We live in a world where it's a very common experience to look in the mirror and pick apart every flaw we see. It's common to want what you don't have and compare yourself to the people that do. It's easy to stare at the mirror’s reflection and not recognize who you are staring at. Living in a world where social media and society’s beauty standards influence our decisions, we can easily get caught in that trap and want to change ourselves to fit the stereotypical ideals we see. Gaining confidence and learning to love yourself is a tough journey, but one that is very fulfilling in the end. Sarah Gray’s “Stranger” shows the vulnerable side of how these thoughts can significantly impact your life and how quickly you can lose yourself and become a stranger you don’t even recognize. The song opens with “look at the mirror right away when I get up/stare at my face/stare at the things that are messed up” which takes us through the dread of waking up in the morning and staring at a reflection we aren’t happy with. “Wanted to be like the girls who have it together” is a lyric that shows how Sarah really feels about herself. She believes the girls who “have it together” have everything figured out and all the things they desire. While looking in the mirror, she examines herself and lists all the things she wants to change. She’s losing control of her thoughts and letting them get the best of her. Sarah sings “It’s hard to recognize me when I look in the mirror” and that “I’m supposed to like this feeling/The thrill of what’s a risky decision,” which is saying she feels pressure from society to conform to its standards and subsequently lose herself in the process. When she says “Is it easier to just not cry?” it sounds like she is suppressing her true emotions. Maybe if she changes herself she will be happy and then the sadness will inevitably go away. “Losing control of my life/…I’m my own stranger” is one of the most powerful lines in the song. She is acknowledging that she is a stranger in her own body and that she let her insecurities and the pressure she felt to change consume her. These thoughts not only have a physical impact, but also a mental one. She sings about how the thoughts eventually become the only thing she thinks about and finds it hard to think positively about herself. These thoughts also make you crave validation from others, and you don't want them to see what you see in the mirror. The insecurities win the war, but at that point you’ve lost the fight a while ago. “It’s strange how reflections show unfamiliar faces in my eyes my stranger” is the out-of-body experience of looking at your own reflection and feeling like you will never be enough. You see through your own eyes what these thoughts have done to you, and it’s sad to not only go through this but to actually see it take over your life. In her eyes, she isn’t enough and she believes there’s “no room for her” anywhere. This song comes from a very honest and emotional experience that many people, especially young girls go through. It’s an experience that I’ve personally gone through myself, and while listening to the lyrics, I empathized with what she’s feeling because I understand exactly what she means. “Stranger” by Sarah Gray is about feeling lost in your own body and not having a strong sense of self. Her tone could be soft at times and powerful at others. She sings some of the lyrics to make it sound like she is talking to herself in the mirror. You can really hear the raw emotion in her voice, and the piano and subtle guitar notes contribute to that.  Sarah Gray is a rising pop singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. She’s taken her talents to Nashville where she writes and releases vulnerable music that’s easy to relate to. She’s dominated the live music scene, and has played at iconic venues and festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival , The Bluebird Cafe , and The Basement . Sarah was a two time semi-finalist in the International Songwriters Competition . She even has over 2,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Sarah is continuing to work on more music that touches on real issues that many people struggle with. Don’t be a stranger, give Sarah a listen and check out her other singles! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW SARAH GRAY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Bringing a rock flavor to their folk sound, Michael Barrow & the Tourists’ new single “Over It” is an exploration of struggles with identity, and the lead single from the band’s upcoming album called “HAPPY”. The song deals with the questions that cross our minds when we’re not entirely sure who we are or what we’re doing. The speaker explores his vulnerability with the question “am I half of a man half of the time?” These words really stick in your head through their honesty, because we don’t always think the best of ourselves. They also use a simple and personal question to make listeners think about what it means to be fulfilled. Sometimes we can’t answer these tough questions ourselves, and the chorus shows the potential that can come from talking to someone, with the lyrics “do I let you change my mind?” This simple question tells listeners so much. From the way it is phrased we know that even when we talk to people about what we’re thinking, it takes our willingness to shift our mindset. The way this song deals with deep themes of identity through simple and relatable questions truly makes this a message for everyone. “Over It” is a catchy tune that uses an upbeat sound to balance out the feeling of being lost that is pushed forward by the lyrics. Reed Perkins’ percussion solidifies an energetic rock sound in the track, from the drumroll introduction to the very last second of the song. The high vocals bring an emphatic character to the tune. Michael Barrow’s voice gives a smoothness to the verses and gains volume and force in the chorus. In the very last chorus, the vocals reach new highs and lows, with a captivating passion that will make you want to replay those fifteen seconds on a loop. With piano and guitar giving richness to the sound throughout the song, these instruments have their own time to shine with short and sweet piano riffs, and a freeing guitar interlude near the end. Michael Barrow & the Tourists is a folk-rock group from Utah that has two albums under their belt and one to come in 2025, called “HAPPY”. The band consists of five members: Michael Barrow on lead vocals and guitar, Zach Collier on keys, Mac Wright on lead guitar, Alessandro Inprota on Bass, and Reed Perkins on drums. They have almost 40, 000 monthly listeners, and their song “Sweet Honey” gained over 1.5 million streams on Spotify. In 2022, the band toured the US, and continued to expand their horizons as they dueted with ysabelle on “I See Stars” in 2023. The group has opened for artists including Ben Rector , The Backseat Lovers , The National Parks , and Sub Radio . Check out the links below to keep up to date with the band. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW MICHAEL BARROW & THE TOURISTS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Eric Walker's latest release, Night Drive , is a fun and addictive single that touches on the mystifying sensation felt when driving late at night, lost in your own thoughts and thinking of someone else. Eric poetically describes being emotionally torn during these night drives, singing "Lost in my mind, ignore the red lights, another night drive" as if he's been in this position before, familiarized with his current headspace. There is a clear romantic element attached to Walker's lyricism, conveyed through the repetition of the line "On the road to you" – which allows the listener to envision the thought of an inescapable love interest on the other end of this Night Drive . Night Drive has a punchy electro drum beat with a familiar four-on-the-floor rhythm that keeps the energy high throughout the entirety of this tune. There are layers of 80s inspired synth pads and leads that add a nice element of nostalgia to this song. The inclusion of a lead piano riff artistically parallels Eric's main vocal during the track's hook. Night Drive plays call & echo with the lead vocal line, reaching its climax towards the end of the song's final chorus – which features stacks of Walker's powerful vocals harmonizing together for added depth. All in all, the instrumentation of this track is clean and infectious, providing an ultra-enjoyable listening experience for the audience. Hampshire's own, Eric Walker, is a singer-songwriter known for his electric vocals and tastefully unique melodies – which are best described as a fusion of alt pop and EDM. Eric cites Tom Grennan, John Martin, and KT Tunstall as having heavy influences on his own enigmatic and ever-evolving sound. With a diverse discography that showcases a pop, EDM, and country; Walker's talents have surely shown through, garnering him a bevy of accolades/awards, positioning on various music charts, and significant radio play on the international airwaves. His hit single Building Blocks , a collab with Chasing Scarlett, broke the record for longest chart run on The South Coast Music Chart after enjoying an unbelievable 24-week tenure within the Top 10. Eric's follow-up single Catch My Eyes made history again by being the first ever song to top both The South Coast Music Chart and the Portsmouth Local Music Chart concurrently. There appears to be no slowing down for Walker in 2024 and I, for one, can't wait to see what this talented young artist is going to showcase next. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW ERIC WALKER: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Rollercoaster” by Bunny Alex is an emotional ride through relief, grief, and nostalgia. Listeners feel the truth in the lyrics of the song: that breakups are painful even if you are the one to end it. The song takes listeners on a ride which loops through the good and bad of a past relationship with an upbeat sound that brings the lyrics to a whole new level of moving on. The song leads with honesty, saying “I broke your heart but you broke mine too.” So many people can hear their own experiences in the song, which refreshingly acknowledges both the good and bad when it comes to looking back on a romance. The chorus starts and ends with “carousel ride, a sick rollercoaster; time of my life, I’m glad that it’s over”. This whirlwind statement inspires people to embrace the positives in your memories with a person, along with the bad. We learn lessons and become ourselves because of the experiences we have had, and this chorus repeats the idea of growth to nurture that fact. “Rollercoater” uses energizing instrumentals and increasingly invigorating vocals to pull hope from the lyrics. The song begins with Bunny’s soft, slow, and angelic vocals. A pulsing and low staccato electric note supports her voice before softer piano chords join in, along with a twinkling high piano pattern. More instrumentals, including percussion, layer on with the buildup to the chorus, electrifying the sound. The vocals speed up, giving a listeners a sense of progression and moving forward. Bunny's voice climbs beautifully as the instrumentals layer loudly near the end of the song. “Rollercoaster” has a sound unlike other breakup songs, leaving listeners feeling energetic, renewed, and happy. Bunny Alex is a German-Filipino indie pop artist based in Liverpool. She writes and sings music that encapsulates experiences of love, youth, emotion, and heartbreak. Her songs blend angelic vocals with a combination of electric and acoustic instrumentals. If you like to dance or sing along to music by MUNA or Taylor Swift , give Bunny’s glowing, feminine, and upbeat music a listen. She has been releasing music since July 2023, and her song “Breaking My Own Heart”, which was released this year, reached 11, 000 streams. Check out the links below to listen to Bunny’s music and learn more about her. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW BUNNY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Kylie Spence’s new song “Locker Room Talk” is one we all need to hear. She wrote it after a night out at a bar, when she was grabbed by a stranger, on top of hearing some vile, horrific comments being openly spoken. Verbal harassment and a lack of personal safety is a fact of the female experience, and this song lays the truths of objectification on the line. When you listen to the lyrics, it’s validating to many people because you can connect with the experiences the speaker has had. At the same time, it’s heartbreaking to know that this is a universal experience. The song says “I’m tired of being polite when you say that creepy shit”. Sometimes after being harassed, we tend to feel guilt or disgust with ourselves for not doing anything to stop it, but there’s an internal struggle from society constantly telling us not to cause trouble because it’s rude. Kylie's lyrics inspire people to understand that it's the people committing the harassment who deserve to feel that shame. With the words “you think you can grab me without even asking”, there’s a hopeless feeling of rage that so many people do not respect women’s bodily autonomy. It’s a disgusting reality that this sort of behavior, literal and illegal assault, is normalized. The song gets personal with the fear “I’m scared for my little sis, when she has to see all this and thinks that it’s fine”. This line shows how terrible it is to know what people are like and be certain that your loved ones will experience the same traumatic and cruel behavior as you have. It’s the reason women share their location with one another, and why they always have to be on-guard in public places. Kylie’s lyrics “they think they’re Jesus Christ and walk on the water, the tears that I cry” explain that these perpetrators of assault and harassment truly believe they are invincible. They think there are no consequences to their actions, and do not care how violated, hurt, or scared people feel as a result. When I listened to this song for the first time, I felt seen. The more you listen to it, the more you feel inspired. With the blame, hate, and disgust all placed on the people who deserve it, listeners feel supported through this song. “Locker Room Talk” invites people to be comfortable being angry at those who deserve it. It starts a conversation about what safety means to everyone. The vocals are beautifully expressive, embracing a gentle and feminine timbre throughout the song. During the verses, Kylie’s voice sounds like it’s coming from her throat. Through the delicate and raw sound, there’s a level of vulnerability that can be heard in the tune of the melody. It wavers, starting high at the beginning of lines, then descending. This builds up to the chorus which has a louder and ascending melody. With the verses describing the situation and the chorus telling off those perpetrators, the tune seems to reflect the speaker finding her voice. “Locker Room Talk” begins with soft electronic instrumentals that mirror the tune of the chorus before moving onto a quiet, simple, and sad acoustic picking pattern. The electronic instrumentals and loud percussion bring out the rage, force, and power in the chorus while gentle high notes with the sound of a xylophone add a lightness to the song. Through the first part of the bridge, the symphony of instrumentals from the chorus continues, and Kylie’s vocals are sustained and strong. Then only muted electric guitar and emotional vocals take over. The final chorus builds into a loud and powerful declaration. Kylie Spence is a Nashville-based musician from Montana who writes and performs introspective and personal songs that listeners can relate to throughout their respective journeys. Kylie found every opportunity to perform growing up, from school talent shows to open mic nights. She bought herself a guitar and learned to play on her own before she even hit high school. From school shows to international touring, Kylie has come a long way. She released her EP “The Score” last Fall, and collaborated on MSTR ’s single “Allergic to Your Love” in 2023 as well. On October 4th, keep an eye out for Kylie’s debut album, “Everything And Nothing”. You can buy her merch or pre-order a vinyl record of her new album on her website. Check out the links below to hear her inspiring music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW KYLIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

With the light and airy style of Kacey Musgraves and the glowing, lovestruck haze of Liang Lawrence’s very own, “Out Loud” is the best new track for your romantic Fall playlists. The song blends love languages through its lyrics with a desire to connect with a specific person on a deeper level of conversation, and cravings for physical intimacy. It also brings up all those excited nerves that are bound to come up when exploring something new. Liang’s verses are packed with determination, as the speaker boldly shares their intentions with calm folk vocals drizzling confidence over the lyrics “I’m about to blow your mind.” The chorus continues the delightful assertiveness, emulating that need to share everything about yourself at the beginning of a relationship. Then comes authenticity with the lyrics, “spilling out my head onto the floor”. This shows those magical times where you’re sorting the jumbled archives of your brain, through favorites and firsts to tell. Even though your words may come out messy or in a spill, that eagerness to share doesn’t go away. This song is so expressive, and truly takes listeners into the new love mindset. Liang’s music blends genres, bringing folk, pop, soft rock, and a bit of country into this uplifting love song. Her breathy and light vocals create an intimate sound. Musical phrases through the verses make you feel the song’s happiness and wanting. Her voice glides up high notes and has a light warmth in lower notes, which tickles the ear with just the right vibe. Instrumentals build and ebb through the song, with guitar instrumentals bringing a classic folk accompaniment to the verse, while percussion and electric guitar join in with the chorus. The bridge uses altered, soft electronic vocals to repeat the lyrics “if I could say this out loud” in between Liang’s high and smooth response. The end of the song gets looser, like the lyrics are floating away into high and angelic vocalizing. Liang Lawrence is a London-based musician who just performed her very first headline show! Last year, she released her debut EP, “letters to myself”, which surpassed one million streams shortly after her release. Her latest EP, “What’s Dead And Gone”, earned support from BBC Radio 1 and The Independent , among other industry platforms. You can hear her talents featured in the single “Say That You Will Wait For Me” by HONNE . Liang has fans across the globe that tune in to appreciate her authentic and emotional words through her indie-alt-folk-rock style. Check out the links below to learn more about Liang and listen to her music! Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LIANG: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Gabrielle Manna's second single, "Clown Song," delivers a unique blend of contemporary pop-rock with splashes of 70s singer-songwriter vibes, creating an intricate tapestry of humor and heartache. In this clever and witty track, Manna crafts a narrative that navigates the duality of light-hearted jest and profound vulnerability, a hallmark of her artistry. The song stands as a testament to Manna's ability to use dry humor as a vehicle for processing trauma, presenting a facade of jest that masks a deeper, darker meaning beneath. Manna's history as a comedic writer and actress shines through, adding a layer of performative nuance to the song's narrative. The lyrics of "Clown Song" are a brilliant exercise in tongue-in-cheek storytelling, echoing the style of Phoebe Bridgers. On the surface, Manna pokes fun at a past lover, depicting them as a sad clown—a metaphor-laden with irony and sardonic wit. Inspired by the classic opera "Pagliacci," the song captures the moment of witnessing a loved one drunkenly sobbing during the performance, an image that is both humorous and heartbreaking. The clever lyricism transforms this moment into a broader critique of past abusers, blending laughs with a poignant confession. Musically, "Clown Song" mirrors the thematic complexity of its lyrics. The contemporary pop-rock sound is enriched by 70s singer-songwriter influences, creating a sonic landscape that is both nostalgic and fresh. The track's upbeat instrumental arrangement contrasts beautifully with its bittersweet lyrics, enhancing the song's dual nature. Manna's vocal delivery is impeccable—light and playful at times, yet capable of descending into deeper emotional territory. This juxtaposition highlights the universal theme of using humor as a coping mechanism, making the song relatable and emotionally resonant. Gabrielle Manna, better known as Gabby, is a dynamic actress and singer-songwriter whose artistic journey began at the tender age of eight when she was cast as the Cheshire Cat in her elementary school production of Alice in Wonderland . This early introduction to the stage set the course for a life steeped in creative expression. Her music is rich with storytelling and characterized by sharp, biting witticisms. Connecticut-raised and now Brooklyn-based, Gabby is a Leo sun, Cancer moon, and Aquarius rising, traits that undoubtedly influence her vibrant and emotionally complex artistry. "Clown Song" exemplifies this interplay, marking Manna as an artist unafraid to delve into her personal experiences and emerge with a sound that is as engaging as it is introspective. Through her music, Gabrielle Manna continues to assert her place in the contemporary pop-rock scene, using her distinctive voice to turn pain into art. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW GABRIELLE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

"Thank You Sebastian" is the newest single from the artist SHIR , and its a farewell to a former partner that, at first, seems like a song that is wishing him well. But its actually not a positive "thank you" at all. SHIR details her ex's many faults, including his cheating, him using affection to try to win her back, and his inability to act like a gentleman. She also compares his poor style to the relationship they had, writing, "Please burn your jackets, they were out of fashion // Just like you and me". SHIR is saying "thank you" because now that her and her partner have broken up, she knows who and what to avoid in the future. "Thank You Sebastian" is akin to a modern and upbeat take on a Bossa nova type of song. SHIR has a very talented voice, and she sings over the background vocals, which are her harmonizing the melody. This, combined with a bass guitar and the strumming of an acoustic guitar, make up the core of the song. There are distinctive sound effects included as well, such as dispersed voice recordings, including a male voice saying "Check, please" and the song's outro. The instrumentation matches with the lyrics of the song, because while SHIR sings about having a weight lifted off her shoulders, listening to the production feels the same way. SHIR is a songwriter from Scottsdale, Arizona that is now based in Los Angeles California. She has been pursuing music from a young age, and released her first song "God For A Day" in 2021. Since then, she has released other songs, which are "Conversations With Myself" and "Lifetime". She is immensely talented, and has written many songs for other musicians. On her YouTube channel, she performed an acoustic cover of "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" by Ariana Grande . SHIR is an amazing musical talent and has impeccable singing and songwriting skills! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW SHIR: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook  | YouTube

The 2024 VMAs were a groundbreaking spectacle, showcasing the talents of hardworking artists and their teams throughout the year. We saw some phenomenal performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Chappell Roan, of course, our girl Taylor, and so many more! But what awards were won? In no particular order, let's recap 10 of the most iconic moments at the 2024 VMAs! 10. Sabrina Carpenter - Song of the Year - "Espresso" Going up against Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce isn't an easy feat, but Sabrina did it! Having skyrocketed in popularity recently, she is all over the radio. We watched this girl go from Disney Channel star to an award-winning solo queen with not one, but three chart-topping hits in 2024. With "Espresso" and "Please Please Please" coming in first and third on the Billboard top 10. It's no surprise that "Espresso" won Song of the Year. It's just so catchy! 9. Chappell Roan - Best New Artist It's no secret that we've all fallen in love with Chappell Roan this year. Even if you didn't immediately listen to her, she's unavoidable and infectiously charismatic. Her music speaks to us in a way that so many artists before her failed to do. We always feel like she's speaking directly to us in the LGBTQ community and our inner Midwest Princesses. With that said, there is no one more deserving of Best New Artist than THE Midwest Princess herself. Having made the insane jump to nearly 45 million monthly listeners on Spotify in less than a year, it's clear that Chappell deserves the world and more. 8. Billie Eilish - Video For Good - "What I Was Made For" If you happened to catch Barbenheimer in its heyday, you were there for all the smiles and tears in the Barbie movie. That includes one iconic song that lifted our spirits and melted our hearts, "What I Was Made For". The video features a Barbie-like version of Billie unpacking doll clothes from a box. If you look closely, you'll notice they're all clothes she's worn in past performances. Things quickly begin to fall apart as the wind blows and rain pours, throwing off the organized accessories on the table. We watch as Billie struggles through the storm, but ultimately cleans up the mess, packs up, and leaves. I feel that this video touched so many souls because it's an allegory for life. We think we have it all together and when the storm comes, we just have to push through it. Sometimes things just fall apart. We weren't made to keep them together. 7. Megan Thee Stallion - Best Trending Video - "Mamushi" feat. Yuki Chiba We can't forget our fearless host of the awards show, Megan Thee Stallion, who had her own nominations and performance this year. Megan took home Best Trending Video this year and it's easy to see why. "Mamushi" is an absolute earworm. Having been trending on TikTok since its release, the track has attracted a lot of attention. It blends Western hip-hop with Japanese verses in a way that only Megan could acheive. What sets her apart from other women who dominate hip-hop is her unrelenting authenticity. We've seen Megan in cosplay several times. We know she loves anime, and she's fighting the stigma that black women can't cosplay. She's fighting the stigma that celebrities shouldn't have hobbies of their own. We love her and all that she stands for. 6. Taylor Swift - Song of Summer - "Fortnight" feat. Post Malone Taylor's most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department was long awaited by fans when it was finally released in April 2024, just in time for summer. "Fortnight" being the first song on the album, definitely made a splash. Its iconic video paired with its deeper meaning is something that's kept listeners intrigued long after the song's release. Not to mention having fellow star, Post Malone on the track. We think the duo does a great job together and the award is well-deserved. 5. Ariana Grande - Best Cinematography - "we can't be friends" We have raved about Ariana Grande's newest album, eternal sunshine on this blog before, and for good reason. Ari and the talented crew who work with her really created something special with this music video. If you've never seen the 2004 film, Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind , you've gotta go watch it and take notes. The video for "we can't be friends" perfectly simulates the harrowing process that Jim Carrey goes through when wiping his memory. The video really captures the same energy and surreal art style of the film, bringing nostalgia and melancholy to the forefront. This one is certainly deserving of the Best Cinematography slot, as it is obvious that countless hours of work and detail went into this. Congrats, Ari! 4. Eminem - Best Visual Effects - "Houdini" This one is a particularly clever entry on our list today. Eminem won the Best Visual Effects category for his music video for "Houdini", which is a fascinating ride on its own. The video features the current Eminem engaged in a rap battle with his younger self. The video is a ton of fun with superhero gags and lots of VFX. What's the most striking though, is how despite both versions of Eminem being the age he currently is, the younger version is so accurate. They even got a body double to play the younger Shady for the VMA performance. Wild! The artists behind this one really did such a phenomenal job telling the song's meta-narrative in a way that just listening to the track can't convey. 3. Katy Perry - Video Vanguard Katy Perry took home this year's Video Vanguard award this year and it's so easy to see why. Katy has been the soundtrack of our lives over the years. From unforgettable jams like "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot N Cold" all the way to her latest single, "I'M HIS. HE'S MINE", Katy has not stopped releasing bangers. Her VMA performance this year was nothing short of ethereal, featuring her up on wires, floating in a magic orb. She really showed her timeless goddess energy on that stage with not only impressive vocals but acrobatic moves as well. Doechii took the stage alongside Katy to perform their new single together, followed by even more of Katy's iconic jams. The fact that we all know every word to every song in this performance only proves Katy's worthiness of Video Vanguard. 2. LISA - Best K-pop Video - "Rockstar" One-fourth of BlackPink and now solo artist, LISA took home the award for Best K-Pop Video on Wednesday, and rightfully so. LISA reigns as one of the most iconic solo artists in K-pop right now. She's really come a long way since BlackPink debuted in 2016. Have I mentioned how much I love all of this international representation at the VMAs this year? "Rockstar" is a hyper-confident track that brings out the girl power in all of us and LISA doesn't miss a beat on the VMA stage. 1. Anitta - Best Latin - "Mil Veces" Our final highlight for today is Anitta's victory in the Best Latin category for her track, "Mil Veces". Admittedly, I had never heard of the artist before her VMA performance, but I'm glad I know her now! "Mil Veces" is an incredibly catchy tune, extremely deserving of the award. If you speak Spanish, I'm sure you'll appreciate it even more than I do. Beyond that, the beat is just so danceable. It's a track that's definitely going to be in my regular rotation now. Anitta didn't perform the iconic tune at the VMAs, but brought some of her other hits to the stage that are all fantastic as well. If you haven't heard, "Mil Veces" yet, give it a listen. You'll be glad you did! It's always so cool to see artists, dancers, and the crew that make music so special coming together in one place. From the US to Asia to Latin America, the VMAs brought us iconic talent from all over the world. So, what do you think? Did you catch these awards at the VMAs? Did we give a faithful recap? Feel free to let us know at our socials below! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Reuben Medlin’s “Sunshine Of My Life” is the very first release from his upcoming EP, and if this single is any sign of what’s to come, get ready to be impressed! Written in the private and personal setting of his bedroom studio, the lyrics of “Sunshine Of My Life” beautifully capture the essence and power of love. Perhaps the most outward example of this is the many metaphors throughout the track, “You’re my flower/ You’re my dandelion/ You’re my tea/ You’re my Chamomile.” There is something simple, yet effective about Medlin’s lyricism as he compares his love to some recurrent calming joys of life. As a result, he has created a very intimate song which seems to cherish the little moments of devotion a relationship shares. It’s easily relatable, expressive, and a true indication he has been inspired by some very real feelings. As for the sound, "Sunshine Of My Life" has a nostalgic and calming tone. The standout instrument of the track is definitely the electric guitar, it adds a wonderful texture to a peaceful and smooth song. Medlin strategically incorporates echo effects and bird sounds to enhance the dreamy mood. The slower tempo of the track allows each romantic note to linger; this choice also works to add to its emotional depth. The vocals are absolutely a standout piece of the song, as they are full of raw emotion. Any corresponding harmonies also add to the catchy chorus. Blend all of these elements together and you get "Sunshine Of My Life," a tender and heartfelt ode to romance and love. Reuben Medlin’s journey as an artist thus far has been anything but straight forward. Hailing from Wiltshire UK, the 20 year-old has faced adversity through chronic illness. As a result, Medlin’s condition left him nearly housebound. The singer-songwriter’s difficulties did not come without their silver-linings though; as music became an effective creative outlet for him. Since then, Medlin has amassed over 7,000 monthly Spotify listeners and 40k Tiktok followers. His success comes off the tails of two other hit songs, “Down the Slide,” (2022) and “Chronic Fatigue,” (2024). He has also recently been featured on established platforms such as the BBC and Spotify’s New Music Friday UK. If you found yourself singing along to “Sunshine Of My Life” and can’t wait to hear more Reuben Medlin, follow him on all social media below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW REUBEN MEDLIN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

The world has a way of constantly pushing you to be stronger, do more, work harder. It can feel like nothing you have or do will ever be enough, and this can be an exhausting feeling and mentality to have. In a refreshing new single, Madison Olds combines elements of folk and pop to tell her listeners to slow down and appreciate what you have, and that maybe simplicity is what we should be striving for. “Rich In Dreams” was released in early September, and has already garnered over 4,000 streams. She sings about how even if there are moments of negativity and defeat in your life, you are rich in the support around you and the positive things to come. Olds’ lyrics express her appreciation for various aspects of her life, and gives a welcome change to the constant negative outlooks artists offer these days. Right before the chorus, she sings, “I'm grateful every morning that I wake up with the day in front of me”. Her outlook and positivity seep throughout the song, and her soundscape reflects the lines she sings. The track opens with a simple acoustic guitar line, which slowly builds into an upbeat and folk-esque sound. In her chorus, she states multiple lyrics surrounding these ideas, such as “I’m dead poor but I’m rich in dreams”, and my personal favorite, “I buy stock in the people in my town / ’Cus Wall Street sucks and I'd rather burn it down”. She reminds her listeners to be thankful for who and what you have. Hailing from Canada, Madison Olds has been involved in the music industry since 2017. Her first release was her single titled “Moments in the Mountains”, which now has almost 4 million streams across platforms. With multiple albums, EPs, and singles, Olds is no stranger to creating hits. She has amassed many accolades, such as various Canadian show winnings and hitting Billboard’s Emerging Canadian Artist charts. She also has created a following on TikTok through advocacy and her music. She was able to raise $100k and a large amount of awareness to stem cell treatment. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Olds. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW MADISON OLDS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

GIO DARA is an expert at giving us that unmistakable, feel-good sensation whenever we hit the play button on one of his new releases, making "Now That I Found Her" our latest obsession! "Now That I Found Her" is a song written straight from the heart, as it is a sentimental ballad DARA has dedicated to his partner. In describing the sheer passion and tenderness he holds towards this special someone, DARA perfectly captures the joy of falling in love and finally landing on your soulmate. He sings of "a future in her eyes", proudly proclaiming that he's never going to leave her side and putting the depth of his emotions into perspective for every listener. DARA's wholesome delivery and undeniable sincerity allow us to reflect on life's beautiful journey to find the people who make all the hours spent "chasing" worth it. DARA shares his happy ending with us, proving that there is someone out there for everyone, and when the time is right, everything will fall right into place. "Now That I Found Her" is as upbeat and energetic as it is meaningful and grounding, covering all the bases needed for song perfection! DARA's voice is coated with a subtle soulfulness that is only enhanced by the falsetto and soft harmonies that float in the background. His lyrics already evoke a warm feeling in our chests, but with the addition of the classic acoustic strings and killer bass, the listener is swept off their feet. The song flows effortlessly in and out of passionate and soft deliveries, which adds dimension to DARA's sound and creates a nice contrast throughout the listen. All around, "Now That I Found Her" is refreshingly lighthearted and optimistic, giving us hope in our own love lives. GIO DARA is a London native who continues to make worldwide waves in the pop genre! Adding his spin on the industry with his signature folk-pop flair, DARA has steadily gained popularity with his raw talent and love for the craft. That being said, despite just releasing a few days ago, "Now That I Found Her" has already surpassed 30k streams on Spotify, well received by fans all over. DARA's other popular songs like "Dream Alone" and "Riverflow" have also performed well on the platform. Not only does DARA write his own music, but he also performs covers of other big hits from artists around the globe, showing off the unique style he brings to the table. As always, follow the socials below to stay up-to-date with DARA and discover more from his discography! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW GIO: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube