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Singer-songwriter Franky is back with her first single of 2025: “Call Me When It’s Over.” “Call Me When It’s Over” takes Franky’s signature synth pop sound and pairs it with introspective lyrics about a friendship falling apart. There are many songs about romantic breakups, but few about platonic ones, and Franky writes about it through an honest lens. Franky strikes a massive balance with “Call Me When It’s Over.” The song is equal parts emotionally vulnerable and catchy. The glimmering electro-pop production is high-tempo and flashy, while the lyrics are an insightful look into how frustrating it can be to watch someone you care for change. “Call Me When It’s Over” is a relatable, danceable, must-listen-to pop track   Franky’s synthwave aesthetic pairs perfectly with the attitude-filled lyrics of “Call Me When It’s Over.” That 1980s-inspired instrumental is so grand in scale, and yet Franky’s lyricism is what takes center stage. Her songwriting carries a real catharsis. For those who have ever been through a friendship breakup, “Call Me When It’s Over” conveys the conflicting feelings all too well. Franky perfectly captures that frustration of knowing someone you love is doing something bad for themselves and everyone around them. The lyrics are sharp, confident, and even optimistic, as the last verse expresses hope for this friendship, put as “It’s not the end just cause it’s the end.” Franky is one of the best up-and-coming songwriters we have right now, and “Call Me When It’s Over” is a prime example of why. Franky is a rising singer-songwriter who has been making a name for herself for over five years now. Her irresistibly catchy electro-pop hits have garnered mass acclaim, both critically and commercially. Franky has been highlighted by numerous major publications, including EQ Music, Clash Magazine, and even the BBC. She performed in the BBC Introducing studio for International Women’s Day and landed several features on songs played on BBC Radio One. On Spotify, Franky has 17.5 thousand monthly listeners and over four million streams. Franky’s career is only growing bigger, and with her discography, it is easy to see why. You can listen to “Call Me When It’s Over,” along with the rest of Franky's catalog, on all streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW FRANKY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

There are a limited number of things that hurt the way heartbreak does, but the ability for women to come together and create beauty out of their struggles brings at least one positive from the darkness. Identical twin sister duo Dolder released their debut single “Charlie” in mid-October, a culmination of the struggles of love and the ability to turn them into a haunting musical masterpiece. “We drove home in the dark, pouring rain replaying the demo from that day over and over again,” the two said about this track. “It just has such a warmth to it. ‘Charlie’ is a multitude of boys who we have felt heartbroken by.” Raw and emotional, the two blend their voices seamlessly as they share their stories of heartbreak and womanhood. The soundscape of this track is simplistic, letting the sister’s voices share the true message. It opens with a singular guitar strumming, as the first voice comes in, soft and dripping with sadness. In the second line, the second sister joins in a beautiful harmony, all still above the simple guitar. They break into the chorus, which grows in harmony while still being delicate and somber. The two sing, “I heard the devil couldn't reach me / So he sent you to bleed me dry / Kiss me one more time before / You sent my heart back wrapped in barbed wire / And it's dripping black”. Intense lyrics as such guide the listener throughout the rest of the song, which brings us to the bridge in which they pour their hearts out. The cadence of the bridge rises and falls like an intense ocean wave, demonstrating the unrelenting feelings of heartbreak the duo is experiencing. They repeat the chorus again after, with a new passion and hurt ripping through their harmonies and words. 22 year old Dani and Zara Dolder are identical twins, now breaking into the music scene together with a pseudonym by their surname. Their sound and partnership came together in a way only experiences shared by sisters could- “they have been side by side since before they were even born, and now they bring that rare, intuitive harmony to the forefront with the release of their debut single”. Hailing from Newcastle, England, the dreary rain and chilly atmosphere adds to their sound and style, as they drew influences from nostalgic music they grew up on, like the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, while blending current styles of inspirations like the harmonies of Haim, the heartfelt lyrics of Gracie Abrams, and the haunting vibes of Lizzy McAlpine. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more as Dolder rises to the charts of the music industry. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW DOLDER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Ella Stae jumps into racing hyper-beats, rumbling bass, and heavy drive on vocals in “TEST RUN.” Stae can tell when someone’s speaking to show off. She digs past the surface and the ways people advertise themselves. She ignores pick-up lines and searches for passion. Her lyrics are just as unfiltered and raw—but keep in mind, not messy. Stae isn’t afraid to call people out for being all talk. She sings, “Show don’t tell.” She’s reaching for the truth because some people drop their promises in relationships. Progress is important. Ella Stae needs a test run to make sure they’ll move forward. “TEST RUN kicks off with a beat like a ticking clock. The tempo is just the right balance of urgency and pressure, but the freedom found when you’re racing against time. She pumps up the edge with heavy drive on the vocals. It’s slightly static, like she’s shouting the truth through a megaphone. It’s another sign of this passion for love that leads her to discover who someone really is. The bass rumbles the speakers like the moment an engine ignites. Stae creates a sense of “Will it all fall apart? Or will we make it to the finish line?” Every layer is a push to the limit. Since Stae’s debut single, “Burnt Out Candle,” her music has evolved into new forms. The 2022 release was a slow tempo with reverbed piano keys. On her EP, she continued producing soft tracks that pull you in with the emotion in her voice. Her release, “Dump and Drive,” with Anika and Karim, was a gateway to a faster tempo. The electronic scene entered her music, pushing her towards TEST RUN’s filters and hyper-pop beats. Stae has come a long way from receiving her first guitar at nine years old. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW ELLA STAE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Peachro gives us a smashing fall indie-folk song. A touching letter to her best friend's ex-lover, Peachro warms our heart with her overflowing love and sentiment for her friend. We come to understand that the song is the ultimate defense of her best friend, and the perfect diss of the man who hurt the friend in question. One of my favorite lyrics says, "Cuz when you hurt her, I hurt too / Cut her wide open, out of the blue / Bought me a sewing kit / Stuff the love back in." I think this line further proves not only the depth of relationship between the artist and her friend, but also gives us a glimpse of how her friend was treated by the man that hurt her. Later in the song we're given even more context to the effort the artist put towards her best friend's relationship. We gain knowledge that she actively tried to build a friendship with this guy as well, but it never panned out. The song says, "I tried to like you / I tried to see you through her eyes / Came back with a cloudy view." Even after all was said and done the artist could never fully trust her friend's ex boyfriend. With good reason, the relationship ended and she will stand in defense of her best friend. The tone of Peachro's new single is bittersweet and reflective, It signals the end of a love story entertwined with a farwell. The tone is a transition period between love and dislike. Whereas the mood is melancholic and cold. The mood brings a quiet, yet firm honesty about what the artist is feeling. As far as instrumentation we're given the perfect indie-folk vibe with the acoustic guitar and elevated vocal tracks which help build the instrumentation up at the right times. The lyrics and vocals tie everything together, giving the piece a universal sense of roundedness. The smooth and confident vocals add depth to the overall meaning adding the last elements to the song. Peachro is an indie-folk artist originally from Chicago. She is currently based out of Nashville TN. Her favorite part of putting out music is connecting with others through music. Regarding the song "Love You When You Leave" Peachro said, "I like to write songs that connect with people through honest storytelling. My new single is really close to my heart. I wrote it after watching a close friend go through heartbreak. It's a letter to the man who broke her heart, full of the things I wish I could say to him." If you're looking for a heart warming best friend ballad, that also trashes on those who hurt others, then I'd recommend listening to Peachro's new song! Written By Destiny Vahrenkamp FOLLOW Peachro: Instagram | Spotify

Rising country star featured on The Voice , Emily Ann Roberts, has released her long awaited EP, Memory Lane , complete with seven thoughtful songs that will tug your heartstrings in every different direction. The album tackles Emily's experiences with love and haunting memories, meanwhile exploring a couple of captivating storytelling songs. If you haven't heard it yet, head over to your favorite streaming service, then come on back and let's discuss it together! Memory Lane The album kicks off with the titular song, "Memory Lane". This is a rare country song that actually talks about personal trauma. It describes having moved past a painful relationship only for the memories to resurface later. Most of us unfortunately know how something like this feels. We're living our lives, moving forward, working on bright new projects, only to be plagued by flashbacks of a time in our lives where we weren't so happy. The slow and smooth tune cleverly describes that person from the past as a driver that illegally crosses into the wrong side of "Memory Lane", which is such a unique way of expressing the feeling. Country music is often full of metaphors, but there is so much charm behind Emily's writing here. It's truly a beautiful, thought-provoking little song. Jack & Jill Daniel's Next up is my personal favorite on the album, "Jack & Jill Daniel's". This is the first of two storytelling songs on the EP. It plays on the old nursery rhyme, Jack and Jill, while telling a creative, fictional backstory about the invention of Jack Daniel's whiskey. The story goes like this. Jack met a beautiful girl named Jill, they liked each other, and eventually, they were married. Things were good for a while, until they weren't, of course. After Jill left, Jack decided to build a still to drink away the pain, and thus, we have the most famous whiskey in the world because of a broken heart. I just love Emily's clever line, "Jill was hard to handle. That's a known fact, but til' you hear the whole story, you don't know Jack." The lyrics here are just so much fun. It's not hard to tell that this one is becoming a beloved fan favorite song. Easy Does It "Easy Does It" is an incredibly thoughtful song, covering the idea that relationships don't always have to be hard. Sometimes, someone can show you that things can actually be easy. They care for you, help with the chores, don't yell or start fights, and that's sometimes hard to believe. When you've spent a long time thinking that real love doesn't exist, it's jarring to find out it does. Of course, that doesn't make us any less thankful for that love. I think that's what Emily is trying to convey here. She's truly found happiness with her husband and this is one of the sweetest songs anyone could write to show it. Many fans are talking about making it their wedding song, and I think that really shows the impact great songwriting can make. If someone wants your song to be part of one of the most important core memories of their life, it's a good song! (Also, as a fellow crocheter, I have to appreciate the yarn in the music video. Look at that collection!) Pretty In Pink Now, let's have a little fun. I LOVE "Pretty In Pink". This hyper-feminine anthem teaches us all that there's no shame in being a glamorous girly girl. After all, we can't help that we're so pretty in pink. This song really feels like gives the same vibe as some thing like "Red High Heels" by Kellie Pickler or "This One's For the Girls" by Martina McBride, or even Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!". It's that classic, proud female country vibe that reminds us that the music industry isn't just for the boys. I also especially like how much confidence this song exudes. Emily knows what she likes and who she is. She doesn't want to be anybody else. The biggest take away is that there's no need to ever lessen yourself or change to fit in with the boys. Be yourself, and enjoy being pretty in pink. You deserve it! Scratching Out a Living "Scratching Out a Living" is another super fun song. Believe me when I say this one has big Dolly Parton energy. It's like the spiritual successor to "9 to 5". I'm not even kidding. The track talks about the struggle of balancing, work, kids, cleaning, pets, spending time with your partner, and everything else under the sun. We all want to live, but we have to work to survive. Someone has to get the job done, so it might as well be us. It's relatable in every way and makes you nod your head in agreement the whole way through, and Emily is no exception. Even the life of a glamorous musician is still a job at the end of the day. Someday we can rest, but for now, we have to stay on our grind! The Fence Remember when I said this album would tug on your heartstrings? This is another one of those. "The Fence" is a song about having second thoughts. Imagine you meet someone wonderful. Everything about them seems perfect. They treat you right, work hard, and there doesn't appear to be a single thing wrong. However, you can't shake the 'what if?' feeling of something going wrong. What if they leave? What if I lose my freedom to travel or live my life? We're often faced with a lot of those internalized questions. They're perfect but, is it worth the risk? So, we sit on the fence and try to make up our minds. This is especially difficult if we've had a difficult past, which paired with "Memory