rosie is the debut album by K-pop singer ROSÉ , and is titled after one of her nicknames. It’s also the artist’s first solo record, and is mainly pop with RnB influences. It was preceded by two singles, including “APT.”, a collaboration with Bruno Mars , which received major success on the charts and gained 400 million views for its music video in a month. T R A C K L I S T 1. number one girl 2. 3am 3. two years 4. toxic till the end 5. drinks or coffee 6. APT. (with Bruno Mars) 7. gameboy 8. stay a little longer 9. not the same 10. call it the end 11. too bad for us 12. dance all night ROSÉ is from Australia and is based in South Korea. She has been a member of BLɅϽKPIИK (BLACKPINK) since 2016, one of the most famous K-pop groups as they have dominated not only K-pop but the rest of the music scene as well. She began her solo career in 2021 with her double single R , and three years later announced her debut album would be released on December 6, 2024. number one girl rosie  begins with a ballad, although “number one girl” is not fully piano driven, as drums are added to the production halfway through. The core of the song contains a soulful melody and vocals from ROSÉ, belting in the chorus as she asks her crush/love interest to return the same feelings she has for them. She wants them to see her as the main person in their life, and she wants to be appreciated and wants to be the girlfriend for her crush, who she loves and really wants to be with. “number one girl” is powerful overall, lyrically and sonically, but still a song of wanting in regards to potentially unrequited love, and a great way to open an album. 3am The feelings of intense adoration and wanting spill over into “3am”. This is an upbeat and fun pop song, guitar chords mixed with a trap beat, combined with an addictive chorus and its vocal effects (the line “Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh”). ROSÉ voluntarily ignores all relationship survival instincts and chooses to look past all warnings in the name of love. She is so obsessed with her crush that she sees only the good in them, despite what other people might say in opposition. ROSÉ finds comfort in this person, knowing they will be there for her at any time, including even at moments that aren’t the best, luring her into a false sense of security that this person is fully trustworthy, when they are not. 3. two years This song is about being unable to let someone go, and in this case, an ex-partner. Despite a lot of time passing, ROSÉ still thinks about this person and misses them, even though she has tried to work past these feelings. She realizes this person was not good for her, during and after the relationship, which is why she ended things with this person. However, she is tricked by nostalgia, making her think the good parts of the relationship defined the entirety of it, which is why she misses it, but this is not true due to nostalgia playing tricks on the mind to make you think something that occurred in the past was positive, even though it was not. “two years” features distinctive vocal effects, which do not disrupt ROSÉ’s amazing singing. 4. toxic till the end “toxic till the end” describes a pernicious relationship. Being “on-and-off” with a partner adds difficulty to the relationship you have with them, which is what ROSÉ details in the track. Her ex-partner is a bad person, singing “Jealous and possessive // So manipulating”. The toxicity was present throughout the relationship, a different message from “two years”, where ROSÉ sang about missing her ex. She now realizes the relationship was never good, and there was nothing to be nostalgic about or miss. The production of “toxic till the end” consists of a synth reminiscent of an electric guitar that increases in volume and tempo during the choruses, but is more muted during the second verse. 5. drinks or coffee A unique beat is aligned with a dance and ambient synth to make “drinks or coffee” the dark pop and club anthem song it is. Crushing hard makes its return to this 80s pop inspired track, as ROSÉ knows the feelings between her and her crush are suddenly mutual after realizing she is attracted to them. The crush grows so quickly over a short period of time that it does not matter to her if they share that they have these feelings to each other that night or the next morning, just as long as they end up together, since she is now starting to fall for them. The lyrics presumably take place at a club, which is mirrored perfectly by the production of “drinks or coffee”. 6. APT. (with Bruno Mars) While “Mickey” by Toni Basil has been sampled frequently in popular music, “APT.” is yet another creative and expansive take on the song. With Bruno Mars (who is also one of the songwriters for “number one girl”), he and ROSÉ came together to make the powerhouse leading single for rosie . Their singing voices perfectly blend together, partly due to both of them being such talented vocalists with large ranges. An example of this is during the bridge, where ROSÉ raises her voice up an octave, and then Mars echoes his voice along with her’s. Lyrically, the song is another account of ROSÉ asking out her crush due to strong romantic feelings she has for them. gameboy “gameboy” has a mixture of different guitar chords with a pop-trap beat, with an increasing and decreasing synth in the background. More vocal effects can be found on this track. The common theme in music of how men like to play games makes the title of the song a play on words. ROSÉ realizes a former love interest was actually not what they seemed at all, revealing themselves to be childish and immature. The song is most likely referencing “3am”, where she saw the signs of this person being a bad partner and proceeded to date them. Now, she regrets not seeing her ex for who they were at the start of the relationship. 8. stay a little longer A piano pop song that transforms into a RnB one, and the longest track on the album, “stay a little longer” is about a breakup that is taking a mental and physical toll on ROSÉ, who is asking her partner not to leave her, a new definition of the wanting she had previously for them to be with her. She already feels broken at the end of the relationship, and she feels as though if this is the last time she sees this person, she will become more heartbroken. Alongside ROSÉ’s stupendous vocals are beautiful piano and guitar arrangements, making you feel as though you are on the beach listening to the track. Not only is this song outstanding, but the guitar solo just ties everything together. 9. not the same “not the same” is a bossa nova inspired track, the production solely containing multiple guitar lines, excluding the organ that appears towards the end of the song, as ROSÉ easily switches octaves throughout the song. She regrets putting faith into a relationship that did not work out and a partner that did not actually love her back. The relationship that she put a lot of work into does not appear to be what it once was, which adds to the pain of the reveal of her significant other not sharing the same dedication to the relationship that she had. ROSÉ also regrets giving this person a second chance in the relationship, as this is not the first time they have put the relationship in jeopardy. 10. call it the end Another wonderful ballad makes up the tenth track of rosie . It is apparent to ROSÉ that the relationship she is in has taken a turn for the worst, and is unsalvageable. She recognizes that the only choice left is to leave her significant other after previous confusion on what their status is. She believes the relationship should end, as it can no longer survive, and she sings “I’m a better me because of you”. She remarks on trying to remain hopeful to repair the romance, and once saw a way that this could have happened, but if something does not feel right, including continuing a relationship, then you should not pursue it, which is the case for this song. 11. too bad for us ROSÉ uses symbolism in “too bad for us” to represent her failing relationship. Referencing her name, she calls the relationship a “desert” that is unable to grow “roses”, roses being the good parts of what a relationship should be, which is now barren like a desert. Her and her significant other essentially have the right ingredients to a healthy relationship, but they do not know how to combine them, which has led to a break up. “too bad for us” is mostly an acoustic song, but adds in dynamic drums halfway through, similarly to “number one girl”. Towards the end of the song, during the bridge, there is a gradual increase of the tempo, adding a distinctive part to the track. 12. dance all night A RnB-pop song is the perfect way to close out such an amazing album such as rosie  - especially with a piano solo. “dance all night” is as if the end credits of a movie were transformed into a song. The tracks of this album all discussed wanting, whether it was ROSÉ wanting someone or wanting her relationship to end. Now, she just wants to dance to look towards better things beyond the hardships she faced throughout the record. The production of the track is very uplifting and reminiscent of the easy-listening genre, especially with the guitar chords. The melody is very lovely, as well as the harmonies, especially during the choruses and bridge. I loved this album so much and I think this is a great way to start a solo career - with a 10/10 debut record. Not only do ROSÉ’s vocals encapsulate the heart of each and every track, but the album also has a roster of iconic songwriters and producers in pop, such as Amy Allen and Greg Kurstin, making it pop perfection. ROSÉ is also a songwriter for every track, and she has impeccable literary craftsmanship, describing how it feels to want to be with someone no matter what, and also to experience toxic relationships. This album came in with a bang, not only with APT. being the successful leading single, but this being ROSÉ's first solo album and first debut album, and I believe its release was handled exceptionally. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW ROSÉ: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Trying to sleep as that one conversation plays endlessly in our minds is a night where we've decided sleep is no longer an option. Did we say the wrong thing? Did we share too much? What do they think of us now? Sometimes these questions become so overwhelming that the best choice is to just stay home or say nothing at all. Is it wrong though to share what's on our mind? It can be hard to see that the problem isn't that we feel like we overshared, but that the people around us might immediately judge us for being honest. At the end of the day, these conversations can't be let go. It makes it even more difficult to share our thoughts without questioning everything we say to the point that silence is solace to the immense weight we fear our words may carry. Molly Frances expresses the thoughts we all share when we feel like we've said too much in her new song "big mouth." Biting our tongue can't be as bad as the conversations that haunt us at night, right? The song opens with a question where Molly Frances begins to express her thoughts on whether she overshared and how she plans on dealing with that anxiety from the conversation. The melody has a soft, electric tone that gently pulses similar to how our heart races when we start to stress on things we regret saying. Though she continues to sing the first verse calmly, the pulsing melody continues alongside. She shows how she can still carry on the conversation normally while hiding the regret or worry she feels over something she had said. The beat grows stronger and her voice is powerful as the thoughts and questions grow endless. She knows that there's a chance they didn't even think twice about what she regrets saying and how they might also be having their own thoughts endlessly looping in their heads, but that lingering, stressful feeling continues. In the second verse, she continues to express how she tends to always share what's on her mind. She fears that her honesty might've ruined the moment, even though she knows they probably forgot what she said in minutes while she's still thinking about it for hours. She decides rather than share what's on her mind, she holds back and says things that don't mean as much as the things she actually wants to say represented by the "blah, blah, blah," in the bridge. Molly Frances' serene yet powerful voice perfectly highlights the thoughts and worries we have had in times when we've felt regret over saying what's on our mind. "big mouth" is truly a beautiful song to drown out the conversations we can't stop playing in our heads. Molly Frances, who is established in Brooklyn, New York, started to grow in the music industry with her song released in 2022, "Meet the Devil." She was raised in Maryland, where she then moved to Nashville to learn more about music at Belmont University's School of Music. She is inspired and influenced by artists like Carol Ades and Holly Humberstone, but also finds great inspiration within her local community. Her emotional and relatable lyrics paired with her tranquil and powerful instrumentation has truly made her stand out as a indie pop singer and songwriter. Molly Frances will continue to show her talent in her pop EP "Collector" in the spring of 2025. Written By Nini Alano FOLLOW MOLLY FRANCES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

The song 'Winter Sweater' brings us the feeling of yearning for home. We experience the way the artist thinks about her childhood hometown and the memories she holds from that place. Not to say she doesn't like the town she's in now. However, there's something nostalgic about reflecting on the first home you remember from your childhood. There's a few sets of lyrics that embody this idea well. The first being at the beginning of the song when it says, "Wish present day was frozen in time, / Tired of those little white lies / Saying I'm fine." I think this line speaks volumes on the emotion the artist feels towards her hometown and present day life. Towards the end of the song, we get another set of powerful lyrics that say, "But the clock keeps ticking and I can't go back / Oh, the memories of us are all I have." The line is relatable for anyone who's listening. We all know that the clock, representing life, waits for no one. The things we experience today will become memories tomorrow. Listening to 'Winter Sweater,' is like being wrapped in a warm hug on a cold winter day. The warmth of remembrance and nostalgia is thick throughout the song. Having those elements shine brightly in the piece helps strengthen the reflective and melancholy mood. It gives us a warm and bittersweet experience when listening to it. Some of the instruments that help take this song to the next level are the piano and acoustic guitar. They present us with emotions that drive the song. Without these instruments, the piece would lack something very valuable. Having them gives us a stronger sense of longing. The lyrics are the cherry on top of the perfect song. They represent everything that the melody is trying to convey on it's own. Adding all of these little elements together helps tie the bow on a song that feels like a present to us as the listener. Andelyn is an indie-folk artist based in Orange County, California, but she is originally from Utah. She was raised with a love for music, singing and playing the piano at church. This helped kickstart the journey she is on today as an artist. Songwriting and performance are an introspective and reflective process for Andelyn. It helps her learn more about herself and the world around her. She's inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, Niall Horan, Kacey Musgraves, and Noah Kahan. Her music is not only about her own experiences, but also about helping others find value in their own experiences and reflect on them in a healthy way. Some of the bigger themes she tackles in her songs include loss, love, and self-discovery. If you're looking for a new artist to listen to, I highly recommend Andelyn. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Andelyn: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

Confronting the challenging reality of a half-hearted romance, Barb's new release "beside you (so boring!)" is a fascinating journey through physical sensations into stark revelations. The speaker of the song takes you into her situation, feeling like a hidden secret and working to understand her reality with thoughts like "who's to say if I can bear to fake it?" Taking on the emotional weight of easily picturing her partner with someone else, the speaker of this song feels like an observer more than a participant in this relationship. With an interesting and emotionally-loaded exploration of a complex relationship, this track will captivate you with its hesitance to let go. Acoustic guitar strumming and Barb's atmospheric, feminine vocals open the song. Electronic instrumentals layer on along with rhythmic percussion before heavy electric guitar adds a dynamic excitement to the track. Gaining in volume and showing off Barb's passionate vocal projection, the chorus has a captivatingly energetic soft rock sound, leaning into the percussion even more. Vocal layers add texture to the tune in the second verse, with lifting harmonies creating a reflective mood. Ending with an incredible electric guitar riff, this track has an exhilarating sound. With fascinating blends of acoustic, electric, and electronic instrumentals, "beside you (so boring!)" will excite you with its vast musical expression. Barb is an indie pop-rock musician from Texas. She uses her lyrics to explore meaningful and complex themes of relationships and love, influenced by a queer lens. Fans of girl in red and The Beaches will appreciate the vulnerable lyricism and energetic sound of Barb's music. Hailing from an athletic background as a D-1 athlete, Barb is no stranger to hard work and dedication, as she brings the same level of commitment to her musical career. She has graced the stages of venues Austin-based venues like Mohawk and Long Center , letting listeners enjoy her vocals and skills on the guitar. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music and keep an eye out for upcoming releases. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW BARB: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

Reflecting on a love that changes you for the better, Slowly Slowly have released their fiery new single, "How Are You Mine?" The track ends the year on a high note, giving us a taste for what's to come for the group in 2025 as they prepare to release their fifth studio album, Forgiving Spree . Shedding light on the narrative behind "How Are You Mine?," frontman Ben Stewart shares, "It’s a celebration song. I struck the lottery. I’d built this persona as the lonely sad guy, and it’s like shedding skin. I can be happy." Through his relatable lyricism, Stewart shows us how joyous and healing love can be, giving us something positive and upbeat to think about as 2024 comes to a close. An enthralling mix of indie, pop-punk, and pop-rock, Slowly Slowly's "How Are You Mine?" is an upbeat love song for the ages. The track has an electrifying soundscape, featuring addictive melodies, driving beats, and thrilling guitar riffs to match the song's rousing lyrics. Stewart radiates positivity, flawlessly delivering an intoxicating vocal performance over the track's exhilarating instrumentals. Inspired by many great artists, Slowly Slowly's "How Are You Mine?" is perfect for fans of The Killers, Gang of Youths, Stand Atlantic, and Pale Waves. Debuting in 2015, Slowly Slowly kicked off their sensational career with their first single, "Empty Lungs." Since then, they have grown from an indie band to an Australian favorite, growing their impressive catalog by four studio albums with a fifth on the way. Two of their albums have enjoyed much success on the ARIA Charts with Race Car Blues and Daisy Chain peaking at number 7 and number 5 respectively. Also finding success as a live act, Slowly Slowly have proven themselves to be a force in the indie genre, playing festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Good Things, and Groovin The Moo, as well as sharing the stage with icons like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Amy Shark. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SLOWLY SLOWLY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Xmas Sox" by B.Miles takes you into the speaker's shoes, or rather socks, setting the scene of an unexpected encounter with an ex. Its title is a stolen memento of the exes, and a bridge into the relationship's past. Get locked into the scene of catching the eye of an old flame at a music show before flashing back to the moment the relationship ended with the lyrics "under the burning blurring during the silent night it fell apart." The creative way the words work in this song embodies the chaotic physical and tangible experience of the breakup, allowing listeners to resonate with the whirlwind of emotion. Fall into beautiful and somber nostalgia through this reflective track. This alternative pop song is beautifully composed with soft rock influences and a dreamy ambient sound of reflection. High vocals and entrancing, atmospheric guitar open this track with the instrumentals adopting a louder, more defined sound as the song continues on. B.Miles' voice is soft and breezily blissful in its sound, carrying the melody with expressive, breathy singing. Percussion and delves into electronic instrumentals build an atmospheric feeling in the pre-chorus. An electric guitar exploration of the chorus's melody closes the song, embodying the lyrics' feeling of seeing a show and it coming to an end. B.Miles is a New York-based artist with an emotional alternative pop style. She has been performing original songs since the age of 14, and has continued to dazzle audiences with her incredible vocals ever since. Her musical talents have received praise from platforms like Refinery 29 , Time Magazine , and Ones To Watch , with songs that confront genuine struggles with the human experience like gender-based expectations and personal explorations. With nearly 80 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and millions of streams on her son gs—"Salt" amassing over 28 000 000 streams on Spotify —as well as performances at venues like the Mercury Lounge and Bowery Ballroom , B.Miles has captivated listeners through her live shows and releases. Check out the links below to keep up with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW B.MILES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Eyes Don't Lie" by OSQAR ROSE deals with moving on after a breakup. With a cool aesthetic to its sound and lyrics, this track is honest about the sensations and emotions that exist from surges energy to clinging to the idea of what's left. With words that act as a direct message to their ex, the speaker expresses, "you know it was real love." He goes through the truths that his ex is moving on, coming to terms with the situation through the song. Wondering what he now means to his ex, the speaker shows vulnerability as he asks difficult questions. With a meaningful journey of curiosity and acceptance, this ambient track uncovers complex emotions of post-breakup healing. Electronic instrumentals including a twinkling note pattern and pulsing synth chords OSQAR's ambient vocals work rhythmically through the song, accompanied by ongoing percussion. The a melody of whistling sprinkles itself throughout the track, adding a unique element of harmony throughout. Echoes of vocals with a calm distortion pop up in the background before taking over in the bridge of the song for a textured switch in the tone. From there on, immersive instrumentals offer a glowing, escalating build back towards the chorus as percussion excitingly picks up. Listeners will love the groovy resonance of this atmospheric alternative electropop song. OSQAR ROSE is a musician from New Zealand with an alternative pop style. He began releasing music in 2018, with his debut EP, "Beautiful Confessions", coming out in 2022. With songs that reflect on love and self reflection, OSQAR's music motivates listeners to confront their emotions through his indie sound. Smooth, commercial pop vocals and catchy electronic instrumentals weave through his discography, making his songs a cool sonic dive into atmospheric expression. After a two-year pause from releasing music, he is returning to the musical scene. Check out the links below to keep up with his music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW OSQAR: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Harmony" by Tonia is an introspective song about a feeling of a post-breakup disconnect, with a strong message of moving on. When you've fallen out of sync with a person you used to be in a relationship with, contemplation can take you beyond memories and towards resolution. The speaker of the song starts off by reflecting on how she and her ex used to work together before explaining that the ex moved on and communicating the message "you just don't get it." Telling of the ways that the speaker was let down, the lyrics are firm in their rejection of starting anew with that ex. In an empowering message of self-respect, this song motivates listeners to keep people who hurt them out of their lives. This song has fun with its sound, blending upbeat instrumentals with a creative exploration of singing. The track opens with continuous percussion before delving into the vocals. Tonia's voice holds a casual, descriptive tone through the verse, moving easily through highs and lows as the first harmonies in the song make an appearance through vocalizing. Taking its title seriously through the sound of this track, harmonies of layered vocals emphasize the lyrics. Piano and energetic electric guitar strumming infuse a mild rock energy into the alt-pop style of the tune. Reflective and expressive, "Harmony" showcases beautiful, wispy vocals and an invigorating set of instrumentals in its sound. Tonia is a Liverpool-based musician with an exciting alternative pop style. Her songs use lyrics that listeners can relate to, reflecting on life, love, relationships, and the self, her music hits hard with its authenticity. Tonia's talents have earned her the title of one of Liverpool International Music Festival Academy 's 'Most Ready' artists, as well as support from platforms like BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1. She has performed at venues and festivals like Kendal Calling , the Dot to Dot Festival , and the Cavern Club . Having toured supporting the band Say She She , and played a headline show at Liverpool's Rough Trade, she has established a dynamic stage presence. Check out her music using the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW TONIA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Rising singer-songwriter Jazzy Dale just released her latest single, "Desperate," on November 29, 2024. The track recounts her experience falling for someone that is only interested in the physical connection of a relationship. Even though she wanted more from this person, she never got any clarity, and they didn't value her in the same way. If you've ever been in a similar position, you know it can be difficult to finally walk away from someone that doesn't deserve you. Dance along to this anthemic track about reclaiming self-worth and no longer being desperate for a person who isn't worth it. "Desperate" is a dark pop/EDM track written in collaboration with Lach Bostock, known for his work with ODESZA, Mansionair, and Dom Dolla. Backed by a fast, dance club production, Dale dives into what it is like to be in a messy, toxic situationship with someone that is not able to give you what you want. That moment when you develop feelings for a person that is not looking for anything more serious. She expresses this experience with lyrics like "My heart is dumb / I'm lost inside my brain" and "I can't walk away / Wrapped around your finger / Got me begging for a taste." Jazzy Dale is an emerging alternative R&B/pop artist from Sydney, Australia. She is carving out her own space in the global music scene, blending authentic lyricism with earworming pop hooks and danceable production. This is her seventh release, and her first track, "Sneakin'," came out in 2020. Since then, she has achieved over 5,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone. If you enjoyed "Desperate," make sure to check out the rest of her discography. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Jazzy Dale and her music by following the links to her social media profiles down below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW JAZZY DALE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

It’s officially the Christmas season, which is one of my favorite times of year, mainly because of the music. And while I’m a sucker for the classics, I love discovering new hits by both well-known and up-and-coming artists that I can add to my yearly playlist. And today, I got a chance to listen to a potential new favorite! “I'd Give It Up (To Have You To Myself)” is the latest single by singer and songwriter Emme. It’s a short, but sweet, ballad about spending Christmas with the people that you love. It’s nostalgic, yet romantic, as Emme sings about only needing her partner to be happy for the holidays. I especially love the verse, “Lights tangled in the attic / We make our own Christmas magic / Not everybody has it / No plans just you and me / We don’t even need to get a tree / You’re the only gift I need.” When it comes to Christmas music, I tend to move back and forth between upbeat party hits, and soft classics. This song is definitely on the softer and emotional side, which I appreciate. When I’m bundling up with some cocoa and a good book, I always gravitate to the softer songs to get me in the mood. And despite the song being under two and a half minutes, it accomplished just that. Even the instrumentals are simple, with the piano taking the forefront. I appreciated this, as I then got to truly listen to Emme’s stellar vocals… and dare I say, perfect for this genre. Emme is a Canadian singer and songwriter who has been releasing music for the past few years. Her debut album, Avalanche, was released in 2022, and was entirely self-written and produced. Her most popular single, “Without You” released in 2021, and today has over 117 thousand streams on Spotify. If you liked “I'd Give It Up (To Have You to Myself)” and want to listen to more songs like it, the song is actually a featured single off Emme’s new Christmas EP, which is out now across all streaming platforms! I can’t wait to add this song to my playlist and give the rest of Emme’s stunning Christmas hits a listen. Go and stream “I'd Give It Up (To Have You to Myself)” everywhere, today! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW EMME: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"AFTERCARE" by Nessa Barrett is invigoratingly seductive and empoweringly bold. Unlock the wonder of romance, pain, dependence, and independence in this captivating dark pop album. TRACKLIST AFTERCARE PORNSTAR HEARTBEAT DISCO (FT. TOMMY GENESIS) PASSENGER PRINCESS MUSTANG BABY (FT. ARTEMAS) RUSSIAN ROULETTE S.L.U.T. BABYDOLL GIVEN ENOUGH EDWARD SCISSORHANDS GLITTER AND VIOLENCE PINS AND NEEDLES STAY ALIVE DIRTY LITTLE SECRET Nessa Barrett is a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, from gaining a following on social media platforms to putting out music in a lively pop style. With billions of global streams on her songs, a global tour, and festival appearances under her belt, Nessa's music has found a wide audience. Fans of electropop that isn't afraid to be edgy or honest will love the catchy sound of her music. On top of her exciting music career, Nessa has branched into fashion as the face of brands like SKIMS , Steve Madden , and Nasty Gal . Keep an eye out for upcoming shows near you as Nessa will take the stage in North America and Europe throughout 2025. AFTERCARE Sensual words of connection paint a touching picture of want and longing, starting the album off strong with a dive into sensation and emotion. With a truly unique sound, this track is a sonic experience, opening with a feeling of transcendence through whooshing, distortion, the lighting of a spark, a bell, and ambient instrumentals. Strings and whispers draw you into the tantalizing excitement of intimacy. The lyrics throughout the verse are barely audible, haunting the track with the essence of imagery like "wrapped in lace, your favorite sin." The physicality in the lyrics set the stage for vulnerability as the speaker of the song asks for their partner to remain by their side beyond the scope of physical gratification. In this delve into connection, a solid euphoric sound emerges with high vocals, intense percussion, electronic instrumentals, and strings. Intense and moving, "AFTERCARE" is a captivating dive into the atmosphere of craving connection that permeates the album. PORNSTAR Allow yourself to go wild with excitement with the second track on this album. Fast-paced electronic instrumentals, Nessa's entrancing, breathy vocals, and invigorating percussion infuse this song with a dance inspiring dark pop style. An unbridled exploration of craving, the words of this song take on what it feels like to have your mind entirely consumed with longing for one particular person. Framing the speaker's love interest as the star of her own personal show, the lyrics beg to be amazed with lyrics like "show me who you are." This song hits hard with freeing sensuality through powerful vocals and a touch of titillating moaning layered in the dark pop sound. Pulsing, high singing through the chorus will have your heart racing and body swaying with the lively beat and electric instrumentals. Allowing you to feel bold with your desires, "PORNSTAR" is an empowering journey into craving. HEARTBEAT The experiences of our pasts seep into our lives in the modern day, and the third track of this album expresses a need to feel alive after difficult experiences. The song opens with the line "sacrificed my innocence too young", before expressing the deadened numbness the speaker feels. Relying on the connection with a lover to lift her into a space of safety, the lyrics bask in the momentary escape of companionship. Percussion that feels like a slow, loud pulse, and Nessa's haunting singing works breathily through the verse. Then comes a bold leap into the chorus with a resonant beat drop with electronic instrumentals reminiscent of sirens, and vocal projection encapsulating the emotional weight of asking for help. Keyboard joins into the second verse, with high minor chords subtly ringing out in the background, adding to the comprehensive fanatical sound of need. Darkness and revival, intimacy and sur vival—these are the intense concepts that flow through the veins of this song. DISCO (FT. TOMMY GENESIS) Embrace the exhilaration of the moment with this invigorating track, blending groovy instrumentals with Nessa's alluring, gentle vocals for an overall lively sound of closeness. Taking on the energy of dance and upping the intensity through electric lyrics of connection, this song will uplift you. The way the excitement manifests through the lyrics is powerfully physical with words like "my blood boils hotter and I can feel you swim in my veins." Vocalizing brings a euphoric feeling to the chorus, showing off Nessa's range. Tommy Genesis brings a cool confidence to the track with a rap interlude that feels like a preposition. Assertive with its temptation and captivating with its sound, this track will make you feel self-assured in your pursuit of romance. PASSENGER PRINCESS It can be an immensely freeing feeling to let someone else take control, and this song explores the commitment and excitement of being by someone's side while they hold the wheel. With clear and honest expressions of devotion, the lyrics are titillatingly demanding and excitingly romantic. Phrases like "say you're all mine" permeate the possessive intensity into the song. Sensations of belonging unravel through the lyrics and the sound, beginning with a glowing introduction, entrancing and slow. A dark pop narrative feeling comes from an exciting, fast-paced dive into the verse. The pre-chorus holds an entrancing call and response sound with glowing high singing and whisper-singing echoes that let the words reverberate around your head. Intimate and catchy, the chorus will captivate you with its hypnotic sound and message of devotion. MUSTANG BABY (FT. ARTEMAS) Another track that takes the intensity of romance on the road, "Mustang Baby" envelops the thrill of connection with bold declarations of desire. Lyrics like "show me how bad you want it from sunset to sunrise" express the urgency and confidence the speaker feels, taking the precious luxury of a Mustang and making it the sacred setting of this invigorating encounter. Resonant percussion and piano sound simply behind Nessa's breathy vocals in the first verse, picking up an edgy electric guitar sound in the chorus. ARTEMAS joins in with throaty vocals in the second verse, and the voices blend in the next chorus with an exhilaratingly dynamic sound. Intense distorted dark rock-esque instrumentals and Nessa's singing through the bridge powerfully permeate a feeling of ferocity into the track. The perfect song to listen to with that special someone on a late night drive, this tune is sure to excite you. RUSSIAN ROULETTE Eternity and closeness, no matter the cost, will captivate you through this heartfelt track. Opening with soft piano and a message of ongoing need for the love the speaker has to last, this song hits hard for all the romantics. Even through trails, tribulations, and the way "love can turn a red heart black and blue", the speaker clings to her love like a lifeline. Gentle and low, Nessa's vocals work slowly through the verse. Strings and bells join into the chorus, infusing the sound with a morbid feeling that reminds me of ideas of heaven. Fans of Lana Del Rey's lyrics of devotion and romantically dark sound will love the entrancing style of this song. S.L.U.T. Repeating carnal need like a mantra, this open and free song motivates listeners to be genuine with their sexuality. The lyrics "I want sex, lies, ugly, truth" cycle through the song and work both simply and powerfully to encapsulate the wide span of closeness the speaker wants to feel. Sometimes we crave to experience pain and rage before revelation, and these lyrics can be interpreted in so many ways, but ultimately shower listeners with the message of wanting to go through every type of interaction with someone. Intense, distorted guitar opens the track along with energizing percussion. These invigorating instrumentals work through every chorus, and the passionate, dark guitar in the verse is replaced with Nessa's layered vocals of both singing and screaming. Allow yourself to lean into unfiltered, authentic desire with "S.L.U.T". BABYDOLL With a raw and emotional exploration of objectification, this song lays out the truths of being treated like a "BABYDOLL". Lyrics like "off the shelf for the night" take on the painful reality that sometimes people don't see you as a romantic partner, but a means to an end. Reflecting the hardship that comes from being treated as something superficial and separate from identity, the speaker asks, "collecting dust, what's my name?" Twangy electric guitar and soft vocals in the verse turn into a powerful projection through the chorus, full of expression. Moving through feelings of sadness and rage, this track motivates people to confront objectification and understand that they deserve to be treated with respect. GIVEN ENOUGH If love means having to sacrifice everything, then it's not the right relationship for you. Conveying the important message that romance should not be physically or emotionally draining, this track repeats the question "haven't I given enough?" Asking her partner to take a look at the unfair amount they take from the speaker, the lyrics delve into the difficulties of refusing anything to someone you love. Fast piano arpeggios and Nessa's high, electronically distorted vocals open the song before distorted guitar joins in. Strings and percussion add to the immersive style of this track, reflecting the all-consuming feeling of the lyrics. Cool and hazy, this song tackles how love can make you vulnerable with an energetic dark pop sound. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS This next track shows the way hurt people hurt people, and when it comes to love, the carnage is all the greater. Resonant guitar fingerpicking and somber high vocals open the track as listeners are taken through lyrics of pain, harm, and fear. With singing rising high, the lyrics express, "I can't even blame you, it's just how God made you." Revealing the sad truth, this song expresses that when you love someone, you understand why they are the way they are, and it makes it so much harder to hold them accountable when they hurt you. When being needed feels like a trap, it's important to remove yourself from the situation, and the speaker of the song bares the difficulties to do just that. GLITTER AND VIOLENCE What does control really look like? This is the question that this song grapples with, taking on ideas of gender roles, age, and society with its bold reflection. It's true that society objectifies women, and this song makes fun of the people who overlook your power and wisdom because of your gender. Distorted guitar and haunting blends of whispers and shouts work throughout the track to create an immersive intensity, drawing out the nature of the song's meaning. Lyrics like "empty out your 401k for it" reveal how easily manipulated those who choose not to respect women truly are. Dark electronic instrumentals and bold percussion compliment Nessa's high and intense vocals, giving the lyrics a true feeling of power. PINS AND NEEDLES Glide into this song, straight from the last, with a seamless transition of an electronic pattern of notes that continues through the verse. This track embodies the post-breakup numbness you can feel when a relationship has left you remorselessly detached. Erasing the person from existence in their history, the speaker builds an impenetrable shield of words, allowing no thought of her ex to seep back in. Soft vocals repeat "who are you?" in the pre-chorus, offering a hazy feeling before the louder, bolder vocals and electronic instrumentals of the chorus offer an escape into its ambient sound. STAY ALIVE Material things can't solve the mental distress that holds you and "STAY ALIVE" is a heart-wrenching exploration of internal struggles. Taking listeners through difficulties related to mental illness, contemplating suicide, and balancing the weight of life and death, this track is a deeply emotional expression of distress. With a fast-paced electropop sound in the verse, vocals feel hushed, before raising in volume through the chorus. Repetition of the words "wait" and "pain" pulse feelings of hesitancy and fear into the beat, solidifying complex emotions into the sound of this song. DIRTY LITTLE SECRET Ending the album with a reach away from love, this track takes control and gratification out of an intimate situation. When you're exhausted by the games and emotional battles that romance can put you through, it can be such a relief to let go of those ties for a little while and just have fun. Exhilarating with the seductive idea of hidden explorations, the lyrics "my dirty little secret, that's how I want to keep it" will electrify you with their meaning of power and enjoyment. Soft and sensual vocals will have you hanging on every word through the verse along with gentle percussion before the tune switches to a euphoric mix of high singing and resonant electronic instrumentals. Unlock the wonder in secrets and taboo as you listen to this immersive track. "AFTERCARE" by Nessa Barrett takes listeners on a journey of self-expression with reflections on individuality and relationships that evolve in their perspective throughout the tracks. Her expressive, high vocals work beautifully with the themes of sensuality, romance, and connection that weave their way through each of the songs in this collection. These songs help listeners experience the true range of emotions that come from romantic relationships from healing through them like in "HEARTBEAT" and healing from them, like in "PINS AND NEEDLES". Unafraid to explore thrilling feelings of sexuality through music, this album unlocks raw authenticity through its messages. With a dark pop sound that uses both acoustic and electronic instrumentals, the album introduces an exciting mix of songs that listeners can dance as well as ones to take their time with, truly absorbing the power of the lyrics. Fans of music by Halsey will love the powerful sound of these tracks, while lovers of Billie Eilish can resonate with the high, breathy vocals that carry a dark emotional tune. Whether you are looking for a song to feel deeply, or one in which you can escape, this comprehensive album has you covered. Enjoy the musical journey through love, feeling, and self-discovery that this album has in store. Written By Hanna Kowal Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

New song “Middle Ground” by Simona-Valentina explores the journey of having to pull yourself up after being stuck in a state of sorrow. It’s an anthem for strengthening yourself to become the hero that you need. It’s an incredibly personal song that lyrically holds so many details as to what the speaker experiences. Sonically, the song is a chill indie pop track that has a lot of nice electronic elements to it. This is then paired with the powerful voice that Simona-Valentina has, really leaning into the emotional conflict she has experienced. “Middle Ground” is a song everyone should turn on and take to heart because it’s important to have a reminder that you can pick yourself up after a time of pain and suffering, and with this song, Simona-Valentina shows her audiences that she understands and has been able to work to where she is now. The mainstream electronic pop elements used for “Middle Ground” allow the song to maintain its catchy nature that makes it so easy to listen to. That intro of the song is really fun and so easily gets stuck in your head. The first verse really hits audiences hard as it’s so detailed about how hurt the speaker is. It holds a lot of beautiful imagery that helps listeners try to imagine what it feels like to feel this kind of pain. As the song grows louder so does the speaker’s motivation to bring change to their situation. What’s powerful about the chorus is that it loses the doubt the speaker previously had in themselves and instead, it is replaced with assurance. However, this doesn’t erase the hold that the person who hurt the speaker has on them, as we see in the second verse, but that doesn’t eliminate the confidence the speaker has developed. That complicated nature of this journey makes it so real and explores how people’s paths to healing aren’t always straightforward. Simona-Valentina sounds so powerful on “Middle Ground” and that’s what makes it so lovely, it’s an honest hero’s journey to finding peace and taking a step forward to what’s best. Simona-Valentina is an artist originally from Victoria, Transylvania who is now based in London. She takes inspiration from many notable singers such as Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, Sia, and more. She’s been musically inclined since she was a young girl and has released several songs up to this point. Her previous release, “Blue Tattoo,” did well and won the semi-finalist award at the 2019 International Songwriting Competition. What’s great about Simona-Valentina is that from her work you can clearly see how much passion she has for creating art and that passion is exactly what’s going to help her grow high as an artist. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW SIMONA-VALENTINA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator