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This song, “Small Town Beauty Queen” by Maddie Ettrich, is an indie-pop song about the typical small town dream of getting out and making it big, all the while ignoring the inevitable fall back to where you were before. With lyrics like “so tell me where’s the punchline, or is the joke on me” and “money’s fake but time ain’t free, five seconds lasts longer on MTV,” Maddie Ettrich paints a picture of that small town cycle, never getting out and always feeling like the butt of the joke. It’s a “cliche tragedy,” and a “fucked up fantasy,” and it’s a dream that a lot of people can relate to. You want to end up somewhere other than you are - you want more from life - but it’s never that easy and too far away to grasp. “Small Town Beauty Queen” is an upbeat alt-pop song that relies on heavy percussion and strong vocals to capture the listener across the three minutes. Starting out with a pounding beat, you’re drawn in immediately, only pulled in further when Ettrich starts singing. Her voice pairs perfectly with the intense melody, enticing you with a certain familiar yet unique pop/punk sound. The tension continues to build even as the song slows down between chorus and verse, keeping you guessing until it all breaks in the bridge, with a stunning guitar solo and a switch up in the pacing. Overall, this song is perfect for someone who loves to find music with that balance between a pulsing rhythm and emotional story. Maddie Ettrich is an indie-pop singer/songwriter who hails from Canada but is currently based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Similar to other artists like Blondshell, Bully, Soccer Mommy, Ryan Wright, and Olivia Rodrigo, Ettrich has charmed her listeners with her storytelling and her endlessly catchy melodies and beats. She released her first single, “Decaying Candles,” on July 8, 2022, and has since released more songs like “Hold Me Like A High,” “Everybody Loves Cake,” and “Miss Know Nothing.” “Small Town Beauty Queen” is her latest single, released on August 2, 2024. Use the links below to explore more of her music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Maddie Ettrich: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Website  | YouTube

Hidden love and secrecy. The manipulative love bombing, the constant need for reassurance, the lack of sentiment, and the interminable doubt that comes with these kinds of relationships. It’s something a plethora of us have unfortunately had to experience, how diminutive and impotent we can feel when we let these people control and manipulate us. They come into our lives so different, almost loving and tenderly, all for it to change over time. Change into something so destructive and foul, molding us into a version they see is best, suppressing our connection and hiding it from the world to persist in their harmful and cheating behavior. These emotions and detrimental scenarios are what inspired Mandi Macias in her latest single titled “F* Ur F150”. Although these toxic people can make us feel insignificant and small, Mandi highlights the fortifying liberty one feels when we finally reclaim ourselves in these situations, as Mandi expresses in the song “now I’m in the driver seat”, demonstrating the freedom that comes with putting an end with toxic partners with destructive tendencies. Mandi’s voice is invigorating, adding immense emphasis to the emotive lyrics. The sound itself gives off an alternative pop that is sure to resonate and revitalize any listeners who may have experienced similar situations– giving them the confidence and capability to reclaim their power and self-worth as a strong individual. To finally bid a long-awaited farewell to those whose sole intention was to mess with our vulnerable emotions and damage our hearts. Mandi’s talents are undeniable, her voice enunciating those emotions we feel into such a dynamic sound with story-telling lyrics that pull at the strings of our fervent hearts. As I listened to this song, I took note of the spin Mandi added to such a heartbreaking scenario– somehow making it lively and empowering, a feminist’s anthem to unhealthy relationships, giving it an upbeat and also sassy sound. Yet, she also adds such pensive lyrics that leave us to reflect on our past recollections– all of it combined forms such amazing and talented work. Mandi Macies is a pop alternative artist from Los Angeles California, both a singer and songwriter who is renowned for her contemplative lyrics and incredible melodies that captivate the sore hearts of listeners. Mandi has performed in a plethora of well-known venues in LA, consistently selling out shows for her performative talents and her heartfelt songs that are adorned by her listeners and supporters. In Mandi’s latest EP titled “Teenage Eulogy”, she garnered millions of streams, touching the hearts of listeners all over the world with her music that analyzes the concept of growth and self-discovery. It’s a concept that is so desperately needed for teens and young adults who struggle with such predicaments– her lyrics and sounds resonating deep with her listeners which only keep them coming back for more, craving that feeling of empowerment and self-sufficiency Mandi’s lyrics grant. Letting listeners know that they are not the only ones who struggle with growth. Throughout her released songs, like “F* Ur F150” it’s clear that Mandi’s music is bold, shouting to others “I’m here”, making herself known with her artistic ideas and talents. As Mandi continues to make music and grow as an artist, I can’t help but look forward to any future releases from her! To support Mandi and her musical endeavors, stream her music and follow her socials. Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW MANDI MACIAS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

The Strike’s song “American Dream,” which is the title track of their newly released album, is about being present and appreciating those magical, euphoric moments of life. The band themselves reflect on some of those inimitable memories that they’ve made playing gigs, where certain moments felt like they were out of a movie. Lead singer Chris Crabb says, “I wanted to write a song that would capture a little bit of magic. ‘American Dream’ is my attempt to do so,” It’s a song that I could easily hear playing at the end of an 80s romcom. The lyrics, “Give me your word that you’ll remember this night // Looking up at the sky // With all our friends standing by // Frozen in the spotlight,” really encapsulate those feelings of bliss and gratitude that one feels in those special life highlights. “American Dream” is a trip down 80s lane. The song opens up with synth keyboards, providing listeners with a nostalgic sound and vibe from the very beginning. Crabb’s voice, along with the fast-paced drum beat that also carries throughout, sonically draw some comparisons to some other fellow iconic bands like Journey, The 1975, and hints of Blink-182. What I really love about the song is that it maintained the same tempo throughout for the most part. It never really dipped in intensity, providing listeners with a fun, upbeat track to let loose to. Overall, “American Dream” is a song you really can’t go wrong with. It's a versatile song that you can both rock out to and also reminisce about the good ‘ole days. The Strike is a three-member alternative rock band that has certainly not struck out on making a name for themselves in the music industry. The Los Angeles-based trio composed of members Chris Crabb (frontman), Jay Tibbits (drums), and David Maemone (keys/ guitar), released their debut single “Eye for an Eye” in 2016. However, it was their 2017 debut album Faint of the Heart that really began to turn heads in the band's direction. For starters, Grammy award winning artist and producer Quincy Jones, tapped The Strike to perform a three month residency in Dubai. The band’s song “Human Right” also received a sync placement in the 2018 hit Netflix film, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before . Shortly after, The Strike went on tour, traveling to China, Australia, and across the U.S. with big name artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Journey, Carly Rae Jepsen, and more. Their use of classic 1980’s synth keyboard sounds, electrifying guitar riffs, and impassioned lyrics have helped them create their own lane, while also nodding to the nostalgic sounds of a truly epic musical decade. The Strike’s new album, American Dream , is now available on all music streaming platforms. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW THE STRIKE Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Kylie Butler, also known by her stage name Me.Kai, releases her new single "Dawns on You," revealing a stripped-down introspective sound and a powerful delivery of heart and soul. Pensive and moving, Kylie glides through the song with ease and grit, despite the tension-filled emotion behind her lyrics. The song feels like a release of suppressed frustrations and bottled words that are now unstoppably forthcoming when put into song form. Kylie's lyrics explore a relationship where unspoken words and lack of communication have consumed both partners, potentially thwarting a future together. Kylie exasperates in her chorus, “I'm silently screaming at you / is it so hard to talk something through.” Kylie feels as if the pair is suspended in time, with no move forward, as long as silence hangs between them and the problems are not resolved. Kylie hopes that the relationship can return to its former state. The song acts as a yearning for urgency, as the pair have shared a vulnerability and a whole of oneself that cannot be undone. Taking a step away from her other fast-paced electric pop and dance numbers, Kylie turns down the notch and moves towards an introspective, down-to-earth sound, while still holding traces of pop beats' power. The song amplifies simple melodious guitar-plucking patterns that are overlaid and accompanied by the familiar drums and bass reverberations found in electric pop. The two worlds of music gracefully collide, moving synchronously with Kylie's soothing voice. Her commanding voice belts out emotional lyrics that denote tenacity and earnestness for her feelings to be heard and reached. The song is reminiscent and a tone of regret follows each pluck of strings and emotive hitch of her voice. The melody, anchored by the acoustic guitar, humbles the song and lyrics as Kylie seems to be the first to surrender in this stagnancy of silence. “Dawns on You,” captures the essence of Kylie as a musical force, churning out thoughtful lyrics and moving melodies that make for a perfectly crafted sound of soul. Performing in the electro-pop and dance-pop musical genre, Me.Kai is known for her catchy beats and soulful sound. Along with immense vocal strength, Kylie is a moving lyricist and guitarist who started on the streets of Santa Barbra, performing covers of artists like the renowned Ella Fitzgerald and modern female forces like Dua Lipa. Joining together with musical groups, she collaborated with bands such as Area 51 and Everything’s Fine. She has also worked alongside a team of talented rising producers such as Gold Man and Burko. Her music has been featured on multiple platforms, from Netflix's TV show All American to various popular Spotify playlists. Drawing inspiration from artists like Janice Joplin and Stevie Nicks, as well as her musical sound, Me.Kai opts for a collision of genres that meld complementarily together to leave her unique stamp on the musical world. Skillful and brilliant, Me.Kai is set to release an EP in the coming months which is sure to keep its characteristic energetic and heartfelt vibe. Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW ME.KAI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

"Crash Test" is euphemistic for being used and led on. The new pop song from Australian musician Gia Darcy compares the pain of having to act as a step towards someone else's recovery and happiness, when you never asked to be, as an intense trial that comes from the selfishness of someone you loved that you thought loved you back. It is an all-too common coping tactic that people use, often to get over an ex, or a way to see if they should go back to their ex; in the process, the people they use get hurt, and in this case, it is Darcy. She compares this a "crash test" because the person that led her on has no remorse for what they did and will most likely do it to other people. While waves of synths crash on a shore of piano notes, Gia Darcy amazingly performs the lyrics, the topic of which contrasts her light and airy, but also very strong voice. Her vocals are layered to create harmonies that fill the entire soundscape of the song to make it appear even more transcendent than it already did with the production. The instrumental, singing, and message of "Crash Test" are all so powerful they lift you in the air, and you feel as though you are flying through the pink and orange clouds of an August sunset. This dreamy pop synth-interrupted ballad being sung by a stellar vocalist classifies "Crash Test" as another anthem for the summer. Gia Darcy is Australia's newest up-and-coming star, preparing to takeover pop music. With nearly 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Darcy has made music that has already established her as a live performer, whether its at concert halls or on television. If you want to hear another song of Darcy's like "Crash Test", listen to her song "Make Me Wanna". If you still love pop and want to hear a different vibe in addition to "Crash Test", listen to "Save Your Breath" and "Next Life". These are all incredible songs that show just how talented Darcy is, as well as her musical diversity. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW GIA DARCY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Hit the city streets and scream your heart out with the synth-loving new track “Like the boys” from artist Cate Tomlinson. “Like the boys” is the complete opposite of how it appears. It’s a free-spirited, young-at-heart love song dedicated to expressing one’s true self. In addition, boys have hardly anything to do with the song’s actual subject. “Like the boys” is a declaration of powerful and vibrant feelings that are celebrated. These feelings are accepted and worthy of celebration – no matter who they’re for. While the lyrics give “Like the boys” a powerful and purposeful meaning, the sound behind the track amplifies the song’s capabilities. As Tomlinson’s vocal layering becomes more complex, the emotions both in the lyrics and sound of “Like the boys” are shown in detail. Tomlinson did this by supporting these emotional, crucial moments of the song by layering several key vocal elements as well as having the backing music swell to new heights. These little, yet meaningful elements tie into my personal thoughts regarding artists such as Hayley Kiyoko, Fletcher, etc. You can easily tell that these lyrics are feelings that ring true & dear to the artist, which is special to find in music. Tomlinson’s ability to match the tone of a song to both relatable and catchy is what makes her stand out, and it is what initially drew my attention to “Like the boys”. On top of this, Tomlinson is able to connect the energy of youthfulness and exploration throughout the song. There is a sense of maturity shown by reflection through narration, yet a passion to do things that are intriguing, intimidating, and true. Cate Tomlinson is a singer, songwriter, and performing artist based in Los Angeles, California. The 23-year-old was born and raised in San Francisco, California. Throughout her childhood, she learned to write songs and play the piano. By her college years, Tomlinson decided on a change of scenery and spent that time in Boston, Massachusetts. After her time in Boston, Tomlinson released her debut EP in August of 2023. Her EP “Blueberry Season” was the beginning of the path to honing her sound. Since that release, she has been making more music and exploring social networks & relationships in Los Angeles. Cate’s sound can be described as picturesque for the years from your late teen stage to your twenties, and I cannot wait to see how her material continues to evolve. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW CATE TOMLINSON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | YouTube

Dear Joe, by Jax via jaxwritessongs.com After several years of waiting in anticipation, Jax has finally released her debut full-length album, Dear Joe . And the incredible album was well worth the wait. The project consists of twenty tracks that showcase the artist’s remarkable songwriting and unique vocals. Her raspy yet soothing voice guides the audience through relatable stories of life and relationships. She stays true to herself, holding nothing back as she shares her personal experiences. With her authentic candor, Jax is one of the most refreshing artists in the modern era, being an inspiration to women and girls of all ages. Track List jelly beans (the purge) hawk tuah (interlude) HOW DARE YOU the clap (interlude) i choose violence Barbara, your husband is gay (interlude) zombieland (feat. HARDY) neurospicy (interlude) the new girl is a snake Epstein didn’t kill himself (interlude) superbad holiday Adam Sandler (interlude) like my father too young to be old pour one out for me (interlude) stupid cupid the babysitter song (interlude) a song for chelsea Victoria’s Secret Jax is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey. In 2015, she placed third on Season 14 of American Idol , making her the most successful contestant from her home state. After the show, she released her first single, “Forcefield” and joined the remaining Top 5 contestants on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2015. Not only has Jax written for herself, but she has also penned songs for other artists while she advanced her experience within the music industry. Then in 2020, the global pandemic threw a wrench in her plans by leaving Jax without a physical stage to perform. As a result, she turned to TikTok where she became a viral sensation. Her immense talent caught the attention of Atlantic Records, who she signed with in January 2021. She continued to release tracks that garnered her a dedicated fanbase and well-deserved attention. In March 2022, she won the iHeartRadio Music Award for TikTok Songwriter of the Year. Then in June 2022, she released her hit single, “Victoria’s Secret”. The track started important conversations about body image and eating disorders, resulting in the song going viral on TikTok and other social media platforms. The song peaked at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40 Chart and 25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart and is certified gold in the United States. In 2023, she went on tour with Big Time Rush, and in 2024, she went on tour with Simple Plan. Follow her on all social media to stay up-to-date with any new announcements and music! Interludes Jax is not only known for her radiant personality and remarkable singing but also her impeccable humor. Alongside her infectious songs, she has gone viral for her equally as amusing TikToks where she sings short but powerful quips about life, relationships, and living in Hollywood. Throughout the album, she includes eight interludes that encapsulate her cheeky online presence. From exposing the industry's predatory creeps to her humorous Weird-Al style remakes of popular jingles, Jax packs a lot of punch in the short tracks. Her well-rounded album shows both her serious side and her comedic nature, making it the perfect debut project. jelly beans (the purge) Jax kicks off the album with an infectious song that shares a vulnerable storyline. Although the title has a humorous tone, the message is anything but. The singer starts the track with a story on why jellybeans “freak” her out. She once bit into one, expecting it to taste like Coca-Cola, and it ended up tasting more like “shit.” From that day on, she could no longer trust the colorful candy. And if she cannot trust a tiny piece of candy, how in the world is she able to trust anyone in her life? Taking a page from the iconic slasher movie franchise, Jax warns everyone that she is about to partake in her own purge. She utilizes the graphic imagery from the films to symbolize her desire to “purge” everyone she knows. No one is safe and everyone is being cut— she is ridding them from her life. It is a clever metaphor for the lack of trust and comfort she feels from those in her life. “jelly beans (the purge)” sets the scene for an album filled with clever lyrics and unique storylines. HOW DARE YOU Jax wrote “HOW DARE YOU” to help her best friend get over the ending of a relationship. The emotional break-up song showcases Jax’s powerful vocals and her more serious lyricism. The track navigates the end of a romance when one party watches the other move on. While she is still holding onto the days that they called each other “the one,” the subject has a new girl on his arm. And to make matters worse, the new girl is the narrator’s “carbon copy.” While she is mourning the breakup and sleeping in her ex’s shirt, the new girlfriend is sleeping in the bed they bought and wearing the shirt she left. “HOW DARE YOU” is a cathartic release for anyone experiencing a similar situation while Jax’s soulful voice wraps her best friend into a warm hug. i choose violence “i choose violence” easily became my favorite song on the album. The fiery track contains one of the major themes: revenge against predatory men. Jax exposes the vile man who groomed her from the age of eighteen, telling her she was mature for her age. While he paid for all the hotels, she bought fake IDs to just merely exist in his age group. She is still healing from the trauma she endured. In the pre-chorus, she states that she “could forgive” him, before breaking into the powerful chorus. Instead, she tells him: “I choose violence, I choose war// For all the little girls that should be warned// I could choose silence, but what for?// You took my innocence, now I’ll take yours// So I choose violence, and I might die trying.” Rather than sitting back and staying silent, she is airing his dirty laundry and refusing to go down without a fight. She now knows that she was not his first victim, nor will she be his last. While she is breaking down these walls, there is a girl out there not even born yet who may be next on his list. However, that gives Jax enough time to “build an army of girls” that will tear down his reputation and avenge all the young girls he preyed on. In recent years, more and more artists have used their music to stand up against predators and expose their groomers and abusers. This is my favorite genre of music – and I am so glad Jax has used her voice to share this topic more than once on Dear Joe . zombieland (feat. HARDY) “zombieland” was one of the first titles on the track list that initially caught my attention. Since the 2009 film of the same name is in my Top 5 favorite movies, I was curious to see what the track would be about. Jax and HARDY share a unique kind of love story. While the world is going under, the apocalypse is commencing, and the undead are taking over, the two lovers are the sole survivors. Their love will triumph – even through the endless fires and infinite earthquakes. It is a quirky song that is the epitome of Jax’s cheeky humor and ingenious storytelling. With the clever take on the apocalypse (a.k.a. apoca-lips), Jax and Hardy have produced an unforgettable track. the new girl is a snake Jax often inserts iconic pop culture references in her songs and interludes. The intro of “the new girl is a snake” contains audio from an alarming video that went viral. The moment on an American Airlines flight where a woman claimed another person was “not real.” While the subject of Jax’s song was not a “bodysnatcher” scenario, this viral moment was the perfect introduction to her infectious track. The singer shares her experience of being the only person who knew someone was bad news. While everyone around her seemed to trust the “new girl,” Jax was able to see through the toxic behavior. The soundscape had a soulful, country-rock vibe from it, varying from the rest of the album. This helped the song stand out amongst the pop anthems, earning it a spot in my top three of the album. superbad “superbad” is another track that shares the name of an iconic 2000s comedy. However, unlike “zombieland,” this song shares a much more heart-wrenching storyline. Jax shares her internal battle after finding out her best friend’s boyfriend is bad news. After learning that he has been unfaithful, she wants to break the news to her friend. But she does not want to be the one to break her heart. She struggles with the notion that he may just lie his way out of it, as he has been. What if her best friend does not believe her, and chooses him instead? The emotional ballad showcases Jax’s pain through her powerful vocals, making the song another flawless addition to the singer’s remarkable discography. holiday Jax provides another cheeky love song with “holiday.” The track utilizes different holidays to describe the joy and freedom her relationship makes her feel. In the first verse, she sings, “My world was black and white, but now it’s pumpkin spice.” While this line may not be the most serious or poetic lyric, it perfectly encapsulates the carefree feeling of finding the one. Being with her partner makes her feel like she is celebrating a holiday every day. Whether it is Halloween, Christmas, or New Year's, she always has a reason to celebrate. The lighthearted track instantly spreads her happiness to the listener, making them want to sing and dance along while thinking of their “holiday.” like my father “like my father” was released in 2021 and gained traction on social media, garnering viral status. As of March 2023, the song was RIAA gold-certified. The beautiful track would be a perfect father-daughter dance song at a wedding. Throughout the stunning ballad, she divulges the type of love she wants. One that is like her parents. For her entire life, she has had her parents' relationship as an example of love and marriage – and she knew she could never settle for less. She not only wants but needs a man who loves her like her father loves her mother. In the bridge, she switches the topic to wanting to be with someone who sets the standard for their future daughter. Just like Jax, she does not want her child to settle for mediocrity. The singer’s love and respect for her parents shine through in this song and effortlessly bring tears to the listener's eyes. too young to be old The first time I heard this song, I was driving alone in my car. I almost had to pull over because the tears began to fall from my eyes. Immediately after singing a song about the strong bond between a father and daughter, Jax transitioned into a track about watching life catch up to your loved ones. “too young to be old” details her experience watching her dad go from the vibrant and sharp spirit he once was, to the old man he has become. Life has a way of coming at you quickly. She has no idea how her father is showing signs of aging because he is way “too young to be old.” Becoming an adult is hard, because as you age, you know your parents are aging too. And soon enough, they will be gone. Jax shares this experience eloquently, expressing the anxiety and utter dread I feel each day. After listening to this track, you will want to go home and hug your loved ones a little tighter. stupid cupid Jax has a “bone to pick” with Cupid. In “stupid cupid,” she is angry with the Valentine’s Day character for making her fall in love. She is losing her edge as she falls in love with her partner, unable to fight the romance. She never thought her jaded personality would melt away and she would be one to fall madly, deeply in love with someone. The production is reminiscent of an old-timey love song, complete with a stunning orchestra and a subtle effect that emulates a classic recording. The beautiful track shows the audience another side of Jax while still maintaining her comedic side when she tells Cupid she should have shot him first. a song for chelsea Anyone who has followed Jax for a while knows who Chelsea is. She is the young girl that the singer has babysat for years. Throughout the song, she pleads to Chelsea to stay young forever. Jax wants to protect her from the demons and predators that hunt and prey on the innocent. But she knows that is not possible, so instead she warns Chelsea of wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. After sharing her wisdom, Jax reveals a vicious twist in the bridge. The final line alone deserves a Grammy for the fire behind her words. With Jax in her corner, Chelsea will be safely guarded by the vengeful babysitter-turned-warrior. Victoria’s Secret “Victoria’s Secret” is an electrifying track about the toxic beauty standards projected onto women. The song includes Jax’s trademark cheeky lyricism and powerful storytelling. The song was released in 2022 and immediately went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms, as women and girls of all ages shared their experiences with body image and insecurities. “Victoria’s Secret” was the first song by Jax I had ever heard, as it was also one of the first review articles I wrote with Pop Passion Blog. Take a moment to travel back in time to read that article here . Dear Joe, by Jax has something for everyone. Whether it is the serious ballads, such as “superbad” and “HOW DARE YOU" or the comedic anthems such as “zombieland” or “holiday,” Jax has created a perfectly rounded album. From her hilarious quips to gut-wrenching storylines, the singer crafted an album that shares the multifaceted way of life. Her unmistakable talent and authenticity make her one of my favorite artists to watch, knowing she will always deliver incredible music. Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Eden Rain’s latest release, "Figure It Out", is a typhoon of cycling conflict, beautifully orchestrated through her repetitive but hard-hitting words, just like the arguments she speaks of.  Fighting is inherent to relationships, no matter which form they come in.  People argue, friends, family, but something about an argument with a partner feels so much more threatening.  Eden Rain explores this sensation, the confusion around constant arguing (i.e. why it happens and how to stop it), and the entrapment of it.  Her various metaphors, each more gruesome than the last, provide the perfect mode of expression for such a thing.  This, paired with her orchestration of the song as a whole provide a perspective to a situation which is rarely granted such sympathy. Eden introduces the topic of these constant arguments from their most intimate base, the silence of sitting in them, the most crushing moment of their weight.  She pairs this with a gentle instrumental which sounds eerily similar to a lullaby, expressing that calmness after the storm, and the comfort of a cycling atmosphere, no matter which atmosphere this is.  She builds up the music as if it is the conflict itself, slowly erupting into something much more impactful.  When she reaches the chorus, her tone completely shifts.  The beat and difference in her voice seem to be the type that would tell the story of a night out, of an adventure, comparable more to Charli xcx.  She continues this wave, fluctuating between fun and melancholy in a magnetic shift that keeps the listener addicted to its finish.   Eden Rain is an indie pop artist from Leeds, U.K.  She first began her now prosperous career there, beginning to explore her abilities in songwriting with her friend's father, Tim Kellett.  He would introduce her to the tools she needed to flourish on such a path, and gift her the first of these tools, an introduction to her first manager.  She would go on to release a debut single in 2021 and eighteen more in the following years.  Most of these feature themes similar to those found in “Figure It Out”, relationships and the complexity and toxicity that often comes with them.  These are available on her Spotify below along with her socials. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW EDEN RAIN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | YouTube

Fans of Gracie Abrams, Lizzy McAlpine, and Maisie Peters get ready because Ellis King is the next confessional pop artist that you need to check out. Her debut single "Better Luck" just released on Aug 2, 2024. Self-written and produced by Steph Marciano, the candid track provides a snapshot into King’s romantic life. She addresses a former love, wishing them “better luck next time” as she realizes that she is ready to move on from it. Sometimes, people mess up, and we just can’t move past it with them; we have to move past it without them. Make sure to add “Better Luck” to your streaming library! “Better Luck” is a sparkling synth-filled track about cutting off someone that did you wrong. As the track progresses, King sings about how she was naive in a relationship with someone that wronged her. She considers that had she been older, she would not have been with people that would treat her that way. Growing up is a universal experience, and we all have some trials and tribulations as we discover the kind of people we want to be. Here, King addresses the subject of the song with the punchy refrain, “Better luck next time / Better luck in another life.” The upbeat production and bright vocals make this track the perfect backdrop for dancing around your room. Tasmanian-born singer-songwriter Ellis King is just getting started in this industry. “Better Luck” is her first ever single, and she has much planned for the future, cementing herself as an artist to watch out for in the next year. Her musical aspirations are not sell out stadium tours or millions of dollars, but to craft a body of work that tells a complete story. Whenever her debut album drops, "Better Luck" is indication that it will be masterful. If you enjoyed this track, you can keep up with all the latest information on Ellis King and her music by following the social media links below. I cannot wait to see what she will release next! Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW ELLIS KING: Instagram | Spotify

Love hurts and sometimes it hurts so bad you start to believe it to be an impossible concept. We guard our hearts and avoid any sign of a doomed future. Jazzy Dale knows this feeling all too well and released her new song ‘Masquerade’ sharing that. This song mixes soft pop with a house beat that makes it impossible to sit still while listening. Jazzy takes us on the emotional battle of wanting to stay safe but willing to risk it all. She said herself, “This song also leans into the idea of self-sabotage, like when you meet someone new and you try to find everything wrong that you possibly can with them before you break down those walls that you’ve built.” This song is the embodiment of hoping you see through every crack without breaking the glass. ‘Masquerade’ explores the theme of emotional barriers and the figurative masks we wear when meeting someone new. Heartbreak is an inevitable part of life and in the moment can feel world ending. After feeling that pain over and over again, pushing people away before they get too close seems like the easy answer. Jazzy expressed how she has felt this from toxic relationships in the past. “I’m always left in the water that’s why I run from the flame,” conveys that. She also has the line “I’m always reminded that if I jump, I’ll fall.” I think Jazzy used this line to foreshadow the beat which brings a sense of falling. Jazzy Dale is an alternative R&B/pop artist from Sydney, Australia. Her music holds catchy hooks, relatable lyrics and melody's that have you humming after the first listen. With a growing discography, she is making her mark. Jazzy released her debut single ‘Sneakin’’ back in 2020 and has since then released five singles. ‘Masquerade’ is a song we should all put on blast and scream sing with friends. It’s edgy, upbeat with a bit of spice. If you enjoyed this song, you’re bound to love Jazzy’s other music. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW JAZZY DALE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Love and relationships can be hard, especially when one party loses feelings before the other. Diana’s newest single “Square One” details this very experience, and the singer expresses her sadness at the fact that they can never get back to what they used to be. Diana references the title when she expresses her wishes to go back to the start of their relationship, when they were both in love (aka going back to ‘square one’). Despite the melancholy content of this song, the soundscape is upbeat and full of electronic synths. This pairing goes surprisingly well together, and Diana blends her words and tone throughout the track as the background rises and falls. Click here to listen to "Square One"! Written by Diana herself, “Square One"'s lyrics are entirely too relatable. She knows her content all too well, and I can assume so does 90% of the population. Feeling someone fall out of love with you is an absolutely awful feeling, but if it means we can relate a little bit more to this single, then at least there is a silver lining. Diana directly sings the title at the end of the chorus, when she states, “I know the hurtful truth / That we can never go back to square one”, but my personal favorite lyric comes from the pre-chorus. Diana states, “But I always thought my effort was / Good enough for the two of us / But if one heart’s fallen out of love / No greater force can mend it all / Back to how it was”. How heart wrenching- the feeling that not even your love is enough to make someone stay. “Square One” is Diana’s debut single, and her first piece of solo work released on streaming services. Despite this, she has already amassed almost 1,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and an outpour of support from fans online. She has worked as a songwriter in the past, and been featured in various tracks vocally, but this single marks the beginning of her solo career. The track is written by and co-produced by Diana herself, and the Berlin based artist hopes to curate a sound of dreamy pop layered behind her masterful storytelling. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for Diana’s journey. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW DIANA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook

Tessa Dalton is here with her brand new single, “You See Me”! A light pop ballad, “You See Me” is all about finding the right person you’re meant to be with after what feels like a never ending search for the right guy. Tessa revealed that she was inspired to write this after a bad date with a “great guy”. She called a guy who was “just a friend”, but she eventually realized that he was the perfect guy for her. The first verse takes the listeners through the aftermath of the date, and how she slowly realizes her guy friend is the person for her. She confesses in the chorus that she doesn’t feel seen by anyone else, even though everybody’s “talking like they know [her]”. Now she’s in the car with another guy and it doesn’t feel right, and she immediately calls her “friend” to tell him all about it. Tessa hits her breaking point in the bridge, admitting she’s wasting time on nothing real, trying to avoid confessing the truth. But by the end of the song, she realizes who she truly wants to be with. If you’re not already impressed enough, this song, along with her upcoming single “Honesty”, were semifinalists in the 2023 International Songwriting Contest. “You See Me” starts off with a rather simple production, with only a piano and Tessa’s voice. However, the piano is played with such depth and emotion while her delicate and light vocals balance it out sonically. It slowly builds into the chorus, when the lyrics and her vocals become more energetic. A light drum beat is used in the chorus, which also contributes to the lift in energy. The dynamics continue to grow, with some addicting lyrical punches that contrast from the first verse. Some light upper strings are added in the second chorus, all performed by Tessa herself. The energy and intensity hits a peak at the bridge, as Tessa realizes that this friend was the person she needed all along. This peak is exactly what the listener is looking forward to the entire song and it is perfectly executed. To end the song, the production takes a step back as she repeats “you see me”.  Tessa Dalton is singer, songwriter, and fiddle player hailing from rural Idaho. She often found herself playing guitar, fiddle, and singing with her cousins as entertainment for her family’s farm. Although Tessa had begun playing violin at 11 years old, she shifted her focus to the fiddle at 12. From then, she began traveling thousands of miles to participate in fiddle competitions. Tessa is currently based in Nashville and is studying Commercial Music with an emphasis in fiddle performance at Belmont University. Despite only releasing her first single, “ One More Night ”, in April of this year, she has come out swinging. Since then, Tessa has released 4 singles and 1 collaboration, “ WE’RE GOING HIGH ”, with JAMØ and CABRA . Make sure to be on the lookout for Tessa and her upcoming projects! Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW TESSA DALTON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Website  | YouTube