Artist Maria Alexa boldly lays down an edgy new track and a message to those who would love to see her fail. Titled “I’m Good,” Alexa shoots down her haters with ease, unconcerned with their misplaced interest and the success she has built over the years. The song clearly indicates her desire to cut ties with toxic relationships.“You wanna see me doing bad, I'm good” she waves them off, “I'm doing things you really wish you could.” Alexa assures them she wants no part in their narrative and since leaving has never been better after “cut[ting] out all the distractions.” The empowering track gleams with confidence and fearlessness as Alexa pushes aside anything that tampers with her positive mindset or dares to threaten her accomplishments. Instead of looking back, the singer strides forward, unafraid and feeling afresh with a newfound self-assurance. “I’m Good,” is centered around Alexa's steady vocals over an electronic beat and bass that pulses throughout the song. The track features light drums and synthesizers, with a prominent deep bass at the forefront. In the chorus, Alexa’s nonchalant voice is accented by a techno reverb that bounces off her voice as she dismisses her haters. The track is vocally and lyrically strong, paying close attention to the bold message as the beat is used as an enhancer to back up her biting lines. The electronic sounds are simple and constant throughout the song. The track plays like a rebutting rap line as Alexa wittily throws jabs at her haters in a straightforward move. Unconcerned by their unwanted attention, “I’m Good” is a form of emancipation from the toxic bonds she once was tied to and the freedom she now feels as she simply focuses on music. Based in New York City, Maria Alexa is a talented singer-songwriter, poet, and producer. The first signs of Alexa's love for music began in childhood when she played 90s tunes on her toy piano for her dad and sang songs by famous artists like Britney Spears and Andrea Bocelli. While pursuing her dream of music in school, Alexa took part in vocal lessons, piano lessons, choir, and acapella groups, actively building her musical gifts. Soon, her poetry and journaling came to fruition when she debuted with her single “Sunshine” in 2020 after years of experimenting with music and refining her sound. In 2023, her performance of Elevation Worship’s “The Blessing” went viral on TikTok leading to 40k streams on Spotify. Over the past few years, Alexa has released multiple singles, accumulating millions of streams independently. She plans to release new music monthly along with a debut album in 2024. Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW MARIA ALEXA: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Reaching out to a past love, "My Mistake" by Vilhelm Buchaus is a fascinating look into what happens when nostalgia clouds your judgement. The speaker of the song seems to be searching for fulfillment when he is caught in a cycle of remembering a relationship. Echoes of conversations and touch show the stronghold that the former connection still has over the speaker. In full recognition that the relationship he wants back is doomed to "crash again", the speaker craves reconciliation. Caught between doing what is best for yourself and what you really want, this track leans into cravings and desire. Nostalgic energy and emotionally-loaded force weave through the sound of this alt-rock song. With a catchy chorus that will have you humming the tune to yourself for days, Vilhelm sings rhythmically through the lyrics. Electric guitar and upbeat percussion bring a lively spirit to the tune that will have your body moving with the beat. Distinct, incredible vocals blend reminiscence with longing in a combination of powerful, raspy projection through the angst-filled lyrical questioning and edgy, expressive narrative singing. An interlude of speak-singing with swagger and a clapping percussion sound amp up the sentimental feelings of the song. Creative twists and turns will engage you in the cool and exciting energy of this song. Vilhelm Buchaus is a Swedish singer and songwriter with an indie pop rock style. A self-taught musician, his instrumental and vocal talents are hard work that has paid off, with songs amassing hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify. His guitar-driven instrumentals and powerful vocal style are influenced by artists like Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, and The 1975. YouTube covers and originals began his musical journey, and since releasing his debut single last year, Vilhelm has continued to put out emotionally expressive and impactful songs. Keep an eye out for his debut EP, "Quiet Rooms" and learn more about his music by checking out the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW VILHEM: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Rodeo Romeo" by Kai Bosch will entice you with its cool, electric sound in the introduction of a romance. Touchy-feely tingles come from the daringly assertive feeling of this song, putting you through the intense experience of acting on your feelings of attraction. The lyrics take you through emotions of longing and invigorating connection starting the song with a direct and engaging message: "you're supersonic and my heart is working overtime." Right off the bat, the words encapsulated me with the tone of the song, making that exciting pursuit of love physically embody the way intimacy feels. Taking on that feeling when every little touch, look, or conversation feels so intense, the lyrics ask "is that the wind in my hair, is it a hurricane?" With unique and remarkable metaphors, this love-struck track will fill you with the giddy fascination of a new love. Atmospheric, pulsing electronic instrumentals and Kai's soft, dark vocals fill this track with a groovy sound. Fans of Milky Chance will love the swagger of the alt-pop energy in this song. Through the verse, percussion and pulsing low synth sounds accompany slightly breathy, low singing that sets a fascinating tone and brings a calm certainty to the buzzing excitement of the lyrics. Higher synth notes embolden the sound with a lift before the chorus, which rises high through the instrumentals and Kai's vocals that change from the intimacy of a whisper to a freeing, full-bodied sound that showcases his range. Electric guitar and vocals belting out expressive notes lead the tune to an invigorating crux, with a resonant and impactful punch that reflects the all-encompassing emotion of the song. The rush of a fast fall into emotion will energize you in this exciting track. Kai Bosch is a UK-based musician, making waves with his alternative pop style. His discography of exciting singles and EPs has enchanted listeners with his individualistic sound. Embracing authenticity, Kai's lyrics represent his queer identity, and explore real-life challenges and truths. He takes inspiration from Radiohead, James Blake, and FKA Twigs in his sound, and has performed at festivals like Latitude , The Great Escape , and Boardmasters . Kai recently toured his EP "Love, Throw Me A Bone" around the UK, and continues to perform at popular venues. Keep an eye out for his upcoming show in London at The Courtyard Theatre, and check out his music by taking a look at the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW KAI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Being ghosted by someone you thought would be a close friend for life sometimes hurts even worse than being broken up with by a romantic partner. It's that unfinished business, that not knowing why that really leaves you at night. It's hard to understand why someone you thought cared about you would just fall off the face of the Earth and completely cut you off without any reason. You know you didn't do anything wrong, and no matter how many times you try to reach out, they refuse to answer. So now you just have to live with the fact that you'll never get the closure you need, and maybe they weren't really that great of a friend in the first place. Heck, you might as well just pretend they're dead. Emylee Herring's brand new single "Pretend You Died" was written about this exact type of situation which unfortunately, personally happened to her. She wrote this song as a eulogy to their relationship, and as a way for others who have had gone through this to find peace in having to move on without answers. "Pretend You Died" is painful song of lament, grief and the mourning of someone who never died, but they might as well have. Listening to the lyricism is like getting a knife straight to the heart. The haunting lyrics in the chorus say it all - " if you wanna play ghost in my life then I’ll pretend you died ". The song features a somber piano at the forefront with a gentle stomping beat, acoustic guitar and of course Emylee's highly emotional vocals and harmonies. The instrumentation and production (done in collaboration with Christian Clark ) builds as the song goes on, and when we reach the bridge we get this intense, heart-grasping climax, just for it to come down for a final tear-jerking goodbye. Emylee Herring is singer/songwriter who has been songwriting ever since she was seven years old. She grew up singing, playing piano and guitar as well as taking lessons in all three areas. In 2023, she graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's Degree in Songwriting. She released her first official single titled "Puppet" in 2021 and her second single "Slasher" in 2023. 2024 has been a busy year for Emylee, as she released her third ever single "Birthday Cards" and now, "Pretend You Died". Emylee is also a blog writer here at Pop Passion Blog, and is a huge book worm and classic horror film fan. She's only just getting started, so make sure to follow Emylee below and find out what's to come! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW EMYLEE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Website  | YouTube

Feel the drive and pulsing energy with Ellie Madeland’s “Making It Known”. Boiled down to simple terms, this track can be described as an electronic, pop-adjacent wonderland. Madeland’s voice stays powerful and distinct throughout the track, while the backing instrumentals rise & fall in intensity as the power in Madeland’s voice does the same. As the track waves between peaks of emotion and build-up, “Making It Known” brilliantly represents the struggles in a complicated relationship. The song examines the difficulties of experiencing the highs & lows of figuring out a relationship - one that’s been proven to not be the best for Madeland. Instead of trying to shy away from the situation and hide from the situation she’s been put into, she experiences drowning in her emotions and cannot figure out how to get herself out of the predicament. After all of this turmoil and struggle, Madeland states that there is essentially one thing left to this connection – making what they are to one another, what they want, etc., be known. “Making It Known” takes the best of electronic and pop music and meshes them together to put lenses up to a difficult relationship. Much like the pulsating and wave-like electronic beats backing Madeland’s vocals, the song weaves from wondering if Madeland crying would bring the pair together to being unsure of how to understand her own feelings. These polarizing ideas are representative of a common issue that many people can resonate with, showing a well-rounded and true-to-nature pop song. In addition, Madeland’s songwriting abilities are extremely present – especially when inspecting her pain. She describes situations where she said things out loud to this person that she’s not proud of, that this pain has become somewhat of a home for her, etc., indicating just how deep this relationship goes. Within just a few lines, the audience can tell that Madeland and this other person have a history – one that is detailed, determined, and not as simple as it may appear. While it’s easy to assume the basics of a relationship detailed in a pop song, it’s clear that this is a connection that has brought on as plague of negative emotion & confusion for a reason. Ellie Madeland is a Swedish singer-songwriter based in London, UK. Since she was a child, Madeland was drawn to music – specifically by the piano. The piano was the first instrument she learned to play and will often start off writing songs by sitting at the piano. Originally established as the lead singer of the synth-pop duo Island Empire, as well as the dream-pop band Emergent Minds, Madeland chose another path and began pursuing her solo career in 2021 with the single “Out of Nowhere”. Personally, Madeland listens to artists like The Cure (her favorite band), and would love to open for them. In addition to the Cure, she’s also interested in opening for artists such as The XX, Billie Eilish, Bon Iver, etc. Madeland is currently working on solo music and is using influences like gothic rock, dream pop, etc., to make her music. Written by Madison Spies FOLLOW ELLIE MADELAND: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Say hello to Cassie Ann and her first single release from an upcoming EP entitled, “Journey of the Heart.” The single we will be reviewing today is entitled, “Possibilities.” This track is riddled with authenticity and resilience; so let’s dive in. Cassie Ann speaks about the importance of self-discovery when revealing the meaning behind this track, and it is clear this was an important theme to her while writing it. Short and sweet lyrics such as “New style, head up high” reveal so much about the fresh, new energy being portrayed during this section of her life. Every line evokes a sense of happiness and renewal which will be relatable to those who are ready to take a leap forward to better themselves and their attitude. If you’ve ever needed a song to bounce back with, or a blast of positivity to help wake you up, “Possibilities” will definitely do the trick. Artistically, “Possibilities” evokes a warm and positive tone. The track incorporates island-inspired melodies and sounds paired with vibrant and singable hooks. Cassie Ann’s vocal delivery is bright and airy; matching the euphoric themes of the song’s instrumentals. Its chorus is nothing short of high energy, easily making it the song’s most catchy focal point. “Possibilities” and its production is lively and crisp, although it was difficult for me to decipher exactly what instruments are involved in the layering of this track. However, it almost sounds as if a saxophone has been woven into the song. This adds a jazzy flair which mixes some of the modern elements of “Possibilities” with more classic ones. As a result of successful upbeat instrumentation and impressive vocals, “Possibilities” is drenched in positivity and carefree spirit. Cassie Ann has performed on stages her whole life starting from childhood. As a result, she has developed a substantial presence and musical identity. At just 18, Cassie moved to Berlin to formally pursue her musical studies. Now, she travels all over the globe to work with her fellow artists, DJs, and producers. It was her many journeys which inspired Cassie to start writing songs in English. In addition to her schooling in Berlin, she also attended the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. Cassie Ann’s next venture is her highly anticipated EP, “Journey of the Heart.” So far, this project has promised more pop, emotional lyrics, and self-discovery. If you found yourself putting “Possibilities” on replay, follow Cassie Ann on all of the social media we have provided below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW CASSIE ANN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

"Too Bad" is the newest single by EVALINA, from her debut EP Fickle Heart . The song is about refusing to take someone back after they have broken up with you. EVALINA believes you can't leave someone to try out other relationships, and when they don't work out return to the original relationship. You can't use someone as a test for what you want, as its selfish and this will only hurt them. EVALINA explains to not give someone like this another chance. People who want to play a game of cat and mouse are not worthy of your time, and its best to move on and surround yourself with better people. "Too Bad" is power pop anthem about moving on. The choruses are similar to gospel music, but with a pop twist. EVALINA also has an immensely talented singing voice and huge vocal range, providing heavenly harmonies throughout the song. The production crescendos as the song continues, starting with a singular ethereal and ambient synth, which slowly builds up to an extravagant and upbeat pop song. Also in the production are more synths and drum rolls used to create scattered sound effects. "Too Bad" doesn't follow a certain formula, changing tempos multiple times, making it a pop song that stands out amongst the others. EVALINA is a music artist based in the United Kingdom. Her musical debut was her 2021 song "Know Better" with CLIK3D. Her first solo single "Side Effects" was released in 2022. Since then, she has performed live at festivals and Sofar Sounds London. She has also performed at BBC Introducing Live Longue and was interviewed there as well. She went on tour in 2021 in the United Kingdom, and has released other amazing songs in addition to "Too Bad", including "Side Effects", "Vivid", and "Last Time" with SILK. EVALINA is an amazing and incredibly talented artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW EVALINA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Coming in hot with their tenth album, Coldplay surpasses their iconic pop-rock sound with wise words and an experimental approach to sound in "Moon Music". Incredible collaborations and enlightening messages will inspire you throughout these uplifting songs. TRACKLIST MOON MUSiC feelslikeimfallinginlove WE PRAY JUPiTER GOOD FEELiNGS 🌈 iAAM AETERNA ALL MY LOVE ONE WORLD Coldplay has gifted the world with their uplifting music since forming in London in 1996. The British alternative band has spent decades topping the charts with hits like "Viva La Vida", "Something Just Like This", and "Yellow". Five members make up this legendary group: singer Chris Martin, percussionist Will Champion, Guy Berryman on Bass, guitarist Jonny Buckland, and manager Phil Harvey. Coldplay has graced the stages of audiences across the world, and currently holds the #5 top global streaming spot on Spotify. They are touring their new album, with sold out October and November shows in Australia and New Zealand, and upcoming shows in Asia, North America, and Europe. MOON MUSiC Starting off the album with a truly innovative track, "MOON MUSiC" embraces the power of instrumental storytelling in a truly immersive musical experience. The song begins with glowing, ethereal instrumentals. A combination of floaty, wind-like electronic music and strings struck me with a meditative calm. Briefly interrupting the serene sound, an electronic vocal reminiscent of moon landing audio states the title and nothing more as the soothing and bright sound continues on an intense and uplifting tune of enlightenment. The floaty and magnificent sound takes you on a journey through hopeful warm and thoughtful cool feelings, into a state of serenity. Full of surprises, the sound of this track changes dramatically throughout. Nearly two minutes into the song, the strings fade out to make way for a charming descending and ascending piano pattern. Nearly three minutes in, Chris's vocals add lyrics to an already magical story. They speak about a pursuit of self-actualization through nature, connecting flight and weather with hopes, and less natural things like television with giving up. The song ends by saying "I just need a friend" as the vocals and other instrumentals are electronically distorted to a low and overlapping intensity. A transformational sense of being comes from a single listen to this song, from its grounding sound and journey towards pure bliss. As an opening to the album, this track is curiosity unlocked. feelslikeimfallinginlove The second track in the album is about pursuing love, even when you have internal struggles that are holding you back. It deeply contrasts with the first song by holding a more familiar pop style. Rhythmic, gentle percussion and a simple, catchy keyboard chord pattern give the track a lively tune through the verses. Chris's vocals reflect gentle blossoming themes through the verse, and rise to a powerful and resonant height in the chorus. Beginning with a direct acknowledgement of the fears that come with stepping into something new, the lyrics spin the doubts into an unbridled dive into possibility. The pre-chorus is a beautiful metaphor for what happens when you allow the seeds of an experience to thrive, with the lyrics "still I don't let go, and fields of flowers grow". With an inspiring message telling people to take the leap towards happiness, "feelslikeimfallinginlove" is a feel-good song to comfort you in any mood. WE PRAY With an incredible list of featured artists— Elyanna , Little Simz , Burna Boy , and TiNi —the third track in this album is a soulful pursuit of sanctuary, love, and faith. Chills rushed down my spine and I felt the purpose of this song in my bones. With a fast, percussion heavy tune supported by powerful violin, this track has an intensely sacred and important sound. A truly magnificent movement comes from the minor key of the beautiful instrumentals, made even more intense as all the singing in this piece of art carries a self-assured swagger. The vocals offer a cool and edgy insistence making the lyrics feel bold and forceful. Beginning with personal affirmations, the song immerses listeners with ideas of perseverance before moving further to prayers for health of others. Moving through the lyrics, messaging envelops hopes for safety in the afterlife and connections with others. An incredible sense of community comes from the different vocals throughout the verses with the featured artists adding their spirited twist to the track. It layers onto the messaging, understanding wants and hopes as a universal experience. They collectively vocalize as the song ends with a collective sound of expression. This masterpiece will move you with its divine faith and a wonderful display of humanity. JUPiTER The fourth track presents an insightful story about identity, and unlike the first few songs in this album, these lyrics describe an individual's specific experience. Telling a tale of a person who struggles to be more or less worthy of her name (the title of the song), this track tackles the pain that comes from hiding who you are. Acoustic guitar with a bright picking pattern and percussive strumming amplify the personal and intimate nature of the song's storytelling, folding a genuine openness into its sound. Chris's down-to-Earth vocals and comforting falsetto warm the song with an emotionally supportive tone. Spiraling down the road of relatable insecurities with lyrics like "am I bad, am I wrong, am I weird in the head," the words move past the very real identity crisis so many people experience, onto raising spirits high with a heavenly message of "I love who I love". With a touching message of self-love and authenticity, listening to this track will make you feel heard and comfortable in your own skin. GOOD FEELiNGS Coldplay can never go wrong with a nostalgic love song, and this track, featuring Ayra Starr , delivers all the "GOOD FEELiNGS" its title promises. From reminiscent lyrics of summer love to romantic mentions of dancing and the moon, this song will fill you with light and heart-warming bliss. A dancey and fun tune bring a lively energy to the love-fueled message, made even more exciting by the way Chris and Ayra's verses felt like a conversation. The words are a message from one partner to another, begging them to hold onto the way their love makes them feel. Using repetition to emphasize the weight of the connection through the chorus, the lyrics repeat parts of the phrase "don't ever let them go". A blend of excitingly atmospheric synth chords and groovy bass compliment the invigorating and cool vocals. With its freeing pop sound and soulful meaning, this track is perfect if you're looking for a love song you can dance to. 🌈 This track is a truly unique exploration of life and emotion, using instrumentals and vocals in an extremely deliberate, powerful show of emotion. Twinkling, ethereal instrumentals reign in this song about a search for goodness. Atmospheric sounds including woodwinds and keys create an intensely immersive experience of music, layering in notes like the chirping of birds over time. Percussion folds in gently before a dramatic build towards the chorus, with the lyrics "it glows in your eyes", assigning cosmic light to one person. Guitar joins in, bringing a gentle post-chorus calm before strings and piano take over. Peaceful vocals lift you up with messages of love, light, and nature. The song concludes with blissful piano and Maya Angelou speaking and singing an uplifting and spiritual message of peace. This array of instruments and lyrics push forward a message of perseverance in a search for light. iAAM This track is an incredible expression of growth and evolution, powerfully taking on fundamental experiences of change. With increasing excitement, pulsing guitar and vocals that build in volume solidify a sound of empowerment throughout the track. Percussion, guitar, and exciting vocals bring a 1980's rock style to the chorus, with the energy of a Van Halen or Bon Jovi song. The lyrics embrace the power of repetition, using the lyrics "I got this feeling" to communicate thoughts, wants, and new-found self-assurance. Not only does this repeating phrase make it easy to sing along, it puts strength behind experiencing emotion, letting listeners feel inspired to trust themselves. Understanding negative experiences as a part of life, this song uses the metaphor "I am a mountain", reflecting that natural strength that is threaded through the other songs in the album. AETERNA Love in its most holy form envelop you in this romantic track. Sacred and supernatural, the romance in this song holds a captivating intensity, with lyrics like "took my soul to heaven" representing the spiritual way the speaker feels about their partner. This song will take you through feelings of intimacy and euphoria with its eternal message of connection. An exciting dance pop sound coast otherworldly vibes through the electronic instrumentals of this song. The vocals are slow and resonant, with low and comforting singing through the verse and high singing in the chorus. Diverging from its pop sound, a simple singing and clapping track brings an unexpected representation of joy to the tune. Perfect for people who want to bask in romance, this track will invigorate you with its electric sound. ALL MY LOVE When you reflect on what really matters in life, it's the people around you that truly make an impact. Emotional piano and sentimental vocals capture the genuine passion and heart felt through the lyrics of "ALL MY LOVE". Guitar and strings layer onto the instrumentals throughout the track, and a shift in the volume and intensity rises through the song, embracing the beauty in the lyrics. A simple ballad with a big impact, this love-filled track is a beautiful expression of connection, lifting listeners up with the strength of romance that comes from exploring everything together. Beginning with words that explain the range of times and experiences two people have shared with symbolism of seasons changing, this tune takes a meaningful dive into a confession of perpetual and all-consuming love. ONE WORLD Finishing the album with a thought-provoking and magnificent musical experience, "ONE WORLD" will ground you with its sound. Natural feelings are integrated throughout the track from the very beginning as the bright sound of birdsong opens the track. Resonant piano takes its time to create a serene atmosphere before gentle and deep vocals repeat the words, "oh one world, only one word" inducing a hypnotic sense of peace. The word "one" dissolves into a wind-like intense buzzing before deep strings take over with a blissful and immersive sound that feels like blossoming into light. Simple lyrics deliver a powerful message of love's eternal power join the instrumentals again before a stop in the music, and just as you feel the song is over, 1950's-eque vocalizing that sounds like it's played through a vintage radio cut through the silence in a joyful serenade until the end of the song. Ending the album with a sense of love and oneness, this song's stimulatingly unique sound are fascinating and heart-warming. Diving into philosophical depths and soaring into otherworldly highs, this transcendent album takes on the meaning of life. Blending genres to push forward explorations of life, love, identity, and existence, this album spans all manner of pop, classical, lo-fi and alternative styles. Thought-provoking lyrics throughout the songs make this album an excellent opportunity for contemplation, taking you through moods of reflection, excitement, and passion. Coldplay is well known for their distinctly romantic lyricism and iconic pop rock sound, but with this collection of songs, the band diverges from their niche into a truly revolutionary exploration of music. Deep metaphysical concepts are laid out through poetic expression and deliberate instrumentals throughout the album, complete with purposeful features in various songs. With this powerful exploration of meaning, an epic shift in sound marks a new height for the band. Representing the consistent identity in evolution of the group, quintessential classic Coldplay elements weave through these unique tracks, like the pure acoustic sound and storytelling in "JUPiTER" and the dramatic violin instrumentals in "WE PRAY". Offering a fascinating musical journey, "Moon Music" is a truly remarkable album. Written By Hanna Kowal Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Being stuck in a cycle of constantly fixating on the past is an incredibly difficult way to live, and it prevents us from progressing forward with our lives. Nostalgia always sells because it’s a place of comfort for many of us. In the latest release by artist Mark Hattori, “Yesterday,” we are encapsulated in yearning for what once was, both sonically and lyrically. “Yesterday” thrives on its ode to early 2000s pop-punk soundscapes and it’s this artistic choice that truly emphasizes the longing for the past. “Yesterday” captures this sound so well, and it stands out amongst other nostalgia tracks because there’s a clear love for this era of music when you listen. The lyrical content of “Yesterday” really emphasizes how easy it is for us to slip into that state of yearning for what life used to be like, especially during moments when we feel stuck. “Yesterday” paints us those wonderful moments of enjoying life with those who are special to us, moments of being young and in love with life. The speaker is intensely holding on to these memories and puts them on such a high pedestal. What’s great about this track is you also get the sense that romanticizing the past can be dangerous because it doesn’t allow us to grow. We look at the past with rose-colored glasses and never grow up. That’s why using this musical style to emphasize this message works so well because it makes us fall in love with 2000s music all over again. “Yesterday” Mark Hattori is an artist from San Jose, who has a clear love for early 2000s music. You can hear the inspiration of many notable artists on this track such as Mayday Parade or Boys Like Girls. Mark Hattori has had the opportunity to perform at notable locations such as 626 Night Market and the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival. On this single, he worked with producer Seth Goodwin. Mark Hattori is an exciting artist to come across because he seems very down to earth and someone who was clearly a fanboy of old pop-punk music. It’s always fun to see artists so many of us can relate to. If you find yourself to be someone who always feels stuck on the past, “Yesterday” is a great track to help you reflect and Mark Hattori is an artist you won’t want to miss. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW MARK HATTORI: Instagram   | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

It’s never fun to be in a situationship, especially after you’ve been in one for a while. Dancing around one another, never having a solid definition, it can make the best of us antsy enough to want to wipe the slate clean and restart the relationship from scratch. Tessa Dalton’s newest single “Whiplash” muses on what it might mean to hold onto such a relationship, even if it’s struggling and could potentially end. With a chill rock sound, Dalton weaves reflective lyrics with brilliant instrumentation to make her listeners feel as if they’re laying on their bedroom floor, wondering if this situationship is really worth all the hassle and heartache. Better yet, this track is made for those of you who need a good song to do exactly that with, grappling with such an undefinable relationship. There’s just something about those slower, rock-driven alt-pop songs that I can’t get enough of, and “Whiplash” is definitely one of them. It’s measured with an organic feel in its progression; each layered instrument gives an extra dimension to the track that lends itself to both the soundscape and the song’s overall meaning. I’d be severely underselling this song if I didn’t sing the instrumentals’ praises– everything about it is supremely satisfying, so heartfelt and honest in its feelings. The verses are joined by a double vocal and a double guitar, and the choruses shift toward rock to match the turbulent emotions of the songwriting. I love how the mellowness of the verses gives way to the stronger, more passionate chorus, but nevertheless fizzle back into that quieter soundscape in the end. The instrumentals complement the soundscape in all the best ways, flinging the listeners between genres to give them some good whiplash– just like a situationship. The lyrics are concerned with both driving motifs and new beginnings, which make a lovely combination. The narrator laments their situationship, saying that their relationship is composed of “sharp turns / fast breaks”, which then heralds the rock-laden chorus. And when Dalton sings, “I knew nothing then / Could we start it new?”, the soundscape swells to such a point that can make anyone reminisce on their not-quite relationship, and think that maybe it’s worth sticking it out– or maybe not. “Whiplash” has an elegant balance between both instrumentals and lyrics, and with a gentle to passionate soundscape it manages to make its listeners feel every bit of emotion that the narrator feels. Tessa Dalton is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and accomplished fiddle player that is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up in rural Idaho, Dalton took her country work ethic to win old-time fiddle championships in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah. She is heavily influenced by country, bluegrass, Celtic, and Americana on the fiddle, and her original works are inspired by artists such as Gracie Abrams, Alix Page, and Lennon Stella, as well as some Foo Fighters, Blink-182, and Coldplay. She debuted in 2023 with her single “My Home’s In Idaho”, which was followed the next year with her second single “One More Night”. “Whiplash” is her most recent release, so make sure to drop her a follow to keep track of her musical journey! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW TESSA DALTON: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | Apple Music

"Nothing Left to Lose" by Natalie Clark embraces taking risks for the sake of fulfilment. Reflecting on youthful hopes and dreams, the song explains how the speaker's goals have been met but the gratification isn't all there. Lyrics like "all the dreams that are mine, bit I never find the courage or the time" express the reality that you can reach your goals without taking the time to embrace it. Pushing forward a message of unapologetic freedom, this song encourages you to pursue what really matters. In the case of the speaker in this song, that happens to be love. With powerful words of letting go from anxieties and "going all in" on what matters to you, this track is a beautiful motivator! Growth and familiarity combine in the delightfully bright sound of this track. Natalie's singing is nostalgic and smooth, infusing this folk-pop song with a comforting quality. A gentle tune of fast acoustic fingerpicking and Natalie's soulful vocals begin this empowering track. For the last line of the pre-chorus, instrumentals cut out, and emphasizing the freeing lyrics, only the vocals can be heard. Bringing courage to the sound, violins and higher, layered angelic singing will uplift you through the chorus. The last verse closes the song as instrumentals dwindle and you are left to bask in the calming, evolved resolution of the lyrics. With a sweet, simple, and immersive tune, this track carries the bright feeling of growth in its sound. Natalie Clark is a Scottish multidisciplinary artist with a soul-pop sound to her music. Her music journey took off after Sir Richard Branson spontaneously asked her to sing on BBC Radio 1 , and she performed a song off her debut EP. Mercedes Benz KTLA selected her as an "Artist to Watch" and she collaborated with the company in the U.S. for a commercial campaign, performing at venues like Roxy on Sunset and The Greek Theatre . She opened for the Indigo Girls tour, taking her music across the U.S. Natalie appeared on season 10 of NBC's The Voice and received praise for her voice from Christina Aguilera. Check out the links below to explore her music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW NATALIE: Instagram   | Spotify  | Twitter  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Nashville, Tennessee based alternative artist, Bryce Fox has just released his EP, "The Butterfly", which is the partner project to his other EP released earlier this year, "The Bomb". “Being married and having a kid really shaped this new music and gave it such a different tone. I’m a concerned father now and I’m definitely thinking about the world differently now that my son is here, and that’s reflected in my music. My energy has changed so much. I’m not chasing girls in LA anymore; my music is more existential and more concerned with the bigger world." - Bryce Fox TRACKLIST Butterfly Other People Shadows Drip Sense of Humor Bryce Fox was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana. He grew up playing saxophone in jazz band and experimenting with his own home recording and production. While in college, he received a cancer diagnosis which pushed him to move to Los Angeles, California where he spent the first entire decade pursuing his music career. Bryce officially debuted as an artist in 2016 with his single "Burn Fast" and has not stopped releasing original music and various remixes since. He's gained millions of streams across all platforms and currently has over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. His 2017 song "Horns" off of his debut album "Heaven On Hold" went RIAA certified Gold. He's gained praise from major media outlets such as NYLON , Billboard and Earmilk . He's also performed with the likes of Matt Maeson , Charlotte Cardin , and Frenship . Bryce Fox takes a blend of diverse sounds and all styles of mainstream music to create what he calls a melting pot genre that doesn't sound like any other artist, but can appeal to just about anyone. As mentioned, "The Butterfly" goes hand in hand with Bryce's previous EP, "The Bomb" which we also reviewed. If you'd like to start with that, you can find it right here . Butterfly We start off the EP with the song "Butterfly" which really sums up Bryce's life and feelings in the past few years from falling in love, getting married and the birth of his son. The happiness and joy that Bryce has found within his life and new family is beautiful beyond words, but you can really feel it in this song. It's so crazy how meeting one person can change your entire lookout on existence, and that's exactly what happened here. "Butterfly" is a cathartic pop rock song with a mixture of soft and heavy. The verses feature twangy, finger-picked acoustic guitar while the chorus gives you electric guitar and a heavy drum beat while Bryce sings the catchiest hook melody ever paired with easily quotable lyrics. One of my personal favorite lines has to be "Fight for the dream to come alive, no matter where you get it from", meaning that no matter what others say, or how big or small, if you have a dream, that dream is yours and you should do whatever it takes to make it come true. I really suggest watching the music video along with this song, as it shows clips of Bryce with his wife and son, really helping you visualize how important this song is to him. Other People Next we have "Other People" which is about observing other happy couples around you, and realizing that your own relationship isn't going so well. So, you make the suggestion that maybe you both should start seeing other people because you don't want to waste time with each other if you're unhappy - or maybe the experience will help you learn that you were right for each other all along. "Other People" is designed to get stuck in your head, so be prepared. The hook is the catchy beyond description. The way Bryce is able to flawlessly repeat the words "other people" within one line and make it work and sound super catchy is genius. You will be singing along with the chorus by the end of the song. "Other People" is groovy, and has a rhythm that will have you moving. It has emphasis on acoustic guitar with heavy bass, a classic drum feel, and a psychedelic electric guitar solo break down. Shadows "Shadows" is about being haunted by your past self, and feeling like you'll never be able to fully escape that part of who you used to be. People really can and do change, and when we love ourselves enough, we do it for the better. However, sometimes we get reminded of mistakes we've made, the struggles we faced, and that pain, regret and guilt all starts rushing back in. Sometimes you feel like it doesn't matter that you're a different person now because that past will always be a part of who you are. "Shadows" starts with down strums of a gentle electric guitar and the ear-worm hook. As the track goes on, it uses some EDM production elements to create this haunting yet energetic soundscape that keeps you captivated. Drip "Drip" compares the addicting desire of a romantic interest to the high of like being on drugs. They're not good for you, but you can't help but want them. There's something so intriguing and thrilling about how bad they are for you. He uses skin-crawling yet poetic words like "parasitic charm" to really set the scene. This song has a unique production style with a fantastic rhythm and groove. The hook has some funk to it, with lots of bass and low pitched vocals to give it a nostalgic RnB tone. The way this song flows and progresses keeps you on your toes in the best way. You almost get lost in it's euphoric and ethereal timbre and resonance. Sense of Humor We end the EP with the song "Sense of Humor"; a dark, haunting track to leave chills down your spine. The song puts emphasis on acoustic guitar, using folk and blues tones with sustained and seventh chords to create this eerie atmosphere, as well as a cinematic drum and production. "Sense of Humor" is about being tricked into falling in love with somebody who doesn't show their true colors until later on. You come to find that they're not a good person, but at this point it's too late and you're already hurt. Bryce sings, "Some say god got a strange sense of humor", because he thought he was getting involved with an angel who turned out to be the complete opposite of who he thought she was. Bryce shows off a lot of range, as well as some twang and grit, demonstrating the incredible diversity in his voice. Bryce Fox has done it again with his second EP of this year, "The Butterfly". I thought "The Bomb" was an emotional project, but I feel "The Butterfly" dives even deeper into those vulnerable topics that Bryce has been trying to explore within this new sound and journey of his. Every song on this EP is a banger after banger after banger. It's an absolute no skips piece of art. I was blown away by every single aspect in each and every song. The lyricism was deep and poetic, the vocals and melodies were addicting and ear-pleasing, the instrumentations and the production were beyond catchy and a phenomenal quality. Every song was a different sound and style; I love that Bryce doesn't define himself to one area because I heard so many different genres through this EP that could make anyone fall in love with his music. If you haven't heard "The Bomb" , I highly suggest listening to that as well. Both of these EP's are a part of something bigger to come in 2025, so make sure to follow Bryce below and keep tabs. He's also going on tour in Spring of 2025 with rock band AWOLNATION so get your tickets here ! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW BRYCE: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.