Search Results

Teaming up with fellow alt-pop powerhouse BELLSAINT, LACES has released her latest single, "American Grime." Shedding light on the inspiration behind the track, LACES shares, "When we wrote this song together we were looking for catharsis about grinding it out to get closer to our American Dream. The reality often feels closer to selling ourselves as content rather than creators. We are often juggling as many side hustles as we can to survive and we know that’s not unique to us or our industry. The song explores our shared reality of 'American Grime…where the money’s slick and we all stay sick.'" Despite the difficult subject matter of the lyrics, "American Grime" is an upbeat anthem that reminds listeners to stay true to themselves and not get dragged down by trying to achieve the American dream. The track has an addictive indie/dance-pop soundscape, featuring infectious beats, unforgettable melodies, and explosive choruses to get listeners moving. LACES and BELLSAINT's vocals blend and harmonize well together, showing off their vocal prowess as they alternate between breathy verses and belted, soaring lines. LACES, aka Jessica Vaughn, has set out to defy genre norms, crafting authentic and introspective songs through her adult alt-pop sound. Under her legal name, Vaughn is a seasoned songwriter and producer for TV and film, having placements on major networks like CW, Netflix, and ABC. As for LACES' partner in crime on "American Grime," BELLSAINT is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter aka Caroline Brooks. The artist has a timeless alt-pop sound, drawing inspiration from the likes of Johnny Cash and Stevie Nicks . Also a seasoned talent in the entertainment industry, BELLSAINT's music has been featured in popular shows like Riverdale , The Handmaid’s Tale , and Pretty Little Liars . Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW LACES: Instagram | Spotify   FOLLOW BELLSAINT: Instagram   | Spotify

In her newest single, "Red Flag," Janet Devlin manifests her dream man. She describes having an all-around good guy; he goes to church, wants a family, doesn't smoke, and only has one flaw: he loves his woman even at her most crazy. Janet's country-pop mashup is about acting like a walking red flag and finding the one who loves you regardless. Janet's personality infuses the track with such vigor. Her insanely relatable lyricism is equal parts irreverent and honest, and the chorus is an instant earworm. It's just a delightful listen all around. A reminder to embrace your flaws because the person meant for you will love them even more than your strengths. Janet manages an incredible balancing act on "Red Flag." On the upbeat and occasionally tongue-in-cheek track, she shows a vulnerable and emotionally honest side to herself. The lyrics, co-written by Kaity Rae and Ben Earles of The Shires fame, are candid depictions of what it is like to deal with emotional irregularity. "I cry on the phone and I don't make it easy" are admirably open admissions from the artist. This track, as well as her upcoming album, Emotional Rodeo, deals with the ups and downs that come from mental health issues. "Red Flag" spins its titular term from the usual insult into the empowering message that no matter what all deserve--and will receive love. Janet's newest single will have you wave your red flags with pride. Janet Devlin is an Irish singer-songwriter who needs no introduction. The 29-year-old musician debuted on the X-factor, racking up tens of millions of views with her powerhouse performances. Her debut studio album, "Running with Scissors," from 2015, reached number one on the Indie Breakers Chart, and her follow-up "Confessional" included smash hits like "Friday I'm in Love" and "Whisky Lullabies." Those two tracks alone have a collective 23 million+ streams on Spotify. The singer currently has over 94,000 monthly listeners on the aforementioned streaming platform and 600,000 subscribers on YouTube. Janet's career is already massive and yet just getting started with Emotional Rodeo slated to come out soon. You can listen to "Red Flag," along with the rest of Janet's discography on all streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW JANET: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Isaac French pulls at our heartstrings by giving us a song that is not only relatable but heartbreaking in an utterly beautiful way. Isaac French tells us a story about being sucked in by someone who ultimately says goodbye time and time again only to keep reappearing in his life once again. It's the wrestling of feelings once you've been led on and reflecting on the relationship as a whole. Some of the powerful lyrics that drive the point home are, "You say that we were meant to be / I wish I knew that was a lie / All the times you say you love me, / Didn't know we'd say goodbye," and "Tell your friends we're fine, / I guess that's how it goes / Say you want to talk / Then you don't pick up the phone." As the listener we can feel the emotions that linger within these lyrics and the way they're delivered to us feels like a punch to the gut, but in the most impactful way possible. In 'False Goodbyes' Isaac French weaves together gentle guitar melodies and piano chords. By doing so they create a warm and comforting atmosphere, which adds to the overall mood of the song. Because the melody of the song is gentle and soft, it allows us to sit with our emotions and it invokes deeper thinking, which adds to the element of wrestling with our thoughts and feelings. Isaac French then incorporates lyrics that pack a powerful punch. His voice blends with the rest of the music beautifully which helps us as the listener better digest the mood and meaning of what we're being told, all of the elements of the song together bring light to the whole situation. Even though it's not a particularly happy song, it makes us feel warm on the inside, we feel seen. Isaac French is a St. Albans native. He was born into a musical family where his love for music began at an early age. During his time touring with Nina's Brew as a percussionist and vocalist, he self-funded and released a debut album entitled 'Human Being.' It was produced by Christopher Hawthorn. The debut album 'Human Being' consists of ten songs with catchy hooks and clever lyrics. The album resulted in French being named 'Best Pop Artist' by Vermont's Seven Days Magazine in 2019. Isaac continues to work on and release even more music. Make sure to check out 'False Goodbyes' by Isaac French. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Isaac French: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

"All I Want Is You" by Scharlinna will light you up with its lovestruck message. Captivated by a certain someone, the lyrics use repetition in a titillating and resonant display of need. The song starts by wrapping itself in the love language of physical touch, using its lyrics like a cycle of feeling and connection. Expressing a need for the connection to last, the chorus amplifies the want to foster and maintain the love shared through their bodies, minds, and souls. This is the perfect song for any love birds out there, letting you roll around in that continual feeling of want and need though its glowing message. The way you feel your heart racing and your body relaxing into a new relationship is brought to life by the invigorating and whimsical sound of "All I Want Is You". Pulsing synth chords will lift you into a breezy feeling, pairing beautifully with the resonant atmosphere of Scharliina's uniquely high vocals. Whispers of electronically altered high vocals are interspersed throughout the song, adding to the magically sonorous feel of the track. Fast-paced singing brings an urgency and excitement to the verse. Bringing an energizing contrast, the chorus spaces out its lines with bright and dance-inspiring instrumentals. Scharliina is a multidisciplinary artist from Finland who spreads important messages through her platform. She is a singer, songwriter, producer, actress, and model whose acting credits include Netflix's film "The Abyss" . Scharliina was a member of the Swedish pop duo Lightworkers, whose music presented an empowering lightness in its house/pop sound. Presently, her music covers love and introspection, and brings representation to topics including abuse and mental illness, and acts as a powerful show of solidarity to people who need to feel heard. Her activism with the Little Girl Project brings awareness to child sexual abuse, and Scharliina uses her music to make her voice heard and give honesty and power to the message. Check out the links below to learn more about her work and listen to her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW SCHARLIINA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In a vulnerable and honest look at being passed over by someone you want to love you, gaaren's song "Better" will take you through waves of questioning and reflection. The song lays the speaker's situation out plainly: they wanted to have a relationship with a person who claimed they were not looking for that. The speaker settled for spending time with them in a casual way, and in the meantime that person fell in love with someone else. This song tells a story that many people can relate to, in being deceived when it comes to love. The first verse ends with the pressing question, "why keep me in the loop?" Bringing in feelings of regret, the chorus repeats the words "I should have known better". The lyrics move on to a somber and pessimistic view on love, taking on the pain and rejection of the situation. This song will hit you where it hurts, showing the emotional wounds that come from being used. While the message of "Better" captures that bitter sting of romantic deceit, its light indie style coasts the storytelling through a romanticized sound that feels like moving on. A calmly soothing blend of twinkling high instrumental note patterns, along with atmospheric guitar and piano, bring a matter-of-factness to the melancholic lyrics. Fluttering vocalizing throughout the song add a prettiness to the sound that feels uplifting. Carine Gaaren's vocals are breathy through the verse with smooth high notes, gaining a slight edginess through the insistent pre-chorus, and a resolute lightness in the chorus. This song truly brings the meaning of 'being the bigger person' to life allowing its bright tune to move on from the complex emotions in its lyrics. gaaren is a pop group from Norway who embody a Scandinavian dance style in their sound. The group is a trio consisting of Carine Gaaren, Johan Nes, and Teodor Kleive-Andersen. Their music brings a multi-dimensional sound to deep and meaningful lyrics about love and growth. gaaren has opened for Sigrid , and plays shows alongside other artists with an upcoming performance in Oslo with leoleo . The band has received praise from the Norwegian broadcasting company NRK , and continues to captivate listeners with their entrancing sound and wistful lyricism. Check out the links below to explore their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW GAAREN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

Unspoken feelings and powerful chemistry is a recipe for disaster. Embracing these feelings could either start a relationship or end one. Sometimes when you’re scared it’s easy to be timid about how you truly feel. “Shy Love” by Beth Morgan explores this sensation and sings how she wishes things could feel different. Although there might be some hesitation on if you should act on your feelings or not, the adrenaline that comes with the wishful thinking could be a leading influence. In this song, Beth is singing about a girl she likes that she has intense chemistry with, although Beth is ready to explore what their relationship might be like, the other girl isn’t. When she sings about shy love, she’s saying don’t be afraid to love how you want and when you want to. Of course, she also sings about how she’s there for support, because coming out can be scary for many people in the LGBTQIA+ community. Beth has a very bold attitude, which is admirable and inspiring. For listeners in the same situation, I honestly feel like it will be helpful and reassuring. “Shy Love” is a perfect pop song that blends modern pop with 80s’ techno elements. The intro of the song is unique, and was truly an immediate attention grabber. It’s hard to replicate or achieve an authentic 80s sound without going overboard, but “Shy Love” did it seamlessly. The song is whimsical and also strongly radiates summer energy. Beth’s voice is very captivating. Her ability to sing in different registers and sound great whether she’s singing in a higher or lower key is mesmerizing. The production is what really makes the song what it is. Beth Morgan is a singer from Wales. She has always had an interest in music, and she’s a grade 8 pianist and classical vocalist. Beth is no stranger to performing for a live audience, she’s previously performed at a packed-out crowd at Royal Albert Hall. What makes Beth unique is that she is unapologetically herself, and that is definitely expressed in her music. She now has over seven thousand monthly listeners on Spotify and her song “Her” has over 78,000 streams. Beth is definitely a rising star. Don’t be shy, check out “Shy Love” and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW BETH MORGAN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Ava August's single "The End" is an emotionally-charged message of finality to an ex. Reflecting on the difficulties of post-breakup healing, the speaker has a sense of clarity that comes from the realization that they do not deserve the blame for causing pain. Words like "when you've got a scar, left with a broken heart, I really thought it was my fault" put the true weight of the relationship into perspective. When one person feels responsible for keeping the other safe, there's a whole web of personal wellness that gets put on the backburner for the sake of the other. The chorus is a liberating and clear-cut message to the ex, blatantly closing the door to that person and any more hurt they could cause. Listening to this song gives you an important reminder to prioritize yourself when you're in a relationship and to block away the potential for more hurt when you've just left one. It will give you that invigorating feeling of slamming the door in the face of someone who hurt you. This pop rock track feels like an honest confession, blending Ava's expressive vocals with invigorating instrumentals. The song opens with a captivating blend of percussion, narrative vocals, and gentle guitar. Ava's singing has a textured emotion through the low notes that Paramore fans will love. A massive jump in volume reigns in the chorus, making the verse a perfect build to an energetic release of truth and emotion. In the chorus, the lyrics are powerfully projected over heavy percussion and reverberating guitar that truly reflects the power of her statements. In a boldly therapeutic expression, her voice melismatically soars with the final words of the chorus, "the end". Thrill, power, and authenticity will enthrall you through the sound of this song. Ava August is an 18-year-old musician with strong and unique vocal talents. Her lyricism uses personal reflections that bring a genuine depth to her songwriting talents. Ava plays multiple instruments including guitar and piano. She has been writing songs since she was nine years old, and has released seven singles within the past four years that truly showcase her deep and moving style. Ava has collaborated with other artists like Louis Knight on the song "Miss You". From ballads to pop that will make you dance, the vocals, tune, and storytelling in Ava's songs will lift you into her immersive sound. Check out the links below to keep up with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW AVA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

When the intensity is hot and you're craving a whole new level of connection, listen to Drew Now's song "In My Bed". Embodying the all-consuming tension and connection of a friendship that's teetering on the lines of romance, this track takes that bold and brave step of telling the other person how you feel. With a daring and playful proposition, the lyrics say "you've been everywhere but in my bed". Through the assertive excitement, a touch of fear sprinkles through with the worry that the speaker has read the signals wrong, but the lyrics don't let those pesky doubts hold them back. Perfect for listers who like the thrill of the chase or just want to live in those new-romance jitters, this track will lift you up. A dreamy mood moves through the vocals and instrumentals of "In My Bed". Drew's high and smooth singing swirls through high notes and brings an intimate breathiness in lower parts. She uses pauses in the lyrics throughout to up the edgy and invigorating intensity of the lyrics. The electronic instrumentals bring a floaty and resonant comfort through the verses, with an almost hypnotic allure. Throughout the chorus, a groovy pattern of notes punctuates each line in a way that gives a suggestive movement to the lyrics. Background vocals cushion the lyrics with an alluringly seductive sound, and an R&B-style percussion smoothly supports the song. If you're into music as rhythmic as it is bold, this is definitely a song for you. Drew Now is a Canadian singer and songwriter based in Nashville. She began her musical journey as a kid, resonating with music at church and on CD's that belonged to her sisters. At the age of 16 she released her debut EP, and has continued to write music that explores complex and vulnerable themes that listeners connect with. Drew participated in season 13 of America's Got Talent , and has written music for Grammy-winning musicians. Her high and groovy vocals, openly expressive lyrics, and indie pop style offer listeners an uplifting addition to their pop playlists. Check out the links below to enjoy her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW DREW: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook

There are very few things more vulnerable than a song begging for love, and that is exactly what roger weeks has released with “Caught in the Chaos”. With simple guitar fingerpicking twinkling in the background, weeks takes his chance to explain to his lover just how pure they are, and just how well they really work. His lyricism paints the picture of the two of them sitting side by side, and him laying his love out on the line. They go back and forth expressing faults and triumphs, and analyzing their relationship as well as the crazy world around them. Weeks stated that the soundscape was intended to feel like an intimate moment shared by a campfire, just their love and the moon up above. He certainly hits this sensitive intent, and the two are able to forget about just how dark things are when they are together. Weeks has a knack for songwriting, and his lyrics realistically depict what it feels like to be in a touch and go relationship, where you know each other inside and out, sometimes too well. He opens this track with the lyrics, "You said ‘You've been inside for a while / Can I take you away and try and make you smile?’ / A pair of lonely hearts running in the sun / Burning our bridges so we can't get back to where we started from”. So simply describing their interactions, and yet so relatable to those in this position: the need to make your partner happy while also acknowledging that sometimes you are what makes them upset. My personal favorite lyrics are the pre-chorus, which is “Turned in the crosswind, tattered and frozen / Circles that always come back to you / My anchor in the night, we wait for the storm to roll through” and the last line of the chorus: “The world might be ending, I wanna be there for you”. These lines all show just how intertwined these lovers are, and just how much they mean to each other. Knowing that even if the world was ending, that one person can make it feel okay is such a special thing, and Weeks knows their love should not go to waste. Roger Weeks hails from a small town in New Hampshire, which he thanks for the influences in his music. Raised by the sounds of the wind in the forest and crickets chirping in the summer, Weeks feel in love with music at a young age, and ties these vibes into his music. With a similar sound to Noah Kahan, Kacey Musgraves, and Lord Huron, Weeks has stated that his goal in his artistry is to create music that makes others feel less alone in life. He aims to add vulnerability and honesty in his work, which listeners have definitely felt and appreciated in his music so far. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Roger Weeks. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW ROGER WEEKS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

The experiences that break us apart make us who we are, and Drew Schueler's song "Happy That I Met You" gives an uplifting perspective to this truth. With a beautifully inspiring message of moving on, the lyrics dive into the hurt the speaker felt after a relationship. Calling their ex "a pressure point", resonating with anyone who understand the raw and weak vulnerability of a breakup. Spinning that vulnerability into a positive, this song will encourage you to feel gratitude for the struggles you have gone through. Whether you're clinging to the pain of a breakup or hoping to see the brighter side of things, this track will inspire you with its perspective of growth. Hurt and healing emerge through the cinematic sound of "Happy That I Met You". Drew's soulful vocals are incredibly expressive, and will take you through heartache and relief with his tone. Blending soothing piano with atmospheric electronic instrumentals, a somber mood starts the song. The sound tells a story, moving from a calmer, hazy sense of heartache to genuine understanding, and finally to an uplifting melody. Percussion wakes the soulful journey of the lyrics, and various instrumentals layer different emotions into the song. Guitar in the second verse brings a down-to-Earth sense of revelation, while violin near the end of the track brings an enlightened sense of freedom reflected by the lyrics. Fans of Shawn Mendes and Lewis Capaldi will love emotionally expressive style of this song. Drew Schueler is a Nashville-based pop artist who performs, writes, and produces music. His songwriting talents have taken him far, having won the Grand Prize in the Nashville Songwriters Association International Song Contest in 2023, on top of becoming a finalist in multiple songwriting competitions. "Somebody", a song he wrote for D.O ., debuted last year at #1 on iTunes in countries across the globe, and amassing over 33 million streams on Spotify. On top of writing and producing for other artists, Drew has a heartfelt vocal style and lyricism in his own music. Check out the links below to listen to his songs! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW DREW: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photo credits: Adobe Stock October is here and the weather has finally been transitioning to cooler temperatures. Leaves are turning different shades of red, yellow, and orange, giving us the perfect cozy atmosphere that makes fall, well, fall. To get us in the mood for the change in season, here are Pop Passion's picks for Pop Songs For Your Autumn Playlist. 1. Noah Kahan - "Stick Season" One of many songs from Noah Kahan that are perfect for fall, "Stick Season" pays homage to a term used for autumn in New England, representing the period after Halloween before winter snow begins. The track was released in 2022 and has been a huge success for Kahan, especially after being covered by singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo . “Stick Season” is a folk-pop hit, featuring an earthy soundscape and unforgettable melodies that make it an addictive addition to an autumn playlist. 2. Florence + The Machine - "Wish That You Were Here" Released in 2016, Florence + The Machine's "Wish That You Were Here" was featured on the soundtrack for Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children , collaborating with director Tim Burton . The track matches Burton's artistic themes, focusing on dark romance and fantasy that make it perfect for the Halloween/fall season. 3. Bon Iver - "Hey, Ma" Coming from their fourth studio album, I, I , Bon Iver's "Hey, Ma" was released in 2019 as the album's lead single and was nominated for Record of the Year at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. The track is a lovely mix of soft rock, dream pop, and folktronica, giving it a homey feeling that pairs well with the transition to autumn. 4. Fleetwood Mac - "Rhiannon" A classic from 1975, Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon" is the epitome of Halloween and fall with its witchy vibes and spooky sound. The track was written by Stevie Nicks who based the lyrics on the novel Triad by Mary Bartlet Leader, depicting the story of a woman named Branwen who is possessed by the witch Rhiannon. With the song's lore and eerie composition, it's a must-listen in October. 5. girl in red - "we fell in love in october" Released as a single in 2018, girl in red's "we fell in love in october" has been making the rounds on social media just in time for fall. The track is a blend of indie-pop and pop-rock, having a soft, airy soundscape that makes it sound like pumpkin spice and everything nice. 6. JVKE - "this is what autumn feels like" Perfect for fans of "Golden Hour," JVKE's "this is what autumn feels like" captures the essence of fall between the song's enchanting instrumentals and immersive lyricism. Depicting the magic that comes with the season, "this is what autumn feels like" has a soundscape that paints a picture, featuring flowing arpeggios that imitate the falling of leaves, tender strings that feel like a warm cup of tea on a cool day, and powerful choruses that match how fall washes the world in a golden glow. 7. The Neighbourhood - "Sweater Weather" Matching the cooler temperatures that fall ushers in, The Neighbourhood's "Sweater Weather" is an obvious choice to get you in the mood for soup and pumpkin spice season. The fast-paced pop-rock sensation comes from the group's debut studio album, I Love You , topping the charts in 2013 and making it a nostalgic pick for an autumn playlist. 8. Jack Stauber - "Oh Klahoma" Coming from his third studio album, Pop Food , Jack Stauber's "Oh Klahoma" has become one of his most famous songs since its 2017 release. The track is not necessarily about fall, but it is often associated with the season and Halloween as "Oh Klahoma" became part of a trend on social media, accompanying reels of users wearing ghost costumes. 9. Lana Del Rey - "Season of the Witch" Originally a song by Scottish singer Donovan , Lana Del Rey covered "Season of the Witch" for the 2019 adaptation of Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark . Del Rey's version of the song is a compelling combination of light and eerie, making it a charming addition to any Halloween playlist. Do you have any favorite songs for fall? Are there any in this list you'll be adding to your autumn playlist? Let us know on our socials! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Meet self-reflection in an atmospheric sphere of folk pop and melodic vocality with “Trust Your Gut” from artist Maisie May. This track blends together the ear-catching effect of electronic music with the soft nature of folk music, creating a genre-bent masterpiece. “Trust Your Gut” starts off with a static-like sound, similar to an older television. This small detail sets the tone of the song – nostalgic, light, and cleverly layered. Like the implementation of this older television song in the introduction to the song, the song carries on with a balance between electronic music, folk, pop, alternative, etc. The song refuses to be defined by any genre, yet utilizes the best of mind-intriguing, complex, and beloved genres. In its entirety, “Trust Your Gut” is a song of a quality that has the power to put Maisie May into a different music playing field. This track has a sound that brings scenes of comfort to mind. May’s both kind and powerful vocals give “Trust Your Gut” the sensation that I believe every song should have – a personal touch. While listening to the track, you can hear the sadness in her voice for the person she once was/has been. In addition, you can also hear the grace that she has for herself. The lyrics detail the confusion and difficulties of figuring out life, changing over time, and the struggle one has with themselves. May does a brilliant job of being honest, showing growth, and self-awareness as well as maturity through this in-depth and raw lyricism. “Trust Your Gut” discusses both the hardships and joys of life, and May carries her voice in a way that shows the balance between navigating happiness and sadness. The overall sound of the song reflects on this as well – the mix of both electronic instrumentals alongside soft guitar specifically show the range of reflection May has brought through this song. Maisie May is an artist based out of Los Angeles, California. Outside of making music, May works as a server at her restaurant job. She spends the 1-hour commute to her job in her beloved 24-year-old Mercedes Benz, listening to demos she’s working on and daydreaming about romance. May’s life involves a blending of caffeine, love, obsession, artistic collaboration, brain-numbing work, blind faith, and a rude amount of gasoline. Since moving to Los Angeles from New York in 2023, May has released two EP’s – “2much2give” and “Flirty Masochist”. Most recently, May released the single “Trust Your Gut”. Currently, she resides in Los Angeles and is actively working on releasing new music. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW MAISIE MAY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube