In the age of social media reigning supreme, it's easy for some to get lost in the desire to go viral. Many have become obsessed with the influencer lifestyle, losing touch with themselves and living life. HAUNTER tackles this modern problem in their new single, "City Boys x Pretty Girls"--a tongue-in-cheek, candy-coated pop-punk diss track. The song is inspired by the band's experience interacting with some influencers at a party in the Hollywood Hills, noting what makes their lifestyle problematic and having a bit a fun with it in a song. "City Boys x Pretty Girls" serves as an anthem that calls for people to just be themselves instead of taking the pursuit of viral fame too seriously. Matching the playful jabs in the lyrics, HAUNTER delivers the message of "City Boys x Pretty Girls" over a feisty, light-hearted pop-punk soundscape. The track features a solid mix of electronica and rock, creating a full sound with dazzling synths, electrifying guitar riffs, and infectious beats. Lucy LeNoir’s vocals brim with attitude and whimsy, giving a teasing feeling to the band’s criticisms of social media influencers. Having a similar vibe to some of the best pop-punk/pop-rock has to offer, HAUNTER’s sound in “City Boys x Pretty Girls” is perfect for fans of Honey Revenge and Paramore . A combination of former emo kids and a metalhead, HAUNTER is a four-piece band consisting of members Lucy LeNoir (vocals), Enoma Asowata (guitars/synths), Mark Schroeder (bass), and Mike Ray (guitars/synth/vocals). The dynamic group got their start when Asowata met producer/songwriter Tyler Smyth ( LIGHTS , I Prevail , Falling in Reverse ) while pursuing DIY projects during the Warped Tour era. They clicked musically, resulting in Asowata sending Smyth some rough demos of songs he had written. Lucy LeNoir was added to the band later that year with Mark Schroeder and Mike Ray joining soon after. Pulling sonically from alt-pop and mainstream artists, HAUNTER finds themselves inspired by acts like Chvrches , Ellie Goulding , Taylor Swift , Imagine Dragons , and CXLOE , while also paying homage to emo/pop-rock groups like Jimmy Eat World , Paramore , and The Maine . Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW HAUNTER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Paul Nicholls' latest release, when ur gone , marks three years since the young pop star has dropped a new song. This track proved well worth the long wait, though, as its packed full of emotional depth and melodic harmonies. when ur gone touches on the mental gymnastics one must go through when breaking off a toxic relationship – including themes of self-doubt, infidelity, and a fear of ending up alone. Paul's vocals pull at your heartstrings as he belts out "Baby you're a monster, leaving me with all the bites". Nicholls explains his thought process on the single being "This track is a reflection of personal experiences and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with toxic relationships. I wanted to create something that resonates with anyone who has ever felt trapped in a cycle of doubt and heartache. It's straightforward to understand and unfortunately based on a real past relationship." when ur gone opens with lush, swelling synth pads and Paul's breathy vocals cutting through the atmosphere. Backing the crystal-clear main vocal are distant, tuned vocal adlibs that act more like another instrument layer than a traditional vocal take. Slowly fading into the mix are plucked chords that feel akin to the early days of Deadmau5 or Kaskade. The chorus, however, is fresh and modern with more elements of Future House production – like piano stabs and clean guitar riffs. when ur gone balances the rhythmic weight of a club banger with the delicate aura of indie pop, evidenced by emotional lyricism and a powerful vocal delivery. British national, Paul Nicholls, is a singer-songwriter to keep your eye on as he continues to skyrocket up the male pop hierarchy with each and every electric new release. As a teen, Nicholls found musical success through his band, before pivoting to a solo career in EDM and pop. The young talent began to hone his skills as an audio engineer and producer, culminating in a series of EDM releases on Soundcloud. Paul's debut vocal track, Falling, put him on the map by reaching almost 300,000 streams –showcasing heavy traction within India, in particular. Outside of music, Nicholls is a scholar, having also studied Mechanical Engineering at University College London. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW PAUL NICHOLLS: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Over Again” follows a story told many times before in the artists own life, the repetition of a relationship and of the cycle that inspires it.  Alex Sandra records her need for this person, the regret associated with it, and the eventual caving towards it again and again just as such dynamics occur in life.  She doesn’t state the repeating defeat with that initial regret, though, instead she’s writing from the perspective of giving in.  The audience has caught her at a moment of inspiration to see them, to do it “over again”, and so, she writes from a positive perspective and gleefully invites them. The song begins at the start of this rotation, with her admitting her own fault in her reacceptance of this person, she sings slowly about second chances and excuses with an acoustic guitar backing her.  This doesn’t last long though, her voice slowly picks up and grows in its passion, as do her instrumentals, changing from acoustic to electric and gaining a heavy percussion.  Not only does she change the meaning of her words with tone, but with an entire change in genre from pop to alternative.  It’s this creativity and subtle cleverness which gives “Over Again” such a specific flavor of skill. Alex Sandra has been a hit across the globe since her earliest releases.  Being first born in the country of Georgia and growing up in Russia.  There, she would be the front woman to an alt-rock band, her first introduction to the music industry.  Following their success, she continued to China where her independent career began.  There, she began writing original songs and performing.  In 2020, she moved to San Francisco where she’s still based today and continues to release her incredible original music.  Her style is a combination of genres and creative approaches, seen so beautifully in “Over Again”, further examples of her talent can be found in her Spotify and social media below. . Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW ALEX SANDRA: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

There’s nothing we like more than feeling comfortable. That’s one of the reasons why breakups can be so hard, even if they need to happen. We get so used to having that person around and it can lead to you missing their presence. In B.Miles new song “Bad Decision,” she expresses the moments of weakness where you consider rekindling things when you know it’s not smart. The track falls into the indie pop genre with soft instrumentation, airy vocals and synths. This song gives a sense of calm in the storm of our minds. It’s the perfect song to listen to when you start to feel lonely and lines start to become blurred. B.Miles said her goal was to write a song about what would happen if you pursue a fleeting moment of fragility. She gives two separate thought processes in this song. Most of this song lyrically is her wishing she could find romance with this person again. You can sense that in her opening chorus line, “You got me thinking of making a bad decision, and now I’m dreaming of laying so close to your skin.” But within those moments, she understands it’s just her vulnerability leading her thoughts. The chorus ends on “I don’t know what I’m doing” and “I don’t know what we’re thinking,” putting emphasis on how thoughts aren’t straight. I love how she included the small bit of duality because it shows the real side of how our brains try to justify decisions we make. B.Miles is a musician in the New York scene. She writes to explain emotions that can feel unexplainable, bringing relatability to her listeners. Her sound has been described as “a bridge to pop music’s future” by Ones to Watch and “universally addictive” by Nylon. B.Miles debut release “Salt” has over 28 million streams on Spotify which is a huge accomplishment as an artist. She has since then released a multitude of singles and two albums with deluxe versions. Her 2024 album “Different Pages” is a collection of expectations placed on women through the journey of young adulthood. B.Miles is an incredible artist whose success is well-deserved. She performs with her bandmates - Eric Nizgretsky, Jackson Firlik, Matias Quarleri and Rob Seeley - and in September 2024 she'll be on the US tour with City Of The Sun. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW B.MILES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

K RHEN's new hit single, "Shadow," tells the story of a heart that's stained with the tragedy of loving someone who is still in love with their ex. K RHEN is forced to confront the "shadow" of her lover's past partner, capturing the melancholy many of us have faced in our relationships when carrying the burden inflicted by someone who is not entirely present or ready for a new connection. "Shadow" is characterized by the vulnerability K RHEN presents us with; she gives us a glimpse into the insecurity, anxiety, and questions of self-worth she has to endure, asking herself "What's the point of healing?". Attempting to triumph and overcome those feelings of inferiority to the ghost of past loves, K RHEN highlights the struggle of someone finding themselves in the endless cycle of hopeless romance. Through this beautifully heartfelt and tragic piece, K RHEN vocalizes our sorrows and transforms them into an impactful melody, showing us that we don't have to suffer alone as long as we have the vessel of song. "Shadow" is a raw showcase of K RHEN as a compelling musician. In this song, she establishes herself as a hard-hitting lyricist, perfectly balancing the demands of the pop genre with the heaviness of the subject matter. The song opens with a unique instrumental that creates this addictively eerie feeling, almost as if she's foreshadowing her misfortune. As the song builds and we, the listeners, are introduced to a captivating hook, the chords swell and grow towards her tragedy. Minor chords seep from the piano and work to create a melancholic melody that tugs at the heart and lingers in our ears. In the chorus, the listener is graced with beautifully layered harmonies that work to provide this sense of relief but also capture the listener's plight, the yearning for someone who's physically there, yet emotionally absent. K RHEN's talent as a skilled vocalist and talented songwriter works to evoke this feeling of wholeheartedness and relatability with her experiences, uniting her audiences through heartache. "Shadow" is a painfully catchy tune that will be stuck in our hearts for weeks to come and is beyond worth the listen. K RHEN is an uprising singer-songwriter from London who has made impressive strides in the "dark pop" subgenre. Steadily releasing back-to-back hits with "Come With A Warning" coming out back in February and "Now or Never" following shortly after, K RHEN has not only demonstrated her range as an artist but also her depth as a songwriter. She has solidified herself in the pop world with a brand of genuineness and personal experience that conveys her sincerity and gives her melodies the heartfelt twinge that we love! K RHEN has featured with artists Maydenfield and AudioGust , broadening her horizons and allowing her diverse tracklist to continue to grow and flourish alongside her writing and story-telling! For more updates on K RHEN, follow the socials down below and stay tuned! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW K RHEN: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Jenna Kay’s latest single “Wedding” explores the story of a two-timing groom and the “what if” the narrator asks, wondering what would happen if they showed up at the altar to crash the wedding. What if they arrived suddenly to reveal to the bride that her groom destroyed the narrator’s heart and will crush hers, too, if she doesn’t get out of this marriage? A tale about revenge, heartbreak, and truth, "Wedding" is decorated in an energetic soundscape that evokes wedding imagery that mingles with the irony of the song's topic. It’s big and dramatic with a fiery anger threaded throughout its songwriting. You will quickly be swept up into the storytelling of “Wedding” with its dynamic and compelling lyrics and sound. . My absolute favorite part of “Wedding” is its introduction and chorus. I am so happy that a song titled “Wedding” uses the classic “Bridal Chorus” as its chorus’ backbone– there was an opportunity, and Kay clearly took it. In this soundscape, you hear the gentle keys of a piano and Kay’s soft vocals; it’s everything a bride would want while she walks down the aisle. But, there’s a switch as the verses come along– the percussion slams and an intense guitar enters the fray as the energy spikes tenfold. Kay’s voice is suddenly passionate and strong, singing about heartbreak and the cheating groom; but, as quickly as it came, it dissipates into the chorus once more. Closer to the song’s end, this upbeat energy remains, as if the narrator refuses to sit by and watch this bride marry a man who is clearly unfaithful– and, of course, to get some sweet revenge. The songwriting, too, is fun and varied like the soundscape. I love how the first line of the song is, “Here comes the bride / all dressed in white” as it mimics the “Bridal Chorus”. Things change quickly, though, as the narrator begins to tell the listeners all about the groom’s lies and two-timing. It’s a fairly scandalous story, what with the groom “breaking it off with [them] on the phone” and “six weeks later, [he’s] engaged to her”; and so the narrator’s anger is rather justified. Justified enough, in my opinion, to totally crash a wedding with the bride, making the entire event blow up in the groom’s face. “Wedding” is fun, energetic, and filled to the brim with playful songwriting and a diverse soundscape that will keep any listener engaged and excited. Jenna Kay Roessler was always destined for the stage. With captivating vocals and songwriting that captures the hearts of audiences, Kay has firmly established herself as a rising pop star since the release of her first singles. Originally going by Jenna Roessler, her debut single under her former name was entitled "forget i exist", which dropped in 2023. Her debut single as Jenna Kay was “Can’t Be Friends”, which released in 2024. Her music aims to reflect the ebbs and flows of life, whether that be good or bad; it is raw and relatable, and something that every listener can see themselves in. Kay is set to release her debut EP “Icing on the Cake” on September 6th, which features songs that address topics ranging from heartbreak, emotional treachery, and the fear of getting older. Currently, “Wedding” is Kay’s latest release, and is part of "Icing on the Cake"– so, while we wait for the EP, give her other singles a listen. And don’t forget to drop her a follow to keep track of this upcoming project! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW JENNA KAY: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | Website

I’m always a sucker for a good romantic hit, and I think I may have just found a new favorite! “Colorblind” is the latest single by singer and songwriter Luke Alvin. It explores themes of deep commitment toward your lover. When I first saw the title of this song, I wasn’t quite sure which route Alvin would take with the song. But as I listened to the chorus, I noticed that Alvin was attempting to convey a feeling of urgency. An urgency to fully express your feelings to the one you love - and I think this is a wonderful and relatable message to sing. "Colorblind" is an energic pop-bop that makes your heart race and takes you back to those memories of falling in deep with somebody; when all you wanted was to be next to them, and you would've done anything to be. This song has a fairly upbeat tune to it. Before Alvin gets to the chorus, the beat is simple, just some drums and the guitar. But as he transitions to the chorus, the soundscape explodes into something energetic and powerful. I think paired with the lyrics, it honestly helped with trying to convey the emotions Alvin was attempting to express. I also want to give a shout-out to Alvin’s incredible vocals. I think he has amazing control over his voice, and he was able to hit many of the high notes with ease. And like with the beat, I could clearly interpret the emotion he wanted to express through his voice, which I think only elevated this already flawless piece. Luke Alvin is a Danish singer and songwriter, who first broke out into the scene in 2022. His debut single, “What Happened to Forever?”, has over 135,000 plays on Spotify! He released a few more singles in that same year, and a couple in 2023, but he truly began to break out this year. So far this year, Alvin has released eight singles! He has spent the past few years focusing his writing talents on other artists, so this year he wanted to release more of his own music. And I think what he’s released so far is fantastic. “Colorblind” is part of a 16-track release plan for this year, and exceeded many of my expectations. The song is available to stream everywhere now, so be sure to give it a listen if you haven’t already! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW LUKE: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Thomas Day shocks us with a deep and powerful ballad that tells a story of what it's like reflecting on young love. Paper Cup saturates our heart with deep emotion. It pushes us to feel and process all of the difficult emotion, that comes with losing someone you may have overlooked or taken for granted at one point in time. The lyrics say, "You don't know what you have until you've crossed the line / And you're floating in space on a spinning planet / Oh, and trust is just something you take for granted." We feel the weight of these lyrics because the artist communicates in a clear manner how he views the situation now that it is in the past. Thomas Day makes it known that he is remorseful for letting the love he once held close to him go. The chorus says, "Do you feel the same, knowing that our bodies touched / And I threw it away like coffee in a paper cup?" The artist acknowledges how he threw away the connection they had. "Paper Cup" begins softly and slowly. The piano provides a gentle beat that eventually blends with the acoustic guitar and the drums. The blend of these instruments creates a sullen atmosphere that adds depth to the song. When Thomas Day starts singing, his voice brings a smooth edge to the piece that further drives the point home. Throughout the song we can hear what seems to be an echo around the chorus that shifts the tone slightly and causes the beat of the song to pick up. Thomas Day's voice reminds me of Joshua Bassett's very soft, gentle, and heartwarming, it's a strong attribute to have within the realm of music. Thomas Day is on a rollercoaster ride that only goes up. He is well known for his emotional lyrics and hard-hitting topics. After gaining popularity on TikTok Thomas Day has emerged as an exciting new act within the pop genre. He signed with Arista Records in 2021 and has been climbing the musical ranks ever since. Thomas Day sold out his first headline tour and took the world by storm. He is currently opening for Joshua Bassett on "The Golden Years" tour. When asked about "Paper Cup," Thomas Day said, "This track is about falling in love with somebody, throwing it away, and not realizing what you had." If you love Joshua Bassett and Shawn Mendes you're sure to love Thomas Day. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Thomas Day: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Artist Emily Alice’s “The Wallflower” provides an almost spiritual healing experience set in the arms of a loving partner. The song floats on airy notes and acoustic strings, rejuvenating the soul with its soft and warm tones. A sweet serenade and a thank you message, “The Wallflower” overflows with love and adoration. Emily Alice gently lulls her listeners into a place of comfort and warmth, as the song describes an introvert's first encounter with love and the experience of trusting one with your inner self. The song is weightless and freeing, as Alice marks with the chorus line, “Your all I can see / The wallflower is free.” With its ambient glow and heavenly atmosphere, the track is a cathartic, soothing, and uplifting experience. In her message to her comforter, Alice describes her partner as an embodiment of healing and one that makes time a construct. “Time stands perfectly still / Life without you doesn't feel real,” she sings. Perfect for easy listening, “The Wallflower,” is delicate and natural-sounding, untouched by studio alterations or heavy instruments and computerized manipulations. The track is clean and fresh, earthy with traces of folky underlining. Rawly authentic and happily unembellished, “The Wallpaper” sounds magical with its delicate makings and weightless voice. The song's atmosphere provides a surreal feeling as Alice’s lyrics are not overly done or follow a strict lyrical setup. Pleasantly simple, the song keeps a smooth harmony with Alice's lovely voice gently moving over the soft acoustic melody. The effervescent melody channels Colbie Caillat’s music in its bright and nostalgic tone. Likewise, the tranquil melody elicits images of youth and innocence. In its simplicity, along with lyrics of love and admiration, “The Wallpaper” is an inner awakening, set in its world of two closely connected and bonded souls. “The Wallflower” comes after the release of Emily Alice’s previous 2024 singles “Us Girls” and "Not For Me,” a pair of sweet acoustic-pop tunes. In 2022, Emily Alice made her debut with the lovely “Ice Blue,” an emotional acoustic ballad. Afterward, she released two singles in 2023: “Stronger” and “In The Moment." A 21-year-old singer-songwriter, Alice has been playing guitar for over 13 years and strives to create music that cohesively blends lyrics and melodies. She aims to achieve an interactive sound that evokes certain emotions and represents specific experiences. This is demonstrated in the makings of “The Wallflower” as Alice describes the song as capturing “the moment an introvert falls in love” which is found in “the progression from soft instrumentals to intricate layered acoustic textures.” The excitement and warmth can be acutely felt within her heartfelt ballad as Alice paints a loving picture through her writing and heavenly melodies. With more to come on the horizon, Emily Alice continues to craft music that resonates with our souls and deeply connects with her listeners. Check out Emily Alice’s “The Wallflower” below! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW EMILY ALICE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Tyler Miller’s latest single “Loyal” explores the tiring emotions behind always being the reliable, loyal friend to someone who can’t pull themselves out of dark places. You were taught to be by someone’s side in their times of need. Discarding your personal needs to uplift another during a crisis is just what a good good friend does. But as you see the constant sinking of someone who refuses to learn how to swim, you can’t help but grow resentful. You know this person inside and out, but they seem drawn to going down in life. They drag themselves into a personal abyss and you begin to realize they’re dragging you down as well. The constant brave face they force on themselves is as transparent as glass. You know it has become a gross, continuous cycle into toxicity but you can’t look away. As your friend falls deeper and deeper, you allow yourself to fall as well in hopes you can save them “this time”. Click here to listen to "Loyal"! “Loyal” is a contemporary R&B dance pop anthem that utilizes modern electronic musical elements in experimental ways. We are first introduced to a series of notes that gradually crescendo. A choral electronic vocal flair suddenly begins and is constant throughout the entire piece. As the melody begins and Miller displays his vocal talents, brief instances of electronic vocals are intertwined and sprinkled throughout. We hear a hit of vocal stacking followed by fade-out echoing. Elements such as these pull listeners in to hear what musical treat they will be gifted with next. Small instances of unique flairs make an already intriguing single a mix of standard musical elements intertwined with modern electronics. Tyler Miller is an American singer-songwriter currently based in New York. Miller has been intrigued by music from a young age since he has been playing the piano for most of his life. He began creating his own songs at just eight years old. Some of his musical inspirations are artists such as Justin Timberlake and The Neptunes. Beginning with his debut album SOPHIA in 2023, Miller has incorporated lyrics reflective of his own life. Relatability and quality lyricism are always at the forefront of his musical endeavors and creativity. Make sure to follow him on social media and give “Loyal” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW TYLER MILLER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

“I’m so happy cuz I’m over you.” Ah, so the listener gets that this is a song about finally being over a former love and feeling the freedom that comes along with getting rid of their hold on your brain and heart. It’s always such a relief to no longer feel tied to someone or something that is no longer a part of your..oh? We should keep listening and finish the sentence? Oh okay. “...is what I keep telling myself.” And, suddenly, the listener registers that we’re still in purgatory with this narrator. They’re not experiencing the freedom that comes along with “getting over” someone, they’re still very much so in the loophole, even half-way convincing themselves that they’re over this former love interest. And with this song’s carefree and fun air to it, you wouldn’t think it’s about learning how to navigate life through that very heartache that we, the listener, thought the narrator was celebrating being free of. Such is life. On the first listen, I felt that the song was groovy, made me want to dance, and made me feel like everything will be okay. Narrator isn't sure that they're over their former flame but they'll have fun with this song explaining their situation. There's never a definite defining moment that you have when you’re over someone, it kinda just happens and one day you realize you're truly over the relationship and them. I applaud Gabe with being able to make people want to dance while in the midst of their suffering from heartache or, even, heart break. Pain isn’t always only felt by the person who was broken up with, it takes a lot to end a relationship wtih someone and it’s not always necessarily what the initiating party particularly wanted. Sometimes, relationships truly do just run their course. “I swear I’m not kidding myself.” Although the narrator is talking to themself, they’re still grappling with the truth of the matter which is that they are so not over this person. “I am absolutely and without a doubt, I’m almost sure. I am definitely and entirely it’s mostly true.” These statements seem to sum up the human brain’s thought processes quite well. There’s always an uncertainty to every single decision we make, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Gabe taps into the not-so-good feeling of trying to get over someone who used to be your world. I don't think it's a coincidence that the definite statements of "I'm over you" are repetitions in the background after the proclamations of being unsure about their current feelings. At the end of the song, there seems to be a resolve to tell the truth “I lied”. Gabe is out of denial and, seemingly, into acceptance. Both are human things, to not be over someone is apart of the process just as much as getting over them. This is how the narrator has chosen to process their feelings and deal with this loss, to feel their feelings but also not take themselves too seriously and to joke about how they’re dealing with it. “This hoodie’s not cuz I’m stuck - it’s good luck,” and then, in the second verse “These shades are cuz the sunlight is too bright.” In a description for the song, it’s written ““Denial never sounded so good. Emmy-nominated Gabe Lopez returns with an end-of-summer queer pop bop. Let the happy sounds of totally kidding yourself wash away those tears from the “bright sunlight.”” The “na na’s” tap into more of the “everything will be okay” side of things that I felt at my first listen of the song. This is such a bop, for any season, really. Musically, it’s so fun, the composition is one of strategic brilliance and it just taps into that feel-good emotion somewhere in our brain, it also triggers the tapping of your feet and bobbing your head inhibitors that are in there as well. It still leaves the listener with the message of "Everything will be okay." And, it's true, dearest gentle reader/listener, everything will truly be okay. Somehow, someway. Gabe, you have yourself at least one new fan, I will be playing this song an ungodly amount of times for the rest of this year. I am absolutely and without a doubt I’m almost sure 😊. Gabe Lopez is an Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer. Gabe scored his Emmy nomination for his 2023 work on Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Gabe has worked with big hitting musical names such as the late James Brown, New Kids on the Block, and Belinda Carlisle, to name a few. Lopez has thousands of followers across his various social media accounts and brings fans along on the ride in his musical endeavours as well as some videos that showcase his personality a glimpse into everyday life as a living working icon. Gabe relates to music on a fundamental level, noting that music has been impacting his world since he was a child and he’s come to understand that music is how he navigates life. I feel that, Gabe, I feel that. One thing that is definitely true is that Gabe Lopez has made his mark in the music/television scene and continues to do so and the only way is up from here. To stay in the loop with all things Gabe Lopez, follow him at all socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW GABE LOPEZ: Instagram | Spotify   | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

The emotion-led, distance-heavy new track “chicago (ft. Lyncs)” from OAKLND prominently shows how it feels to have love frayed by time and distance. This song is a tale revolving around themes of heartbreak and regret, exploring a connection that is both strong and challenging. The relationship spoken of throughout “chicago (ft. Lyncs)” is one that OAKLND cannot seem to let go, yet the issue of distance has come between them and there’s seemingly no way to fix the issue. They now rely on the internet to keep them together, and while it keeps them in connection, it isn’t the same and it weighs heavily on both parties. Mentions of unspoken confessions, as well as subjects like moving on, create both a familiar and comfortable environment within this track. OAKLND’s in-depth storytelling, including two perspectives, gives character to “chicago (ft. Lyncs)” that is unwavering and, ultimately, just entirely realistic. While themes of heartbreak are scattered throughout the track, there is a sense of longing and love that are there as well that transcends a “typical” romantic narrative. In this relationship presented through “chicago (ft. Lyncs)”, the audience can relate to both people in this relationship, making the lines blurry. Both people present feelings and emotions that can be seen from either side and they overall piece together both a beautiful and disastrous situation. While this is not an uncommon type of narrative in songwriting, it’s one that’s not as often explored as themes like revenge, heartbreak following the complete dissolvement of a relationship, etc. OAKLND has stated that “chicago (ft. Lyncs)” emerged from a video he viewed online of a girl ending a relationship with her partner due to her moving to Chicago and her partner moving elsewhere. He resonated so much with this story, with these emotions, that he channeled those feelings and resonation and created an EP surrounding these themes. While “chicago (ft. Lyncs)” is a one-of-a-kind pop song that incorporates elements of bedroom pop, indie, etc., there are hints of other artists, such as the 1975, that I cannot help but connect to OAKLND. Both artists have a way of taking real life experiences & emotion, and incorporating that not only into their storytelling but additionally using the overall theme to create a specific sound. Every track may be different, but you can hear the emotion within even the instrumental aspects to these songs, creating a rounding and whole listening experience. OAKLND is a Scottish-born artist based in both the UK and LA. He focuses primarily on creating sad-laced music and creating a sound of dreamy alt-pop. Since the release of his first single in 2017, OAKLND has now accumulated over 7k monthly listeners on Spotify. At the start of his career, OAKLND found inspiration in LA for his music – inspiring music that includes themes of the west coast as well as sounds associated with that lifestyle. Now, OAKLND thrives in the atmosphere of the west coast and uses this to his advantage to create west coast-based dream pop music. Lyncs , the featured artist in “chicago”, is the project of Jacqueline Hines – American producer and songwriter. She aims to make music that creates an atmosphere as well as demonstrates heartfelt lyrics. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW OAKLND: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok  | Facebook