Skylar Lee’s impeccable songwriting is on full display in her stunning new single. “Things I’ll Never Know” eloquently describes the tragic aftermath of a breakup. Her vulnerable lyrics confess that while she may have had closure, she definitely doesn’t have peace. Her mind keeps slipping back to how things used to be. She was always updated on her ex’s life: where they were vacationing, what they ate for breakfast, or how their day went. Now, these are all “things she will never know.” Lee’s honesty is admirable, expressing her thoughts through poetic lyrics. The song brilliantly encapsulates the feelings of grief, sorrow, and bitter nostalgia. She knows she will never find her way back to this person, and that cuts through her sharper than a blade. However, what hurts even more is she will never know anything more about the person she once knew everything about. Lee is a phenomenal storyteller whose flawless talent radiates through every release. “Things I’ll Never Know” only enhances her already flawless discography. Lee consistently releases impeccable songs with stunning productions, making her one of my favorite artists to watch. “Things I’ll Never Know” beautifully encapsulates all that Lee and her music are– an absolute work of art. The mesmerizing indie-pop soundscape reels in the audience as they dive into the vulnerability of the track. The song begins with the muted chords on the acoustic guitar and stripped vocals, lulling the listener in. The pre-chorus adds bass while an additional guitar is subtly introduced to the background, giving a taste of the brightness in the chorus. The song bursts into the well-rounded, lively atmosphere of the chorus, ensuring that the listener will be compelled to dance along while sobbing to the heartbreaking lyrics. The post-chorus brings in a light snare percussion to further boost the complex production. Similarly to every one of her releases, Lee’s outstanding vocals shine in her latest single, showcasing her remarkable vocal control and range. “Things I’ll Never Know” is another excellent display of her talent, making me proud to call myself a fan of the incredible artist. Skylar Lee is a pop singer, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville. From a young age, she knew music was her passion, so when she turned 17, she moved from Pennsylvania to Nashville to pursue her dream. Lee proudly wears her heart on her sleeve which translates into vulnerable lyrics and creative hooks. Her perfect-pitch ear provides a unique talent when it comes to songwriting. She has already made impressive waves in the music industry, including being featured in Rolling Stone India  for two of her 2022 tracks, “Hotel in a Hurry” and “Modern Art”. Additionally, Lee was a Top 25 finalist in the American Songwriting Competition for “Modern Art” and a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition for her single, “Too Good to Be You.” Following down the path of her inspirations like Maisie Peters, Mimi Webb, Conan Gray, and Dagny, Lee continues to garner more and more fans for herself, proving that she is on track to be one of the world’s next great pop musicians. Her innate talent has earned a spot on many of my playlists, but my personal favorite is my Blondes With Bangs playlist! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW SKYLAR: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Lauren Presley’s new track “H-I-N-T” is daring, bold, and beautiful. The primary meaning of the song has to do with establishing boundaries with someone who refuses to take a hint. These lyrics are empowering and no-nonsense, and this is evident in lines such as “There’s nothing in between / The space from you to me / That shit is history.” As many of us know, it takes a lot of courage to say this to someone you once cared about. However, Presley sings this line confidently, reaffirming she is sick and tired of dealing with this situation and ready to take action for herself. Her frustration will be relatable to many who have had to be embarrassingly clear to an ex who has overstepped. Now let’s get into how “H-I-N-T” sounds!  “H-I-N-T” is an attention grabbing rock-inspired track that starts out with a bang. Right away, the song’s fun and fast tempo is made evident through a pulsing drum beat. Although, the star of the instrumentals is truly its gritty-sounding guitar. Presley notes artists such as Fletcher and Charlotte Sands for inspiring her during the making of “H-I-N-T.” Overall, the production is a 10/10 and the tone is intense, similarly to its lyrics and overarching meaning. Presley’s talent truly shines through this track, and “H-I-N-T” seems like only the beginning of a new and exciting era. Texas-native Lauren Presley is an up and coming pop artist whose debut  single “A Little Longer” is sitting at over 1 million streams and 5.6 million Youtube views. She currently resides in the bustling city of Nashville, Tennessee. Presley is authentically herself; her vulnerability in addition to her singing/songwriting talents has helped her to gain nearly 30,000 monthly Spotify listeners and national radio support. Presley’s influences include legends in the pop music space such as Tate McRae , Halsey , and Nessa Barrett. All grounded in pop, it seems as though Lauren has learned a thing or two about emotional lyricism and unique vocal delivery from her heroes. If you can’t get enough of “H-I-N-T,” make sure to follow Lauren Presley on the social media we have linked below to keep up with all of her new music! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW LAUREN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

This song is more than meets the eye, particularly, the title. “Julian” isn’t the noun that a first-time listener would think that it is. Apparently, “Julian” isn’t the name of a person, but, rather, a place. “Julian” is a town in California that the narrator goes to with their loved one. “I wanna take pictures of us.” Dawn sings of wanting to capture a moment and almost freeze it in time. Pictures are that reminder of special moments; it extends the moments for years and years and makes you feel the same way you felt when you took the picture. Even more than that, though, this song is discussing people’s perceptions of you. When you begin a relationship you open yourself up to someone else taking a deep dive into you and your aura- that can be especially daunting. “So I question shit when it feels right.” I’m sure we can all relate to this lyric. The pessimist in us all is always suspicious when things are going well, as if we’re waiting for the ball to drop, for something to go wrong because that’s what we, unfortunately, consider the norm. “About the song, Estella shares, "‘Julian’ is about those moments of doubt and introspection in a relationship—the push and pull between wanting to be close to someone but also fearing the vulnerability that comes with it." Dawn’s tone is rich and commanding and the guitar is the most prominent instrument in the song, which has a raw unplugged feel to it. This style definitely matches the overall feel of the song which is that of stripping off the layers and baring one’s self and soul to someone and processing how it feels to have the same thing be done for you. Love is such a complex action and feeling, there’s no surefire or only one way to express that and Dawn does a fantastic job of conveying the highs as well as the lows and everything in between. “I’m scared that if you see me in color, I won’t be as pretty as you thought.” is a rather beautiful way to express being afraid of vulnerability and wondering if people will accept you for who you truly are, not who they may perceive you as or want you to be, but who you really, truly are, if you choose to show them. Love is a choice, we choose to love others, to open our hearts to them, to show them every part of us, even the not-so-like-able parts. And that’s a rather important thing to do, after all, we’re all only human, we’re not perfect. This song is a wake up call to embrace vulnerability, this song is a punch in the gut when in the current thick of being so in love that you can’t even think clearly and you’re obsessed with this other person; this song is truth serum for those of us who struggle with insecurities and wondering if anyone will love us without the “mask” on, wondering if we’ll ever find our people that will accept every molecule of our being. This song has so many meanings, Dawn’s voice is the perfect blend of vulnerability but also a quiet confidence in one’s self and surrendering to the possibility of being rejected, all in the name of love. “Could you please stay in focus?” is the message the listener is left to ponder on as the song ends. Dawn is still showing that vulnerable side of wanting that person to stay the way they are and not to “switch” up because that would affect what they have. Dawn is expressing the pessimism we all fall privy to, not trusting that someone will stay in the first place or that, when they stay, they’ll remain the same person we were introduced to at the beginning of the relationship. Dawn's stance in this song is, in my opinion, the best balance of optimism and pessimism. As if to say - yes, yes I do feel all of these things and this could end very badly, but this love, this love is worth it, whatever the outcome may be, I'll drive head first into this abyss. Although Dawn is currently based in San Diego, she is a kiwi by nature as she was born in New Zealand. Dawn, an independent artist, is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer, and songwriter with an online presence that is seen and followed by hundreds of thousands of people. Estella’s musical style is that of indie pop. With songs like “Julian”, Dawn is able to utilize all of her talent as an artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and human to craft this honest, heartwarming, deep dive into the human psyche and heart. Ms. Dawn, I am sat and waiting for more music. If you, too, are a new fan and wish to stay connected to all things Estella Dawn and to stream “Julian” as much as you’d like, follow her on all of her socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW ESTELLA DAWN: Instagram | Spotify   | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Jack Towns releases his debut single, “Anything Else?”, a gleeful musical that bursts with charm and charisma, dotting the music scene with a welcoming newness. Playful and delightfully fun, “Anything Else?” feels like dancing on a stage and kicking your feet in the air, giddy with joy. Decorated with an addictively bouncy rhythm and infectiously danceable melody, the single is a parade of jazz sessions, drum rolls, and chirpy piano notes. Jack dances around a sore situation of a person having misplaced love for a certain someone who can't give them what they ultimately want in the relationship. “Find someone else to talk to,” Jack sings, “my time it ain't all for you / I'm trying to be nice, but I'm walking on thin ice.” The carefree tune questions the person's interest and though Jack wants to walk away, he can't seem to say goodbye. Jack musically puts an amusing twist on the topic of a relationship that needs to end, questioning why he still finds himself wanting to "try" for the sake of the relationship. “Anything Else?” is a lively show in which Jack captures his audience with panache and a flourish in his vocality and groove, on a stage meant just for him. The tune is kidlike, adding to its animated melody with springy piano notes and matching zestful voice. Jack’s tone is hopeful and filled with wonder and curiosity at different points in the song's buildup toward the jazzy breakout choruses. Following, tambourines, electric strings, muted drums, cymbals, and more, “Anything Else?” is instrumentally colorful and bright. With the song's highly energized feel, the arrangement of instruments brings forth a foot-tapping melody in a happy-go-lucky scene. Enthusiastic and confident, the song radiates with personality and a unique flare embellished by each note and beat. A celebration of a song, “Anything Else?” needs nothing else, as it throws a party and lights every corner with a light-hearted air. Releasing his first single, “Anything Else?”, as a solo artist, Jack Towns comes forward as an already seasoned songwriter and recording artist at 19. At the age of six, Jack began playing piano and over the years began experimenting with other instruments and his vocal style. From upstate New York, Jack previously performed as a keyboardist in the Utica NY-based teen indie pop-rock band Filled to the Brim. The band formed out of a local summer rock camp when Jack was 13. Since then, the artist has performed live covers of classic rock hits, and the band's original songs off their two full indie pop-rock albums. The singer-songwriter is recognized for his vocals and lyrical talent on the band's two most popular songs, “Snow in June,” and “I'm Alright.” After spending five years with the group, Jack decided to embark on his solo musical journey while being a current full-time college student in upstate New York. Check out the debut hit single below! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW JACK TOWNS: Instagram   | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

colby! delivers another compelling track with her latest single, "Doing What I Can," a song that artfully balances emotive lyrics with a buoyant, uplifting melody. Known for her unique blend of heartfelt emotion and magnetic energy, colby! captures the essence of self-reliance and personal empowerment in this powerful anthem. The song delves into the importance of finding happiness from within, urging listeners to pursue their paths regardless of external opinions. Her lyrical prowess shines through as she sings, "Don’t waste your energy trying to convince people that you’re doing the right thing," encapsulating the universal struggle of seeking validation from others. Musically, "Doing What I Can" features colby's airy yet powerful vocals that glide effortlessly over a vibrant pop soundscape. The production is rich and dynamic, seamlessly blending contemporary pop elements with introspective lyrics that speak to the heart. The uplifting beats and infectious rhythm create a compelling contrast to the song's deeper themes, inviting listeners to reflect on their journeys while enjoying a danceable tune. This track, like her previous works "Don’t Know What to Say" and "Gone to Bed," showcases colby's ability to create music that resonates deeply and maintains a fresh, modern appeal. It's no wonder her previous singles have earned spots on editorial playlists like Apple Music’s New In Indie, New In Pop, and New In Alternative, as well as Amazon Music’s Girl Squad and Breakthrough Pop playlists. Colby!, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, is fast becoming a notable name in the pop music scene, featured prominently in Ones to Watch and LADYGUNN. Her rise in the industry has been marked by her distinct vocal style and introspective lyricism, which set her apart from her contemporaries. With a knack for blending emotive storytelling with catchy pop arrangements, colby! has captivated audiences and critics alike. Her journey has been marked by impressive milestones, including being featured on prestigious editorial playlists and receiving support from major platforms. "Doing What I Can" continues to solidify her place as a formidable force in the pop world, demonstrating her unique ability to connect with listeners on a profound level while maintaining a vibrant and uplifting sound. As colby! continues to evolve and capture hearts with her music, fans eagerly anticipate what she will bring next to the ever-changing landscape of pop music. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW COLBY!: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok   | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Starlight Alice have done it again. One of the most exciting up and coming UK bands have added another piece of heat to their ever-evolving discography with their new single, Together We Ride . Lyrically, this track is overflowing with energy boosting bars and unyielding optimism. Lines like " Were only miles away from all our dreams" and "Were always gonna chase the sunrise" paint the picture of protagonists hungering for the buzz of their next adventure together. There is assuredly a heavy theme of fellowship through shared freedom found in this ditty; a sentiment that should easily translate to listeners lusting for their own fun and exciting journey to embark on as they let this song play on repeat. Together We Ride absolutely oozes energy, introducing listeners to an aura only felt when out questing with your homeboys/homegirls and vibes are at an all-time high. The track's instrumentation is filled with bright guitar licks, clean vocals, and an ultra-intoxicating beat that takes this song to a higher level. Ultimately, the production is super clean on Together We Ride , allowing the vocals to shine through as the music itself serves to propel the vibrancy of the tune forward. Please make sure to crank the knob of your car stereo all the way to the right when play this one on your next drive because I promise you're going to want the volume at max. Jacob Browne and Luke Potter, the UK power duo behind Starlight Alice, have been busy in 2024 – steadily churning out electric indie singles over the course of the year. The pair's debut single, I Swear To God , dropped back in February and quickly garnered critical acclaim throughout the music industry. Browne and Potter initially began working together by cowriting songs and assisting on one another's solo projects, before finally making the decision to combine forces as Starlight Alice. The band's enigmatic sound is best described as alt-rock-meets-pop-country, but with a UK twist, making it a truly refreshing auditory aesthetic for our readers to tap into. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW STARLIGHT ALICE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | SoundCloud  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Initial thoughts are that this has a very catchy beat and introduces a quite relatable situation, meeting someone and feeling like you have to remember their name so you can possibly find them later because they left such an impression. I would venture to say that that's why the name is repeated in the chorus, for memory and to hopefully see her again. When you meet someone who leaves a lasting impression on you after just one meeting, you don’t tend to forget them very easily. "Sent her to hijack my summer." Fitzgerald sings of a summer fling/love, as if certain that this isn't the last he'll be hearing of Teannah. “Then you caught my eye and made a man go blind. Cause all I could see is your smile.” Mr. Fitzgerald is totally smitten with this girl and wants the world to know. He is entranced by not only her looks, but her overall aura. Love at first sight is alive and well in “Teannah”. “Cause I ain’t catch my breath since you threw me off.” Lewis is singing about his brain chemistry being re-arranged due to seeing this girl. It’s quite the feeling when someone occupies your every thought. It's a certain torture, but a welcome one because the thought of them brings you warm feelings, butterflies even. “She make me believe in the father.” Fitzgerald has now entered the spiritual realm while floating in these foreign feelings about Teannah. His reasoning for coming to this conclusion? “Cause she the work of an angel’s kiss.” Fitzgerald has given Teannah a seat on a pedestal, relaying that she must be straight from the angels, not worldly in the least. This person is pure and represents everything good. Fitzgerald also mentioned possibly giving up his life for Teannah, so he would sacrifice his happiness (or entire existence) to ensure that Teannah is alive and well. Love, lust, infatuation, whatever word you wish to use for it can make us do and say some intense things. But, as the saying goes, love is a many splendoroed thing. Teannah represents the best of the best. Fitzgerald and his team have crafted a pop single that resonates on both a physical and emotional level. As the listener, it has you dancing and singing about a girl you’ve never met, yet, happily. Although, perhaps, we can all think of at least one person that was our “Teannah” at one time or another. Lewis Fitzgerald is an English producer, rapper, singer and songwriter. Fitzgerald, as a multi-faceted artist, appeals to many different types of music lovers. There are songs like “Teannah” for those who love a love song with a good dance beat, songs like “Closure” and “Darling” for the lovers of slower, R and B type songs, songs like “Tell Your Ex” for carefree listening and also solid beats. Fitzgerald’s songs aren’t a one size fits all, no one-trick pony here. Fitzgerald can and does do it all. Fitzgerald’s online presence is consistent and reaching a mass audience. Fitzgerald currently has over 300,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, 126,000 followers on Instagram, 705,000 followers on Tik Tok, and 57,000 subscribers on YouTube. If ‘Teannah” has made a new fan out of you, follow Fitzgerald on all of his socials below and catch him on tour starting in London in November! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW LEWIS FITZGERALD: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook   | YouTube

Photo Credits via Instagram Hozier is one of the most respected artists of our time as the music he creates is so poetic and beautiful. Attending a Hozier show is a one-of-a-kind experience as you find yourself transported into his mind, and its unique place to be. This Unreal Unearth Tour follows the release of his 2023 album by the same name. Originally set for May 2nd of this year, the show was rescheduled for September 26th due to weather-related issues. The show took place at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, an outdoor venue that certainly matched the energy that Hozier was giving us that night. Throughout the night we found ourselves emotional and amazed by the show and it was certainly hard to leave the venue that day. Allison Russell was the opener for this tour, unfortunately, we arrived late and were unable to view her set, but luckily, she came on stage with Hozier to perform several times throughout the night. One aspect of this show that really enhanced the experience of that night was the set production, the use of detailed visualizers and light show during the night is what really transports the audience. Halfway through the show, there was a moment where we saw large roots arranging the top of the stage, matching the aesthetic of his latest album. Throughout the night we found ourselves stunned by the power of Hozier’s voice, performing in such a large outdoor venue can certainly be intimidating, but Hozier and the rest of the band made themselves at home on that stage. Opening the night with “De Selby” parts 1 and 2 certainly sets the mood for the night, two songs of the same name that bring two separate energies, it shows the wide range of emotions one will experience during this show. “Eat Your Young” moves you to your feet and you can’t help but dance along to the track. “Francesca” is filled with passion and makes the experience so surreal, really showing off how much talent Hozier radiates. “Like Real People Do” is so gorgeous and you can’t help but cry during this performance. “Would That I” is another song that certainly tickles the ears of listeners and just really portrays the essence of fall. “Take Me Church” is a classic song everyone remembers from their youth, and it certainly was a pleasure to hear live. After this, Hozier had two encores, one on a b-stage and another on the main stage, ending the night with the powerful “Work Song.” Before performing the second to last song of the night, “Nina Cried Power,” Hozier went on with a long speech covering how necessary it is for people to speak up against injustice, and it served as a reminder of why Hozier is such an important artist of the modern world. During a time of constant conflict, it’s empowering to see a performer use his art to speak up for certain issues, and during his speech, he discussed some of the most talked about issues in our current climate such as LGBTQ+ rights, women’s reproductive rights, and urged for a ceasefire for the ongoing genocide in Palestine. The joy of who Hozier is as an artist is not only the high level of talent he has as a writer and performer, but what he does with his art, and the change he pushes for. Written By Chantal Charles Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Lexi Berg’s new single, "Bermuda Triangle," is a mesmerizing piano ballad that poignantly captures the feeling of being an outsider. Co-written with hitmakers Jim Eliot and Grammy award-winning Jimmy Hogarth, the song is a heartfelt exploration of loneliness, loss, and disconnection. The lyrics are intricately woven with rich, metaphorical space imagery that describes a surreal, almost alien landscape—echoing the existential dread of being lost and unseen. The imagery of "Milky Way crumbs on the ground" and "purple skies, silver leaves" paint a vivid picture of desolation and yearning, making the listener feel the weight of existential disorientation and the search for belonging. Musically, "Bermuda Triangle" stands in stark contrast to Lexi’s recent folk-infused track "Lonely Satellite," showcasing her versatility as an artist. The haunting piano arrangement creates a somber, reflective atmosphere that is beautifully complemented by Lexi’s raw, emotive vocals. As the song progresses, the crescendo of haunting vocals and raw piano crescendos amplify the track’s emotional intensity. The production, managed by Eliot and Hogarth, is exquisite, allowing the nuanced layers of the song to shine through. The song’s blend of contemporary pop with retro 70s singer-songwriter influences lends it a timeless quality while maintaining its contemporary relevance. Lexi Berg, a captivating independent Swedish-American singer-songwriter, has quickly become a rising star in London's vibrant music scene. Born in Stockholm and raised on a houseboat, Lexi's journey into music began with classical piano at just five years old. She was discovered in London by Faris Badwan of The Horrors, which led to her debut single, “What If,” being featured on the soundtrack of the Oscar-nominated film Pieces of a Woman. Lexi has garnered significant attention since then, performing at iconic venues and major festivals, and receiving widespread critical acclaim. Her music, characterized by its emotional depth and storytelling prowess, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying her place as a powerful voice in the indie pop landscape. "Bermuda Triangle" is yet another testament to her ability to connect, uplift, and inspire through her art. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW LEXI: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

amilost’s song “Tiny War” expresses the pain of needing to end a relationship through incredible metaphors and a complex sound. Even the title of this song is symbolic, demonstrating the struggles in a love it discusses as an epic fight. It is a confession of the concrete, dually decaying way two people change parts of one another. This song embraces the aftermath of a fight, wondering how to cling to the relationship. The lyrics say “sanded down the grains so we could stick together”, demonstrating a physical removal of parts of themselves. You can only fight so many times in a relationship without doing irreparable damage, and the phrase in the chorus, “I don’t know how to love you anymore”, shows the result. The speaker of the song is left without the ability to continue feeling the way they had about their partner. This line of the chorus carries rage, heartache, and factuality, striking listeners with truth in its repetition throughout the song. A powerful, ethereal mood comes from “Tiny War”. With soft and resonant feminine vocals, emotional piano, dramatic strings, and down-to-Earth guitar, the song takes a journey through heartbreak. The track is full of surprises, with unexpected instrumental interludes and an ending that will leave you feeling like the lyrics are pulsing through your veins. With melancholy instrumentals and an intimately fragile tune with haunting vocals like AURORA, the song sets a crestfallen mood which comes to an elevated crux of passion and pain near the end. It’s as though the track jumps genres moving from slow, confessional pop to bold rock at this point. An interlude of brightening strings and keyboard patterns bridge to a revolution of emotion for the last minute of the song. Drums come in bold and loud as Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen’s vocals belt out a passionate recitation of the chorus. The sound featured in this song encapsulates the range of emotion that the end of love can bring, from gentle sadness to raging confusion. amilost is a London-based Norwegian-Scottish alternative pop trio, composed of three talented artists with varying musical backgrounds. Vocalist Sigrid Zeiner-Gundersen’s experience includes classical training and childhood of Mozart-like influences and experience in a Scandinavian metal band. Percussionist Ross Craib’s musical journey began with hard rock, and has leveled out to the softer sound that amilost brings. Bassist Charlie Fowler comes from the surf and pop-rock scene. The three come together to create truly powerful music, having released their debut EP in 2023. Their music played across the world, featured on platforms like the UK’s BBC Introducing , the US’s Amazing Radio , and Germany’s Radio Fritz . Check out the links below to listen to amilost’s music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW AMILOST: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Kayla Stewart’s debut single “Second Guess” is an anthem of post-breakup clarity. The lyrics paint pictures for listeners of what the speaker felt before and what she feels now, with a back-and-forth pattern of revelation. The song shows that “looking at the sunny side” of a relationship does not make the weight of the heavy parts of it disappear. Taking us to a specific place and associated moment, the verses begin with a cinematic slice-of-life quality. “Queen St. 9 days, no cigarettes” is a narrative phrase that makes listeners think of withdrawal without saying the word itself. It brings about thoughts like sometimes relationships are like nicotine: an addictive vice. In a bold and overt message to the former partner, the chorus shows how the speaker is disillusioned. It lists the different and unfair roles that the speaker now refuses to take on for that person. Kayla’s expressive, feminine vocals open the song with a slow and somber delivery of the chorus, before gaining a higher and narrative sound in the verse. Vocal layering near the end of the verse gives the words a resonant sound. As the chorus repeats, the instrumentals gain more clear-cut electric guitar as some of the electronic instrumentals dissolve. Upbeat drums bring the song a progressive energy, keeping a rhythmic consistency throughout. There’s a heartbreaking resolution in the way the vocals soar, professing the speaker’s message with a feeling of raw freedom. This is such a comforting pop song to play after a breakup because the sound doesn’t cover up the pain it represents, but it uses the suffering to invigorate the power that comes from saying goodbye. Kayla Stewart is a Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter who grew up in the Midwest. Her early musical influence came from her guitarist grandfather, who played alongside artists like Dolly Parton and Bobby Day. Kayla aims to bring a personal and emotive lyricism to her songs. “Second Guess” is her debut song, and her second single, “Weather Well” is close behind. She starred in her debut song's music video, with French film influences in style and an emotional portrayal that encapsulates the lyrics. You can find more about her and look out for her upcoming release by following the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW KAYLA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Joe & The Anchor’s song “Change” reminisces about a romance. The message follows someone passionately telling their love that they are still available and devoted to them. The way the words are considerate of the person the message is directed to, expressing the speaker’s feelings while keeping that person’s wants in mind, shows such an intimate vulnerability. The chorus says “if you want me to, I’ll hold you again”, giving listeners that sensory image of touch. This is the first suggestion of interaction given throughout the lyrics, and it’s a big one. It gives listeners the ability to relate to missing someone’s arms around them. There isn’t any sort of resentment in the lyrics for the relationship having ended, rather it is chock-full of hope. It feels like every repetition of the chorus makes the possibility of reuniting feel more tangible. With a bright approach to rock-influenced love songs like Briston Maroney and a deep, glowing sound of Joe & The Anchor's very own, “Change” will make you feel as much as it will make you dance. An exciting and upbeat guitar introduction is punctuated by cool percussion, before the guitar fades into the background and the drums bring a bold energy to the verse. The vocals have a strong and smooth sound, with an alluring gravelly approach to the low notes. An excitingly expressive vocal pattern comes through in the verse, starting with slow and elongated notes for the first part of phrases, then speeding up for the end. It draws on the nostalgic feeling of the lyrics, before climbing higher and bringing a cerebral feeling to the introspective reach of the words. Guitar comes back in full force for the chorus as the vocals grow immersive and resounding. The pulsing vocal pace through the chorus brings a catchy and touching tone that captures the passion of love and longing. Joe & The Anchor are a Swedish indie pop group with a guitar-heavy rock influence to their sound. In 2019, they released “Antidote”, their debut EP, and have continued to work on their music since. Their songs are deeply personal, delving into emotional highs and lows with their new twelve-track album “Coming of Age”. As five childhood friends, the band has an interconnectedness that comes through in their music. Along with their enchanting sound, Joe & The Anchor truly put work into the power of their lyrics, presenting them like poetry across their platforms. Click on the links below to follow the band! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW JOE & THE ANCHOR: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube