In an ethereal dive into the deep blue ocean of love, you can find Donnie’s new song “SIREN”. The track lives up to its title, enveloping seductive ideas of romance in amorous explorations of water and outer space. “Moonlight sky” and “under the stars” are just a couple of the natural images that take on an infinite feeling of allure, making this an ideal track for listeners who crave a little cosmic intensity. The speaker embodies the persona of a siren, waxing poetic about love in a way that draws you in. Lyrics like “my voice so sweet, leave the world behind” carry the entrancing command of these seductive creatures of myth, and make the song hauntingly bold. The chorus strays a bit from the mysterious trope of a siren, saying “I don’t wanna hide, wait for your love, I don’t need a disguise.” While the creature the song bases its premise on is secretive and reclusive, this deliberate break from that stealth emphasizes the love the speaker cherishes that much more. “SIREN” mixes rhythmic instrumentals with bewitching vocals to truly live up to the track’s name. A resonant and continuous fingerstyle chord progression brings the fluidity of moving waves as it opens and closes the song, continuing throughout. Beachy percussion and Donnie’s light and enchanting voice enter in the verse. The vocals are intimate and breathy, sounding almost like they’re whispering into your ear through the chorus. She melismatically vocalizes the last word of each line and trapping listeners in the sound. The word “intertwined” is repeated three times in the chorus, and with each repetition, the vocals give off a captivating echo. Coming out of the song, listeners are left with the feeling that they dove into an alluring wave of sound. Donnie is a London-based singer and songwriter from the Czech Republic who has listeners from around the world. Her music combines personal reflections and experiences with a resonant and transfixing style. In 2020, she released her debut album called “Donnie Darko” with Warner Music Group, which reached upwards of 100 000 streams! She has released singles both in Czech and English. Donnie has featured other artists like Ajvo and ANASTÁZIE on her songs, and been featured by artists like The Musa and Meeca . Check out the links below to listen to more music with Donnie’s entrancing alternative-pop sound! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW DONNIE: Instagram   | Spotify  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Abigail Sparrow's new song "Die Without U" is a beautiful and heart-wrenching exploration of the singer's relationship with being chronically ill. The words are a personal dive into the artist's experience with Cystic Fibrosis, with the song sounding like a love letter to her illness. If you don't listen to the lyrics too closely, you could easily think that the illness is a person who is devoted to the singer, constantly crawling into every aspect of her life. Abigail poetically details the many important parts of life that are impacted, like "family photos, at your insistence, you're always in them". If something's in your life for that long, no matter if it's good or bad, you are bound to develop an attachment to it. With Abigail's words, this attachment becomes something people can connect by relating it to relationships. The meaning that comes from this portrayal of her experience helps listeners understand just how large a part of life and identity an illness can be. Some of the lyrics give a profound and haunting image like "over my shoulder, you whispered and I never considered that you are a shadow I can't outrun." This personifies the Cystic Fibrosis, giving it a voice and a dark, constant, looming reach. The words bring intensity as the speaker grapples with just what this connection means to hear, physically and emotionally. Click here to listen to "Die Without U"! "Die Without U" has a cool, dark tune that blends intense guitar with Abigail's strong feminine vocals. The first verse starts simple, with dark and low muted guitar picking. The vocals start with a cynical narrative tone to the beautiful and low sound. Building up to the chorus, electronic instrumentals, piano, and a lighter vocal tone emerge. In the chorus, the vocals get higher and the instrumentals warm up, conveying that feeling of love and attachment that the singer grapples with in the lyrics. The verses throughout the rest of the song are loaded with emotion and power, as Abigail's voice forces that blend of feelings into the words. Bringing all the intensity and more, the vocals in the bridge belt with a range and force like Demi Lovato. The song ends with a chorus complete with layered impressive and emotional vocals, delivering the lyrics with all her heart. Abigail Sparrow is a New York-based musician and actor, who was raised in a musical home in Long Beach, California. “Die Without U” is her second single, demonstrating how she creates intimate narratives with bold vocals in her music. She studied musical theater and vocals at California State University, and has been very active in the musical theater scene. She took on important roles like Sherrie in Rock of Ages and Katherine Howard in Six The Musical. Her on-screen acting credits range from starring in music videos directed by Sydney Fitzgerald to appearances in a short film. Check out the links below to keep up with Abigail. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ABIGAIL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Vlade Kay’s newest single “Joyride” is an upbeat and fun song about the thrilling feelings of love and life. Released just ten days ago, this song already has almost 70,000 streams, clearly demonstrating the relatability Kay has with his listeners. He sings both about how intoxicated he is by their love, by how beautiful their world is, and how happy he is simply going for the joyride of life. The soundscape is electronic and enticing, mirroring the energy and happiness Kay portrays in his lyrics. Kay’s perspective is refreshing and full of happiness, which is a nice change from the typical negativity in the world. “Joyride” gets right to the point, as Kay opens the song with the lyrics “I wanna joyride with your body”. The following lyrics are “Front seat my Ferrari / Fast lane Abu Dhabi / We can’t slow it down”, which references the fact that this track was written at a writing camp in Dubai. He carries on the metaphor of driving throughout the song, adding lines about red lights, the top down, and being in the front seat. The soundscape is extremely upbeat, and feels like the perfect song to jam out in your car to (as I would assume Kay would love). There are electronic synths and drum pulsations, following a steady tempo to tap your fingers on the wheel to. Vlade Kay has been releasing music on Spotify since his first single “Haze” in 2019. Since then, he has released various singles and an EP, and has amassed over 40,000 monthly streamers. His music is electronic and exciting, and clearly his listeners keep coming back for more. Currently in the works is a collaboration with Swae Lee for a track titled “Bailando”. They have stated that this release will include his typical pop sound with a blend of Latin beats. They have already wrapped filming in Dubai for the music video, and their teams are extremely excited for what is to come. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Vlade Kay. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW VLADE KAY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

WKND THERAPY’s debut single “Dandelion” is an upbeat exploration of love, using the image of the flower in its title to tie in the glowing and delicate warmth of the feelings it conveys. The chorus embodies the uplifting nature imagery that makes love feel so pure with words like “you’re my sunlight, got me reaching for the sky”. There is a vibrant positivity that comes from these lyrics that will make you feel those warm, fuzzy feelings you get when you think about love. The song begins with intense portrayals of the speaker’s connection with a specific person, explaining how it transcends their current life, and exploring the attention and devotion felt with lyrics like “I’ve got you memorized”. Beyond being fascinated with your love, the song dives into the vulnerability that emerges from that closeness, saying “every wall in my heart crumbles when I’m in your arms”. There’s something truly beautiful and natural about being able to let your guard down with someone, adding to the pure romance that works through the words of this song. A glowing acoustic guitar picking pattern plays throughout “Dandelion”, paired with intense vocals that display the band’s emo rock roots in their sound. Escalating and inviting strumming joins in with the chorus, then percussion brings a new level of energy in the second verse, continuing throughout the song. The tune has the same adoring edgy mood of love songs from the early 2010’s, spreading that urge to seize the day and bask in the romance that is right in front of you. The vocals reach a warmer, louder volume in the chorus, feeling reflective and bold. An alternating vocal pattern–warm and slow contrasted by muted and rapid– in the bridge draws out the continual growth of connection that comes through in the lyrics.  WKND THERAPY is a pop-rock duo, Brandon Ossont and Matthew ‘Jenks’ Jenkins, who developed their craft and performed as members of The Maguas . In their former band, they performed alongside artists like Secondhand Serenade and Rain City Drive , and received praise from platforms like Alternative Press. The Maguas explored emo rock music, but this duo’s new style showcases an entirely different sound. Music producer Seth Henderson helped the duo bring their new song to life, and continue to work with the producer and Derek DiScanio on their upcoming album. Check out the links below to explore their music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW WKND THERAPY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Sometimes when we’re supposed to be having fun, we have a revelation. Housewife’s new song “Life Of The Party” is the anthem of that moment when we ask ourselves what am I even doing here ? Touching on ideas of regret, confusion, and feeling lost, this introspective track sounds like a wake up call for both the speaker and anyone who needs to hear it. The song starts and ends with the same lyrics that express feeling trapped through their literal meaning of not being able to leave. A feeling of complete discomfort comes from the bold statement: “tear my heart out and my head off all at the same time”. This metaphor is so much more than expressing being uncomfortable in your own skin. With the heart representing emotion and the head meaning logic or sense, these words have so much power. The song also reflects on the masks we tend to put on when we want to escape into fun, saying “talk about myself in circles so nobody can follow me”. This fear of being known or attempt at self-isolation shows the way people numb who they are, or conceal it from others.  Upbeat instrumentals meet gloomy and reflective vocals, making this song truly feel like you’re walking through a party but the rose-colored lenses you had on just shattered. Glowing and low electric guitar accompanies prominent percussion, giving the song a sense of progression or moving forward. When the vocals join in, there’s a melancholic lightness added to the excited depth of the instrumentals, giving a sound similar to music by Girl In Red . The verses have a narrative breathiness to them, while the chorus blossoms into a bolder and rounder sound. Housewife’s vocals climb to emotion-packed high notes through the chorus, emphasizing those questioning feelings the lyrics convey. There is an instrumental interlude that pushes power into the sound through reverberating guitar, continued bold drums, and ascending vocalizing, before the song ends with the same lyrics that started the song. The instrumentals cut out just before the vocals end, giving a true sense that the party is over.  Canadian singer and songwriter Housewife–also known as Brighid Fry–is an award-winning independent pop musician with a soft rock influence to their style. Personal representations of self and identity come through in their songs, comforting so many of us who relate to their experiences. They are an advocate for environmentalism, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights both through the messages in their music and related advocacy. Housewife was amongst the team that brought Music Declares Emergency to Canada, allowing Canadian musicians to band together and draw government attention to current and pressing environmental issues. Platforms like FLAUNT and FLOOD Magazine sing praises of “You’ll Be Forgiven”, the artist's recent EP. You can catch a live show soon, as Housewife is touring the UK with Lauran Hibberd , and is playing at the Pop Montreal Festival soon. Stay connected with Housewife’s activist and music by checking out the links below. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW HOUSEWIFE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

According to the National Institute of Mental Health , suicide is a leading cause of death in the US. To help combat this, September serves as Suicide Prevention Month with several individuals and organizations raising awareness across the country. As music is often an outlet for those struggling with mental health, Pop Passion has compiled a list of Pop Songs For Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting tracks that raise awareness for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and provide hope to those in need. 1. "Friend, Please" by Twenty One Pilots Written from the perspective of someone trying to convince a friend to stay alive, “Friend, Please” is a touching track from Twenty One Pilots that focuses on suicide prevention. The song feels deeply personal as frontman Tyler Joseph sings to a loved one who is considering suicide, encouraging them to believe that life is worth living despite how dark things may feel at the moment. “Friend, Please” comes off the duo’s self-titled album, being one song of many from Twenty One Pilots to tackle the intricacies of mental health. 2. "1-800-273-8255 (ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid )" by Logic A huge hit from 2017, Logic collaborated with Alessia Cara and Khalid to create “1-800-273-8255” (aka “1-800”). The track is named after the original number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , and uses Logic’s platform as an artist to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Shedding light on the meaning behind the song, Logic discussed “1-800” during an interview with Genius, stating, “So the first hook and verse is from the perspective of someone who is calling the hotline, and they want to commit suicide. They want to kill themselves. They want to end their life. When I jumped on a tour bus that started in Los Angeles, California and I ended in New York City and did a fan tour where I went to fans' houses and shared meals with them, hung out with them, played them my album before it came out. Them along with other people on tour, just fans that I met randomly, they've said things like, ‘Your music has saved my life. You've saved my life.’ And I was always like, ‘Aw so nice of you. Thanks.’ And I give them a hug and shit but, in my mind, I'm like, ‘What the fuck?’ And they're really serious. And they tat shit on their arms and get shit like lyrics that save their life, and, in my mind, I was like, ‘Man I wasn't even trying to save nobody's life.’ And then it hit me, the power that I have as an artist with a voice. I wasn't even trying to save your life. Now what can happen if I actually did?” 3. "Jumper" by Third Eye Blind An upbeat power pop/alt rock hit from the 90s, Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” has a deeper meaning that some might not realize due to its lightheartedness. The track’s narrative is based on real events, centering around band manager Eric Godtland’s high school friend who committed suicide after enduring bullying for his sexuality. “Jumper” has taken on multiple meanings over the years, including suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and encouraging listeners to have compassion for one another. 4. "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects A song with a powerful narrative, The All-American Rejects’ “Move Along” is a pop-punk classic that has an anti-suicide message incorporated into its lyrics. “Move Along” was written by Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter, serving as the titular track from the band’s second studio album and is considered by Wheeler to be an “anti-suicide message song about believing in oneself and persevering in the face of problems.” 5. "Call Your Mom" by Noah Kahan A deeply moving and touching song, Noah Kahan’s “Call Your Mom” promises unconditional support for those struggling with mental illness. The track reminds us that there’s always light at the end of a tunnel as Kahan tenderly sings to a loved one and begs them to stay. An emotional journey, “Call Your Mom” provides reassurance that others have been in similar situations and have lived through it, showing us that there’s hope despite how dark things might seem. 6. "Life's Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)" by Man-Made Sunshine Earnest and vulnerable, Man-Made Sunshine’s “Life’s Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)” reflects on struggling through a heavy depression and healing from that mental anguish. The track comes from Conor Mason’s solo project, giving a transparent look into the psyche of the Nothing But Thieves frontman. “Life’s Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)” shows that it’s possible to survive even the darkest of places in your mind, giving a gentle reminder to not give up and that any storm can be weathered. 7. "Reason To Live" by Malachi Gagnon Written as a letter to friend, Malachi Gagnon’s “Reason To Live” is a beautiful new release that has an equally beautiful message. The ballad debuted during Suicide Prevention Month on September 20, 2024, reflecting on the artist’s grief over losing a loved one to suicide. Gagnon wrote “Reason To Live” as a tribute to his late friend, using the lyrics to send a message of hope to those struggling with their own battles. It’s a reminder that you’re never alone and shows us that life is worth living. 8. "Forever Winter" by Taylor Swift A heartfelt reflection on the fear of losing a friend to self-harm, Taylor Swift’s “Forever Winter” describes the artist’s anxiety over having a loved one suffering from mental illness. The track shows Swift supporting someone through a dark time, trying to encourage him to see the brighter side of life and remind him that she’s there for him. “Forever Winter” shines light on two different perspectives through the lyrics, bouncing between how Swift’s loved one is feeling and how that impacts the artist. It’s often considered a cathartic song, acknowledging the difficulties faced by those struggling with mental health and the loved ones who are trying to support them. While the songs on this list can help those experiencing mental health troubles and suicidal thoughts, don’t rely on music alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Australian indie-pop artist, St. South has just released her third EP, "BIG SADS", a project that has been a long time coming. This EP has been in the works for quite a while now, and consists of 5 very personal tracks that St. South wrote after the passing of her father in 2020. TRACKLIST BIG SADS A Good Year So Many Places Better Days Didn't Need You St. South, also known by Olivia Gavranich (she/they), is a Perth-born, now Sydney based singer/songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. She officially debuted in 2014 with her single "Slacks" which went viral when it was featured on multiple TV shows like The Vampire Diaries , UnReal , and MTV 's Finding Carter . The song has amassed almost 50 million streams on Spotify alone. In 2016, St. South released her first EP, "Nervous Energy", which also gained millions of streams and led her song "Another Way" to be featured on FreeForm's The Fosters . She released a second EP in 2017, "Inure", and then her debut album in 2020, "Get Well Soon". Sadly, in 2020 St. South experienced the loss of her father to cancer, which really took a toll on her mental health. She stepped away from writing music, what was described as a "creative paralysis" - until six months later when she sat down in her home studio while now dealing with the end of a long-term relationship, and she let all of her pint up emotions pour out onto paper. Thus, the process of the "BIG SADS" EP began, and so did the process of St. South's healing. As we listen to each song on this project, we are experiencing the very personal journey of St. South; from loss and grief, to a sense of hope and optimism. BIG SADS We kick off the EP with the title track, "BIG SADS". St. South says this is the last track she wrote for the EP. She felt the project needed one more song, but didn't know where to start because of the depression they had been struggling with. So she sat at the piano, and starting singing about how sad they felt, and thus the song "BIG SADS" was born. St. South also says she instantly knew that this was what she had to name the EP, because it really sums up the emotion she was feeling behind every song. "BIG SADS" has a hip-hop-esque looped beat, with a piano melody and gentle guitar. It's a very alt. pop production between the heavy percussion with a contrasting folk-like vocal style as St. South sings softly with heavily reverbed layers of background vocals. Her voice in this particular song was reminding me a lot of Phoebe Bridgers , with the very conversational, nonchalant type of tone. A Good Year "A Good Year" deals with St. South's depression after her father's passing head-on. After months of not leaving the house and completely shutting down, St. South finally said to herself one day while sitting on the couch, "I just want a good year". This one sentence sparked a melody inside St. South's head, which led her to go to her piano, and begin writing this song. For the first time since losing her dad, St. South was starting to come out of her funk. She was allow herself to feel, and she was using writing and music as her outlet again. The lyrics take us through all the darkness that had been reigning over St. South for these past few painful months of her life, and how she just wants to be able to feel better. "A Good Year" has a catchy beat, with a unique bedroom-pop vibe and synth-filled production. St. South's vocals are pitched and distorted with effects that give it a slight hyperpop tone. It's a very gentle, soft soundscape but has that hard-hitting percussion to amp up the energy just ever so slightly. So Many Places Next, we have "So Many Places", which is about St. South looking back on all the things that have happened in these past few years, and how much life has changed to the point that places she used to go all the time, are now places she will probably never go again - both literally, and figuratively. From going through a global pandemic, to losing her dad, to breakups, to just the wonders of life and how we're constantly evolving, St. South uses this song to reflect on how different things are now, and how fast things can change. It's a bit of a melancholic song, but it's vibe is very mid-tempo and laid-back. The style is very influenced by RnB, especially in it's mellow guitars, popping bass and emphasized beat. St. South sings delicately, and you can tell the words come straight from the heart. Her tone and the melody in this one really reminded me of not only Phoebe Bridgers again, but Gracie Abrams as well. That sweet, whispery timbre really draws you in. Better Days Although "Better Days" has a bit of a somber soundscape, it's actually a song of love and optimism. A few month's before St. South's dad passed, she met someone who now today is her fiancée. "Better Days" was inspired by her, and St. South wrote it as an anniversary gift in which she performed it for her before proposing. It's about having someone by your side to love you when you're having the battle of a lifetime inside your own mind. Because of this person, you know they can help you heal, and bring you better days. This track has a very hip-hop inspired rhythm and beat, with a haunting piano melody. The lyrics repeat, with pitched vocals, sounding like a cry out, or a longing for better days, while also still fighting those dark voices inside of your head. It's a very relatable song, with phenomenal production that you just have to listen to to understand. Didn't Need You Lastly, we have "Didn't Need You" to bring the EP to a close. "Didn't Need You" was originally intended to be the last track of St. South's debut album, "Get Well Soon", but ended up not making the cut. So now, it finally gets a chance to shine, as it's story perfectly fits in sonically and with the theme and emotion of "BIG SADS". This song has layers of dissonant, synthesized vocal harmonizes and a minimalistic pop instrumentation. St. South puts her voice and lyrics at the forefront, you can almost hear her smile through her tone as it's a song about that moment when you realize you're strengths and capabilities as an individual; when you finally break free from the chains of someone toxic in your life, and you know now that you never needed them in the first place. “The only thing greater than being physically free of someone is knowing that you’re free from the belief that you couldn’t survive without them,” - St. South . St. South has a signature sound that is already hard to beat; but then when you pair that with the most vulnerable and personal lyrics she's ever had, it takes her music to a whole new level. It's indie / alt. pop perfection - not to mention the pure, genuine emotion behind her voice as well. Listening to the "BIG SADS" EP is like being able to hear inside of St. South's mind while she was going through one of the most difficult moments in her entire life. Music like this, that comes straight from the heart and is honest work, is the best kind of music - not only because it makes listeners really feel things, but because there's many out there who can relate to these situations as well. They need this music to help them along in their own journeys, and to make them realize that they're not alone. If you enjoyed "BIG SADS", I highly suggest diving into the rest of St. South's impressive discography and giving her a follow below! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ST. SOUTH: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

"You did me wrong, you did them wrong.” Ah, so we’re talking about a douche bag as the subject. Noted. Very 80s coded, loving the quickness of the chorus, very reminiscent of the way our brain races especially when dealing with emotions. Sometimes, the emotions hit you hard and fast, it may seem like they’re out of nowhere. However, they’re always somewhere in your subconscious, waiting to come to the surface. Ananya invites the listener to tap into those feelings and perhaps “deal” with them, or just dance to this bop of a song. Or, maybe both?! With a title such as “Emotions”, of course we, the listener, knew that it would have us in our feelings in some capacity. But, being able to process your feelings while dancing? Now that’s an idea I can get behind. “Maybe I’ve still gotta do some healing.” Very relatable, when dealing with relationships, it almost feels like you tap dance between trying to not be judgmental and forgive the person and who you were with them, but on the other hand, you have strong feelings of disdain for this person who may have ruined your life, in a way. “You crossed too many lines.” Sometimes, we give way too many chances, and, again, you never know when to say when. Sometimes that “second chance” happens three, four, or even five times. The 80s vibes shine the brightest in the chorus and I picture someone doing Courtney Cox’s dance from Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In the Dark” video with a side ponytail and leg warmers, paired with sneakers, of course. This song encapsulates feeling all of the feels but also wanting to dance and forget about what you’re feeling, which may be a healthy balance, right? The single’s description reads - “‘EMOTIONS’ is the anthemic new single from London-based Zimbabwean pop rising star ANANYA, which sees her delving into the complexities of emotional healing and the liberation that comes from letting go.” An anthemic song, indeed. Emotions are one of the most complex experiences one can have in this life and that feeling of freedom once you are finally over someone does make all of the stages and pain feel worth it. “Feels like I’ve crossed oceans, but I still feel emotions.”, is such an important statement to make about the process after a breakup. It’s saying – “I feel like I’ve done so much to get over you and have come so far, but I still remember, you were my world at one point in life”- and how those feelings don’t just go away, it takes time, and that time varies. Ananya has done a great job at capturing so many emotions while also giving the listener something to vibe to as they ponder whoever this song makes them think of. The song is very realistic in that it doesn’t sugar coat the sometimes-long process of truly being over someone which of course includes analyzing the different aspects of the relationship and it ends with Ananya stating that she still feels emotions once more, that thought being the last thing the listener hears after experiencing this song just further drives home the point of it’s a process and it’s okay to still feel emotions. Ananya was born in Zimbabwe and currently lives in London and is an artist through and through having been described as “not just an artist and musician but a budding fashion designer and creative.” Ananya is also a multi-instrumentalist, playing the drums, guitar, and piano for much of her life. Ananya recently co-founded The Nani Wellness Project which is said to be for addressing the mental health crisis that is currently plaguing her home land of Zimbabwe. Ananya’s musical inspirations include Lorde, Joni Mitchell, nad Taylor Swift. The Zimbabwean star’s musical style is mainly described as indie pop. Ananya’s online following includes thousands of followers across Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Spotify, and YouTube. Ananya’s monthly listeners on Spotify are currently at 19,000. If “Emotions” is any indication, Ananya has plenty more where that came from. To keep up with all things Ananya, follow her on all of her socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW ANANYA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | Facebook  | YouTube

Breaking through with a sinister aura that’s simply mesmerizing, MORI’s debut single “The Rabbit Hole” is a dark electro-pop tune that explores the journey of letting go and entering an unknown reality. “The Rabbit Hole” truly understands how to transport listeners into this mysterious world that matches the melancholic inner thoughts most of us have. The production style of this track is incredibly immersive, bringing forward vivid visions to its audience. Adding to this, the featured vocals of artist Ashlee add to the emotional depth of the song. One of the best things about “The Rabbit Hole” is how unique the track is, and only excites you as to where this musical project by MORI will take you. The lyrical content of “The Rabbit Hole” really portrays the sense of feeling lost in solitude and not feeling safe from the lack of control. With a song that’s subject matter is this dark electro-pop would probably not be the first style you choose to portray it, but in this situation, the genre works so well. From the moment you first hit play, it’s hard to miss the talent that MORI has for creating detailed soundscapes. This, mixed with the hauntingly beautiful vocal performance by Ashlee fully develops this twisted world. What one should take away from “The Rabbit Hole” is this can be seen as a support system for those who find themselves on a difficult path they don’t yet understand. MORI is a French producer whose work is influenced by his passion for Rap, R&B, and Rock. His music explored detailed storytelling through unique cinematic sounds to create unique worlds for audiences to immerse themselves in. While he is still very new, his musical style definitely understands alternative electronic music and based on his first single, it’s clear that his future work will stand high as well. “The Rabbit Hole” is the first release of his new project, Vice City that will soon be released. As far as debut singles go, “The Rabbit Hole” is a great pick and while it’s unclear what path MORI will take, one has to trust that he is a creative individual who will develop some great works of art. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW MORI: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Sometimes the weight of our feelings control how we treat others. We can get lost in our own thoughts and drown in our distorted perspectives. Reaching out for help and letting someone in when you’re going through a hard time can sometimes make it more complicated. “Bring You Down” by Eliza Harrison Smith is about shielding the hurt you’re going through and masking your own emotions to prevent the people you care about from worrying about you. In the first verse Eliza takes us through how she’s feeling singing “I don’t think I’ve slept in weeks/ December’s got the best of me/And I’m just hoping you can’t see it”. She wants to just carry on and make sure that no one is aware of how she might’ve changed. The lyrics “Is it inconvenient that I’m crying/ Bet you think I’m just tired/ So I guess I’ll let you believe it” show that she doesn’t want the fact that she’s not okay make everyone worry about her. She would rather deal with everything on her own than let anyone in. Opening up and admitting that you are struggling takes a lot of courage and leaves you in a very vulnerable place. It's also difficult when there are other people involved in your own feelings. The lyrics in the chorus “Cause I don’t want to bring you down/ I don’t wanna freak you out/ If I say it all out loud/ We’ll be under the same dark cloud” is Eliza admitting she doesn’t want anyone to worry about her. When you see a dark cloud, you know there’s going to be a big rainstorm. Her dark cloud is filled with all the negative thoughts she has. Her rainstorm could be all those pent-up emotions flooding out. She wants to protect her people from the rain but doesn’t know that they would gladly stand outside with an umbrella. She doesn’t know how to speak up because she doesn’t want her feelings to impact anyone else and the lyrics “It’s probably nothing that you haven’t felt/ And I know you would wanna help/ But I always keep it to myself” reflect that. She knows she isn’t a burden but knows her pain can cause pain to the people she cares about which is why she'd rather stay silent. “Keeping it close is worth it/ Or is that just a story I tell?” is her convincing herself that suppressing her emotions would benefit everyone around her but she knows deep down that might not be true. There's symbolism in the lyrics “To the place I’ve been, if I let you in/ I can’t lock that door again/ To the place I’ve been, if I let you in/ Will you regret it, will I regret it?”. Locking the door is storing those emotions and keeping them hidden. Opening the door allows them to come out. Once she opens it, she might never go back to that room alone again. Regret can cause feelings of guilt and shame. If she has regrets she would want to un-do her actions, but if they have regrets, how will that impact Eliza? The song opens with a beat that immediately caught my attention. Produced by Christian Harger, “Bring You Down” is an indie-pop song about not knowing if you should turn to the people closest to you for help when you’re struggling or if you should keep everything to yourself. It starts out with a techno-electronic beat but when the guitar comes in, it changes the sound of the song. Eliza’s voice is smooth, and I really like how you can tell when she emphasizes certain words. When she sings “Cause I don’t wanna bring you down”, it scratches a part of my brain that makes me want to rewind that section over and over. When you really listen you can hear the backing vocals which sound like an echo. They also add reverb to the song. The backing vocals also make the lead vocals sound more prominent in the recording, almost like they push them forward. In the song Eliza goes back and forth contemplating her decision to speak up and in doing so she also describes her fears with either outcome. This song has a really important message that combines a serious topic with an upbeat production. This song has the power to start a bigger conversation surrounding mental health. Eliza Harrison Smith is an indie-pop singer from Washington, D.C. and has since moved to Nashville to further her career. She’s released multiple singles over the years like “August” and “Didn’t Love Me”. She has over 25,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Eliza’s ready to make her mark on the music industry. She has already performed at several iconic music venues across the country. Her talent has earned her an honorable mention in the American Songwriter’s 2022 Song Contest. Her 2023 single “Back Of My Mind” has over 450,000 streams on Spotify. She is set to release an EP later this year. Eliza is a rising star, check out “Bring You Down” and give it a listen!  Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW ELIZA HARRISON SMITH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Take in the excitement of an intense relationship, with just as many highs as there are lows, in Christine Bauer’s new song “Poison/Remedy”. This song embraces the spice that comes from a little chaos in love. The title is a repeated metaphor throughout the lyrics, with other words explaining the contrasting interactions of the relationship. The speaker calls their relationship “turbulence, serenity”, amongst the descriptions of the ways they need one another and the ways they let each other down. Through all the back and forth of the parts of life they make better and harder for one another, there’s a need to persevere that shows the love and genuine connection. There is an alternative country sound in this song that brings the spirit of an alternative Lady A. Christine’s feminine voice brings a hint of that folky twang during the verses. The guitar works through the song to first carry a soft pattern that brings a personal and vulnerable sound to the beginning, before picking up an uplifting and energizing feel in the chorus. The pre-chorus uses an unexpected speed as the vocals feel rushed and jumbled with a little bit of the confusion conveyed by the lyrics, before the sound gets rounder as the chorus balances this sound with an understanding, slower pace. Percussion becomes bold in the chorus, which has a melody that sounds cyclical, building on the back-and-forth ideas of the lyrics. Christine Bauer is an award-winning singer, lyricist, and self-taught guitarist who has been writing music since her teen years. In 2013, she released her first EP and has been releasing music ever since. In January of this year, WSMV’s show “ Today in Nashville ” marked Christine’s first live televised performance. Interviews and her music have also been aired on radio stations like the Australian show, “Saturday Night Country with Beccy Cole”, and KIX in Wyoming. She co-writes music with Sarah Harralson , including their album “West of Me” which they performed on tour in 2019. Check out the links below to enjoy Christine’s heartfelt and catchy music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW CHRISTINE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Brett Matthews’ song “Lucky Ones” embraces the way love fulfills us so completely. Material things have nothing to do with how fortunate we are; it all comes down to love. This song is truly something special. It reminds listeners why they have every reason to be happy. Sometimes we can get caught up in having the nicest things or being in the best place, but simple analogies like “penthouse with an ocean view or a one-bedroom shoebox, I’m still loving you” reminds us that any place can be the nicest place if we have love. The lyrics express the gratitude the speaker feels that their love is so grounding, with powerful words like “they live the fast life but we took it slow”. “Lucky Ones” isn’t just showing how the speaker feels about his partner; it is a message to listeners to embrace all the wonderful things love can be. With ambient percussion, romantic guitar and uplifting electronic instrumentals, “Lucky Ones” brings the encouraging lyrics to life. Brett’s smooth and catchy vocals spread warmth through the verses and bring a groovy, high, and energetic tone to the chorus. The bridge combines soft electronic instrumentals with the insistent and passionate vocals, before diving into a final chorus with layered vocals that hone in on that upbeat and floating feeling that love gives. If you’re anything like me, after the first chorus, you’re going to need to sing along. Beyond the way the tune sticks in your head, it feels so incredible to embrace the lyrics for yourself. Brett Matthews is a Canadian artist from Nova Scotia who developed his craft under the guidance of the artist Classified . Brett joined his band and toured across Canada, playing at events like Halifax’s JUNOfest. The two continue to pair up, as Classified continues to tour and produce Brett’s work. Brett fosters his heart-warming genre-blending sound as he continues to collaborate with artists like Kayo on the song “Dark Night”, and Ria Mae who worked on “Lucky Ones” alongside Classified and Brett. His song “If I Die Today” reached over 150, 000 streams on Spotify, and his music continues to bring a deep, personal, and grounded touch to all who discover it.  Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW BRETT: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator