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  • Album Review: "biting my tongue" - kenzie

    Pop Singer kenzie , also known by her full name MacKenzie Ziegler , has released her highly anticipated album, "biting my tongue", her first album release in six years. TRACKLIST biting my tongue bad 4 u not around anatomy the me i was word vomit 6 feet under close to you midnight murderer paper face to face casualty kenzie grew up outside of Pittsburgh in Murrysville, Pennsylvania and is best known for her appearance on the LifeTime reality TV show, Dance Moms in which she starred in with her older sister, Maddie Ziegler . Although kenzie was and still is an incredible dancer, singing has always been her true passion. The now 20-year-old California based artist used to use the stage name Mack Z , and released an album in 2014 with the same name which ended up at the number one spot on the iTunes pop charts. Since then, she's been continuously releasing music and building the career she's always wanted, going on to release her first album as kenzie titled "Phases" in 2018, a viral hit with YouTuber and Singer Johnny Orlando titled "What If (I Told You I Liked You)" within the same year, a collaboration track titled "Exhale" with Sia in 2020 and tons more. Now, 6 years after the release of "Phases" and a project that has been in the works for over 2 years now, we finally have another album from kenzie! Let's dive into "biting my tongue", a project that kenzie said "speaks up for that little girl who was too afraid to speak her mind. and i hope that it can help all of you speak yours." biting my tongue We open up the album with the title track, "biting my tongue". It's a dark, eerie song exactly about what it's called. You hold back saying what you really feel just to make everyone else feel better or to like you, but really all you're doing is hurting yourself. You're not benefiting by not being your authentic self, it's almost better to just say what you want to say and get these toxic people out of your life. Who care's if they like you or not? kenzie says she's tired and fed up, and she is ready to move on. bad 4 u "bad 4 u" was released as the seventh single and is a dark-pop bop, so get ready for it to get stuck in your head. Filled with a haunting electro soundscape and screeching strings, "bad 4 u" is about knowing when something, or someone, is not good for you but you decide to go along with it anyway. It's self-destructive behavior, when someone entices your curiosity so much that you're willing to go through the painful aftermath just to know what the rush feels like to be with them. kenzie sings, "it's a dumb thing to do but all the best things are bad for you". not around "not around" is an electro-pop hit about when someone leaves you for a carbon-copy of yourself. It's confusing, and it doesn't make sense - and sometimes you start to wonder if the person they left you for is doing it on purpose. At the end of the day though, you realize that you're better off without them in your life. This is a "dance it off" kind of song, where the situation is really messed up but you've got to do your best to not let it bother you anymore and to look at the bright side of things. anatomy "anatomy" was the second single to be released last year in anticipation for this album, and it quickly became of of kenzie's biggest songs to date. This song is accompanied by a music video where kenzie brings back her dancing talents, which are choreographed by her older sister Maddie who still professionally dances. "anatomy" is a deeply emotional piano song about growing up without a father, and the impact that it has had on kenzie. She's not holding back on how her father's toxicity and absence has effected her and her family. It's a song that unfortunately, many little girls can relate to out there. It's beautifully tragic, so make sure to grab your tissues before pressing play. the me i was "the me i was" is the eighth and final single which was released along with the album, accompanied by a music video. There are a lot of very personal songs on this song, but this one hits a little bit different. kenzie sings about wishing she could be the girl she was before she had gone through trauma and heartbreak, the girl that was sweeter and trusted easier. The way she sings is so deeply emotional, and you have an instrumental, electronic production breakdown that takes the emotion to a whole new height. This is a song that many people can relate to as well. Once you experience life a little bit and realize that people aren't all good, it changes you, and not for the better. This song feels like mourning the loss of yourself, a part of you that you'll never get back. word vomit Acting as the fourth single before the release of this album, we have "word vomit". The lyrics don't actually contain the words, "word vomit" however, the lyrics literally are word vomit. They are just an endless stream of conscious, kenzie letting every thought in her head out onto the floor. It's a very personal, painful song about heartbreak; when you thought you knew someone and they turned out to be extremely toxic; and now you're just left all alone with your mind and intense feelings. This song puts a spotlight on a haunting guitar progression and drums that continue to build as the song goes on. 6 feet under Although it didn't come with a video, kenzie released "6 feet under" as the sixth single in anticipation for this album, just 2 months before it's release. This song is about being in a relationship with someone who is insecure and controlling; they feel like if you have a life outside of being in a relationship with them, then you don't love them or they're losing you. kenzie sings of how there's enough room for her to be herself and for her to love them, but as long as they keep pushing to change her, the more it feels like the end. This song is filled with acoustic guitar and a catchy, early 2000's type of beat. close to you "close to you" is the fifth single and is a beautiful love song and a duet with fellow pop singer, ASTN . This song is perfect for anyone who has found somebody who they've deeply fallen in love with, who makes everything feel right in the world. This song will definitely remind you of them; who knows, may it can become your couple song or the song you'll end up slow-dancing to at your wedding. It's slow but powerful, mixed with a bit of soul and simplicity to really give the vocals and heartfelt lyrics a chance to shine. midnight murderer "midnight murderer" is a fun song about those days you'd stay out and up all night with your friends; back when you could sleep all day the next day and time was never an issue. You had all the energy in the world and having fun with your friends gave you the sense of euphoria and adrenaline you needed. paper "paper" was the first song to be released over a year ago in anticipation for kenzie to release a new album. Although it was highly promoted, it continues to be one of the more underrated songs even though in my opinion, it's one of her best. It's got a simple, RnB influenced beat with guitar with gentle, classic, heartbroken vocals. "paper" is about losing a partner who left you to be with someone who is more "picture perfect" . They cared more about looks rather than what's good for them. It really hurts a person's self-esteem when something like this happens, because it makes you feel like you're not physically good enough even though you know personality wise, you were a perfect match. kenzie sings, "she looks good on paper, but I look good on you." face to face Released as a single just six months ago, "face to face" is the third single from this album. It takes a retro approach, with a fast-paced electronic beat, ethereal synths and layers of gorgeous vocal harmonies that transport you back to the 80's. The fact the the music is a bit nostalgic holds more meaning that it may seem once you realize what the song is truly about. "face to face" is about the frustration of having to play out the majority of your relationships over technology, and not in person. When you have a fight with someone, they have time to plan out what they want to say in text or when they call you instead of having a genuine face-to-face conversation. Combined with the music video, it's also about just missing that real human connection with people in this day of social media. casualty Closing out the album, we have the final track, "casualty". It's the come down, as it's more of a folk-influenced style with acoustic guitar and strings. "casualty" is about knowing when a relationship is hanging by a thread, but refusing to let it go. At any given second, things could end and they could end very badly, but both of you are too scared to lose each other; so instead you just hold on. I think "biting my tongue" is the best, most personal work we've gotten to hear from kenzie thus far. I feel like we're finally getting to hear who she is as an artist and not just as a vocalist. We're getting to hear her story and deep emotions. Not only that, but her vocal growth as a singer is absolutely impeccable. Her voice is so beautiful and she sings in a way that engages you as a listener; like you want to hear what she has to say. The touching and relatable songs on this album, mixed with the high quality production and kenzie's voice equal out to pop perfection. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

  • Review: "DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER" - George Redwood

    On the first listen, my direct observation was that the music pairs with Redwood’s voice nicely., it's almost as if the music and his voice were made to be together. I would categorize it as dance music that is easy to sing along and relate to. Redwood sings "I fight with the devil on my shoulder". Oh man, don’t we all. What I find most interesting about this musical endeavor is that Redwood doesn’t mention an angel on his shoulder. Perhaps it’s to be found in the context clues since Redwood mentions “fighting” with the devil on his shoulder, thereby not listening to it and going against what it wants. Ah, one of the many trials and tribulations of this thing we call life, deciding whether or not to listen to the devils on our shoulders. In a description of the song, it is explained that “"Devil On My Shoulder" by George Redwood is a heartfelt exploration of the inner battles we face with mental health. Set against a backdrop of soulful melodies and raw, honest lyrics, this track delves into the struggle of dealing with anxiety and the feeling of loneliness. Redwood's emotive vocals and poignant storytelling capture the essence of fighting personal demons, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has experienced similar struggles.” This description helps to answer the question of why an angel on the shoulder isn’t mentioned, it’s not necessarily a do I choose this or that instance, it’s a feeling or emotion I’m fighting against. Redwood is describing a fight to hold onto the angelic side of life – joy, success, triumph. However, experiencing the bad makes the good all the better. This song is most certainly an anthem with its bop-infused melody. It’s a lighthearted way of embracing all that life has to offer, even the not-so-fun aspects such as anxiety and loneliness. “And I don’t know what I’m feeling”. I think that line is important to discuss. A feeling that is, possibly, worse than anxiety or loneliness is when you simply can’t put a name to what you’re feeling, when words fail and your soul is in turmoil. And, furthermore, if people are to inquire about what is wrong, you don’t have anything to tell them because you can’t even pinpoint what troubles you. But, with this song, you can be confused, sad, lonely, anxious, and still dancing. I actually seriously love this spin on things, it helps you not take life too seriously and to not sulk in your feelings. This too shall pass, so to speak. “Put one foot in front of the other just to see what I discover”. So after you pull yourself out of this undetermined feeling, now you can carry on with life and see what else it has to offer. It could be better. It could be worse. However, we must march on. Ah, what a treat life is. George Redwood is an English singer/songwriter from Sussex, United Kingdom. Redwood’s music is described as “dance pop”, “DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER” is definite evidence of that. George’s upcoming album ‘Better Than Nothing’ is expected this October and will feature “DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER”. Redwood’s social media presence currently boasts 2500 followers on Facebook, 1,211 followers on Instagram, 15,892 monthly listeners on Spotify, 835 followers on Tik Tok, and 567 subscribers on YouTube. I’ll be dancing along to Redwood’s music while we wait for the surefire bop of an album “Better Than Nothing” to release. If you want to join me, follow Redwood on all of his socials below and don’t forget to dance!! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW GEORGE REDWOOD: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook   | YouTube

