorus with the cheeky hook: “My friends say I dodged a bullet, but they don’t even know it // No, I dodged a whole damn army.” When I first heard the hook reveal, my jaw dropped to the floor. The unique switch from dodging one single bullet to an entire army brought chills to my spine, solidifying LEW’s title as one of my favorite songwriters of all time.  Hideous LEW continues her project with another masterpiece that highlights her impeccable songwriting. The pop-rock anthem is electrifying, upholding the fiery soundscape of the album while simultaneously maintaining individuality and uniqueness. LEW showcases her vocal range with beautiful falsettos and lovely melodies, earning “Hideous” my top song on the EP. The song is tongue-in-cheek with lyrics that explore inner and outer beauty. She tells her muse they “belong in a magazine” for their gorgeous looks. However, in the chorus, she once again builds to a clever hook. She sings, “Whatever’s up there // Gave you that face, that charm, that hair // But they missed a few parts // Must have run out of hearts.” These lines reveal that her subject is gorgeous, but while they were being made, they were not made complete — like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz . She continues with the hook: “What a downside, from the outside you’re the prettiest // But inside you're hideous // And ain’t that the shittiest?” These lyrics were so well written, building vivid imagery of a beautiful man built from a higher power. But his looks are ruined by his horrible personality. LEW holds nothing back in the first two songs on Dead Inside , and she continues to come for blood in the next two.  Pressure Points “Pressure Points” is the emotionally vulnerable song of the EP. The heartwrenching ballad explores the singer’s pain after falling hard and putting all her trust in someone, only for them to rip her heart from her chest. Throughout the hauntingly beautiful track she confesses she let this person in, revealing the most deeply intimate parts of herself.  In the pre-chorus, she sings: “Showed you all my scars and all my secrets // ‘Cause it made me feel strong to wear my weakness” before going into the devastating chorus: “I gave you my heart // And now you’re using it against me // Showed you my cards // For you to turn and be the enemy // I gave you my trust // Because I thought that you’d respect me, and protect me // But you wrecked me.” These lyrics reveal the truth that the one person LEW thought she could trust the most turned out to be her biggest downfall. With all of the lyrics of the song, the hook heavily drives this concept home with “Must be your drug of choice // To press on my pressure points.” The singer not only believes the subject did this on purpose but also that they enjoyed  the suffering they caused. They are an emotional sadist who gets off on the misery of others. LEW perfectly describes this bait and switch, making “Pressure Points” the most shattering song on the EP. Jared  Jared, if you’re reading this… RUN. Dead Inside ’s next track ruthlessly calls out LEW’s ex-boyfriend. The song breaks the fourth wall as the singer tells her subject that he is “lucky nothing rhymes with Jared.” Otherwise, she would be compelled to write a deadly anthem that exposes his awful behavior and the damage he left in his wake. The second verse dives deeper into this with hilarious quips about what she would say if she could  write his name into the song, including the line: “I couldn’t out in my song today // I couldn’t find the words // Call me immature // If it had worked // I would’ve killed you by the second verse.” This is exactly  what the singer is doing, making the song even more legendary. However, the lyrics are not the only aspect of “Jared” that leaves listeners in awe. LEW’s stunning vocals hit impressive notes in the chorus as the singer belts the song's (and ex-boyfriend’s) name, astonishing her audience with her range. The song scratches an itch that words cannot even explain, bringing me back to the night when I was introduced to LEW. Her vocal range is on par with some of the industry’s biggest and brightest names, making her one of my greatest recommendations for the next artists to watch. Sending unsolicited EP recommendations to my friends be like..... Dead Inside LEW closes out the EP with the title track – a song that deviates from the four other songs. While the previous tracks focus on anger and sorrow from heartbreak, “Dead Inside” brings a fresh perspective on the singer’s outlook on love. While she admits that the world around her is burning (and let’s be real, LEW’s EP couldn’t come at a better time – we all need a positive distraction), she is not as cynical as she once was. Before, she thought she was “dead inside,” but she is falling for someone new. The butterflies are swarming in her stomach, and she cannot help but think of her muse night and day. It is terrifying because all she has ever experienced is heartache. But now, she is wondering why she was ever jaded about love because this new person has let her open up her heart. Alongside LEW is singer-songwriter Knox harmonizing perfectly, making the beautiful love ballad a perfect way to end the project. It shows a different side of the artist and a glimpse of what's to come in the future – hope and healing.  With only five tracks, Dead Inside by LEW packs a big punch. The EP is full of impeccable tracks that leave listeners craving more from the artist. She has big plans in store for the future, now that she has found her sound and leaned into the style she feels is most authentically hers. Each song is uniquely its own while forming together to create one cohesive project. If Dead Inside  is an indication of what LEW will release in the future, I know it will be on my top album list. No, but seriously, my friends appreciate my music taste. Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

A love song for the emos, KAYKO has released his latest single, "GO TO HELL," proving that falling for someone can be unavoidable. The pop-punk/pop-rock track takes us on a journey of unescapable love, narrating the singer's inner turmoil as he grapples with falling for someone even when he didn't want to. Released on January 24, "GO TO HELL" comes out just in time for the Valentine's Day season, giving listeners a relatable anthem for those moments in life when you're adamant you won't fall in love with someone until you meet that one person that changes everything. Easygoing and breezy, KAYKO's "GO TO HELL" is a shockingly sweet and cheery single compared to its edgy title. The track blends elements of pop-punk, indie, and pop-rock together to create a modern emo soundscape, reminding us of acts like All Time Low , BOYS LIKE GIRLS , and We The Kings . Matching the immersive feeling of slowly falling for someone, "GO TO HELL" features a mix of dreamy synths, explosive guitar riffs, heavy hitting percussion, and powerhouse vocals, giving us an addictive sound we can get lost in. A Nashville-based writer and producer, KAYKO has been on the rise since he was eyed by Katy Perry for his talent and accidentally found his way onto Season 22 of American Idol . KAYKO is an alternative pop artist, drawing on influences from pop-punk, synth-pop, and musical theatre. He has independently garnered over 1 million streams on his music and surpasses 10 million streams for his writing credits. Some of his popular songs include "TIME OF YOUR LIFE," "WHAT IF?," "Poser," and "Crash & Burn." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW KAYKO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photography: Ela Kallo “More Than Need U” is the newest single from BABO BABY, a song detailing when yearning still doesn’t fully convey the love you have for someone. It’s a feeling that fully takes over and operates the gears in your mind. Enter the butterflies in your stomach and you’ve got a full blown crush, but that’s not what BABO BABY discusses in “More Than Need U”, but rather the next level above that. When this person is all you can think about. When you feel like you can’t breathe when you're around them. When your worst fear is that they may not even like you back. These are the emotions he conveys in this song. The love is so strong it consumes every aspect of your life. The production of “More Than Need U” consists of a classic disco beat, inspired by a mix of 80s disco and pop and vaporwave. An ambient synth is layered upon fun claps and bass, making this song perfect for a nightclub playlist. It’s also very fitting for the moment in a TV series or movie when two characters who have the best chemistry finally get together, especially with the elevating instrumentation styles at certain points in the song. Overlapping the main vocals and the background vocals to create additional harmonization was a very original and creative decision while making the song. BABO BABY also has amazing vocals that add to how flawless “More Than Need U” is.  BABO BABY is a music artist from Canada. Involved in the singing, songwriting, and producing of “More Than Need U”, it’s already apparent he is a star in the making. He has also released two other fantastic songs prior to this single, “Your Babo Baby” and “The Same”. This is all for the project BABO BABY; his real name is Jesse Merineau. He’s been making music since 2018, starting with the single That Night . While going under BABO BABY, he plans to shift his consistent music style from alternative and rock to pop. He has worked with several different producers, including Luke Roes , who has assisted him in making his current releases. BABO BABY is an incredible and very talented musician! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW BABO BABY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

It’s easy to get discouraged in the face of the “will they, won’t they” part of a relationship, when you’re wondering if they’re actually interested in you, playing hard to get, or are just playing with you. The Farside’s newest single “Get2U” hopes that, in spite of the chase, you won’t let it get to you. It’s a feel-good song, upbeat and dynamic with a soundscape that keeps its listeners enraptured throughout its runtime. The Farside really captures what it means to be stuck in that indeterminate space between being with somebody yet still trying to get with them; it’s frustrating and cyclical, but the song’s tone keeps you feeling good about whatever’s on the horizon anyways. It’s hopeful that for you, and everyone else listening along, that you’ll be able to get to them. If you need a song that will get you pumped up, then “Get2U” is going to be exactly that. The track is unapologetically energetic, and the energy that it gives is driven right to its listeners. Firstly, you’ve got this super fun soundscape with some percussion, some guitar, and sparkly synth, which all come together to create a nice, upbeat pop sound– and I can’t forget to mention the killer guitar solo from 2:35 to 3:03, with that being something I always love in a good pop song. And secondly, the vocals are butter-smooth, flowing perfectly with the song’s current; it’s no exaggeration when I say that “Get2U” is a blast to sing along to. And let’s talk about the lyrics, too, since they’re another brilliant part of this track. All about that push-and-pull, the songwriting taps into the unknowns of an almost-relationship; I love the parts of the song that imply that the narrator’s object of affection is playing with them, teasing them, all while the chorus comes back around to let the listeners know to not let it get to them. Listeners get to follow along with the narrator’s troubles while the track is coated in a vibrant, animated soundscape, a fun juxtaposition that helps everyone feel uplifted about their situationships or crushes. “Get2U” is going to make you feel better no matter what your relationship looks like, and hopefully you’ll get them in the end! Composed of Adam Fox and Aaron Griffin, The Farside is an alt-pop duo from Morgantown, West Virginia. The two spent some time in an alternative band throughout high school and college with a varying cast, but in 2020 they decided to form The Farside, leaning more into the pop genre. Similar to artists such as A Story Told, Smallpools, and The Band CAMINO, their music has retro touches that mingle with their rock roots, as well as being inspired by synthwave and modern pop. Their debut single “If I’m Being Honest” dropped in 2020, being followed later that same year with their debut EP Party’s Over . “Get2U” is the Farside’s latest release, and its energy is exactly what you want for the new year. Don’t forget to drop The Farside a follow to keep track of their next projects! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW THE FARSIDE: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | Website