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With the light and airy style of Kacey Musgraves and the glowing, lovestruck haze of Liang Lawrence’s very own, “Out Loud” is the best new track for your romantic Fall playlists. The song blends love languages through its lyrics with a desire to connect with a specific person on a deeper level of conversation, and cravings for physical intimacy. It also brings up all those excited nerves that are bound to come up when exploring something new. Liang’s verses are packed with determination, as the speaker boldly shares their intentions with calm folk vocals drizzling confidence over the lyrics “I’m about to blow your mind.” The chorus continues the delightful assertiveness, emulating that need to share everything about yourself at the beginning of a relationship. Then comes authenticity with the lyrics, “spilling out my head onto the floor”. This shows those magical times where you’re sorting the jumbled archives of your brain, through favorites and firsts to tell. Even though your words may come out messy or in a spill, that eagerness to share doesn’t go away. This song is so expressive, and truly takes listeners into the new love mindset. Liang’s music blends genres, bringing folk, pop, soft rock, and a bit of country into this uplifting love song. Her breathy and light vocals create an intimate sound. Musical phrases through the verses make you feel the song’s happiness and wanting. Her voice glides up high notes and has a light warmth in lower notes, which tickles the ear with just the right vibe. Instrumentals build and ebb through the song, with guitar instrumentals bringing a classic folk accompaniment to the verse, while percussion and electric guitar join in with the chorus. The bridge uses altered, soft electronic vocals to repeat the lyrics “if I could say this out loud” in between Liang’s high and smooth response. The end of the song gets looser, like the lyrics are floating away into high and angelic vocalizing. Liang Lawrence is a London-based musician who just performed her very first headline show! Last year, she released her debut EP, “letters to myself”, which surpassed one million streams shortly after her release. Her latest EP, “What’s Dead And Gone”, earned support from BBC Radio 1 and The Independent , among other industry platforms. You can hear her talents featured in the single “Say That You Will Wait For Me” by HONNE . Liang has fans across the globe that tune in to appreciate her authentic and emotional words through her indie-alt-folk-rock style. Check out the links below to learn more about Liang and listen to her music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LIANG: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Gabrielle Manna's second single, "Clown Song," delivers a unique blend of contemporary pop-rock with splashes of 70s singer-songwriter vibes, creating an intricate tapestry of humor and heartache. In this clever and witty track, Manna crafts a narrative that navigates the duality of light-hearted jest and profound vulnerability, a hallmark of her artistry. The song stands as a testament to Manna's ability to use dry humor as a vehicle for processing trauma, presenting a facade of jest that masks a deeper, darker meaning beneath. Manna's history as a comedic writer and actress shines through, adding a layer of performative nuance to the song's narrative. The lyrics of "Clown Song" are a brilliant exercise in tongue-in-cheek storytelling, echoing the style of Phoebe Bridgers. On the surface, Manna pokes fun at a past lover, depicting them as a sad clown—a metaphor-laden with irony and sardonic wit. Inspired by the classic opera "Pagliacci," the song captures the moment of witnessing a loved one drunkenly sobbing during the performance, an image that is both humorous and heartbreaking. The clever lyricism transforms this moment into a broader critique of past abusers, blending laughs with a poignant confession. Musically, "Clown Song" mirrors the thematic complexity of its lyrics. The contemporary pop-rock sound is enriched by 70s singer-songwriter influences, creating a sonic landscape that is both nostalgic and fresh. The track's upbeat instrumental arrangement contrasts beautifully with its bittersweet lyrics, enhancing the song's dual nature. Manna's vocal delivery is impeccable—light and playful at times, yet capable of descending into deeper emotional territory. This juxtaposition highlights the universal theme of using humor as a coping mechanism, making the song relatable and emotionally resonant. Gabrielle Manna, better known as Gabby, is a dynamic actress and singer-songwriter whose artistic journey began at the tender age of eight when she was cast as the Cheshire Cat in her elementary school production of Alice in Wonderland . This early introduction to the stage set the course for a life steeped in creative expression. Her music is rich with storytelling and characterized by sharp, biting witticisms. Connecticut-raised and now Brooklyn-based, Gabby is a Leo sun, Cancer moon, and Aquarius rising, traits that undoubtedly influence her vibrant and emotionally complex artistry. "Clown Song" exemplifies this interplay, marking Manna as an artist unafraid to delve into her personal experiences and emerge with a sound that is as engaging as it is introspective. Through her music, Gabrielle Manna continues to assert her place in the contemporary pop-rock scene, using her distinctive voice to turn pain into art. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW GABRIELLE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

"Thank You Sebastian" is the newest single from the artist SHIR , and its a farewell to a former partner that, at first, seems like a song that is wishing him well. But its actually not a positive "thank you" at all. SHIR details her ex's many faults, including his cheating, him using affection to try to win her back, and his inability to act like a gentleman. She also compares his poor style to the relationship they had, writing, "Please burn your jackets, they were out of fashion // Just like you and me". SHIR is saying "thank you" because now that her and her partner have broken up, she knows who and what to avoid in the future. "Thank You Sebastian" is akin to a modern and upbeat take on a Bossa nova type of song. SHIR has a very talented voice, and she sings over the background vocals, which are her harmonizing the melody. This, combined with a bass guitar and the strumming of an acoustic guitar, make up the core of the song. There are distinctive sound effects included as well, such as dispersed voice recordings, including a male voice saying "Check, please" and the song's outro. The instrumentation matches with the lyrics of the song, because while SHIR sings about having a weight lifted off her shoulders, listening to the production feels the same way. SHIR is a songwriter from Scottsdale, Arizona that is now based in Los Angeles California. She has been pursuing music from a young age, and released her first song "God For A Day" in 2021. Since then, she has released other songs, which are "Conversations With Myself" and "Lifetime". She is immensely talented, and has written many songs for other musicians. On her YouTube channel, she performed an acoustic cover of "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" by Ariana Grande . SHIR is an amazing musical talent and has impeccable singing and songwriting skills! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW SHIR: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook  | YouTube

The 2024 VMAs were a groundbreaking spectacle, showcasing the talents of hardworking artists and their teams throughout the year. We saw some phenomenal performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Chappell Roan, of course, our girl Taylor, and so many more! But what awards were won? In no particular order, let's recap 10 of the most iconic moments at the 2024 VMAs! 10. Sabrina Carpenter - Song of the Year - "Espresso" Going up against Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce isn't an easy feat, but Sabrina did it! Having skyrocketed in popularity recently, she is all over the radio. We watched this girl go from Disney Channel star to an award-winning solo queen with not one, but three chart-topping hits in 2024. With "Espresso" and "Please Please Please" coming in first and third on the Billboard top 10. It's no surprise that "Espresso" won Song of the Year. It's just so catchy! 9. Chappell Roan - Best New Artist It's no secret that we've all fallen in love with Chappell Roan this year. Even if you didn't immediately listen to her, she's unavoidable and infectiously charismatic. Her music speaks to us in a way that so many artists before her failed to do. We always feel like she's speaking directly to us in the LGBTQ community and our inner Midwest Princesses. With that said, there is no one more deserving of Best New Artist than THE Midwest Princess herself. Having made the insane jump to nearly 45 million monthly listeners on Spotify in less than a year, it's clear that Chappell deserves the world and more. 8. Billie Eilish - Video For Good - "What I Was Made For" If you happened to catch Barbenheimer in its heyday, you were there for all the smiles and tears in the Barbie movie. That includes one iconic song that lifted our spirits and melted our hearts, "What I Was Made For". The video features a Barbie-like version of Billie unpacking doll clothes from a box. If you look closely, you'll notice they're all clothes she's worn in past performances. Things quickly begin to fall apart as the wind blows and rain pours, throwing off the organized accessories on the table. We watch as Billie struggles through the storm, but ultimately cleans up the mess, packs up, and leaves. I feel that this video touched so many souls because it's an allegory for life. We think we have it all together and when the storm comes, we just have to push through it. Sometimes things just fall apart. We weren't made to keep them together. 7. Megan Thee Stallion - Best Trending Video - "Mamushi" feat. Yuki Chiba We can't forget our fearless host of the awards show, Megan Thee Stallion, who had her own nominations and performance this year. Megan took home Best Trending Video this year and it's easy to see why. "Mamushi" is an absolute earworm. Having been trending on TikTok since its release, the track has attracted a lot of attention. It blends Western hip-hop with Japanese verses in a way that only Megan could acheive. What sets her apart from other women who dominate hip-hop is her unrelenting authenticity. We've seen Megan in cosplay several times. We know she loves anime, and she's fighting the stigma that black women can't cosplay. She's fighting the stigma that celebrities shouldn't have hobbies of their own. We love her and all that she stands for. 6. Taylor Swift - Song of Summer - "Fortnight" feat. Post Malone Taylor's most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department was long awaited by fans when it was finally released in April 2024, just in time for summer. "Fortnight" being the first song on the album, definitely made a splash. Its iconic video paired with its deeper meaning is something that's kept listeners intrigued long after the song's release. Not to mention having fellow star, Post Malone on the track. We think the duo does a great job together and the award is well-deserved. 5. Ariana Grande - Best Cinematography - "we can't be friends" We have raved about Ariana Grande's newest album, eternal sunshine on this blog before, and for good reason. Ari and the talented crew who work with her really created something special with this music video. If you've never seen the 2004 film, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind , you've gotta go watch it and take notes. The video for "we can't be friends" perfectly simulates the harrowing process that Jim Carrey goes through when wiping his memory. The video really captures the same energy and surreal art style of the film, bringing nostalgia and melancholy to the forefront. This one is certainly deserving of the Best Cinematography slot, as it is obvious that countless hours of work and detail went into this. Congrats, Ari! 4. Eminem - Best Visual Effects - "Houdini" This one is a particularly clever entry on our list today. Eminem won the Best Visual Effects category for his music video for "Houdini", which is a fascinating ride on its own. The video features the current Eminem engaged in a rap battle with his younger self. The video is a ton of fun with superhero gags and lots of VFX. What's the most striking though, is how despite both versions of Eminem being the age he currently is, the younger version is so accurate. They even got a body double to play the younger Shady for the VMA performance. Wild! The artists behind this one really did such a phenomenal job telling the song's meta-narrative in a way that just listening to the track can't convey. 3. Katy Perry - Video Vanguard Katy Perry took home this year's Video Vanguard award this year and it's so easy to see why. Katy has been the soundtrack of our lives over the years. From unforgettable jams like "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot N Cold" all the way to her latest single, "I'M HIS. HE'S MINE", Katy has not stopped releasing bangers. Her VMA performance this year was nothing short of ethereal, featuring her up on wires, floating in a magic orb. She really showed her timeless goddess energy on that stage with not only impressive vocals but acrobatic moves as well. Doechii took the stage alongside Katy to perform their new single together, followed by even more of Katy's iconic jams. The fact that we all know every word to every song in this performance only proves Katy's worthiness of Video Vanguard. 2. LISA - Best K-pop Video - "Rockstar" One-fourth of BlackPink and now solo artist, LISA took home the award for Best K-Pop Video on Wednesday, and rightfully so. LISA reigns as one of the most iconic solo artists in K-pop right now. She's really come a long way since BlackPink debuted in 2016. Have I mentioned how much I love all of this international representation at the VMAs this year? "Rockstar" is a hyper-confident track that brings out the girl power in all of us and LISA doesn't miss a beat on the VMA stage. 1. Anitta - Best Latin - "Mil Veces" Our final highlight for today is Anitta's victory in the Best Latin category for her track, "Mil Veces". Admittedly, I had never heard of the artist before her VMA performance, but I'm glad I know her now! "Mil Veces" is an incredibly catchy tune, extremely deserving of the award. If you speak Spanish, I'm sure you'll appreciate it even more than I do. Beyond that, the beat is just so danceable. It's a track that's definitely going to be in my regular rotation now. Anitta didn't perform the iconic tune at the VMAs, but brought some of her other hits to the stage that are all fantastic as well. If you haven't heard, "Mil Veces" yet, give it a listen. You'll be glad you did! It's always so cool to see artists, dancers, and the crew that make music so special coming together in one place. From the US to Asia to Latin America, the VMAs brought us iconic talent from all over the world. So, what do you think? Did you catch these awards at the VMAs? Did we give a faithful recap? Feel free to let us know at our socials below! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Reuben Medlin’s “Sunshine Of My Life” is the very first release from his upcoming EP, and if this single is any sign of what’s to come, get ready to be impressed! Written in the private and personal setting of his bedroom studio, the lyrics of “Sunshine Of My Life” beautifully capture the essence and power of love. Perhaps the most outward example of this is the many metaphors throughout the track, “You’re my flower/ You’re my dandelion/ You’re my tea/ You’re my Chamomile.” There is something simple, yet effective about Medlin’s lyricism as he compares his love to some recurrent calming joys of life. As a result, he has created a very intimate song which seems to cherish the little moments of devotion a relationship shares. It’s easily relatable, expressive, and a true indication he has been inspired by some very real feelings. As for the sound, "Sunshine Of My Life" has a nostalgic and calming tone. The standout instrument of the track is definitely the electric guitar, it adds a wonderful texture to a peaceful and smooth song. Medlin strategically incorporates echo effects and bird sounds to enhance the dreamy mood. The slower tempo of the track allows each romantic note to linger; this choice also works to add to its emotional depth. The vocals are absolutely a standout piece of the song, as they are full of raw emotion. Any corresponding harmonies also add to the catchy chorus. Blend all of these elements together and you get "Sunshine Of My Life," a tender and heartfelt ode to romance and love. Reuben Medlin’s journey as an artist thus far has been anything but straight forward. Hailing from Wiltshire UK, the 20 year-old has faced adversity through chronic illness. As a result, Medlin’s condition left him nearly housebound. The singer-songwriter’s difficulties did not come without their silver-linings though; as music became an effective creative outlet for him. Since then, Medlin has amassed over 7,000 monthly Spotify listeners and 40k Tiktok followers. His success comes off the tails of two other hit songs, “Down the Slide,” (2022) and “Chronic Fatigue,” (2024). He has also recently been featured on established platforms such as the BBC and Spotify’s New Music Friday UK. If you found yourself singing along to “Sunshine Of My Life” and can’t wait to hear more Reuben Medlin, follow him on all social media below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW REUBEN MEDLIN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

The world has a way of constantly pushing you to be stronger, do more, work harder. It can feel like nothing you have or do will ever be enough, and this can be an exhausting feeling and mentality to have. In a refreshing new single, Madison Olds combines elements of folk and pop to tell her listeners to slow down and appreciate what you have, and that maybe simplicity is what we should be striving for. “Rich In Dreams” was released in early September, and has already garnered over 4,000 streams. She sings about how even if there are moments of negativity and defeat in your life, you are rich in the support around you and the positive things to come. Olds’ lyrics express her appreciation for various aspects of her life, and gives a welcome change to the constant negative outlooks artists offer these days. Right before the chorus, she sings, “I'm grateful every morning that I wake up with the day in front of me”. Her outlook and positivity seep throughout the song, and her soundscape reflects the lines she sings. The track opens with a simple acoustic guitar line, which slowly builds into an upbeat and folk-esque sound. In her chorus, she states multiple lyrics surrounding these ideas, such as “I’m dead poor but I’m rich in dreams”, and my personal favorite, “I buy stock in the people in my town / ’Cus Wall Street sucks and I'd rather burn it down”. She reminds her listeners to be thankful for who and what you have. Hailing from Canada, Madison Olds has been involved in the music industry since 2017. Her first release was her single titled “Moments in the Mountains”, which now has almost 4 million streams across platforms. With multiple albums, EPs, and singles, Olds is no stranger to creating hits. She has amassed many accolades, such as various Canadian show winnings and hitting Billboard’s Emerging Canadian Artist charts. She also has created a following on TikTok through advocacy and her music. She was able to raise $100k and a large amount of awareness to stem cell treatment. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Olds. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW MADISON OLDS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

GIO DARA is an expert at giving us that unmistakable, feel-good sensation whenever we hit the play button on one of his new releases, making "Now That I Found Her" our latest obsession! "Now That I Found Her" is a song written straight from the heart, as it is a sentimental ballad DARA has dedicated to his partner. In describing the sheer passion and tenderness he holds towards this special someone, DARA perfectly captures the joy of falling in love and finally landing on your soulmate. He sings of "a future in her eyes", proudly proclaiming that he's never going to leave her side and putting the depth of his emotions into perspective for every listener. DARA's wholesome delivery and undeniable sincerity allow us to reflect on life's beautiful journey to find the people who make all the hours spent "chasing" worth it. DARA shares his happy ending with us, proving that there is someone out there for everyone, and when the time is right, everything will fall right into place. "Now That I Found Her" is as upbeat and energetic as it is meaningful and grounding, covering all the bases needed for song perfection! DARA's voice is coated with a subtle soulfulness that is only enhanced by the falsetto and soft harmonies that float in the background. His lyrics already evoke a warm feeling in our chests, but with the addition of the classic acoustic strings and killer bass, the listener is swept off their feet. The song flows effortlessly in and out of passionate and soft deliveries, which adds dimension to DARA's sound and creates a nice contrast throughout the listen. All around, "Now That I Found Her" is refreshingly lighthearted and optimistic, giving us hope in our own love lives. GIO DARA is a London native who continues to make worldwide waves in the pop genre! Adding his spin on the industry with his signature folk-pop flair, DARA has steadily gained popularity with his raw talent and love for the craft. That being said, despite just releasing a few days ago, "Now That I Found Her" has already surpassed 30k streams on Spotify, well received by fans all over. DARA's other popular songs like "Dream Alone" and "Riverflow" have also performed well on the platform. Not only does DARA write his own music, but he also performs covers of other big hits from artists around the globe, showing off the unique style he brings to the table. As always, follow the socials below to stay up-to-date with DARA and discover more from his discography! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW GIO: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Asking for help when you need it makes sense, but it doesn't always occur to us when we're in the thick of a situation. Thunderstorm Artis's song "Reach Out" is the reminder that we all need, letting listeners know that they should connect with others when they need support. The song starts with statements of "if", listing different thoughts you may be having that are scary to go through alone. There is so much comfort that comes from the statement "there is somebody who is on your side to say hello, hello, hello". It invites listeners who are struggling to take a look around them and appreciate that comfort doesn't always look like something complex. The repetition of the word hello emphasizes the importance of simply having someone there. Being lonely when you're low is not an easy way to cope or heal. The chorus uses the words "reach out" as a mantra. It is loud and bold, describing different scenarios of support, like "a stranger could be your savior", in between its repetition. The song embraces the truth that anyone has the potential to lift you up. It is a beacon of hope to those in need, and a reminder to everyone to meet people with kindness, because you never know what they are going through. An inspirational, loud, and warm sound resonates throughout "Reach Out". The song begins with a pattern of piano, which continues alongside Thunderstorm Artis's fast-paced and uplifting vocals through the verse. The chorus vocals alternate, with the name of the title recited in a melodic chant between soulful vocals with ascending notes. There is deep vocalizing in the background of the chorus, giving the strong statements a holy and rounded sound. There is percussion throughout the song, adding to the empowering mood of the tune. The bridge allows Thunderstorm Artis's vocal talents to shine through as instrumentals are hushed and his voice forces passion and meaning into every word. At the end of the bridge, his voice gains an impressive and emotional throatiness as it melismatically climbs to hit a high note. Thunderstorm Artis is a musician from Oahu who was raised in a musical household, and in an environment that shows its own elements in his music. He was a finalist on The Voice in Season 18, which allowed him to play well-beloved music, as well as his originals for a large audience. Now, Artis has almost 180, 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and plenty of singles and EPs that showcase his touching and soulful style. He has played his music alongside musicians like Jack Johnson and Train . Artis is currently enjoying life in the abundant musical community in Nashville, continuing to cultivate his discography filled with songs of positivity and warmth. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW THUNDERSTORM ARTIS: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

All the feels are laid on the line in lomipo’s new song “Lost in December”. This is a track of regret and confession that uses alternating styles of singing to embrace the raw journey the speaker takes. This song hits hard for anyone who has experienced moving forward with life when you haven’t really moved on from your ex. The verses show the narrator trapped in thought about that one person they can’t get out of their head. The song says “one suitcase that I used made my clothes smell of your shampoo”, and isn’t that just what holding on too long does? You take any possible reminder of a person and embrace it when all that’s going to do is push you deeper into that longing. As “Lost in December” says, “this shit won’t pass”. In the second verse, the narrator lets his inner thoughts take a destructive walk through the most desperate possibilities of winning their ex back. It’s revealing and personal, putting the darker side of the truth on display: sometimes we handle things wrong. This song sits in the hurt and loss, and is perfect for those times when you just want to embrace what you’re feeling, even if it’s holding you back. The chorus is full of devotion and ends in the words “maybe I forgot to forget her”, as though this longing is some sort of mistake. All this vulnerability is the epitome of post-breakup angst. Lomipo has got the emo sound down with “Lost in December”. They’ve created a tune with the style of a softer Dominic Fike , and a cool array of vocals and instrumentals that allow the hurt and experience of the song to be fully appreciated. The song begins with guitar instrumentals before diving into the chorus, adding percussion and vocals. The start of the melody reminded me of the beginning of the chorus from Imagine Dragons’ “It’s Time” in the pattern of the notes, but it carries a completely different tone and takes the tune in another direction with vocals sounding hurt, high, and hazy. I did not expect the switch to talk-singing in the verses, but when it came along, it hit my ear just right. The vocals here are grainy and confessional, accompanied by simple acoustic guitar that holds the sentiments of the words spoken. The bridge is sung with that stereotypical and iconic throaty emo angst that ties all the components of the song together. Listening to this song will put you in that breakup headspace, scratching that emotional itch in both meaning and sound. Lomipo is a duo with musicians of different backgrounds coming together to produce their combined powerful sound. Shai Pinto is a popular Israeli songwriter who grew up in Haifa. Orian Rose grew up being exposed to various musical styles across Europe and India. Both musicians established careers in music before banding together to create something new. They released their first song, “Should I Go On” in 2021, and continue to explore their sound. "Lost in December" is the second song they put out this year, preceded by a collaboration with Nory in their song "FRIENDLY FIRE". Click on the links below to learn more about the duo and listen to their songs! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LOMIPO: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Returning with her latest single, "Skip A Beat," Sarina tackles the difficulties of moving on from a breakup and recognizing that sometimes the other person just isn't right for you. "Skip A Beat" follows on the heels of her previous single, "Living In The Moment," expanding upon themes of self-discovery and new life experiences while navigating love, loss, and the pressures of life. Though the heartbreak of a breakup can bring feelings of insecurity and regret, Sarina finds a silver lining in the painful experience and uses "Skip A Beat" to highlight a journey of empowerment and self-love. Serving as a nostalgic throwback, Sarina's "Skip A Beat" showcases a sound reminiscent of the early 2010's pop-rock era, featuring anthemic melodies, powerful guitar riffs, and driving drums. The track is energetic and electrifying, setting a rapid pace that helps provide a sense of hope amid the sore subject of heartache. Sarina's addictive vocals steal the show, bouncing between playful and emotional as the singer drops the hard truths of what went wrong in her relationship. Perfect for enthusiasts of pop-punk and pop-rock, "Skip A Beat" will resonate well with fans of Avril Lavigne , Hey Monday , Paramore , and Olivia Rodrigo. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Sarina is a rising pop-punk sensation that aims to blend the energy of early 2010's pop-punk with her own unique style. The multi-instrumentalist began her music journey at a young age, beginning classical piano lessons at the age of 2, and later learning to play guitar and ukulele. Sarina holds a deep respect for both the dark and light aspects of life, reflecting this in her music as she explores themes of mental health and personal struggle. Previously signed to Sony RED, Sarina released her debut single under the label along with five more singles, an EP titled Foreword , and six music videos. Following her work with Sony RED, Sarina co-founded and launched the SyrenSong label in May 2024. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SARINA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | X (Twitter)  | YouTube

“APOLOGY TOUR” is the latest addition to instant crush’s upcoming debut album, “I’M SORRY I DIDN’T BITE MY TONGUE”. Have you ever been in a relationship and felt like it was just one big rom-com written a writer who also really liked coming-of-age films? “APOLOGY TOUR” seeks to capture that feeling by underscoring the back-and-forth one might have in their rom-com-ish relationship, where hearts will break, someone will apologize when they never actually started the fight, and then the process will repeat itself in a dizzying circle. Filled with a groovy bassline and a funky guitar, “APOLOGY TOUR” is reminiscent of the classic, lighthearted coming-of-age rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You  from lead singer Megan Cannon's childhood. Most of those films from the late 90s and early 2000s have huge relatability, and the ambience is distinct– not unlike “APOLOGY TOUR” itself. instant crush knows exactly how to hone in on that nostalgia that people have for old rom-coms. There’s a very specific feel that they have, what with the charm and character of those classic atmospheres, and “APOLOGY TOUR” is able to capture it in just two minutes and forty-three seconds. I always love a good bassline, and this track has it in spades; it is fun and upbeat, threading the song’s backbone together. Add the percussion and guitar, and you’ve got a soundscape that has nostalgia ripping at the seams. Megan Cannon’s vocals are especially amazing, too, smoothly slotting itself along the soundscape to tie it all together. And once you listen to the lyrics, you’ll realize just how push-and-pull rom-coms are meant to be. I love how the very first lines of the song are “One time / Two times / Three times / We’re done”, really just emphasizing how often the narrator and their partner fight and break it off, only to apologize and presumably remain together. The song describes how often the narrator’s partner imagines the narrator to be hurtful, only for the narrator to tell the listeners that they were the one who were hurt first; nevertheless, they always apologize, going back on their “apology tour”. There are so many great lines in this track that describe that struggle, such as in verse two when the narrator sings, “It’s better if you go / It’s better if we don’t”. Everything about “APOLOGY TOUR” just makes me want to watch 10 Things I Hate About You  again, and binge all the other amazing rom-coms from that era. High-energy, relatable, and funky, “APOLOGY TOUR” twines 2000s sentimentality with a fantastic soundscape to create a story that many of us have seen ourselves in (or at least seen it on the big screen). Seattle-based band instant crush consists of members Megan Cannon, Matthew Tran, Keegan Mangahas, and Zoee Mangahas, whose goal it is to infuse and reignite genres from the 2000s into today. Always shifting, always growing, instant crush isn’t defined by one single style, but instead a fusion of shining synth, electric guitar, and vibrant vocals, bringing together the best of many genres into their very own soundscapes. They’ve shared the stage with artists such as Del Water Gap, Home Team, The Wrecks, Plain White T’s, Daisy Grenade, and The Academic, firmly establishing themselves within the alt scene. Their debut single “Will I Always Feel This Way?” dropped in 2021 to immense success, now having nearly three million streams just on Spotify. “I’M SORRY I DIDN’T BITE MY TONGUE” is their debut album, of which “APOLOGY TOUR” is part of. A portion of the album's proceeds will also be going to a charity as they have partnered with Seattle nonprofit record label Share It Music. Their chosen charity, Joyful Heart Foundation, has sought since 2004 to transform society’s approach to violence of all types, as well as supporting the survivors of such crimes. The album will be released on October 25th– in the meantime, the band will be touring in Canada and the United States with locations in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Denver, and more, so take a look at their tour dates to see if you can grab a ticket!  Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW INSTANT CRUSH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Transcend meaning and baseline storytelling with Holly Blair’s “Line Again”. This new song is a pop whirlwind masterpiece. Blending a mix of semi-alternative/folk instruments alongside a patient, kind voice, has brought Holly Blair to the forefront of a new perspective to being an artist. Familiar with Blair’s other work, I was pleasantly surprised upon my first time listening to “Line Again”. Although the concept of and comparison between drugs & alcohol alongside a strenuous relationship is all-too-familiar, Blair’s clever play on words and their meanings give new insight into these subjects. “Line Again” refers both to physical and metaphorical lines being taken and drawn, showing an imbalance between Blair and the other person within this relationship. Ultimately, while Blair is drawing lines to create boundaries and safety in this relationship, the other person is taking this time to instead become more distant from her and immerse themselves into drugs and alcohol. Blair calls back to the line, “my love is patient, and you’re fucking wasted,” then transcends to, “and my love is kind, and you will waste it”. These lines do not limit or define the song, yet they are incredibly telling of the grave nature of the situation and how familiar Blair has become with these antics. She goes on to link these lines to the phrase, “I gotta be patient, I gotta be kind, but I said what I said”. Blair, although she is the person trying to set boundaries and navigate the situation in a healthy way, reflects on her own actions and takes accountability for things that may have hurt the other person. As the song unfolds, there is no reciprocation from the other person in this regard. Blair’s ability to be reflective, yet still care for this other person and try to work through her own flaws / mistakes, amplifies her abilities as an artist. Her melodic, kind vocals mimic the overall tone of the song and allow the lyrics to shine through. Her artistry is one that is both layered and understandable, and “Line Again” is just a small propel forward to the recognition and kind of platform that Blair’s music deserves. Holly Blair is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and filmmaker based out of Los Angeles, California. As a queer, gender-fluid artist, Blair searches for how to pass beyond definitions and barriers that limit exploration and creativity. Her work is lyrical, cinematic, and involves human emotion webbed together with reality. Within her sound, she loves to bridge the gap between genres and let the messiness of being human shine in her work. Blair has worked with talented individuals like artist Tim Carr, a.k.a Perfume Genius, as well as David Burris who has worked with artists Willow Smith and Tommy English. On top of working on her music, Blair works on music videos and uses her music to obtain a kind of “360 view” of the emotions she’s experiencing and the situation before her. She co-directed the music video for a recently released single titled “Make It On My Own”, where she stated she had to connect with her emotions to understand what she’s going through. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW HOLLY BLAIR: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube