At times in life, we are met with circumstances where we must make painstaking decisions. Decisions that will decide the next few years of our lives. There are even some sacrifices  we must make in order to achieve our dreams and put them into motion. No matter how daunting or simple these decisions can be, they can lead us to our next chapter in life. More often than not, the decisions we make are substantial and quite significant to our story, along with the sacrifices we make along the way, which can prove just how imperative these life decisions are to us. The sacrifices we are willing to make to achieve what we want. “West Coast” by Katie Belle is a song that describes a similar situation. A situation where Katie passionately sings about her wishes of moving to the West Coast to live out her desires of being a star, whilst leaving behind the tender love provided to her by her mother and friends. In the song, Katie morosely expresses that though it will paint her “blue”, she’s still determined. Undeterred despite the miles that would distance her from her home. As Katie sings “It’s calling my name”, set on this new journey of life that she will expedite. The song delicately opens with the sound of stunning piano keys that set listeners in such a pensive state. That is until Katie’s voice settles, in such a delicate manner, her voice perfuming the air with the colors of deep sorrow and a vehement yearning. Her voice harbors true emotion, intensifying the sound by adding percussions that resonate innately with Katie's euphonious voice– highlighting the message of the song. Despite the sound being rather plangent, there is an underlying hint of optimism in Katie’s song that I can’t deny. Though this peregrination may be perilous and a big leap into a new life, Katie has determination. A determination that is motivated by her dreams and wishes of becoming a flourishing artist. Which makes the song all the more empathetic, resonating with listeners who can sympathize. Those who have possibly made a decision in their lives where they had to surrender their comfort of familiarity for a dream they must journey through. Katie Belle is a singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles California, resonating with genres of music like pop and electro. Katie’s passion for singing seemed to start at a very young age, only burgeoning as the years progressed. As any other person with a passion for music, Katie can be seen on her social media platforms singing covers of mostly pop songs and sharing them with her followers and supporters. As Katie’s music career continued to progress, she would even perform at small venues, conveying her love for music, having a desire to share her voice with others and show off her innate talents as a young performer! With her song “West Coast” now out streaming on all music platforms, Katie has since released two other singles, one titled “Daughter” and her most recent single titled “Disco Romeo”! As Katie continues to voyage through her journey as a musician, I will look forward to hearing more of her dynamic sound! Support Katie by following her socials and listening to her music! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW KATIE BELLE: Instagram   | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Picture it. The music starts as you enter the scene. The beat is beating and suddenly you hear, “left right” and find yourself following the song’s commands. With a name like “Disco Fever”, one must come with it as far as songs go. Chrizy doesn’t disappoint with this club banger. The music starts the vibe that is continued with her chill voice and catchy lyrics. “Glass half full, that’s my reputation.” A reputation for seeing the brighter side of things, a seemingly direct contrast to having a “fever” of any kind, except, that is, a disco fever. Chrizy’s voice and the music seem as though they were made for each other. Chrizy’s voice dances with the beat, creating the atmosphere of disco fever. This is pop. This is dance. This is. Dis. Co. Fe. Ver. Click here to listen to "Disco Fever"! You feel intoxicated. Not by any drink, but by the music and the feeling you get when you hear the beat paired with the lyrics and Chrizy’s commanding voice. There’s an aura of expectation just before the chorus takes center stage, a time of preparation to let the disco fever overtake you. “Left right, all night.” We’ve got steps to embrace this disco fever! Chrizy’s turned up the heat with this summer dance-along offering. Can we truly dance all night? Who knows? But we’re definitely gonna try. “No rules, no time.’ Chrizy sings of a simpler life, where the bigger things are smaller and the smaller things are bigger. A carefree life, like the one we remember having as children and the one we as adults often wish to return to. Chrizy is saying that, right now in this moment, we have returned to that and we can dance all night, without a single care in the world. What a freeing concept, and such inspiration to truly dance “all night”. Chrizy has crafted a song that inspires dance, a better lease on life, and sincerely vibing in general?! Pop lovers can crank this song up anytime they feel the need – at the club, in the car, in the shower, at the office party- It's lit! Let’s dance with our “heart and body on fire”, courtesy of this disco fever. So, now the song has ended and you're in search of...water...and..the artist that has crafted this masterpiece. "Disco Fever" is sung by an artist who goes by the name of Chrizy. Chrizy is a 28-year-old German singer/songwriter who describes herself as being "born in 95' but got stuck in the 80s”. The 80s vibes are indeed strong in this latest sampling of her immense talent, "Disco Fever". Chrizy has a key to the locks on the hearts of 80s Pop lovers as evidenced in her other singles "Turn Off the Lights" and "Can't Stop Me". Chrizy's musical style is best described just as she put it dance pop inspired by 80s music. Chrizy's online presence is the perfect mixture of updates on her musical life as well as some personal tidbits in there to give the fans a glimpse of the star behind the music. Chrizy's star is on the rise of "Disco Fever" is any indication. Watch out world, here Chrizy comes, let us embrace the "Disco Fever"! If you're catching all of these good vibes, give Chrizy a follow at all of her socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW CHRIZY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | YouTube

Fans of pop rock icons like Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo, and P!nk gather around because there is new artist that you need to check out: Dani Josie. She has burst into the music scene with her latest single, "Go Go Go," released on August 16, 2024. The song is a self-aware confession about chasing after the red flags in a relationship. Even though she knows this will lead her down a bad path, she keeps going, addicted to the thrill of this person. The infectious pop hooks make it the perfect track to blare out of your speakers and scream along. Make sure to add "Go Go Go" to your streaming library! "Go Go Go" by Dani Josie is an exciting anthem about seeing the red flags as you pursue a new relationship and diving headfirst into it, anyway. Complemented by an upbeat instrumentation, Josie sings, "When I see red I say GO GO GO / The taste is so damn haunting / What I need is a NO NO NO" in the catchy refrain. Here, she gets candid about how she finds in the excitement in abandoning her intuition and going fast with someone that will ultimately turn out to be toxic. It is a fun and honest track that brings in nostalgia with the 2000s pop rock sound laced through the production. Dani Josie is a 19-year-old aspiring pop sensation from Wellington, New Zealand. She has been making music from a young age. Her sound is a blend of pop, rock, and country, taking musical influence from the range of Paramore to Noah Kahan. Realness is important in her music, as she wants to remind her listeners that they are all just human and learning through life. "Go Go Go" is a masterful track that has certainly left me excited to see what's next to come! You can keep up with all the latest information on Dani Josie and her music by following the social media platforms linked below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW DANI JOSIE: Instagram | Spotify

Andreas Moe gives us a song that perfectly encapsulates how it feels to be helplessly in love with someone. In this upbeat and rather catchy song, he walks us through the thought process of someone who has fallen deeply in love. The lyrics say, "I know my, my, my mind ain't logical / But I don't know how to not go where you go." As listeners we know through these lyrics how intrigued he is by this person and how much he wants to spend time with them. As the song progresses, we get a better picture of how often he thinks about the person he loves. The chorus says, "Cause from Monday every minute to Sunday / I'm a sucker, I'm your fool / And there's nothing I can do." We can feel the love within the lyrics as we listen to the song in its entirety. "Helpless" gives us a beat that makes it irresistible to fall for the song. We get sounds from the drums, piano, guitar and more. The song has an upbeat and cheery tone, which is fitting for its purpose. The energetic beat makes us want to move our feet, drawing our attention right away. When the lyrics come in to play and Andreas Moe begins singing, it adds an extra layer of spunk. This creates an overall mood that is cheerful and hopeful. We begin to feel like we have a chance at being with the person we're hopelessly falling for. Andreas Moe blends melody, lyrics, and emotion together in order to craft the perfect tone and mood for the song. Andreas Moe is a five-time platinum-certified songwriter. He has worked with artists such as Avicii, Khalid, Tiesto, Cheat Codes, Omi, and Sabrina Carpenter. He's opened for artists like Gabrielle Aplin, Kodaline, and John Mayer. The song "Helpless" follows his singles "Not Yet" and "Wild Enough" these songs are his return from a short hiatus. His work has shifted more towards the pop genre while still maintaining his emotional depth and his singer/songwriter style he's known for. When asked about the song "Helpless," Andreas Moe said, "'Helpless' is about being completely lost in your feelings for someone, experiencing a love so powerful that you can do nothing but go along with it. It's like losing control and being tossed around in a storm of emotions, where the heart takes over and nothing else matters." Andreas Moe has given us something special with this song. I hope he continues to give us many more experiences like this in the future. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Andreas Moe: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Nobody likes a bully. Tearing someone down to make yourself feel better isn't cool and no one should have to tolerate that treatment. JJ Wilde confronts this toxic mentality head-on in her latest single, "im not crazy youre just an asshole (toxic)." The singer shares her personal experiences with bullies in the song, elaborating on the inspiration behind the lyrics by stating, "As someone who experienced bullying throughout my life I have absolutely no time for it. Someone making someone else feel like shit to make themselves feel better is the lowest of the low in my opinion. This song is a letter to those who choose to put others down and actively try and hurt others. In my case it was a group of mean girls very similar to the movie (there was even a burn book). This song is a rally cry for those who experience bullying and don’t know how to stand up for themselves. It’s what I wish I had been able to say when I was going through it myself. Eventually I did stand up to them and it all stopped but I am grateful for that experience. I have much more appreciation for people and kindness and standing up for myself and others." Fed up with how people have treated her in the past, JJ Wilde serves her revenge through the pop-rock/alt-rock soundscape of "im not crazy youre just an asshole (toxic)." The track features aggressive instrumentals with heavy guitar riffs, driving drums, and deep bass lines. Wilde delivers the song's impactful message with an edgy finesse, showcasing her gritty vocals and feisty attitude as she slams those who feel the need to hurt others. Reminiscent of pop-rock/alt-rock icons before her, Wilde's gutsy performance on "im not crazy youre just an asshole (toxic)" is similar to acts like P!nk , Avril Lavigne , Paramore , and The Pretty Reckless . A massive part of the artist's life, music has been something JJ Wilde has had an unwavering connection to since childhood. She came to a crossroads in 2018, working three jobs and resigning to the idea that music might not be the right path for her. Wilde persevered despite her odds, continuing to write music and amassing over 500 songs that later became the basis for her debut EP, Wilde Eyes and Steady Hands , in 2019. She has since gone on to release several EPs and a full-length album with another on the way. Wilde's next album, Vices , is set to release September 20th and can be pre-saved here . Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW JJ WILDE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

There is no other pain like losing someone you care about unexpectedly. The shock you feel when you first hear the news is almost like you're dying with them. The energy it takes to process the whole situation is unbearable, and sometimes you don't know if you will be strong enough to make it through. You think about all the things you never got to say, all the plans you never got to do, and how you never got to say goodbye. "Unfinished Business" by Liv Miraldi is a song about trying to come to terms with the grief of losing somebody you didn't think would be gone so soon. The song is dedicated and inspired by her late mentor and publisher, Busbee , who was a Grammy-Nominated hit-songwriter and producer who passed away from brain cancer in 2019. Liv explains that Busbee gave her a boost within her dreams and was the first powerhouse person in the music industry who believed in her, and had been the reason why she was able to move to Los-Angeles shortly before his passing. "Unfinished Business" starts with an acoustic guitar, drawing you in with it's raw emotion right from the beginning. Liv sings with such a gentle tone, really showcasing the disappointment that comes along with the topic of the song. The soundscape features a classic drum, with a folk-like groove and a little bit of blues. The emotion is very dark and sorrowful, until we get towards the end of the song when everything builds an explodes into this powerful, painful climax. The progression of "Unfinished Business" really matches what it feels like when you're going through the stages of grief. You try to hold it all inside, until you just can't anymore. This part of the song is where you cry, scream and just let it all out. This is where you realize it's okay to feel the pain, because you'll never be able to move on until you let yourself experience what you need to feel. Liv Miraldi is a singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Lorain, Ohio, Liv is songwriter first and foremost and has dedicated a lot of time writing for and and with other artists such as ENHYPHEN , Lauren Spencer-Smith , Marc E. Bassy , Mod Sun , Johnny Orlando , and Natalie Jane , just to name a few! She has travelled across the world from Norway, to Sweden, to Germany to write songs. In 2017, she debuted as a solo artist with her first ever single, "Undertow". "Unfinished Business" is part of Liv's recent debut EP release, "2019" which is a collection of five songs that sum up one of the most difficult years Liv has had to face in her lifetime. "Unfinished Business" was released as the final single along with the EP, and Liv has admitted that it is her personal favorite track off of the project. If you enjoyed "Unfinished Business", I suggest listening to the rest of Liv's "2019" EP and following her on her socials below to keep up with her incredible journey. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW LIV: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube | Twitter

Coming from someone who is in love, it’s so easy to overthink all the reasons someone could leave you. Giving your heart to someone is no easy task especially when you have a past full of heartbreak. In Erin Bloomers new single “This One’s Gonna Hurt,” she expresses how deeply she has fallen for someone and how insecure it makes her feel. The track is so energetic with the beat, layered background vocals, and edm synths. I love the elemental textures in this song because it replicates Erins thoughts being all over the place as she expressed in the lyrics. This track feels like a diary entry, except you want to get up and dance. Erin said "This One’s Gonna Hurt" is for the people in love or the ones who have been. She also mentioned this is her first personal song she has put out there. She tends to write based on other people’s experiences, but she wanted to open up more of herself in her writing. As a songwriter, I know it can be hard to share your inner and most personal thoughts so I strongly admire when artists get vulnerable with their music. Erin turned her overthinking tendencies into a piece of art that I think a lot of people can relate to. We all have scatterbrained tendencies that leave us questioning if we are enough. At the end of the day we all want that special connection with someone and when we find it, we will do anything to keep it. Erin Bloomer started sharing her love of music by posting covers at a young age. She gained a lot of attention on social media, including one of the BBC producers. She got the opportunity from the producer to sing the power intros on BBC Radio 1. Erin started writing and releasing her original work which led her to feature on the “SAD Imanbek XXX Remix.” Erin also got to perform for N-Dubz and Wes Nelson during their 2023 summer tour. She debuted “This One’s Gonna Hurt” at Jackofest 2024 and the crowd loved it. Erin has been climbing in this industry for the fresh energy her music brings. If you love this song, you’re sure to love her others. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW ERIN BLOOMER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

If you know me, you know I love reviewing ROSIE’s music. And I’m happy to say she’s finally out with another incredible hit that I’m sure you will all love. “Big Heart” is a slow and emotional song about embracing your emotional and sensitive side. ROSIE says she had to hide her soft-spoken side for so long. But she could learn to embrace it when she eventually found her person. I resonated with this song in a big way, but on more of a platonic level. I have a lot of trust issues with friendships, and didn’t want to seem too emotional or sensitive around some people I did consider friends back then. But then I found people that I now consider soul sisters and brothers, who won’t judge me for being sensitive. They embrace it, and that’s the exact same feeling this song gave me. Like I stated earlier, this song is slow and emotional. ROSIE’s use of the acoustic guitar really sticks out. I think if this were to be a song with a whole band, drums and all… it wouldn’t have had the same impact. But I was able to let myself fall in deep with the song, and truly focus on the lyrics. And that is because of the simplicity of the instrumentals. And it’s no surprise that I think ROSIE has an incredible voice. So I loved it when I got deeper into the song, and I started to hear her voice layering over in an almost angelic sound. I’ve reviewed ROSIE’s music a few times now, and each time, she blows me away. ROSIE’s career first began on TikTok, where she went viral for her single “Never The 1”. Last time I reviewed ROSIE, it was for her single, “Lose Me Too”. Back then, she had around 450,000 streams on Spotify. Today, that number has skyrocketed to nearly 2 million, which is an incredible feat to accomplish in half a year. Soon, ROSIE is slated to open for David Kusner’s The Dichotomy Tour. That tour kicks off September 9th, so if you want to see ROSIE absolutely kill it live, I suggest getting tickets now. Overall, this may be my favorite of ROSIE’s releases from this year. And as always, I can’t wait to hear what she releases next. Go stream “Big Heart” everywhere, today! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW ROSIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Rather than a cause for sadness, singer Fia Silena celebrates her breakup and declares, "Cheers to our breakup!" in her fresh new disco hit "Cheers Baby." Fia Silena dances the tears and heartache away through addictive funky beats in her catchy new tune. Amidst the dance party, Silena toasts her recent breakup, though others are worried for her emotionally. “People are curious, asking me if I'm okay / I'm cool but they say ‘no way,’” she opens in her first chorus. Silena assures them she has done her mourning and is ready to celebrate a new era of freedom. This exciting and empowering anthem parallels the soul and bravado of Gloria Gaynor's “I Will Survive” though twisted with its own modern style and panache. “You showed me love shouldn't be / Baby / You broke my heart / Made me a strong lady.” There's an unyielding strength in Silena’s lyrics as she marches to the beat of her drum and shrugs off anything that may intervene with her newfound freedom and happiness. Wrapped in a danceable rhythm, cool beats, and groovy pop bass lines, “Cheers Baby” illuminates a disco dancefloor with its fun and exhilarating sound. Jazzy and stylish, the song sounds like a neverending night of celebration. It hints at empowering female anthems like Dua Lipa's “Don’t Start Now” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger.” The song is a comforting, feel-good tune, washing away any trivial worries or leftover sadness. Instead of wallowing in post-break-up misery, Silena crafts a song that carries her out of the pain and nostalgia, along with a new mindset as she waves goodbye. Despite its cheerful tune, “Cheers Baby” doesn't shy away from being vulnerable with its audience, but Silena admits that at one point the breakup was difficult and lonely. Nevertheless, she moves forward with this triumphant anthem playing behind her in response. “Cheers Baby” is Fia Silena’s third single, following her 2023 single “Kiss Me Before You Leave” and her debut single “Kill the Butterflies” in 2022. Her heartful ballad “Kiss Me Before You Leave” received the title of “best self-penned song” at the Thüringen Grammys 2023. Fia Silena is a German-Italian pop artist who blends pop elements and crafts piano ballads around authentic lyrics the singer writes herself. Silena was born into a family of artists and was exposed to the dance and music industry from early on finding her passion. She began dancing and singing in many German television productions and performing on theater stages. With the release of “Cheers Baby,” the 21-year-old gives her audience a fresher and positive take on the original breakup song, as she sings with strength and resilience. Silena takes a glass and cheers to the time the couple has spent together, as we likewise raise a glass to her superb triumph of a song! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW FIA SILENA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Find yourself wonderfully lost and full of wanderlust in “TAKE ME”, a new track from artist Ciinderella Balthazar. Going into listening to this song with no expectations, I was completely blown away and left in awe. Balthazar’s voice undeniably draws you in from the start with the professional level of craftsmanship and pure soul she’s put into this song. She cleverly uses layering to back her voice in important, crucial parts where the lyrics being sung can seemingly connect to the audience – specifically with the line, “Take me along with you.” Although there are elements of electronic music implemented that set this track apart from the realm of “easy listening” or “singer-songwriter”, there are qualities to Balthazar’s style that bring a nostalgic, warm feeling to you in the same way that these genres do. While listening to “TAKE ME”, I felt as though I’d been wrapped in a comforting embrace that many musicians strive to create. With Balthazar, it feels natural and honest – as though it flowed from her, and that these feelings could not be forced out just for the purpose of creating music.   “TAKE ME” is a song meant to inspire hope and display a message of emotional strength. While the world of pop music can branch off into many differing genres and cannot be limited to one sound, this allows people to explore and experiment with all aspects of their music. Ciinderella Balthazar not only brilliantly experiments with pop music within this song, but she additionally deserves to earn a name for herself in creating pop music with true, pure meaning and purpose. In my opinion, it is rare to find a pop artist who can not only bend genres but also connect with audiences across the board, human to human – this song does exactly that. The darker, more alternative-leaning sound of “TAKE ME”, along with Balthazar’s soulful and deeper voice, reminds me of musicians such as Florence and the Machine and Celeste. While Balthazar has created a unique sound, the overall structure and themes within her music drew me to these comparisons. As Balthazar continues to explore this sound and create eagerness to listen to her upcoming EP release this September, I cannot wait to see what areas of music she continues to delve into. Ciinderella Balthazar is a Belgian artist based in London, England. She is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and additionally works in the fashion industry. She aims to put art onto a blank canvas with her music, specifically working to evoke emotion with both her lyricism and detailed storytelling. Her debut single, “Holding Back”, was the beginning of a journey of self-discovery as well as the start of a navigation to inspire freedom and hope in other people. In an article posted by fashion-based website “The Deck”, Balthazar is featured wearing a red velvet single breasted suit. In the photos shown within this feature, her strong poses speak for themselves, but she is quoted saying, “To be a woman is to be completely free, wild, strong, loving and caring”. This message translates beautifully both to her fashion and musical careers, and overall embodies what Balthazar brings to the table. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW CIINDERELLA BALTHAZAR: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook  | YouTube

Porter Robinson's long-awaited third album "Smile! :D" is finally here. While fans were expecting something more in the vein of Porter's EDM roots, what we got was something far more pop-centric. Porter originally promised us a "fun" album, focusing on the music he enjoyed making and straying from the emotional, introspective vibes he previously shared with us in "Nurture". Of course, we all know Porter can't avoid expressing his feelings. "Smile! :D" is an existential rollercoaster, highlighting life's ups and downs with an ironically nihilistic, meta-narrative. Tracklist Knock Yourself Out XD Cheerleader Russian Roulette Perfect Pinterest Garden Year of the Cup Kitsune Maison Freestyle Easier to Love You Mona Lisa Is There Really No Happiness? Everything to Me Porter Robinson is an American DJ, producer, and songwriter who began writing music as a teenager. At just the age of 18, he was signed to Skrillex's label and would release his first EP, "Spitfire", soon after. Porter's early works were far more EDM-forward, with "Spitfire" being the most adherent to traditional dubstep and electronic music. It wouldn't be until 2014 when Porter released his first full-length album "Worlds" that he would be recognized for his unique style in the music world. While "Worlds" was significantly still within the lines of EDM, there was something special about it that made it really stick with listeners. After the success of "Worlds", Porter teamed up with another rising artist at the time, Madeon, to create "Shelter" in 2016, which only fueled the fire of both artists' success. This paired with the inception of Porter's own music festival. Second Sky, in 2019, attracted more and more listeners to the fold. Porter wouldn't release another album until 2021, with "Nurture", a more expressive experimental album that hit fans directly in the feels. Finally, in July 2024, "Smile! :D" was released. So, let's talk about it! Knock Yourself Out XD "Knock Yourself Out XD" is a hilarious carefree commentary on what it's like to be in the spotlight. Porter jokes with listeners, saying things like "Wouldn't know how to brush my teeth without asking my team", clearly exaggerating the way people view him. There's some hidden emotion to this song, though, particularly in the second verse. The line "crying at the airport, I'm sorry, Can I get a pic?" seems to imply the struggles that come with fame as well. Fans aren't really aware of a celebrity's mood or emotional state. They don't really think about that. They just ask for a photo anyway. The way I interpret KYO is Porter poking fun at everyone having their own headcanon about who he is as a person, despite it being completely para-social. The song is upbeat and infectiously catchy, but there's definitely some meaning hiding between the lines. Cheerleader "Cheerleader" is this album's featured single, and it packs a punch. This is a song about a stalker, or at least the idea of a stalker. Following the ideas in KYO, "Cheerleader" expands on the concept of para-social relationships. The girl Porter describes in the song is absolutely obsessed with him, even saying "If you're not mine, I'd rather see you burn alive". It's clearly an exaggeration, but it really makes you stop and realize just how real these volatile fans can be. Regardless, there is positivity in the song. Porter acknowledges his love for his fans with the line "My cheerleader, thought she needed me but I need her". Of course, this is all speculation, as this song seems to have some really esoteric lyrics, but what I glean from it is the internal struggle between dealing with insane fans, and appreciating their dedication. Russian Roulette Where do I begin with "Russian Roulette"? This is the longest song on the album, spanning an impressive 6:28 in length. It brings back a lot of Porter's introspective style from "Nurture", taking on a severely existential tone. When life becomes stressful, we're always expected to keep smiling, to keep moving. Life loses meaning beneath all the tension. We become more reckless, and we gamble with our lives. We forget about the little things that hold meaning for us. "Russian Roulette" seems to describe the back and forth between optimism and nihilism. We can almost feel the gun lower from our heads as Porter lists all the little things that matter. Suddenly, every mundane thing holds meaning. "I wanna live. I don't wanna die.", stays the theme as the song comes to a head. It's a track full of emotion, struggle, and forced laughter, and honestly tied for my favorite on the album. Perfect Pinterest Garden "Perfect Pinterest Garden" is a commentary on the expectations of modern relationships, especially when one person is putting up a facade to keep the other interested. Everything is so superficial in 2024. Everyone wants that perfect social media life. We all pretend our lives are going swimmingly on the internet. In reality, things are more complex than that. We have to be willing to ask ourselves if we're being genuine. Are we really happy? Are we being ourselves or are we just acting a certain way to fit in? My take on this song is that it asks listeners to think about just how far they'd go, and how much of their own personality they'd sacrifice just to fit the mold. Year of the Cup "Year of the Cup" is where things get somber on this album. It's a slow reflection on the disadvantages of drinking alcohol and how it affects the people around us. Using interview clips from Lil Wayne as samples really gives listeners two sides of a controversial topic. Porter looks back on the things he regrets having done while drinking, bringing to light the importance of moderation and control. This is the other song that ties for my favorite on the album. It's a simple concept, but it puts us in a clear mindset about just how fragile we are as people and raises some important questions. How much is too much? What makes an addiction? Do I need to drink to fit in? "Year of the Cup" is a song about taking your power back and being confident in your own decisions. Kitsune Maison Freestyle "Kitsune Maison Freestyle" comes from a place of deep insecurity. We're all just "trying to look good, trying not to feel bad". Contextualized with Kitsune Maison being a designer brand, Porter focuses on the idea that we all just want to feel confident in what we wear. We're tired of being judged for our unique styles and the stigma behind things like body type. The main idea behind "Kitsune Maison Freestyle" is just that everyone should be able to wear what makes them happy without being judged. It seems to point out that maybe we're too fixated on our appearances and it's bringing us down mentally. And it's okay to take a break from that. Easier to Love You "Easier to Love You" seems like a love song on the surface, but it's actually a song about struggling with self-esteem. We've all felt like we're not enough. We compare the current version of us with our past selves. Maybe they were thinner and had more energy. Maybe they hadn't experienced trauma yet. This song is trying so hard to convey that as much as Porter knows those thoughts aren't helpful, it's really hard to escape them. It's hard to know exactly which perspective this is coming from, but to me, it feels like a letter to Porter's younger self. It seems like both a retrospective and a reminder for the future. It really would be so much easier to love ourselves if we could see how our lives improve. If we could see that our mental health, financial stability, and overall mood would improve, we likely wouldn't feel so hopeless. The music video really hammers this home with the message on the balloon in the last few seconds. "We are alive." I think if my future self could tell me anything, that's the message I'd want to hear too. Mona Lisa There are so many ways I could interpret "Mona Lisa". It's a song about a painting, right? Well, yes and no. It describes a painting. On the surface, it seems to be an ode to the artwork, with Porter complimenting things like her make-up, but there's some deeper meaning here, right? I mean there has to be. I feel like this is an allegory that goes back to the theme of para-social relationships on this album. Porter compliments the painting in ways that someone would compliment a real woman. It's exaggerated to a bizarre extent. I mean, it's a painting. And that's the entire point. We go to concerts to see our favorite artists perform because we admire the art. Assuming they know us or have any feelings in return is just creepy and weird. You wouldn't insist that you could take the Mona Lisa home just because it looks pretty and alluring, so why would you assume a performer should tolerate the same overtly forward behavior? It's one big allegory that sadly, a lot of crazed fans need to hear. Is There Really No Happiness? "Is There Really No Happiness?" is a song about nostalgia. The lyrics are cryptic, but the main theme is fairly simple. We go through life clinging to the past. We have nostalgia for the things we experienced as children. For us millennials, it's things like old video games, pizza arcades, and long summer nights playing flashlight tag with our friends. If we cling to the nostalgia too much, we start to wonder if we'll ever be as happy as we were then. It can be a struggle to find the things that make us happy when we're drowning in adult stress and dystopian politics. "Is There Really No Happiness?" is an incredibly beautiful song that I never really sat and thought about before this review, but it's hitting me harder than ever. Do we ever really get that childhood magic back, but more importantly, do we really need it back? That's the question this song asks. Everything to Me "Everything to Me" is the only true love song on this album. As a matter of fact, I listed this song a few weeks ago in the wedding song article. It's heartfelt and vulnerable, and it really just feels intimate. It carries that nostalgic energy that's so present in this album. "Everything to Me" looks back on meeting someone for the first time, mustering the courage to finally ask them out, and being awkward with them. You're just hoping that after that first date, you get to see them again. But it also conveys so much love and appreciation for the person it's talking about. There's been time to develop that strong bond and admiration for the subject of this song. When you love someone so much, nothing else matters. It's just you and them in the room. Nothing and no one can get in the way of that feeling. Thanks for sticking with me through the whole review! "Smile! :D" is an album that takes a few listens to really absorb. It's hiding so much meaning between the lines of each song and that definitely needs to be talked about more. I feel like throughout this review, I was learning more and more about the backstory behind each song. The album has almost been out for a month at this point and I'm still finding new things out about it. Porter's previous album, "Nurture" is something I note as my favorite album of all time. When "Smile! :D" came out, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. It didn't have that immediate magic for me like "Nurture" did. I was mildly disappointed that we only received 10 songs, but now I understand why. Those 10 songs are EXTREMELY thoughtful and well-written. They confront the parts of ourselves that we don't always like to see. Sometimes that's uncomfortable but necessary. It took a while, but after giving each song a few very thoughtful listens, I can certainly see the brilliance in this album. Thanks again for reading to the end! You can hear "Smile! :D" on your favorite streaming service and let us know your thoughts on any of our socials below! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

24-year-old Finnish Singer/Songwriter, Producer, Actress and Model, Scharliina has finally released her highly anticipated debut album, "Darkness to a Fairytale". Featuring 8 tracks that span across the transition from dark to light, "Darkness to a Fairytale" is tuned to the healing frequencies of 528hz and 432hz, vibrations that are scientifically proven to benefit your mental and physical health. TRACKLIST Running Little Girl Beauty and the Beast Maybe Pieces of me 11:11 Paradigm Fairytale Scharliina has always had a natural gravitation towards the spotlight. The multi-talented artist started modeling, acting and singing around the age of 11 years old. She participated in musical theatre growing up, and attended a high school for the arts. As a teenager she began dabbling in TV and film, as well as did her first catwalk as a model at the age of 16 years old and began doing commercials. One of her most notable acting roles was in the 2024 Netflix original movie, "The Abyss" which was the No. 1 streamed movie within it's release week. In 2021, she started posting covers of herself singing on YouTube and officially released her first original single, "Running". Throughout the past few years, Scharliina has continued to release singles, which are all included within this album. The concept of "Darkness to a Fairytale" is the journey that Scharliina has taken not only as a growing artist, but within her own personal healing. Starting with her first single, the darkness, and ending with one of her most recent singles, the light, we get to witness a powerfully stunning story from beginning to finish. *TRIGGER WARNING* There are songs on this album that touch on very sensitive topics. Running The album starts with where it all began; with Scharliina's debut single from 2021, "Running". It really shows this dark place that Scharliina used to be in, and is a relatable song for anyone out there who has struggled with depression. "Running" is about when you don't know who you are, and you feel like no matter how hard you try you just get father and farther away from being your true self. Not feeling like yourself brings on this deep type of sadness that is really hard to get out of. The lyrics in "Running" also show just how important of a role music and songwriting played while Scharliina was going through this difficult time. This song features heavy emphasis on piano, and surprises you with a hip-hip inspired beat and groove. Little Girl "Little Girl" was written for Scharliina's non-profit organization, the Little Girl Project , a charity that works to protect children from sexual abuse. "Little Girl" is not only a very personal song for Scharliina who grew up with her own hardships, but it gives a voice to all those little girls out there who can't speak up for themselves. "Little Girl" brings awareness to a very serious issue that doesn't get enough relief. It's a painful song to listen to, but it's supposed to be. If it makes you uncomfortable, then it's doing it's job because nobody should have to go through the things that Scharliina sings about in this song. "Little Girl" made such a big impact, that it topped the iTunes charts in Finland, surpassing global superstar and one of Scharliina's favorite artists, Ed Sheeran . Beauty and the Beast "Beauty and the Beast" is Scharliina's most recent single release which is meant to bring awareness to domestic violence. Like "Little Girl", this song is based on a very personal true story, one that Scharliina hopes help survivors find hope and shed's light on the very critical crisis that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men face each day. "Beauty and the Beast" is a tragically beautiful song. Even though there is heavy emphasis on the lyricism, the instrumentation manages to have a cenematic tone without overpowering the message. Scharliina's raw, conversational vocals paired with the lyrics are heartbreaking but very powerful once you realize this is a song to reassure all the survivors out there that you made the right choice to leave. If you watch the video below, it ends with the simple but strong note, "Abuse Is Not Love". If you or someone you love needs help, please visit www.thehotline.org for resources. Maybe Next we have "Maybe", a hopeful cenematic ballad for anyone out there who has inner battles with themselves and needs a reminder than they can overcome whatever they may be going through. Scharliina wrote this song while going through recovery for an eating disorder, and it holds a lot of deep meaning. "Maybe" is meant to make listeners feel empowered to rise up and face their issues head on. It's a reminder that you are strong, and to never give up. This song is filled with beautiful strings, heavy drums and layers of heavenly vocals, making it an ethereal, cathartic experience that really touches the heart. I could see this song being a theme song for a movie trailer because of just how powerful and stunning it's soundscape is. Pieces of me "Pieces of me", like "Little Girl", is another song dedicated to the survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Joining forces with the non-profit organization, Protect Children , 50% of all profits made from this song are donated to the charity in support of aiding survivors in their healing journeys. "Pieces of me" is a highly emotional, yet gentle song that shines a bright light on such a serious issue we have in this world. I highly suggest watching the video, which features quotes throughout from real-life survivors. I'm not gonna lie, you might want to grab a box of tissues for this one. Scharliina's voice stands out differently in this song; she sings with a certain type of softness that really makes you feel the hurt and trauma that comes along with the words she's singing. The last line of the song feels like a dagger going straight through your heart. Listen to see what I mean. 11:11 Going into "11:11" from the other tracks, it's like a flip switches. The whole mood and vibe changes and it stands out immediately with it's acoustic guitar based sound. I think this is the part of the album where we transition into the light, or the fairytale side of things. Out of all the songs so far, "11:11" sounds the most raw, lo-fi, and stripped-down. Other than some reverb, this song is so naturally heavenly to listen to. The number or the time 11:11 is associated with angels, and is considered a good sign if you see these numbers often. Have you ever heard someone say "It's 11:11, make a wish"? That's because many believe there's magic behind the number 11:11, and that your wishes may just come true. It's also associated with protection, and is a reminder that you are on the right path. Paradigm Moving on to "Paradigm", we hear a lot of optimism and self-empowerment as Scharliina sings of breaking free from an unhealthy pattern. She finally feels stronger and happier with where she is headed in life at this point in the story. She's able to leave that darkness in the past, break out of that negative cycle she was in with herself and move towards something more positive. "Paradigm" is such a pop bop hit with uplifting lyrics, some hip-hop influence to it's beat and an EDM influenced production style. The vibe is a bit reminiscent of The Chainsmokers , specifically their songs "Closer" and "Something Just Like This". Fairytale Of course, closing out "Darkness to a Fairytale", we have the song "Fairytale". Let me tell you, what a perfect, beautiful way to conclude this project. The closure you feel when you listen to this song is so satisfying, and I bet Scharliina felt the same way when she was writing this. Self-love is such an important thing to have, and hearing Scharliina sing about having hope for a bright future and being able to love herself makes me so incredibly happy. There are a lot of lines in this song that can be uses as daily mantras and affirmations to remind yourself that you are strong and that you've got this whole life thing in the bag. Don't let what has happened in the past prevent you from enjoying what is yet to come. Mixed with a little afro-beat rhythm, "Fairytale" takes a gentle and ethereal approach to finally letting go and letting yourself heal. Scharliina's goal as an artist is to help others heal through her music; and I think she's doing just that with her album "Darkness to a Fairytale". Hearing Scharliina's story through her art not only helps others feel like they're not alone in their own struggles, but sheds light on serious issues that need to be addressed within our society. Scharliina uses vulnerability, raw emotion and honesty to create these lyrics and soundscapes that grasp at your heartstrings and make you want to take a stand. Even if you personally haven't been through what Scharliina has been through, you're able to put yourself in her shoes; and if you have been through any of these situations, you can use these songs as your own to relate to. Scharliina purposely tuned each of these songs to 528hz or 432hz, the frequencies that are scientifically proven to improve your overall health. She didn't just make this album to heal herself, she made this album to heal you; and what an incredible, selfless person she is to think of others before herself like that. Make sure to follow Scharliina below to keep up with what she's up to and what's yet to come. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SCHARLIINA: Instagram | 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.