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- Review: "Real Life" - The Electric Sons
The Electric Sons’ new single “Real Life” is about the rush and thrill of young love. It’s the quintessential boy meets girl story that unfortunately doesn’t always result in a happy ending because real life gets in the way. Speaking about their latest single, the duo says, “We wanted people to feel the bittersweet rush of first love, all wrapped up in a nostalgic anthem.” The lyrics themselves speak of a summer love that was never meant to last. Young lovers pulled apart by distance, the song slightly reminds me of The Notebook . The Electric Sons really captured the essence of innocent love and heartbreak, especially with the lyrics, “Your message said: I’m moving out to the coast // Away from here and everyone that I know // And I’m not coming back // But I hope you know I’ll always remember the time // At the borderline // When we were reckless, but it made us feel alive.” Overall, “Real Life” further confirms that The Electric Sons truly are the real deal. If you’re looking for a nostalgic, summer anthem to jam out to, The Electric Sons have got you covered. “Real Life” starts off with a soft, hummed guitar melody that’s met with the deep, effortless harmonies of the duo’s voices. Then, about 30 seconds in, the drum beat drops, providing listeners with the perfect cruising song. As the drums and guitar pick up in intensity, some subtle synth sounds are sprinkled throughout, further adding to the track’s fun, retro vibe. Even though we’re in 2024, “Real Life” is a song that I could hear playing at the end of summer 80s flick. While there is no official video for “Real Life” out just yet, I’m excited to see what The Electric Sons have in store to visually bring this song to life. If it’s anything like their past videos, fans will surely be in for a treat! While the Electric Sons may have started out making music in their garage, the Atlanta duo is now living out their musical dreams. The funky alternative pop duo composed of co-founding members Andrew Miller (vocalist/ guitarist) and Ben Richards (keyboardist/ vocalist), released their self-titled EP in 2012. After a string of single and EP releases, they released their first album Arrival in 2021. The Electric Sons’ eclectic synth pop sounds have nabbed the duo a significant amount of dedicated listeners. They have over 22,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and have worked hard touring and spreading their music across the country. Their latest single “Real Life” is now available on all music streaming platforms. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW THE ELECTRIC SONS Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Meant To Be" - Forever At Midnight
The torment of falling for a friend is one we all know and try to balance without hurting the friendship. New single by the band Forever At Midnight, “Meant To Be” plays the role of the classic pop punk anthem that displays pining and angst. The song definitely feels like it belongs in a young adult film as it has that essence of teenage longing we all can reminisce on when we find ourselves in this situation, regardless of age. You can definitely hear the artistic influence when you first listen to “Meant To Be” because it takes you back to a different time. With guitar-driven sounds and energetic drums that leave you hyped, “Meant To Be” is a certified banger that ignites passion and more for Forever At Midnight. You immediately find yourself drawn to vocalist Liv Howlett’s performance, as her voice fits in so well with the style of the song. The tone of the guitars especially sounds so nice with her singing and the vocal melody itself is infectious. You can especially hear this during the bridge when her voice really shines. The lyrical content of this song is very direct when it comes to the portrayal of this story. The instrumentals are both energetic and cinematic, really giving life to that feeling of yearning. There’s clearly a lot of love in this track and just by listening, there’s a clear admiration for the genre it explores. “Meant To Be” thrives because it doesn’t feel overly complicated and instead has fun being a guiding light to those who enjoy that complex chase of longing. It’s for the hopeless romantics who dream of what could be. Forever At Midnight is a band from Sydney, Australia that consists of vocalist Live Howlett, drummer Evan Hughes, and guitarist Josh Kim. The three friends first bonded over their love for pop punk and emo music. They are influenced by artists like Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and Hot Milk. “Meant To Be” is their debut single and it’s always exciting to see a new band from the start and see how they grow as artists. In terms of the band's musical style, they are clearly well-versed in the world of pop-punk music and understand how to create a classic anthem for this genre. While the song does rewind time and feel nostalgic, it doesn’t rely on overused and outdated patterns in alternative music, and that’s what makes it so exciting. The band certainly understands how not to be a carbon copy and I am overjoyed to see what direction Forever At Midnight takes. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW FOREVER AT MIDNIGHT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Too Bad" - Nicolette Capua
Nicolette Capua is back with a quintessential pop hit entitled “Too Bad.” The lyrics of this track explore themes of empowerment, self-worth, and moving on after a bad breakup. Nicolette is quoted as saying the following about this brand-new release, “I’m BEYOND excited for everyone to hear ‘Too Bad’!! I’ve worked really hard on this song and I’m so happy everyone can finally hear it and sing their hearts out to it!! All I have to say is, ‘Too Bad, I’m gone, baby!” From a lyricism standpoint, "Too Bad" is quite the masterpiece. Nicolette manages to incorporate great imagery in lines such as "chills up your spine" along with rich sensory details like "edible lips." And trust me, anybody who has felt their independence or confidence waver on the tails of a harsh breakup will relate to Nicolette's bold reclamation of her old self. Now let's dig into how it sounds! “Too Bad” jumps right into the action, and its energetic tone carries throughout the entire song. With its faster tempo and beat, this is a perfect summer track to dance to with your girls.There’s a lot to love about this song, but something it excels in is seamlessly blending old-school traditional pop elements with modern twists (like the integration of some playful auto-tune). The bridge stands out as a highlight of “Too Bad” as well as Nicolette Capua’s stellar vocals. Nicolette’s ethereal harmonies are also somewhat reminiscent of pop-princess Tate McRae’s style, and overall the track emits a dreamy tone. Nicolette Capua is an extremely talented singer-songwriter currently located in New York City. With a killer voice and a contemporary dance background, she is an up and coming artist to look out for in the pop realm. She lists some of her main influences as the iconic JP Cooper and Jess Glynne , and she credits her Highschool choir program as one of the main experiences which shapes her as an artist to this day. Now amassing over 100k streams, Nicolette has found success through her passion for music and dance. She even made a recent appearance on Good Morning America where she opened up for American R&B singer-songwriter Andra Day. If you find yourself listening to “Too Bad” over and over again like I did, be sure to keep up with Nicolette’s newest music by following her on all of the platforms we have linked below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW NICOLETTE: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
- Review: "I Hate The Eagles" - Anique Rose
On her newest single, "I Hate The Eagles," Anique Rose delivers the perfect heartbreak anthem. With this piano ballad, Anique proves herself an exceptionally talented songwriter. One of the singer-songwriter's main musical goals is to write about the challenges of young girls, and in "I Hate The Eagles," Anique accomplishes this in spades. She explores heartbreak from a pointedly feminine perspective. The lyrics are as earnest as they are savage, expressing equal parts heartache and anger. For fans of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, "I Hate The Eagles, is a must-listen. The song is a lovely new contribution to the sad-girl pop canon where Anique Rose establishes herself as an up-and-coming artist to look out for. What makes Anique such a brilliant songwriter is her ability to pen such universal feelings. "I Hate The Eagles" is a painfully relatable track. From the expressions of confusion to anger to betrayal, Anique's lyrics are bound to strike a chord. Her raw confessional style makes for sharp, reflective lyricism. Lines like "Now, when people say they love me, I get a little nauseous, and it's your fault that I'm so overly cautious," are biting insights into how painful breakups can be. For those going through a similar situation, "I Hate The Eagles" is a cathartic listen. Anique Rose is Anique Rose is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. The twenty-year-old is currently attending UCLA and releasing music simultaneously. Anique began officially releasing music in 2024 and has three singles to date: "Twisted," "Breaking, Losing, Draining," and now "I Hate The Eagles." Despite being a newcomer, the artist has already seen great success within the music industry. Anique currently has over 6000 monthly listeners on Spotify and over 40,000 downloads. On YouTube, the "I Hate The Eagles" music video, directed by Anique herself, garnered over 22,000 views in the two weeks since its release. With just three singles, Anique Rose has proved herself to be a must-listen to artist, and you can hear "I Hate The Eagles," as well as her other outputs, on streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW ANIQUE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "scar tissue" - della
della is here with her second single ever, “scar tissue”! This song is all about a moment I bet a lot of us can relate to: accidentally liking your situationship. Being deceived by the moments of happiness and love, the truth is that the relationship is not that serious, and you’re stuck in the haze. Reckless behavior in the name of love turns into complex feelings and expectations not met, and della perfectly describes that feeling. She’s slowly healing from this heartbreaking experience, and tries to remain satisfied with this “relationship” being casual. They have “no label, no safe word/[they] love until it runs out.” In the chorus, she recognizes that she’s fallen once again, despite her lover not barely giving her any love and care in return. She’s trying to recover from the wounds that her situationship has caused, and they’re slowly turning into scar tissue. Yet, in the second verse, della confesses she stills holds onto hope that this isn’t just a “meaningless love”. She desires a love where her love and care is reciprocated, and wonders if her situationship can “feel a single thing”. At the end of the song, she comes to terms with the fact that she “[feels] deeper than [she] should”, but she’s not singing the blues anymore - all her cuts and wounds are scar tissue. “scar tissue” is a classic indie or folk pop ballad. The production is lighter than an average pop ballad, while her confessional and sentimental writing aligns with the general lyrical style of a pop ballad. The song starts with an intricate acoustic guitar melody with some synth note flairs throughout. The dynamics build and recede throughout the course of the song, with the most deep production moments are found in the choruses while the lighter moments are found in the verses. On the other hand, the bridge is like a confessional, as the lyrics take the forefront. Overall, “scar tissue” is a quintessential indie pop ballad that certainly belongs on your indie playlists. della got her first start in the music industry at only 15 years old. She’s spent the past 2 years recording, playing pop-up shows, and developing her signature sound. Now, she is finally ready to debut her talents to the world. Her first single, “matthew’s in love”, was released in June of this year and released “scar tissue” one month later. Her music is sonically similar to many in the folk-pop scene, such as Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, and more. Although folk-pop has become increasingly popular in the past few years, della’s sound is unique and refreshing in a saturated scene. Her lyrics are poetic and crafted with attention, her melodies carefully laid in the production. Over the years, she has placed in many songwriting competitions and was recognized as one of the top seven teen songwriters in the International Songwriting Awards. della has only just begun her journey in the music industry, and she is certainly an underrated artist you need to be on the lookout for in the future. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW DELLA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Linktree
- Review: "Shattered" - Jenna Kay
When you look in a mirror it’s up to you to decide what you’re looking at. You’ll see a reflection staring back at you, but it’s either going to be the truth or an idealized version of yourself that you want to believe. The same concept goes for a relationship, it may not always be perfect, and it might just take a breakup to realize the authenticity behind the glass. “Shattered” by Jenna Kay portrays this phenomenon where she’s looking back on her previous relationship realizing things she’s never picked up on before and how it left her broken hearted. The song opens with “The hardest pill to swallow still loving you” which means it’s hard for Jenna to accept that she still has feelings for her ex. She follows by describing him as a hollow shell of man which gives us an insight of his personality: emotionally distant and insincere which makes her question “Was it ever really love?”. Building up to the chorus Jenna says he “took everything that I thought I knew” which could allude to her second guessing all the things she once believed were true about their relationship. The chorus “And left it shattered scattered pieces of my heart on the floor like they don’t matter after leaving me in the dark” could represent the potential causes for the end of the relationship like him neglecting her feelings or leaving without an explanation so she's left to question what went wrong. “Mirror mirror on the wall break the glass and watch it fall” could represent the famous quote “Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” from Disney’s Snow White . In the movie, the evil queen’s mirror never lies and in this song the mirror could be a metaphor for the relationship where Jenna is finally discovering the truth behind it. The mirror falling and the glass breaking into tiny pieces could represent how the breakup left her “shattered”. The broken mirror could also be tied to the myth that a broken mirror brings seven years of bad luck where your soul is stuck in the mirror and you have to wait for an entirely new soul to break the curse. This could symbolize Jenna leaving her past self behind in the broken glass and moving on will break the curse (the heartbreak). The lyrics “Damaged, confused, hopelessly dealing with anxiety” describe how Jenna is coping with the breakup. She even says “I didn’t know that love could go this way” which shows that she wasn’t anticipating this kind of heartbreak and she didn’t even think it was possible. “I’ll never love the same” proves that this relationship has significantly changed her perspective on love and that in the end he’s the one to blame for it all. "Shattered” is the new break up anthem you’ve been searching for. Produced by Jaques Victor, “Shattered” has sad lyrical components but it’s contrasted by an upbeat mix giving it a pop-punk feel. As the song progresses the tempo builds and as a listener I feel like I’m getting angrier and angrier at her ex right along with her. There’s also a moment where her voice gets softer, sharing her vulnerability with us. The use of the drums is essential to the overall sound of the track. The few subliminal responses to the lyrics by Jenna that are buried in the mix give the track more dimension and character. Jenna sings with passion and power. By listening to her sing, you can hear the raw emotion and pain she felt, almost as if you're experiencing this break up right alongside her. The first half of the song is the initial heartbreak, and the second half is how Jenna is emotionally dealing with the pain, with both sections being separated by the chorus. Jenna Kay Roessler is a rising pop star from St. Louis, Missouri and has since moved to Nashville to pursue her music career. Roessler grew up interested in the arts, with previous aspirations to be on Broadway. She dedicated many years studying singing, dancing, and acting with an emphasis on classical and Broadway genres. Roessler is not your average pop singer. What sets her apart is how she integrates other genres, such as indie and pop-punk, into her sound. Roessler has released several singles such as “Can’t Be Friends”, “Forget I Exist”, and “Simulation” to name a few, and now has over ten thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. Roessler is set to release her debut EP “Icing On The Cake” this September. You should definitely give Jenna a follow so when she becomes a mega pop star, you can say you’ve been a fan since the beginning! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW JENNA KAY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Top 10 Pop Songs Featured in The Vampire Diaries
Photo credits: TV Insider Drawing inspiration from L.J. Smith's novels, the hit show The Vampire Diaries captivated the hearts of many with its 2009 premiere. Supporting the show's enchanting storylines, The Vampire Diaries features an iconic soundtrack that fans have grown to know and love. A soundtrack has the power to make a scene go from good to great, and The Vampire Diaries' does just that, enhancing memorable moments with songs that range from lighthearted and fun to romantic to heart wrenching. So, whether you're team "Stelena" or "Delena," you can't deny that there's plenty to love when it comes to the show's unforgettable music. Without further ado, here are our picks for the "Top 10 Pop Songs Featured in The Vampire Diaries." 10. " Cut " by Plumb A major milestone for team Stelena, "Cut" by Plumb begins to play after a deep, vulnerable disagreement happens between Stefan and Elena, ending with the latter confessing her love for the former. The song continues to play softly in the background as Stefan begins to accept Elena's feelings and the two begin to kiss passionately. Eventually, "Cut" becomes all-consuming with Plumb's powerful vocals taking center stage, reflecting what we see on-screen as Stefan and Elena give in to one another and share an intensely intimate, swoon worthy moment. 9. " Give Me Love " by Ed Sheeran Giving us an epic "Klaroline" moment, "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran fuels the chemistry between Klaus and Caroline as the pair dance to the hit 2011 pop song at the Mikaelson family ball. The track is one of few examples of mainstream music being used in the show's soundtrack, being one of two Ed Sheeran songs used to accompany some of The Vampire Diaries' major moments. Complementing the soft scene between the two beloved characters, "Give Me Love" is a lush, tender ballad perfect for sweeping someone off their feet. 8. " Yours " by Ella Henderson Adding depth to a loving and climatic moment between Stefan and Caroline, "Yours" by Ella Henderson accompanies the couple's first kiss after some heartfelt confessions. After getting his heart broken by Elena, the show sees Stefan start to fall for Caroline as they progress through a "friends to lovers" story arc, leading up to this moment in season 6. "Yours" is the perfect match to this scene and their relationship as Henderson expresses her readiness to accept the love being offered to her through a tender, heartfelt ballad. 7. " I Was Wrong " by Sleeperstar A bittersweet and vulnerable moment for Delena fans early in the show, "I Was Wrong" by Sleeperstar sets the tone for a heartfelt, selfless confession from Damon to Elena as he admits his feelings for her but chooses to let her go as he feels Stefan is more deserving of her love. The poignant lyrics and gentle instrumentals of "I Was Wrong" complement the scene's mood, reflecting the heartache Damon probably feels over walking away from the girl he's come to love. 6. " Fire Breather " by LAUREL After Damon and Elena finally get together in season 4, there are plenty of rollercoaster moments as the couple navigate their often-turbulent relationship. One such moment occurs in season 5 as the pair argue about their relationship becoming toxic but quickly kiss and make up (literally). The scene pivots from Damon and Elena agreeing they should break up to a spicy, intimate moment with LAUREL's "Fire Breather" playing in the background as the couple get down to business. LAUREL's seductive vocals and the track's sensual melodies match Delena's fiery passion to a T, giving fans a scene to remember. 5. " Hypnotic " by Zella Day Sensual and seductive, "Hypnotic" by Zella Day is exactly as mesmerizing as the song's title says, especially in the context of a spicy scene between Caroline and Stefan. The track accompanies the couple during the height of humanity-less Caroline as her and Stefan feed from a girl in a college dorm, later making out and getting hot and heavy against a poor, non-consenting vending machine. Zella Day's slinky melodies and intoxicating vocals match the scene perfectly, making the moment extra steamy. 4. " Always Take You Back " by Night Terrors of 1927 Paired with a deeply emotional scene, "Always Take You Back" by Night Terrors of 1927 fosters a feeling of being reunited in season 6, episode 12 of The Vampire Diaries . The scene starts with Caroline's mom, Liz Forbes, flatlining in the hospital while Caroline begs her to come back. Liz wakes up and the song begins to play with its upbeat melodies reflecting the relief that everyone feels that she's okay (for now). The track continues as Damon and Elena share a private moment, vowing to live life to the fullest as life is so fleeting. It's a truly moving moment in the series and "Always Take You Back" makes it that much more impactful. 3. " Without A Word " by Birdy Adding to the emotional gut punch that is Bonnie Bennett's funeral in season 5, "Without A Word" by Birdy accompanies the tear-jerking scene as Elena, Jeremy, Caroline, Matt, Damon, and Tyler gather to say goodbye their dear friend. Bonnie constantly sacrifices everything for her friends and is undoubtedly the backbone of The Vampire Diaries , making it hard to come to terms with the character's death despite it being temporary (IYKYK). The scene's heartbreaking context combined with Birdy's melancholic vocals and contemplative piano lines will have viewers and listeners bawling, but the song's irresistible beauty makes it impossible not to hear it again and again. 2. " Never Let Me Go " by Florence + The Machine Delena fans rejoice during the scene that features "Never Let Me Go" by Florence + The Machine. The climatic season 3 moment shows Damon and Elena sharing their first real kiss in the series, finally giving in to the chemistry and buildup in their relationship thus far. "Never Let Me Go" matches the scene's intensity and the pair's passion with an epic, explosive chorus characteristic of Florence + The Machine, creating a feeling akin to fireworks shooting off as viewers get what they've been waiting for. Though it might be a tragic moment for team Stelena, no one can deny how iconic this scene is paired with this intoxicating Florence + The Machine masterpiece. 1. " Hunger " by Ross Copperman Accompanying an overwhelmingly emotional and heartfelt scene, "Hunger" by Ross Copperman helped us say goodbye to Nina Dobrev's Elena as the actor and character made their departure from the show at the end of season 6. The intense moment shows Damon and Elena parting ways as the latter is placed in a magical coma by season 6's main antagonist, Kai Parker. "Hunger" plays over the scene as the two share a last dance in Elena's mind, giving Damon a sense of closure as he embarks on the next chapter of his life without her. The song's passionate and impactful melodies pair well with the couple's intimate moment, making fans wish to feel a love as powerful as Delena's. Do you have any favorite songs from The Vampire Diaries soundtrack? Are there any in this list you'll be adding to your playlist? Let us know on our socials! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "You Don't Remember Me" - Mae Stephens
A contrast to her usual, colorfully alt discography, Mae Stephens graces audiences with her solemnly powerful and candid song “You Don’t Remember Me”. "You Don't Remember Me" is just as entrancing as it is sentimental. In this track, Stephens reflects upon her childhood of bullying, trauma, and abuse. Stephens details the cruelties projected onto her childhood self but also unveils the strength and sense of self-worth she’s gained as a result. In writing such a beautifully complex song and personalizing it to her life, Stephens has impacted fans worldwide, serving as a warm guidepost in their navigations through adversity. Not only does Stephens demonstrate how her character has grown but she also how she continues to redefine herself as a person and an artist, providing a sense of hope to the masses. Countering the title of the track with a chilling “but I remember you”, Mae Stephens deepens our perspectives and opens our hearts to the harsh realities of youth and memory. “You Don’t Remember Me” is not just an acknowledgement of Stephens’ battles, but in its unwavering sincerity, it is a stand against bullies and abusers. Mae Stephens has a special knack for writing meaningful songs that stubbornly refuse to leave our ears, meaning that "You Don't Remember Me" is no exception. A soft piano enters at the start of the song, consistently ebbing in and out of every raw verse and hard-hitting chorus. With the absence of any other special effects or instruments, Stephens gives us the opportunity to truly appreciate her authenticity, soak in the sincere lyrics, and overcome our own bitter experiences. Noting the slight variations within each repeated line, the listener is forced to fall deeper into Stephens' detailed storytelling and reflect upon their own troubles. "You Don't Remember Me" gives us a closer look into the level of poeticism and creative expertise Stephens brings to the alt pop genre, continuously setting herself apart from other artists. Through her sheer vulnerability, Stephens' voice has successfully reached and captivated listeners who hear themselves in her narrative. This emotive, 4-minute track has gradually left its impression on audiences all over the globe, reminding us fans that our past does not define the person we work to become. This fast-growing singer-songwriter shows no signs of slowing down, especially with "You Don't Remember Me" being one of the many tracks that showcase her depth as a musician on her new EP titled "Securely Insecure". After riding the highs and successes of her recent hit single, "If we ever broke up", Stephens steps back into a familiar concept that comes straight from her heart. Songs such as "Small Town Syndrome" and "Stranger" characterize the EP as a callback to the passionate character she originally entered the pop genre with months ago. Stephens' growth, variety, and individuality serve as testaments to the life she's lived and the hardships she's endured to produce such a genuine sound, amassing great popularity as a result. With hundreds of thousands of followers across various platforms, Stephens has worked to establish herself and her brand, easily becoming one of our favorite 'Artists To Watch', as VEVO acclaims. For more from Mae Stephens, click the links down below and you might just find the songs you've been looking to add to your new playlist! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW MAE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "Peppermint Sky" - Abi Carter
“Peppermint Sky” chronicles the emotional journey that comes with idolizing and loving the women in your life. Each step she takes captures her infectious energy. You watched this woman carry herself with an alluring sense of being throughout the time you knew her. Every element, down to the sweet color of her, never leaves your memory. She taught you how to move about life and which paths you should follow down, leading you to the beautiful journey you are currently embarked on. When you were both younger, you promised her everything, but time and distance made this just a dream. She will always be a part of you permanently, like you can never remove handprints from solidified concrete. Even at night, she remains as a burning light which covers your life like moonlight. Click here to listen to "Peppermint Sky"! “Peppermint Sky” is an ethereal cinematic pop anthem that carries with it a dreamy, sweet melodic tone that encapsulates its narrative. Every lyric of this single resembles an affectionate love letter to important women in the narrator’s life. The words with which Abi Carter sings have a light airiness that remains low. There are a few descriptive words within this single that compare a woman’s features to sweets such as Coca-Cola or peppermints. By comparing aspects of her to sugary sweets, the narrator’s affectionate feelings towards her are made clear. The primary instrument utilized in this single is a guitar that strums slowly along with atmospheric strings and other instrumentation. The vocalization, lyricism, and instrumentation intertwine to curate a uniquely sweet experience that perfectly captures the story being told. Abi Carter is a singer-songwriter currently based in California. She began her music journey as a child when she began learning how to play the piano. Her family has always gravitated towards music and she grew up singing in church and singing competitions. Even as she began pursuing her Psychology degree in hopes of pursuing the psychology field, she was continuously drawn to perform at bars, clubs, and even on streets. Her skyrocket into the music industry began when she auditioned for and entered into the most recent of American Idol. In May of 2024 after an intense yet rewarding journey, Carter won season 22 of American Idol. She has released a few singles to massive success after winning American Idol. She has amassed a dedicated and loyal fanbase following her successful musical journey. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “Peppermint Sky” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW ABI CARTER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok
- Review: "comfortable" - aimate
In her latest single, "comfortable," aimate navigates the treacherous waters of emotional infidelity and the unsettling comfort zones that can deceptively erode relationships. Drawing from the rich emotional vein of her own experiences, the song delves into the complexities of a love that has grown too familiar, too complacent, and the heartache that accompanies when attention is sought elsewhere. With relatable themes and poignant lyrics, "comfortable" promises to resonate deeply with anyone who has ever grappled with the difficult questions posed by long-term relationships. As aimate herself puts it, this is a track that almost didn't see the light of day because of its vulnerability, but its release has revealed a shared human experience and provided a comforting sense of solidarity. The production of "comfortable" is a meticulous blend of haunting synths, soulful vocals, and evocative soundscapes that make it a quintessential sad girl anthem for the R&B genre. The initial idea for the song took root at home, where aimate felt as if the melody and lyrics surfaced from deep within her, almost as if the song had pre-existed in her subconscious. This raw and immediate creation was later polished and perfected at Platoon in Tileyard with the expertise of up-and-coming producer Anny. Together, they crafted a sonic environment that mirrors the song's emotional depth: the synths are tear-jerking, the vocals are stunningly emotive, and the overall composition invites listeners into a reflective space where they can truly absorb and ponder the lyrics. Hailing originally from Portsmouth and now residing in Folkestone, Kent, aimate is a singer and keyboard player whose musical journey has been as diverse as it is impressive. After years of performing and writing for other artists, including notable gigs with 90's Britpop legends Sleeper and providing backing vocals for indie/folk artist Morning Tourist and social media pop star Rachel Grae, aimate has carved a unique niche for herself. Her sound, influenced by artists like Nao, Mahalia, Hailey Knox, and Sinead Harnett, is a blend of R&B and indie-pop that stands out for its authenticity and emotional transparency. Despite battling anxiety and fear, she has built a community of support that has encouraged her to continue sharing her art. Her first single, "please," garnered attention on local BBC stations, and with "comfortable," she continues to cement her place as a voice worth paying attention to in the industry. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW AIMATE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Pretty Boy" - Dani Black
As the guitar strums, Dani sings her heart out letting the listener in on her pain concerning this former lover. “You think it’s a game boy.” There’s a certain contrast between the angsty lyrics and the somber sounding guitar that grants this song layers to the feelings that Dani is both feeling and conveying to us, the listeners. “Think it’s time to pay your debt.” Dani is making this former lover answer for his crimes by drawing a definitive line in the sand letting him know the game is over and, as Dani puts it, she’s won. The antagonist may have thought there was no more fight left, but the protagonist says she “swears to break” them at “their best”. So, in that moment where the antagonist thinks he’s accomplished ultimate victory, the protagonist was simply waiting on their cue to turn the tables and get the “pretty boy” once and for all. The “ooh” at the beginning of the chorus is easy to sing along to. The second layer sees more angst in Dani’s voice to accompany the angst felt in the lyrics. In an official description of the song, it’s written ““Pretty Boy” is a dark, maniacal story about seeking revenge on someone who has hurt you. The protagonist is taking on the role of “vigilante” as they hunt down the boy who has wronged them. The twisted tale does not specify what he has done but focuses on the chaotic fury that has brewed in the protagonist.” The rhyming present in the song is not overdone but a great touch, it’s steady like footsteps, as if we’re joining the protagonist on the hunt and they’re keeping up with their target as they cause more chaos. "There's blood on my fingers, the deed has been done.” What an ending to such a haunting song, the protagonist relishes in their victory and the defeat of the “pretty boy”. This is certainly an important contrast as the beginning of the song saw the antagonist in their twisted element with blood on their fingers, so, the protagonist has switched the roles and gone from prey to predator. But, the final word, the final taunt, is the use of the word “pretty boy”. The protagonist wants the antagonist to feel and taste the defeat as they’re beaten at their own “game”. Dani Black is described as a singer, songwriter, and storyteller. The 20-year-old Canadian songstress is credited as being a prolific songwriter and also with writing 200 songs just this year. The fact that “Pretty Boy” is Black’s debut single surely attests to that. The song showcases her skill as a songwriter as well as vocalist. Black’s social media presence has racked up thousands of followers across the platforms. Dani is quoted as saying “ I want to connect with as many people as possible musically. That’s what’s important to me.” With a mindset like that and credits already under her belt ranging from having over 400 hours of onstage solo presence by the age of 15 years old to achieving Tik Tok virality with a 20 second song cover to having a show that sold out in less than 50 minutes, Black’s debut is sure to add to her growing list of accomplishments. Black’s music is best described as folk pop. Black remains one to watch, if you want to keep watching, follow her on all socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW DANI BLACK: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Backseat" - Liang Lawrence
“Backseat” is the focus track of Liang Lawrence’s latest EP “What’s Dead And Gone”. I last reviewed her 2024 single “Use Me”, which is now part of this EP, and I am so glad to say that I am excited to be back to listen to “Backseat”. Painting a picture of childhood, this track gently combines indie, neo-folk, and alt pop as the personal details of a coming-of-age story are spelled by its elegant songwriting. Growing up is always tough, but a particularly rough part is when we begin to realize that we need to shed the ideals that we had for the people around us. The dawning knowledge that everyone is human, and that even the people we’ve looked up to are just regular folks, might make us freeze and feel like we’ve been left behind. But, it’s simply a part of life, being in that vulnerable place; “Backseat” is a dedication to moving past this and reflecting on it. “Backseat” is a gorgeous mixture of all the best parts of indie, folk, and alt pop; you’ve got these soft acoustic strings, light synth, and temperate percussion to match. Everything about the song’s soundscape is just so gentle, like a comforting gesture. It’s a hug, a hand held, or a smile– the instrumental’s kindness is highlighted throughout the runtime as it swells during the chorus, but eventually makes room for Liang’s vocals to spotlight them. An especially lovely moment between the instrumentals and vocals was around 2:45 when the soundscape plays with the negative space of sound. The emptiness of it, with only guitar strings to fill it, along with Liang’s vocals, underscores the songwriting and the meaning behind its words. Liang’s songwriting is always superb, and of course “Backseat” is no exception. The narrator tells the story of a person they once looked up to, someone who helped tie their shoes, ride a bike, and scared away the monsters beneath their bed. We’re not told exactly what this person did, except that the narrator has lost faith in them. The rose-tinted glasses are gone, and the narrator asks, “If you loved me / why’d you leave me / in the backseat?” I adored the metaphor that came with this imagery: the narrator saying, “roll the windows down / so I know.” If the closed windows represent the narrator’s belief in this person, then the act of opening them is the realization and the understanding that they were not who they thought they were. It’s a really beautiful piece of writing. “Backseat” is both technically and poetically fantastic, its composition in all facets being an excellent illustration of what it means to come to terms with how your childhood may not have been everything you thought it was. And that's okay. Liang Lawrence is a singer-songwriter whose music has a comforting quality to it that allows for everyone to find themselves in it. Due to her having grown up in eight different countries before eighteen, Liang’s ability to find home no matter where she is draws people toward her musical stylings, which are filled with stories that represent the messiness of everyday life. She debuted in 2020 with her single “Santa Cruz”, and has gone on to release many more singles, as well as two EPs. Her most recent EP released in 2024, entitled “What’s Dead and Gone”, of which “Backseat” is the third track. The track’s singles “Eulogy”, “Use Me”, and “If Only” have seen much support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, Radio X, and many more. On September 12th, she will celebrate the album with her debut headline show at London’s O’Meara where she will perform the EP’s tracks and more with her full live band. You should absolutely drop Liang a follow if you enjoyed the track, and definitely give the rest of the album a listen! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW LIANG LAWRENCE: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube


















