The Swedish sibling indie-pop duo, sixten has released their highly anticipated second EP, "Misemotional". After a long 8 year wait since their debut EP, "Chance Of Rain", "Misemotional" takes a nostalgic approach, inspired by 90's country and pop that touches on the topics of joy, sorrow, hope, and confusion. TRACKLIST Misemotional Losing Game Atlantic Ocean In Me Thrown Down Living Comes With Dying Sister and brother Tova and Sigge Strandell have banded together to create the musical duo, sixten. Together over the past 8 years they've been releasing music, starting with their debut EP In 2016, "Chance of Rain". In 2019, they took the indie-pop scene by storm with their breakthrough single "Slip" which amassed over 7 million streams on Spotify alone. Now holding onto several certified gold singles and having performed across all of Scandinavia, sixten is ready to go beyond the horizons and show the world what they've got. Finally after 8 long years since their first EP, sixten has released their sophomore EP "Misemotional" with TEN Records and in collaborations with some of Sweden's most highly awarded songwriters and producers (such as Johan Lindbrandt and Andreas Mattsson ). Let's dive into this EP! “When tragedy strikes or love hits you hard, many emotions can surge. Sometimes you’re unsure whether to allow yourself to feel intensely and express it or to tone yourself down and bottle up your emotions. The songs on the EP reflect both extremes – one moment, you’re almost burning up, and the next, you’re frozen.” - sixten Misemotional Starting out with the title track and the leading single, we have the song "Misemotional". Misemotional is not a word recognized by the English dictionary, but rather a term created within Scientology to describe someone whose emotions are irrational to whatever situation they're in. A misemotion is any sort of painful or unpleasant feeling. I think sixten's use of this word not only in their song but as the title of their EP was a creative move and brings a new curiosity to what it means to be "Misemotional". It's origin makes even more sense when you listen to how dreamy and ethereal the soundscape of this song is. Paired with a music video that matches it's retro aesthetic, "Misemotional" transports you back to the 80's with it's nostalgic, twinkling synths and heavy reverb. Not only that, but when you hear how gorgeous the vocals are too, it's like floating on a cloud. "Misemotional" is about exactly what the term means, when someone drives you just past your breaking point to where your emotions are all out of wack - but even though the lyrics are intense, the music itself is so gentle. Losing Game Next, we have "Losing Game", a gorgeous but heartbreaking country/folk inspired synth-pop song. "Losing Game" is about find out that the person you're in a relationship with isn't who you thought they were. There's a turning point where they start showing their true colors, and things turn cruel and violent. You try your best to fix things, but no matter what you do or how hard you try, they always make you feel like you're the problem. I love how this song mixes a classic, southern acoustic feel with an 80's twist in it's production style. It gave me a little bit of a Fleetwood Mac vibe, especially their song "Dreams" with the way this song flows and grooves. Tova and Sigge layer their vocals together both in unison and in harmony to create this beautifully emotional pathway to follow and listen to. Atlantic Track three is the focus track and most recent single off the EP, "Atlantic" which mixes 90's and 60's pop/rock styles with modern day music, and an instrumentation reminiscent of Harry Styles and lovely vocals reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers . "Atlantic" is a deeply emotional song, exploring a complicated but relatable scenario. Have you ever been in love with someone who didn't love you back, and then they ended up being so far away that you'd probably never see them again? - And now, it's years later and you're still thinking about them like you were just in their arms yesterday. The pain of losing them is still fresh in your mind, and you can't bring yourself to get over them, even though they never loved you the same or deserved you in the first place. This is exactly what "Atlantic" is about, taking a poetic approach within the lyricism and bringing a heavy, passionate soundscape along for the ride. Ocean In Me Moving on to "Ocean In Me", this song has to do with dealing with pint up emotions and not knowing what to do with them. Sometimes when you're feeling too much all at once, it can be hard to figure out how to understand them, or to separate the emotions from each other. All you want to do is take a deep breath and let it all go, but you can't; it's just not that simple. "Ocean In Me" has a very classic country influenced soundscape with a gorgeous acoustic guitar picking pattern. It features orchestral strings and crashing drums as well as a little electric guitar interlude. Thrown Down Speaking of Fleetwood Mac , track five is a cover of the 2003 song "Thrown Down" off of the band's 17th studio album, "Say You Will". Self-written by Stevie Nicks , I think choosing "Thrown Down" as a track on this EP was an incredibly brilliant choice considering it's theme of complicated romantic feelings and emotions, which matches the vibe of "Misemotional" perfectly. "Thrown Down" is about rekindling an old flame that didn't end well, and treading lightly because you're not quite sure you can trust them again. I think sixten fits Fleetwood Mac 's style so well and it makes even more sense now that I compared the two earlier as well. Compared to the original recording, sixten takes more of a gentle, hazy approach in their version of "Thrown Down", giving it even more of a sorrowful and downhearted tone. Living Comes With Dying Closing out the EP, we have a song that separates itself from the rest of the narrative in a very power way. "Living Comes With Dying" is a track that was inspired by a friend who's