When two people in a relationship are struggling with their mental health, sometimes it's best to take a step back and find happiness for yourself. Ananya's song "Happy" takes on the uncomfortable process of healing and reflection as an individual through its lyrics. Through the song, the speaker is communicating to their ex, expressing their personal growth in a journey towards feeling good. The song begins with the lyrics, "I'm happy you're happy" and this well wish is followed by concern tied to thoughts and feelings of the past. Going on to express how the relationship held them both back, the words "we both made mistakes betting on who's gonna break" express a necessary understanding that when two people believe they are doomed to be sad or upset, there isn't a solid foundation for growth. Through the song, we learn that the ex wants the speaker back, but the resolution to stay apart for the sake of both of their wellbeing stays strong. Inspiring listeners to make healthy choices in life and love even when it's hard, "Happy" carries an important message that so many of us need to hear. Reflective solace and refreshing inspiration bring comfort through the sound of "Happy". Ananya's smooth and expressive vocals open the song along with a soft guitar pattern, pushing forward a gentle and delicate attitude. Instrumentals build with percussion that gains a fast-paced rhythm through the chorus. Ananya sings the chorus with a catchy melody that flips the mood of the song into a lighter and more freeing sound. The second verse has bright electronic instrumentals and light-hearted vocals that emulate the lyrics "I'm happier than I used to be". Layers of background vocals lift the lyrics up towards a growing, glowing feeling. The tune ends in a truly unique way, bringing back that gentle, lovely singing and guitar sound from the beginning and combining it with layered chorus vocals and humming. A feeling of peace and release will wash over you at the end of this song. Encompassing the freedom that you feel when you let go of someone that holds you back, "Happy" will make you feel the beauty in moving on. Ananya is a London-based artist from Zimbabwe who uses her music to encourage mental wellness and feelings of self-worth. Her songs have received acclaim from platforms like GQ South Africa , iHeart Radio , and BBC . On top of her vocal and songwriting talents, Ananya plays multiple instruments that add dimension to her music. She has collaborated with other artists like Rishabh Sharma on the song "Junoon" and Alber-K on "Too Young". Ananya has released several singles and in 2023, she released her debut EP, "i woke up one night". Check out the links below to learn more about her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ANANYA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Clover County’s brand new song “Ultraviolet” is hauntingly good. This beautiful track combines 60s vibes with emotional lyricism to paint the picture of a relationship in turmoil over mental health issues. More specifically, “Ultraviolet” speaks upon the difficulty of helping someone who is struggling while you are struggling yourself. Lyrics such as “I’ll drip dry on the clothesline/ try to lure you out into the light” utilize the phrase “leave me out to dry” to cleverly imply their own vulnerability. The protagonist of the song also needs support, but is too busy helping someone else. Later in the track it is revealed why they feel as though it would upset their loved one if they knew of their personal suffering; they don't want to step on any toes. The themes of “Ultraviolet” as melancholy as they are, make for a beautifully emotional and relatable song. As discussed previously, Clover County and "Ultraviolet" have a vintage quality to it, this works to give the track some character and texture. The mood of the instrumentals feels more cheerful than the melancholy undertones of the lyrics. Oh, and the chorus is definitely easy to get stuck in your head. Notably, I find the bridge to be extremely effective in bringing more intensity to “Ultraviolet,” the instruments fade in and out as Clover County delivers some striking vocals. Speaking of vocals, she does an excellent job on this track, showcasing her light and airy voice. Overall, “Ultraviolet” is extremely well produced. At just 13, Clover County wrote her first song while teaching herself guitar. Living in the sunny state of Central Florida, she took inspiration from musical icons such as Dolly Parton , Stevie Nicks , and Carole King . Her vintage sound is a reflection of these commanding influences. The name “Clover County” itself pays tribute to her various homes in Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Athens. On her own website, she eloquently describes that her name, “represents a state of mind, no matter where you’re planted you have the choice to grow.” With over 32,000 monthly Spotify listeners and 3 released singles, this is only the beginning of Clover County’s impact. If you really enjoyed “Ultraviolet” and can’t wait for her first EP “Porch Lights” to release on November 15th, be sure to follow the social media we have listed below!  Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW CLOVER COUNRY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

“stranger” by margø is the perfect ending to a flawless era. The focus single of her newly released debut album, who are you when you’re alone?  gives listeners an insight into the dark-pop singer’s mind. Throughout the track, she confesses her experience with feeling like an outsider. She wants to let those around her in, but she is afraid. She is unsure if she can trust them to keep her safe and catch her when she falls. She tells the stranger beside her that she is “careful not to” let them in. However, she immediately contradicts this by pleading: “Stranger, please don’t leave me.” With these two lines, margø reveals her fear of intimacy and  her fear of abandonment and loneliness. With the poignant lyrics, “stranger” illustrates the singer’s complex emotions, providing a cathartic release for the artist.  margø has spent the year releasing captivating singles to build anticipation for her debut album. Each release has showcased the singer’s iconic soundscape and intricate lyrics. By now, it is clear that margø has mastered her style and found her niche with her intense dark-pop productions. “stranger” utilizes a dark synth that, when paired with spatial audio, results in the music feeling like an extension of the listener. Each aspect of the production blends perfectly together, from margø’s smooth vocals to the electronica-pop instrumentation. The intense beat drop at the end of the chorus is to be expected in this genre, and yet, it still catches the listener off-guard and leaves them in awe of the singer’s talent. From the somber lyrics to the fiery soundscape, “stranger” flawlessly encapsulates margø, making it one of my favorite tracks from the artist. margø is a dark-pop singer-songwriter from Edmonton, Canada. She made her debut in 2019 with her single, “In Between”. Since then, the artist has released over a dozen singles and three EPs. On October 11th, 2024, she released her debut album, who are you when you’re alone?  “stranger” is the eighth and final single from the project. She has over 30 million streams globally with over 7 million streams on Spotify alone for her hit single, “Play Pretend”. Furthermore, she has been featured on several of the streaming platform’s prominent playlists, such as Villain Mode, SALT, young & free, misfits 2.0, Ready to Rock, It’s a Bop, Best of Rock 2022, Fresh Finds: Pop, Rock Now, New Music Friday Canada, and many more. margø draws inspiration from iconic rock artists such as Joan Jett and Blondie, while maintaining her individuality with a modern, dark twist. Make sure to follow her on social media to stay up to date with any future announcements and check out her creative posts that encapsulate her unique aesthetic. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW MARGØ : Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

A narrative expression of regret and reflection turns into a daring message of moving on in Rubin Matters' song "Let Me Out". Laying out the lies and deception of the speaker's ex, this song turns feelings of betrayal into a haunting demand for freedom.  Whether you're reeling from a deceptive breakup, or just in need of a powerful outlet for your anger, this is a song you need to hear. The sweet sound of vengeance had me holding onto every word with the lyrics, "I think you like the drama, well, get ready for the karma on its way". With a titillating threat, the speaker is taking the control back from the person who wronged them through this song. The chorus begs for an escape, repeating the title of the song and making the relationship feel like a constricting, locked cage. The lyrics "you rolled the dice, I paid the price" truly hit where it hurts, drawing on feelings of being played. This is a liberating anthem for anyone who has ever been in a relationship or a situation where you look at the other person and think, 'is this a game to you?' Calling the person out on their fake behavior to the world, the speaker fuels their lyrics with a forceful determination that emboldens healing and self-worth. "Let Me Out" is more than a demand to be free of a toxic relationship. It is a reversal of power that will make you laugh with vindication and feel the strength of the lyrics at your core. Rubin's narrative vocals open the song with a deep sound that has a captivating jazzy darkness. An electronic shuffling sound brings a bold switch in the tone before the singing becomes a bold expression of the lyrics, bringing in a daring energy as it showcases Rubin's impeccable range. A cool simplicity and power emerge from swanky electronic guitar chords and percussion that slowly punctuates the statements in the chorus. Staccato piano chords make a quick appearance at the beginning of the second verse before hazy synth chords take their place. Piano makes an exciting reappearance in the bridge with a zippy interlude. Blending powerfully edgy vocals with both classic and electronic instrumentals, this song will have you nodding along to the lyrics as its sound fills you with excitement. Rubin Matters is a multi-disciplinary Australian artist whose musical theater background allowed him to explore creative performing before his new delve into the world of pop music. Since secondary school, Rubin studied with an arts focus and further pursued dance and acting in his education. He has worked in musicals including The Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , and earned the Playbill Future Prospect Award in 2015. As Rubin creates music, he infuses his songs with strong lyricism and 90's to early 2000's inspirations. Enjoy his strong vocals and exciting sound by checking out the links below to listen to his music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW RUBIN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“Late nights in the park. Figuring they never close them.” We’re immediately transported to the park and enjoying a night out with a loved one, Julz has managed to gently place us there and enthrall us in the tone of this song. The song begins on a very peaceful dreamy note. Julz’ voice comes in and the tone is set – fantasy feelings. “Just say the words and there we go.” It’s such an airy, carefree feeling when Julz’ voice is paired with the music and lyrics in “tokyo.” Just imagine, if you could “just say the words” and travel wherever you want to go, especially with a loved one, to simply exist. Just close your eyes and drift away to Tokyo. Julz sings of the homey and loving atmosphere that he and his love could have if they were in Tokyo. The listener can assume that Julz and his love have previously been to Tokyo and it was a pleasurable experience and Julz wants to get back to that feeling with this person. As a listener, Julz has me wanting to go to Tokyo if it means experiencing the feeling that Julz both sings about and evokes with this song. ““tokyo.” is Julz's 3rd release of the year after a partial 5-year hiatus. It's an acoustic guitar driven ballad with r&b undertones, which ponders on the thoughts of moving somewhere beautiful such as Tokyo with a loved one.” Julz sings of the scenery he’s already been around seeming slightly “magical” and the idea of running away with your love. “Show me where your heart is. It’s where I wanna be.” If one really thinks about it, “tokyo.” could refer to a state of mind rather than a place. A place of sheer vulnerability with someone you love, where your hearts are surrendered and there’s a calm in the feeling of completely knowing each other, with no pretensions or ill intentions, just blissful joy. “Why make it hard when everything is simple here?” also puts me in the mind of a state of mind or being as opposed to an actual place. Love doesn’t have to be hard- you want to be with a person, so be with them. I do believe that we tend to make many things in life harder than they have to be, but we come by it honest. Humans have been overthinking things since the dawn of time, but that’s a different story. Julz’s voice here is so perfect with this track, I can’t express it enough, it’s like a warm hug to your ears and soul. The world needs “tokyo.”, the world needs Julz West’s music. Julz West is a London-born singer/songwriter. With his beginnings being noted on YouTube, Julz has an ever-growing fan base. With his online following having already garnered hundreds of thousands of followers, it is expected that the numbers will continue to grow. West has a definite connection with Japan, after having sold out shows there in 2017 and 2019 and now creating this masterpiece of a song as an ode to the beautiful land. West is credited with writing and producing for other artists as well as providing background vocals, namely for artists such as Ed Sheeran. West also ventured into the film world, having obtained a part in the Disney live action version of “The Little Mermaid”. West’s musical style is described as contemporary R & B, West is also said to blend his Caribbean heritage into his musical as well. West returns to our ears after a 5 year hiatus from music and has been cooking up some incredible songs. If you want to hear more where “tokyo.” came from, follow Julz at all of his socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW JULZ WEST: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | Facebook   | YouTube

Get lost in the exciting and steamy romance in Mo Bentley's song "Spiral". This song will leave you buzzing with its building feelings of want and connection. With lyrics like "I'm too obsessed to let you go", listeners can allow those deep and powerful emotions to run free through their minds. Without holding anything back, the lyrics boldly declare an eternal connection. Taking on tantalizing and seductive tones, the chorus says "in the bedroom, looking good for you". A blend of vulnerability and self-confidence comes through these lyrics, and it's what makes this song so exciting. Just when you think these lyrics can't get any more intense, they say "I would die for you", invigorating the relationship in the song by raising the stakes. Taking feelings of closeness to a whole new level, "Spiral" will take you into the deepest feelings of romance. A bold and rhythmic pop sound will entrance you in the dark and intimate atmosphere of this song. Mo's deep and bewitching vocals take on the intense and craving feelings from the lyrics, particularly in the verse. A fast percussion stands out in contrast to electronic instrumentals that echo the vocals, keeping the focus on strong ideas of want and devotion. Through the chorus, the singing smoothly glides through expressive highs, bringing a romantic intensity that will lift you up. Background vocals repeat the lyrics, upping that dreamy heat and excitement. If you're looking for a love song with a dark pop sound, "Spiral" is sure to fulfil your craving. Mo Bentley is a pop artist from Portland with a dark and electric sound. From a young age, Mo has engaged in creative outlets including musical theater and choir in middle school. She studied music in LA, starting in 2021, and has been exploring her lyrical talents through songwriting since 2019. Infusing deeply impactful and moving themes into her lyrics, Mo aims to make music that listeners can connect with. She draws on influences like Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello for her strong pop sound. Mo has collaborated with other artists, featuring on songs by solukewarm! , MoGul , and more. Check out the links below to learn more about her music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

I often find myself reflecting on much in life, especially how I present myself, and how others view me. “Me, Myself, and I” is the latest single by musician, Cheska Moore. It offers a unique perspective into someone who is fighting an internal battle with her personas: one who is relied upon, and another who is feared. Many of us may have an alternate persona, and it can be difficult to learn not to let it take over. Alternatively, and as Moore herself sings, “Who am I without her?” I think even if you may not have a feared persona, there is always a different side to you that you don’t want to go away. I think this song perfectly conveyed that internal struggle. I think one of my favorite things about this song was the production. I previously reviewed Moore’s single, “Psychos In Love” , and I think one area Moore always excels in is her production. “Me, Myself, and I” is raw, powerful, yet dark and unsettling in ways. The music helped me to understand the fear associated with her alternate persona, in ways. I really liked how the beat would slow down as she approached the chorus. And I loved how at the start of the song, you can hear laughing in the background. I can only imagine that the laughter is that of her alternate persona, which I think is a genius move to make. As I said before, this isn’t my first time reviewing one of Moore’s singles. So to say I had high expectations is an understatement. But I think I can confidently say that she exceeded all of them. Cheska Moore first began her music career in 2019, with the release of her debut single, “Boy Who Tried”. Her popularity only grew in 2020 on TikTok, and today, she around 10 million views on all platforms. On Spotify, she gets nearly 60,000 monthly streams, with some of her most streamed hits being “Don’t Talk”, “Bad Thoughts”, and “Narcissist”. I think this song is a new favorite of mine on Moore’s discography, and I can’t wait to hear what she releases next. Go stream “Me, Myself, and I” everywhere, now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW CHESKA MOORE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Like everyone, I fell in love with Chappell’s music the moment I heard it earlier this year. Her music’s whimsical, upbeat cadence and heartfelt lyrics make her album a go-to listen. Unapologetically queer and unwilling to change for anyone, Chappell is a breath of fresh air. After a summer jam-packed with festival performances such as Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, Chappell returned to Tennessee on Oct. 1 at the FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin. Taking place in a 7,500-capacity venue, this concert sold out almost immediately after tickets went on sale. While I was disappointed to not get tickets initially, I also expected this due to Chappell’s incredible popularity. That is until I was scrolling Instagram one day and saw an announcement on Chappell’s story announcing that her team was canceling tickets that had been scalped and resold for higher than face value. This allowed real fans to enter a lottery system through Ticketmaster for a chance to buy the rereleased tickets. As soon as I saw this, I signed up and requested two tickets. A week later, I got the email that I had received the tickets, and my roommate and I were ready to go. The FirstBank Amphitheater is a small venue located in a reclaimed quarry. It was a beautiful, clear night and the house was packed. The venue is perfectly sized and there is not a bad seat in the house. We were seated in the center of the amphitheater with the perfect view of the stage.  Because Chappell’s stage persona is heavily influenced by drag culture, she forgoes the typical openers and invites drag queens to perform before her set. A trio of drag queens named local Coqueta, Aquamarine and Miss Alexa Noelle came onstage to perform popular dance-pop anthems from the 2010s. I’m used to seeing drag in more intimate clubs and bars, but I loved seeing the queen shine in a larger setting. This was an insight into the local drag scene of conservative Middle Tennessee and a reminder to continue supporting the community. The air was humming as we waited for Chappell to make her appearance. The already-packed amphitheater was becoming even fuller as the final audience members made their way in. An announcement came up on the stage screens announcing that the set time was being pushed to 9:30 as the final fans made their way through traffic.  Soon, the lights came down and the stage lit up. Chappell’s band took the stage and began playing the intro to the hit single, “Femininomenon.” Chappell came on stage dressed in a camo ball gown to fit the night’s theme of “Midwest Princess.” She was stunning and captivating, completely owning the venue as all eyes were upon her. Her vocals were clear and perfect, sounding the same as (if not better than) she does on the album.  The crowd danced and sang (yelled) along as she transitioned into the next songs, “Naked in Manhattan,” and “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” From there, she played “Love Me Anyway,” an older song that was released years before her album was released. While this song is not on Midwest Princess , it was still a hit of the night with everyone knowing the words.  From there, Chappell played the romantic, sensual, “Picture You.” The green Statue of Liberty wig she wore at the Governor’s Ball Festival in New York City hung to the side on her microphone stand. During the song’s most sultry notes, Chappell put on a show pretending that the stand was her lover. At the end of the song, Chappell, joked, “That’s the wig from when I was the Statue of Liberty. She was fucked up then and she is fucked up now.” The tempo picked up again when Chappell said, “I wanna teach you all a dance.” The audience was at full attention as she walked us through the dance to “HOT TO GO!” Rushes of emotion hit me at various points throughout the evening, but this was perhaps the most unexpected one. As we danced through the song, pure elation rushed through me and I couldn’t help but tear up. I had spent the summer watching videos of her festival sets and dreaming of being part of the crowds of people who loved this music. Now, I was living that dream with one of my closest friends, and it was hard to imagine a more perfect moment. Chappell continued to work her way through the set with other hits like, “After Midnight.” After that song was over, she addressed the crowd again, saying, “I know how hard it is to be queer in the Midwest and South. And I understand. And so, I’m very grateful that I can be here and show up… And I just have to remind myself that this is why I do it…” “I can see you and feel you. I needed this so bad when I was 15. I felt so completely misunderstood and alone. I hope you know that you are wanted here and you are welcomed here. However you are and wherever you are in your life… you are loved and you are cherished.” The saying, “love you, cherish you,” was a staple in my household growing up, so hearing those words from one of my favorite artists was a beautiful feeling. This speech was an important reminder to continue fighting for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in places like the South. While so much wonderful progress has been made, there is still so much more to do. Before the song “Kaleidoscope,” a tender ballad about the emotions behind unrequited love, Chappell sat at her keyboard, She took a deep breath before admitting, “Every night I think about taking this song off the setlist.” As she began to play, the song's emotion was evident in her voice.  She then played her unreleased song, “Subway,” which she debuted at Gov. Ball in June. While I had never heard the song, it was clear that many audience members had listened to a fan-recorded version of it online as many people were singing along. A ballad of lost love, Chappell’s stellar vocals shined brightly during the song and made us all hungry for the studio version. The pace picked back up at the end of the set with the shimmery, fun pop songs, including, “Red Wine Supernova,” “Good Luck, Babe!” and “My Kink is Karma.” For the encore, Chappell returned to the stage to sing, “California” and the fan-favorite, “Pink Pony Club.” “Pink Pony Club” is a very important song to me personally and has always made me feel seen. As an Arizona native now living in Tennessee far from family, the lines, “Don’t think I’ve left you all behind / I still love you and Tennessee / You’re always on my mind,” have always moved me very deeply. The song’s message of finding a place to call your own and grow into yourself is poignant and beautiful. Hearing it live filled me with so much emotion and as we walked back to my car once the night was over, I was so grateful for everything that had led to this point. Chappell Roan is a powerhouse that I am so proud to support. In her rapid rise to fame, it has become harder and harder to get a ticket to her shows, so being able to see her in such an intimate venue was a truly special experience. I would love to see her again, but until then, I will be cheering her on at home. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

“Mad” by Lina Mapes is her newest single, released on October 8, 2024. It is a soulful pop track about how someone can change you and make you feel so lost and confused. Whether that is a friend, family member, or significant other, the relationships in our lives impact the people that we are. The song was created in collaboration with Elijah Dax and Peter Eddins. Mapes takes her musical inspiration from artists like Reneé Rapp, Nina Simone, and Amy Winehouse, so if you like any of those, it is definitely worth checking her music out. Make sure to add this release to your streaming library. The track boldly opens with the line, “Looking deep into this heart of mine / Take a look with me and see.” Mapes takes us on a journey of going mad for someone. It is about how the relationship with this person changed her and the aftermath is causing her to lose herself as she tries to move on. These feelings are expressed in lyrics like “Oh I’m falling down the rabbit hole / Oh I got lost along the way” and “You didn’t care to love me too / Or at least as much as I did you.” An indie pop soundscape and impassioned vocals complement this sentiment through the song. Lina Mapes is a rising singer-songwriter who started making music around eight years ago. She blends pop, alternative rock, and soul styles into her sound. She released her first track, "Off Guard," in 2020, created after the struggles that the pandemic caused. Her first EP, Introspection , then came out in 2022. On "Mad," she showcases her talent for crafting a beautiful song. If you enjoyed this track, make sure to check out the rest of Mapes' discography. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Lina Mapes and her music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW LINA MAPES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

Embodying the pain and curiosity that comes after a breakup, JULIEE explores jealousy and mourning in her song “Sick To My Stomach”. The lyrics dive into the fears the speaker has, specifically surrounding their ex moving on. When a relationship is over, those fears of being forgotten and replaced feel like a knife in the back. The want to be remembered comes through the questions following the lyrics “do you still wear my blue crew-neck?” The speaker hopes that their ex still feels a connection between her name, face, and shirt. Then comes the speculation that the ex has moved onto a new girl, and listeners can feel the pain and vulnerability the speaker is struggling with. The bridge hits hard with a repeating phrase, “move on but don’t forget me”, begging to still be important to someone they love. Anyone who feels lovesick needs “Sick To My Stomach” to offer them solace and let them know they are not alone. Soft vocals like an reminiscent whisper open the song, delicately gliding listeners into an experience of heavy-hearted intimacy. Very gentle acoustic guitar accompanies the first verse before drums and faster fingerpicking pick up. The chorus brings louder high and airy vocals, along with bold interludes of electric guitar. Layers of background vocals make the questions in the chorus seem like they’re glowing, before an interlude of electric guitar and drums bring a dark and moving close to the song. Moving from a fragile almost whisper-like vocal beginning to a bold and illustrative instrumental end, this song takes you through all the feels with its sound. JULIEE is a singer and songwriter from the Dominican Republic. Her dreamy vocals and talents on both the acoustic and electric guitar give her music an authentically personal sound. With lyrics that listeners can relate to, ideas like love and relationships are beautifully represented through her music. JULIEE makes music that aligns with identities in LGBTQ+ community while exploring introspection and connection. Her song "nobody knows me" came out in June, and the music video has almost reached 10 000 streams on Youtube. Check out the links below to learn more about her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW JULIEE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Halloween is around the corner and artist/producer ET0’s “Monster” is a perfect listen for the spooky season. Dark and brooding with an addictive beat and thrumming bass, the song will find its home at any nightclub with its upbeat rhythm and distorted synths. Featuring artists Roxy O and VillaNoize, each singer adds their own flair to the track, adding to its appeal with contrasting voices that complement each other. Instrumentally thrilling and intense, “Monster” keeps you locked in with its dangerous bass lines and eerie musical notes. The track features a gothic soundscape with haunting piano melodies and pulsing electronic waves. Sirens mark the song's entrance as the song becomes enveloped in a supernatural melody. Lyrically, the track is about embracing one's true self and letting go of the self-diminishing thoughts that can sometimes consume you. “Monster” gives a nod to Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” with its synth bass, amplified finger snaps, and kick drum. The track falls under the electro-pop, dance-pop, and nu-goth-pop categories. With ET0’s collaboration on the track, the song is enveloped in an eerie shadow before transitioning into a club-like scene with its rap verse. In verse one, Roxy O sweetly caresses each word over the heavy bass while VillaNoize makes an entrance in verse two with quick wordplay, charming listeners with his cleverly smooth rap lines. Artist VillaNoize sings, “Like Black Eyed Peas with the boom, boom, boom.” On its R&B side, the track closely resembles the popular 2000s group in its heavy electronic beats as well as the famous singer Pitbull with its cool vocals. Disturbingly dark and catchy, “Monster” sets the stage for any club dance with its equally heavy instrumentals and versatile vocals. A hip-hop and pop composer from the Bay Area, as a teenager ET0 spent most of his time in music production, audio engineering, and sound design. Collaborating with various artists and moving from city to city, ET0 is known for creating welcoming environments and creative spaces for the fellow musicians he partners with. ET0 released his first single “Say it Louder,” in 2023 and “Oasis” this past summer. “Monster” lyrically highlights themes of self-love and independence, with its danceable rhythm and confident air. The track is perfect for fans of Billie Eilish , Dua Lipa , and Aurora with its dark soundscape and empowering lyrics. ET0 creates emotive music, tells stories, and transcends boundaries with a bigger picture in mind. Check out “Monster” below! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW ET0: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube FOLLOW ROXY O: Instagram   | Spotify FOLLOW VILLANOIZE: Instagram   | Spotify

From Monica Moser’s album “27teen”, “Find You Yet” takes a vulnerable journey through identity and voice. The song starts with a reminiscence that holds the nostalgia of when life was simpler, and continues on to grapple with internal struggles of speaking up. Lyrics like “when pain was just a beat up knee on the Eastside boardwalk” create a personal and real example of something so many of us understand. When we were young, we couldn’t grasp the complexity of life. Showing listeners what growth can mean, the speaker says “learned the difference between unspoken and unsaid”. As I listened to this song, I was struck by the genuine truth that growing up means learning what you need to say for your own sake, and what you need to hold back for the sake of others.  Feeling like you belong and being understood go hand-in-hand, and this song hits where it hurts by representing ideas of loneliness. Through the isolation of holding back, the speaker’s identity seems to be silenced. Moving through different ideas of what being understood can mean, this song reveals the difficulty in the choices we make. A building sense of getting ready for something comes through the lyrics “you’re all I want in the end”. These lyrics are so powerful because they dream of a peaceful future with a specific “you”. It is unclear whether this person is a future partner or the speaker of the song, but that leaves a beautifully comforting openness that listeners can assign meaning to with their own lives. “Find You Yet” blends powerful acoustic and electronic instrumentals with raw and narrative singing, creating a sound of hopeful emotion. Monica’s vocals are glowingly light, and accompanied by piano, carry the weight of a long-overdue relief. Palm-muted and quick electric guitar accompany the pre-chorus before the tune lifts to a higher, freeing sound. The post-chorus features a repetition of electronically-distorted vocals that feel like an uplifting resolution. Beautifully, near the end of the song, all complexity cuts out and simple, high piano accompanies Monica’s gentle and beautiful vocals, creating a glowing warmth to the final notes. Monica Moser is a Texas-based musician with a folk-pop style. She lived in Nashville for almost a decade, and in that time she developed her style and has been featured by platforms like Now/It’s Nashville , Nashville’s PØPSQUAD , and radio stations like AMCE Radio Live . If you’re a fan of Sara Bareilles and Joni Mitchell’s vocals, Monica’s style will fit perfectly into your playlists. Three years ago, Monica moved to Austin and created ATX Songwriters Collective , a community of local musicians. She continues to foster a local community of musicians as she continues to release music, through her TX Forever Podcast with Carley Rutledge. Take a look at the links below to keep up with Monica and her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MONICA: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube