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Laura Tesoro takes listeners into the story of a fun and fleeting night-turned complex and uneven relationship with her new song “So Naive”. The lyrics bring you into the moment of first feeling an attraction, pushing intensity into the words “hunting eyes can’t see the tension, everybody kinda disappeared.” The pre-chorus continues the sense of free and in-the-moment spark, before completely flipping the script in the chorus. Listeners are made to feel just as blindsided by the lows of this new relationship as the speaker does. The pre-chorus ends on a figurative cliffhanger, with the words “never would expect that this was gonna make me feel…”. That's where the title comes in, and throughout the chorus, listeners' eyes are opened to the narrator’s being strung along in a relationship where she is not a priority. She diagnoses this partner with a fear of love, detailing the contradictions in his actions and avoidance of commitment. The song ends with some self-love for the speaker, saying “you might think of me and feel so naive.”  The tone of this song follows the journey taken in the lyrics. It starts with euphoric vocalizing and instrumentals before Laura’s vocals begin. Her voice brings a level of nostalgia to what feels like the narration of a scene through the verse. Sustained, uplifting keyboard chords gently play in the background, along with fluttering, high electronic instrumentals which add to that dream-like memory atmosphere. Her deep and entrancing vocals ascend through the pre-chorus, before percussion, slightly louder instrumentals, and Laura’s bold and emotional voice emerge through the chorus. The second verse is faster, and carries this enthralling aggression that comes through in her expressive vocals and the muted, rapid instrumental background. She belts out the bridge, and her strong voice makes you feel that emotion packed into the words, before growing gentle at the very end of the song. Laura Tesoro is a performer whose music rose to popularity in 2016, when her song “What’s The Pressure” represented Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest. On top of being a singer and songwriter, Laura also hosts television. She has almost 150, 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and several of her songs have had millions of streams! Three years after performing in Eurovision, her debut album “Limits”  was released. The album touched listeners with its personal exploration of self-acceptance. She participated on Season 10 of  Liefde voor Muziek , a Flemish reality TV show, where she performed a cover with Tourist LeMC . Laura has collaborated with other artists like Loic Nottet and OSKI . Check out the links below to listen to more of her music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LAURA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“Somebody Else But Me” by Francis On My Mind sends well wishes to an ex-partner, inviting them to move on. This is a resolute and kind breakup song that speaks to listeners on multiple levels. It starts with an aesthetic snapshot of the speaker’s life: “smoking alone on my best friend’s bathroom floor”. These first lyrics put an image in my head of a person taking a relieving and solitary moment to themself in a place they went to for support. The words become a direct message to the ex, explaining that the breakup gave the narrator clarity and strength. No room for confusion is left in the chorus; there is no way the speaker will backslide into the relationship again. The lyrics “you really wanna change, but just save it for another” make listeners understand that even if someone is working on themselves, you’re never obligated to be with someone or give them more chances. When you hear this song, it’s easy to understand that you can care about someone and still make the choice that is best for you. This track is freeing, progressively moving from a softer and more intimate sound to a loud, bold, and happy one. Gentle echoes of the vibrant chorus play in background vocals along with patterns of soft, rapid percussion and simple guitar picking to open the song. Then comes the verse, where the background vocals end and Francis On My Mind’s breathy, smooth voice begins. There’s something very personal about the way she glides through high notes, like she’s taking the meaning from the words and trying to let the ex down easy. Her tone cushions the lyrics with an angelic sound. The vocals bring an emotional strength and range that sound like Jess Glynne. Francis belts out the chorus as the instrumentals grow strong, fast, and excited. That same comprehensive instrumental energy pushes through the bridge as the vocals layer in a flat staccato before growing deep and expressive. “Somebody Else But Me” has such an empowering sound, it is perfect for that liberating post-breakup moment of dancing your heart out! Francis On My Mind is a contemporary pop musician from Romania with a resonant and emotional style in both her lyrics and sound. She has over 310, 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and has captured the attention of listeners across the world from Sweden to Australia. Four years ago, she released her debut song “On My Mind”, which explored teen love and reached a global audience. She has collaborated with other artists including DOC on the song “Asasin de suflet” which premiered on Virgin Radio Romania , and Superdream and Clem Beatz on their song “The One”. Francis has also received support and praise from platforms including BBC Radio 1 . Click on the links below to enjoy Francis On My Mind’s cool and impassioned music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW FRANCIS ON MY MIND: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Laila’s new dark pop single takes listeners into that confusing time when you have labeled your relationship as “Talk”, which incidentally is the name of the song. Listeners can relate to the way this song maps out this contradictorily casual type of dating, one most of us have either experienced or witnessed through a friend. This track causes us to reflect on the things we’ve experienced and written off as normal behavior, like “he’s still texting me every day saying that he just needs space”. These lyrics make you think when they point out the hypocrisy when actions don’t align with words. With all this wondering and confusion, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would subject themselves to this but the chorus makes it all make sense. Laila sings, "if this is only talk, why does it feel so easy holding his body ‘til he falls asleep?” The words ask a question that calls so many of us out on our tendency to cling to the things that make us happy, no matter the consequences. With smooth and feminine vocals, somber piano, and some dark pop percussion, this song brings the after-hours vibes of the lyrics alive. The song begins with a minor keyboard progression and Laila’s voice gliding through the verse with a changing speed that adds emphasis and vulnerability. Percussion begins at the first  chorus and continues through the rest of the song. Near the end of the song, there’s an interlude of an electric guitar riff, matching the dark vibe of the track. It continues through the chorus until  the end of the song, making the sound even bolder as the lyrics boldly ask to define the relationship. Laila, also known as Laila Kharouba, is a Canadian musician and actress who studied theater and film at Queen’s University. Her music has played on Canadian morning shows including CTV’s Your Morning . Laila's television credits include Netflix’s show Glamorous. Laila’s song “I Only Wanna Dance With You” was featured by CBC Radio 1 . She recently played at Rivoli before Cassie Dasilva , and has played at other venues in Toronto, like The Drake Underground alongside FUNHOUSE and Vibi . Check out the links below to learn more about Laila and keep an eye out for where she’s playing next! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LAILA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Emotional commitment can be incredibly scary when it comes to putting your heart on the line. Sometimes it’s easier to avoid the deeper desires and just have fun. Jaeyla released her third single “Potential Love Song” which is an upbeat pop song about needing connection but pushing away the strings that come attached. With influence from female UK bands, the track mixes the guitar, drums, pianos and synths to bring that indie pop rock sound to life. Jaeyla’s vocals and harmony stacks in the bridge bring such a unique and beautiful sound that makes the song what it is. She’s the perfect artist to check out if you’re a fan of Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan or The Beaches. All the elements in this song bring a carefree vibe that is perfect to sing with friends on a late night out. Jaeyla created this song to normalize nights where all you want to do is let go. “I don’t need love to stay the night, can’t picture you with me by your side,” is the opening line that sets the tone of the song. She shares her internal thoughts on the reality of unserious hookups. In a deeper sense I think Jaeyla also realizes at times it can just be a way to escape. There’s a line that says “we all need somebody, anybody who’s falling in the long run.” That to me seemed like she has pushed back thoughts of actually finding the right person. “I only need some therapy” acknowledges she probably needs help getting her heart off a chain, but for now Jaeyla sticks to harmless diversions. “Potential Love Song” is a big mark for Jaeyla and her artistry. She said she can really feel herself starting to find her sound and confidence in her music. Jaeyla is a singer songwriter located in Berlin, navigating her path as an artist. Her first single “the devil will never hate me,” was released in 2022 followed by her debut single “ridiculous,” in 2023. Her music is her way of self expression and with each song she finds the right words to say. Jaeyla has a lot of promise as an artist and her discography will grow just as she does. Follow her social media pages down below and check out “Potential Love Song.” Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW JAEYLA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Lack of response and regard. It’s something many of us have, unfortunately at some point, experienced. Whether it was with a friend or a romantic partner who suddenly left without any sort of explanation or consideration for a reply, it’s something that leaves us hurt and mostly bewildered– confused as to why this person abruptly decided to cut off any sort of contact. It is particularly heartbreaking when this person served as a source of comfort. A person you once leaned on during moments of turmoil. A person who once brought you immense buoyancy and solace. At a moment like this, it’s easy to get lost in the what-ifs. It’s also imperative that we utilize this opportunity to empower ourselves and remind ourselves that for whatever reason this person had for leaving was completely out of their own plight. “No Contact” by Bruklin is a song that represents a similar situation in the form of an empowering anthem. It tells the story of heartache and yearning, where one wishes for contact– unable to forget the memories shared. With lyrics like “I thought you had the heart to tell me first” that truly add vehement intensity to the sorrow we experience when this special person has unexpectedly decided we are no longer a priority to them. Despite the lyrics being so immensely heavy, the melody carries a lighthearted and lively tune. Almost as if it’s supposed to uplift its listeners despite the story the emotive lyrics convey. Which, can serve as a purpose to the listeners, it’s a song that we can not only relate to what it’s singing about, but it is also one where we use it as a source of empowerment– it won’t keep us desolate in our unfortunate loss, but will encourage us to seek out emotional strength. Bruklin’s talents are undeniable as her euphonious voice acts as an additional instrument to the song. Her voice perfumes the song with the added emphasis it requires to truly get the message across to her listeners– to get her listeners to feel the hurtful sentiments of a no-contact situation. As someone who has experienced such a thing, it’s almost a feeling of betrayal we feel when this person, whom we were once so close to, suddenly leaves without a second thought to explain their incentives. Almost like getting the rug pulled right out from under us– we are left flummoxed beyond words at their incredulous behavior The talented artist behind such a beautifully crafted song goes by the name Bruklin who mostly resonates with genres akin to pop music. Bruklin was born in April of 2008, originally from New Jersey. This passion for entertainment began at the very young age of 11 years old when she made appearances on television shows! Her vocalist career took off at the age of 12 when she performed a cover version of the song “Belieiver” by Imagine Dragons. Now at the age of 16, Bruklin continues to explore her innate talents of artistry for music and singing, releasing songs titled “Stay Freinds” “Magic Show” and the song “No Contact”. Being so young and already showcasing her artistic talents in her music. She only seems to continue to evolve as she grows as a person and artist. Bruklin wishes to make music that resonates with people's hearts, to tell stories that words alone are unable to do. As Bruklin continues to expedite and hone her skills, I look forward to hearing more from her! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW BRUKLIN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

'It's Stupid' is drenched in emotion that consumes us. As listeners, we crave a song that makes us feel something, and I can confidently say that Stephanie Meincke does just that in this song. Stephanie Meincke introduces us to some of the familiar feelings that we may experience when the sun goes down. The lyrics say, "I know it's stupid / I'm twenty-seven / But when I turn off the lights / My thoughts, they tend to get too loud." As someone who has dealt with anxiety their whole life, I've definitely found myself in this position. Even seeing the sun go down kick-starts all those unwanted thoughts and it makes the night harder. Knowing that someone else can relate to those feelings makes life less lonely. Even for those who don't experience anxiety, the song paints a realistic picture of what it looks like to live with anxiety when it says, "I'm glad you could make it / I know I forget to call / I have no excuses / I can't explain what's going on." The structure of the whole song is elegant, very laid back and quiet. There is something about the music that reminds you of a lullaby. The piano and the acoustic guitar add to that natural lullaby feel, making the song easy to listen to, sparking lots of emotions within the listener. Once we factor in Stephanie Meincke's voice it balances everything out and adds to the depth. Her voice is very smooth and soothing which helps maintain the relaxing tone of the song. Overall, this song invokes the feeling of sadness and uncertainty which comes with having and experiencing anxiety. All of the elements work together to craft this song perfectly. Stephanie Meincke is a Danish singer-songwriter. Her music blends traditional songwriting with pop. Her songs explore adulthood, mental health, and the beauty of the human experience. Stephanie Meincke gets her inspiration from artists like Tina Dickow, Lizzy McAlpine, and Maggie Rogers. Her debut single, 'It's Stupid' is setting the stage for her to be recognized as a rising star in the Danish music genre. She is set to release an EP soon titled 'Never Not Thinking.' Stephanie Meincke wrote the song 'It's Stupid' after a period of self-isolation. When asked about it, she said, "Everything just seemed so stupid, especially because on paper I should be doing great." She uses this song to remind us that it's okay to not be okay, and that even the strongest people struggle from time to time. Keep an eye out for more music by Stephanie Meincke. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Stephanie Meincke: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

For the first time in 9 years, RnB/Pop Queen Jordin Sparks has released an album. "No Restrictions" is her 4th studio album, and her first full-length body of work since 2015. Comprised of 15 songs chosen out of a pool of over 150 potential tracks, "No Restrictions" is about exactly what it is titled - Jordin being fully, completely open and herself and sharing her growth with the world. TRACKLIST Forever (feat. T-Pain) Where There's Smoke... Remember No Restrictions FFWD More Than Enough! The Wall Admit It Give Love A Try No Cry (feat. Stonebwoy) Call My Name What Are We Doing? (feat. Shawn Stockman) YCFWM Lavender Flower Fight Of Our Life If you don't already know, Jordin Sparks is an icon. She's well known for winning season 6 of the singing competition TV Show, American Idol in 2007 and still holds the record as the youngest person to ever win the show when she was just 17 years old. Her 2007 self-titled debut album went RIAA platinum and charted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, selling over 2-million copies world-wide. The album featured hit singles like the Grammy -Nominated collaboration with Chris Brown , "No Air", "Tattoo" and "One Step At A Time". Jordin went on to release a second album in 2009 titled "Battlefield", which charted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. Jordin has such an impressive list of accomplishments throughout her 17 year long career and we could be here all day talking about them, but let's just go through some. Jordin has opened for Alicia Keys , The Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears , sang for former USA President Barack Obama at his inauguration, and has added acting in tv, film and Broadway to her talents. Additionally, she is a philanthropist, a wife and a mother to a son who has inspired her to create this new music which we will now hear on the "No Restrictions" album. Forever (feat. T-Pain) Kicking off the album is the track "Forever" which features another iconic long-lived artist, T-Pain . I think it's the perfect song to introduce this album, not only because it's a bop but because of it's meaning. "Forever" is about the fact that life is short, so you shouldn't waste a single second of it. Live it up while you can, and don't let anything stop you. Jordin and T-Pain flawlessly blended together in this collab, taking nostalgic early 2000's RnB, Hip-Hop and Pop to create a track that takes us back to the good old days. Where There's Smoke... Track two is "Where There's Smoke...", a very classic, funky RnB song with a mixture of bass, guitar, piano and horns which gives it a very authentic soundscape. It reminds me a bit of some songs by Alicia Keys , Bruno Mars , and H.E.R. . I even kind of heard a bit of Ariana Grande vibes within the melody. The song is about hearing rumors of your man cheating, and there's so many of them that it's nearly impossible to believe that they're not true. Jordin is using the old saying, "where there's smoke there's fire" to say, "if there's this many people saying you're cheating, then you must be cheating". Remember "Remember" is the second single off of "No Restrictions", and was released about a month before the album. "Remember" is an interpolation of Michael Jackson 's song "Remember The Time" and samples his voice. It keeps those nostalgic tones, with a bit of funk to it's groove, but has a popping bass and a modern pop infused RnB melody. Many are saying this song is reminding them a lot of Brandy , and honestly, I can agree! "Remember" is about when a romantic relationship starts to become tense, and you're not really sure what happened. So you start to remind them about the times when things were better, and when things were easy. You reminisce on the good parts, and begin to wish that things could be like that again. No Restrictions Next, we have the title track, "No Restrictions" and lets just say this song's lyrics stay true to it's title! "No Restrictions" is a sensual, sexual song about experiencing the best love making of your life. There's no holding back, which is the whole point of "No Restrictions"! The bass here is deep and heavy, and the groove and melody feel influenced by afro-beat. If you've ever been this deeply in love, you'll be able to relate to exactly what Jordin sings about in this song. It's that kind of thing you only experience when you're truly deeply connected to someone on a soulmate type of level. FFWD "FFWD" is the abbreviation for "Fast Forward", meaning speeding up or skipping through time. This song has a very classic Rhythm & Blues style groove and instrumentation, really putting emphasis on blues notes with tones of jazz and soul mixed in there as well. "FFWD" is about not wanting to waste time on a rough patch within your relationship, and just wanting to fast forward to when things will be alright again - because you're confident that they can be. More Than Enough! "More Than Enough!" was released as the third single for this album just a week before it's release. The best way I can describe this song is that it is pure dance pop magic. The production will have you up and moving around; it's definitely what I like to call feel-good music. It's a song that's meant to lift your spirits and put you in a good mood. "More Than Enough!" is a message to that person that knows how to make you feel better even when you're at your worst. They do more for you than you could ever ask for, and you don't know how you could ever thank them. The Wall Next, we have "The Wall", which is a bop and half and I'm manifesting and hoping it's next the single! This song features an addicting bassline, with funk and disco vibes that will have you moving and grooving. There's moments of spoken melody that really give the song a unique touch, and it's an ear-worm of a rhythm. Jordin's voice is stunning and takes control as she effortlessly slips back and forth between chest and head vocals. "The Wall" is just a fun, super catchy song about having undeniable feelings for someone; feelings so strong that you can't let yourself hold back from them. Admit It Jordin said in an Instagram post when she released "More Than Enough!", "If you think you know what this album will sound like... think again!" - and let's just say, once I reached this song, "Admit It", I believed her. I was immediately taken back when a banjo started to play. "Admit It" is a high energy, hip-hop and country fusion track with tons of blues notes and a minor key color. Not gonna lie, my jaw was on the floor for this one. The only words I managed to say were "YES GIRL!". "Admit It" is about knowing your man is being sketchy and no matter how much proof you have against him, he will never admit to any wrong doing. Give Love A Try Continuing on the track of not knowing what things will sound like, "Give Love A Try" comes in with another surprising twist. This song is a raw, stripped down acoustic track with just a guitar and Jordin's voice. It's a lo-fi sound that feels straight off of a vinyl record. Jordin sing's with such a genuine and emotional tone, accompanied by gentle harmonies sung by herself. "Give Love A Try" is about acknowledging you've had it rough in the past, but that you shouldn't let it effect how you move forward; especially when you've found someone special, and the last thing you want to do is push them away over something that isn't their fault. It's about setting yourself free, and letting yourself love again. No Cry (feat. Stonebwoy) "No Cry" is a song that features beloved Ghanaian musician, Stonebwoy an is another song I could see being released as a hit single. This song takes a lot of Stonebwoy's signature Afropop /Afro-Beat / Dancehall style and infuses it with Jordin's RnB/Pop vibes, creating an incredibly catchy rhythm and beat and a melody that's bound to get stuck in your head. It also has a guitar riff that adds to the songs addictiveness and takes it to the next level. It honestly was giving me very nostalgic Black Eyed Peas energy and I was loving every second of it. Call My Name "Call My Name" was a single release last year with a music video, and was the first taste of what was to come for this new album. It's a sensual groove, with classic RnB tones filled with bass and guitar. Jordin doesn't hold back in showing off what she's got vocally, and has soulful church choir harmonies to back her up. "Call My Name" is about finding that love that finally makes you feel at peace. Through all the stress of day-to-day life, all that matters is by the end of the night you have that person there to make it all better. It's that feeling of ease and contentment that we all yearn for within a partner; where you no longer have to worry whether or not things are going to work out. You're just sure that they will always be there for you. What Are We Doing? (feat. Shawn Stockman) "What Are We Doing?" is pure nostalgic RnB Pop bliss. At the forefront is a stunning acoustic guitar picking pattern with dissonant notes ringing through the air. Then we mix this with a heavy, catchy hip-hop inspired beat. "What Are We Doing?" features singer/songwriter S hawn Stockman , a member of the infamous 80's boyband Boyz II Men . Have you ever heard the saying "right person, wrong time"? That is what this song is about - breaking up with someone who could've been the one because you were young and didn't realize at the time just how right they were for you. But now, you're ready to give it another try. Jordin and Shawn blend together their vocals in a way that feels like it was destined to be. They both have a smooth and light tone, with so much control creating this highly emotional experience. YCFWM "YCFWM" stands for "You Can't Fuck With Me". This is Jordin Sparks' "Look What You Made Me Do" moment; it's a very ominous, dark but empowering track about taking back your life and being the strong person that you are. It's giving a lot of big middle fingers to the big guys within the entertainment industry who feel like they can control the lives of artists. Jordin isn't taking anyone's crap anymore, and is showing that she can live her best life without anyone telling her what to do. What really stood out to me about this song is how the bass is done vocally, and how the strings bring a very haunting chill to your spine. Lavender Flower I don't usually pick favorites when I do album reviews, but "Lavender Flower" is hands down one of the best songs I've heard this entire year. It's a pop ballad, with ethereal synths and piano. The overall instrumentation is minimalistic, but in the best way possible because this song is about the lyrics and the vocals. This is lyrically one of the strongest songs on this album, with Jordin belting with growls and rasp, singing her heart out like she will never get to sing again. "Lavender Flower" touches on subjects of the struggles of growing up as a girl and becoming a woman, the exposure to sexualization and feeling like an object, along with the insecurities that come along with it; but it's also about the strength and power we as women have, and although we have to face these dark situations, we're still able to fight back. It's a bittersweet and relatable song for many women out there, so you may want to grab the tissues for this one. Fight Of Our Life Closing out the album, we have the song "Fight Of Our Life". Just when you thought Jordin couldn't sing any better, this song was created. Jordin took her Broadway experience and put it into a song, because this track sounds straight of a classic Disney film or an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. "Fight Of Our Life" is about having that one person by your side to be your peace while the rest of the world is in chaos. All you want is for them to not give up on you in the way everyone else is giving up on each other. As long as you have them, you know everything will be okay. With sparking chimes, crashing drums and orchestral strings, this song is made complete with Jordin's impressive belting range and breath control. What an absolute stunning song. A new Jordin Sparks album has been a long time coming and she did not disappoint. Jordin wanted to release something true to herself, have fun experimenting with new sounds and with nothing to hold her back - which is exactly what she did with literally, "No Restrictions". There's a song for everybody on this album; from the pure pop lovers, to the old-fashioned RnB and Soul connoisseurs, to the nostalgic 80's fanatics and SO much more... (afro-beat, dancehall, hip-hop, contemporary RnB, acoustic, even country?!). I feel like Jordin is living her authentic self through this music and I'm so happy to see her be free and do what she wants with her music after all these years. I've been a fan of Jordin ever since she was 17. She's such a kind-hearted and genuine person who deserves tons of love on this project, so if you haven't listened yet I highly recommend giving it a chance. You just might unexpectedly find your new favorite song. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

We live in a world where it's a very common experience to look in the mirror and pick apart every flaw we see. It's common to want what you don't have and compare yourself to the people that do. It's easy to stare at the mirror’s reflection and not recognize who you are staring at. Living in a world where social media and society’s beauty standards influence our decisions, we can easily get caught in that trap and want to change ourselves to fit the stereotypical ideals we see. Gaining confidence and learning to love yourself is a tough journey, but one that is very fulfilling in the end. Sarah Gray’s “Stranger” shows the vulnerable side of how these thoughts can significantly impact your life and how quickly you can lose yourself and become a stranger you don’t even recognize. The song opens with “look at the mirror right away when I get up/stare at my face/stare at the things that are messed up” which takes us through the dread of waking up in the morning and staring at a reflection we aren’t happy with. “Wanted to be like the girls who have it together” is a lyric that shows how Sarah really feels about herself. She believes the girls who “have it together” have everything figured out and all the things they desire. While looking in the mirror, she examines herself and lists all the things she wants to change. She’s losing control of her thoughts and letting them get the best of her. Sarah sings “It’s hard to recognize me when I look in the mirror” and that “I’m supposed to like this feeling/The thrill of what’s a risky decision,” which is saying she feels pressure from society to conform to its standards and subsequently lose herself in the process. When she says “Is it easier to just not cry?” it sounds like she is suppressing her true emotions. Maybe if she changes herself she will be happy and then the sadness will inevitably go away. “Losing control of my life/…I’m my own stranger” is one of the most powerful lines in the song. She is acknowledging that she is a stranger in her own body and that she let her insecurities and the pressure she felt to change consume her. These thoughts not only have a physical impact, but also a mental one. She sings about how the thoughts eventually become the only thing she thinks about and finds it hard to think positively about herself. These thoughts also make you crave validation from others, and you don't want them to see what you see in the mirror. The insecurities win the war, but at that point you’ve lost the fight a while ago. “It’s strange how reflections show unfamiliar faces in my eyes my stranger” is the out-of-body experience of looking at your own reflection and feeling like you will never be enough. You see through your own eyes what these thoughts have done to you, and it’s sad to not only go through this but to actually see it take over your life. In her eyes, she isn’t enough and she believes there’s “no room for her” anywhere. This song comes from a very honest and emotional experience that many people, especially young girls go through. It’s an experience that I’ve personally gone through myself, and while listening to the lyrics, I empathized with what she’s feeling because I understand exactly what she means. “Stranger” by Sarah Gray is about feeling lost in your own body and not having a strong sense of self. Her tone could be soft at times and powerful at others. She sings some of the lyrics to make it sound like she is talking to herself in the mirror. You can really hear the raw emotion in her voice, and the piano and subtle guitar notes contribute to that.  Sarah Gray is a rising pop singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. She’s taken her talents to Nashville where she writes and releases vulnerable music that’s easy to relate to. She’s dominated the live music scene, and has played at iconic venues and festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival , The Bluebird Cafe , and The Basement . Sarah was a two time semi-finalist in the International Songwriters Competition . She even has over 2,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Sarah is continuing to work on more music that touches on real issues that many people struggle with. Don’t be a stranger, give Sarah a listen and check out her other singles! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW SARAH GRAY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Bringing a rock flavor to their folk sound, Michael Barrow & the Tourists’ new single “Over It” is an exploration of struggles with identity, and the lead single from the band’s upcoming album called “HAPPY”. The song deals with the questions that cross our minds when we’re not entirely sure who we are or what we’re doing. The speaker explores his vulnerability with the question “am I half of a man half of the time?” These words really stick in your head through their honesty, because we don’t always think the best of ourselves. They also use a simple and personal question to make listeners think about what it means to be fulfilled. Sometimes we can’t answer these tough questions ourselves, and the chorus shows the potential that can come from talking to someone, with the lyrics “do I let you change my mind?” This simple question tells listeners so much. From the way it is phrased we know that even when we talk to people about what we’re thinking, it takes our willingness to shift our mindset. The way this song deals with deep themes of identity through simple and relatable questions truly makes this a message for everyone. “Over It” is a catchy tune that uses an upbeat sound to balance out the feeling of being lost that is pushed forward by the lyrics. Reed Perkins’ percussion solidifies an energetic rock sound in the track, from the drumroll introduction to the very last second of the song. The high vocals bring an emphatic character to the tune. Michael Barrow’s voice gives a smoothness to the verses and gains volume and force in the chorus. In the very last chorus, the vocals reach new highs and lows, with a captivating passion that will make you want to replay those fifteen seconds on a loop. With piano and guitar giving richness to the sound throughout the song, these instruments have their own time to shine with short and sweet piano riffs, and a freeing guitar interlude near the end. Michael Barrow & the Tourists is a folk-rock group from Utah that has two albums under their belt and one to come in 2025, called “HAPPY”. The band consists of five members: Michael Barrow on lead vocals and guitar, Zach Collier on keys, Mac Wright on lead guitar, Alessandro Inprota on Bass, and Reed Perkins on drums. They have almost 40, 000 monthly listeners, and their song “Sweet Honey” gained over 1.5 million streams on Spotify. In 2022, the band toured the US, and continued to expand their horizons as they dueted with ysabelle on “I See Stars” in 2023. The group has opened for artists including Ben Rector , The Backseat Lovers , The National Parks , and Sub Radio . Check out the links below to keep up to date with the band. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MICHAEL BARROW & THE TOURISTS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Eric Walker's latest release, Night Drive , is a fun and addictive single that touches on the mystifying sensation felt when driving late at night, lost in your own thoughts and thinking of someone else. Eric poetically describes being emotionally torn during these night drives, singing "Lost in my mind, ignore the red lights, another night drive" as if he's been in this position before, familiarized with his current headspace. There is a clear romantic element attached to Walker's lyricism, conveyed through the repetition of the line "On the road to you" – which allows the listener to envision the thought of an inescapable love interest on the other end of this Night Drive . Night Drive has a punchy electro drum beat with a familiar four-on-the-floor rhythm that keeps the energy high throughout the entirety of this tune. There are layers of 80s inspired synth pads and leads that add a nice element of nostalgia to this song. The inclusion of a lead piano riff artistically parallels Eric's main vocal during the track's hook. Night Drive plays call & echo with the lead vocal line, reaching its climax towards the end of the song's final chorus – which features stacks of Walker's powerful vocals harmonizing together for added depth. All in all, the instrumentation of this track is clean and infectious, providing an ultra-enjoyable listening experience for the audience. Hampshire's own, Eric Walker, is a singer-songwriter known for his electric vocals and tastefully unique melodies – which are best described as a fusion of alt pop and EDM. Eric cites Tom Grennan, John Martin, and KT Tunstall as having heavy influences on his own enigmatic and ever-evolving sound. With a diverse discography that showcases a pop, EDM, and country; Walker's talents have surely shown through, garnering him a bevy of accolades/awards, positioning on various music charts, and significant radio play on the international airwaves. His hit single Building Blocks , a collab with Chasing Scarlett, broke the record for longest chart run on The South Coast Music Chart after enjoying an unbelievable 24-week tenure within the Top 10. Eric's follow-up single Catch My Eyes made history again by being the first ever song to top both The South Coast Music Chart and the Portsmouth Local Music Chart concurrently. There appears to be no slowing down for Walker in 2024 and I, for one, can't wait to see what this talented young artist is going to showcase next. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW ERIC WALKER: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Rollercoaster” by Bunny Alex is an emotional ride through relief, grief, and nostalgia. Listeners feel the truth in the lyrics of the song: that breakups are painful even if you are the one to end it. The song takes listeners on a ride which loops through the good and bad of a past relationship with an upbeat sound that brings the lyrics to a whole new level of moving on. The song leads with honesty, saying “I broke your heart but you broke mine too.” So many people can hear their own experiences in the song, which refreshingly acknowledges both the good and bad when it comes to looking back on a romance. The chorus starts and ends with “carousel ride, a sick rollercoaster; time of my life, I’m glad that it’s over”. This whirlwind statement inspires people to embrace the positives in your memories with a person, along with the bad. We learn lessons and become ourselves because of the experiences we have had, and this chorus repeats the idea of growth to nurture that fact. “Rollercoater” uses energizing instrumentals and increasingly invigorating vocals to pull hope from the lyrics. The song begins with Bunny’s soft, slow, and angelic vocals. A pulsing and low staccato electric note supports her voice before softer piano chords join in, along with a twinkling high piano pattern. More instrumentals, including percussion, layer on with the buildup to the chorus, electrifying the sound. The vocals speed up, giving a listeners a sense of progression and moving forward. Bunny's voice climbs beautifully as the instrumentals layer loudly near the end of the song. “Rollercoaster” has a sound unlike other breakup songs, leaving listeners feeling energetic, renewed, and happy. Bunny Alex is a German-Filipino indie pop artist based in Liverpool. She writes and sings music that encapsulates experiences of love, youth, emotion, and heartbreak. Her songs blend angelic vocals with a combination of electric and acoustic instrumentals. If you like to dance or sing along to music by MUNA or Taylor Swift , give Bunny’s glowing, feminine, and upbeat music a listen. She has been releasing music since July 2023, and her song “Breaking My Own Heart”, which was released this year, reached 11, 000 streams. Check out the links below to listen to Bunny’s music and learn more about her. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW BUNNY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Kylie Spence’s new song “Locker Room Talk” is one we all need to hear. She wrote it after a night out at a bar, when she was grabbed by a stranger, on top of hearing some vile, horrific comments being openly spoken. Verbal harassment and a lack of personal safety is a fact of the female experience, and this song lays the truths of objectification on the line. When you listen to the lyrics, it’s validating to many people because you can connect with the experiences the speaker has had. At the same time, it’s heartbreaking to know that this is a universal experience. The song says “I’m tired of being polite when you say that creepy shit”. Sometimes after being harassed, we tend to feel guilt or disgust with ourselves for not doing anything to stop it, but there’s an internal struggle from society constantly telling us not to cause trouble because it’s rude. Kylie's lyrics inspire people to understand that it's the people committing the harassment who deserve to feel that shame. With the words “you think you can grab me without even asking”, there’s a hopeless feeling of rage that so many people do not respect women’s bodily autonomy. It’s a disgusting reality that this sort of behavior, literal and illegal assault, is normalized. The song gets personal with the fear “I’m scared for my little sis, when she has to see all this and thinks that it’s fine”. This line shows how terrible it is to know what people are like and be certain that your loved ones will experience the same traumatic and cruel behavior as you have. It’s the reason women share their location with one another, and why they always have to be on-guard in public places. Kylie’s lyrics “they think they’re Jesus Christ and walk on the water, the tears that I cry” explain that these perpetrators of assault and harassment truly believe they are invincible. They think there are no consequences to their actions, and do not care how violated, hurt, or scared people feel as a result. When I listened to this song for the first time, I felt seen. The more you listen to it, the more you feel inspired. With the blame, hate, and disgust all placed on the people who deserve it, listeners feel supported through this song. “Locker Room Talk” invites people to be comfortable being angry at those who deserve it. It starts a conversation about what safety means to everyone. The vocals are beautifully expressive, embracing a gentle and feminine timbre throughout the song. During the verses, Kylie’s voice sounds like it’s coming from her throat. Through the delicate and raw sound, there’s a level of vulnerability that can be heard in the tune of the melody. It wavers, starting high at the beginning of lines, then descending. This builds up to the chorus which has a louder and ascending melody. With the verses describing the situation and the chorus telling off those perpetrators, the tune seems to reflect the speaker finding her voice. “Locker Room Talk” begins with soft electronic instrumentals that mirror the tune of the chorus before moving onto a quiet, simple, and sad acoustic picking pattern. The electronic instrumentals and loud percussion bring out the rage, force, and power in the chorus while gentle high notes with the sound of a xylophone add a lightness to the song. Through the first part of the bridge, the symphony of instrumentals from the chorus continues, and Kylie’s vocals are sustained and strong. Then only muted electric guitar and emotional vocals take over. The final chorus builds into a loud and powerful declaration. Kylie Spence is a Nashville-based musician from Montana who writes and performs introspective and personal songs that listeners can relate to throughout their respective journeys. Kylie found every opportunity to perform growing up, from school talent shows to open mic nights. She bought herself a guitar and learned to play on her own before she even hit high school. From school shows to international touring, Kylie has come a long way. She released her EP “The Score” last Fall, and collaborated on MSTR ’s single “Allergic to Your Love” in 2023 as well. On October 4th, keep an eye out for Kylie’s debut album, “Everything And Nothing”. You can buy her merch or pre-order a vinyl record of her new album on her website. Check out the links below to hear her inspiring music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW KYLIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube