Discover an exciting and refreshing electronic landscape with “Internet Star” from googly eyes. The song is a kaleidoscope, displaying a wide range of differing qualities and bends in genre. The introduction leans heavily into an all-encompassing electronic sound, amplifying the voice of googly eyes in an ear-catching way that you don’t anticipate. Following this point, you’re made to focus, almost solely, on the melodic and calming voice of Internet Star. Her voice melds almost seemingly symbiotically with the sounds of the backing string instruments, working together in harmony, and additionally shares a similar relationship with a multitude of electronically produced, ear-striking, qualities. The overall sound to “Internet Star” sets googly eyes apart from other artists who incorporate details of different genres such as, in this scenario, electronic and pop. What googly eyes incorporates into this sound feels both personal and familiar, in a comforting way – something very difficult for musicians to find a proper balance between. While listening to “Internet Star”, I found myself relating to googly eyes’ perspective without previously being fully aware of how I feel about the subject matter of the song. “Internet Star” details how difficult it is to be an artist, and want to create, but feel the power of the internet and the sensation of going viral take over the creativity process. In doing so, this leads to confusion of what success and your dreams mean. Although I’m not a musician, I experienced strong feelings of resonation with both the lyrics to “Internet Star” and the confusion & passion googly eyes exemplifies in this track. The depth and exploration of art, the digital age, and personal growth discussed in “Internet Star” is something I respect, as well as something that more people should become immersed in. It’s refreshing, as well as healing and fun, to interact with music such as “Internet Star” that connects personal struggles, relatable issues, modern qualities, and well-crafted musicality altogether. It’s apparent that googly eyes has created a world of her own, yet its inviting and a safe place for all. googly eyes is an artist, writer, and producer from Houston, Texas. She recently became the first artist signed to Pretty Swede Records, an independent music label founded by artist Tove Lo. Since the music label’s foundation in 2022, googly eyes’ upcoming EP, Starlet , will be Pretty Swede’s first release apart from the work of Tove Lo. googly eyes’ focus in her music is on electronic influences, vocal production, and poetic lyricism. She aims to create vivid soundscapes with qualities of raw & natural, human elements along with ones of synthetic and manufactured traits. Bareback on the Motherfucking Plains , the first single from googly eyes, was recorded and produced in its entirety by googly eyes. With the upcoming release of the EP Starlet  on September 27th, I cannot wait to see what this new age of art brings to googly eyes and creative, all-around music lovers. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW GOOGLY EYES: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

Having deep feelings for someone can be the most beautiful thing as well as the most exhausting thing. Driving yourself crazy imagining the life that could be instead of reality. Natalie Barths new song “Like a Dog,” portrays what it's like to love someone you can’t have and the restlessness that comes with it. She brings a mix of dog and religious metaphors to describe the longing she felt when writing this. With the religious metaphors, Natalie and her producer Michael Leto, played that into the track with the angelic layered vocals and the gospel touch on the instrumentation. This track falls into the alt-pop-rock genre which is a personal favorite of mine. If you’re a fan of artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Nessa Barrett or Sabrina Carpenter, this is a song you need to check out. Natalie wrote “Like a Dog” a few months back and brought it to Michael immediately. In her words, “The song is about yearning for someone to the point of exhaustion - when you miss them so much but you know you can’t have them - and the desperation that comes with that feeling.” I think she perfectly portrayed that and it all came from her vulnerability in the lyrics. “I haven’t seen in color since you left,” is one of my favorite lines because her use of imagery to express her desolation makes the message even more impactful. She used this song to tell this person all of the things she would do to have them, which led to her hook line “I’ll let you walk me like a dog.” Natalies tones and harmonies add a level of emotion that causes listeners to sympathize and relate. We have all had moments where we would do anything for that one person to love us, “Like a Dog” turns that intensity into words. Natalie Barth is a singer-songwriter from North Carolina. She has spent years writing and working on her craft, but just recently found the confidence to share her art. Music is a way for her to cope, as she takes negative experiences and works through them with her lyrics. Natalie finds passion in taking raw emotions and turning them into sorrowful lyrics over indie pop tracks. Her goal is to be truthful with what she writes in hopes her listeners relate. Music is a powerful healing tool and Natalie does it in such a beautiful way with her work. She has a handful of singles and her album “The Golden Years” to hold us over until her next release. Follow her links down below to check out her releases and stay updated on when the next one is coming. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW NATALIE BARTH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In the beginning stages of liking somebody– the slightest bit of interest they show tells us their true feelings for us. It's what feeds the connection, it’s what sharpens the flutter in our hearts, how the simplest things can turn into utter bliss. However, after quite some time with no momentum flowing between this person, it can get quite old fairly quickly. At some point, we crave more than subtle gestures, we want this person to voice their thoughts to us, and tell us how they truly feel rather than relying on unpretentious hints that we must then decipher and figure out whether or not there is still that spark of interest, or if it will slowly fade out into nothing. “Subtlety is Nothing” by Janna Jamison depicts a similar scenario in the form of a catchy tune– it tells the story of wanting. A yearning for this person of interest to voice their true intentions, to put an awaited demise to the subtlety, and finally make something out of their apparent connection. “We need to say something, ‘cause subtlety is nothing” Janna sings– expressing her longing to move forward, into the next stages of their relationship. “Subtlety is Nothing” perfumes the air with hints of both heartache and yearning, a sound similar to alternative and pop rock. The strings of the electric guitar give it the added edge the song needs to create something that is, not only catchy, but is also sure to leave an impact by voicing its potent presence with a powerful sound that is refreshing to its listeners. Janna’s voice seems to just course through the strings of the instruments perfectly, acting as her own instrument throughout the song. It adds emotion and smolders of passion the song needs in order to deliver the message the lyrics are trying to portray. As someone who has encountered a similar situation depicted in the song, it’s almost frustrating when this person of interest is doing practically nothing to move things forward. I think Janna captures the frustration and wanting so incredibly well. Not only is it frustration, but it’s that yearning  that keeps us so enticed. Janna Jamison is an American singer and songwriter who mostly resonates with genres like pop, indie pop, and pop rock. Janna seems to have been singing since the early year of 2020, and like any other artist with a fiery passion for music, Janna would sporadically post videos and photos of herself singing and playing with her instruments. “Subtlety Is Nothing” was the first single released before her first EP titled “Lovesuite”. In which Janna touches up on topics that involve the growth period of shifting from girlhood, and into womanhood through love, lust, heartbreak, and infatuation. Each song included in this EP progresses throughout the journey of Janna’s itinerary through growth. Currently, Janna and her band are touring through the Eastcoast of the United States, playing in places like Chicago and New York, where they had their last show on August 25th, wrapping up the era of her EP “Lovesuite” in a bittersweet ending. It’s so clear that Janna has an immense passion for singing and performing on stage. As Janna continues to make music and sing her heart out, I can’t help but look forward to hearing more of her work! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW JANNA JAMISON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Artist Cami Walsh releases her hauntingly beautiful and brilliant acoustic single, “House in My Memory.” A cathartic yet immersive listen, the track is metaphorically symbolic. Walsh describes building a house in her memory for her and her past partner whom she longs to be reunited. The image of this house is donned with haunting pictures and pieces of Walsh's past relationship, paying homage to the memories that the pair once shared as well as signifying hope of the pair reuniting and sharing their love again. “Your picture hangs in frames on every wall,” Walsh sings, “All your clothes still hang in the closet.” Walsh seems to be trapped in her memories, as she creates a perfect house for the pair to stay, though she alludes to her partner no longer sharing the same feelings. “I know I only reside in your periphery / I doubt you saved a space for me at all,” she writes. Still, Walsh somberly notes that she will move in instead since she holds no hope for her heart to move on. Melodically melancholic and reminiscent, “House in My Memory,” is a sweeping acoustic dream of nostalgia wrapped in an indie framework. Guitar strums are softened alongside Walsh’s tender and gentle voice, as if Walsh is beckoning her lover to come back home, back to their warm moments. A deep longing and sadness are found embedded in each note of the song, the melody poignant and moving. The single holds a transfixed quality, with its evocative nature displayed most powerfully through Walsh's somber voice and earnestly heartfelt lyrics. The ending chorus is accompanied by violin strings, an effect that ends the song further on a sorrow-filled note. As if cementing the pain forever and the memories that will always stay with the singer. “House in My Memory,” becomes a beautifully painful introspection of love and loss, and the memories that continue to haunt us far after the person is gone. “House in My Memory” is the last installment within Cami Walsh’s EP alongside tracks “My Name” and “Biggest Regret.” Another set of acoustic gems, Walsh’s EP is raw and expressive, organic and bittersweet with its simple tunes and Walsh’s honest lyrics. Described as a "bookend" to her other songs, “House in My Memory,” serves as a closure to Walsh's past relationship. While constructing the EP, Walsh wanted an earthy and authentic sound, as she opted for a more immersive music environment instead of traditional studios as we see her Chicago roots and Nashville influences shine through her music. The singer-songwriter became a viral hit when covering most notably an Evann McIntosh track that led her to collaborate with producer Jesty Beatz. The collaboration resulted in her singles spotlighting on several Spotify editorial playlists. Her covers were also shared on social media by artists like Still Woozy, Willow Smith, Lennon, and Maisy Stella. Known for her authentic sound and songwriting, Cami Walsh is a breath of fresh air in the music industry, creating music that beautifully captures the aches and pains of life. Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW CAMI WALSH: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

If you have ever experienced a one-sided romance, you can understand how exhausting it can be trying to get through to someone who doesn’t return your feelings. “Your World” is a new collaboration piece by artists PEPTALK and Montaigne. It explores themes of frustration and the pointlessness of trying to please someone in a one-sided relationship. I think this song not only had some pretty straightforward lyrics; I feel like I could resonate with many of them. The chorus in particular I think was very well written. It’s short, but gets the point across pretty well. Despite the message behind the song, “Your World” had an incredibly upbeat and energetic sound. The song opens with a retro, and almost video game-inspired sound. I think this song shares a lot of similarities to artists such as Chappell Roan , MUNA , and Remi Wolf , particularly in its energetic vibe. I want to talk a bit more about these lyrics. I think they pair extremely well with the instrumentals for this song. In particular, one lyric I loved was just before the first chorus, at the start of the song. “I want to do my best to be who I am / While you were on a quest to not give a damn”. As I said before, “Your World” is a collaboration piece with PEPTALK and Montaigne. A few members of PEPTALK were chosen to participate in Troye Sivan’s pride writing camp. That’s where they met Montaigne. Thus, the partnership for this collaboration was born. PEPTALK is a group made up of all women. They first began releasing music back in 2022, with their debut hit, “White Sneakers”. Currently, they get around 46,000 monthly streams on Spotify. Montaigne is a Grammy-nominated and ARIA-winning artist who first began releasing music 10 years ago, back in 2014. They haven’t released any music aside from “Your World” since 2022, but they are currently slated to go on tour with The Script and the Ambassadors. This song was super fun to listen to, and I’m excited to hear what both artists release next. Go and stream “Your World” everywhere today! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW PEPTALK: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube FOLLOW MONTAIGNE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Relationships bring out the vulnerable side in people. Whether you want to embrace love headfirst and not worry about the repercussions or if you fear what the relationship might bring, “Paper Hearts” by OLIVIA follows the emotional journey of navigating love and its side effects. The song opens with “Let’s trade these two paper hearts so we can rip them apart” which is a pretty powerful way to open a song. Giving a paper heart instead of her actual heart can prevent her real heart from breaking. If the paper rips or tears in half, it’s okay cause she can always find another one to give. The paper hearts can be symbolic of apprehension when entering a relationship because of the fear of heartbreak. Paper hearts are fragile and easily broken, which could also mean she is easily brokenhearted. Love can only be true if you give each other your real hearts, not paper ones.  As stated by the lyric “Six weeks and a couple scars/ it’s been since we fell apart”, the song was written six weeks after her breakup so the hurt is still fresh and the “scars” are the hurt she is experiencing that won’t fade away just yet which could represent Olivia not being able to move on from the relationship. Nothing can fall without gravity and gravity pulls two forces together so the lyric “Because love at 23 is like falling without gravity” is saying that love is a force just like gravity is. When two people are attracted to each other it only intensifies their pull and being in love makes it even stronger. The lyric is saying that love at a young age (23) is bound to not work.“No more giving my soul to anyone…/not again I’d rather go cold” represents how she’s done with giving her all to these relationships and not getting the same energy in return. Even though the relationship is over he still has a piece of her heart and “maybe we’re just wasting time/ but hold me for tonight” is Olivia holding on to whatever’s left of the relationship. “His habits never break even if we change/ we’re still losing” No matter if he says he would change and work on himself, you can’t really expect to fully change a person. Old habits die hard and there’s always a chance they will creep in again. As long as he still has his old habits, the relationship will never work, and she knows that. “Paper Hearts” is a song you listen to when you need validation and comfort when you experience heartbreak. Produced by Haris, “Paper Hearts” is about loving someone even though they broke your heart and trying to cope with the heartbreak. Although this is an upbeat song, OLIVIA’s voice is soft and smooth. The beat matches with her voice and complements it. She hits higher notes on some of the lyrics she is trying to emphasize. When OLIVIA sings the last lyric “I’d rather go cold” the music just stops short which I think artistically was the perfect way to end the song, it’s like walking away from a bad situation to find true happiness. The cover art is also very symbolic of the themes within the song. There’s a paper heart on her back which reminds me of the saying “wearing your heart on your sleeve” and when you do that, you’re more susceptible to heartbreak. You express your emotions rather than keeping them in, rather than being cold. OLIVIA (Olivia Trappeniers) is a pop singer from Belgium. She was a contestant of  The Voice van Vlaanderen (Belgium version of The Voice ) back in 2016. She rose to fame after she won the first Belgium edition of MNM radio station Rising Star  competition. OLIVIA has always been a musician. She began playing the guitar and learning Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus songs from YouTube, she even covered “Blank Space” for her Voice audition. She’s collaborated with other artists and has been releasing singles since 2017. Olivia has a captivating way of translating her emotions in her songs. She’s definitely a rising star, check out “Paper Hearts” and give it a listen!  Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW OLIVIA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook  | YouTube

Oda Loves You uses the idiom "when pigs fly" to state that she's not going to cry over men, describing them with her interpolation of the nursey rhyme "This Little Piggy" as different kinds of pigs in her new single "Pigs Fly". Despite the disgraceful personalities and actions of these men/pigs (i.e. the line "this little piggy's Alex Jones") described in the song, Oda Loves You plans on not wasting any energy on them, as they are all just "pigs" and nothing more. Her using both an idiom and sampling a nursery rhyme in one song presents a perfect example of her incredible songwriting abilities; she also includes the line "rockabye baby", a double entendre that recognizes the use of the nursery rhyme and also refers to the men/pigs as childish. The production of "Pigs Fly" is electrifying, with a rapid beat, futuristic synthesizers, and the sampling of a whistle used throughout the song. Oda Loves You also has an amazing voice, perfectly fitting for pop music, and goes amazingly well with the instrumentation. She has an incredible range, belting in the chorus and singing lower notes in the verses. Combined with the lyrics of being against incompetent men, the upbeat vibe of "Pigs Fly" gives the listener a strong sense of empowerment. This is a phenomenal song that is great to run or dance to due to its energetic and vibrant nature. Oda Loves You is a pop musician based in Los Angeles, California, but is originally from Bergen. She started performing music in the 90s, and still does today, including at Hollywood's Peppermint Club. She released her debut album, Polar Nights , in 2020. She frequently collaborates with EC Twins on songs, such as "Liberian Girl", "Dreams", and "Foolish". She has written and produced music for some of the most notable names in pop music and studied music in college as well, earning herself a masters degree. Oda Loves You is a multitalented artist that writes and records amazing and sensational pop music. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW ODA LOVES YOU: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In her poignant new single "Lonely," Australian indie pop artists Hazel Ray and Roxley (Benjamin Tenison) deliver a stirring anthem that speaks directly to those struggling with feelings of loneliness and depression. The song's energetic and uplifting nature juxtaposes its deep, contemplative message, creating an impactful exploration of isolation and the human condition. "Lonely" attempts to reshape the narrative around solitude, suggesting that it is not an insurmountable void but a state of mind that can be transcended through self-reflection and a broader understanding of human interconnectedness. As Hazel eloquently states, the realization that we are part of something greater and not alone in our experiences is a powerful awakening. This track is a call to all those yearning for connection, urging them to recognize their inherent belonging to the collective human experience. Musically, "Lonely" is a captivating blend of Hazel Ray's rich, soulful vocals and Roxley's polished production that encapsulates both resilience and hope. The song’s upbeat melody pairs seamlessly with introspective lyrics, allowing it to serve as both an emotional release and an anthem of empowerment. Produced in Canada by Roxley and skillfully mixed and mastered by the talented Steve James, the track achieves a perfect balance of intricate soundscapes and accessible pop elements. This combination creates an immersive listening experience that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Hazel’s vocals soar through the arrangement, weaving through Roxley's intricate layers of instrumentals, transforming personal pain into a universal message of resilience. The inclusion of uplifting beats and dynamic shifts in the arrangement symbolizes the journey from loneliness to self-discovery and acceptance, suggesting that even in our darkest times, there is a path to light and connection. Hazel Ray, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, is a multifaceted musician with a strong commitment to spiritual awakening and personal growth. As a self-discovery coach, she uses her music and her live events to inspire and empower her audience, fostering a sense of community and support. Her ability to convey deep emotional truths through her music is evident in "Lonely," where her message of unity and resilience shines brightly. Hazel’s approach to music is not just about creating beautiful melodies but also about connecting with her listeners on a profound level, encouraging them to explore their inner selves. Similarly, Roxley, an accomplished pop singer, songwriter, and producer, has been on a global journey of collaboration and musical exploration. His work over the last year, crossing borders from Canada to the USA, and across Europe, speaks to his dedication to creating music that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Roxley's previous successes, including his acclaimed single "Be Your Own King," underline his talent for using music as a means of self-expression and empowerment. The collaboration between Hazel Ray and Roxley on "Lonely" is a testament to their shared vision of using music to heal, inspire, and uplift. Together, they have created a song that resonates deeply, offering a message of hope and connection to all who listen. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW HAZEL: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Maui, Hawaii born and raised pop singer/songwriter, Lily Meola just dropped her sophomore EP, "Heartbreak Rodeo". Lily, who is no stranger to heartbreak, speaks on the 5-track EP filled with relatable topics - "Heartbreak sucks, but we all go through it... It's all part of the journey, so let's keep going! Let's learn to dance with heartbreak… and then let's move on." Laced with a little country twang and a little bit of American soul, these songs will make you feel ready to hoe down. TRACKLIST Heartbreak Rodeo Mar Vista Gasoline Cowboy I Need You Lily Meola gained a passion for music at a very young age. She'd listen to artists like Ella Fitzgerald , Joni Mitchell and Carole King with her mom in the car. She loved to sing and began performing in local bars and cafes at only 11-years-old! In 2019, Lily's mom was diagnosed with cancer, and the record deal that Lily had at the time was dropped. Sadly, Lily's mom passed away in 2020; but Lily's mom was an inspiration for her and her music, and Lily wasn't about to give up. In 2022, Lily auditioned for season 17 of America's Got Talent where she performed her original song, "Daydream" and received the golden buzzer from Heidi Klum . Lily ended up winning 3rd place in the competition, and her song "Daydream" reached the Top Viral Charts in 27 countries. From then on, nothing was stopping Lily from taking over the world. She released a full debut EP in 2022 also titled "Daydream", has shared the stage with major artists like Willie Nelson , Imagine Dragons , Ray Lamontagne , Steven Tyler , and Alice Cooper , and now has over one million monthly Spotify listeners and a loyal fanbase. Her second EP, "Heartbreak Rodeo" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and is a personal project Lily hopes can, in the end, help others with their own heartbreak. Let's dive into these tracks! Heartbreak Rodeo We start out the EP with the title track, "Heartbreak Rodeo" which gives us a sum of exactly what this EP is about. Lily sings, " you know this ain't my first ", meaning yeah, this really hurts but I've been through it before, so I know that I'll be okay. It's a song of knowing your self worth, and knowing there are bigger and better things to come despite how much you are hurting right now. The soundscape of "Heartbreak Rodeo" is very nostalgic country; the acoustic guitar mixed with the slider, as well as the vocal harmonies felt like southern back porch heaven. Lily's voice is so smooth and flawless, you could just about listen to her sing all day. It was reminding me a lot of Sara Evans and The Chicks ; a very 90's / early 2000's type of country influenced slightly by pop. Mar Vista Named after a westside neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, "Mar Vista" is a song about the memories that come up after going through a break up. Even though there was a time where things were good, and it can hurt to look back on what you once had, all you know now is that you deserve better and want to move on. Lily comes in a little stronger with the twang on the vocals here as she goes for a very old-fashioned, mid-century country style with a slow bass, gentle harmonious "ooo's" in the background and lots of slide guitar. It transports you back in time, and you feel like you're in a western bar in the 1950's with smoke filling the air. The approach on this particular song gave me early Miranda Lambert vibes in the best way. Gasoline "Gasoline" is a gorgeous, sitting around the campfire type of song that features bright, crisp acoustic guitar, a soft stomping beat and gentle, lullaby-like vocals from Lily with heavenly harmonies to back her up. "Gasoline" is about wishing there was a simple fix whenever you're dealing with relationship troubles, like how when your car is running out of gas, you can just go to the gas station and fill it up and you know that everything will be alright. Lily sings, "If only hearts could run on gasoline..." so when your heart is starting to feel empty, it would be as simple as filling it back up and you'd be in love again - but unfortunately, love isn't that simple. You can hear the emotion in Lily's voice as she sings, almost as if she is giving up, or "running out of gasoline" within her heart. It's that soft, heartbreaking sadness that gives you those stinging pains in your chest. Cowboy Next we have "Cowboy" which is a song Lily claims she wrote simply because she wanted to write a song about cowboys. Cowboys are known to be lone rangers; they come and go as they please, and don't dare to get too close to anybody. Falling in love with a cowboy is a risky thing to do, because you never know if they're just messing with your heart because they're great con artists or if they'll just leave with no trace left behind because you got too close to their heart. "Cowboy" takes more of a modern country-pop approach to it's production, with a popping bass, a signature acoustic guitar groove and a catchy hook to get stuck in your head. I Need You Closing out the EP, we have the song "I Need You" which ends things on a more positive note. It's a sweet, gentle little love song about comparing your need for someone to the importance of other things like how "the planets need the space" and "the ocean needs the waves". "I Need You" puts acoustic guitar at the forefront, but features tambourine and a little bit of banjo to keep that southern theme going. The beautiful emotion you feel emanating from this song is enough to bring a tear to your eye. It's that feeling of peace, and knowing that you've found someone to be your safe place. The song fades out with the melody being whistled, with heavy reverb filling the air, giving the song that dreamy, heavenly vibe that you get when you're in love. Lily Meola never ceases to amaze me with every song she releases. You can tell how much heart and soul she puts into her music. There's not a single song that is just thrown together or is "filler". The intricate details within every song is crazy; her songwriting, the production, the vocals! Lily's ability to sing just about anything and nail it the way that she does says so much about her natural vocal control; this girl is truly impressive. "Heartbreak Rodeo" is a stand out project and unlike anything Lily has ever done before. I love that she is able to shift and experiment with different sounds and genres, and create these themes and universes for her audience to immerse themselves in. I believe this is still only the beginning for Lily, and I can't wait to see what she does next. If you loved "Heartbreak Rodeo", make sure to dive into the rest of Lily's discography! She has plenty of recent songs that aren't on this EP. Also make sure to follow her below to keep up with her journey, to see where she's touring and to see what she does next! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW LILY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website | Facebook | Twitter *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Swedish Grammy Award-Winning folk/pop duo, Smith & Thell, has just dropped their most recent EP, "A Chosen Family". Known for their compelling songwriting, this project consists of concepts and stories inspired by others. TRACKLIST Waste of Time At Least I Tried (feat. Wrabel) Little Altar Boy UFO I Let The Good Ones Go Maria Smith and Victor Thell met each other in their teenage years at a music even in their hometown of Helsingborg, Sweden, and the rest is history. Both had grown up musically inclined. They became best friends and shared their mutual love of music, which lead them to begin writing and recording songs together. They released their debut album, "Soulprints", in 2017. In 2021, they gained international momentum with their breakthrough collaboration song titled "Forgive Me Friend" with Rock duo from Memphis, Tennessee, Swedish Jam Factory . At this point in their career, Smith & Thell has totaled billions of global streams across platforms, has over 1 million monthly Spotify listeners, and they have multiple singles that have gone number one on the Swedish charts. They've written songs for big names like Jennifer Lopez , Alan Walker , and Ava Max 's RIAA gold-certified single, "So Am I" which won "Composer of the Year" at the 2020 Swedish Grammy Awards. Maria and Victor attended a songwriting camp together in 2023 in Southern California, which led them to writing the songs we will hear today on "A Chosen Family". Just in those 10 days, through the people they met and the stories they heard, they became inspired to write and share what they experienced. Waste of Time Starting with the single "Waste of Time", this song touches on the topic of searching for the qualities of a past relationship in other people, but none of them live up to those expectations. You start to realize that you're never going to love anybody the way you loved that person, and that trying to move on is just a waste of time . It's a "the one that got away" type of situation, where you should want to forget them, but you can't - and all you can do is hold on to some sort of hope that you can reconnect one day. "Waste of Time" starts off sounding like a classic, stomping folk song with an addicting rhythm and beat, an ear-worm acoustic guitar and stunning vocals. As the song progresses, it builds into this harmonious instrumentation with different varieties of strings along with piano, heavy drums and chanting vocals. It teleports you back in time to the old western days, and makes you feel like you're sitting in an old bar surrounded by lovelorn cowboys with beers in their hands. At Least I Tried (feat. Wrabel) "At Least I Tried" is about that realization when the person you've been giving your all to, just isn't it. It's a super catchy, upbeat folk-pop bop with a mood like "yeah, I'm sad and this super sucks but hey, at least I tried and now I'm just gonna dance it off". Even though it's a crappy situation, this song has such a positive, uplifting soundscape to help pick you back up on your feet. "At Least I Tried" features the incredible songwriter and artist, Wrabel who took his style and perfectly intertwined it into Smith & Thell's. The way that they took their unique sounds and blended them together, and created this song so effortlessly, makes me believe this is a collaboration that was written in the stars. Everything about this song is done perfectly, and is now stuck in my head for good. Little Altar Boy "Little Altar Boy" was a song written the night before Maria and Victor went off to their songwriting camp. The idea of "Little Altar Boy" is that just because you have an incredible talent, doesn't mean that it's your destiny or that you have to take it as far as it can possibly go. Don't let others choose your life for you; if something isn't your dream, then don't go for it. You should always do what makes you happy in life. It's about passion and finding your true calling in life. It’s also a question of what your heart is really longing for. Just because you have a great voice, do you want to be a big star? Just because you have these perfect photogenic features, do you really want to be a model? At the end of the day, what is your will?” - Maria Smith of Smith & Thell Maria and Victor perfectly blend together their vocals in a gentle, emotional way to convey their message. This song takes more of a pop/rock approach, but you can still hear their folk roots. It has a very nostalgic tone, and it reminded me a bit of Coldplay but if Of Monsters and Men were singing. UFO "UFO" is what Smith & Thell consider to be an anthem for all the misfits out there who feel like they never belong, no matter how hard they try to fit in. This song is for everyone who gets treated like an outsider, and just can't understand what makes them so different from other people. If you feel like you get treated like an alien more than a human being, this song is for you. With an easy to sing along to hook and highly relatable lyrics, "UFO" has a very chant-like groove that would make any crowd join in, but at the same time it has little abstract hints of chromatic moves that give it an extraterrestrial vibe. It also emphasizes piano and electric guitar more than other songs, giving it a bit of a classic rock feel. I Let The Good Ones Go Lastly, we have "I Let The Good Ones Go" bringing the EP to a close. This is a dark, but relatable song for many, about feeling like you're good for nothing. The only thing you feel like you do right is push people away, because you're saving them from yourself. "I Let The Good Ones Go" has a very simple, classic groove and melody, but the harmonies between Maria and Victor are what really captivate you. They have a country influence and are layered in a very heavenly, emotional way. It's the type of harmony that you can imagine someone sitting on their back porch in the middle of nowhere, singing their soul out with their closest friends and a banjo. It gives you such a deep, cathartic feeling. Not to mention the lyrics, which really bring a punch to the gut - especially if you can relate to them. The musical chemistry in Smith & Thell is undeniable. You can hear it through every component of their music; from the way they sing together, to the way their lyrics flow. There's something really special about being an artist and finding another artist that connects with you like that - especially when they're already your best friend! I love how every song on "A Chosen Family" not only tells it's own story, but they all sound like a different world as well. Smith & Thell manages to keep their signature sound steady, while also making fresh new soundscapes for every individual project they release. They continue to evolve and grow, becoming stronger and stronger with each song they write. It's no wonder why they're such a beloved artist across the world - but yet, in my opinion, still deserve even more love and attention than they already get. If you enjoyed this EP, make sure to dive deeper into their impressive discography and follow them! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SMITH & THELL: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Were you born between 1981 and 1996? Do you find yourself reminiscing over things like Saturday morning cartoons and having recess on a playground that was probably just a little bit too unsafe? Do people younger than you call you cringe for rocking your skinny jeans and side-parted hair in 2024? (You look great by the way!) Well, you might be a millennial. So, just for you, for me, and for everyone else like us, I've compiled this list of 10 unforgettable millennial anthems. So, grab your favorite iced coffee, and let's dive into this nostalgia trip! 10. 1985 - Bowling For Soup (2004) Starting off strong with Bowling For Soup's 2004 hit, "1985". This one was the first truly millennial anthem that came to mind when I came up with the topic for this week's article. It's a classic hit that pokes fun at someone once young in 1985. It references pop culture from the 80s, including a myriad of pop and rock artists from the iconic decade. So, what makes this about millennials? Well, it came out when most of us were pretty young and it was an absolute radio HIT. It was played everywhere back in 2004 and was completely unavoidable. What makes it hit so hard now though is the timeline. 1985 and 2004 were 19 years apart. 2004 and 2024 are 20 years apart. If Bowling For Soup made this song today, it would be about 2005, and that's just crazy to me. Time flies. 9. Closer - The Chainsmokers (2016) "Closer" by The Chainsmokers is the newest song on this list, but trust me, it qualifies. When this song came out in 2016, many of us younger millennials were freshly squeezed out of high school or navigating our early 20s. "Closer" references things like cars we have but can't afford and Blink-182 songs that we couldn't put down. (I'm pretty sure Halsey's talking about "I Miss You".) It even references stealing a mattress from a roommate. If this doesn't capture the essence of being a young scatter-brained adult just doing your best, I don't know what does. The song crams so much meaning into simplicity that it's almost embarrassing how telling this track really is. Definitely give it a listen. 8. TikTok - Kesha (2009) "TikTok" by Kesha (no, not THAT TikTok!) is a song that embodies the go big or go home attitude of the late 2000s effortlessly. In a time where every single song was about partying, this one went the hardest. It's got that exaggerated valley girl spirit that Kesha would become known for in the early years of her career. Not to mention this song is pretty much the catchiest thing to come out of 2009. This was a real banger to hear on the car radio. If you're anything like me, you still don't know what it means to wake up feeling like P Diddy or why Kesha wanted men who looked like Mick Jagger, but you don't care. The beat outweighs the lyrics here, but it doesn't stop you from singing them as loud as possible anyway. 7. It's Gonna Be Me - *NSYNC (2000) "It's Gonna Be Me" is a song that started a universal meme amongst those of us who were there. You have to be just the right age to see a picture of ramen noodles in April and know why it's funny. It's true. I don't make the rules here. Beyond that though, *NSYNC were absolute icons in the late 90s and early 2000s, contending with The Backstreet Boys to see who could be the biggest boy band ever. You might even remember losing a friendship over this band. Both groups were just that big at the time. You felt like the coolest kid in school if you brought your portable CD player with this album in it. 6. No Scrubs - TLC (1999) TLC's "No Scrubs" is a song that awakened independence in so many of us growing up. It is truly the epitome of Y2K girl power goodness that we all ate up as kids. TLC made waves back in the 90s, but this was by far their biggest hit. It was just empowering, and it still is! I think for those of us who have been put through the wringer when it comes to relationships, "No Scrubs" was the original female empowerment tune that gave us the courage to stay away from the worst kind of guys. Plus, it's really fun to sing! The meaning is timeless and the beat is amazing. What more could you ask for? 5. Sk8er Boi - Avril Lavigne (2002) Our favorite pop-punk icon, Avril Lavigne hit us millennials straight in the feels with her album, "Let Go" in 2002. It included unforgettable hits such as "Complicated" and "I'm With You", but the one that stood out the most to me was "Sk8er Boi". With some of the best storytelling an A-list artist has ever produced, Sk8er Boi was something that really solidified Avril's mark on pop music at the time. It was a spiteful tale about a girl who thought she was too good for the local punk rocker. When he ends up famous, Avril reveals she's with the skater boy now. This seems pretty simple now, but in the early 2000s it was absolutely groundbreaking. If you were around when this song was big, there is no way you don't feel a little bit of nostalgia when you hear it. 4. A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton (2001) Okay, when I say millennial anthem, it's hard to pick a favorite, but this one is TRULY unforgettable. Everyone knows "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton. Even if you have never sought this song out, even if you don't want to know it, you know it. Much like "1985", this song was everywhere. It's a wholesome love song that really captured our hearts when we were young. Now, it's often memed for being so mainstream, but honestly, that's just proof of it's undeniable influence. Some folks like to say it's a song for "white girls" but I guarantee you, they're secretly singing it at karaoke on Thursdays down at the Irish pub. You can't hate it. Vanessa Carlton is an amazing musician and the staying power of "A Thousand Miles" proves it. 3. Toxic - Britney Spears (2003) It was pretty tough to choose from Britney's insanely large and influential discography, but ultimately, "Toxic" gets the slot. released in 2003 with an infectiously catchy beat, the overall style of the track makes it unique and unforgettable. That's not to insult the rest of Britney's music, because there were plenty of other iconic jams in there, but how do I explain that this one just hits differently? It could be the squelchy robotic synths mixed with violins. Maybe it's the unforgettable outfit Britney wore in the music video. You know the one, and even if you don't the video is right below this paragraph. Either way, "Toxic" is a song that no one is embarrassed to love. It has no demographic. It's just that good. 2. Our Song - Taylor Swift (2006) If you somehow weren't around for Taylor Swift's debut, let me tell you, it was a magical time. This is where the magic of the Eras tour shows was born. Taylor didn't start out playing sold-out stadiums. She was a small country artist who found her footing playing small towns (like mine!). "Our Song" gave us that taste of wispy teenage romance that we all fantasized about in middle school. I would venture to say that this song, alongside "Teardrops on my Guitar" were the tracks that made Taylor a household name for so many of us. It's incredible to see how far she's come as an artist and going back to the debut album always brings waves of nostalgia. Maybe someday Taylor will bring the debut songs back to the stage! 1. Low - Flo Rida feat. T-Pain (2007) Okay, here we go. "Low" by Flo Rida is undoubtedly the most unforgettable millennial anthem. This was a song that had to be played at every single school dance between 2007 and at least 2014, which is so funny when you think about how music has changed over the years. This track was pretty explicit. I can't even be sure this type of thing would fly at a school dance in 2024. Do they still play this? Did any of us actually own Apple Bottom jeans in school? I had never even heard of them until this song. I'm from a small town in the middle of nowhere and didn't relate to these lyrics in the slightest. That didn't stop us, though. If this song came on, everyone was on their feet. The trend was just too powerful. The beat was too powerful. Something going on here was TOO powerful, and I guarantee if you hear this song today, something dormant in you can't keep you from dancing. That's just how it is. So, what did you think of our top 10 unforgettable millennial anthems? Is it what you expected? Do you remember these? There are so many more great songs from the era that it was incredibly hard to narrow them down to just 10. Regardless, thanks so much for making it to the end! Tell us your thoughts at one of our socials below. Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Finding your true purpose in life can be quite daunting, a chapter in our lives that can serve as our distinctive era of realization and cognizance. However, it doesn’t come easy. If anything, a plethora of us may feel lost. We may feel confused, and nebulous about our next decisions in life and where our steps will lead us next. Most of the time, our interminable fear may even stop us from pursuing the next chapters in our lives due to us having to leave things behind, like our former lives we’ve grown accustomed to and our close loved ones. Dropping it and leaving it all behind is one of the hardest parts of it all, growing used to the things we’ve known, discouraging us from taking a step out of our comfort zone, and leaving what has brought us sanctuary. This is a similar concept that Rohin has explored in his latest song “Daylight.Streetlights.Softeyes”. Where lyrics like “I’ve been finding my place in the dark” are sure to strike chords in the sore hearts of reflective listeners who face the same feelings in life. The intricate lyrics encourage sentiments of nostalgia and recollection. Click here to listen to "Daylight.Streetlights.Softeyes"! The sound is light and mellifluous, almost harboring hints of nostalgia with how quotidian and pensive it seems. Rohin’s voice is a soothing instrument in itself, providing the song the hint of sentimentality it needs, adding more emotion and feeling to the deliberative lyrics that grant listeners painstaking thoughts. It lets the listeners know that they aren’t the only ones who experience feelings of complexity when it comes to questioning the true meaning of our lives and what we wish to pursue– the hesitation that comes with making such challenging decisions. The song itself has a ‘coming of age’ feel with emotive lyrics that just seem to grasp the feelings so exceptionally. As a young adult myself, I also face the bedlam and challenges of life and what it is I want to do with my future, the things I have to give up to achieve my goals. Not only does this song sprout conscientious thought, but it also manages to hum such a casual and relaxing tune, something that sets the mood for a quiet and still night. Rohin, the talented artist behind such an intricate and stirring song is a singer and songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Just a few years back, in 2021, he moved to Toronto at the young age of 18 years to pursue his passion for music. Despite his fears of moving out alone after graduating school, Rohin swallowed his fears in favor of pursuing his dreams of becoming a musician and sharing his talents with the rest of the world and any listener who was willing to try his methodical sound. Throughout the years that went by, he spent the entire time working on his craft and honing his talents for music, writing songs as he moved all around Northern Canada. Rohin was able to create his first EP titled “so follow me down: part 2” which includes three songs titled “Loaded Guns” “SadLove” and the song “Daylight.Streetlights.Softeyes”. Rohin plans to continue his music journey– having more in store for his listeners. As Rohin continues this journey, I can’t wait to hear what he has planned next! To keep up and support Rohin, follow his socials where he updates his supporters frequently on his music. Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW ROHIN: Instagram | Spotify  | Apple Music  | YouTube