Search Results

The song 'Let Go' rips the band-aid off when it comes to emotional healing and letting go of past relationships. We're introduced to this message right away. JOA does not hold back when giving us the meaning of the song. We can clearly comprehend what she's trying to get at when the lyrics say, "When you're gone, are you even going to miss me / One day, I'll look back at you like history / This story is starting to get old / I'm trying to let it go, just trying to let it go." We wrestle with the emotion that JOA gives us within that set of lyrics because it's heavy, but we connect to it in our own personal way. We can further relate and connect deeper when the verse says, "Should have done things differently / It's so clearly right in front of me / Burning down the bridge to build another road / Picking up the flowers from the seeds I sowed / Because time will show if I'm better off alone." As the listener we feel the pain that JOA had to go through because we've found ourselves in similar situations, emotional healing is universal for everyone. 'Let Go' wastes no time getting started. Right away, we're given a rather middle ground of a beat. Not too upbeat and happy, but also not sullen, slow and sad. The song incorporates the perfect amount of pop and folk music. The beat is rather catchy and it stays consistent throughout the whole piece. The artist's voice remains steady the whole song as well. The lyrics match well with the tone of the song. The overarching mood being reflective empowerment. The vocals help tie everything together, they help make the point of the song evident to the listener. All of the elements work together and craft a smooth, simple, yet powerful song. Twenty-year-old JOA has been honing her musical skills since her early teens. If you're a fan of Phoebe Bridgers or Julia Michaels, you'll want to check out JOA's upcoming EP, which harbors many of the same themes of Bridgers' and Michaels' music. JOA's EP is set to release in early 2025. Tracks on her upcoming EP stem from her deep personal writing regarding topics like romantic relationships, positive self-talk, and the idea of not knowing what you have until it's gone. Regarding her upcoming EP, JOA said, "It's a good little wrapping up of my teen years, and then I can move on and make new music for where I'm at now." Make sure to check out JOA's new song 'Let Go,' and be on the lookout for her EP when it drops. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW JOA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

If you've ever looked at your dating choices and thought to yourself, 'my standards are way too low', Kylie Rothfield's song "The Barrel" gives a relatable and powerful reason why. The lyrics share the reality that it's easier to be with someone who isn't right for you than it is to be alone. With a harrowing representation of what it's like to put your heart and effort into a relationship and getting nothing back, the words feel like the speaker has given up on finding a fulfilling love. A self-reflective look at the way the speaker treats herself and asks the question "would I say the same thing to a good friend?" This song teaches self-compassion through its reflections in this relatable look at an unsatisfying love life. A soulful smoothness reverberates through the ambient sound of this alternative pop track. The groovy percussion, bold sustained chords, along with Kylie's deep and expressive vocals give this sound a cool matter-of-factness. The singing moves slowly through the lyrics, infusing a touch of R&B emphasis onto the way lyrics are emphasized. Guitar riffs throughout give a sense of swagger to the song, representing the speaker's substance. Layers of vocals emphasize the questioning in the chorus, projecting the self-reflective lyrics with this emphasis. Listening to this song, you'll feel the exhaustion felt in the emotions of this track while sinking into the resonant acceptance of real life. Kylie Rothfield is a singer and songwriter from California with a soulful pop style. She has been writing songs since she was twelve, and has excelled in her musical education at the Berklee College of Music . She was given the Berklee Songwriter's Night Award, the Performing Singer/Songwriter Award, and the Jack Maher Award during her studies. She performed at Boston's Springfest festival as a result of being deemed Berklee Artist of the month. Kylie has had many opportunities to grow as an artist, and has wowed audiences with her talents on NBC's The Voice , under the coaching of Alicia Keys. Keep an eye out for an upcoming album in the Spring and keep up to date with her music by checking out the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW KYLIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

While we’re still trying to find a way to get to Tokyo following West’s last release, he’s now blessed us with another single from his latest musical endeavors. The story that unfolds as the listener embarks on this journey with Julz is heart-wrenching and, most likely, all too familiar to some. The thought of completely opening yourself up to someone, telling them all your secrets, letting them in on everything that makes you you, all your insecurities, your strengths, weaknesses, shining a light on and inviting them into the deepest darkest crevices of your very being. And then, in the end, to have them stamp on your heart and break it worse than anyone else ever has after them vowing to “not be like the others” and you trusting their words, entrusting them with your heart, your thoughts, your emotions. That feeling is one that I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but it does help one to learn more about themselves and what they want out of relationships, out of life. The sound of a piece of paper being torn is the first sound the listener gets. The words begin with Julz admitting to feeling safe enough to trust this person with his secrets. That’s not a privilege that you just lavish on anyone, that status has to be earned. Julz sees this person as someone who can be trusted. The song is told in first person narrative and seems to serve as an open love letter to this person, reliving their relationship and telling his side of things. “I swore that I’d be open, vulnerable to the moment.” There’s that v word, vulnerable. This mental decision to open yourself up, despite past betrayals and heartbreaks is, again, not something you would just lavish on anyone. This person has shown you, in one way or another, that they won’t break your heart, that it could be different this time around. Although this is a sensitive subject to sing on, let alone speak on, the gentle quality of Julz’ voice just drives the point home even further and you really feel yourself being put in his shoes and sharing this experience. Perhaps the most gut-wrenching line in my humble opinion, and the one that I, unfortunately, relate to most is “Somehow, I still don’t hate ya.” This line completely destroys me because there’s no blurred lines here, this person has obliterated his heart, even after saying that they wouldn’t, but, West still can’t seem to hate them, they still hold a piece of his heart. It’s not like we’re angels on Earth, it’s just that when you really, truly love someone, that love doesn’t just dissipate due to transgressions, if you will, on their part. It’s also a rather confusing predicament to be in, loving someone who has wronged you so much, and trying to process and deal with being hurt by the person you love and not really understanding why the hate you “should” feel is nowhere to be found, there’s only love, still. West manages to craft a song that is sing-songy, melodic, as well as engaging and just overall, chill. It seems to suggest that West has made peace with the situation at hand but won’t soon forget that feeling of his heart being ripped apart and torn like paper by someone who he loved and trusted. Through this song, the listener gets a deep sense of the hurt West must be feeling from this person, even as the song ends. West sings of this person teaching him a love he never knew but then this same person turning around and breaking the heart, the bond that they’d built, as if it were nothing. Having the heart be symbolized by paper certainly helps to convey the absolute heartbreak of the situation as we all know that paper isn’t hard to tear, at all, and that, even after you put it back together (if that’s even possible), it will never be the same as it was when it was a whole piece of paper. Julz West is a London-born singer/songwriter. With his beginnings being noted on YouTube, Julz has an ever-growing fan base. With his online following having already garnered hundreds of thousands of followers, it is expected that the numbers will continue to grow. West is credited with writing and producing for other artists as well as providing background vocals, namely for artists such as Ed Sheeran. West’s musical style is described as contemporary R & B, West is said to blend his Caribbean heritage into his music as well. West returns to our ears after a 5-year hiatus from music and has been cooking up some incredible songs. “paper.” is the latest release from West following a challenge for himself earlier this year that saw him writing a song a day for about two months, with it being apparent that it won’t be the last. If you’d like to hear more where “paper.” came from, follow West on all socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW JULZ WEST: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Dating can be incredibly difficult and frustrating. At times, it’s easy to wonder if there really is someone that is truly meant for you. But Joshua Golden’s latest single, “i can’t wait to meet you,” is here to remind you that the journey of finding love can be worth the wait. This song talks about the anticipation of fate bringing two people together at the right time and the beauty of letting love happen naturally. Golden has proven himself to be an artist that values vulnerability and authenticity, and “i can’t wait to you,” is another example of just how much of his heart he is willing to share. The lyrics, “Can’t wait to see your face // A little luck, a little time // Is gonna bring us to the same place // Yeah, there might be heartbreaks // Along the way, but we’ll be okay,” really showcase the desire for a deep, meaningful connection that will endure any hardships that are thrown their way. We live in a world where dating is such a fast-paced concept with social media and dating apps, but real love arrives in its own time and Golden’s new song captures that message beautifully. Joshua Golden has proven himself to be a bit of a musical chameleon. Known for his genre-bending sound, Golden’s new single “i can’t wait to meet you” is another example of his versatility. The song starts off with an acoustic guitar intro as a voiceover comes through in the background. Then about thirty seconds in, a slow trap beat drops – turning Golden’s pop-driven track into a melodic masterpiece with a subtle hip-hop flare. With this song in particular, Golden’s vocals had an effortlessness to them that simply can’t be taught. As someone who plays close attention to the vocals in every song they listen to, Golden’s smooth vibrato also caught my ear immediately. With poignant, heartfelt lyrics and a voice as soulful as Golden’s, you simply can’t go wrong with this song. Joshua Golden is reinventing what it means to be a rockstar. Golden is not worried about the flashy lifestyle associated with fame. He is all about creating music with a purpose and using his ability to emote to connect with his listeners. Golden is a true creative, fusing pop melodies with eclectic trap/ hip-hop beats. The 30-year-old has grown extensively as an artist — his new music dives deep, exploring topics like mental health, heartbreak, and finding true love. His raw and vulnerable approach to storytelling have helped Golden amass a significant following with over 1.2 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. With more upcoming releases on the way, it’s clear that this is gearing up to be Golden’s best musical chapter yet. Stream Golden’s latest single, “i can’t wait to meet you,” now. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW JOSHUA GOLDEN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Alison Albrecht's song "Lifeline" takes listeners through the ringer of a relationship and into the uplifting feeling of making it out and moving on. The track reflects on the drowning and sinking feeling that a romance has caused, creating feelings of isolation and even identity struggles with the lyrics admitting the speaker "lived a life that never felt like mine". The chorus is a freeing array of phrases that represent cutting things off, using metaphors and imagery to solidify that liberating finality. With healing words, this song takes you to a positive place of independence and will make you feel the pride of ending a relationship that was holding you back. This alt-pop track takes uses the emotion from the lyrics for an incredibly powerful sound of loss and perseverance. Somber keyboard opens the song, and throughout the track different instrumentals layer in a way that feels like growth. Sad vocals bring a slow and reflective sound with a sweetly confessional tone through the verse. With a tune that tells a story itself, the singing builds in volume, showing off Alison's strong range as electronic instrumentals bring a nostalgic feeling before the chorus. Percussion adds power to the freeing feeling of moving on, and as the strong vocals layer with increasing instrumentals, this song will empower you with its motivating sound. Alison Albrecht is a soulful folk-pop singer and songwriter from Michigan. Her musical journey started early, starting with performances at the age of nine. With restaurant and festival gigs giving her a taste of a music career, Alison has developed a strong lyricism and exciting style that fans of Maggie Rogers and Sara Bareilles will love! She has opened for artists like Troye Sivan and Melanie Martinez, and participated in the 2023 season of The Voice on NBC, receiving coaching from Reba McEntire. Her discography consists of singles and EPs that showcase her warm and insightful style, spanning releases from 2016 to the present day. Check out the links below to learn more about her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ALISON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Delusional" is the newest single by Ceara Cavalieri, a song about rejecting men while you're out having fun. Just because someone is having fun in public does not mean they want to get with someone. Men sometimes think certain behavior or certain clothing equals consent, but this is not true. Its very weird to have a conversation with someone you just met and automatically think it will eventually lead to something more. In situations like these, Cavalieri is showing this person that they are not worthy of her time and that she wants nothing to do with them, calling them what they are, "Delusional". The production style of "Delusional" is pop and very upbeat. The song has an array of different kinds of synths, all sounding sci-fi-esque and futuristic. It definitely sounds like a song you would hear at a nightclub, which is fitting to the location of where the lyrics could take place. The drums are very prominent throughout the song, which are amplified even more by the strong bass of the 808s. It has the same energy as a song from either the 2000s or the early 2010s, especially with the different types of sound effects in "Delusional", as well as Cavalieri's amazing vocals that match these vibes. Ceara Cavalieri is a singer-songwriter from and based in California, more specifically based in Los Angeles. She has been releasing pop music since 2019 after graduating from UCLA, her first single being "Say Something". She has released other incredible songs in addition to this and "Delusional", including "Used", "Liar Liar", and "Hot Mess". She opened for Leah Kate for two legs of The Super Over Tour in 2023 and 2024. Cavalieri has over 31,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and in 2022, her music amassed 3.5 million streams across 180. Ceara Cavalieri is very talented music artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW CEARA CAVALIERI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

I am someone who has spent my life comparing myself to other people. Whether it’s in the way I act, how I dress, or even how I view my body. I always wanted to be like the popular girls, and this latest single by Sarah Klang displays that feeling perfectly. “Other Girls” is the latest single by the musician, and is about the emotions you feel when going through puberty. I can just feel the emotion that Klang poured into this song, especially its lyrics. I could relate to every one, and it made me feel seen in a way that most music hasn’t before. While I still struggle with my image and how I present myself to others, it’s nice to know there’s a song out there that makes me feel understood. Aside from the incredible lyrics, “Other Girls” has some simple, yet impactful, production behind it. The song opens with the sound of crickets, and slowly leads into the first lyric. I can mainly hear the drums, but as she wraps up the chorus, the music turns into something that makes me feel like I’m floating through space. I’m obsessed with it, and I genuinely couldn’t get enough. I think if Klang was to ever consider making an acoustic version of this song, a cello would make this even more powerful. I also want to give a quick shout-out to Klang’s voice. It’s incredibly unique, and like nothing I’ve heard before. This song is a lot like other folk songs I’ve heard, and I think Klang has the perfect voice for the genre. Sarah Klang is a 32-year-old singer and songwriter from Sweden. Her career first kicked off in 2016 with the release of her debut single, “Sleep”. Since then, Klang has gone on to release four complete albums. Her fifth album, Beautiful Woman, is scheduled to release on February 7 of next year. Klang has been nominated for various Grammis awards, including winning the award for “Alternative Pop of the Year”! She has also performed at various music festivals, including På spåret and South by Southwest. I am so excited for Klang’s next album to be released, and I can’t wait to watch her inspiring career continue to unfold. Go and stream “Other Girls” everywhere now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW SARAH KLANG: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In collaboration with Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Great Good Fine Ok’s latest release “Let’s Talk” is a meditation on McMahon’s earnest and ardent lyricism and Great Good Fine Ok’s signature synth sound. The track addresses the importance of communication in all facets of life. You might fear the future, or perhaps feel shame in being rejected, but keeping that bottled inside will just make you feel worse. Whether it’s fear, a lack of trust, or shame that’s preventing you from discussing what’s weighing heavy on your heart, know that the best remedy for burdened shoulders is just bringing it out into the open. The song assures its listeners that our loved ones, no matter what we try to convince ourselves of, want to help and hear us. They want to be that rock that will support you, and all you have to do is make that first step to talk about it. All of it. Poignant and introspective, “Let’s Talk” is a delicate blend of captivating synth and honest, guiding lyrics for the lost in life. Definitely what struck me first about the track was the instrumentals– a synth that is warm and inviting, twinkling and pulling listeners closer to the song’s meaning and message. There’s a particular point right before the chorus that exudes comfort, the soundscape cresting and subsequently landing softly as the chorus begins in earnest. I love how sonically realized the track is, with a personality that knows precisely what it wants to communicate in smooth synth. Moving to the lyrics, it’s no surprise that this fantastic collaboration between Great Good Fine Ok and McMahon has borne some truly beautiful songwriting. Each line is filled with the fears we might have when navigating this confusing life, but the chorus always comes back around with “Let’s talk about how I’ve been here before”, addressing the listener directly to tell them that they, the narrator, has been in that exact situation before, and that they’ve gotten past it. The line “let’s talk” echoes in the back as the vocals swell overtop of it, like a reminder to let everything out. Everything about the track– from the instrumentals to the songwriting– forms this super comforting track that only wants to help you through the tougher times in your life. Great Good Fine Ok is an LA-based synth-pop duo composed of vocalist Jon Sandler and producer and multi-instrumentalist Luke Moellman. Sandler and Moellman prove that opposites certainly do attract. With Moellman as the “technical mind” and Sandler as the “emotional lyricist”, the two combine their musical experience to form soundscapes that connect those who love a complex, layered soundscape and those who adore emotionally-charge and heartfelt lyrics. Debuting in 2013 with their single “You’re The One For Me”, the track was an immediate hit and was followed shortly after with a pair of EPs, “Body Diamond” and “2M2H”. In their years of performing, they’ve appeared at Comedy Central’s Clusterfest, Bonnaroo Music Festival, Firefly and Bunbury Music Festivals, and have sold out a six city tour in China. “Let’s Talk” was created alongside renowned singer-songwriter Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and is part of the duo's upcoming seventh EP “SEVEN”, which drops on January 24th, 2025. For those of you who just cannot wait for the EP, make sure to listen to the rest of Great Good Fine Ok’s discography to tie yourself over, and definitely give them a follow to keep track of the EP’s progress! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW GREAT GOOD FINE OK: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | Apple Music

Photo Credits: https://www.rikerbrothers.com/ ; Art: @quinnie.zol & @tatianalorich 17-year-old singer/songwriter, della, recently released her debut EP, "Playing Pretend" and it's already making waves in the contemporary folk scene having charted at No. 13 on Roots Music Radio . TRACKLIST matthew's in love scar tissue interlude grapevine playing pretend della, also known as Natalie Schroeder, started recording and pursuing a music career about two years ago at the age of 15. Now in 2024, she finally debuted as an artist, releasing her first ever single "matthew's in love", then "scar tissue" which was in anticipation for her first ever EP which we will be covering today! Also over the past two years, della has been performing live and gaining experience to develop her sound. She has placed in multiple songwriting competitions and has been recognized as one of the top seven teen writers in the International Songwriting Awards . della takes influence from mixtures of folk, pop and rock music to create her unique sound, but her masterful lyricism and gorgeous voice is what really catches the ear more than anything. matthew's in love We start the EP with della's debut single, "matthew's in love". The song tells a tale of a young girl named Jessie May and a guy named Matthew. della uses detailed imagery in her lyrics to set the scene. It seems Jessie and Matthew grew up in the rural countryside. Jessie grew up with a kind father who taught her to be tough, and she had a clear vision of what she wanted for herself in a man one day. She had no idea that one day, she would meet someone who would end up clouding that vision. I don't want to give away the whole story, because I really encourage you to immerse yourself in the lyrics of this song and take in everything della sings. This is a very deep and also a very relatable topic that many people go through in their lifetimes, especially early on when we're young and naive to the world of dating and romantic relationships. "matthew's in love" features beautiful acoustic guitar at the forefront; it has it's moments where it picks up with drums, but the parts that hit the most are the come downs when it's just guitar and della's heartbreakingly emotional vocals singing the gorgeously crafted melody. scar tissue Next we have "scar tissue", the second single to be released in anticipation for the EP release. "scar tissue" is about being in a long-term situationship that you've always wanted to be more. They've been leading you on, wanting the benefits of being in a relationship with you without making it official or exclusive. You're in love, but they don't want to hear you say it. It's been so long that you're starting to become numb, and all the hurt and pain they're causing you is starting to become "scar tissue". This song has a nostalgic groove, a dreamy production style and melody that reminds me a bit of young Taylor Swift . della sings with a bit of Americana twang in her voice and does it stunningly well. Not to forget the layers of gorgeous harmonies that really add to the dreamy element of this song. interlude Wedging itself between the singles and the rest of the tracks, we have a 55 second interlude. We hear a soft, cathartic electric guitar picking pattern, and then voice recordings of what sounds like della and her best friend Claire. I don't have official statements, so I can only make assumptions off of what I hear in the song, but it sounds like they've been friends since they were really young. They had plans of growing up together and being neighbors, living in houses right next to each other. Now that they're older, we all know those plans we make as kids don't usually make it through, and it sounds like they now live very far apart because one of them had to move across the entire country, forcing their friendship to be long distance. You can hear della say in one of the voice recordings, "I'm going to put this in the interlude". grapevine "grapevine" is a heavily emotional piano ballad, with a classic chord progression and belting vocals. This song is about social media and being chronically online, and how it impacts our mental heath and wellbeing as a society today. The lyrics sound both very personal to della, and like an important message that everyone out there in the world really needs to hear and think on. It's a reminder that your internet persona is not who you are, and that we need to stop judging people and their lives based off what we see online. A picture or a 30 second clip of somebody is not who they are. That is a moment in time out of their whole entire life that you've never seen or known them. In fact, we need to limit our screen time and start living our lives while we've still got them. Spend time with the ones you love, go outside and enjoy nature. Read a book. write in a journal, play an instrument - heck, just close your eyes and sit in the quiet for a while. playing pretend We close out the EP with the title track, "playing pretend". Using a simple down-up acoustic guitar finger strum and a gentle cinematic production, this song features some blues notes as well as seventh and sustained chords to really emphasis the heavy emotion being portrayed here. della sings in a conversational tone as she recalls an encounter with another songwriter who seems to see the world a brighter light than she does. She finds herself comparing herself to him, wishing she could be more like him, because she doesn't understand how it's just so simple for him to be so happy when the world isn't all sunshine and rainbows. However, as she reaches the end of the track, she realizes maybe it isn't that simple and he's also just someone like her who puts on a happy face, and plays pretend. della is so talented beyond her years, and she's only just now getting started. She writes like she has the life experience of a mature, seasoned poet. Her storytelling and lyrical rhythm is masterful and the fact that she is only 17 (some of these songs being written 2 years ago) just absolutely blows my mind. The way she writes draws you in and captivates you from start to finish. Her songs are relatable; and even if you can't relate, the stories are so intriguing that you can't stop yourself from wanting to know more. Not only that, but she has such a beautiful voice and an ear for crafting stunning melodies. It's no wonder that she is named one of the best teenage songwriters in the world right now by the International Songwriting Awards . There's no doubt in my mind that people are going to start finding out who della is, and she's gonna make a name for herself in mainstream music. This is just the beginning for della, so make sure to follow her on her socials below. I can't wait to hear what she does next. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW DELLA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

After eighteen perfect impersonations of famous and iconic musicians, Halsey has released her aptly-titled fifth album The Great Impersonator . With songs established into four categories, Halsey takes inspiration and pays homage to artists that have influenced her musicianship, not only by posting on Instagram looking like them with her talented makeup skills, but by making tracks as though she had a music career in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Halsey made this album after being diagnosed with lupus and a rare blood disorder called T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder , thinking it would be their last. Them being sick is one of the overall lyrical themes of the album, along with religion, heartbreak, and betrayal, which are paired with varying genres such as pop, alterative, and rock. T R A C K L I S T 1. Only Living Girl in LA 2. Ego 3. Dog Years 4. Letter to God (1974) 5. Panic Attack 6. The End 7. I Believe in Magic 8. Letter to God (1983) 9. Hometown 10. I Never Loved You 11. Darwinism 12. Lonely is the Muse 13. Arsonist 14. Life of the Spider (Draft) 15. Hurt Feelings 16. Lucky 17. Letter to God (1998) 18. The Great Impersonator Halsey is from and grew up in New Jersey, and was based in New York in her early career. She started gaining popularity on Tumblr and after releasing her song "Ghost" on SoundCloud, and shortly after was signed to Atlantic Records. She released her 2014 EP Room 39 , which was connected to her 2015 debut album BADLANDS . This caused Halsey to become even more popular, as well as establish a definitive spot in alternative music. In 2017, she released her chart-topping second album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom , which leaned more in the direction of pop music. After this, she was catapulted into fame. In 2020, they released their third album Manic , and just a year and a half later, released their fourth album If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power . Only Girl Living in LA Inspiration: Marilyn Monroe The introduction to the album is a six minute and primarily acoustic song that sets up the main themes for the album, sonically and lyrically. The Great Impersonator is guitar-heavy, but with such sensational production, thanks to multiple virtuoso musicians, including Halsey. Creativity is one of the many aspects that make this album what it is, including the array of sound effects dispersed throughout, such as a subway loudspeaker voice in this song saying "This is Halsey St." after Halsey sings "I guess I have no name", which is where Halsey got her alias. The song ends with an ethereal cacophony of pressurized synths and distorted drums, but not before she takes us through a timeline of her career. She has suffered through the harsh reality of being famous, and has experienced isolation, feeling as though she is the "Only living girl in LA". They also felt this way in New York, where their career began, and also while growing up in New Jersey. They have been through many hardships in their life, and they explain how each one greatly affects them. Ego Inspiration: Dolores O'Riordan The theme of opposing fame from "Only Girl Living in LA" flows into "Ego", except the sound has shifted to alternative rock. Halsey's life has changed a lot since becoming a mainstream pop star, which was seven years ago, with much occurring in that amount of time. She reminisces on the past, whether its a positive or negative memory, and wishes she could return to that. This track can be interpreted as going hand-and-hand with the track "3am" from Manic , especially with the line "I hope that someone comes around // Helps me figure it out". Dog Years Inspiration: PJ Harvey The line "I'm one hundred ninety-six in dog years" is 28 multiplied by 7 , which is how you calculate the age of the dog; seven years is reoccurring reference throughout the album. This song is devasting, but the whole vibe changes once the chorus whispers into the track, sensuality now fueling the track. They use their dog, Jagger, passing away as an analogy for euthanasia, saying they want that to happen to them, comparing themselves to an old animal. She has been famous since 2017 (7 years) and unfortunately, a lot of musicians, mostly women, are pushed away from the spotlight as they get older. This is probably referencing the neglect from Halsey's old record label, and how they never promoted her music as much as the other artists signed to them. A distorted and magnetic guitar riff appears in the song, and Halsey harmonizing her vocals by screaming isn't the first time we will be hearing this. 4. Letter to God (1974) Inspiration: Cher This is the first of three tracks titled "Letter to God" on the album, subtitled with a year from each one of the album's eras. Each Halsey album has three songs that connect and follow each other, back to back, but this time they are in different spots on the album. "(1974)" appears to be a voice note, with Halsey first singing acapella, and then piano and guitar that was heard at the beginning of the song reappearing as the track continues. There are similar choruses for each Letter, the meaning changing every time. In this Letter, Halsey sings from the point of view of her younger self, singing “I wanna be sick” so she can have the life of a boy she knew who was sick as well, who had a good home life due to this, something Halsey wanted for herself. 5. Panic Attack Inspiration: Stevie Nicks “Panic Attack” is slow-paced, lounge, chill music, with a twinge of folk. Reminiscent of the Manic  track “Graveyard”, specifically the line “The warning signs can feel like they’re butterflies”, Halsey tries to differentiate between the anxious feeling of a new relationship and actual anxiety. The deep pit in your stomach you get every time you think of this person and/or when you’re around them is not always a good thing. This is a foreshadowing track, as Halsey says this person is not good for her well being, which will be explained further in upcoming songs. 6. The End Inspiration: Joni Mitchell Preceding Halsey coming out about her health, they quietly released the album’s first single, “The End”, wanting this as the introduction to their new era of music. This beautiful track primarily features Halsey and a guitar, as she reveals her diagnosis, and how it’s affected her life and herself as a person. She reflects on the hardships she dealt with growing up, and all of her feelings come crashing down on her. She wants someone to be there with her while she is going through these things, and be supportive of and to her, describing it on a Tumblr post of her’s as “please don’t watch me cry, but please don’t leave either”. 7. I Believe in Magic Inspiration: Linda Ronstadt Halsey’s son receives his first ever music credit on “I Believe in Magic”, a track dedicated to him. Another remarkable acoustic song, Halsey expresses the love they have for their child. Halsey has struggled for years with endometriosis, and once had to perform a concert right after having a miscarriage. In their album Manic , the track “More” is them expressing how much they want to be a mother, and how painful it is to lose a child. In late 2020, they became pregnant and wrote If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power  right after, and came up with a movie concept as well. “I Believe in Magic” is a beautiful song that is filled with love. 8. Letter to God (1983) Inspiration: Bruce Springsteen Now with the background ambience of a crowd, the next and second Letter is written during Halsey’s career, now a famous star. Having dealt with multiple illnesses throughout her career, the central line has changed to “I don’t wanna be sick”, regretting and wanting to take back what she said in the past. The production perfectly captures 80s rock and roll, and the reverberated instruments sound as though Halsey is doing a sound check, even with the audience, which was recorded at one of her shows. There is also a soft, singular synth following the instrumentation of the track. 9. Hometown Inspiration: Dolly Parton A pitched-up guitar and prominent drums (performed by Alex G as per the first line of the track) combined together make a classic country song, which is perfected by Halsey’s chameleon vocals that have been switching genres for these past nine tracks. This isn’t their first entry into the country genre, having had two songs already on Manic , but this delves more into alternative and folk. In “Hometown”, Halsey sings about a person she knew when she was younger named Davey, who was addicted to drugs and passed away at a young age. He seemed to have dreams of pursuing sports, but is unable to. 10. I Never Loved You Inspiration: Kate Bush Strums of a guitar and muffled drums and distinctive piano playing is what makes up the transcendent track of The Great Impersonator  “I Never Loved You”, the title in which Halsey belts out during the chorus. Production wise, listening to this track feels like you're traveling into space. A dark truth is that a lot of people, mostly men, slowly start to abandon their partners upon learning they are sick. Men often divorce their wives after this, not before cheating on them. Unfortunately, this situation seems to apply to what Halsey has gone through. Having cancer and raising a young child while also being betrayed by your partner is horrible to process and experience, and something no one should ever have to encounter. 11. Darwinism Inspiration: David Bowie “Darwinism” is a sci-fi-esque track, in which Halsey contemplates life and death. If “I Never Loved You” sounded like you’re in a rocket ship being shot into space, “Darwinism” sounds like you’re floating through it, passing by planets bigger than the human brain can comprehend, and flowing in and out of what feels like an infinitely silent darkness. The song grows more brooding with each section, a ballad interrupted by a guitar, which pair perfectly with one another. Distortion is a key element of this album, and as Halsey feels more and more isolated from everyone else, the song becomes stranger and peculiar, before ending with the original production. 12. Lonely is the Muse Inspiration: Amy Lee Akin to tracks from Halsey’s 4th album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power , especially “People disappear here”, “Lonely is the Muse” is an alt rock track that does not contain a single flaw. Its like an immensely powerful, all-seeing god turned into a song. Shifting back and forth from acoustic guitar to electric, Halsey harmonizes her vocals either with whispering close to the microphone or metalcore screaming into it. They have been mistreated in their career over and over again, by their label, critics, and even their own fans. They sing about how they’ve done so much to make a mark in the world of the fame, and even doing so, they are still under appreciated and not taken seriously. Halsey lets out all her anger in the recording studio, through her vocals and the hard rock instrumentation. 13. Arsonist Inspiration: Fiona Apple “Arsonist” is a half-sung and half-spoken-word alternative trap song, influenced by beat poetry and reversed vocals. Seven years  returns with the line “Did you know the father’s DNA stays inside the mother for seven years?”. Halsey compares the person who wronged her to an arsonist, a lover of destruction and despair, causing pain to others for their own benefit. Rightfully so, she is brutal to this person in her criticisms, and calls them out for all the damage they have caused and have no remorse for. She details actions of control and abuse, and she tells this person that they are not worthy of her or anyone’s love, as they are evil and deserve nothing but the worst. 14. Life of the Spider (Draft) Inspiration: Tori Amos This is a heartbreaking track, originally teased in concert visuals, and is now a stripped down ballad where Halsey pours their heart out. Their voice breaking when they sing “I’m hideous” is gut-wrenching. They compare themselves to a spider, which many people are scared of and try to throw out the second they see one. In her worst moments, struggling and in pain, she wasn’t treated with the respect she deserves. She was made to feel like this by her partner, but no one should ever feel like this. This is Halsey’s rawest song, and writing and singing and being able to release a song like this takes lots of strength and courage, which is so commendable and incredibly impactful. 15. Hurt Feelings Inspiration: Halsey Pitched vocals take the place of where synths would be in the upbeat production of “Hurt Feelings” that opposes the lyrics. Halsey explains that what happened in her childhood affects her today when it comes to relationships. How she was treated, specifically by her father, may have warped how she views certain interactions. She makes sure not to follow her dad in his footsteps, which is also due to not being that close to him or having a good relationship with him growing up. She tried to push past how he behaved in order to connect with him, but then she decided that was not worth her time or energy. 16. Lucky Inspiration: Britney Spears “Lucky” interpolates the chorus from Britney Spears’ iconic song of the same name released in 2000, and it represents what Halsey has been going through. Yes, she’s an international celebrity who’s sold many records and tours and has many adoring fans, but due to what she’s been dealing with in her life out of the limelight, it’s heavily and negatively affected her. Halsey readdresses her childhood and her illnesses. She also references the criticism she has received for having a child whilst having a past of drug use. The song’s production is reminiscent of pop surrounding the Y2K movement, and includes an upbeat guitar and funky synth chords. 17. Letter to God (1998) Inspiration: Aaliyah The last Letter of the album, there is no central line. Religion has been a theme of this album, with Halsey having multiple conversations with God, and this one is resentful. Even after having to deal with the hardships of being famous and having to experience the pain of their illnesses, they are still being put through even more pain. They feel alone and are afraid of dying, not wanting to leave their son. They feel so much love, having a son whom they love more than anything, but there’s a chance it could be taken from them. The production is unique, with the exact vibes of a 90s song, but with no drums to be heard. 18. The Great Impersonator Inspiration: Björk The final track of the album is the title track, Halsey’s first ever one. Another name for Lupus is The Great Imitator, one of the cancers she was diagnosed with, which most likely inspired the title of the album. The production is made up of string instruments, and also a guitar riff. The track is the last because it means The Great Impersonator has died, which is what Halsey thought was going to happen to them. With more metaphors, and despite the uplifting instrumentation, its a heartbreaking note to end on. Nonetheless, the song is so beautiful, making you feel as though you’re walking through a meadow or a quaint medieval town, and this also applies to the “Ah-ah!”s they sing between lines. As a Halsey fan since 2016, I absolutely love this album. I have been a huge fan of her’s for so long, and I have witnessed the progression of her music style throughout the years, and in my opinion, this is her best work yet. Everything about this album is so beautifully crafted, from their outstanding vocals to the poetic writing to the production. Halsey is an amazing artist with a worth ethic like no other, so its no surprise that they made such an amazing record with so much content. “Lonely is the Muse” is my favorite song; ever since its come out I haven’t been able to stop listening to it. I’m so proud of Halsey and everything they have done in their music career, and I will be a fan forever. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW HALSEY Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

When you're with the right person, you may look back at how you felt in previous relationships and realize you never knew you could feel so wonderfully. Redefining what love can be, Goldtooth's song "Take Me Home" marvels at the wonder that is the speaker's love. Words of devotion and elation will electrify you, expressing the magic of connection through eternal words like, "I wanna be buried with my arms around you." This song uses love like a superpower, making morbidity a beautiful thing and obsession a gift. When you listen to this incredible track, you'll either be left longing for a love like the one in the song, or appreciate the blessing of already having it. Bask in the electric sound of connection with dynamic vocals in this uplifting tune. Fast percussion throughout the song captures that immersive intensity from the lyrics, and low instrumentals bring a comforting support to the powerful vocals. Tyler's glowing feminine singing is light through the verse, flourishing through high notes. She has a charismatic quality in her voice that hits the ear just right with an emotive delivery of the lyrics. Glowing synth patterns and supportive masculine vocals give the chorus a rounded sound. Melismatic singing through the chorus lets you cozy up to the enthralling meaning of connection. This invigorating song has a freeing style that envelops the moment in a feeling of love. Goldtooth is a electro-pop duo, combining Tyler Carlson's vocal and songwriting talents with Max Landry's production skills for an immersive musical experience. Beginning to release music this year, the group has several singles and a self-titled EP under their belt, and have already accumulated nearly 15 000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Platforms like Voxwave Magazine have sung their praises as Goldtooth's bass-heavy and authentic style is truly remarkable. The duo will be performing at The Virgil , supporting Fischer King alongside Part Time Love Affai r. Check out the links below to learn more about their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW GOLDTOOTH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

When you’re up late at night wishing you had one more chance with a person who means the most is when the doubt about ending things creeps in. It’s crazy how fast things can change and how fast a regular routine can turn into a memory. It can change in a blink of an eye or in case, overnight. Ashley Elle perfectly captures this feeling in her new song “One More Night”. There’s a lot of imagery in this song. Line by line she gives us an example of things she’s going to miss in her relationship and explains how things will never be the same. The lyric “I don’t wanna be right about the ways we lie to each other and end up intertwined” shows that love can truly be blind, and although she knows that things aren’t right between the two of them, her heart doesn’t want that to be the real truth. She’s wishing that she can really see past it and cover up their differences in order to be together. Being intertwined with another person really connects you to them, your thoughts and feelings start to align with theirs and you become inseparable. Two hearts intertwined symbolizes that love is never ending, and although the relationship might be over, the love never truly fades. This song balances the contrast between following your head or your heart. What do you listen to? What path is truly the best for you? Acknowledging there’s problems in your relationship is a big step, and although it’s hard to admit, it will only make you stronger because of it. Loving someone who isn’t good for you long term can result in some internalized feelings about insecurity and doubt while you’re still in the relationship or thinking about every moment you’ve had together over and over debating if it was authentic. Wishing for one more night isn’t a bad thing, it’s human. When you love someone, you want to see and experience every good side to them, and because love is all consuming, it can be hard to let them go. Wishing for more time won’t mend a broken heart, but eventually as the time goes on the heart will come back stronger. Relationships are like lessons, there’s good and bad to them all, but you’re able to learn so much about yourself and what you want from how they treated you. Produced by Josh Lovell, “One More Night” by Ashley Elle is a ballad about wishing you can turn back the time to be with the person you’re still in love with. The song has a combination of pop and indie elements, with the pace picking up as the song progresses. The song is captivating, and I can’t decide if it’s because of the heartbreaking lyrics or the instrumentation. Ashley’s voice is soft and breathy. Her tone is perfect for the indie sound because it captures the raw emotion she projects. The song opens with an acoustic guitar and then as the song picks up the more upbeat the instruments become. The drums become more prominent towards the end and there’s a steady shaker/percussion sound throughout the track. The production compliments the song and really takes it to the next level. Ashley Elle is a singer songwriter from a small town in Wisconsin. She’s now based in Los Angeles, California. Ashley grew up with a love for music and started playing the piano and guitar when she was younger. Her passion and hard work paid off because in 2019 she was granted a publishing deal by Given Entertainment out of Nashville. With over 12,600 monthly listeners on Spotify, Ashley’s fan base grows each day. Her most popular releases are her 2021 single “how do you stop loving someone?” that’s amassed 242,392 streams, and her 2023 single “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy” that has 201,175 streams. So far, she’s only releases singles, so I’m really looking forward to her future releases. Check out “One More Night” and give it a listen! Ashley Elle is an artist to keep on your radar, I have a pretty good feeling we’ll be hearing her name more pretty soon.  Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW ASHLEY ELLE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube