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  • Review: "the boys who don't know what they want" - Avery Lynch

    Avery Lynch’s latest single “the boys who don’t know what they want” delves into the all too familiar aftermath of someone ending a relationship they couldn’t commit to. There was once a time where those sweet nothings felt like they meant something. He held your attention in ways that made you feel desired. You craved being wanted a certain way, but he couldn’t bring themselves to pursue you any further. While looking back, all of his actions seemed so close to yet so far from committing. He just barely etched out enough space for you to be present in his life. He talked to you until morning while making you feel loved just enough. He asked you surface level questions about who you are, only to forget your answers within days. It’s a way of loving that you no longer wish to be part of. You crave boys who want more than the initial talking stage and want to give you all of themselves. “the boys who don’t know what they want” is an adult contemporary piano-centric single that remains central to its foundational slow piano. From its first few notes, it is clear that this single rarely deviates from the piano. Each soft vocal works in tandem with the simple notes of this slow ballad. There are elements sprinkled in throughout other than piano, but they serve as its companions. Atmospheric reverb tunes in and out, most prominently throughout the chorus and pre-choruses. These instances of modulation simply highlight and elongate both the piano and Avery’s sweet vocal performance. This single never truly strays far from its foundational elements and maintains a grounded musical experience. Avery Lynch is an American singer-songwriter currently based in Los Angeles, California. Lynch has been creating her own music since age seven. She started out with piano pieces and gradually moved to creating her own lyrics. She utilizes a similar simple strategy in creating her music today. Her music is created with only a few people and heavily incorporates her own life experiences and emotions. She began her official music career during covid in 2020 and has amassed over 100 millions streams across various platforms. Lynch has embarked on both a regular and mini tour across America. From the beginning of her career, she has successfully utilized social media in her marketing and has gained a substantial fanbase due to this. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “the boys who don’t know what they want” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW AVERY LYNCH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "I Need A Clue" - SACO

    Renowned Dutch DJ, songwriter, and producer SACO has released a new track entitled “I Need a Clue.” Let's get into its details. “I Need A Clue” is a wonderfully written single which utilizes the metaphor of a riddle to describe a confusing relationship. There is a tension and disconnect within this romance, and the lyrics play into these complicated feelings, “Your head on my shoulder, your hand in mine / Yet it’s all far from where it should.” At its core, the song understands the feeling of love is present, but does not know how to move forward under the current circumstances. Comprehensively, this single is about the emotional rollercoaster which accompanies an unclear relationship. Lyrically, “I Need A Clue” does an excellent job of outlining the frustration and exhaustion which will be relatable for many hopeless romantics. Now let’s explore how it sounds. “I Need A Clue” is an uplifting blend of folk and electronic dance music. It’s a track which is full of energy. Pippin’s country-style vocals are rich with twang and warmth, this creates a nice contrast to the somewhat electronic instrumentals. The backing track also includes a vibrant guitar sample which contributes to the upbeat instrumentation and joyful feel to the single. Despite its quite introspective lyrics, “I Need A Clue” simultaneously delivers a stylish pop hit you’ll be dancing to in no time. Now let's learn a little more about who made it. Coen van Hessen, also professionally known as SACO is a well-known Dutch singer, songwriter, and producer within the electronic dance and pop music scene. Born in 1991, SACO started to DJ at just 11 years old, he was captivated even then by musical experimentation. By the time he was 18, he added singing and songwriting to his repertoire by joining a band. He would eventually pause his ambitions to become a musical sensation in order to pursue a career in medicine. Once he had completed medical school, SACO turned back to his passion for creating music. Now, he possesses over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his signature production is a force to be reckoned with. If you have “I Need A Clue” on repeat right now, be sure to follow SACO on all of the social media below to keep up with any of his new tracks! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW SACO: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

  • Review: "you miss it, too" - Audrey Huynh

    Audrey Huynh allows us to grasp what it looks like to be confused and to miss an old college relationship. We are given a lot of chances to connect and understand the meaning of the lyrics as the song progresses. One of the lines I connect to the most is, "Some part of me hates that I miss you / Every time I can't sleep at night / Some part of me hates to think of you / Every time I think of other guys / And I know it's bad, I know I shouldn't / But I do." I think these lines show a lot of vulnerability. I'll be the first to say that after a hard breakup, it's easy to feel this way toward the other person. I believe one of the hardest-hitting lines from the song comes toward the end when it says, "Blamed the distance but I know you know that wasn't it / Call it a mistake / I'd call it betrayal / So take the knife out of my back before you leave for her." This speaks volumes on the whole situation, including the potential character of the other person the artist is talking about, and I think that's really beautiful. I believe the tone of this song is introspective and candid. The artist is open and further examines the feelings that still linger for this person. She faces the internal conflict of knowing that they were bound to break up and that it wouldn't last. However, the artist still grapples with memories and lingering emotions of the relationship as a whole. The mood is conveyed to the listener as one of longing and melancholy. We are drawn to the artist's personal journey after the breakup, and the universal experience of missing someone resonates with us. The piano and guitar enhance the depth of the overall mood. The piano provides a gentle foundation for the song, whereas the guitar adds depth and texture. Blending the two elements allows us to feel the emotional weight of the lyrics. These elements tie the song together perfectly. Audrey Huynh is an indie singer-songwriter from California. She is also known for her acting in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "XO, Kitty." She is currently working on her debut EP, "lovesick," which is set to be released in February. Audrey Huynh bases her sound on some of her favorite artists, such as Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, and Lizzy McAlpine. However, she brings a refreshing twist to the indie music genre. When asked about the song "you miss it, too," she said, "I tried encapsulating what a college relationship would feel like and sound like with this song, and it ended up turning into one of my favorite songs that I've ever written. It feels really vulnerable and reflective of what it's like to be confused about a relationship and about how you feel towards a person in that context. It's very reflective towards what I was feeling when writing it, but I feel like it's now evolved into something bigger than all those emotions and into something that a lot of people can relate to." Check out Audrey Huynh's new song, and keep an eye out for her EP—you won't be disappointed! Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Audrey Huynh: Instagram | Spotify

  • EP Review: "AWAY TODAY" - brooke

    21-year-old Brooklyn, New York based jazz drummer turned alt. pop artist, brooke, has recently dropped her debut EP, "AWAY TODAY". TRACKLIST you watch me break All I Ever Wanted desirée red Alarming CLOSE ENOUGH Brooke Cleary, going under the moniker brooke, is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and she started her musical journey at a young age, beginning as a jazz and funk drummer, performing live any chance she had. She started releasing some original music in 2020 and 2021, but that came to a halt when she began studying Music Business in college. Through her 3-year hiatus, she was able to develop as not only an artist, but she was able to gain a sense of identity as well, finding herself in the real world. Through this, she developed a unique sound, and came back stronger than ever, starting with her 2024 single release, "Alarming". Throughout the year, she released 4 more singles, which would lead up to what would become the "AWAY TODAY" EP, which features 2 more never heard before songs. Other than her clear collaborations, brooke writes, arranges, composes and self-produces all her own songs. This EP explores what is described as an unfiltered dive into her world . It covers topics of self-discovery, queer experiences, empowerment, love and heartbreak. you watch me break We start off the EP with "you watch me break", a collaboration track with Finnish producer Zone Diem . Inspired by the likes of Charli xcx , 2hollis , and Crystal Castles , this song has a dark-pop and EDM mixture to it's production style, while having essences of hip-hop thrown into the vocals. There's a haunting, heartbreaking atmosphere on top of a classic club beat, giving you chills and making you want to dance all at the same time. "you watch me break" is about seeing the person you loved hurt you, and they clearly do not care about the pain they are causing you to feel. Having to process something like that in your mind is very difficult. It's never fun having the realization that your partner is toxic and doesn't love you back, but yet refuses to set you free. All I Ever Wanted Next, we have "All I Ever Wanted", a song inspired by post-punk and is reminiscent of the likes of Girl In Red . This track has a heavy electric bassline and drums as the main point of focus in the instrumentation, while brooke sings in a very conversational, nonchalant type of tone. "All I Ever Wanted" is brooke's message to the big boys in this industry, and how she refuses to follow the crowd just at the chance of "making it big". She won't let anybody tell her what to do; she's going to make her music the way she wants to, whether there's someone out there who likes it or not. It's a misconception, especially nowadays, that you need a label to be successful. The truth is, as long as you are happy with what you are doing, that is what real success is. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise! desirée "desirée" is inspired by the queer dating scene in New York City. The song is edgy, chaotic, gritty and fast-paced, inspired by punk and rock instrumentation mixed with more gentle alt. pop / hip hop inspired vocal rhythms and melodies. This song is about unrequited feelings, and still going after someone who is unobtainable even though you know they're not going to ever want you back. When you're young, you make bad decisions, and you let your feelings get in the way of thinking straight - and that's exactly what this song encapsulates. Not only is that expressed through the lyrics, but it's captured through the anxiety and madness of the soundscape as well - the crashing drums, the fast-paced guitar riff, the constant background vocalizations... it's a very well-thought out and put together track. red Next we have "red", which takes more of an experimental approach within it's soundscape and is inspired by more non-conventional artists like Clairo , beabadoobee , and Malcolm Todd . It has an abstract production and groove, but with a sort of soft funk vibe. It has an addictive bassline, a lead electric guitar and heavily filtered vocals to create this dreamy, psychedelic type of experience. "red" is a queer love anthem, about when you meet someone who you just can't get out of your head. You lose track of time when you're with them, and the rest of the world disappears. You could care less about anything else; all you can think about is them. Alarming "Alarming" is the leading, come-back single that started it all. Inspired by early 2000's grunge, "Alarming" features a bad ass bass guitar riff, a raw drum kit, and distorted electric guitar. This is the song you imagine hearing in a secret basement venue that only the rocker kids know about, with a live band and only lasers and stage lights to help you see. "Alarming" is about when you start to have a sense of self-identity, and begin to realize that the people around you might've not had the purest of intentions. brooke sings, "what if all we have in common is all the things you taught me, isn't that alarming?" . Sometimes people manipulate us into being something we're not for their own selfish benefit, but once you're able to break free from that, nothing is better. CLOSE ENOUGH Lastly, we have "CLOSE ENOUGH", another collaboration track with Finnish producer, Zone Diem . Taking inspiration from artists like The Weeknd , Charli xcx, 2hollis , and SOPHIE , "CLOSE ENOUGH" is a mid-tempo but high energy dark electro-pop track with heavy electronic drums, synths, and artistic autotune. It's about when you can tell the person you're falling for could just up and go any second, and it's hard to enjoy what you have with them right now in this moment when that knowledge is lingering in the back of your mind. You're never going to be able to have what you truly wanted with them, you're just getting "close enough". brooke wanted to make a come back, and she didn't hold anything inside. She took the time to discover the sound that uniquely defined her, and came back swinging, stronger than ever before. Her distinctive fusion of rock, punk, dark-pop, and electronic create a musical footprint that is only brooke; it's cohesive through each track on this EP, but still crafted in such a way that every song is it's own entity. There's no doubt that brooke knows who she is and knows what she wants. Her music is the voice for the Gen-Z and queer community, giving them a new sound to connect with. If you enjoyed the "AWAY TODAY" EP, brooke is preparing to release her first full-length album this Summer! So make sure to follow her on her socials below to keep up on her journey. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW BROOKE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

  • Album Review: "I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)" - Teddy Swims

    My first introduction to Teddy Swims was when he made a special appearance on the singing competition show, The Voice , back in late 2023/early 2024. I remember sitting on my couch, a glass of wine in my hand, and wondering... who is this guy? The rabbit hole I fell down soon after was bound to happen. Everything about Swims' stage presence, from his runs, to his sexy and powerful lyrics had me hooked in an instant. So needless to say, I was so excited for his debut album to release. And now here we are... one year later, and reviewing the second part to easily one of my favorite albums of 2024. Tracklist Not Your Man Funeral Your Kind of Crazy Bad Dreams Are You Even Real (feat. Givéon) Black & White (feat. Muni Long) Northern Lights Guilty It Ain't Easy If You Ever Change Your Mind She Got It (feat. Coco Jones & GloRilla) Hammer to the Heart She Loves the Rain Teddy Swims is a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who has been honing his craft for the past few years. Born Jaten Collin Dimsdale, his career kicked off in the early 2010s, when he joined a variety of alternative rock bands. In 2019, he opened for fellow artist, Tyler Carter, and started his journey on YouTube. There, he would post covers of songs by artists like Michael Jackson, Chris Stapleton, and even Shania Twain. His first major release was his single "Picky", which was released back in 2020. From then on, Swims would guest star as a musical guest on a variety of talk shows, and even released his first EP. Most recently, Swims achieved a major feat... a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Not Your Man First up on the list is "Not Your Man", a powerful piece about a relationship where both individuals have their own separate needs, and can't find a way to properly care for them. For example - and I'll use this in a platonic context - I once had this friend who only wanted my love and care to talk badly about others in our friend group. And I wanted her friendship to make me feel wanted. We both had needs that the other couldn't provide, and that's okay. But what Swims is trying to say, as you hear being repeated in the chorus, "This ain't how you trеat somebody you say you love / I gave you еverything, it still ain't enough / You don't have to say it, baby, I understand / That I'm not your man..." As far as a start to the album goes... this is a message I could immediately connect with. Funeral Coming up next is arguably one of my favorite songs on this album. Initially released as its own single, "Funeral" explores the complexities of a relationship that he's so deeply and emotionally invested in, that he struggles to think of the end of the relationship, and that it would lead to his funeral. It's a powerful journey of heartache, acceptance, and self-discovery, and was actually initially released as the first track on Bose x NME's C24 Mixtape! Your Kind of Crazy Next, we're heading into one of the R&B-styled tracks. I kid you not, when I first turned this song on, I grabbed my cat, and started to just dance around with him in the kitchen. It got my hips moving right away! "Your Kind of Crazy" is one of the songs that, I feel, allows listeners to truly embrace and melt to Swims' vocal talents. The song is full of runs that had my brain turning to mush in the best way possible. The song itself is a rollercoaster of emotions centered around a relationship that he may have conflicting feelings toward. I think the lyric that best demonstrates this is "The way your body talkin' to me, girl, I speak it fluent / Know what you gon' put me through, but still, I got to do it / Oh, I / There ain't no changin' my mind / I think I like / Your kind of crazy." Bad Dreams Next is another single off the album that goes into the themes and emotions one experiences at the end of a relationship. "Bad Dreams" is an emotional piece about regret and the desperate longing for closure. As Swims sings, he's essentially begging for the person in question to come back into his life... singing about how he doesn't know who he is or how to act without this person in his life. He also repeats the lyric "No sound when I cry," which I interpret as his struggles to reach anyone with a cry for help... and getting no response back. It's a song about isolation and desperation, and I was instantly hooked when the single first released. Are You Even Real (feat. Givéon) On the other hand, we have a song about an all-encompassing love where your partner is essentially perfection in your eyes. This is also the first collaboration song on the list, featuring fellow artist, Givéon! In "Are You Even Real", Swims sings as though he is in disbelief as to whether his partner truly is real... or if they are just someone he conjured up in his mind. I think Givéon's voice blends beautifully with Swims', and he sings "Is it all pretend, or somethin' I made real? I don't know what to think / And if it's all a dream, I don't wanna wake up", he's praying that this is real life... because if the relationship is all a life, he doesn't want it at all. Black & White (feat. Muni Long) "Black & White" is next on the list, and is another collaboration piece, this time featuring fellow artist Muni Long. I will say, the vibe of this song is much different from the rest of the album. It's much slower, and I'll be totally honest... when I first heard it, my mind immediately went to "Can I Have This Dance" from High School Musical 3 . And that's not a bad thing! Not at all! It just wasn't what I was expecting. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed it right away on my first listen-through. The song is about celebrating the differences one has with the person one loves, and how they don't let these differences change how they feel about each other. It's a song about embracing everything about your partner, and loving one another for who you are on the inside and out, and I think it's a message more people need to hear. Northern Lights "Northern Lights" was probably the first song on this album that brought genuine tears to my eyes. Like "Black & White", it's a slower piece that centers more on the emotions behind the lyrics. It centers around love and loss, and the longing you feel for a person when a relationship comes to an end. Swims seems to go through all of the stages of grief in this piece, whereas he goes from singing about wanting this person back into his life... to accepting that the relationship has ended and appreciating the person for the memories they made together. It's a beautiful way to sing about a relationship that has ended. Rather than sing about revenge or the hatred one may feel toward their ex, Swims shows unfiltered respect and love for this person, even as he learns to let go.. it's incredibly moving. Guilty Next is a song about envy, heartbreak, and as the title suggests... guilt. In "Guilty", Swims sings about the guilt he feels for loving someone who may not feel the same for him. Swims expresses a lot of vulnerability in this track... but also acceptance. Acceptance as he sings about coming to terms with any consequences he may face as a result of expressing his love to this person. Sometimes, moving on can be hard... especially if you are trying to move on from a person you put your whole heart into. That kind of longing and urgency is felt throughout the song's entirety, and made for a much darker, yet equally powerful piece. It Ain't Easy "It Ain't Easy" is a journey about self-discovery and the anxieties one feels when it comes to putting your love into someone. Upon my first listen-through of this song, I couldn't help but catch the similarities it shares with Fleetwood Mac's Rumors . Then I thought for a moment... the album as a whole takes a lot of inspiration from the hit 1977 album. This song in particular, and I have to say, I loved it. It wasn't my favorite song on the tracklist, but it was impactful nonetheless, especially with lyrics like, "So what do I do with all these weird hard feelings? / Thinkin' all night and you know you're the reason / Ain't like me to let somebody be my high and my weakness." If You Ever Change Your Mind We're headed back into heartbreak territory... and I specifically mean my own heart. I sobbed listening to this, and I don't care. It was beautifully written. Like most of the songs on this album, "If You Ever Change Your Mind" was fairly short in length, but was able to convey and express so much in that time. In the song, Swims is singing to his partner, pleading that if they ever have a change of heart about the relationship to just keep it to themself, ideally sparing Swims from the pain and heartbreak, and making it harder for this person to walk away. Toward the end of the song, Swims softly sings "I love you," and it's so gentle and heartbreaking that I had to pause the song for a minute to compose myself. She Got It (feat. Coco Jones & GloRilla) And now, we've made our way to the final collaboration piece on this album... "She Got It"! And we're turning the heat back up a bit. It's a sexy, funky piece with a steady beat. Swims sings, and expresses his attraction and appreciation for this person's natural features. Then, Coco Jones and GloRilla come in and I honest to God think I saw Heaven. This song immediately went into my hype playlist... as a bigger woman, myself, I appreciated having a song featured on this album that I could personally connect with. Loved it. Hammer to the Heart "Hammer to the Heart" is the penultimate song on this album, and was actually first featured on I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1.5) , the mini extension to the debut album. In this song, Swims expresses feeling helpless in a toxic relationship. Breaking free from a relationship like this one can be a true struggle, which you can interpret from the verse, "We both know what you done, what you done / Don't love anyone, anyone / Anyone but yourself, oh / Just when I think I found the strength to go and push you away, away, oh / I pull you in again, oh, I'm such a sucker for the pain, pain, pain". I've had my fair share of toxic friendships, so I can definitely connect on that level. She Loves the Rain And now... we have reached the end. "She Loves the Rain" is the final song on this list, and was, in my opinion, the perfect song to end this album on. After all of the heartbreak and pain Swims expressed in the previous songs, "She Loves the Rain" is about a person who loves their partner, despite the pain that person may be feeling in that moment. It's about unconditional love, and finding something beautiful in what you may think is simply broken. A song about a healthy and loving relationship? It's a theme I rarely hear in music anymore. But it was so beautifully done, and I think was the best way to end off this incredible album. Overall, I loved this album. As much as I loved the first part, I always felt there was something missing. And I had high hopes that the second part would fulfill that feeling for me. And... it absolutely did. I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) is the perfect conclusion to an already incredible debut album. I think it goes without saying that I'll be listening to this non-stop as I wait patiently for Swims' next release. Incredible work... go and stream the album now wherever you get your music! Written By Isabel Mays Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

  • Review: "I Wanna Hate You" - Yorke

    Yorke’s latest single “I Wanna Hate You” dives deep into the messy and complicated emotions that come with trying to let go of someone who keeps pulling you back. The lyrics hit hard opening with “That’s cool you said forever then you closed the chapter”, setting the tone for a story about disappointment and unresolved feelings. Lines like “In three months time you’ll hit me up with some excuse to see me soon” perfectly capture that frustrating cycle of reconnecting even when you know better. And let’s be real, who hasn’t found themselves torn between wanting to cut ties but still caring too much? The chorus “I wanna hate you but I don’t sometimes” is painfully relatable for anyone who’s struggled with lasting affection for someone they probably shouldn’t care about anymore. This song doesn’t just tell a story—it puts words to those feelings we’ve all had but couldn’t quite express. Musically, “I Wanna Hate You” combines heartfelt lyrics with an upbeat pop vibe, creating a perfect mix of catchy and emotional. The production is spot-on, blending electronic beats with softer acoustic elements for a rich and layered sound. Yorke’s voice is the star of the show—vulnerable yet strong, pulling you right into her story. The track has a light and rhythmic groove that makes it easy to listen to on repeat even if the emotions it brings up hit you in the feels every time. Whether you’re dancing around the house or lying in bed thinking about that  person, the mood of this song is versatile and so easy to connect with. Yorke, an Australian alt-pop artist, is quickly becoming a name to know in the music scene. She’s known for her honest and emotional storytelling and fresh sound that blends dreamy pop vibes with sharp relatable lyrics. Over the past few years, she’s released a string of successful singles and EPs, building a loyal fanbase and earning critical praise for her artistry. Her music often explores themes like love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, which makes her songs super easy to connect with. “I Wanna Hate You” is her latest release, and it feels like just the beginning of another exciting chapter in her career. If you’re into music that makes you feel something, Yorke is definitely an artist to keep on your radar! Written By Caitlin Ridley FOLLOW YORKE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook | YouTube

  • Review: "Electric Love" - Adelina

    Singer-songwriter Adelina is back with her first single of the new year, Electric Love. Electric Love is a piece of high-energy electro-pop with a throwback 80s sound. Inspired by the likes of classic Micheal Jackson, Adelina revamps the aesthetics of 80s pop and makes it all her own. Electric Love features all the essential 80s elements; The synths are loud and the groove is undeniably funky. Simply put, Electric Love is straight fun. Adelina created the track as a way to lift her spirits and she more than succeeded Electric Love is the type of mood-boosting music that is impossible not to dance to while listening. Adelina has created a song that transports you directly back to the 80s yet sounds timeless. Electric Love is a near-pitch-perfect ode to that classic era of music. Adelina, a self-proclaimed perfectionist, started the track back in May of 2023. She spent over a year continually adding details to the instrumentation and over 200 vocal arrangements to make it just right. And these efforts absolutely show. The production is immaculate. The prominent drum beat and synth-heavy sound is as catchy as it is nostalgic. Adelina’s vocals are airy yet commanding, and her delivery showcases a star quality that makes the song soar. Electric Love is pure 80s magic. Adelina is a singer-songwriter based in London, England. The artist has been perfecting her craft for years now, and her career has already seen meteoric highs. Adelina’s sound, which blends genres like pop, afro beat, and Latin pop has made her well-renowned worldwide. In 2018 she collaborated with RedOne on the song “One World,” which went on receive over 36 million views on YouTube and became beIN SPORTS’ anthem for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Adelina has since released 8 more singles, including the massive hit “Chicken Suya,” leading to over 15,000 monthly listeners and 5 million downloads on Spotify alone. Adelina has already proven herself to be a pop superstar and she isn't stopping anytime soon. Be on the lookout for her next releases, and you can stream her entire discography, including, Electric Love, on all streaming platforma now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW ADELINA: Instagram   | Spotify  | Apple Music  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

  • "Heaven" - Syd Taylor

    Syd Taylor's newest song "Heaven" explores themes of longing, emotional vulnerability, and the search for solace. The song grapples with the idea of seeking refuge from the pain of heartbreak and personal turmoil, drawing listeners into a deeply introspective space. The theme of heaven, both literal and metaphorical, serves as a symbol of ultimate escape, a place free from suffering. As the track unfolds, there's an underlying sense of hope, suggesting that even in our lowest moments, there's a light to guide us forward. Taylor's lyrics evoke a sense of yearning for something greater -- whether it's inner peace, love, or spiritual transcendence. The track can be relatable when thinking about a situation that isn't good for you, but you stay in the hopes it'll change. "Heaven" sends the message of finding the strength to rise above the emotional weight that drags us down. "Heaven" is a beautifully layered track that merges atmospheric, ambient elements with a subtle electronic production, setting the stage for a dreamy mood throughout. The mood of the song is reflective and introspective, with an undercurrent of melancholy that's both soothing and haunting. Taylor's voice is ethereal yet commanding, effortlessly floating above the music with a raw, emotional quality that conveys vulnerability and longing. There's a sense of hope woven into the mix, giving the song a bittersweet feeling. The lyric, "Open the door / I could be your heaven" paired with the production paints a picture for the listener of the vulnerability with the plea. I love how Taylor's voice, draws you in, making the line feel personal and direct. It evokes the feeling of longing for connection and the emotional pull. Syd Taylor is an independent singer-songwriter, producer from Detroit, MI. Taylor has grown up with music, writing on guitar and piano. She was lead singer of the band, Stereo Jane, for 17 years but made a solo debut in 2024. Taylor attributes her musical influences to classic acts like The Beatles and Nina Simone . In her songs, Taylor sings with emotion about her experiences. Taylor uses modern pop and rock when producing, creating a blend of analog and digital. You can be on the look out for her first solo album coming soon. Written By Catherine Espejo FOLLOW SYD: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Website  | YouTube

  • Review: "Left in Your Love" - Loi

    Loving someone who doesn’t love you in the same way is a one way ticket to heartbreak. You give your all but they only give small doses in return just to keep you hooked to them. It’s a tough situation to get out of because no matter how little they give, you take it and force yourself to believe it’s enough. But once they decide you’re not enough, they leave and you’re left to question why you still care when they clearly never did. Loi released her new song “Left in Your Love” about the aftermath of a relationship like this. This song focuses on the anger and longing from grief and how difficult it can be to navigate. “Left in Your Love,” is an adult contemporary pop track that will be featured on Loi’s upcoming debut album that will release on February 7th. “Left in Your Love” is one of those songs you resonate with even if you haven’t found yourself living the exact situation. “Have you ever felt hurt? The kinda hurt that stays with you and just don’t wanna die.” Taking lyrics and finding ways to tie them into your own past experiences is the magic of music. This song was made for any person who has ever been hurt by someone they’ve loved and has drowned in the loss and back and forth of needing them and hating them. It holds rhythmic layers that have you tapping your feet with smooth harmonies that tickle the right part of your brain. Loi has an addictive dark tone to her voice that is so unique in such a beautiful way. Listening to her only leaves you craving more. Loi, also known as Leonie Greiner, is a German pop singer/songwriter who has been impressing artists including: Ed Sheeran, Nina and Mark Foster since she was only 14. She appeared on “The Voice Kids” in 2017 and made it all the way to the finale. This journey pushed her to start her own music career at 18 and she released her debut single “I Follow” in April of 2021. Since then she has been releasing singles in preparation for her debut album titled after “Left in Your Love.” Her music feels like home in her raw relatability and comforting voice. She has such a strong emotional range within her craft that can be rare to find at times. Give Loi a listen and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with her. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW LOI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Crocodile Tears" - Ellis King

    Wasting no time with an intro, Ellis King’s song “Crocodile Tears” is not one to miss. Track three on her new EP, Better Luck, “Crocodile Tears” highlights King’s emotive voice and ability to put situations that have hurt her into something productive. King stated that this track is about “dating someone who didn’t care as much about me as I did about them and them knowing from the start”. The title is an idiom used to describe a fake display of emotion, which is exactly the point King is trying to highlight. Throughout her lyrics, she shares that her ex never genuinely loved her, and that the limitations of their relationship stemmed from his lack of honesty. King’s soundscape starts calm and simplistic, with just a guitar and a piano line underneath the first verse. She opens the song with “I put up a whole facade / And you tore it down / I guess I can say thank you for that”. As the verse ends and we proceed into the chorus, cymbals crash and the song explodes into a cacophony of emotions. She sings, “Credit to your crocodile tears / Yeah they go undefeated / And after all the years of applause / Could you please just stay seated”. She belts her heart out on these lines, showing true emotion and heartbreak. She stays strong, however, and knows that it is better to let this relationship end now, rather than stick around in a situation that only makes her feel worse. Born in Tasmania and now based in Melbourne, Australia, Ellis King is on the rise. Armed with a music industry education, King is partnered with Collective Artists, an independent booking agency based in Australia. With a sound similar to that of Gracie Abrams, Maisie Peters and Lizzy McAlpine, King is jumping right into the indie-pop scene with ease. With almost 20,000 monthly Spotify listeners amassed in the past year since King started releasing music, she is no doubt going to take the world by storm. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Ellis King. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW ELLIS KING: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Sacrifice" - Beth Morgan

    Catapult yourself into an eccentric, blood-pumping musical atmosphere with Beth Morgan’s “Sacrifice”. This single from Morgan is one that pleasantly took me by surprise. Upon my first look at the single’s artwork, just simply judging a book by its cover, I expected the track to fall under an umbrella specifically between alternative and pop. With an edgy, dark, Victorian-like cover art, the actual contents of “Sacrifice” seamlessly both fit the general vibe the cover art gives off as well as strays far away from the look of the cover. The track incorporates an upbeat, hope-filled sound with serious, complex lyrics. While the sound may appear overall happy and dreamy, the lyrics to “Sacrifice” speak true to experiences of wondering if the people in your life / the one you love & trust most will make sacrifices for you as you would for them. It’s a concept that treads a line in relationships, marking if there will be a change for the better or lead to a re-configuration of the connection. From the first note, “Sacrifice” struck me with its mysterious and dark energy. Morgan’s voice comes in with raw power and lyrics that cut deep. The words she chose to include – “hoax”, “god”, etc., paint a very particular picture that allows listeners to immediately gravitate to what Morgan is saying and leave you wanting more. These lyrics speak to a commonly shared human experience where one person has been mistreated by a once-loved-one, while the other seems to easily move on with their life and is not aware of the damage they’ve caused. Morgan’s ultimate question displayed throughout this song – “What would you sacrifice for me?” is a hard-hitting, weighted question that not only speaks to people but additionally emphasizes the details that Morgan interconnects in this material. Details like money, fame, and ego mentioned in the song both provide a deeper explanation to the connection spoken about in this song and are, simply, just good examples of songwriting. Through “Sacrifice”, Morgan has created a space where people can simultaneously feel free, enjoy quality music, and explore their emotions. Beth Morgan is a Welsh singer-songwriter from Wales, UK. Since childhood, Morgan has had a deep love & appreciation for music and artistry. After studying music throughout school, she went on to extend her education in university. Growing up having spent time surrounded by powerful female role models, in addition to hearing tales from Welsh folklore detailing resilient and vulnerable women, Morgan has gained a deep respect and appreciation for women who fight for what they believe in and true honesty. This translates into her music, as her sound weaves together strong stories and aspects of several varying genres – folk, indie, pop, classical, alternative, etc. In March of 2023, Morgan released her first single titled “Kissing Strangers”. The melodic, piano-backed track kicked off her career on a high note and showcases her ability to write incredibly touching lyrics and pour herself into her sound. Since the release of “Kissing Strangers”, Morgan has been steadily releasing music that will catch your attention and leave you craving more. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW BETH MORGAN: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

  • Album Review: "The Child" - Geowulf

    Geowulf has released not only their 3rd album, but their first ever solo album project, titled "The Child", surrounding sole member Star Kendrick and her very personal journey of becoming a mother. TRACKLIST Dreaming Memory Serves Like Lightning Can't Read Your Mind Stay Baby Dolly Angry Beer to Bed (Time to Kill) Unsay It All Something Good Nightmare Hungry For My Heart The Child Geowulf was previously a dream-pop duo by singer/songwriter and musician Star Kendrick with collaborator Toma Banjanin . Both from Queensland, Australia and eventually becoming based in London, England, the pair had known each other since they were teenagers, and even became sibling in-laws. They debuted in 2016 with their single "Salt Water" which currently has over 55 million streams on Spotify alone. After the release of their second album, "My Resignation" in 2019, they amicably decided it was time for Banjanin to split from the project due to time constraints. Don't worry though, they're still besties! No drama here. Although of course Star misses having Banjanin around, this was also freeing for her in her artistic journey, as she felt she could write music that was just for her and not for the both of them. Not only did the sound of Geowulf begin to change, but so did the life of Star, as in 2023 she found herself becoming a mother and a certified social worker. This was also the time she began writing what would become Geowulf's 3rd album, "The Child". This album explores themes of having to make big changes, pondering the future, romance challenges, following your dreams, motherhood, and processing your past. Dreaming We kick off the album with the single "Dreaming", accompanied with a music video. "Dreaming" is about the toxic patriarchy we still live in today, where women are made to feel like we have to choose between having a successful career or having a family life. Star Kendrick wrote this song before she had her baby, when she didn't know if having a child would be compatible with her music career. Geowulf sings, "If I could let myself dream, would anybody stop me?". The moral of the story is here, if you want something bad enough, you will make it happen, regardless of what society tries to tell you. "Dreaming" has a beautiful, classic, dare I say, dreamy , soundscape. It has essences of power pop, with a vinyl record quality. Geowulf sing's as if she's a 1950's pop star, with gentle harmonies to back her up. Memory Serves Like Lightning Next we have "Memory Serves Like Lightning", a title that really just captures you attention and sticks with you. When I saw this title, I kept saying it over and over again in my head; wow what an incredible title. It makes even more sense when you come to find that the song is about PTSD and trauma. The hook literally goes, "Memory serves like lightning when you come back to haunt me". This song is very relatable for many, but yet it doesn't feel like a sad song. In fact, it's more cathartic than anything. The style feels nostalgic, and leans heaviest towards indie rock with a 60's type of groove, heavy emphasis on percussion, guitar and lots of reverb. Geowulf sings with a raw, conversational tone to make the song feel even more intimate. Can't Read Your Mind "Can't Read Your Mind" is the most recent single off the album, and it's a whole vibe. This song is about when you have a partner who has trouble expressing their feelings, and it's not because of a lack of effort on your part. Communication is key when making a relationship work, so if they're going to hold everything inside and not tell you how to make things better when your relationship is going down hill, then you're just going to have to let them go; hey, you're not a mind reader. "Can't Read Your Mind" has a super catchy pop/rock groove, featuring a sparkling synth riff and slide guitar. Stay Baby "Stay Baby" is a deeply personal song where Star writes about what she imagined it was like for her own mother to be pregnant with her. The verses tell a detailed story, while the chorus switches into this new perspective, as if it's being sung by Star's mother herself, begging the man she loves to stay while she is carrying his child. "Stay Baby" is accompanied by a music video, that I highly recommend watching while you listen. It seems Star finds herself looking back on her mothers story, and is relating and empathizing with her mother now that she is becoming a mother herself. Dolly "Dolly" is about that moment when you finally are meeting up with the person you fell in love with again, after they fell off the face of the Earth for a good while. Of course there's going to be some sort of hope that things can still work out, but most likely they're still not going to reciprocate those feelings. If you're wondering about the title of this song, it's because of these lyrics right here - "I drank all your gin when I saw you again, but I keep my eyes open / and we sang our heart's out to Dolly Parton, and my body kept on saying 'you're so complicated'". This song has a stunning, folk rock soundscape that was giving me young Stevie Nicks vibes, mixed with just a little country twang in the instrumentals to nod at Dolly Parton . Angry "Angry" is about when someone you loved took everything from you, and never gave anything back; emotionally and physically. This is your validation song that it is okay to feel angry when someone screws you over. Geowulf sings, "'Cause love shouldn't feel like this; I know it shouldn't feel like this" . When you think of the word "Angry", you probably think of a fast-paced, heavy, loud rock song - but that's not what this song is. It's slower, somber, haunting and chilling to the bone. It's acoustic guitar driven, with a dissonant piano riff that I absolutely adore. As the song goes on, it does build dynamically, adding in a gentle lead electric guitar. Beer to Bed (Time to Kill) They always say you find love when you least expect it, right? "Beer to Bed (Time to Kill)" tells the tale of two people who hook up when they need a distraction from their lives; Little did they know, they were just two lonely people who needed someone to understand them, and by the end of the song they end up falling in love. "Beer to Bed (Time to Kill)" has a nostalgic soft rock soundscape, with one of the catchiest basslines you'll ever hear. The hook melody is also an ear-worm, sang so powerfully and full of emotion that it'll definitely get stuck in your head even after just one listen. Unsay It All "Unsay It All" is about the desperation of wanting the person you love to say the things you want to hear for once instead of breaking your heart; things like "I will change" and "I will listen" . You're tired of always being the one to pick up their mood, and not receiving the same love and effort back. What about your feelings? "Unsay It All" is filled with synths and nostalgic 80's vibes. It has a slide lead guitar, with heavy reverb on everything to give a dreaminess to the somber atmosphere. Geowulf sings with a soft, whispery tone, almost as if she's running out of energy or giving up on this person. Something Good "Something Good" is about how Star hasn't necessarily has the most mundane life story. Things that others have that are considered normal, are necessities that Star wishes she could have, and shouldn't be taken for granted. For her, a "normal" life is something she craves sometimes. "Something Good" is a beautiful piano ballad, that builds into this heavenly, cathartic and emotional atmosphere that really pulls at your heart strings. It's like a religious experience as the energy runs higher and higher; layers of vocals fall on top of each other, creating this chant-like moment, a plead for "Something Good". It's a perfect chance to sing along, as it's a relatable song for many, as we've all wanted an opportunity to have something better for ourselves. Nightmare "Nightmare" is a tribute song to former Geowulf partner and Star's best friend, Toma Banjanin. Although Star expressed she was able to have more creative freedom with the project with Toma leaving, it was also really emotional and hard on her to see him go. After all, they'd been close for a very long time, and collaborative partners for almost a decade. Their creative chemistry was undeniable, and seeing Toma having to let go of that side of him due to time constraints was really hard for Star. It was also hard to get used to doing things on her own. Yes, it was freeing, but she would also miss having him around. Star sings, "Give me all your dreams, I’ve been holding back on you". She sings with such strength and heavy emotion on this track, with an incredibly catchy indie pop instrumentation to back her up. Hungry For My Heart "Hungry For My Heart" is about someone who romances you with harmful intentions. This song is so different from the others on this album, but in the best way. It features a marching snare drum beat, with poetic lyricism and a very cinematic soundscape. The words are so intellectual, but you can still understand. It emotionally impacts so intensely, it feels like a knife straight to the heart - especially if you've ever been manipulated and heartbroken like this before. The soaring and twinkling instrumentation pairs beautifully with the vocal harmony arrangement, giving this song an almost medieval war vibe. The Child Lastly, we have the title track, "The Child", which is deeply personal song that dives into the unresolved feelings of Star's own childhood and upbringing. Raised by her grandmother, Star uses these memories to help guide her with what kind of mother, or perhaps also what not kind of mother she wants to be. "The Child" is a slow-tempo, indie pop-rock song, with a dreamy, heavy reverbed soundscape. You feel like you're floating on a cloud while you're listening to this. It melancholic, almost bittersweet. It sums up why Star wrote this album in the first place, and leaves us with a great sense of closure. Geowulf's first solo project proves that Star Kendrick, is in fact, a star of her own. "The Child" takes a whole new approach not only in sound and style, but in emotional depth as well, creating this new chance for audiences to connect with Geowulf on a level like never before. I hope that this album gives Star the confidence she needed to know that not only does she have the ability to make impactful music as a solo artist, but that she can still follow her dreams and be a wonderful mother at the same time. This album and Star's story is so incredibly inspiring, especially for women in the industry, and I can't wait to see what she does next. Keep up with Geowulf by follow the project's social pages below! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW GEOWULF: Instagram | X | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

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