Lane" being on this album, it seems to be related. I think the reason this song resonates with so many is because it's such a real, lived experience and the story is crafted so well. Bus to Augusta We've reached our final song on this EP, which is the other storytelling tune, "Bus to Augusta". If "Scratching Out a Living" is Dolly Parton, "Bus to Augusta" is The Chicks. Remember "Goodbye Earl"? This is that kind of energy. A woman has an abusive husband, so she decides to handle the situation herself and escape into the night, on, well, a bus to Augusta. It's the kind of classic country writing that gets us sucked into hanging on every word. For many of us, these story songs are what opened us up to the genre. Although a lot of music genres tell stories, there's nothing like a good, country tale to captivate and keep us locked in. Something about it feels like gossip we don't want to miss out on. Personally, it brings me back to being a little girl listening to the radio in my mom's car. Nothing settled me quicker than country music, and "Bus to Augusta" is 100% that vibe. Thanks so much for sticking with me for this review. What did you think? Did "Memory Lane" leave its mark on you like it did me? Did you relate to the emotion skillfully crafted into each song? It's undeniable that Emily Ann Roberts is an incredibly talented musician and deserves all the hype in the world. And if you haven't listened to it yet, what are you still doing here? Get out there and give it a shot, then come back and tell us your thoughts at any of our socials below! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

“Lipstick on the Rearview” is the lead single to Blush Davis’ new EP, No Room For Two , and if it’s any indication of the record as a whole, then it is not to be missed. On “Lipstick on the Rearview,” Blush creates a self-confidence anthem for everyone going through heartbreak. The title is a reference to driving away from an ex as you look towards the bright road of the future ahead. And the track’s sound matches that positive energy.“Lipstick on the Rearview” is a low-key electro-pop banger paired with lush vocals. The track falls in a middle ground between hyperpop and indie that is equal parts catchy and emotionally resonant. Blush’s track is an instant mood booster that reminds you of your own worth. “Lipstick on the Rearview” has an all-around good vibe. The track just oozes a carefree energy that reminds you that no one can hold you back from your potential. Blush’s lyricism is sharp and effective. It’s hard not to feel inspired by lines like “It’s where I long to be. You can’t pull me underneath. Every road belongs to me.”  The lyrics are filled with mantras like these that make singing along feel like a self-confidence manifestation. Blush’s vocals gives the songwriting an extra punch with her attitude-filled delivery and airy sound. “Lipstick on the Rearview” is fun, motivational bop that is near impossible not to smile along while listening.   Blush Davis is a singer-songwriter from Föhr, Germany. Her career thus far has been astronomical. Behind the scenes she has written for acts as big as BTS, on songs like “Live Goes On,” and has created massive hits for herself including “i love you dont worry xx” and “The Beach.” Her singular voice and colorful production has gained Blush a massive audience. She garners over 2 million streams and 82,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Blush has also received mass critical acclaim from the likes of Vogue Germany and KALTBLUT Magazine. Her career is only going up, and you can listen to “Lipstick on the Rearview,” along with the rest of Blush Davis’ discography on all major streaming services. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW BLUSH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Soundcloud  | YouTube

Girl Wilde asked all the right questions in her Instagram caption in a post on the 12th. “Have you found yourself in a situationship? Are you stuck in the loop of limerence? Are your friends sick and tired of hearing about them? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I can help.” And she was not wrong! “could’ve been” by Girl Wilde hits all these issues and more. After being played around with for 3 years, Girl Wilde releases her pent-up frustration in this song through her raw and honest story-telling. She frees her mind and shares her struggles to connect with listeners going through similar circumstances. So, if you really did answer yes to any of the questions asked by Girl Wilde, this song can and WILL help! Listeners jump right into the vocals from the beginning, and Girl Wilde weaves us into her tale of heartbreak and wonder. Her background vocals add more to the dreaminess of the song, as well. There are light drums throughout until they buildup before the chorus, creating a satifying opening to the chorus. The electronic sounds add so much to the song as well, creating that bubblegum grunge vibe. The guitar clashes well with the electric keyboard, adding more to the overall essence. I have to say that the best part is the second half! Everything opens up to be more in the front, where it lowkey transitions into a different song! Overall, it creates such a powerful story to be beautifully sung. Girl Wilde is a singer/songwriter hailing from Florida, but based in Los Angeles, California. She released her first single back in 2018, and has continued to show off her talents since then. She calls herself the “trauma queen”, further establishing herself as an artist who focuses on the real. Her main inspiration comes from grunge/pop punk icons such as Alanis Morissette and Paramore. Her honesty, sassiness, and rawness make her the great artist that she is today. She currently has 12 thousand listeners on Spotify, with a 9 thousand follower count on Instagram. If you want to hear more of Girl Wilde, be sure to follow using the links below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW GIRL WILDE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

There’s a myth that just because someone decides to end a relationship that they should be happy in the aftermath. The truth is just because someone decides to be the “breakerupper” the pain of the loss of the relationship can continue to haunt the person. “Breakerupper” by ANNABXLLE is an exploration of saving yourself from a troublesome relationship that continues to tear at you even when it’s past the expiration date. ANNABXLLE takes inspiration from early 2000s pop rock angst and combines it with the personality of modern pop. Annabxlle takes risks with the melodies and song structure, and the blend creates a unique anthem for encouraging unfiltered emotion.  As mentioned, what instantly stands out about “Breakerupper” is how the structure doesn’t take a traditional path. and this is taken away from the production. The production on this track is reminiscent of old pop punk, but it comes across as more sophisticated. What one can really appreciate about “Breakerupper” is it serves as a reminder of how old school pop rock can still be very relevant. The lyrical content is incredibly bare to the point where it’s almost as if the speaker expects to be shamed by the situation, but it has the opposite effect. Us listeners find ourselves connecting to the lyrics on a deeply emotional level. However, even when a song shows its true colors as a painful track, it’s still fun. It’s still a song that one can scream and dance to. What one can take away from this track is that your emotions aren’t irrational, and “Breakerupper” can serve as a reminder to those who find themselves in a similar situation.  ANNABXLLE is an artist based in both New York and Nashville who certainly wears her heart on her sleeve. From the initial listen she stands out as someone who doesn’t shy away from her true form. Her music career began in February 2024 when she released her debut single “Comparison.”  Online her music does very well and she has cultivated a large number of streams and views. She is inspired by other strong artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and FLEACHER. “Breakerupper” is a great example of how unapologetic ANNABXLLE is and whoever a young artist like pops up, it’s important to not let them go, and from what we’ve seen, we can only expect good things in the future. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW ANNABXLLE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Estella Dawn has released her new single, “Drunk & Messy.” The song tells a hushed late-night confession, full of longing for a magnetic but volatile love that Dawn just can’t seem to forget. With “Drunk & Messy,” Dawn goes through the motions of wanting an ex-partner back when she knows that they weren’t the best person in her life. Exploring the ways love can be addicting and yet so fragile, Dawn captures listeners with vulnerable yet biting lyrics that weave bitterness laced with want, Dawn goes through the song with powerhouse vocals and soft backing production that leaves this ballad in the hearts of listeners wanting to go back to the person they lose themselves in. With “Drunk & Messy,” Dawn is haunted by love that is all consuming, something that listeners can heavily attest to when they lose themselves in a relationship. After this type of relationship ends, partners don’t know what to do with themselves when the other person was all they ever knew in that relationship, and while there isn’t a simple solution other than rediscovering oneself, Dawn presents one other solution: letting her ex-partner back in one last time. Dawn’s lyrics capture the feeling perfectly, describing that she wants to “lose [herself] in [her ex-partner] / until [she forgets herself].” Dawn’s lyrics are the highlight of the song, as they let herself be vulnerable while still being cinematic and accurately capturing a complex feeling. Estella Dawn is a San Diego-based singer-songwriter. Born in New Zealand, Dawn’s passion for music doesn’t go unnoticed, as she isn’t only a singer-songwriter but also a producer and multi-instrumentalist, showing fans and new listeners alike her passion for her craft. With elements of pop, rock, and soul, Dawn’s inspirations lead her to crafting a great discography, including songs such as “514 Denim” and “Julian,” as well as covers such as “Somebody Else” by The 1975 and Amy Winehouse’s hit “Back to Black.” With each new song, whether it’d be a cover or an original addition, Dawn crafts her own path and listeners are kept on their feet with each one. If you’d like to keep up with Estella Dawn’s new releases and show dates, you can follow her on social media, linked down below.  Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW ESTELLA DAWN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

AIYANA's latest single, "best case world," is a vulnerable and relatable masterpiece. Everyone has gone through hard times at some point in their life. Regardless of what has caused it, once things get bad, it can feel impossible to get up again. Moving forwards can be and and take some time. Even when all you want is to move on and feel better, its not that simple. The lyrics, "They say things will get better / What I wouldn't do to get there / But trying to move forward with the best wheel / Feels like Im running on a treadmill" shows how words of support can help sometimes, but that alone doesn't solve everything entirely. Progress is slow like "running on a treadmill," and it can feel like you are going nowhere at times. In moments like these, its easy to imagine a "best case world" where you finally feel okay without any worries or sadness weighing you down. Matching the song's vulnerable message, "best case world" has a sound that immediately strikes you with emotion. The background music is laden with heavy emotions. Its a gentle sound that feels calming. The gentle and slow sound combined with AIYANA's vocals meshes together perfectly. When paired together the entire soundscape becomes extremely peaceful. The peacefulness feels comforting on its own, almost like a moment of clarity when overwhelmed by sadness or other heavy emotions. The song balances its sound with the lyrics and AIYANA's vocals in a way that welcomes anyone who listens to find comfort in it. AIYANA is a growing London based singer-songwriter. She pairs refreshingly honest lyricism with electronic acoustic pop production. She released a quietly confident debut EP via 225 records. The project reflected wholly authentic storytelling, balanced with honeyed vocals and floating melodies. It served as a clarion call to fans. Carrying into an exciting new era of anthemic songs finding their way embedded in both heads and hearts. AIYANA has an undeniable talent that makes her a gem within the music industry. Follow her to stay updated with her future projects! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW AIYANA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  |

An ode to heartache and grief, Billy Reekie wears his heart on his sleeve in his latest single, "Easier." The track expresses the suffocating feelings that come with the wound of freshly lost love, leaving us to question whether time will really heal all or if the pain will continue to drown out the world. While this song is perfect for those going through the sorrows of an agonizing breakup, "Easier" can easily resonate with anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one who has passed away. Billy Reekie reminds us that grief comes in many forms and healing is not linear, laying his heartbreak at our feet as he asks a question only time and the universe can answer. A powerful and moving ballad, Billy Reekie's "Easier" shows the artist's penchant for incorporating passion into every note while capturing listeners' attention with an immersive, thoughtful narrative. The track is a compelling combination of commercial pop and pop-rock, featuring an explosive soundscape of lush instrumentals paired with impassioned, all-consuming melodies. Showing off his vocal prowess, Reekie gives the performance of a lifetime as he flawlessly belts and pours his heart out over dynamic guitar riffs, pounding drums, and the rich vocal harmonies of the song's choir. Hailing from Fife, Scotland, Billy Reekie is an up-and-coming force in the pop world, sharing his musical talents since the age of 9. The artist has an intense love for both the piano and guitar, helping him craft the heartfelt, genre-bending melodies that fans know and love today. A true storyteller, Reekie prides himself on his ability to enchant the masses with authentic, vulnerable narratives that will resonate with a variety of people around the world. Though he's only released one other single so far, Billy Reekie is certainly a mesmerizing artist to keep an eye on, leaving us excited for what he has planned next. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW BILLY REEKIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Chappell Roan's tour announcement poster, as designed by @mishaspice on Instagram Looking back on Chappell Roan’s meteoric rise to mainstream pop last summer, it’s easy to say it was inevitable with how many people wanted to see her live–she broke the record attendance at Lollapalooza last summer because of this want; however, when embarking on the “Vision of Damsels and Other Dangerous Things” tour, intimate venues were chosen instead of the arenas and I was lucky to grab a ticket for myself and a friend go see her live at Brookside at the Rose Bowl. The intimacy of the concert, while totaling about 20,000 audience members, was just enough to get the concert going without crowd rushes or fear of safety, along with connection with the crowd surrounding us and enough room to dance our hearts out. The theme of the concert, as set by Chappell every time there’s a new show added to her tour, was “mermaid,” and audience members partook in as many ways as they could. Beachy attire and sandals were worn all over the venue, with special pieces also littered in, like a mermaid tail and Spongebob Squarepants inflatable costumes. Everyone took part in the theme, and with that, the unique experience of being a part of the Los Angeles stops of the “Visions” tour took shape. Merchandise, sold throughout the venue, also littered the crowds arriving and leaving the venue. With sweatshirts, like the brown Subway sweatshirt I picked up, bandanas brought out during “Red Wine Supernova,” or large fans used for cooling off in the pit were all available for varying prices throughout the venue. After a DJ set by Trixie Mattel, a drag performance by Rhonda of “A Club Called Rhonda,” and an amazing set by Hemlocke Springs, Chappell came on at 9:15 to screaming crowds and opened up with the upbeat “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” With the crowd jumping and screaming the lyrics out for one of her biggest hits, Roan was effortlessly able to transition to “ Femininomenon ” to keep the energy going. This effortless transition between songs translated well throughout the rest of the concert, even going from high-energy, dance your heart out songs like “Guilty Pleasure” straight into “Casual,” a ballad that had audience members crying their eyes out. Roan navigated her setlist with the knowledge of how to interact with fans, providing a dance tutorial for “HOT TO GO!” and bringing out her own bandana for “Red Wine Supernova,” bringing fans together for a universal experience of having fun and being free to be ourselves while doing so.  As the set continued, flashlights lit up different parts of the pit to show that someone needed help. I really want to commend Roan for her ability to navigate these signals as she was able to provide attention to medical staff without interrupting the concert, something seasoned performers are able to do with ease and concern for their fans safety. As Brookside only provided general admission, there can be a fear of crowd crushes or heatstroke when going into the crowd. Roan was flawless on stage, and there were people all around handing out water to audience members, whether it’d be staff at the venue or fellow audience members. The community at Roan’s concerts doesn’t go unnoticed, and for that I’ll be eternally grateful.  With the concert continuing on, Roan took to the stage to talk with fans at the last leg of the concert. She expressed her love for the city of Los Angeles, the inspiration behind her hit song “Pink Pony Club,” and how the continuing raids by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) damaged the city’s safety and love, with eruptions of cheers among the crowd. The acknowledgement of how ICE raids affect a city that once was a safe place for anyone alike was met with universal praise by the audience. WIth moments like this, it’s important to acknowledge how the city of Los Angeles came together in a moment like this to advocate for what’s right and what was damaging, and Roan sent a message with this talk: no matter who you are, you will be safe at her concerts–something artists can acknowledge more, especially as safety slips in more and more places across the United States. With the last song of the night being “Pink Pony Club,” Roan once again cited her love for the city she was playing in, saying that “This [song’s] for you, Los Angeles.” With a celebration of the city that once was not affected by ICE raids and a sense of fear among its citizens, the audience members celebrated being themselves in a city that accepted them. If there’s one message I believe Roan wanted us to take away from this concert, it would be to “never be afraid to fight for the causes you believe in and the safety to be yourself.” For the greater Los Angeles area, nothing has been more important to say. Written By Abby Mornhinweg Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.