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Photo Credits: Pitchfork Being one of the most recent up and coming artists that this generation has seen, we have so much to uncover with Lola Young. In her newest album, "I'm Only F**king Myself" shows us so much more about the artists range, musicality and how smart she really is when it comes to making choices that create sounds we've been lacking in the music industry. Track List: how long will it take to walk a mile? (interlude) F**K EVERYONE One Thing d£aler SPIDERS Penny Out of Nothing Walk All Over You Post Sex Clarity SAD SOB STORY! :) CAN WE IGNORE IT? :( why do i feel better when i hurt you? Not Like That Anymore who f**king cares? ur an absolute c word (interlude) 2024 was Lola Young's break into the music industry. No one was able to escape her hit song "Messy" which started trending on TikTok allowing viewers to be exposed to the unique artist. She is a singer songwriter from London, England who started performing music at the ripe age of 15. Now, at just 24 years old, she has 3 albums to call her own that have broken barriers in so many areas. how long will it take to walk a mile? (interlude) The beginning of this album is unlike any other with a really sweet interlude which also strangely feels topical with the point of view of the songs to come. The question of "how long will it take to walk a mile?" makes me think of walking in another persons shoes but also how there's not really an exact time that you can put on this experience to really understand what another person is going through. It's a gentle start to an album that feels so loud. F**K EVERYONE Almost immediately, this song went on my favorite songs playlist. It starts off with such a grungy sound, choppy technology aligned with indie style lyrics and a punk chorus. The lyrics are incredibly freeing to listen to with the idea of just sleeping around with absolutely no strings attached and genuinely being so ok with that. This song feels more like an anthem than anything else and it's one of the best starts to an album that I've ever heard. One Thing The first single to come off this album that we can't escape from (making it like "Messy" 2.0) has taken over social media in the best way. Bringing Lola's sound to a R&B/pop sound and rhythmic lyrics that give the song the main character moment it deserves. This song's point of view is very similar to the first song in terms of just trying to appreciate how sex fits into life. It doesn't have to be something that is taboo but something that will gladly be given without having to make it a big deal. d£aler There are certain songs that artists will put out that feel like it's more for them than writing for an audience and that's what this song feels like. The first of multiple incredibly vulnerable songs from this album speaking to wanting to just up and leave. My favorite lyrics is "Tell you, "No," make it clear" which is so perfectly topical. Setting clear, direct boundaries is so hard to do but somehow easier if you're uprooting your life. Maybe because of the idea that you'll never have to face this situation again? Specifically what I love about this song is how Lola would want to make sure her dealer knows she'll miss him while she's away. I love bringing that character into a point of view for a song. SPIDERS This is the next extremely vulnerable song from the artist that sounds absolutely beautiful. This song reminds me so much of Radiohead which is something that Lola even mentions later on in the album being a band that she likes to listen to when feeling down about life. This song is raunchy. It's loud in the chorus and a perfect break-up song with notes of "I'm doing my own thing" written all over it. The passion that we hear in Lola's voice is what we really love about this artist. This is another song that went on my playlist. Penny Out of Nothing I don't think of optimism too much when I think of Lola Young's music but this one gives us that little glimmer of that sprinkled with ego. The song feels like it's straight out of a Tears For Fears album but with Lola's voice being so hypnotizing. This song is a lot more chill than the rest of the ones we heard before this. I really love the line, "I'm not done lying to your face." There's something about the self awareness that really struck a chord with me. The magic is really in the chorus with an enchanting sound. The lyrics are so fascinating and feel so large that only listening to it will do it justice. Walk All Over You Bringing the indie vibes back, this song makes you feel like you're driving down a street next to water. The lyrics in this are empowering and speaks to anyone who has dealt with a partner treating them like a parent or just not really wanting to be an adult. This song is Lola's way of speaking up for herself and letting this person know that she is more than happy to walk all over this person. There's nothing ok about this behavior and this song feels empowering to think and feel that. Post Sex Clarity This song feels extremely personal for Lola but the way she wrote it is in a way that feels extremely relatable. The first time I heard it, it feels like when you're really obsessed with a person and have a crush on them - you end up creating this illusion of who they actually are. Once the two people sleep together, it almost brings you all the way back down to reality and you're able to see this person in a much different way. But what this song is touching on is even after all that - she still wants this person at the end of the day. SAD SOB STORY! :) If any song is relatable, it's gotta be this one. The lyrics in this song really do all the heavy lifting to get Lola's point across. This song talks about how it really is to be with the wrong person. The lyrics really paint the whole picture by showing us little snippets of what Lola clearly went through with this person but also how relieving it is to not care what they're actually doing anymore. It's not your problem anymore but in the most freeing way. CAN WE IGNORE IT? :( Another perfect punk song coming from Lola Young. Probably one of the best on the entire album since the lyrics really meet the music on this one. It's so honest, hard to hear in some parts but so true. It's a song listing off all of the things that Lola thinks she needs to work on but just wanting to ignore it. How we just start going through the motions but we really know there is an underlying reason to why things are happening in our lives and not feeling able to deal with it. why do i feel better when i hurt you? A very honest song that also I feel like really speaks on a subject that we don't hear enough of. There are so many couples out there who show each other love by being mean to one another. I feel like it stems from when we were younger and people telling us that if someone is being mean to you, it means they like you. Something that has built so many bad relationships on a foundation of people being treating poorly. Lola perfectly captures what it's like to become self aware of herself doing that to another person. Not Like That Anymore Another song that instantly became one of my favorites. Starting off with a perfect guitar part that brings back the indie feel which has now carried all throughout the album. This song is all about that self-empowering feeling of doing what's absolutely best for you. It's freeing in the sense that it feels like we're so connected to Lola at this point from her being so open and honest throughout the entire album. She really does such a great job at making it feel personal while allowing listeners to connect on an intimate level. who f**king cares? This song is so different from everything else on the album. It gives the album the gentleness that it deserves and what seems like Lola really needs for herself. The other parts of the album are very loud and fun - almost even scream worthy but this one is so soft. It's just Lola and a guitar so we're able to hear the raw talent in her voice and truly how great she is as a singer. This is all tied up in a bow with an amazing point of view covering a lot of what we hear in the album about not really being happy exactly in this moment but having an optimistic approach to things coming at her. ur an absolute c word (interlude) Tying the whole thing together, the album ends almost the same exact way that it starts with not a song but someone talking. This time it feels like they're reading a poem of sorts that feels really cute and sweet all while being a bit existential. Overall, this has to be one of the best albums that is yet to come out of 2025. I think it can be really hard to not only go through the trouble of breaking through the music industry but then there's the pressure that we see all the time of what the artist will do next. A lot of times too - it has to be bigger and better than the last thing. Lola Young has not only kept her voice and sound which grabbed our attention in the first place, but has really double downed in finding it as well as giving us some amazing, heartfelt incredible songs. Written By Breanna M. Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

An anthem for us to ponder the insistent questions our mind makes up for us to infectious dance pop beats. This is what Mykel has gifted to her listeners with her new single "How Do You Know." The song is a mental spiral similar to the ones we're all familiar with, but the production and vocal melody is so fun and waiting to be played at a dance party. It's odd to have so much fun during a song that discusses real internal struggles, but it works. Mykel describes this song as a "stuck in traffic" anthem, and that intent can definitely be heard on this track. The real charm of "How Do You Know" is how it surprises listeners with its instrumentals, instead of following the expected musical path, it takes a new turn. The initial impression as you press play on "How Do You Know" is there is a dramatic edge to the song, and this drama only continues to increase as the song progresses. As the song builds towards the chorus you expect a classic pop song explosion, but the chorus on "How Do You Know" excites you with the unexpected shift in the production style. The chorus is what creates the dance energy, it's an instant earworm. The lyrics do a great job of painting the speaker's anxiety, bringing to life all the questions that can come pouring out of your head. The speaker is conflicted and haunted by their decisions, and selling this song as a car anthem works for this theme. Even when the lyrics take a more personal turn for the speaker, that doesn't take away from the relatability factor. Having a fun dance pop track with meaningful lyrics that many people can connect to always helps, and Mykel has given us a great track for the moments when we just need to release all the bad thoughts consuming our minds. Mykel is an artist originally from Salt Lake City, who began her music journey in high school, but she is now based in Los Angeles. In the past she has worked in musical theatre and has written music for shows like Love Island and Vanderpump Rules. Her music has been featured on Rolling Stone India, and she has performed at notable venues such as the Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, Delta Center, and more. Her release "How Do You Know" is a part of her upcoming debut EP Hometown Runaway  that is set to be released November 7th. The EP is expected to express complex and personal themes. Based on "How Do You Know," it's safe to say her upcoming EP will be impactful, so make sure to be prepared for what Mykel will gift her audience next. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW MYKEL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Singer-songwriter Vendela is back with “Find Me,” the perfect pop song to kick off October. “Find Me” takes the singer’s signature alternative aesthetic to a brand new level. The song is a fusion of dark pop and EDM. “Find Me” is an atmospheric track that creeps onto you with its instant earworm hook and low-key grooves. The song instantly transports you to a late-night smoky dance club. Vendela states that she wanted to create a song for “plunging into a blissful sensual trance dimension,” and she did just that. In every sense, “Find Me” is completely hypnotizing. “Find Me” accentuates what makes Vendela so singular as an artist. The track highlights the artist’s instantly recognizable sound and aesthetic. She has an undeniable, charismatic presence. She juxtaposes her fun, playful attitude with a shadowy aesthetic. It results in a song that is equally moody and vibey. Fans of artists like Billie Eilish or Halsey would find much to love in “Find Me.” You can’t help but get sucked into its world when listening to “Find Me.” Vendela is a up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Sweden. She also is a vampire viking demon queen. Okay, kind of. The musician has spent the last three years cultivating an artistic image based in mythology and fantasy. In her words she is “what you get when you mix Transylvanian and Scandinavian blood.” Her unique perspective has garnered Vendela mass critical and commercial success. She has received accolades in numerous publications and currently has over 500,000 streams on Spotify, most notably from her songs, “Hell, Yeah,” “Lovely Psycho,” and “iykyk.” Vendela is just getting started and you can listen to “Find Me,” along with the rest of her discography on all streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW VENDELA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In a fresh and upbeat new single, Molly Millington explains the feeling of growing up and impending responsibilities. “Just Drive” is wistful and nostalgic, yet it relays a time that is not too far in the past. Millington set out to convey the feeling of having adult freedoms, but without the adult responsibilities. “I’ve asked a few older people in my life about this feeling,” she says. “They’ve all had a similar answer: once it comes it never fully goes away.” Driving is Millington’s way of clearing her mind, and this track gives the vibe of windows down, carefree energy, and nostalgia: all perfect things to clear your slate and be in the moment. While Millington is frustrated in her current state, she does everything she can to make the past she is recounting feel shiny and fun. The soundscape of this song is very upbeat, with vocalizations and Millington chanting adding to the feeling of millions of positive possibilities. In the first verse, she sings “I remember that high hope / First taste of freedom feeling / Big dreams, hard at work / ’Til fingers bleeding / It was sacred, it was pure / And it was mine”. The feeling of finally being independent, of working hard for something and getting what you deserve in return. However, now Millington doesn’t want to have to grit her teeth and stick things out. She wants the easy simplicity back, and wants to be able to feel her emotions without having other things to do. In this chorus, she sings, “Now all I wanna do is just drive / Turn the music up and just cry / Feeling everything at once / All the time”. Molly Millington is an Australian artist known for emphatic storytelling and a country-pop vibe that she calls “bandana chic”. She began writing songs at the age of just fourteen, and by sixteen was performing at festivals. While she has a plethora of EPs and singles under her belt, her debut album Frank Morgan is due in February of 2026. The title is the name of an actor who played multiple characters in the original Wizard of Oz, including the Wizard himself. Inspired by his ability to play different roles just like we do in our every day lives, Millington wanted to pay homage to the many hats each and every one of us wear. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Molly Millington, including Frank Morgan. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW MOLLY MILLINGTON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Often times we are a lot harder on ourselves than we need to be. When we're sitting and having a conversation with someone, instead of listening to what they're saying, we're inside our own heads about what they might be thinking about us. All the anxious thoughts take over... like, "What if I don't look pretty enough? Am I being too awkward? Was the joke I said actually funny?". "Life The Veil" by Alexandra is about those moments where we feel exposed and vulnerable, but aren't comfortable enough to open up. You're just hoping to keep steady small talk so you can hold your composure. Alexandra sings, "Open the bottle, I got all night. Stick to simple questions, like red or white". "Lift The Veil" has a gorgeous, slow tempo and a nostalgic groove. The soundscape feels gentle, but cinematic as builds into this emotional outpour as the song goes on and the dynamics continue to shift. Alexandra sings wholeheartedly, as if she is one with the music. The instrumentation blends a 90's pop/rock tone with southern elements like fiddle and just a little twang behind the bass and Alexandra's voice. The strings swell to make it feel more orchestral along with a blend of guitars, before coming down into a soft finish. Alexandra is an indie pop singer/songwriter from Ohio. She debuted in 2020 with her first ever single, "Bad Stuff" and has been releasing singles ever since. However, 2025 has been her biggest year yet, as she just dropped her debut EP, "Let It Burn". Alexandra has been compared to the likes of Maggie Rogers , Ashe , and LÉON , but her unique songwriting and sound is one that she hopes is not only timeless, but brings a sense of community to her listeners. If you loved "Lift The Veil", make sure to check out the rest of Alexandra's EP and follow her on her social pages below to keep up on her journey! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ALEXANDRA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

Hazy, moody, “l.o.v.e” is everything you’d ever want out of the alt-pop genre. This track is all about the highs and lows of love, as well as being in it. It wavers between the euphoria of feeling alive with somebody while tempering it with the pain that comes with complicated relationships. Maybe it’s delusion, maybe it’s obsession, or maybe it really is love– “l.o.v.e” isn’t concerned with the definition, but rather the feeling that comes with whatever it is. The important thing is that you get the heart-pumping exhilaration from falling for someone, and all the ups and downs of it. If you’re a natural romantic, or just adore tracks that feel floaty and intimate, then “l.o.v.e” is your song. “l.o.v.e” exemplifies all the things I love about alt-pop and indie pop. It’s slow and hazy with a build-up that leads to an explosive chorus, replete with an intimacy that feels like sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with someone in a dimly-lit room. The soundscape keeps it very low-key, a gentle guitar and bass complementing one another as SHY’s ultra-smooth voice coils around the entire track. It’s one of those sounds that you have to hear for yourself to really pinpoint the emotion it evokes. The best way I can describe it is that it brings forth images of night rides in fast cars with your arms feeling the wind out the windows– something like nostalgia with a touch of intimacy, closeness. The lyricism lends itself really well to this feeling with lines that point toward emotion and passion, the physicality that comes from being in love. “I wanna feel alive / I wanna feel alive,” the narrator repeats, opening up how their relationship could be just for thrills– or maybe it really is love. “l.o.v.e” is an amazing track that’s perfect for vibing and introspection, which I think is a fantastically difficult thing to achieve. Multi-platinum Swedish singer-songwriter SHY Martin is an artist whose pen has written for a number of other legendary singers. Her initial breakthrough was as the featured artist on Mike Perry’s hit song “The Ocean”, and she has since gone on to write for Kygo, The Chainsmokers, Ellie Goulding, and IVE. 2017 came the release of her debut single “Good Together”, with her following solo tracks and collaborations collectively garnering over 600 million streams on just Spotify. She’s received coverage in publications like Billboard, Forbes, Paper, and Wonderland. “l.o.v.e” follows her previous two singles, which are all working toward setting up her next full-length project that’s due next year. If you loved the sound of SHY, then you should absolutely be following her on her socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW SHY MARTIN: Instagram | Spotify  | SoundCloud  | Facebook  | YouTube

Jade Bates has released her new single, “Pretty Princess.” Looking at the relationship she shares with a partner, Bates begs for the emotional attention she gives to them. Getting “kinda bored,” Bates wants to allow them in to try again on one again: treat her with the respect she deserves, also known as “[treating Bates] like a princess.” With princess treatment becoming a popular trend within relationships, it’s easy to see how Bates deserves to be treated during her relationship, and hopefully “Pretty Princess” will also inspire listeners to accept no less than princess treatment–it’s what we all deserve. While Bates is getting bored, she lays out the plan for her partner to win her back: just treat her like a princess and she’ll regain interest. Like Bates, everyone has felt suffocated both emotionally and physically during a relationship. Wishing for more and yet never being able to receive it is a hard feeling–it’s feeling invisible by the person who seems to know you the most, a feeling that listeners can empathize with and relate to. With the difference between bare minimum treatment and princess treatment becoming farther and farther apart as time goes on, Bates hits all the notes of how not receiving princess treatment can result in suffocation. With the idea of her partner “[wanting] a doll,” racing through her mind, Bates translates her feelings to “Pretty Princess” with ease, allowing listeners to really feel with her. Jade Bates is a singer based in the United States. With nearly 4,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Bates is making space as an up-and-coming artist in the pop space. Gaining experience on the hit singing competition American Idol , Bates ended up receiving a golden ticket to the Hollywood rounds from country legends Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. While her audition nor her Hollywood round performances may not have aired, this big accomplishment shows off Bates talent and vocal versatility, something listeners cannot wait to hear more of. To keep up with Jade Bates’ new releases and new show dates, you can follow her on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW JADE BATES: Instagram | Spotify

GLITTERPOP! by katie MAC* In commemoration of her brand-new EP, GLITCHPOP! , katie MAC hosted a private release party for friends and music industry professionals in Los Angeles. I was honored to receive an invitation to this exciting event and celebrate the flawless project. I even turned it into a Pop Passion meet-up by bringing fellow writer, Tessa Brainard , along with me to enjoy the festivities. Everyone had the chance to mingle and enjoy the open bar in the intimate apartment-style setting. She even had her pre-show playlist feature songs by her friends, such as Kalie Shorr and Grace Greenan . This was just a taste of the singer’s down-to-earth and loyal spirit, despite the night being in honor of her. Once she took the stage, her friends and supporters were instantly mesmerized by her stunning vocals, candid lyrics, and catchy beats. Setlist hate myself Wannabe parallel lines you’re here but you’re not When In Rome feat. Kalie Shorr (Kalie Shorr Track) Hard Pill (song from Emotional Gymnastics LP) temporary tattoo screen katie MAC iconically utilizes autotune in her songs to enhance the hyperpop atmosphere and provide an additional level of uniqueness. At her show, her microphone was set up to give this same effect to her vocals, truly bringing GLITCHPOP!  to the stage. Her performance was ripped straight from the record and transformed into a flawless live show. katie is a true superstar in the making and deserves to be played on repeat by all pop lovers. katie sang every song on the project in order, with a short break after “you’re here but you’re not” to sing two additional tracks. She brought her best friend, roommate, and one of my favorite artists, Kalie Shorr, to sing Kalie’s song, “When in Rome.” I have always loved hearing the two singers harmonize together, and katie sang with Kalie at her EP release show in September, so it was a sweet full-circle moment. Then, katie sang her 2022 single, “Hard Pill,” which is my favorite track by katie - only rivaled by her GLITTERPOP!  single, “parallel lines.” It was a wonderful surprise to hear both of these non-project songs. Her effervescent personality shone in her infectious performance, making everyone in the room swoon over her. katie ended her set with the final GLITTERPOP!  track, “screen.” The booming bass and the ethereal vocals brought the listeners to another world. Two days before the show, I had posted a song review for the atmospheric synth-pop ballad. It is always a wonderful experience to hear the music I write reviews on brought to life in person. This was only my second time seeing katie in the three years I have known and loved her. And both times, I was absolutely blown away by her matchless talent. If you are ever given the chance to see katie MAC live, immediately jump on those tickets.  To listen to GLITTERPOP! , stream here ! To watch the full EP release show performance, click here ! katie MAC is an LA-based pop singer-songwriter. Her music blends raw vocals with hyper-electronic production and heavy autotune, crafting songs that are perfect for crying in the club. She made her debut in 2017 with her single, “Nice Guys.” Since then, she has released two LPs, two EPs, and several singles. She first went viral with her track, “Not My Ex,” which has amassed over a million Spotify streams and landed on major playlists including New Music Friday, Pop Right Now, and Brand New Chill. She has also earned praise from Rolling Stone Mexico, HuffPost, Notion, EARMILK, and Hype Magazine. In addition to her solo career, she’s an in-demand writer for artists such as John Harvie, Brooke Alexx, and Caroline Kole. Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Cynthia Parker’s “Love Song” spins the meaning of a muse, finding inspiration from a breakup. Co-written with Lola Young , the tune calls out an ex’s audacity to expect a romantic song. The ex wants it to be all about them. Humorously, Parker and Young make it about them, but not in the way they’ll love. When people force themselves to be an artist’s muse, it takes away the meaning. And just like that, Parker lets this ex know that they don’t mean a single thing. They were caught up in the idea of Parker, rejecting her natural expressions. Parker sings, “If I ever write a love song/ It’s not gonna be for you.” What a burn. Parker sets the "Love Song" on fire with a mixture of Old Western vibes and a disco sound. The kick drum is heavy like stomping cowboy boots on the wooden floor. The beat’s fast tempo echoes the confidence of a show-off, ready to fire. Parker aims and shoots off with funky violins, perfect for grooving, swaying, and forgetting an ex. The twangy guitar at the start fades into a bouncy bass meant for flashy flare jeans and dazzling disco balls. The whole song sparkles with an air of self-love. Though her ex may have inspired it, this love song is for herself. Parker is a singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles. Originally from Toronto, Canada, she grew up participating in competitive dance and training her self-expression. From dance to her mother’s lullabies and iconic voices such as Sarah Vaughan, Sade, and Etta James, music became a major factor in her life. She finds inspiration in the timeless textures of ‘50s and ‘60s music, aiming to bring the Hollywood lushness back to the radio. She goes deeper into her process with her documentary "The Story So Far," available on YouTube. Cynthia Parker is on her way to become a timeless artist. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW CYNTHIA PARKER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | X  | YouTube

A reflection of Rainsford, aka Rainey Qualley,'s personal journey spanning romantic relationships, personal growth, and self-acceptance, is cumulated on the artist's debut album, Before Blue. Off this record comes the affecting, eloquent single, "Ghostwriter." As the title suggests, the song explores a sense of imposter syndrome, accenting lines like, "Of all the things I've done, I'm only the ghostwriter." This album merges years of Rainsford's experiences in one place. Having written most of the songs while feeling the heartbreak of a past turbulent relationship, the fully formed album has come out at a time when the artist feels emotionally distant from those events. Rainsford pulls those songs into the present after taking time away from them, hoping to honor every emotion by "blending the negative and positive experiences together.” Weaving Indie and alternative pop sounds, Rainsford's "Ghostwriter" has an edge, subsequent of the song's pulsing production. Reverberated backing vocal tracks accentuate the clarity of the singer's lead vox, propelling the dynamic sound and depth the instrumentals give the song. Heavy percussion accompanies Rainsford's floating voice in the song's introduction, fading to a subtle ticking noise during the chorus, and back. Rainsford's voice has a crystal clear tone that shines against the textured musical backdrop of the song. Showcasing that vulnerability sets free an indulgence in unabashed creativity comes Before Blue's danceable, singable track "Ghostwriter." Written while living in both New York and L.A., Before Blue weaves a timeline of Rainey's time spent in the bustle of these creative cities before re-familiarizing herself with her hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Working with a collection of established music engineers, Rainsford collaboratively tailored her first full album of songs, h andpicking production styles to suit each mood. Rainsford is a multihyphenate artist: model, actor, musician, writer, and creative director whose creativity moves across genres. Even her album ventures through a multitude of genres, not limiting her music to one classification. About working on various media, Rainsford shares that, " With those other projects it's like you’re this small piece; it can be freeing to relinquish control over to someone else, but when it comes to making music you get to complete the whole puzzle.” Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW RAINSFORD: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

A contradicting and fascinating blend of self-confidence and dependence shines through the deep meaning of "Vendetta" by Izzy Escobar. Boldly exploring feelings of possessiveness when it comes to a former partner and betrayer, the speaker of the song breaks down all the details of a their ex's new partner: essentially a copy of the speaker herself. The message of the song makes it clear: the speaker oozes confidence in the fact that she is irreplaceable. Evocative lyrics like "she lived in your bed and you lived in my mind" portray the mind games that cast a shadow over the speaker's former relationship. With an energetic and thrilling perspective on post-betrayal healing, this song invites listeners to recognize that the impact they made on a person will remain strong no matter how they may treat you. Jazzy, edgy, and authentically daring, this alternative pop tune draws listeners into feelings of raw intimacy and vulnerability in the powerful way each note hits the ear. The sound of Izzy's voice evokes the intoxicatingly dark and throaty aura of Amy Winehouse blended with the soulful and resonant power of Adele. Slow piano chords and gentle percussion open the verse before the beat picks up and builds with bass and pace. Vocalizing layers of high and low vocals support the deep voicing of the chorus. Catchy and powerful, this immersive track uses its instrumentals to infuse the lyrics a punchy and dramatic energy. Izzy Escobar is a pop artist from Boston whose musical journey took her talents to Los Angeles and New York City. Her distinct, strong vocals and storytelling lyrics have caught the attention of nearly 485 000 monthly listeners on Spotify from across the globe. Izzy has a vibrant and dynamic stage presence. She has performed at festivals like Maryland's Oceans Calling and venues like New York City's Berlin , and has an upcoming performance at Hollywood's The Hotel C afé . Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW IZZY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Following her critically acclaimed 2023 studio album, Scarlet , Doja Cat is back and better than ever with the release of her fifth studio album, Vie . The album marks a return to pop-centric music for the artist, contrasting the heavily hip-hop sounds featured on Scarlet . Toying with '80s-inspired pop, Doja Cat leans into themes of love, sex, and romance as she explores various genres, like funk, dance-pop, R&B, and hip-hop. TRACK LIST: 1. Cards 2. Jealous Type 3. AAAHH MEN! 4. Couples Therapy 5. Gorgeous 6. Stranger 7. All Mine 8. Take Me Dancing (feat. SZA) 9. Lipstain 10. Silly! Fun! 11. Acts of Service 12. Make it Up 13. One More Time 14. Happy 15. Come Back Known for her work as a singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer, Doja Cat has cemented herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, proving herself to be one of the best artists of the 2020s. She has rightfully earned the nickname of being the "Queen of Pop-Rap," embracing a genre-bending career and regularly climbing the charts with her infectious hits. Among her impressive accolades are six Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, six MTV Video Music Awards, and a Grammy Award. She has been recognized by Billboard as one of the world's biggest pop stars and the 24th top woman artist of the 21st century, as well as being listed by Time as one of the world's most influential people in 2023. An enthralling experience from start to finish, Doja Cat's Vie continues to prove how the artist has risen to the platform she's on now. The album immediately draws listeners in by establishing the genre-defying nature of Doja Cat's work, opening with "Cards," a track that embodies an old-school vibe reminiscent of Paula Abdul's R&B/dance-pop fusion that ruled the '80s. Continuing in a similar vein, the lead single from the album, "Jealous Type," comes up next and serves as a highlight from Vie with its fast-paced synth-pop sound and lush instrumentals. Much like the sounds on these first two tracks, there's a clear '80s theme running throughout the album, notably present on songs like "Couples Therapy," "Stranger," "Happy," "Come Back," and "Take Me Dancing (feat. SZA )." Giving a unique twist to this theme, the track "One More Time" adds elements of '80s pop-rock to the mix, incorporating energetic, breakneck paced beats and Journey -like guitar riffs throughout the song. Adding to the nostalgic feel of the album, Doja Cat incorporates an essence of disco throughout Vie , creating retro-inspired soundscapes that are impossible not to dance along with. Disco's characteristic four-on-the-floor is present throughout a few of the album's tracks, serving as an energetic focal point on songs like "Stranger," "AAAHH MEN!," and "Jealous Type." With the addition of disco-inspired pop to the long list of genres the artist samples, fans of Doja Cat's Hot Pink era will be excited by these songs as she gives a tasteful nod to the hit "Say So." Another aspect seeming to tie many of the songs together is an ever-present saxophone, sounding like some of the sultry '80s pop everyone loves to hear. If anyone has a deep love for saxophones being incorporated in modern pop, songs like "Gorgeous," "Cards," "Jealous Type," and "Stranger" are the songs for you. Each track has a unique sound and blend of genres, but the saxophone lines are a common thread connecting these distinct ideas together and forming a sense of uniformity during certain points of Vie . Giving the album some sensuality, Doja Cat throws in a few seductive ballads to shake things up and lean into the R&B/funk sides of Vie . Included in this category of song on the album are "All Mine," "Lipstain," "Acts of Service," and "Make it Up." The first three of these tracks have a retro feel to them with "All Mine" standing out as Doja Cat seems to channel a bit of her inner- Prince . "All Mine" shows the artist pushing her vocal range as she delivers soulful lines over a funky bass and laid-back beats. Contrasting this a bit, "Make it Up" gives listeners a more modern-sounding hip-hop ballad to groove to as Doja Cat briefly breaks from the '80s-inspired sound cultivated throughout Vie . Occasionally adding to the more modern soundscapes on Vie , Doja Cat takes a page from her previous album, Scarlet , staying true to her rap roots and proving to critics her ability to balance mainstream pop with hip-hop. Aside from "Make it Up," some other songs in this category on the album include "Silly! Fun!," "Gorgeous," and "AAAHH MEN!" These songs might still have a hint of the retro nostalgia incorporated throughout Vie , but they highlight Doja Cat's ability to return to the 21st century and provide a wide array of unique hits for every fan to enjoy. A perfect synthesis of her previous work, Doja Cat's Vie embraces her rap roots while returning to the playful pop lightheartedness of Planet Her . The artist shows her creativity knows no bounds, taking listeners on a thrilling sonic journey through a plethora of genres, including hip-hop, dance-pop, R&B, and funk. A sampler of some of Doja Cat's best compositions, Vie shows the artist's captivating evolution over the years and is sure to capture the attention of fans new and old. Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.