mother passed away from cancer. Tova and Sigge who were witnessing and taking in this friend's pain felt like they had to something - so they wrote a song. "We felt we couldn't write about anything other than what our friends were going through... Other topics like love troubles, which we usually write about, became meaningless in comparison. ‘Living Comes With Dying’ is dedicated to those who have lost their dearest loved ones and serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to support cancer research." - sixten "Living Comes With Dying" speaks on how we don't really think about death until we lose someone close to us - then it becomes all we can think about. We start to think about what might happen to us, when it might happen, how it might happen... and it's a devastating thought process. We begin to realize how short life is, and that we should be spending as much time as possible with the ones we love. This song is tragically beautiful, filled with folky acoustic guitar, orchestral strings and very gentle stomping drum beat. Inspired by artists like The Police and Lana Del Rey , the song has both classic and modern twists within it's arrangement. sixten's second EP has been a long time coming and they did not disappoint. "Misemotional" is conceptually such a great project and really shows the growth sixten has made together as a duo and as individual people. They've really solidified a perfect signature sound for themselves and there's not a single song on this EP that feels out of place or like it doesn't scream SIXTEN . Everything from the angelic vocals to the flawless production, from the nostalgic instrumentation styles to the emotionally poetic lyricism, "Misemotional" is a stunning collection of songs that deserve all the love and attention. If you're a sucker for highly emotional songs with addicting, catchy soundscapes, this is for you. If you liked "Misemotional", I suggest checking out the rest of sixten's impressive discography. Make sure to also follow them below to keep up with their journey! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SIXTEN: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

The word superhero cannot be limited to a single persona or profession. Some people will immediately think of the iconic Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Captain America. Others will think about the brave police officers and firefighters who risk their lives to protect the public. For Alli Brown, she’s just trying to be her own superhero. Her latest single is a promise to be the best version of herself by not waiting up for anyone. A powerful and uplifting message about independence and personal growth, it’s easy to be inspired by the message behind this song. “I’ll be my own superhero, I’ll save myself when I need to. I will never give up on me, moving at the speed of lightning.” Alli Brown’s ability as a singer-songwriter is on full display in My Own Superhero . Her vocals passionately project the lyrics out to the listeners and convince them that what she’s singing is coming from the heart. The guitar strums dominate the instrumental but not in an overpowering manner. Their presence is gentle and rhythmic, providing a melody that you can’t get out of your head. The production of the song well-polished, emphasizing the bright and uplifting feel behind the song. My Own Superhero is full of hope and determination, with lyrics that address overcoming obstacles and discovering inner strength. If you’re in need of a song with an uplifting vibe, this one is sure to resonate with you. Alli has over a decade of experience in the music world. The Salt Lake City native started out building a solid foundation in classical music. However, her real passion for performing and songwriting sparked at age 11 when she picked up the ukulele. This eventually led her to the guitar, and since then, she has written and performed many songs. You can catch her performing live at venues, singing the national anthem, or releasing new music. Her debut album, Undeniable , is set to be released in 2024. To listen to all of her music and keep up with the latest updates, follow Alli Brown on the links below! Written By Camden Luca FOLLOW ALLI: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

* Short N Sweet via sabrinacarpenter.com Sabrina Carpenter has taken the world by storm. After making music for over a decade, the talented singer has finally received the recognition she deserves. She began creeping her way into the general public’s eye last year when her songs “Nonsense” and “Feather” from her last album, emails i can’t send , gained attention on social media. However, Carpenter completely blew up when she released her latest album’s lead single, “Espresso.” Suddenly, everyone was watching the artist’s every move, and Short n’ Sweet  became one of pop music’s most anticipated albums of 2024. Through twelve infectious songs, Carpenter takes her listeners on a journey of love, heartache, and life.  Track List Taste Please Please Please Good Graces Sharpest Tool Coincidence  Bed Chem Espresso Dumb & Poetic Slim Pickins Juno Lie To Girls Don’t Smile Taste Carpenter kicks off Short n’ Sweet  with the most infectious song on the album. Since hearing it for the first time, I cannot stop replaying it in my mind. The upbeat melody paired with the artist’s phenomenal vocals makes for an unforgettable anthem to wrap up the summer of pop music. In “Taste,” Carpenter sings to her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend, or rather his ex-girlfriend who he got back with. She is telling the subject that despite their rekindled love, she is still lingering on him. So when she kisses him, she will be tasting the singer, too. Throughout the song, she uses clever metaphors and cheeky lyrics in the classic Sabrina Carpenter fashion, making it feel nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Alongside the album’s release, Carpenter premiered the music video co-starring the incredible actress, Jenna Ortega. The two are seen fighting over the same man, murdering each other in gruesome scenes that are akin to my favorite horror movies – including films that Ortega is known for. The collaboration between these two talented actresses, directed by Dave Meyers, quickly became my favorite visual art form of the year. Please Please Please If you are active on social media, there is no way you haven’t heard “Please Please Please” or seen at least snippets of the music video. Short n’ Sweet ’s second single is a little more subtle than the lead single while still upholding Carpenter’s characteristic infectious soundscape. The song shares the story of falling for someone but being terrified that they will embarrass you. While Carpenter is smitten by her partner, she pleads with them to behave appropriately in public and not damage her reputation through idiotic mistakes. The lyrics are very tongue-in-cheek and the music video turns this energy up to 11. The iconic line, “Heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another// I beg you, don’t embarrass me, motherfucker,” instantly went viral as people related it to their own relationships, showcasing Carpenter’s relatability and natural humor. Good Graces The cheeky humor continues in “Good Graces.” The song begins with a mesmerizing acoustic guitar, synth sounds, and stunning vocalizations that lull the listener in before breaking into the R&B-influenced pop production. The instrumentation and vocal harmonies are reminiscent of Ariana Grande , one of Carpenter's influences. Continuing with the theme of self-respect and knowing what she wants, Carpenter tells her partner that she switches sides quickly. She is “sweet like an angel” when she loves them, dreaming of marriage and kids. But the moment they trespass against her, she leaves “‘Cause no one’s more amazin’ as turnin’ lovin’ into hatred.” She tells them they should be smart and stay in her good graces or she will not hesitate to leave. In the post-chorus, Carpenter sings the infectious hook on repeat: “I won’t give a fuck about you,” which is subtly heard in the song’s intro. The rest of the lyrics are filled with her entertaining dry humor that fans have loved for years. “Good Graces” was an instant favorite of mine due to the comedic undertones and unique production. Sharpest Tool “Sharpest Tool” is one of the most interesting lyrical pieces on the album. In the pre-chorus, each line starts with the word that the last line ended with. She sings: "We were goin’ right, then you took a left // Left me with a lot of shit to second- guess // Guess I’ll waste another year on wonderin’ if // If that was casual, then I’m an idiot// I’m looking for an answer in between the lines // Lyin’ to yourself if you think we’re fine.” This clever lyricism stood out to me the first time I heard the song. I naturally gravitated towards it as one of my top favorites because it highlights Carpenter’s creative songwriting on top of her phenomenal vocals. Furthermore, it represents the story behind the song. She knows her partner is “not the sharpest tool in the shed” and is tired of being upset, while he is oblivious to everything going on around him. And if he listens to this song, there is no way he would ever notice this unique lyric structure. Coincidence  “Coincidence” has one of the most upbeat, infectious soundscapes of Short n’ Sweet.  The carefree instrumentation contains a very classic atmosphere with “na-na-na-na” vocalizations that are reminiscent of Harry Styles ’s “Golden.” while maintaining the individualistic sound of Carpenter’s current style. Continuing with the sarcastic tone of the previous tracks, the singer tells her partner that it is such a “coincidence” that the girl he tells her not to worry about keeps coming around. She knows he is going behind her back, lying and cheating. And when a girl asks if you are being dishonest, they already know. They just want to see if you will admit it. Carpenter brilliantly expresses this phenomenon in “Coincidence,” revealing to her partner that they are not as slick as they thought they were. Bed Chem After several sarcastic songs that describe love as heartbreak and disappointment, Carpenter flips the script. “Bed Chem” explores the excitement of a new relationship and the many alluring new things they can do together. Carpenter is not shy when it comes to expressing her human nature in her songs and effortlessly illustrates what her partner makes her feel. The song matches this sultry attitude with a sweet R&B vibe and stunning vocals that showcase her phenomenal range. She indulges in the side of herself that society often tells women to hide and be ashamed of, making “Bed Chem” one of her most outstanding tracks. Espresso Carpenter changed the trajectory of pop music when she released “Espresso.” It had been a long while since a hit pop song was truly upbeat and happy. But the song blew up seemingly overnight, propelling Carpenter from a pop princess to the savior of pop music. Everyone knows the song, whether or not they listen to the genre. In fact, I sang the song at karaoke in July and a middle-aged man with his wife thanked me for singing a song that was current and relevant. All generations and genders are able to appreciate the absolute impact that “Espresso” has had on pop culture. With the iconic line, “I’m working late ‘cause I’m a singer” and the beat you cannot help but dance along to, “Espresso” was destined to be the song of the summer, if not the entire year. Dumb & Poetic Just like that, the album is back to songs about men being terrible to women. As a proud member of The Tortured Poets Department , “Dumb & Poetic” was the track I was most intrigued about. The tragic song shares how she was manipulated by her former boyfriend to believe he was deep and mysterious, but he was just “dumb and poetic.” He wanted to seem like he was sophisticated and wise. Instead, he used Carpenter and took advantage of her love, as he “crashed the car and abandoned the wreckage.” He left her to pick up the pieces of her broken heart like it was nothing at all. In the chorus, she tells him: “Don't think you understand// Just 'cause you act like one doesn't make you a man.” Then in the final chorus, she switches to the cutthroat line: “Don't think you understand// Just 'cause you leave like one doesn't make you a man.” She holds nothing back, calling him out for his terrible treatment and tearing down his ego as he deserves. Slim Pickins In “Slim Pickins,” Carpenter continued the theme and said, “Men suck, but let’s make it yeehaw.” The song contains a classic country-folk soundscape that instantly transports the listener to Georgia. Throughout the track, a slight twang can be heard slipping out, similar to when she sings “motherfucker” in “Please Please Please.” While pop music is where Carpenter truly belongs, it was fun to hear this other genre come out to play. She proves that she has the talent and versatility to nail any style of music. The song is about how all the good men are either “deceased or taken” and she is going to have to settle or end up alone. It’s “slim pickings” out there and she is unsure where else to turn. With the cheeky lyrics and the cheerful instrumentation, “Slim Pickins” is one of the most fun songs on the album. Juno “Juno” is a hilarious song with humorous lyrics that showcase the singer’s unserious nature. The track is a reference to the 2007 classic film about teenage pregnancy, Juno .  Carpenter is telling her boyfriend that she is so in love with him that she would be willing to have his babies immediately. In the chorus, she sings: “I might let you make me Juno// You know, I just might let you lock me down tonight// One of me is cute, but two though?// Give it to me, baby.” She is so head over heels with him that she would love to start a family with him. The last line is even a double meaning, referring to her partner by the pet name "baby" and also telling them to give her a baby. The lyrics are fun and lighthearted, matched with the electrifying pop production. It is no wonder it has become a fan favorite. Lie To Girls The album takes a turn back to the melancholic, poignant ballads that pull on the heartstrings. Throughout the song, Carpenter tells the subject that he does not “have to lie to girls” because if they like him enough, they will just lie to themselves to justify his poor actions. It is a gut-wrenching notion as this is something many of us have done – including myself. Carpenter admits something that so many girls refuse to confess, making it a brave yet relatable song. In the second verse, she sings: “It’s lucky for you I’m just like my mother// And my sisters// All my friends.” This connects the song to the title track on her previous album, emails i can't send . The 2022 track shares the story of her dad destroying their family by cheating on her mother. One of the lines that has always stood out to me was: “Don’t think I’ll find forgiveness as fast as mom did.” This is a stark contradiction to what she is saying now in “Lie To Girls,” revealing that she is just the same – lying to herself to preserve the relationship. It is a heartbreaking truth, making this track the most devastating song on the album. Don’t Smile “Don’t Smile” has a whimsical, dreamy atmosphere that effortlessly whisks the listener away to another world. The effervescent soundscape lulls the audience, closing out the album in an unforgettable way. Even the lyrics are the perfect send-off. The final track takes a common quote and twists it to fit her narrative. Rather than saying, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” Carpenter tells her muse: “Don’t smile because it happened, baby, cry because it’s over.” She is telling her ex-boyfriend to mourn the loss of her, wishing for their sadness and hoping they struggle to move on just like her. However, these lyrics could also be directed toward the audience. Now that the album is over, cry because you cannot experience the feeling of listening to Short n’ Sweet  for the first time ever again. Whether this was intentional by Carpenter or not (and I’m betting it was, as she is very clever and meticulous) this was the perfect conclusion to a flawless album. Short n‘ Sweet has zero skips, making it one of the best albums of the year. Carpenter is the perfect balance of songwriting and vocals, earning her title as pop music's current queen. She is a force to be reckoned with, creating unforgettable music videos and choosing the right singles. From the catchy soundscapes of “Taste” and “Juno,” to the heartbreaking lyrics of “Lie to Girls” and “Dumb & Poetic,” Carpenter has once again crafted a well-rounded project that will stand the test of time. She has learned the formula of what it takes to be Hollywood’s “It Girl” and will continue to astonish her listeners and the industry with each new release. Follow her on social media to keep up with all new releases and announcements! Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Los Angeles-based pop musician Maya explains why she needs "liquid courage" on her newest single of the same name. Stressing out isn't unfamiliar to anyone, and some need a drink to face their fears, and in this case, when it comes to going out and talking to others. Maya describes the overwhelming atmosphere nightclubs are known for, and how it affects her in social situations, with lines from the song such as "pent up anxiety" and "freaking out but tryna keep my cool". She wants to talk to her friends and people she meets without worrying if she'll do or say the wrong thing. She wants to have a fun night just like everyone else, but needs "liquid courage" to do so. Regarding the lyrics, "Liquid Courage" features a powerful club/party beat, which align with Maya's talented vocals and harmonies. Classic pop song effects are present throughout the song, including voice pitching and editing - these work very well with the song, and are symbolic for the anxiety Maya is feeling. Piano chords compliment the dark and mysterious vibes of "Liquid Courage", further defining the feeling of the song as being one that is played at a club or on the drive there. Overall, it's an amazing powerpop and dance song in which Maya tries to combat her social anxiety. Maya is an incredible artist, dedicated to her craft and providing music for her fans. She grew up loving music and wanting to make and release songs of her own. Also known as Maya Kuriel, she first began releasing music in 2020, and has since released other spectacular songs, such as "Lost in Translation", "Helpless", and "Award Season". Her lyrics focus on topics from her point of view that many can relate to. She has performed at multiple live shows in Los Angeles, including playing her set alongside the K-pop singer SAAY. Maya has uploaded multiple music and lyric videos to YouTube, and has also been in multiple magazines. Maya is a fantastic musician and will make a mark in the world of pop music. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW MAYA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

It’s sad to see summer fade away but “Bloom” by Cheat Codes x Train keeps the summer blues away. This unexpected collaboration is the song I never knew I needed. The song encapsulates the ultimate summer night making memories you won’t ever forget. Under the upbeat layer of the track, “Bloom” dives deeper into the lasting impact close relationships can have on someone. “You make me bloom” is a very powerful way to open a song. The first time I listened to the song five seconds in, I wondered what “bloom” represents and upon listening further I immediately found my answer. As the line is repeated in the song, to me it means that there is a self-growth journey happening where blooming symbolizes growing and evolving with time. The song follows mixed feelings about a relationship, where although his ex “Tore my heart like a page out of a book” representing the end of the relationship they were “...the only one who always stood by me”. It’s the self-reflection and grieving period of what was lost, but realizing although it was the end, there was good that came out of it. This is him pleading that he will make things right even though there are many obstacles in the way expressed by the lyrics “Walkin’ so tall, but I keep fallin’ down”/ “You’re pickin’ me up when I’m spinnin” out”/ “Fight a new round, keep hittin’ the ground/ “I’ma try for you”.  No matter what he has to go through he is going to try to be a better person and do everything in his power to prove it. “Rise up from the grave” could represent rising above circumstances that are detrimental. “Runnin’ through the rain”/ “On to sunnier days” could represent the longing for happiness (Sunshine) and running away from the sadness (rain). The rain can symbolize the lows of the relationship and the sun can symbolize the “new day” or second chance. It is the hope that things get better. “Growin’ through the pain with you” is the lyric from the chorus that shows us that both parties of the relationship truly understand each other and are capable of pulling each other out of a dark place.  This song is an upbeat dance anthem. Produced by Alex Ghenea, Aukoustics, Cheat Codes, Embody, and Nicki Adamsson, “Bloom” is about going through a rough patch but having that one person to bring you out of the darkness, to see that you are trying, and to lift you up and encourage you. This person is your support system and knows you better than anyone else. They help you “Bloom” into your truest self. The production takes this song to a new level, with iconic electronic hues that elevate the song. The beat drop is perfectly placed, and you can’t help but smile when you hear it. Besides the synth and tech production, the bass and keys drive the track forward. There are happy vibes and energy radiating from this song despite the lyrical contradiction. In true Cheat Codes fashion, there are multiple versions of “Bloom” out such as the sped up, slowed down, a cappella, and instrumental versions available to stream. Cheat Codes are a multi-platinum electronic trio based in Los Angeles, California. The members Trevor Dahl, Matthew Russell, and KEVI (Kevin) Ford started releasing music in 2014. Their career really skyrocketed when they released their 2016 single “Sex” that samples “Let’s Talk About Sex” by Salt-N-Pepa. Their 2017 single “No Promises” featuring Demi Lovato peaked Top 40 on the U.S., U.K., and Australian charts. “Find Love Now” featuring Punctual and Raphaella; “Morning” featuring Jason Derulo and De La Ghetto; ”Stay Another Night” featuring Regard; “The Way It is” featuring Two Friends; and “Head Up” featuring Birdy are the other popular collaborations the trio has released this year. Train is a pop-rock band from San Francisco, California that was formed in the 90s. Pat Monahan the lead singer of the band also sang on "Bloom". The band released their debut album “Train” in 1998 and their 2001 album “Drops of Jupiter” lead single “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” won two Grammy Awards in 2002.  Other notable singles from Train are “Hey, Soul Sister”, “Meet Virginia”, and “Calling All Angels”. “Bloom” is a different genre for Train than what we’re used to, but it works really well. I was fortunate enough to meet Cheat Codes when they were doing promo for “Bloom” at IHeartRadio’s Z100 and even filmed a video for them. They were very kind and were super excited to share the single with their fans and the rest of the world. If you’re looking for a song to lift your spirits, reminisce summer vibes, or dance around with your best friends this is it. Go check it out and give it a listen! Written By Alexa LaMalfa FOLLOW CHEAT CODES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube FOLLOW TRAIN: Instagram   | Spotify

ONE OR EIGHT’s new release “Don’t Tell Nobody” details the thrill of a secret relationship. A real Romeo and Juliet romance, the couple’s friends do not approve, constantly stating that the pairing is “bad news”, but those involved could not care less. They find the secrecy exciting, and claim that they are showing everyone “how a bad thing works.” The soundscape is upbeat and mixes lyrics in both English and Japanese, showcasing ONE OR EIGHT’s background and culture. Certain lyrics even have a rap component, linking the sound and pace of the song itself to the elation and thrill of the relationship. ONE OR EIGHT’s lyrics perfectly encapsulates this condemned agreement, and their chorus states, “To hell with all the reasons / I don’t feel the shame / You could call it an addiction / And you know I like the pain.” The two are self aware and in agreement, even though they recognize they should not be doing this. They go on to sing, “Yeah, I can keep a dirty secret cause you know that I can’t / Can’t stop doing the things that we doing, the things that we doing / Don’t tell nobody”. The last two verses repeat this ideal, driving home notion of a secret fling that they gravitate towards no matter what. With a name deriving from the Japanese term for “all or nothing”, ONE OR EIGHT is a boy band featuring eight Japanese singers. They formed through the audition program WARMs DIG, and with their lone single on streaming services have amassed over 150K monthly streamers. “Don’t Tell Nobody” has over 300,000 streams since its release on August 16th, clearly showing the group’s popularity and devoted fan base. The group worked with One Republic’s Ryan Tedder and BTS’s David Stewart to create this ultra pop-rap track. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more fun music from ONE OR EIGHT. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW ONE OR EIGHT: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

This song, “Sunshine” by Alex Badger, is a summer anthem that tells the story of the aftermath of a short lived relationship. A story about love and about growth and self-acceptance, Badger shares in this song how it’s natural to be doubtful but you have to be true to yourself. Lyrics like “you say I’m like sunshine, though I tell you I’m like rain” and “I’ll go chase oblivion while you chase the next girl,” tell this story by showcasing how you can’t deny who you are but that might not always be what works with another person. At the end of the day, the most important thing you can be is happy with yourself. “Sunshine” by Alex Badger is a pop rock, indie song that relies on atmospheric melodies and strong percussion to paint a strong picture of a summertime moment that’s slipped away. Starting off on the mellow side with a simple guitar strum backing soft vocals, you’re drawn slowly into the song, the beat and percussion picking up almost a minute through the three and a half minute total. Badger builds the tension throughout the piece by balancing the intensity of the instrumentals with the smoothness of her voice, building in moments of quiet in between the moments of strength. Overall, Alex Badger has managed to create a song that perfectly captures both a strong feeling and an aesthetic, tying together the two to share her message. Alex Badger is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter born in British Columbia and currently based in East Vancouver, Canada. A creator of artsy pop rock and indie-pop, Badger has already gathered an impressive amount of fans in her budding career, drawing people who love her catchy percussion and deep storytelling. She released her first single, “Follow,” on November 2, 2023, followed by her second single, “Gum,” on March 14, 2024. “Sunshine” is her latest release. It was produced by JP Maurice, mixed by Ben Etter, mastered by Stu McKillop, with drums performed by Nathan Pope. Use the links below to listen to more of her music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Alex Badger: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

Shining like a light in the dark, Okean Elzy has released their uplifting new single, "Lighthouse (feat. John Rzeznik)." The track fosters a message of hope and unity, aiming to inspire the people of Ukraine and beyond. Shedding light on the meaning behind the song, Okean Elzy’s lead vocalist Sviastoslav ‘Slava’ Vakarchuk states, "Lighthouse is a very powerful metaphor for me. As a Ukrainian I couldn't think of a better metaphor to express our hope for the future, which is part of why the song and album bear that name." Music with a purpose, a portion of the proceeds from "Lighthouse" will be donated to United24, an initiative launched by the president of Ukraine in support of the country during the ongoing war.  Exuding an essence similar to the Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days," Okean Elzy's "Lighthouse" features a heartfelt soundscape that complements the song's warm and hopeful message. The moving track starts with a lush combination of tender piano lines and guitar riffs, later kicking things up a notch with the driving drums provided by blink-182's Travis Barker. Frontman John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls lends his voice to "Lighthouse," resulting in an undeniable chemistry between Vakarchuk and Rzeznik as they trade expressive lines and create rich harmonies together over climatic choruses. Founded in 1994, Okean Elzy is a five-piece rock band hailing from Lviv, Ukraine. The group already fill stadiums in Ukraine and now they're expanding their reach by releasing their first English-language album, Lighthouse . Okean Elzy have released two singles from the album so far, "Voices Are Rising" and "Lighthouse," gaining international attention with the former as they have gotten airplay in Germany and acclaim in the UK. To support the upcoming album, Okean Elzy will embark on their largest North American tour to date, kicking off on October 21st in Toronto, ON. Some of the tour's proceeds will be donated to the Open Eyes Fund, specifically supporting their Drive For Life initiative with the goal of delivering 30 ambulances and essential medical equipment to the frontlines in Ukraine. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW OKEAN ELZY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Rita Mae utilizes her own stardom to project the imminence of it in her latest single “Big Star”.  The character the piece is based upon is a reflection of who everyone wants to be, for a time.  The star of the room, the center of interest who doesn’t try to be.  But, popularity is never sustainable, requiring the ever dwindling resource of human attention to be maintained.  The character shines bright, but doing so runs through all that fuel.  She’s true to the stories told about her, but not much else.  How can someone be effortless with such expectations, in order to maintain such appearances she must be unattainable and never stop keeping up with herself till she burns out.  The song is an intimate work of art, the type of piece so evidently written with a specific reader in mind but so quickly translated to 100 alternates in its listeners’ perspective. The song begins as a peaceful ballad, lying out the groundwork for the emotive instrumentals to come.  It introduces her downfall before it introduces her, presenting the sacrifice for fame and the bounty of it.  As Rita’s voice shifts, so does their narrative.  Her vocals soften yet become louder, a worrying tone marking her change in speaking directly to her subject.  Rita makes this shift harshly noticed, going back and forth from addressing her audience, to their entertainment; skillfully representing the audience’s prominent role in such a story.  As the song goes on, her concern grows till it reaches a peak, or rather a drop, as this star seems to fall to Earth.  Here, an entire chorus seems to join them in the calling out of this crash.  It's an impeccable display of the true value of this attention, a million voices, but not one able to reach her. Rita Mae is an independent singer and songwriter who’s genre has made them stand out nearly as much as her skillful writing.  She combines the best of music into her own sound with almost Radiohead like instrumentals and structure but lyricism and vocals comparable more to pop artists.  And she’s done all this by only 23 years old.  She’s based in, and originally from, New Zealand where she’s completely entrenched herself in the music scene.  Her collaborations and growing audience all predict the rise of a “Big Star”, details of her upcoming releases and access to her existing ones are available below. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW RITA MAE: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

Indie-pop singer, NOEL, is back with another heartfelt single entitled “Flowers at a Funeral.” This track is about a relationship that deserved a better ending than it was given, based on how NOEL was not able to treat this former partner in the way he felt they deserved. Love can be difficult, and it can happen that we mess things up with a person that we truly cared about. Fans of artists like Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, and James Arthur will be captivated by NOEL’s poignant lyricism and emotional vocals. If you haven’t already, make sure to add “Flowers at a Funeral” to your streaming library. “Flowers at a Funeral” by NOEL begins with a string-plucking intro that later complements the rawness of the lyrics. Here, NOEL confesses that he felt a lot of shame because he wasn't ready for the relationship that he was in, and it wasn't the fault of his ex. In the chorus, he uses the solemn metaphor “You don’t see in the moment / Like flowers at a funeral / And only when it's over / It's beautiful.” Sometimes, we let the sadness in a situation mask how much there is beauty in it too. While NOEL wanted to make the person he was with happy and in love, his heart hadn’t quite caught up to his head, and it caused the relationship to end in a way that he didn’t feel they deserved. 21-year-old NOEL is a rising pop artist based in Stockholm, Sweden. After an injury when he was 17 that ended his football dreams, he shifted his focus to music, learning to sing and play instruments. He rose in popularity through posting covers on his TikTok. Now, he has collaborated with industry professionals and garnered a fanbase, accumulating over 45,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone. With his passionate vocals and authentic lyricism, I am certain that we will see him continue to grow in stardom. If you enjoyed “Flowers at a Funeral,” make sure to check out NOEL’s first EP Headed North that released earlier this year. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW NOEL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | Facebook   | YouTube

sixten’s latest single “Atlantic” displays a self-reflective journey of becoming so enwrapped in unrequited feelings finally seems as distant as your former relationship. It’s normal for you to feel distant and cast aside by the person you care for. It seems as though the end of your deeply personal proximity happened recently, but it was over a year ago. The miles between you two curate pondering feelings and questions about what you truly had. Everything has become muddled and you are left unsure of what occurred long ago. However, these blurred emotions become clearer over time. You’re unable to recall aspects of that long abandoned city, and the urge to get to know it and the object of your obsession has never waivered. It feels as though attaining reciprocity for your unrequited love will cure these feelings. Click here to listen to "Atlantic"! “Atlantic” is an indie pop 90’s inspired single that centers itself on traditional musical elements intertwined with modern flairs. At the beginning, we are introduced to prominent guitars playing off each other in harmony. These stringed elements resemble 90s feel-good summer vibes when paired with a sweetly soft vocal performance. Each lyric is delivered with a sincerity and narrative alignment common for sixten’s musical catalog. In the pre-chorus and chorus, a male voice harmonizes along, which adds a unique audible treat. Throughout each section of this single, there is slight reverberation that allows for prolongation of the instrumentation. What stands out about this instrumentation is the reliance on typical percussion and stringed elements. This curates an indie pop experience, leaning into modernity with its uniquely soft vocal performance and reverberation. sixten is a Swedish singer-songwriter duo currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. Formerly known as Strandels, sixten is a musical duo with siblings Tova and Sigge Strandell. Their music focuses primarily on their own lived experiences with love and identity. Traditional musical elements such as acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies are ever present throughout their musical catalog. They released their debut EP in 2016 to high success and received a few gold-certified singles. “Atlantic” is one of the singles off of their latest EP “Misemotional”. With this EP being released eight years after their debut EP, great success and storytelling progressions are highly expected and exceeded. Make sure to follow them on social media and give “Atlantic” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW SIXTEN: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook  | YouTube

This story of a now-ending relationship is being told from one person’s point of view as evidenced by it beginning with “I know that you don’t understand.” The repetition clues the audience into the fact that this decision hasn’t been an easy one, the narrator has worked out this situation many times in their head. So, as the audience, we stay to try and understand what the other party doesn’t. Further down the line, the narrator sings about “letting go” not being “part of the plan.” Hm, what plan is that you may ask? Well, the next couple of lines brings some light to the full situation, in my humble opinion. “Knowing what you know, would you do it again?” In retrospect, I gather that this could be looked at two ways – one meaning “Would you cheat again if you knew it would cost you our relationship?” or “Would you go through this relationship again knowing that it would end and we wouldn’t make it to the forever we thought we would?” Either way, the relationship is ending, but the narrator seems to be okay with this fact. “Don’t need your stories, I live in reality.” With these lines, I feel as though the former may be the situation we’re currently in with the narrator. The former love interest is trying to explain the situation in which they, presumably got caught cheating in. Describing this song, Kel writes “"Shut It Down" is all about finally saying no to situations that don’t serve you.”” I’d say that this presumed situation is certainly one that wouldn’t serve or behoove someone to stay in, remaining with a partner that is unfaithful can lead to resentment, STD’s, and a diminished sense of self-worth. I believe that Kel’s use of the phrase “shut it down” means stopping the former lover’s from having any access to her and letting him live in his “fantasy” world he’s created where he isn’t unfaithful and everything is hunky dory. “Shutting it down” is the saying no and refusing to accept the unacceptable. “Bury all your bones, here lies a man.” The former love interest, a man, was once considered to be a man, but now the narrator’s view of them has changed. The narrator also mentions him chasing after the narrator like a golden retriever, a dog. In most instances, a golden retriever is seen in a positive light, as a “good boy” who is loyal to their owner. But, in this instance, it would appear that the man in question wasn’t loyal and is now trying to tap into some of that golden retriever energy, however, the narrator says it’s too late. In a further description of the song, Kel states ““I've always believed that we’re defined more by the things we say no to than by the things we say yes to. Life constantly pulls us in different directions, demanding our attention, time, money, energy, and peace. This song gives listeners permission to say no and choose their own peace of mind… and have a bit of fun while doing it.”” I thought that a powerful statement, the belief that we’re defined more by the things we say no to than the things said yes to. It’s quite empowering to be able to stand on your morals and to deny someone the ability to trifle with your emotions or life. I also understand the “fun” part of the song as well, as I’ve noted that the beat of the song is a bit like footsteps, so it’s like the narrator is walking away from this situation that no longer serves them and gaining so much more from that “no” they’ve just delivered to someone that had previously, presumably, gotten so many “yes’s” from them, albeit, undeservedly so. Yay to reclaiming your time and energy! Kel describes her musical sound as “electro indie dance pop”. Adore notes being inspired by artists such as Julia Michaels and Jon Bellion. While 2021’s “Fool For The Pain” sees Adore exploring the experience of staying in situations that aren’t the best for us, 2024’s “Shut it Down” seems to be the response to that song and shows a maturity in choices made in Adore’s life, musically speaking. “Shut it Down” is a power anthem that can be applied to every area of life, one can choose to no longer be a “Fool for the Pain” and can “Shut It Down” and live a more peaceful and meaningful life, full of people who uplift, encourage, and enhance in your life instead of people who zap your energy, disrupt your peace, and give more than they take. Kel’s online presence includes thousands of followers across her social media accounts and offers fans a more in-depth and inside look at both the work behind her singles as well as the meaning behind them. As a new fan, I shall take my newfound inspiration from Kel and “Shut it Down” in areas of my life that are no longer serving me or that hinder my happiness. If you, too, wish to “Shut it Down” and live out a more content and satisfying existence, be sure to keep up with all things Kel Adore as she inspires us all with her music one single at a time by following her at her socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW KEL ADORE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook   | YouTube