  • Review: "Battery Park" - Alice June

    In her latest release, "Battery Park," Alice June crafts an evocative and immersive sonic landscape that delves deep into the emotional complexities of love, particularly the kind that drains one's spirit. Inspired by the serene yet bustling atmosphere of New York City’s iconic Battery Park, Alice’s lyrics are both poetic and poignant, offering a narrative that captures the bittersweet nature of insufficient love—love that takes more than it gives. The song's introspective tone invites listeners to reflect on past relationships that have left an indelible mark, teaching valuable lessons about self-protection and resilience. Through her masterful storytelling, Alice seamlessly weaves together themes of vulnerability and strength, creating a piece that resonates on a deeply personal level. Click here to listen to "Battery Park"! Musically, "Battery Park" is a lush tapestry of influences, drawing from the ethereal qualities of Kate Bush and the soaring crescendos of Florence and the Machine. The track's production is a global endeavor, recorded between the tranquil landscapes of Italy and the vibrant streets of London, and finalized in New York by renowned producer Simon Dobson. The rich instrumentation includes a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, synthesizers, and the delicate sounds of a xylophone, all harmoniously blended to create a compelling auditory experience. Real-life recordings of local birds chirping add a whimsical touch, grounding the song's ethereal elements in nature. Alice's clear and emotive vocals navigate through the song's dynamic arrangement with ease, capturing the essence of the lyrics and enhancing the overall emotional impact. The result is a multi-layered pop anthem that feels both timeless and contemporary, inviting listeners to dive into its intricate soundscape. Alice June's artistic journey is as rich and varied as her music. Hailing from Milan, she began her creative path in local theater productions, soon making a significant impact on the city's music scene. Growing up in the outskirts of Italy, Alice's early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for narrative richness, which now permeates her work. Traveling the world has further broadened her horizons, infusing her alt/indie pop sound with a unique blend of cinematic storytelling and heartfelt emotion. Drawing inspiration from artists like Florence + the Machine, Daughter, and London Grammar, Alice crafts music that transcends geographical boundaries and speaks to a global audience. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the meticulous production process of her tracks, involving international musicians and Grammy-winning sound engineers. With "Battery Pack," Alice June solidifies her place as a poignant and influential voice in the indie pop genre, promising a future filled with evocative and thought-provoking compositions. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ALICE: Instagram   | Spotify  | Website | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

  • Review: "Cool Girl" - Starling

    Returning after a brief hiatus over the course of the pandemic, Starling is back and better than ever with her new single, "Cool Girl." The empowering female anthem reflects on her personal journey as a young woman, exploring the trials of navigating relationships and travelling down a path of self-discovery. Elaborating on the inspiration behind the song, Starling states, "Cool Girl marks the new sound of pop meets therapy, sad meets hopeful, light meets dark - I want my music to encompass all parts of me and therefore, free all parts of you, the listener. We are all so multi-faceted and full of so much hope as well as fear, sadness, grief - it is safe to be it all.. at least, that is what I would like to share through my song." Readying herself for the release of her long-anticipated EP, Starling exudes confidence over a symphony of effervescent synths, energetic beats, and lush harmonies in "Cool Girl." The track is upbeat and lively, expressing a carefree attitude that comes with learning to be your authentic and honest self. "Cool Girl" starts off with an ethereal vibe as Starling's vocals float over the synth-laden background, later evolving into an infectious electropop soundscape that's impossible not to dance along to. Perfect for any synthpop/electropop enthusiast, Starling gives a captivating performance reminiscent of pop icons like Ellie Goulding , Tove Lo , and Alessia Cara . Discovered by London's Massive Attack, Starling has been a pop artist steadily on the rise. She has found herself catching the attention of prestigious magazines and tastemakers, including the likes of Wonderland, The Guardian, CLASH, and The Line of Best Fit. Her music is described as sophisticated pop with an edge and has been featured on over 18 Spotify "New Music Friday" playlists. Priding herself on incorporating a message of courage and resilience in her songs, Starling's upcoming EP showcases the artist's powerful and uplifting presence through a collection of fierce and vibrant pop songs. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW STARLING: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "everything but you" - viisi

    viisi's new single, "everything but you" is everything a break-up song should be, complete with just the right amount of venom. It's reminiscent and thoughtful, looking back on past memories. If only that awful ex wasn't there, right? The track describes the struggles of looking back at old pictures and posts and trying to find the good when all you see is someone who hurt you. How do you process memories that were amazing in the moment when someone so toxic was there for all of it? How do you combat that flurry of emotions? It almost feels like they ruined it all, and getting over that is a serious challenge. It's a feeling so many of us know all too well and viisi said it best. "I miss everything but you." Musically, this track is everything I love about a pop tune. It starts acoustic and somber, with just viisi's vocals over a single guitar, seeming like a lament. But then the beat kicks in. Oh, this is spiteful. This is venomous. This is something people can't help but pay attention to and oh my goodness is it catchy. This is a song you scream at the top of your lungs dancing around while you clean your room, getting over those people that did you wrong. The B Major key choice makes this even more interesting. It's a key that evokes hopefulness and aspiration. The song has heavy lyrics, but underneath, it's an anthem of hope. You can and will move on from that part of your life, whether they've tainted your memories or not. Canadian-born artist, viisi, takes his namesake from the Finnish word for five. His story as to why is even more intriguing. Five years after creating his first musical rough cut as a high school freshman, viisi would be touring Europe. It took only five years to make it big, and he owns that time well spent, adopting the iconic name in 2020. Beyond that, viisi takes a lot of his inspiration from 90s rap artists, but most importantly, Eminem. Shady's clear cut unapologetic nature was just the thing to set the spark for viisi's music, inspiring him to create songs with raw, emotional, unbridled storytelling. With a sincere dedication to his craft and the honesty of an open book, viisi is not at all afraid to spill his heart into unforgettable lyrics. "everything but you" is a fantastic song that resonates deeply with me and countless others and it is most certainly worth a listen. You can check it out on Spotify now! Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW viisi: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Twitter  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

  • Review: "Where Is The Water" - Anna Curreen

    Anna Curreen’s latest single “Where Is The Water” is an introspective melancholy deep dive into the desire to feel close to others, but the inevitable fall back into isolation when faced with needing to put equal effort into communication. You peer at your phone as you realize something seems off. A sudden feeling of loneliness permeates throughout your being as your recent messages face you. How has it already been weeks without either you or your friends communicating? The realization that the broken communication cycle has started again depletes your remaining energy. You crave the peace and comfort your friends brought you, but being the first to reach out hardly registers in your state of mind. Your desire for familiar connections is snuffed out by the harrowing fact that it needs to start with you. There’s never effort on your friends’ parts either, so starting any conversations seems pointless. Although you would never admit it outloud, you wish the communication efforts would start with them. But with every barrier you’ve put up and your life racing out of control, there’s little hope you would have the energy to sustain it. The thought of sending even one message is as daunting as it is exhausting. Click here to listen to "Where is the Water"! “Where Is The Water” is a dark alt pop single that utilizes somber and low instrumentation and vocalization to effectively display its narrative. A lone piano tapping away solo immediately sets the tone. No vocals or accompanying instruments play as we are thrown into a melancholy mood. Once the vocals and lower chords are sprinkled in, harmonious upper notes add an additional layer to the piano base. Occasional dips into minor chord progression help further establish the mood. The chorus introduces more instrumentation than the piano and small buildups. Guitar and percussive instruments are seamlessly blended so they naturally balance off each other. As each instrument slowly builds and every harmonious note sings lowly, the melancholy narrative seems perfectly reflected. A somber story is perfectly tailored to the melody it rings against. Anna Curreen is an American singer-songwriter currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Curreen has made a name for herself in the music industry for over a decade. She has had solo projects as well as collaborations with other musicians throughout her career. She has accumulated many feature articles about her music and performances from her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. She has also garnered a decent social media following that has maintained despite her taking an almost two year hiatus from releasing music. “Where Is The Water” marks her dive back into the industry and is the first single off of her EP which will release this fall. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “Where Is The Water?” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW ANNA CURREEN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Loud" - Holly Blair

    Bury yourself in a whirlwind of ear-striking musicality with “Loud” from artist Holly Blair. “Loud” is a testament to the people who are caught in a vortex of feeling overwhelmed and looking for solace. Blair opens “Loud” with her soothing voice alongside cushy synths, creating a warm and welcoming introduction to a tune with deep undertones. As the song unfolds, the pattern of the synths and waves to Blair’s voice appear to mimic a mind that is overwhelmed and experiencing a multitude of sensations all at once. Upon my first listen, lyrics with a small detail regarding “staring at the pavement” hit me like a ton of bricks. Blair’s writing style has a way of drawing you in with its flow and making you stay with its intricacies. Although “Loud” has a runtime of just around two minutes, its impact is substantial and within those 120 seconds you are immersed in a world of safety and resonation. As someone who struggles with often feeling overwhelmed, this song spoke to me in several ways. From my first listen, the opening sound somehow felt similar. I saw myself in “Loud” and that was accompanied by both feelings of joy and productive discomfort. While the track brought up difficult feelings, the mimicked patterns within “Loud” allowed me to explore my personal experiences and tune in with myself to provide a comforting experience. Rather than opening old wounds and pouring salt into them, I felt as though I had a new friend holding my hand through battles I’ve fought time & time again. Blair’s ability to connect with audiences through subjects such as struggles with mental health, as well as to produce music that blends genres across the board, is unmatched in comparison to a great number of artists. On top of this, Blair’s openness regarding her sexuality and identity provides a safe space in her music and for others that is incredibly important and should be shared more through the entertainment industry. I applaud her not only for the level of musicality she brings to the table but additionally for being an authentic light in all she does. Holly Blair is an LA-based songwriter, filmmaker, and multi-instrumentalist. She is a queer, gender-fluid artist who creates work that bridges gaps between genres as well as creative, defining worlds. Since coming out at age 22, Blair has embedded her identity throughout her music and continues to push past the confinements of society. She has stated that her fluid identity has helped allow her to play with genres and make music that is authentic to her. She has the ability to one day create a song that falls under the branch of country, then the next day produce an electronic track. Her 2023 EP, One Step Away Is Too Far , featured collaborations from producers Tim Carr – a.k.a Perfume Genius – and David Burris, who has worked with producer Tommy English and artist Willow Smith. “Make It On My Own”, a single off her 2023 EP, opened up a world for Blair – she became the co-director for the “Make It On My Own” music video and has since then only pushed her creative abilities forward. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW HOLLY BLAIR: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Grown Ups" - Naomi Jane

    Naomi Jane is back with her latest bittersweet single, “Grown Ups.” Marking the final single in her “Letterman Trilogy,” Jane’s “Grown Ups” captures the struggles of young love while transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Resolute and poignant, the song holds a tone of finalization, adding to its solemn beauty. Janes's lyrics are introspective and her maturity echoes throughout the track as we watch her let go of love and, from a distance, acknowledge the freeness of youth and naivety. She writes, “Let’s leave love to the grown-ups / We’re just not ready for that.” She decisively embraces adulthood, though not without taking one painful glance back at what once was. “Grown Ups” is a bittersweet ending, an ode to the passage of time and transition to adulthood. It is momentary and intensely raw, capturing a sense of solitude that can sometimes accompany us as we grow and change throughout life. Lyrically powerful and heartfelt, Jane's serene voice carries the song, as instrumentally the song is perfectly simple. The track takes a step away from other pop-infused rhythms or heavy studio-done beats that sometimes feature in the pop category. Instead, Jane opts for a light country and folk sound to enrich her song. Moving lyrics coincide with a humble and down-to-earth melody, a signature of Jane's we've seen before in her music. With just a few simple strums of guitar alongside harmonizing pieces of Jane's voice, we are left with a timeless composition. Placed within a story of love and loss, Jane's ability to almost singlehandedly uphold a song with her voice alone, without the aid of multiple instruments, is an art in itself. As Jane soothingly caresses each note and feathers over each melancholic line, almost tangible emotion can be touched. Always pleasantly authentic, Jane constructs a narrative that is both tinged with sadness and a resolved maturity that listeners can relate to at any age. In the conclusion to her "Letterman Trilogy," Jane follows her previous two singles, "Pretty Boys" and "Little Miss," by finishing off her narrative of a journey through youthful love and growing up. In “Pretty Boys,” Jane points out the youthful fragility of love and the disillusionment that can sometimes become blinding. Her second single in the trilogy, “Little Miss,” illustrates themes of self-acceptance, self-worth, and empowering oneself. When creating “Grown Ups,” Jane was influenced by artist Zack Bryan , which can be seen in the country and folk waves of the song. The song marks the end of the story and the emotional evolution that Jane illustrates in her character. “Grown Ups” symbolically takes images of the red solo cup and teenage scenes to be used as a reflection of the past. Jane looks at her experiences from the outside and acknowledges them as moments of growth and maturity. With her latest singles receiving over 575k streams and amassing 26k followers on TikTok, Jane continues to both enchant and captivate listener's hearts with her writing and vocals. Not the end for Jane, she promises her eager audience another EP that is set to debut in September 2024. Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW NAOMI JANE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Review: "Skin" - Kid Tigrrr

    “Skin”, Kid Tigrrr’s latest release is a powerful piece regarding the implications and importance of identity.  Identity is by its very definition something to be discovered within oneself, by oneself.  Feeling comfortable in one’s own skin is a difficult task, made more so when it feels like that skin and the self is dedicated to another.  Kid Tigrrr describes the heartaching but ultimately necessary journey of finding herself.  She goes from a fragile doll, fair, someone who cannot be touched by the sun due to hiding in her partner's shadow, to speaking out for herself and claiming her skin as her own.  The complexities of her relationship made her lack of identity known, and gave her motivation to seek out a better relationship with herself, but it was only her who ultimately was able to claim her skin as hers. The song begins with a gentle acoustic guitar, a skill Kid Tigrrr will expand on throughout the piece.  Her voice is soft and full, making the perfect narrator for the character she creates within her lyrics.  She never states the transgressions against her with malice or anger, merely recognizing them as something to overcome.  When she reaches the chorus, new instrumentals are introduced that offer a whimsical yet mournful turn.  Every piece of this song fits a contextual theme and is beautifully composed to tell this story.  As the song goes on, and she grows more and more tired of her overshadowing partner, the instrumentals as well as her voice evolve into a more rebellious tone.  Again, this is never outright anger, but the subtle transition from acoustic to electric guitar is indicative enough.  She closes the piece with a collage of vocals which mix into a true expression of her overwhelming emotion. Kid Tigrrr is the creative project of Jenna Fournier, a visual and musical artist.  Fournier began her career in music as the leading woman to Niights.  The group found immense success, going on multiple world tours and releasing two albums.  Her independently created music is on its way to reaching similar heights.  Her first released song as Kid Tigrrr, “Shapes of Water”, was recognized by DKFM Shoegaze Radio, “Skin” has been highly regarded by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, and her second single, “Scry” received a personal acknowledgment and blessing from Neil Halstead of Slowdive.  Her live performances are widely respected as well for their creative ingenuity and can be seen at the Cleveland Museum of Art this coming September. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW KID TIGRRR: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

  • Review: "Jane" - SARA

    "Jane" is the latest pop rock anthem from London-based singer SARA, released on July 26, 2024. The song was produced with the Grammy winning Chris Sclafani. It is only her second single, and it shows off her strength in storytelling and crafting catchy hooks. Whether Jane is an actual person or a metaphor, SARA encapsulates her story and struggles in this track. For fans of 2000s pop rock and artists like Avril Lavigne and Paramore, "Jane" is an exciting nostalgic-sounding track to blast and dance around to. The electifying song invites us as listeners to simply let loose and have fun. On "Jane," SARA sings about a girl that bottles up her feelings, feels like an outcast, and seeks validation in any way that she can get it. Backed by a rock and punk-influenced production, the track is like a time capsule to the noughties era. In the refrain, she sings, "No one ever looked so pretty while being so sad." It's an ode to the teenage experience; feeling insecure and out of place, always trying to feel more alive and at ease. "Jane" encourages listeners to dance around and sing along, the perfect backdrop for a night out. Make sure to add this track to your favorite playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. SARA is a German singer-songwriter who lives in London, crafting a distinct pop rock sound. Each song of hers feels like a movie soundtrack to the listener's lives. Along with creating music, SARA works as an actress and a model. This creative energy shines through in her projects. If you enjoyed "Jane," make sure to check out SARA's other single, "Runaway." You can also keep up with latest information on SARA and her music by following the social media platforms before. More releases are planned for this year, and personally, I am so excited to see what she will put out on streaming platforms next. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW SARA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

  • Review: "A Mile Away" - Hunter Sheridan

    The distance of a single mile is rather lengthy. The average time it takes a human to run a mile is seven minutes and four seconds. If a human were to walk that mile, it would take roughly 20 minutes before they reach their target. But no comparison sums this up as well as Hunter Sheridan does in his newest single ‘A Mile Away’. The song details a one-sided love affair, in which Hunter is trying to receive unwanted love from a significant other. A painful and yet relatable tale of being hopelessly devoted to someone, Hunter ties painful lyrics into a catchy production full of pop-rock and indie influences. “It’s like I just keep running, but you’re always a mile away. And I can’t get much closer, what you want me to say?” The cover art is a great expression behind the meaning of the song. Two people seemingly a mile apart, but close enough to where one can pursue the other. But this production crafted by Hunter Sheridan and Ty Callan of the indie-rock band ‘Sit Still’ creates an irresistible tune that you can’t help but sing along to. The instrumental is dominated by a strong pop-rock rhythm along with a smooth, folk-sounding guitar part. ‘A Mile Away’ has the ability to be comforting to those who have experienced unrequited love. The song is a sub-three minute anthem, short enough to keep your attention, but long enough to get the point across. Hunter Sheridan adjusted his songwriting formula to make ‘A Mile Away’ into a pop masterpiece. The Canadian singer-songwriter is predominately known for creating folk songs that have alternative influences. ‘Skin & Bones’ is one of Hunter’s strongest tracks that incorporates these folk sounds. His delivery in that song is phenomenal, and I’d highly recommend checking it out. Hunter’s debut album ‘Life is a Dream’ has accumulated over 100,000 streams on Spotify and received a feature on Spotify’s ‘folk favorites’. In 2020 and 2021, he received nominations at the Oshawa Music Awards for ‘Songwriter of the Year’ and ‘Album + Single of the Year’. You can check out all of the music and the latest updates from Hunter Sheridan in the links below. Written By Camden Luca FOLLOW HUNTER: Instagram   | Spotify  | Website  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

  • Album Review: "BLOOD ON THE DRUMS" - Ashton Irwin

    Singer, Songwriter, musician and beloved drummer from the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, Ashton Irwin has released his second solo studio album, "BLOOD ON THE DRUMS". TRACKLIST Straight To Your Heart Breakup BLOOD ON THE DRUMS I See The Angels Lose You Rebel At Heart Last Night Of My Life Indestructible The Canyon California Holds Her Breath Little Spark Wicked Habit Marry You Glory Days Wild Things Endless Wave Ashton Irwin is known mostly by many as the drummer from globally popular pop/rock band, 5 Seconds of Summer in whom he's been a part of since 2011. However, he is more than just a drummer - he's a true artist at heart and has a phenomenal voice as well. As the 5SOS boys have been taking more free liberties in the past few years, In 2020, Ashton released a debut solo album titled "Superbloom". Now, four years later he introduces us to "BLOOD ON THE DRUMS", which he has described as "the sound of Ashton Irwin" . Mixing unique blends of 80's influence, rock'n'roll and art-pop, Ashton is ready to show us who he is as an artist, away from his bandmates. Straight To Your Heart Track one is the leading single of the album, "Straight To Your Heart" which was released in anticipation of the album's release. Let me just start by saying - THIS SONG IS A BOP AND A HALF. I'm shocked that it hasn't gotten more attention. Talk about the perfect track to get somebody hyped for an album. It has everything a hit song needs; a high energy beat, a catchy groove and instrumentation, smooth vocals and a heart-stopping melody, and lyrics that get stuck in your head. Enough said, just listen to it. I promise if you're a pop music fan you're going to love it and be adding it to your playlists. This song has those nostalgic pop rock vibes, it's something I could see Harry Styles coming out with - so if that's someone you're a fan of, I highly suggest giving Ashton a chance. Breakup Track two and also the second single, we have "Breakup". Ashton is getting dirty with this dark rock song, featuring heavy electric guitar and a haunting vibe. He shows off his vocal talents by singing in falsetto. "Breakup" is about trying to convince a girl you're interested in to breakup with her boyfriend because she could have a better time with you. It's very rock influenced, with an eerie groove that makes you feel like you're doing something bad - which is the point! BLOOD ON THE DRUMS Next, we have the title track and the third single, "BLOOD ON THE DRUMS". It seems like a very vulnerable, personal song to Ashton and it makes a lot of sense why it is the title of this album. Even though Ashton was able to make a career for himself as the Drummer for 5SOS, I feel like he doesn't want to be only known for that. He is an individual, his own person who can make his own art - which is the whole reason he made this album in the first place! I love the soft, acoustic feel to the emotional chorus followed by the heavy rock refrain in this song; and during the verses, you feel like you're just listening to him tell you his story like he's speaking directly to you. The dynamic diversity between sections definitely makes this a stand out track. I See The Angels "I See The Angels" has cryptic lyrics and seems to sound the most 5SOS out of all the songs so far. Given the context of what I think the lyrics are about, this may very well have been done on purpose. The pop/rock vibes and gorgeous falsetto moments do remind me a lot of the signature 5SOS sound and I think this song is about feeling a bit trapped within the industry and not getting to be yourself. The entertainment business can be a really dark and toxic place, but Ashton sings of still being able to recognize who the good people in his life are. He sings, "I don't see the light, but I see the angel". Lose You UM. OKAY ASHTON?! When I read the title of this song, I expected a sad ballad. Well, I was wrong. This is the one of the catchiest pop bops I've heard all year. "Lose You" is about wanting to throw in the towel for good if you lose this person you love, because you'll never find someone better than them. This song has a hook that will play in my head forever; it features high falsetto and low chest unison vocals that are so smooth and have a melody that repeats in a good way because you just want to hear it over and over again. This is going to be one of my favorite songs. Rebel At Heart "Rebel At Heart" is a groovy, nostalgic and raw rock song about a self-destructive person. Life isn't going their way, and instead of facing their issues head on they just drown themselves in bad decisions and negative habits. Again, Ashton shows off his incredible range with smooth falsetto vocals. Last Night Of My Life "Last Night Of My Life" in summary, feels like a song about having an existential crisis. Death is something many avoid thinking about in fear of what comes after; Ashton sings of this of this fear - you literally never know when you're going do die. It could be in the next minute, it could be 50 years from now. Another point he makes, is since life is so short and it could end at at any liven second, we shouldn't spend it with people who treat us poorly. Don't waste your breath and time on people who don't deserve it. Indestructible "Indestructible" mixes heavy rock with dark electronic pop to create this sort of anti-hero, empowering song. This is for all those people out there who know they're badass even though there isn't anyone else but themselves who believe in them. The Canyon The fourth, most recent single released along with the album is "The Canyon". This song is haunting, and although it can probably be interpreted in many ways, this is my take. I think "The Canyon" is a metaphor for depression; its a dark place, that many people fall into. Before I even had this realization of what the song might be about, I was experiencing the music itself and thought to myself - this sounds like an old, Southern American folk song, like something a coal minor would sing during The Great Depression . Then when I read the lyrics, everything started to piece together in my head. Just listen, and watch the music video too; this song is a true work of art. If you've ever struggled with mental health, this is for you. At the end of every tunnel, there is a light. California Holds Her Breath People usually see California as the place where people's dreams come true. In "California Holds Her Breath", Ashton sings of a girl who is being held back from happiness because of her career as dancer in California. She doesn't feel like she can be herself anymore because she has to earn a living. It's more broken down than other songs we've heard so far, taking more of an acoustic approach. It's a very beautiful, but tragic song with a gorgeous melody and a euphoric, emotional build at the end with drums and vocal harmonies. Little Spark "Little Spark" is one of the more lyrically driven songs on this album I'd say. It's very descriptive in it's imagery and is good at keeping you invested. "Little Spark" is about when you're not necessarily having the best time but you still have that one thing, or person in your life that can make everything better. Even if they're not necessarily there with you physically in that moment, just looking at a picture or remembering that you'll be able to be with them soon is enough to pick you back up. This song has such a catchy little groove and melody - and it has a super cool guitar solo that transports you back into the early 2000's pop/rock era. Wicked Habit "Wicked Habit" goes HARD. I just can't imagine listening to this song and not getting to jump around and toss my hair all over the place. It's definitely giving nostalgic hard pop/rock feels. "Wicked Habit" is comparing your feelings to someone to a drug addiction. It may be a little toxic, but you just can't imagine ever living without them. Ashton sings, "Please don't wake me up until you're rushing through my veins, I can't live without a little hit of you". Marry You Showing off those sexy falsetto vocals again, Ashton has made up his mind in "Marry You" as he sings about someone who he's 100% sure about. This sensual song has Latino influence in it's rhythm and chords as Ashton tells us a story of someone he's able to be happy around and go on adventures with - ultimately making up his mind that he wants to marry her. Glory Days "Glory Days" is about looking back on the fun times you used to have when you were younger; when you would hang out with your friends, do stupid things and felt like you were invincible. Ashton is looking back on these memories fondly, saying "it sounds like a perfect story", but still wishing that things could be that way now, implying that those people he had so much fun with aren't as close with him anymore. "Glory Days" is very 80's pop rock in it's influence and has a cathartic soundscape that draws you in instantly. Wild Things "Wild Things", is a stunning folk inspired track filled with acoustic guitar, cinematic drums and keys. This song is about having a partner who struggles with mental health and sees themselves as "too crazy" to be loved; but from Ashton's perspective, he's telling this partner that he loves them no matter what and he wants to be there for them to help them through what they're dealing with on the inside. He doesn't want to be pushed away, and he will follow them wherever they go. It's such a honest, beautiful love song that I feel like a lot of people out there need to hear; and there needs to be more songs like this on the topic of loving someone who suffers with mental illness. Endless Wave "Endless Wave" is the final track, bringing this album to a close. I will say, when you listen to this album as a whole and then you get to this song, it's a bit of a culture shock! This has a very classic blues and soul feel to it with a different production style from the rest of the album. It's very mellow, coming down from the excitement and heavy energy that we've experienced from other songs. At this point, it's time to take a deep breath, and just enjoy Ashton's conclusion to this incredible project he has created. Here we are again with another album this year that is incredibly underrated!! Why am I not seeing more hype about this album?! Ashton Irwin has really outdone himself on this one, creating masterpieces that I'm personally still processing. He's proven that he's a force to be reckoned with and deserves more recognition as a well-rounded solo artist and not just as the drummer from 5 Seconds of Summer . There are bangers on here, there are emotional tear-jerkers, there's rock'n'roll, there's mainstream pop, there's nostalgia, there's relatable songs, there's thought out stories, there's ones that you have to sit and really think about - there are topics on this album that I've never heard anybody else write about! This is a must listen album, so if you haven't heard it yet I suggest you add it to your list now. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

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