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Get lost in the exciting and steamy romance in Mo Bentley's song "Spiral". This song will leave you buzzing with its building feelings of want and connection. With lyrics like "I'm too obsessed to let you go", listeners can allow those deep and powerful emotions to run free through their minds. Without holding anything back, the lyrics boldly declare an eternal connection. Taking on tantalizing and seductive tones, the chorus says "in the bedroom, looking good for you". A blend of vulnerability and self-confidence comes through these lyrics, and it's what makes this song so exciting. Just when you think these lyrics can't get any more intense, they say "I would die for you", invigorating the relationship in the song by raising the stakes. Taking feelings of closeness to a whole new level, "Spiral" will take you into the deepest feelings of romance. A bold and rhythmic pop sound will entrance you in the dark and intimate atmosphere of this song. Mo's deep and bewitching vocals take on the intense and craving feelings from the lyrics, particularly in the verse. A fast percussion stands out in contrast to electronic instrumentals that echo the vocals, keeping the focus on strong ideas of want and devotion. Through the chorus, the singing smoothly glides through expressive highs, bringing a romantic intensity that will lift you up. Background vocals repeat the lyrics, upping that dreamy heat and excitement. If you're looking for a love song with a dark pop sound, "Spiral" is sure to fulfil your craving. Mo Bentley is a pop artist from Portland with a dark and electric sound. From a young age, Mo has engaged in creative outlets including musical theater and choir in middle school. She studied music in LA, starting in 2021, and has been exploring her lyrical talents through songwriting since 2019. Infusing deeply impactful and moving themes into her lyrics, Mo aims to make music that listeners can connect with. She draws on influences like Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello for her strong pop sound. Mo has collaborated with other artists, featuring on songs by solukewarm! , MoGul , and more. Check out the links below to learn more about her music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

I often find myself reflecting on much in life, especially how I present myself, and how others view me. “Me, Myself, and I” is the latest single by musician, Cheska Moore. It offers a unique perspective into someone who is fighting an internal battle with her personas: one who is relied upon, and another who is feared. Many of us may have an alternate persona, and it can be difficult to learn not to let it take over. Alternatively, and as Moore herself sings, “Who am I without her?” I think even if you may not have a feared persona, there is always a different side to you that you don’t want to go away. I think this song perfectly conveyed that internal struggle. I think one of my favorite things about this song was the production. I previously reviewed Moore’s single, “Psychos In Love” , and I think one area Moore always excels in is her production. “Me, Myself, and I” is raw, powerful, yet dark and unsettling in ways. The music helped me to understand the fear associated with her alternate persona, in ways. I really liked how the beat would slow down as she approached the chorus. And I loved how at the start of the song, you can hear laughing in the background. I can only imagine that the laughter is that of her alternate persona, which I think is a genius move to make. As I said before, this isn’t my first time reviewing one of Moore’s singles. So to say I had high expectations is an understatement. But I think I can confidently say that she exceeded all of them. Cheska Moore first began her music career in 2019, with the release of her debut single, “Boy Who Tried”. Her popularity only grew in 2020 on TikTok, and today, she around 10 million views on all platforms. On Spotify, she gets nearly 60,000 monthly streams, with some of her most streamed hits being “Don’t Talk”, “Bad Thoughts”, and “Narcissist”. I think this song is a new favorite of mine on Moore’s discography, and I can’t wait to hear what she releases next. Go stream “Me, Myself, and I” everywhere, now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW CHESKA MOORE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Like everyone, I fell in love with Chappell’s music the moment I heard it earlier this year. Her music’s whimsical, upbeat cadence and heartfelt lyrics make her album a go-to listen. Unapologetically queer and unwilling to change for anyone, Chappell is a breath of fresh air. After a summer jam-packed with festival performances such as Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, Chappell returned to Tennessee on Oct. 1 at the FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin. Taking place in a 7,500-capacity venue, this concert sold out almost immediately after tickets went on sale. While I was disappointed to not get tickets initially, I also expected this due to Chappell’s incredible popularity. That is until I was scrolling Instagram one day and saw an announcement on Chappell’s story announcing that her team was canceling tickets that had been scalped and resold for higher than face value. This allowed real fans to enter a lottery system through Ticketmaster for a chance to buy the rereleased tickets. As soon as I saw this, I signed up and requested two tickets. A week later, I got the email that I had received the tickets, and my roommate and I were ready to go. The FirstBank Amphitheater is a small venue located in a reclaimed quarry. It was a beautiful, clear night and the house was packed. The venue is perfectly sized and there is not a bad seat in the house. We were seated in the center of the amphitheater with the perfect view of the stage.  Because Chappell’s stage persona is heavily influenced by drag culture, she forgoes the typical openers and invites drag queens to perform before her set. A trio of drag queens named local Coqueta, Aquamarine and Miss Alexa Noelle came onstage to perform popular dance-pop anthems from the 2010s. I’m used to seeing drag in more intimate clubs and bars, but I loved seeing the queen shine in a larger setting. This was an insight into the local drag scene of conservative Middle Tennessee and a reminder to continue supporting the community. The air was humming as we waited for Chappell to make her appearance. The already-packed amphitheater was becoming even fuller as the final audience members made their way in. An announcement came up on the stage screens announcing that the set time was being pushed to 9:30 as the final fans made their way through traffic.  Soon, the lights came down and the stage lit up. Chappell’s band took the stage and began playing the intro to the hit single, “Femininomenon.” Chappell came on stage dressed in a camo ball gown to fit the night’s theme of “Midwest Princess.” She was stunning and captivating, completely owning the venue as all eyes were upon her. Her vocals were clear and perfect, sounding the same as (if not better than) she does on the album.  The crowd danced and sang (yelled) along as she transitioned into the next songs, “Naked in Manhattan,” and “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” From there, she played “Love Me Anyway,” an older song that was released years before her album was released. While this song is not on Midwest Princess , it was still a hit of the night with everyone knowing the words.  From there, Chappell played the romantic, sensual, “Picture You.” The green Statue of Liberty wig she wore at the Governor’s Ball Festival in New York City hung to the side on her microphone stand. During the song’s most sultry notes, Chappell put on a show pretending that the stand was her lover. At the end of the song, Chappell, joked, “That’s the wig from when I was the Statue of Liberty. She was fucked up then and she is fucked up now.” The tempo picked up again when Chappell said, “I wanna teach you all a dance.” The audience was at full attention as she walked us through the dance to “HOT TO GO!” Rushes of emotion hit me at various points throughout the evening, but this was perhaps the most unexpected one. As we danced through the song, pure elation rushed through me and I couldn’t help but tear up. I had spent the summer watching videos of her festival sets and dreaming of being part of the crowds of people who loved this music. Now, I was living that dream with one of my closest friends, and it was hard to imagine a more perfect moment. Chappell continued to work her way through the set with other hits like, “After Midnight.” After that song was over, she addressed the crowd again, saying, “I know how hard it is to be queer in the Midwest and South. And I understand. And so, I’m very grateful that I can be here and show up… And I just have to remind myself that this is why I do it…” “I can see you and feel you. I needed this so bad when I was 15. I felt so completely misunderstood and alone. I hope you know that you are wanted here and you are welcomed here. However you are and wherever you are in your life… you are loved and you are cherished.” The saying, “love you, cherish you,” was a staple in my household growing up, so hearing those words from one of my favorite artists was a beautiful feeling. This speech was an important reminder to continue fighting for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in places like the South. While so much wonderful progress has been made, there is still so much more to do. Before the song “Kaleidoscope,” a tender ballad about the emotions behind unrequited love, Chappell sat at her keyboard, She took a deep breath before admitting, “Every night I think about taking this song off the setlist.” As she began to play, the song's emotion was evident in her voice.  She then played her unreleased song, “Subway,” which she debuted at Gov. Ball in June. While I had never heard the song, it was clear that many audience members had listened to a fan-recorded version of it online as many people were singing along. A ballad of lost love, Chappell’s stellar vocals shined brightly during the song and made us all hungry for the studio version. The pace picked back up at the end of the set with the shimmery, fun pop songs, including, “Red Wine Supernova,” “Good Luck, Babe!” and “My Kink is Karma.” For the encore, Chappell returned to the stage to sing, “California” and the fan-favorite, “Pink Pony Club.” “Pink Pony Club” is a very important song to me personally and has always made me feel seen. As an Arizona native now living in Tennessee far from family, the lines, “Don’t think I’ve left you all behind / I still love you and Tennessee / You’re always on my mind,” have always moved me very deeply. The song’s message of finding a place to call your own and grow into yourself is poignant and beautiful. Hearing it live filled me with so much emotion and as we walked back to my car once the night was over, I was so grateful for everything that had led to this point. Chappell Roan is a powerhouse that I am so proud to support. In her rapid rise to fame, it has become harder and harder to get a ticket to her shows, so being able to see her in such an intimate venue was a truly special experience. I would love to see her again, but until then, I will be cheering her on at home. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

“Mad” by Lina Mapes is her newest single, released on October 8, 2024. It is a soulful pop track about how someone can change you and make you feel so lost and confused. Whether that is a friend, family member, or significant other, the relationships in our lives impact the people that we are. The song was created in collaboration with Elijah Dax and Peter Eddins. Mapes takes her musical inspiration from artists like Reneé Rapp, Nina Simone, and Amy Winehouse, so if you like any of those, it is definitely worth checking her music out. Make sure to add this release to your streaming library. The track boldly opens with the line, “Looking deep into this heart of mine / Take a look with me and see.” Mapes takes us on a journey of going mad for someone. It is about how the relationship with this person changed her and the aftermath is causing her to lose herself as she tries to move on. These feelings are expressed in lyrics like “Oh I’m falling down the rabbit hole / Oh I got lost along the way” and “You didn’t care to love me too / Or at least as much as I did you.” An indie pop soundscape and impassioned vocals complement this sentiment through the song. Lina Mapes is a rising singer-songwriter who started making music around eight years ago. She blends pop, alternative rock, and soul styles into her sound. She released her first track, "Off Guard," in 2020, created after the struggles that the pandemic caused. Her first EP, Introspection , then came out in 2022. On "Mad," she showcases her talent for crafting a beautiful song. If you enjoyed this track, make sure to check out the rest of Mapes' discography. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Lina Mapes and her music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW LINA MAPES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

Embodying the pain and curiosity that comes after a breakup, JULIEE explores jealousy and mourning in her song “Sick To My Stomach”. The lyrics dive into the fears the speaker has, specifically surrounding their ex moving on. When a relationship is over, those fears of being forgotten and replaced feel like a knife in the back. The want to be remembered comes through the questions following the lyrics “do you still wear my blue crew-neck?” The speaker hopes that their ex still feels a connection between her name, face, and shirt. Then comes the speculation that the ex has moved onto a new girl, and listeners can feel the pain and vulnerability the speaker is struggling with. The bridge hits hard with a repeating phrase, “move on but don’t forget me”, begging to still be important to someone they love. Anyone who feels lovesick needs “Sick To My Stomach” to offer them solace and let them know they are not alone. Soft vocals like an reminiscent whisper open the song, delicately gliding listeners into an experience of heavy-hearted intimacy. Very gentle acoustic guitar accompanies the first verse before drums and faster fingerpicking pick up. The chorus brings louder high and airy vocals, along with bold interludes of electric guitar. Layers of background vocals make the questions in the chorus seem like they’re glowing, before an interlude of electric guitar and drums bring a dark and moving close to the song. Moving from a fragile almost whisper-like vocal beginning to a bold and illustrative instrumental end, this song takes you through all the feels with its sound. JULIEE is a singer and songwriter from the Dominican Republic. Her dreamy vocals and talents on both the acoustic and electric guitar give her music an authentically personal sound. With lyrics that listeners can relate to, ideas like love and relationships are beautifully represented through her music. JULIEE makes music that aligns with identities in LGBTQ+ community while exploring introspection and connection. Her song "nobody knows me" came out in June, and the music video has almost reached 10 000 streams on Youtube. Check out the links below to learn more about her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW JULIEE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Halloween is around the corner and artist/producer ET0’s “Monster” is a perfect listen for the spooky season. Dark and brooding with an addictive beat and thrumming bass, the song will find its home at any nightclub with its upbeat rhythm and distorted synths. Featuring artists Roxy O and VillaNoize, each singer adds their own flair to the track, adding to its appeal with contrasting voices that complement each other. Instrumentally thrilling and intense, “Monster” keeps you locked in with its dangerous bass lines and eerie musical notes. The track features a gothic soundscape with haunting piano melodies and pulsing electronic waves. Sirens mark the song's entrance as the song becomes enveloped in a supernatural melody. Lyrically, the track is about embracing one's true self and letting go of the self-diminishing thoughts that can sometimes consume you. “Monster” gives a nod to Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” with its synth bass, amplified finger snaps, and kick drum. The track falls under the electro-pop, dance-pop, and nu-goth-pop categories. With ET0’s collaboration on the track, the song is enveloped in an eerie shadow before transitioning into a club-like scene with its rap verse. In verse one, Roxy O sweetly caresses each word over the heavy bass while VillaNoize makes an entrance in verse two with quick wordplay, charming listeners with his cleverly smooth rap lines. Artist VillaNoize sings, “Like Black Eyed Peas with the boom, boom, boom.” On its R&B side, the track closely resembles the popular 2000s group in its heavy electronic beats as well as the famous singer Pitbull with its cool vocals. Disturbingly dark and catchy, “Monster” sets the stage for any club dance with its equally heavy instrumentals and versatile vocals. A hip-hop and pop composer from the Bay Area, as a teenager ET0 spent most of his time in music production, audio engineering, and sound design. Collaborating with various artists and moving from city to city, ET0 is known for creating welcoming environments and creative spaces for the fellow musicians he partners with. ET0 released his first single “Say it Louder,” in 2023 and “Oasis” this past summer. “Monster” lyrically highlights themes of self-love and independence, with its danceable rhythm and confident air. The track is perfect for fans of Billie Eilish , Dua Lipa , and Aurora with its dark soundscape and empowering lyrics. ET0 creates emotive music, tells stories, and transcends boundaries with a bigger picture in mind. Check out “Monster” below! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW ET0: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube FOLLOW ROXY O: Instagram   | Spotify FOLLOW VILLANOIZE: Instagram   | Spotify

From Monica Moser’s album “27teen”, “Find You Yet” takes a vulnerable journey through identity and voice. The song starts with a reminiscence that holds the nostalgia of when life was simpler, and continues on to grapple with internal struggles of speaking up. Lyrics like “when pain was just a beat up knee on the Eastside boardwalk” create a personal and real example of something so many of us understand. When we were young, we couldn’t grasp the complexity of life. Showing listeners what growth can mean, the speaker says “learned the difference between unspoken and unsaid”. As I listened to this song, I was struck by the genuine truth that growing up means learning what you need to say for your own sake, and what you need to hold back for the sake of others.  Feeling like you belong and being understood go hand-in-hand, and this song hits where it hurts by representing ideas of loneliness. Through the isolation of holding back, the speaker’s identity seems to be silenced. Moving through different ideas of what being understood can mean, this song reveals the difficulty in the choices we make. A building sense of getting ready for something comes through the lyrics “you’re all I want in the end”. These lyrics are so powerful because they dream of a peaceful future with a specific “you”. It is unclear whether this person is a future partner or the speaker of the song, but that leaves a beautifully comforting openness that listeners can assign meaning to with their own lives. “Find You Yet” blends powerful acoustic and electronic instrumentals with raw and narrative singing, creating a sound of hopeful emotion. Monica’s vocals are glowingly light, and accompanied by piano, carry the weight of a long-overdue relief. Palm-muted and quick electric guitar accompany the pre-chorus before the tune lifts to a higher, freeing sound. The post-chorus features a repetition of electronically-distorted vocals that feel like an uplifting resolution. Beautifully, near the end of the song, all complexity cuts out and simple, high piano accompanies Monica’s gentle and beautiful vocals, creating a glowing warmth to the final notes. Monica Moser is a Texas-based musician with a folk-pop style. She lived in Nashville for almost a decade, and in that time she developed her style and has been featured by platforms like Now/It’s Nashville , Nashville’s PØPSQUAD , and radio stations like AMCE Radio Live . If you’re a fan of Sara Bareilles and Joni Mitchell’s vocals, Monica’s style will fit perfectly into your playlists. Three years ago, Monica moved to Austin and created ATX Songwriters Collective , a community of local musicians. She continues to foster a local community of musicians as she continues to release music, through her TX Forever Podcast with Carley Rutledge. Take a look at the links below to keep up with Monica and her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MONICA: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Karma finds its way around, good or bad. When you get hurt by someone you loved, all you can hope is that karma will find its way to them. Natalie Barth released a new single “driveway,” which will be on her upcoming EP. This song takes you through the aftermath of being hurt, where all you see is red and the cares you used to have for someone are out the window. The guitar textures bring high edge with punchy drums in the choruses. Natalies vocal performance mixed with all the instrumental elements allows you to feel her anger. When your trust and heart are torn apart, whoever did it to you deserves the same. “Driveway,” sits from Natalies perspective of losing something that was toxic from the start. She tried to hold on and believed this connection could be great, but once the rose colored glasses came off she finally saw reality. This person never valued her in the way she deserved. “I think you’re like a masochist, or something of the sort, you only want to love me when you know I’ve been hurt.” She became so aware that this love was conditional and on the other persons terms. This song is her wishing the worst on them for the way they hurt her. She lists all the negative situations she would love to see happen to them and while all plays out, she’ll be watching from the driveway. Natalie Barth is a singer songwriter from North Carolina. Back in 2021, she found the confidence to share her art with the world, but she’s had a knack for writing over the years. Her debut single was titled “Horoscope” and since then, she has released nine singles and one album titled “The Golden Years.” For Natalie, music is her way of problem solving the worst parts of her life. She brings her deepest emotions and accompanies them with soft harmonies and beautiful lead vocals. I would define her style as indie-pop-rock with the sonic atmosphere her tracks bring. Natalies talent for blending past styles with modern styles is something you don’t want to ignore. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW NATALIE BARTH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Many of us struggle with coming to accept our feelings for what they are and finally giving into catharsis to share some release. However, there are also many people who, instead of giving into their vulnerable emotions, would rather hide behind an amor, or a shield to protect themselves from their own vulnerability. This can not only cause harm to the person themselves but it may also jeopardize a relationship if a partner refuses to connect with their partner on a deeper level– almost as though they would rather appear untouchable and nonchalant than give into their feelings. “White Flag” by Mikalyn is a song that explores a similar idea. The song is about breaking down barriers in relationships that a partner has built to hide their vulnerability and seem “untouchable”. This song is to recognize that, at the end of the day, nobody truly is invincible, and we all share vulnerable feelings. Many of us try to escape those feelings out of fear, but this song is about facing that. It’s imperative that we embrace our emotions rather than hide ourselves behind a facade that will inevitably crumble under pressure. “You’ll be giving the white flag” Mikalyn sings, along with more emotive lyrics like “You’re not bulletproof” and “if I can break through the skin and see right through”. the lyrics themselves tell a story that manipulates the heart into truly feeling such raw emotion. For both people who try to mask their vulnerable emotions, and those who suffer from those who conceal themselves behind a mask of armor to save themselves. The sound is something so heavy and solemn. It matches Mikalyn’s voice so well, a few octaves low as she harmonizes with the daunting sound. Her voice conveys emotion that only further adds meaning to the lyrics that tell a significant story that many people can relate to with the raw lyricism that is sure to invoke deep sentiment in its listeners. With how intricately heartfelt Mikalyn’s vocals are, it simply just adds a blend of intimacy to the song and a sort of cognizance. The song seems to effortlessly express the tension building in a relationship that is facing detrimental harm due to the lack of realism and communication between them. These lyrics capture the emotional intensity of someone demanding something less fabricated, something real— almost begging to feel some kind of connection with this other person who simply refuses to acknowledge the damage their behavior is doing. Which, can only lead to the demise of a relationship like this. It’s something many of us struggle with, whether we’d like to admit it or not, a lot of us are told not to express emotion or to suppress our tears in the face of pressure to not appear “weak”. However, it only sets us up for failure when we soon become numbed and neglectful of real emotion. Mikalyn, the artist behind such a beautifully crafted song, is a Canadian singer and songwriter who mostly resonates with genres like indie and pop. Mikalyn’s sound is a mix of colorful melodies blended with her beautiful vocals and storytelling lyrics that are certain to conjure emotion in her listeners. Her music was discovered by a Brazillian record label when Mikalyn would share her sound on music platforms like SoundCloud. Which, only seemed to seal the rest of her career as a singer. This exceptionally talented artist finds passion in writing songs that mostly revolve around relationships, growth, deep emotion, and everyday experiences. Mikalyn continues to make music, working hard to expedite her talents and voice her emotions to those willing to listen. As she continues her journey as a musician, I can't help but wait to hear more of her infectious sound! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW MIKALYN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

VIBI’s latest single “kissing a friend” delves into the pining feelings you have but can’t express to your friend. It seems like most of your personality revolves around being appealing to him. Your friend enjoys your company, but so much of his time is spent mourning his former relationship. Every song you listen to together and place you go are tailored to what he enjoys. But no matter how many drives you spend together listening to his playlists, he still plays the songs that remind him of her. His ex is the center of his desires, and you are there to be his shoulder to cry on. When you’re with him, and when you’re without him, you imagine the coupley things you could do together. What remains at the center of your thoughts, however, is kissing him and becoming more than friends. Click here to listen to "kissing a friend"! “kissing a friend” is a contemporary and dream pop single that goes through different yet perfectly meshed instrumental changes. We are first introduced to a solo piano and vocal duo with slight reverberation. These elements curate a dreamlike opener that serves to set an immediate calming tone. With each verse, a dramatic shift occurs in the primary instrument used. The first chorus alters the primary instrument from piano to guitar. As this chorus progresses, the piano is reintroduced and plays in tandem with the guitar. Each element bleeds together until it seems as though they had always been intertwined. In later sections of this single, percussive elements such as drums are introduced until each instrument shines in the final verses. VIBI is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is currently based in Los Angeles, California. Her first jump into the music industry was by signing with Norwegian Songwriting and Production duo Stargate, who have worked with artists such as Rihanna. In 2019, she opened for Bryan Adams during his televised New Year's Eve concert in Niagara Falls. Some of her biggest musical inspirations are artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Zara Larsson, and Carrie Underwood. She has amassed thousands of followers across multiple social media platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok. She regularly performs at venues across both Canada and the US and has gained a decent following through these means. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “kissing a friend” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW VIBI: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Embodying the excitement and unknown of success, Sonia Stein’s new song “Blooming Season” takes listeners through an empowering time of questioning. Through reflections on how the speaker feels in the moment compared to thoughts of the past, this song gives a genuine experience through its lyricism. Sometimes successes can be overwhelming, and the lyrics explore that emotion through the question “will they pour out of my hands, they’re so big, can I hold them all?” Anyone who is taking on something new, like the job they have always wanted or moving to a place they had always wanted to live, can relate to that insecurity that remains alongside the joy. Flipping to the other side of taking on your dreams, the lyrics say, “I wanna give in to the high of the pleasure”. This embodies that intoxicating bliss that you just fall into, numbing worries and fears for the sake of bliss. These words also invite listeners to simply be happy about what they have gained. Illustrating the questions that come with change, even when it's positive, this song reminds us to take time to pause concerns and enjoy their time. Taking listeners into a place of grounding, the words “I feel the breeze in my hair, the grass under my feet, and I can taste the air I’m breathing.” These lyrics act as an escape from the ‘what if’, and promote taking your time to enjoy the moment. For anyone hoping to celebrate or be lifted up, take some time to sing along to “Blooming Season”. With a synthpop sound, “Blooming Season” embodies a mix of complexity and simplicity that reflect the lyrics in its tune. Fast electronic instrumentals contrast with the consistent percussion and Sonia’s soulful voice. Her vocals have a soft depth in the verse, and rise higher in the chorus to give that beautiful feeling of being lifted up. Sonia’s voice here truly embodies the “high of the pleasure”, sounding touched by a dreamy happiness. A simple and climbing synth note pattern stands out at the end of the chorus, chiming a bright feeling into the track. Background vocals layer through the singing, adding a supported texture. This song has a sound that will make you glow, adding a happy and uplifting tone to your indie pop playlists. Sonia Stein is a pop musician currently based in both London and Warsaw. Her global experiences have taken her on a journey, studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and furthering her musical education in London. She worked with producer Liam Howe, making several EPs. Her debut album, “Lessons From Earth” came out last year, and her new EP “Blooming Season Part 1” comes out next month! Sonia recently toured Ireland and the UK with James Arthur , and supported Lucy Spraggan ’s UK tour as well. She has played at events like both London and New York Fashion Weeks, and festivals like Glastonbury. Enjoy her deeply soulful vocals and storytelling lyricism by checking out the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW SONIA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

The world around us constantly changes, but if one thing is static, it's the persistence of boy bands. These manufactured pop icons have swayed fans for generations with their vocals, dance moves, and looks. While clothing styles and popular music have evolved, the formula of the boy band remains the same and we can't get enough of it! That said, here's our list of the top 10 best boy bands of all time! 10. New Kids on the Block New Kids on the Block are the quintessential boy band of the 80s. Despite giants like NSYNC* and the Backstreet Boys dominating in the 90s, these guys walked so they could run. NKOTB more or less invented several of the core traits of the modern boy band. Their upbeat and danceable songs have captured the hearts of fans for generations. After forming in the early 80s, the group went through a rocky start. Two members left the original group after mere months, leading to a complete overhaul of the group's identity, but they made the right choice, as the band would go on to be iconic. NKOTB displays a unique staying power in pop music, still doing live shows today, four decades later. 9. Big Time Rush Big Time Rush is most fondly remembered from the Nickelodeon show of the same name. The boys rose to fame in 2009, completely manufactured to go along with their sitcom. While BTR were essentially just characters at first, their music would stick with listeners, solidifying them as a big name in late 2000s music. Many of us who grew up in the 2000s remember the inception of the show and often argued with our friends over who was better, BTR or the Jonas Brothers. While the majority of BTR's music was produced in the late 2000s and early 2010s, they are still making music today. They released a full-length album in 2023, titled "Another Life" and have most recently released a single called, "Only One" in 2024. Honestly, this group has stayed true to their original sound, just with more skill and experience now. The classics are great but the new music is just as good. If you haven't checked in on BTR in a while, give them a listen! 8. TOMORROW X TOGETHER TOMORROW X TOGETHER debuted in 2019 under the same label as the K-pop kings, BTS. At first, the group was often seen as BTS's "little brother band", with many of the same traits as their mentors shining through. However, TxT has really made a name for themselves over the past few years. The band's sound is dreamy and surreal, straying from the typical boy band formula with cinematic and narrative experiences in their videos. Each member brings their own unique personality to the group, with rapper Yeonjun being the first to release his own solo single in 2024. So far, TxT has released 8 full-length albums with no signs of slowing down. This charismatic group bridges the gap between K-pop and Western pop, featuring an American member, Heuningkai, alongside his Korean bandmates. It's no surprise they're so popular. The group's music appeals to just about anyone. 7. The Beatles In 2024, it feels a bit silly to think of the Beatles as a boy band, but they fit the definition perfectly. If anything, the Beatles kickstarted the boy band genre as a whole. Their concerts gave fans a place to scream, cry, and act out the emotion of their music. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the Beatles experimented with countless instruments and techniques. They were true innovators in the rise of pop music, using tape-cutting and altering methods to create sounds no one had ever heard. The boys were also no strangers to testing out unconventional key changes and time signatures. They might have been a boy band by definition, but the Beatles fall more under the category of musical icons to me. Their music has inspired millions over the years, sparking several generations to color outside the lines. Everyone today can name at least one Beatles song, and that's some serious power for a band that formed in 1960. 6. The Jonas Brothers In the mid-2000s, The Jonas Brothers were a massive hit. Most of us remember seeing them for the first time on Disney Channel, where the trio first appeared with their music video for, "Year 3000". Shortly after, the boys appeared in the DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie), "Camp Rock". The film was a smashing success, following in the footsteps of High School Musical, pairing a story with modern pop and rock music. All JB fans back in the mid-otts had a favorite member, too. You could tell a lot about a person based on whether their favorite Jonas Brother was Nick, Joe, or Kevin. This was the band that showed up in teen magazines and the posters all over our bedrooms. Today, the boys seem to be doing great. Aside from the group making a full comeback in 2019, Nick Jonas has made a successful solo career for himself as well. I tihnk we can definitely expect more from these boys in the future. 5. Stray Kids In our number five spot, we have another K-pop group, Stray Kids. These guys might not be the first group you think of when you think about K-pop, but odds are they're the second or third. Since their inception in 2018, Stray Kids has continued to release banger after banger, giving fans a taste of intense pop music with incredibly difficult vocal artistry and choreography. These boys silently moved up the ranks on pure skill and talent alone. Their slightly gritty sound and aesthetic sets them apart from typical bubblegum pop, giving them an edge in the K-pop market as something unique. The members are also charismatic, showcasing their personalities on the group's social media outlets whenever possible. The combination of vocals, dance, and visuals is a testament to the group's hard work and dedication to their craft. I think that's why the band is so beloved. Check them out! 4. One Direction Remember how the Jonas Brothers were on all of our posters and magazines in the mid-2000s? Well, One Direction is that band for the 2010s. These British kings are absolute giants in the pop music world. The group got their start on the British talent show, X Factor after each one auditioned as a solo act. Judges thought it best to combine their talents as one act and the rest is history. One Direction became a household name with their song, "What Makes You Beautiful" in 2011. The track's upbeat tone and relatable lyrics had everyone falling headfirst for these guys. Today, the group isn't seen performing together, but all five members have created successful solo careers. Most notably, Harry Styles has seen success with his album "Fine Line" selling over 3 million units in the US alone. 3. NSYNC* The 90s was the beginning of a war of the ages. You either loved the Backstreet Boys or you loved NSYNC*. There was no in-between, and even if you liked both, you weren't allowed to admit it. Those were the rules. So, what were some reasons folks sided with NSYNC*? Well, the group released some seriously catchy hits that stick with us even today. "Bye Bye Bye", released in 2000, was recently featured in the new Deadpool and Wolverine film, and of course, we all remember, "It's Gonna Be Me", the NSYNC* anthem that millennials meme every April. Most importantly, Justin Timberlake solidified his status as a true blue celebrity with this band. Despite his struggles with fame, Timberlake still releases music and performs to this day. What's even more exciting is that the boys came back together to release a song in 2024 titled, "Better Place" for the "Trolls" movie franchise. While the group doesn't typically perform together, it's nice to see a reunion for old-time's sake. 2. BTS Finally, we've reached the top K-pop boy band on this list. Despite debuting in 2013 with questionable odds of success, BTS has become South Korea's golden boys both in music and in culture as a whole. These guys are EVERYWHERE with a completely unavoidable influence. Much of BTS's success comes from their genuine personalities and chemistry as a group. Each member brings their A-game to the music, as well as genuine, meaningful messages. the group's "Love Yourself" era included three albums entirely based around the idea of embracing yourself as a person and being proud to be you. The concepts behind their music paired with funny, bright personalities make BTS a record-breaking K-pop giant. And they aren't just musicians, they're public figures. The group was the first idol band in South Korea to earn diplomatic passports, making them incredibly important people in their home country. Currently, all of the members (save for Jin who just finished his term) are serving their mandatory military service for South Korea. They are all set to be finished in 2025. Who knows, we might see a new album very soon. 1. Backstreet Boys Congratulations, you've made it to the end to see our number-one pick for the best boy band of all time. Based on popularity, status, and influence, that pick has to be the Backstreet Boys. Coming onto the scene in 1993, these guys dominated the pop music industry in the 90s. They embodied all of the allure of groups before them, working hard to create that cheesy 90s look and feel that we all know and love. Despite the war between BSB and NSYNC* fans, BSB did come first, paving the way for NSYNC*'s success in pop culture. BSB was an overwhelming success, selling over 130 million records worldwide. Loyal fans often cite the band as being the "soundtrack to their life", relating to the lyrics more so than those of other bands. Perhaps that's what sets them apart from the others. One thing is true, though. The Backstreet Boys are the most popular boy band in history, beating out even the Beatles in record sales. Thank you so much for making it through our list of the top 10 best boy bands of all time! We hope you enjoyed it. So, what do you think? Do you agree with our rankings? Did you find someone new to add to your Spotify rotation? Are you a scorned NSYNC* fan and need to vent? It's all good. Feel free to contact us and tell us your thoughts at any of our socials below. Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.