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- Review: "Supplements" - Lunar June
Lunar June ensures that we get our daily dance break with her new song "supplements". Lunar June has gifted us a song that is not only relatable but upbeat—a perfect summer jam that also connects with us in an emotional way. The song "supplements" gives us a deeper understanding of what it's like to try and change yourself for someone else. Lyrics like, "I've been trying to fix myself for you / But I've been breaking us instead / The cycle is starting again, again, again." allows us to really grasp how hard the artist has tried to get her loved one to stick around. Once we get to the chorus there's a little shift in the lyrics and it becomes more so about how we can be consistent for ourselves. Instead of wanting someone to love us back we can accept the love and appreciation that we grow when we focus on ourselves. The chorus says, "Head rush, I'm gonna lose it / So what, I've been freaking out / Guess I'm cool for the summer / I'll be my own lover." Lunar June has a unique yet fresh style when it comes to music. Her songs offer a fresh twist on indie and pop. When listening to the song "supplements" we hear a large amount of drums within the song but we also get a fair amount of electronic and synth sounds as well. These sounds blend well with the drums as well as the guitar that plays subtly in the background at the very beginning of the song. The way all of the instruments and electronic beats melt together create a beautiful and cohesive piece with an upbeat, cheery, and empowering mood. When we factor in the artist's voice we're left with a song that's nothing short of a summer masterpiece, sure to make everyone dance when they hear it. Lunar June is breaking down walls within the musical realm. Her EP ' an ode to the girl i once was ' has received praise from Wonderland, Kaltblut Magazine, Ministry of Sound, and many more. Music is something that naturally flows in Lunar June's veins as she is in fact the writer, arranger, producer, and artist behind all of her music to date. She was born in West London and grew up performing in orchestras and jazz bands, which she credits for teaching her the importance of working and performing with other people. When asked about the song "supplements" Lunar June said, "It's called 'supplements' because I became obsessive over self-improvement and was buying every supplement and self-help book under the sun to try and somehow speed through the healing process and become a better person as quickly as possible so I could stay with this person. I felt I was something broken that needed to be fixed. In a weird way, this core belief alone is what was the most destructive element, not my actual brokenness, because we're all broken! No one is perfect and I couldn't see that, and so I lost someone very important to me because I couldn't accept and love myself. At the end of the day, it's our flaws that make us human and lovable. It's okay to not be perfect or totally healed, I don't think either of those things are ever achievable. But that you're still worthy, even when you feel broken." Lunar June's encouragement and powerful lyrics are sure to inspire many. Keep tuning in to see what she does next. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Lunar June: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook
- Review: "Love To Hate Me" - Lex Gibbon
19-year-old rising pop artist Lex Gibbon just put out her latest single, "Love To Hate Me." This anthemic track is one giant middle finger to all her haters -- the people who have nothing better to do with their time than leave rude comments online. As we live in a society that is constantly turning to social media, it can be easy to get swept up in all the mean things that people post online. But on this track, Gibbon's message is clear: she doesn't care what you have to say about her. It's the perfect song for anyone that wants to therapeautically scream about all those negative people that simply love to hate. A drum heavy introduction leads into the scathing first verse of this anthem, where Gibbon calls out the “34 and unemployed” person leaving hateful comments to her online. The chorus is an infectious pop hook, where she sings the punchy refrain, “I’m on your mind lately / ‘Cause I know you love to hate me.” She isn’t letting some random people that want to waste their time on spreading negative messages online get her down. Lift your head up and sing along with the motivating sentiment, as Gibbon sings about how she is simply going to keep being herself and ignore their strange behavior. Fans of pop artists like Dylan should definitely add “Love To Hate Me” to their playlists! Lex Gibbon began her descent into the public eye as the first curve teen model to walk at London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles fashion weeks. Her dedication to being an example for young people has led to her crafting inspiring pop music that tackles topics like heartbreak, body confidence, and growing up. She put out her first single “Dear Hater” in January 2022 and has been working on her craft ever since. If you enjoyed “Love To Hate Me,” make sure to check out the rest of her discography on your favorite streaming platforms. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Lex Gibbon and her music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW LEX GIBBON: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook
- How The Spotify Algorithm Works
Photo taken from " How the Spotify Algorithm Works in 2024 " by Grizzly Beats LLC Spotify has over 615 million users and over 100 million tracks that have been released by over 11 million artists. So how does Spotify know what YOU want to listen to at any given time? Spotify uses a high-tech algorithm to figure out just that. The algorithm controls every aspect of the user experience, from making personalized playlists, choosing which songs to shuffle to, giving concert recommendations in your area, what albums and playlists show up on your homepage, and much more. Spotify, first breaking onto the music scene in 2008, has changed how the general public consumes music, so let’s dive into how they do it. Spotify uses complex AI systems to generate their playlists and recommendations. However, they have mastered the craft of making their AI more human-like by using multiple programs and computational techniques to advance that AI. Spotify bought The Echo Nest, a music analytic firm, in 2014, that combined machine learning and language processing to create a database for their music. One aspect of their algorithm is collaborative filtering. As described by Ziad Sultan, the Vice President of Personalization at Spotify, collaborative filtering analyzes trends in music listening to try and understand why songs are played together often. He describes it as a 3 dimensional map, and each green dot seen in the image below represents a different song. The position of each dot in conjunction with each other is determined by collaborative filtering. The dots that are placed close to each other are songs that are commonly played together, while dots that are farther apart are not. However, basing recommendations on collaborative filtering is not perfect. A great example of the flaws in using collaborative filtering alone is holiday music. On holiday playlists, songs like “Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift and “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives are commonly played together, despite one being a pop song and the other a classic Christmas carol. So if Spotify were to only use collaborative filtering, the algorithm might recommend other Burl Ives songs to Taylor Swift listeners, despite the fact that those listeners aren’t interested in Christmas carols. To prevent this from happening, Spotify uses content-based filtering. Screenshot taken from The Wall Street Journal's video titled " How Spotify’s AI-Driven Recommendations Work | WSJ Tech Behind " Content-based filtering files metadata (in simple terms, data about data) from each track, which includes release date, track title, artist name and any featured artists, songwriting credits, producer credits, genre, and much more. It also performs an audio analysis, in which metrics such as danceability, energy, and loudness are assessed to describe the track sonically. In addition, another algorithm in the audio analysis that analyzes tempo and splits the track into sections of varying detail. There is also an algorithm to study the lyrics, which takes note of the language the lyrics are sung in and the word choice in the song. Photo taken from " Behind the Scenes: How Spotify Curates the Top 50 Global Playlist " by Medium For newer and smaller artists, with the algorithm alone, it would be difficult to succeed on the platform because of the lack of user data. Spotify recognizes this, and to mitigate this “cold start problem”, they use human editors to create recommendations. They make editorial playlists such as Today’s Top Hits, New Music Friday, Rap Caviar, and much more. Artists can pitch songs on Spotify’s website to be featured on one of the hundreds of playlists editors create. As AI and machine learning becomes more complex and optimized, Spotify is adapting these new technologies into their app. They introduced Spotify DJ in February 2023, a generative AI dj that replicates the structure of live radio. They use a human voice, named X, who gives brief messages on the reason for recommendation. They are also looking to implement reinforcement learning, which allows the algorithm to receive feedback on recommendations immediately that will diversify recommendations. Although Spotify has released a lot of information on how their algorithm works, a lot is kept hidden. They are continuously trying to advance and optimize their algorithm to keep up with their competition, and it shows. I hope this gives you a bit of insight into the complex world of Spotify’s algorithm. Do you want to hear about the inner workings of other music streaming services? Feel free to reach out to us on our socials linked below! Written By Lauren DiGiovanni Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Black and Blue" - WHIT
There’s not many artists who have the ability to take a variety of genres and mix them all into a singular sound. Country-rock artist Whitney Miller (Aka WHIT) did just that in her newest single ‘Black and Blue’. The song is a strong tale of resentment from a failed relationship in which her heart was left “black and blue”, and she vows to fight back by disposing of the leftover memories. “I’ll have a backyard church choir, round that bonfire, burning through, every little memory of you”. You can hear the powerful emotions in WHIT’s voice as she expresses feelings of anger. However, anger isn’t necessarily a bad thing if it’s acted upon properly. The lyrical content from within ‘Black and Blue’ demonstrates that you can dispose of anger in ways other than violence. A great reminder for those who have experienced failed relationships. ‘Black and Blue’ has the structure of a pop song but features country and rock elements that dominate the production. The instrumental has an energetic beat partnered with an unmistakable electric guitar presence. This energy is taken to another level during the bridge, as a fiery electric guitar solo is sure to resonate with even the biggest of rock fans. But the music video for ‘Black and Blue’ is just as powerful as the song. WHIT’s charisma is evident, the visuals are slicker than ever, and the overall content gives off a powerful aura. WHIT’s versatility as an artist is on full display in a song that is bound to make its way onto your playlists. Whitney Miller has been on quite the journey in becoming a Nashville-based singer-songwriter. She was born in South Texas and grew up listening to classic country artists like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. Along the way, she embraced her interest in sports and became an MMA fighter and kickboxing commentator. In 2012, Whitney received an award unlike any other: Becoming Miss USA. But throughout all of these accomplishments, nothing was stopping her from pursuing a career in music. She later moved to Nashville to chase this dream, and she’s done a pretty good job at making the most of it. You can check out all of the music and the latest updates from WHIT in the links below. Written By Camden Luca FOLLOW WHIT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Sydney" - EGOISM
Reflecting on the hometown you can't escape, EGOISM tackles tough feelings of being trapped in a place they love in their new single, "Sydney." Band member Scout Eastment sheds light on the story behind the track, stating, "All my friends keep moving away. They move interstate or overseas, and it’s almost always for the same reason. Sydney is so expensive; I may as well live in London/LA/Berlin. And I want to be mad or disappointed but often feel the same. I think maybe I should live somewhere else sometimes, everyone else has done it. But I’m stuck. I love Sydney, but I also feel trapped by it. My family lives here, my band lives here, and my (remaining) friends." Written and recorded by members Scout Eastment, Olive Rush, and Adam Holmes, "Sydney" serves as the EGOISM's first single in 2 years, showcasing a delicious blend of indie, dreamo, and bedroom pop. The laid-back track exudes an essence of chill, featuring mellow vocals, shuffling beats, and serene guitar riffs. Between the easygoing melodies and moody lyrics, "Sydney" is equal parts nostalgic and conflicted, torn between the feeling of needing to leave a place you love and wanting to stay for the good memories. It's the perfect track for those feeling the same inner turmoil. Formed in 2015, EGOISM are a three-piece dream pop band hailing from Sydney, Australia. They were originally known as Ego, later changing their name to EGOISM in 2016. Initially a band of four, EGOISM has gone through many lineup changes, settling on the one they have now. The group currently consists of members Scout Eastment, Olive Rush, and Adam Holmes, serving as EGOISM's official lineup since 2022. Achieving much since their 2015 debut, EGOISM were announced as one of 16 recipients of triple j Unearthed 's Level Up Grants in 2020 and have supported live acts like Last Dinosaurs , Flyying Colours , and Pinkish Blu . Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW EGOISM: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "clarity" - nik.
Rising indie artist, nik., walks us through a meditative journey of self-discovery in her newest single, "clarity". This track is particularly interesting, as it's equal parts introspective and uplifting. The meaning in the lyrics is a little esoteric, but simple when you stop to think about it. Moving through events in life can feel like chaos. We're always trying to fulfill the expectations of others. Life can feel so overwhelming, like it's passing by too quickly to accomplish what we'd like to. "clarity" focuses on nik.'s struggle with the existentialism of turning 30 and how she ultimately overcame the pressure and negativity by embracing the chaos of reality. This track really made me sit and reflect on how I view my own life and the passing of time. One might even say it opens the mind for a moment of, well, clarity. Musically, "clarity" is low, slow, and mellow. It has a sort of dreamy underwater feel to it. nik.'s R&B style vocals are like velvet across the simple instrumental. And the instrumental itself is so beautifully processed. It really gives off a sense of floating through the song, just as you'd float through the ocean. Everything is heavily filtered save for the vocals, almost foggy, and coated in a layer of reverb. It's actually really relaxing to the ear. The background vocals are ethereal, like spiritual little guides throughout the song. "clarity" is really something special, truly creating a space that feels like a temporal loop, so to speak. Time has stopped, we have a moment to breathe, to reflect, and to heal. Sydney, Australia-based singer and songwriter, nik., debuted as a solo artist in 2021 with a unique cover of "Brother", originally by Matt Corby. Since then, shes taken the time to perfect her craft and focus on songwriting. 2024 is set to be an excellent year for her, beginning with this first single, "clarity", with plans for more in the near future. Described as being "fuelled by an addiction to coffee and a lust for travel", nik. is honestly the millennial artist the world needs right now. As someone gaining on 30 myself, I find myself resonating deeply with this song and with nik. as an artist. I sincerely loved this song and I absolutely can't wait to see what she releases next. You can hear "clarity" now on your favorite streaming service! Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW nik.: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- EP Review: "Pretty Party" - Jorden Albright
Knoxville, Tennessee based independent pop singer/songwriter and producer, Jorden Albright has released her 3rd EP, "Pretty Party". The 8-track bedroom-pop project was fully self-produced and recorded in Jorden's home. TRACKLIST The Fool (prelude) oh god! kick it if i go out S.O.S. The Empress TIL I BREAK pretty girl sh!t Jorden is originally from Memphis, Tennessee and has always had a natural gravitation towards the spotlight. She had been singing since she was young, and she started posting videos of herself singing on YouTube over a decade ago at the age of 9. Her first video to gain traction was a cover of Sia 's song "Chandelier" which gained over 27,000 views and then a parody of Fetty Wap 's "My Way" which went viral which now almost has 3 million views! She officially released her first original song in 2017, titled "The Wonder" and has been consistently releasing music ever since. "Pretty Party" is her 3rd EP, and blends sounds of electronic pop, indie rock, RnB, and hip-hop to create a unique experience for every type of listener. "I wanted 'Pretty Party' to feel like hanging out with me, but doing it from inside my brain. This EP is a celebration of my journey towards appreciating myself and my mixed bag of emotions both in and out of my dynamics with others, and I hope that people can relate to it." - Jorden Albright The Fool (prelude) "The Fool" introduces us into the album with a one-minute instrumental experience; and when I say experience, I mean an experience. This track forced me to close my eyes, and just feel the incredible sounds that were happening. I felt like I was floating; like I was about to transcend into another dimension. If this is what was preparing me for the rest of this album, I was so ready. You find yourself taking deep breaths, and as you reach the end of the track, you hear an electronic voice exclaim, "ready!". Okay, here we go. Into the next track. oh god! "oh god!" is about reflecting on your relationship that just isn't quite feeling right. Even though you love them and you want things to work out, it doesn't seem like they're giving you that same love and energy back. The song starts with Jorden implying that love just isn't like the fairytales. The song has a really strong synthesized bass, paired with a unique blend of dreamy layered harmonies and a hip-hop groove. The whole mid-section has a melodic rap moment that just makes you want to exclaim "yes girl!". The hook consists of a play-on-words with the old prayer, "now I lay me down to sleep"... you know which one; expect Jorden sings, "Now I lay me down (to sleep), I pray my baby's heart (I keep), If I should die before (I wake), I pray my baby's at my grave". " 'oh god!" is an incredibly clever and catchy song that has me excited for what else is to come. kick it Next, we have "kick it", a fun little guilty pleasure track about knowing when you shouldn't pursue someone, but you just might do it anyways. The production sound straight out of a classic video game - which is done on purpose! Jorden mentioned wanting it to sound like Nintendo DS , which is very nostalgic for many. Mixed with incredibly smooth, controlled vocals and an ear-worm hook, don't be surprised if "kick it" gets stuck in your head. if i go out Going in the complete opposite direction mood wise of "kick it", we have "if i go out". This track takes a more experimental approach. It starts with a very catchy electronic beat, and then has melody that is sung across the same tone throughout the duration of the song is a very dark, sorrowful type of way. There are dissonant harmonies that add to the haunting essence of this song. "if i go out" is about wanting to leave your house, but then thinking about the possibility of running into that somebody that caused you to stay in your house for so long in the first place. S.O.S. "S.O.S." is a get up and dance out the stress type of song. The beat is high energy with a tropical type of groove that will get you moving. The repetitive refrain feels like a mantra, that you can easily sing along to over and over again. Jorden says, "the overall vibe feels like running through the Serengeti at sunset." If you're ever having an overwhelming day, put on this song, close your eyes, start dancing around and repeat these lyrics along with Jorden to let it all out. The Empress "The Empress" is a self-empowerment / "i'm feeling myself" kind of song. It's giving permission to love yourself, compliment yourself, and say "yeah, you know what? I am that bitch!". The soundscape has a "i don't care what you think" kind of attitude. It's very sonically dark pop / alternative pop in it's production, which is different from the rest of the songs on this EP so far. It really shows Jorden's diversity in her creativity and as an artist. "The Empress" is truly a bad-ass anthem for anyone out there who feels they deserve for recognition for just how incredible they truly are. Brag about yourself, and show off! Say it louder for the people in the back! TIL I BREAK "TIL I BREAK" is another track that feels more experimental and abstract, like "if i go out". I love hearing when artists take a step away from mainstream beats and grooves to create something unheard of. The song seems to be about Jorden asking herself just how much of the same old negative situations can she take or go through until enough is enough, or until she just completely loses it. This song features naturistic, ethereal sounds and production. Jorden says the style of this track was inspired by artists like R&B/Soul singer ODIE and singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cautious Clay . pretty girl sh!t Closing out the EP, we have the Pop/RnB bop "pretty girl sh!t" which is another self-love anthem kind of like "The Empress", but this one feels more personal and vulnerable. The gist of this song is, you're allowed to be proud of your accomplishments. When you've been through the wringer and you've worked your butt off to reach success, there shouldn't be anything or anyone who can bring you down now. You are beautiful and strong, and it's valid to feel for yourself. There's a break down in this song, that feels like a stream of consciousness where Jorden sings, "There's beauty in my obstinance / I love myself, I'm proud of it / I'm happy to take ownership, of all of my accomplishments/ 'Cause girl, I really did that shit / I'm pretty, 'Cause I own my shit" - This part feels so special, raw and real before it gets back into it's groove and continues with the rest of the song. We end this EP with the same voice that asked us if we were ready in the prelude, spelling out the word pretty and closing this chapter in such a cathartic way. The fact that this entire EP was done completely alone by Jorden Albright herself in her home is so unbelievably impressive. The quality of sound and production are what you'd expect straight out of a professional studio, not to mention her stunning voice and complex lyricism. Jorden's natural and diverse talent for music as a whole entity is beautiful and I'm so glad that I had the honor of experiencing it. If she's this amazing on a recording, I can't even imagine the energy and aura she emits when she performs live. If you enjoyed the "Pretty Party" EP as much as I did, I also suggest checking out Jorden's previous EP from 2022, "ANATOMY". Make sure to also follow Jorden below to keep up on her journey and see what she does next! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW JORDEN: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.
- Review: "Heaven Can Wait" - Kayla Silverman
If you love Bridgerton, or are even just a regular fan, you will adore the new single "Heaven Can Wait" by pop artist and fashion inspiration Kayla Silverman. Both the show and the lyrics of this contemporary, violin-heavy banger are captivating and cinematic, in which Silverman compares her unrequited love to the holiest degree. While her love is already in a relationship with someone else, and is only interested in hooking up, she can't help but still be in love anyway, anticipating when they will become single so she can finally be with them. She knows that once this happens, the love will be one-sided and will only come from her, calling this "masochistic" of herself, and she will feel just the same as she did before, but to her dismay, she can't help her attraction. Strings and the plucking of an acoustic guitar are stitched together over a beat reminiscent of pop hits that emerged from the 2000s. Paired together are a violin and trumpet, which lead out "Heaven Can Wait", and the instruments perfectly match each other's tone as the final hook fades. Silverman has an amazing singing voice, using her wide vocal range in the song. As she becomes more upset with love in the lyrics, her singing intensifies, reaching its highest point in the bridge, and then goes back down in the outro. The fact that she is able to convey strong emotion while singing is just even more proof she is an incredible vocalist. This song greatly represents this, as well as her ingenious song-writing skills. Kayla Silverman is an up-and-coming musician based in Boston, Massachusetts, known for her creative and original musical sound. Jazz and alternative influences can be recognized throughout her discography. She has toured in the past and is now in the process of making an album, titled From Your Lips to Gods Ears . Silverman flawlessly brings her aesthetically pleasing artwork for the music she has been releasing since 2020, including her 2021 debut EP Golden Frequencies , to life with her music videos, creating a feeling of enchantment. Other songs from her include "Bitter Chocolate", "Starting Over", and "Of Me". Silverman is a visionary, lyrically and sonically. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW KAYLA SILVERMAN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- 10 Songs to Have Your First Dance to at Your Wedding
Growing up, and even now, I've always imagined having the most beautiful wedding, complete with my favorite colors, flowers, and the perfect music at just the right moments. I think it's a pretty common feeling to dream about a special day just for you and the person you love. It can be the happiest day of our lives. And that first dance might be the pinnacle of the entire night. So, of course, you've got to pick the perfect song for you on your special day. Don't worry, though, we've got you covered. Here are ten great song ideas for your first dance as newlyweds! 10. Never Stop (Wedding Version) - SafetySuit This is the classic song I think of when I think of a first dance. I mean, it has "wedding" in the title. How could it not be? But truly, this insanely heartfelt ballad is unforgettable, and you'd be surprised how many people haven't heard it. It's a unique choice, and if you want it to be a little more upbeat, the rock version is good too. It's a beautiful tribute to how true love never fades even as the years go by, and it's sure to leave your crowd with tears in their eyes. 9. Euphoria (DJ Swivel Forever Mix) - BTS If you've read my articles before, you know I have to include a K-pop option, but it's not just that, it's the PERFECT K-Pop option. Even if you don't speak Korean, you can feel the emotion radiating off of this one. Euphoria is a solo piece by BTS member, Jeon Jungkook. The song, however, was originally written in English and composed by Candace Sosa, Melanie Fontana, and DJ Swivel. However, It transcends language in my opinion, as the music speaks for itself. This one would be perfect for a first dance with a choreographed big move like a dip or a spin. Just listen to that orchestra build! 8. Perfect/Thinking Out Loud/Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran Okay, I think it's obvious that Ed Sheeran is the king of writing wedding songs at this point, but in case you didn't know, I'm listing three here because I can't even decide which one I like the most. "Perfect" and "Thinking Out Loud" are the ones we immediately think of, but I wanted to include the lesser-known "Tenerife Sea" as well. All of these songs are gorgeous tributes to loved ones with honest heartfelt emotion behind them. They've all got a mellow tempo, so any one of these songs would be great for learning simple choreography, even if you aren't dancers. Not to mention Ed just has a way with words. You can't listen to any of these without feeling something. You just can't. 7. Golden Hour - JVKE Let me just start by saying I love this song. I really love this song. JVKE created something so creative and unique here. With almost ethereal piano runs and orchestral moments combined with modern sounds like snaps, sub-bass, and flawless vocals. This song is nothing short of a fairytale anthem. If your wedding has a fantasy or garden theme, or even if it's just being held at twilight, I feel like this song would fit right in. "Golden Hour" really lends something irreplicable to the atmosphere. It fits some traditional wedding vibes, but steps outside the lines just a little. It's a perfect balance if you have a mixed crowd and it's sure to bring a little magic to the party. 6. Think I'm Gonna Love You - Michal Leah and Caleb Hearn Back in the category of straightforward and sweet love songs, "Think I'm Gonna Love You" hits the nail so hard on the head. This is a song you want to be staring into your partner's eyes during. The lyrics are simple, but oh so meaningful. There's nothing complicated to decipher here. It's just love. That's what makes this song so special. I really love it when so much emotion can be packed into just vocals and guitar. It really brings a sense of intimacy to the track. I think if you're shy about dancing in front of others, this is the song for you. You and your new spouse will surely forget there's anyone else in the room. 5. Infinitely Falling - Fly By Midnight If you're looking for something a little faster, Fly By Midnight has your answer. "Infinitely Falling" feels like such a celebration of love. Paired with the contemporary dance in the music video, it's easy to see how this could be adapted for a wedding. The song's composition already feels like a romance novel, but there's also a "Romantic Redraw" version of this song, similar to SafetySuit's Wedding Version of Never Stop. It slows the song just a little, applying more acoustic instruments and background vocals for just a touch more feeling. Personally, I feel like either version could create a beautiful and unforgettable memory. 4. Everything to Me - Porter Robinson This song is brand new. I mean really new. Porter Robinson gifted us his new album, "Smile! :D" at just the end of July, so this is an awesome surprise to add to this list. "Everything to Me" is a somber love song with such an open and raw feeling behind it. It tells the story of two lovers meeting, the way things feel like they're happening so fast, but you just don't care. The love is so strong and you just want more of it. It really embodies that feeling of being okay with being vulnerable with someone. I think this might be the softest and slowest of all the songs on this list, making it the perfect tune to hold someone close to. There's no need for fanfare here. Just closeness. "It's you and me and the air in between." 3. Lover of Mine - Louyah This one might be a little lesser-known, but it sure is beautiful. The independent artist, Louyah, released this gem in 2022 and I can't seem to get it out of my head since. Many of Louyah's works have this folksy vibe to them, and this is no exception. It's a down-to-earth little tune that feels so appreciative and safe. It's like a warm musical hug. And I think your wedding attendees might agree. If you're having a smaller wedding or even no reception at all, it's a heartfelt little song to celebrate and reflect with. Whether you're with a big crowd or dancing in your living room, I think this is a great versatile choice for a first dance. 2. Imagine - Ben Platt (Acoustic) If you're a fan of Broadway, you might recognize Ben Platt for his starring role in the musical, "Dear Evan Hansen". That's where I originally discovered his vocal talents. However, Ben has some really notable solo works as well. One such song is "Imagine", a truly gorgeous love song that feels beyond happy and free. Ben's vocal runs make this song feel so powerful and heartfelt. It's a sweet and sappy little reminder that we really can't imagine life without our partners. It makes you stop and think and appreciate the joy of having found the perfect person, and I really love that. I've chosen the acoustic version for this list, but there exists a more upbeat version as well. The original version is a bit poppier, and if that's what you're looking for, it works just as well! 1. Your Bones - Chelsea Cutler (Acoustic) For those times when you just want to scream it to the world that you love someone, this is the song for you. I have personally heard this one performed live and it is pure magic. There's no embellishment here. No fancy vocabulary or overtly poetic wording. This is just "bare bones" love. (haha.) It's a meaningful little song about the shock and awe of finding something real with someone. In the blink of an eye, you've gone from single to too-good-to-be-true and you can't figure out why or how, but you are so happy it happened. This one fills me with nostalgia, as it really frames the passing of time. I think this is a wonderful first dance song for those who just want to remember how good it feels to love one another so freely. Thank you so much for reading through our list of songs to have your first dance to. I really hope you found some inspiration here or at least a new song to lend a listen to. How did you feel about the list? Would you dance to these at your wedding? Maybe you already have. Feel free to let us know on our socials below! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Cherry on Top" - ALLYSE.
Right before August began, singer-songwriter ALLYSE. gave us the perfect summer jam to listen to in the upcoming weeks. ALLYSE.'s newest single, "Cherry on Top," is a sweet, confectionary pop banger about love and being that extra something in your partner's life. On the track, ALLYSE. proves herself to be an up-and-coming pop star to watch out for. She brings the sass and the fun. Her attitude, in both her vocal delivery and lyrics, is undeniable. Fans of artists like Sabrina Carpenter or Katy Perry will find lots to love in ALLYSE. With its fusion of disc, hip-hop, and pop influences, "Cherry on Top" is a delightful earworm bound to be a certified hit. ALLYSE describes her discography as "sassy and sweet with a nasty beat." Few songs better encapsulate this than "Cherry on Top." "Cherry on Top" is one of the most fun pop songs in recent memory. The lyrics are deliciously cheeky. ALLYSE never misses an opportunity for a food pun: "You can have your cake and eat it too," and "I don't mind waiting if it's a table for two." I mean, come on, amazing. The production, as well, with its upbeat guitar riff and irresistible hip-hop-inspired drum line adds such spunk to an already adorable love song. Whether you're chilling near the pool, driving down the coast, or just want a good vibe, "Cherry on Top," is well, the cherry on top for any occasion. ALLYSE. is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in Austin, Texas. A classically trained multi-instrumentalist and singer, ALLYSE. combines her mastery with her love of pop to create outstanding, fun music. Though she only began officially releasing music a year ago, ALLYSE. has already made a massive splash on the music scene. She has collaborated with artists such as Bad Bonsai, Fierce Kelly, waverly, and Monica Moser, just to name a few, and has seen great success in her solo career. Her debut single, "YKIC," came out in January of 2023 and has since reached over 17,000 streams on Spotify. Since then, her other five singles have accumulated over 35,000 downloads, and ALLYSE currently amasses over 5800 monthly listeners on the streaming platform as well. ALLYSE's career has only just begun, and you can listen to "Cherry on Top," as well as the rest of her discography, on streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW ALLYSE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "WHAT DO WE DO" - Gabriella Zauna
Brand new single alert! L.A based singer-songwriter Gabriella Zauna has just released an amazing dark pop track entitled, "WHAT DO WE DO". The song dives deep into a relationship which is teetering on the edge. It invites its listeners to reflect on their own experiences with choosing to fight for love or deciding its time to finally walk away. The lyrics echo these horrible feelings by placing emphasis and repetition on lines such as "We should've sealed the deal/ But here we go again" and "What do we do now/ Baby I don't know." The emotional tension within the lyrics is palpable. Gabriella has masterfully weaved her own personal situation-ship into scenarios we can all identify with, and her raw honesty and artistry is commendable. Now, let's dive into how the track sounds. The style and structure of “WHAT DO WE DO” is reminiscent of electronic music legends Daft Punk , known for their innovative approach to disco music and use of synthesizers and drum machines. In a similar vein, this track feels timeless yet cutting edge. The instrumental background of the main verses is a simple beat, strumming guitar, and electronic synth noises. The song’s production is immaculate, and in combination with Zauna's soft and airy vocals, this track is a stand out single. Zauna also showcases her vibrant personality through the isolated delivery of lines such as “Did it work?” Overall, the song feels like a trail-blazing moment for Gabriella, as “WHAT DO WE DO” is not only unique, but charismatic. Gabriella Zauna is quickly redefining the dark pop genre at just 19 years old. Impressively, the California-native is also involved in every step of the creative process when making her music. From writing to producing, she has expressed her musical talents are not only an escape, but an outlet during her battle with depression. She lists several of her musical inspirations, Lana Del Rey and RAYE being at the top of the list. Currently, she boasts nearly 60k followers on Tiktok and over 14k monthly Spotify listeners. If you were as impressed by Gabriella Zauna’s newest single “WHAT DO WE DO” as I was, be sure to follow her on all of the social media we have listed below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW GABRIELLA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "dozen roses" - Devika
Devika’s latest single “dozen roses”, released July 26th, is sultry and dark, detailing a steamy affair between the narrator and a married man. The woman eventually stalks and murders the wife, eliminating all competition between her and the one she loves. An unusual plotline, the lyricism is intricate and detailed, painting a picture of the dull feelings within the marriage contrasted with the fiery passion shared in the affair. The soundscape is full of electronic synths and echoes of Devika’s own vocals singing harmony throughout the background. Her vocals are intense and full of emotion and lust. Her lyrics tell the intricate story of love and betrayal throughout the affair. The instrumentation gradually grows with her confidence about her partner, creating the overall vibe of a dark pop song. The chorus is where we find a reference to the title, when she sings “I mailed a dozen roses / To my future husband / Humming to the music / Hearing his wife cry / She'll curse at us from hell / As I'm unbuckling his belt”. She disregards the wife’s feelings, earlier having stated that she dulls the ring on the man’s finger. Devika knows that the man is happier with her and desires her more, meaning that there is no need for his wife any longer. Devika took to promoting her music on social media, creating TikToks comparing which character her friends think the song could be about. She found great success in this, allowing many more people to find her music than in the past. She has reached almost 400 monthly Spotify streamers, and has two other singles released on streaming services. She has two upcoming shows, playing Brooklyn Music Kitchen on 9/3, and FirstLive on 8/17, with both venues being located in New York City. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more dark pop from Devika. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW DEVIKA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube


















