"Fairweather Friends" by Will Sass (featuring Nina Nesbitt) is a reflective song about coming to terms with a connection's end, with the speaker understanding that they deserve better than the way they were treated in the relationship. The song opens with the statement "you loved me on the good days, then ran when things got heavy." Immediately, listeners are immersed in the non-committal and half-hearted nature of the speaker's ex. It's a lonely feeling, having your partner not go all-in on your relationship, understanding that not every day can be fun. Exploring the positive change in the speaker's life that came from cutting the draining and unsupportive person off, this track inspires listeners to escape from relationships in which they feel unheard. Pulsing electronic instrumentals, keys, and rhythmic percussion accompany Nina's soft vocals, which start off soulful and breathy before speeding up and reaching impressive heights. Through the chorus, percussion sounds like a clap as the vocals move through the lyrics with a rounded and uplifting feeling. An electropop instrumental interlude comes in after the chorus before gliding back into the second verse. Showcasing impressive high vocals, through the beginning of the second chorus the instrumentals are faded before joining in with an exciting energy. This is the type of song you can play on repeat, perfect for hyping yourself up and basking in the freedom of cutting ties with those that drag you down. Will Sass is a New York-based musician with talents as a producer and singer. His music has been featured on several Spotify editorial playlists, and has amassed hundreds of thousands of streams. With an exciting dance-pop style, he infuses a cinematic feeling into his lyrics and sound. He continues to create dynamic music, building on his other collaborations, featuring artists like kamille and Alvin Risk on his songs. Nina Nesbitt is a Scottish singer and songwriter who has hundreds of millions of streams on her songs, and nearly 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Check out the links below to keep up with their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW WILL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube FOLLOW NINA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

The confidence and honesty in "Main Character" by Mel Senese will empower you to make the right decisions for yourself. This track takes listeners into the speaker's rather specific situation of wanting to vacation in Nashville, but wanting to avoid stepping into another person's relationship genre. With bold and blatantly clear lyrics like "I could use a week and you're stepping on my vibe" shut down an attempt to commandeer the speaker's fun and free escape from life with problems that do not even concern her. With an inspiring message to not let other people's issues take away from your self-care time or your well-being, this track tells listeners to prioritize themselves. Percussion and captivatingly charismatic vocals open the song, carrying the confidence of the lyrics in their tone. Mel's voice is deep and strong, moving into the chorus and loudly projecting over the sound of warm electric guitar. In the second verse, layered vocals punctuate the punchy points of the lyrics, making them hit that much harder with their exciting texture. Cool interludes of sound like the ticking of a clock after the word "time" make the style of this song playful alongside the boldness of its message. An electric guitar interlude picks up into the bridge before the chorus is played backed by simple acoustic strumming. Layered singing blends passionate belting and melodic vocals to end the track with power. Mel Senese is a pop-rock artist from Chicago who infuses her music with an invigorating alternative style. Her talents earned her the 2017 title of "Chicago Big Break Champion." Mel has opened for artists like Dorothy, and has performed across the Midwest, and at events like Backlot Bash . She connects with listeners through social media, and joins with brands like Bliss Skincare for different campaigns, allowing people to see her interdisciplinary passions. Her discography consists of an EP and several singles, which offer fans of artists like Paramore and No Doubt an energetic musical experience with authentic lyrics. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MEL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In “Lucky Gift”, unrequited love ignites the lyrics of the first single and opening track of Margaret Cho ’s upcoming album of the same name. The singer and comedian uses symbolic references to express the relationship she has with her romantic interest. One of them is entropy, when things go wrong quickly. This implies the relationship is going in a poor direction because she knows this person is not as interested in her as she is to them. Another reference is that this person reading Russian prose could mean they’re one of those people that likes to read and rely on self help books to dictate their life, a usual sign of a toxic partner. Despite this, Cho still sees this person in a good light and thinks of them as a “lucky gift”. “Lucky Gift” puts a power pop twist on acoustic production. During the verses, a guitar is strummed along with drums that are played that match the tempo and compliment the indie vibes the song introduces. Then, during the choruses, a guitar swell suddenly appears, concurrent with rapid piano playing and Cho belting the lyrics of the song. The drums also increase in tempo and volume as well. This happens multiple times, and crosses music genres, perfectly combining them without one interfering with the other. Cho also has amazing vocal talent, being able to easily switch between octaves in a second. “Lucky Gift” was expertly crafted, lyrically and sonically. Margaret Cho is a triple-threat music artist, stand-up comedian, and actress from San Francisco, California. She began her comedy and acting career in the 90s and has become one of the most notable stand-up comedians since. She has been performing ever since, currently being on her tour Live & Livid . She has released several albums, three of them being music records. Her first one, Cho Dependent , was comedic, but featured many other musicians, including Tegan and Sara  and Fiona Apple . Her second studio record is American Myth , released in 2016, and her latest album, Lucky Gift , is to be released on February 14, 2025. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW MARGARET CHO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Do you ever look back on a relationship you were in when you were younger, and wonder how it could've worked out if you handled things more maturely? Like maybe if you had met them now later in life, things might've actually worked out and you would live happily ever after? "20 SOMETHING" by SAUDA is about the one that got away, because you both were just too young and stupid to see what you really had. Sometimes you have to live a little bit more and experience other people to realize that your young love truly was the one; but unfortunately by that point, it's usually too late. "20 SOMETHING" mixes RnB with nostalgic synth-pop, creating this dreamy and catchy soundscape for you to get lost in. It's both somber and energetic, giving you a crying-in-the-club vibe. The song starts with a verse to help set the story, singing in an emotional chest voice before it goes into the addicting hook with flawlessly gorgeous falsetto vocals. The mid-section then surprises you with a rap. The beat kicks and goes into a rhythm and flow that gives the song even more life, before building into the final two hooks that climax into this euphoric burst of production. SAUDA is an RnB/Pop and Hip-Hop Duo based in Stockholm, Sweden consisting of producer and artist Anton Axélo and singer Kevin Faye . They're heavily influeced by the likes of The Weeknd and 6lack . Managed by Bad Taste Empire , SAUDA broke out into the music scene this year (2024), starting with their debut single "COLD", a collaboration with Atlanta RnB Singer Jaylon Ashaun . They've already amassed almost 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, "20 SOMETHING" only being their third single release in anticipation for their debut EP, "Hard To Breathe" which is soon to come. Make sure to follow SAUDA below to keep up on what's next. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SAUDA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

JESSIA is one of the most underrated talents in the industry. Her phenomenal voice, catchy hooks, and clever lyrics have earned her way to my top favorite artists of 2024. The incredible singer wrapped up the year with a perfect single to kickstart her next chapter of music. “I’m Not Gonna Cry” is an empowering anthem about not letting herself lose her spark after a breakup. She wants her ex to know that she is moving on without them. She knows some days will be worse than others, but tonight, she won’t be crying. Her lyrics are clever and cheeky, with lines such as: “Don’t ask me how I’m doing// When I got your baggage under my eyes,” and “But unlike you, I learn from my mistakes.” She does not let her past control her and is doing her best to be happy again. She even references previous singles from this year, including “Different People,” when she sings “You wanna know who I’ve been screwing.” The parallels emphasize the singer’s intelligent songwriting and how each of her tracks can tell a cohesive story. JESSIA is an unforgettable talent and “I’m Not Gonna Cry” has only made me anticipate her upcoming releases – and hopefully a 2025 LP – even more. JESSIA began the year with her devastating ballad, “Care About Me," followed by her sophomore EP, Okay With Every Part . This project was filled with the anger and heartache experienced after a breakup, making it symbolic that she ended the year with “I’m Not Gonna Cry.” The energetic pop anthem is a stark difference from her first single of 2024, giving her fans a unique insight into her new mindset. The track has an ethereal soundscape that transports the listener to another world. The instrumentation is very bright while the pace is balanced, crafting a perfect pop song. In the pre-chorus, the guitar effortlessly blends with the synth, accentuating the feeling of being in the clouds. Then, the full production is found in the chorus, showcasing the 80s influence with the keyboard while the fast-paced beat maintains the modern pop elements. As the song progresses, the production becomes more complex. The powerful outro contains passionate vocals and a melding of lyrics, reminiscent of Taylor Swift and GAYLE . JESSIA ends the bridge with one final display of passion before closing the song with the hook. Her stunning vocals and authentic storytelling make her one of my favorite musicians and she has landed on my list of artists I hope to see in concert. Unfortunately, I missed my chance to see her live this year. However, after devouring her entire discography throughout the month of November, I will never make the same mistake twice. The moment she announces another SoCal date, I will be the first in line. And I highly recommend you do the same if she stops in your hometown. You will not regret it. JESSIA is an independent singer-songwriter from Vancouver. She made her debut in 2020 with her single, “Tell Me”. The following year she blew up with her viral single, “I’m not Pretty”, which garnered over a hundred thousand streams on Spotify alone. The success of this single caught the attention of Grammy -nominated artist, Bebe Rexha , who was then featured on the track’s remix. Furthermore, JESSIA's debut EP, How Are You? , was supported by iconic industry tastemakers such as iHeart , SiriusXM , and Billboard . The singer has also toured with OneRepublic , Maroon 5 , and Dean Lewis . With only four years since her debut, JESSIA has earned over 375 million total global streams across all platforms, nearly 330K followers on Instagram, and over 1.5 million followers on TikTok. JESSIA shows no signs of slowing down so check out her social media for updates and new releases! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW JESSIA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photo: Sammy Jones (@shotbysammy_) You can't put a timestamp on love. When you know, you just know. It doesn't matter if it's been a week, a month, or two days. When you meet the right person, you can truly feel it in your heart that they are the one. In GIO DARA's new song "Be Mine", he sings of a love like this - and he doesn't want to waste any more time not being by their side. This connection is so strong, it almost becomes a need for them to be around in order to thrive and be happy. GIO sings, "What is a lake without the water? What is a heart without a beat? What is a life without a lover?", really emphasizing the importance of having this person in his life, like as important as needing air to breath. "Be Mine" is both nostalgic and cathartic in it's soundscape. It holds a lot of detail, and reminds me of the early 2010's when folk rock was rising into mainstream. "Be Mine" has a strong stomping beat with acoustic guitar, piano and banjo taking the forefront of the instrumentation. It reminds me a lot of the likes of Mumford and Sons with the slight Celtic tone mixed with Americana Folk, but still keeping a modern flare. GIO's vocals are strong and passionate, but perhaps one of my favorite parts are the backup harmonies. They have these gorgeous dissonant moments that give you chills down your spine in the best way possible; and the added reverb gives the perfect heavenly touch. GIO DARA is a singer/songwriter originally from Georgia, but he spent most of his life in Ukraine. Two years ago, he made the decision to move to London, England to pursue his dream of being a music artist. He started out by busking all around London, performing live with his guitar on the streets and drawing attention from the busy crowds, gaining an audience for himself. He started releasing music in 2020, beginning with his debut single, "Feeling so Lost", but it was this year (2024) that GIO DARA really began to gain traction on streaming services, especially with his single "Now That I Found Her" which is about to surpass 1 million streams on Spotify alone. GIO DARA is heavily influenced by Ed Sheeran , and has a very authentic folk pop sound with meaningful lyrics and soaring raw vocals. GIO DARA is only just getting started, so make sure to follow him on his socials below to keep up on his journey. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW GIO DARA: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

We already live in a world where it's super hard to trust people - so when you get close to someone and they finally convince you to be vulnerable, and then they stab you in the back anyway, it's literally the worst, most mentally debilitating feeling ever. "Walls Down" by JDimock is about letting somebody in, and then they turn out not to be who you thought they were. The sad, unfortunate part of it all is the more people break our trust, the bigger and stronger we build our walls back up once all the pain is over. The craziest part of it all is sometimes these people expect us to keep them in our lives, let alone ever trust them again. JDimock sings, "Promise you I'm not gonna stick around / Letting it go, I'm forgetting it all / This is what I get for dropping my walls". "Walls Down" is a soft acoustic ballad, using acoustic guitar as it's main instrument. There are multiple guitar parts throughout the song, some happening at the same time that gorgeously intertwine with each other. My personal favorite is the gentle, bright picking pattern that you can faintly hear in the background underneath the primary strumming. With minimal production, this song is meant to be very raw and emotional. JDimock sings with pure soul and feeling, singing his lead flawlessly while reverbed falsetto vocals and moments of harmony accompany him in the background. Co-Written with Kolbe Ballard , this song comes along with heart-wrenching, relatable lyrics about what it's like to regrettably let your guard down with the wrong person. JDimock is a passionate singer/songwriter who draws inspiration from a wide variety of artists, but uses mostly pop and hip-hop elements within his unique style of music. "Walls Down" was his debut single, which was released last year in 2023. He has done a lot since then including releasing his first ever album, titled "ON ICE". He has also released two fan favorite singles, "Not Freaking Out" and "Logical" which have both gained streams in the 10's of thousands. He is a person of faith, and loves to take the negative and turn it into a positive through his music to share with others and hopefully, help them through his words and melodies. JDimock is only getting started, so make sure to follow him on his socials below to see what's to come. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Follow JDimock: Instagram   | Spotify  | YouTube  | TikTok *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Essy’s latest single “The High Road” describes how the nuances and regrets of two parents' lives can congrue and influence the life of their children. Told from the perspective of a grown child, the lives of two people once intersected and completely altered the course of their hopes and dreams. The father once dreamed of a life different than the one he eventually grew into. Hopes of forming his own identity disintegrated in the wake of familial tragedy, and he eventually found himself empty-nested and keeping the company of his wife who once dreamed similarly to him. The mother, who spent her youth fantasizing about the influential screenplays she would write, now reads stories of fictional women who achieved dreams reminiscent of her own. Amidst the aftermath of their shared failed dreams, this pair who were once aspiring young dreamers are now left to influence their child in whatever ways they can. They taught their child to worry less about their future, and that would leave a lasting impression on our narrator. They look to the future and are forever comforted and empowered by their parents’ influence motivating them to not repeat their same mistakes. Because of their lessons, their child will always take the higher road and leave their past life for a better one. Click here to listen to "The High Road"! “The High Road” is an indie rock anthem with synthpop elements which blend together to form a modern single heavily influenced by nostalgic musical themes. We are kickstarted into a piece that immediately utilizes synthesizers to form the instrumental base. These synthesizers are prominent in the beginning and are gradually pushed aside. This allows the rock elements of the single to be less of a focal point and serve more as an ever-present foundation. Electric guitars are integrated throughout the entire piece, but they do not shine on their own until Essy’s easy-listening vocals are cut away. These guitars only occasionally jump to the forefront and briefly completely reformat the entire song. The instrumental forms a single that is heavily influenced by the past, but is recontextualized for the modern day with its production and almost sweet story-telling nature of the vocals. Essy is an American singer-songwriter who has been intertwined with music from a very young age. At just 11 years old, she taught herself how to play the piano. This allowed her to thrive in music and be accepted into NYU’s summer program and be taught by industry legends such as Barry Eastmond (Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin). Since graduating from University, she has integrated herself into the music industry by writing for both herself and others. Her writing has been sung by artists such as Hunter Hayes and has skyrocketed her image and influence. The music she writes for herself has done considerably well and has established her as a cemented artist. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “The High Road” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW ESSY: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Sara Ángel’s latest single, “Ephemeral”, dives into the depths of the human psyche, beautifully capturing the simultaneous struggle of trying to escape and searching for a remedy. Ángel draws us into her deeply creative mind with the title alone, prefacing the very nature of life itself: it’s impermanence. As she sings through her hardships, there’s a resounding theme of resilience that underlies the track, showing that there is strength, power, and liberation in art and music. While we may deeply resonate with being stuck in a seemingly never-ending rough patch, Ángel reminds us that we are not alone. The balance between the highs and lows may inevitably become skewed, but even so, they both pass, a gripping message that Ángel leaves us to sit with while listening. This song opens the door to reflection, epiphany, and confrontation with one’s past through its direct, yet reassuring nature. With potent lyrics, strong emotions, and dreamy instrumentals, “Ephemeral” establishes itself as one of the most inspiringly heartfelt pieces of the year. “Ephemeral” offers such a uniquely touching experience to the listener, using its gentle hand to ease and uplift us through our struggles. With a delicate, yet powerful delivery, Ángel pulls the listener in from the very beginning with her ethereal vocals. The phrasing, slow builds, and smooth tone allow the listener to absorb every one of Ángel’s thoughtfully heartfelt lyrics. One particularly special effect we get to hear throughout this track is the use of overlapping vocals. Not only is this choice compelling, making the sweet moments where the separate voices come together to harmonize so much more impactful, but it’s also sufficiently satisfying for the ear. Leaving no better way to tell her story and the shared narratives of many others, Ángel reinforces her position as a powerhouse vocalist and mesmerizes us with her masterfully conveyed emotion. In all its sorrow, sincerity, and beauty, "Ephemeral" is an inspiring piece that comforts those willing to open their hearts to Ángel's sound. Sara Ángel is a versatile talent who exudes her strong passion for music and love for sharing it in everything she does! Her sound ebbs and flows in and out of traditional pop to smooth, ballad-like pieces, demonstrating her depth and range as a growing artist. Serenading her fans in English and Spanish shows audiences that she can truly do it all while staying true to her musical and cultural roots. Some of Ángel’s most popular songs include, but are not limited to, “Creo Que Voy A Llorar”, “La Llamada”, and “Soul Tied”, another recent single! As Ángel continues to garner success, popularity, and notability, she reminds us of her character and dignity as an artist with her motto: “Make music, not war”. For more releases from the talented Ángel, follow the socials down below. Stay tuned, and keep listening! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW SARA: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

"I Will Come and Get Us" by Above Moi basks in the wonder of togetherness. The track takes feelings of safety and security into the imagery and lyrics. The phrase "we light every lamp" beautifully signifies the way the relationship in the song brightens the lives of the speaker and their partner with a joint act of illumination. Throughout the chorus, the speaker expresses how he will protect the pair of them. There is a looming feeling of danger expressed in the lyrics with words like "we have to be careful" before delving into the stability and comfort of love. This reassuring song will warm your heart with its message of togetherness and support. Emotional piano arpeggios open the track will a beautiful, calm atmosphere. Above Moi's gentle vocals join the mix as acoustic guitar and soft background vocalizing grows into the sound. Romantic electric guitar blends into the song, rounding off the dynamic instrumentals. Percussion and strings throughout the track create a progressive excitement that captures the romance of the lyrics. Sweet and reassuring, the vocals in the chorus take their time with the emotional lyrics of comfort. As the song continues on, the instrumentals create a euphoric, uplifting feeling with their immersive sound. This is the type of song you could slow dance to with your partner, or listen to while sinking into a romantic daydream. Above Moi, also known as Emil Andersson, is a Stockholm-based artist with an exciting pop sound and introspective, meaningful lyricism. He recently released his debut album, "Songs I Might", which is paced with rich music that would have otherwise gone unreleased if not for the encouragement of his sister. Music is deeply rooted in his life from independent pursuits to studying at The Royal College of Music and forming the band The Royal Anderson , as well as a solo project called Vallmo . Take in his skills as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist through his emotional pop songs by checking out the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ABOVE MOI: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Taking on the fears and discomfort that comes from feeling vulnerable, "The Last To Know" by ELYSA is an honest and expressive track. The lyrics go through the speaker's reality, exploring the complex emotions that arise when people gossip about you with lyrics like "everybody heard about it, I just died a little." Discussing feelings of betrayal, this song explores the disillusioning experience of realizing the people close to you do not have your best interests at heart. The chorus moves through questioning, looping listeners into the sensations of being caught off guard. With punchy lyrics and honest vulnerability, this track takes you on a journey of revelation and truth. Like emotions that crawl up on you, then rage with force, this track begins delicately before gaining traction through its passionate pop style. Resonant piano chords open this song before soulful vocals work through the emotional lyrics. With singing that flows easily through the lyrics, a touching breathiness is infused into the verse with the melody following expressive piano. High and somber vocals move through the chorus, filled will a raw sense of vulnerability in their tone. Pulsing percussion and electronic instrumentals join in at the second verse, adding a powerful energy to the song. The second chorus is wrought with force as high vocals project through high notes, melismatically vocalizing over the symphony of percussion, piano, string, and electronic instrumentals. ELYSA is a Los Angeles-based pop musician from Estonia. She has been refining her music skills since childhood, and writing songs since junior high school. She placed third in Estonia's National Eurovision preselection in 2015, and has participated several times since. With an pop and dance style, ELYSA uses her powerful vocals, emotional lyricism, and invigorating electronic instrumentals in her songs. She has several singles under her belt showcasing her upbeat style, and has collaborated with artists, featuring on King CAAN 's song "Go Again" and Totally Normal 's song "Feel Alive". Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ELYSA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

"Weapons" by Cass Reinhardt confronts the harsh realities of loving someone who doesn't treat you right. Exploring the manipulative words the speaker's partner has used to tear her down, listeners can feel the vulnerability in the lyrics. There's a grim catharsis felt through the accusatory questions in this track like "how does it feel to wound me?" The heart-wrenching truth of the song is that the speaker is severely hurt by the way she is constantly being spoken to, and the title of the song is used throughout the chorus as a powerful metaphor for the destructive thoughts and language forced upon the her. With a painful lack of autonomy, the lyrics "trying to live while I'm in your possession" take on the struggle of not being in control of your life. An emotional exploration of a toxic romance and a motivating message to leave a relationship that drags you down, this track will have you struck with its poetic honesty and vulnerability. Taking the raw truth from the lyrics and making them all the more impactful with sound, this somber tune beautifully explores what its like to be hurt by someone you love. Glowing acoustic guitar fingerpicking and Cass's reflective, high vocals open the track, with each word through the verse supported by a resonant echo. Layers of vocals harmonize with expressive high vocals, climbing towards the chorus alongside powerful percussion. As her singing soars comfortably into high notes, angelic vocalizing works softly in the background, supporting the intense feelings of vulnerability in the song. This indie folk-pop track uses the simplicity of its sad instrumentals and the beautiful expression of Cass's vocals to create a truly touching emotional experience. Cass Reinhardt is a New York-based pop artist with talents as a vocalist, lyricist, and music producer. Her somber, confessional indie pop sound resonates with listeners through vulnerable, raw storytelling. Cass's acoustic guitar talents offer a warmth to her sound, supporting her music in both recorded releases and live performances. She uses social media to connect with audiences with videos of her singing on TikTok. With songs that touch on tough topics like heartbreak and growth, her music is perfect for listeners who like to sink deeply into emotion. Check out the links below to learn more about her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW CASS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok