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- Review: "Battery Park" - Alice June
In her latest release, "Battery Park," Alice June crafts an evocative and immersive sonic landscape that delves deep into the emotional complexities of love, particularly the kind that drains one's spirit. Inspired by the serene yet bustling atmosphere of New York City’s iconic Battery Park, Alice’s lyrics are both poetic and poignant, offering a narrative that captures the bittersweet nature of insufficient love—love that takes more than it gives. The song's introspective tone invites listeners to reflect on past relationships that have left an indelible mark, teaching valuable lessons about self-protection and resilience. Through her masterful storytelling, Alice seamlessly weaves together themes of vulnerability and strength, creating a piece that resonates on a deeply personal level. Click here to listen to "Battery Park"! Musically, "Battery Park" is a lush tapestry of influences, drawing from the ethereal qualities of Kate Bush and the soaring crescendos of Florence and the Machine. The track's production is a global endeavor, recorded between the tranquil landscapes of Italy and the vibrant streets of London, and finalized in New York by renowned producer Simon Dobson. The rich instrumentation includes a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, synthesizers, and the delicate sounds of a xylophone, all harmoniously blended to create a compelling auditory experience. Real-life recordings of local birds chirping add a whimsical touch, grounding the song's ethereal elements in nature. Alice's clear and emotive vocals navigate through the song's dynamic arrangement with ease, capturing the essence of the lyrics and enhancing the overall emotional impact. The result is a multi-layered pop anthem that feels both timeless and contemporary, inviting listeners to dive into its intricate soundscape. Alice June's artistic journey is as rich and varied as her music. Hailing from Milan, she began her creative path in local theater productions, soon making a significant impact on the city's music scene. Growing up in the outskirts of Italy, Alice's early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for narrative richness, which now permeates her work. Traveling the world has further broadened her horizons, infusing her alt/indie pop sound with a unique blend of cinematic storytelling and heartfelt emotion. Drawing inspiration from artists like Florence + the Machine, Daughter, and London Grammar, Alice crafts music that transcends geographical boundaries and speaks to a global audience. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the meticulous production process of her tracks, involving international musicians and Grammy-winning sound engineers. With "Battery Pack," Alice June solidifies her place as a poignant and influential voice in the indie pop genre, promising a future filled with evocative and thought-provoking compositions. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ALICE: Instagram | Spotify | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Cool Girl" - Starling
Returning after a brief hiatus over the course of the pandemic, Starling is back and better than ever with her new single, "Cool Girl." The empowering female anthem reflects on her personal journey as a young woman, exploring the trials of navigating relationships and travelling down a path of self-discovery. Elaborating on the inspiration behind the song, Starling states, "Cool Girl marks the new sound of pop meets therapy, sad meets hopeful, light meets dark - I want my music to encompass all parts of me and therefore, free all parts of you, the listener. We are all so multi-faceted and full of so much hope as well as fear, sadness, grief - it is safe to be it all.. at least, that is what I would like to share through my song." Readying herself for the release of her long-anticipated EP, Starling exudes confidence over a symphony of effervescent synths, energetic beats, and lush harmonies in "Cool Girl." The track is upbeat and lively, expressing a carefree attitude that comes with learning to be your authentic and honest self. "Cool Girl" starts off with an ethereal vibe as Starling's vocals float over the synth-laden background, later evolving into an infectious electropop soundscape that's impossible not to dance along to. Perfect for any synthpop/electropop enthusiast, Starling gives a captivating performance reminiscent of pop icons like Ellie Goulding , Tove Lo , and Alessia Cara . Discovered by London's Massive Attack, Starling has been a pop artist steadily on the rise. She has found herself catching the attention of prestigious magazines and tastemakers, including the likes of Wonderland, The Guardian, CLASH, and The Line of Best Fit. Her music is described as sophisticated pop with an edge and has been featured on over 18 Spotify "New Music Friday" playlists. Priding herself on incorporating a message of courage and resilience in her songs, Starling's upcoming EP showcases the artist's powerful and uplifting presence through a collection of fierce and vibrant pop songs. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW STARLING: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "everything but you" - viisi
viisi's new single, "everything but you" is everything a break-up song should be, complete with just the right amount of venom. It's reminiscent and thoughtful, looking back on past memories. If only that awful ex wasn't there, right? The track describes the struggles of looking back at old pictures and posts and trying to find the good when all you see is someone who hurt you. How do you process memories that were amazing in the moment when someone so toxic was there for all of it? How do you combat that flurry of emotions? It almost feels like they ruined it all, and getting over that is a serious challenge. It's a feeling so many of us know all too well and viisi said it best. "I miss everything but you." Musically, this track is everything I love about a pop tune. It starts acoustic and somber, with just viisi's vocals over a single guitar, seeming like a lament. But then the beat kicks in. Oh, this is spiteful. This is venomous. This is something people can't help but pay attention to and oh my goodness is it catchy. This is a song you scream at the top of your lungs dancing around while you clean your room, getting over those people that did you wrong. The B Major key choice makes this even more interesting. It's a key that evokes hopefulness and aspiration. The song has heavy lyrics, but underneath, it's an anthem of hope. You can and will move on from that part of your life, whether they've tainted your memories or not. Canadian-born artist, viisi, takes his namesake from the Finnish word for five. His story as to why is even more intriguing. Five years after creating his first musical rough cut as a high school freshman, viisi would be touring Europe. It took only five years to make it big, and he owns that time well spent, adopting the iconic name in 2020. Beyond that, viisi takes a lot of his inspiration from 90s rap artists, but most importantly, Eminem. Shady's clear cut unapologetic nature was just the thing to set the spark for viisi's music, inspiring him to create songs with raw, emotional, unbridled storytelling. With a sincere dedication to his craft and the honesty of an open book, viisi is not at all afraid to spill his heart into unforgettable lyrics. "everything but you" is a fantastic song that resonates deeply with me and countless others and it is most certainly worth a listen. You can check it out on Spotify now! Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW viisi: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Twitter | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Where Is The Water" - Anna Curreen
Anna Curreen’s latest single “Where Is The Water” is an introspective melancholy deep dive into the desire to feel close to others, but the inevitable fall back into isolation when faced with needing to put equal effort into communication. You peer at your phone as you realize something seems off. A sudden feeling of loneliness permeates throughout your being as your recent messages face you. How has it already been weeks without either you or your friends communicating? The realization that the broken communication cycle has started again depletes your remaining energy. You crave the peace and comfort your friends brought you, but being the first to reach out hardly registers in your state of mind. Your desire for familiar connections is snuffed out by the harrowing fact that it needs to start with you. There’s never effort on your friends’ parts either, so starting any conversations seems pointless. Although you would never admit it outloud, you wish the communication efforts would start with them. But with every barrier you’ve put up and your life racing out of control, there’s little hope you would have the energy to sustain it. The thought of sending even one message is as daunting as it is exhausting. Click here to listen to "Where is the Water"! “Where Is The Water” is a dark alt pop single that utilizes somber and low instrumentation and vocalization to effectively display its narrative. A lone piano tapping away solo immediately sets the tone. No vocals or accompanying instruments play as we are thrown into a melancholy mood. Once the vocals and lower chords are sprinkled in, harmonious upper notes add an additional layer to the piano base. Occasional dips into minor chord progression help further establish the mood. The chorus introduces more instrumentation than the piano and small buildups. Guitar and percussive instruments are seamlessly blended so they naturally balance off each other. As each instrument slowly builds and every harmonious note sings lowly, the melancholy narrative seems perfectly reflected. A somber story is perfectly tailored to the melody it rings against. Anna Curreen is an American singer-songwriter currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Curreen has made a name for herself in the music industry for over a decade. She has had solo projects as well as collaborations with other musicians throughout her career. She has accumulated many feature articles about her music and performances from her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. She has also garnered a decent social media following that has maintained despite her taking an almost two year hiatus from releasing music. “Where Is The Water” marks her dive back into the industry and is the first single off of her EP which will release this fall. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “Where Is The Water?” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW ANNA CURREEN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Loud" - Holly Blair
Bury yourself in a whirlwind of ear-striking musicality with “Loud” from artist Holly Blair. “Loud” is a testament to the people who are caught in a vortex of feeling overwhelmed and looking for solace. Blair opens “Loud” with her soothing voice alongside cushy synths, creating a warm and welcoming introduction to a tune with deep undertones. As the song unfolds, the pattern of the synths and waves to Blair’s voice appear to mimic a mind that is overwhelmed and experiencing a multitude of sensations all at once. Upon my first listen, lyrics with a small detail regarding “staring at the pavement” hit me like a ton of bricks. Blair’s writing style has a way of drawing you in with its flow and making you stay with its intricacies. Although “Loud” has a runtime of just around two minutes, its impact is substantial and within those 120 seconds you are immersed in a world of safety and resonation. As someone who struggles with often feeling overwhelmed, this song spoke to me in several ways. From my first listen, the opening sound somehow felt similar. I saw myself in “Loud” and that was accompanied by both feelings of joy and productive discomfort. While the track brought up difficult feelings, the mimicked patterns within “Loud” allowed me to explore my personal experiences and tune in with myself to provide a comforting experience. Rather than opening old wounds and pouring salt into them, I felt as though I had a new friend holding my hand through battles I’ve fought time & time again. Blair’s ability to connect with audiences through subjects such as struggles with mental health, as well as to produce music that blends genres across the board, is unmatched in comparison to a great number of artists. On top of this, Blair’s openness regarding her sexuality and identity provides a safe space in her music and for others that is incredibly important and should be shared more through the entertainment industry. I applaud her not only for the level of musicality she brings to the table but additionally for being an authentic light in all she does. Holly Blair is an LA-based songwriter, filmmaker, and multi-instrumentalist. She is a queer, gender-fluid artist who creates work that bridges gaps between genres as well as creative, defining worlds. Since coming out at age 22, Blair has embedded her identity throughout her music and continues to push past the confinements of society. She has stated that her fluid identity has helped allow her to play with genres and make music that is authentic to her. She has the ability to one day create a song that falls under the branch of country, then the next day produce an electronic track. Her 2023 EP, One Step Away Is Too Far , featured collaborations from producers Tim Carr – a.k.a Perfume Genius – and David Burris, who has worked with producer Tommy English and artist Willow Smith. “Make It On My Own”, a single off her 2023 EP, opened up a world for Blair – she became the co-director for the “Make It On My Own” music video and has since then only pushed her creative abilities forward. Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW HOLLY BLAIR: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Grown Ups" - Naomi Jane
Naomi Jane is back with her latest bittersweet single, “Grown Ups.” Marking the final single in her “Letterman Trilogy,” Jane’s “Grown Ups” captures the struggles of young love while transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Resolute and poignant, the song holds a tone of finalization, adding to its solemn beauty. Janes's lyrics are introspective and her maturity echoes throughout the track as we watch her let go of love and, from a distance, acknowledge the freeness of youth and naivety. She writes, “Let’s leave love to the grown-ups / We’re just not ready for that.” She decisively embraces adulthood, though not without taking one painful glance back at what once was. “Grown Ups” is a bittersweet ending, an ode to the passage of time and transition to adulthood. It is momentary and intensely raw, capturing a sense of solitude that can sometimes accompany us as we grow and change throughout life. Lyrically powerful and heartfelt, Jane's serene voice carries the song, as instrumentally the song is perfectly simple. The track takes a step away from other pop-infused rhythms or heavy studio-done beats that sometimes feature in the pop category. Instead, Jane opts for a light country and folk sound to enrich her song. Moving lyrics coincide with a humble and down-to-earth melody, a signature of Jane's we've seen before in her music. With just a few simple strums of guitar alongside harmonizing pieces of Jane's voice, we are left with a timeless composition. Placed within a story of love and loss, Jane's ability to almost singlehandedly uphold a song with her voice alone, without the aid of multiple instruments, is an art in itself. As Jane soothingly caresses each note and feathers over each melancholic line, almost tangible emotion can be touched. Always pleasantly authentic, Jane constructs a narrative that is both tinged with sadness and a resolved maturity that listeners can relate to at any age. In the conclusion to her "Letterman Trilogy," Jane follows her previous two singles, "Pretty Boys" and "Little Miss," by finishing off her narrative of a journey through youthful love and growing up. In “Pretty Boys,” Jane points out the youthful fragility of love and the disillusionment that can sometimes become blinding. Her second single in the trilogy, “Little Miss,” illustrates themes of self-acceptance, self-worth, and empowering oneself. When creating “Grown Ups,” Jane was influenced by artist Zack Bryan , which can be seen in the country and folk waves of the song. The song marks the end of the story and the emotional evolution that Jane illustrates in her character. “Grown Ups” symbolically takes images of the red solo cup and teenage scenes to be used as a reflection of the past. Jane looks at her experiences from the outside and acknowledges them as moments of growth and maturity. With her latest singles receiving over 575k streams and amassing 26k followers on TikTok, Jane continues to both enchant and captivate listener's hearts with her writing and vocals. Not the end for Jane, she promises her eager audience another EP that is set to debut in September 2024. Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW NAOMI JANE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Skin" - Kid Tigrrr
“Skin”, Kid Tigrrr’s latest release is a powerful piece regarding the implications and importance of identity. Identity is by its very definition something to be discovered within oneself, by oneself. Feeling comfortable in one’s own skin is a difficult task, made more so when it feels like that skin and the self is dedicated to another. Kid Tigrrr describes the heartaching but ultimately necessary journey of finding herself. She goes from a fragile doll, fair, someone who cannot be touched by the sun due to hiding in her partner's shadow, to speaking out for herself and claiming her skin as her own. The complexities of her relationship made her lack of identity known, and gave her motivation to seek out a better relationship with herself, but it was only her who ultimately was able to claim her skin as hers. The song begins with a gentle acoustic guitar, a skill Kid Tigrrr will expand on throughout the piece. Her voice is soft and full, making the perfect narrator for the character she creates within her lyrics. She never states the transgressions against her with malice or anger, merely recognizing them as something to overcome. When she reaches the chorus, new instrumentals are introduced that offer a whimsical yet mournful turn. Every piece of this song fits a contextual theme and is beautifully composed to tell this story. As the song goes on, and she grows more and more tired of her overshadowing partner, the instrumentals as well as her voice evolve into a more rebellious tone. Again, this is never outright anger, but the subtle transition from acoustic to electric guitar is indicative enough. She closes the piece with a collage of vocals which mix into a true expression of her overwhelming emotion. Kid Tigrrr is the creative project of Jenna Fournier, a visual and musical artist. Fournier began her career in music as the leading woman to Niights. The group found immense success, going on multiple world tours and releasing two albums. Her independently created music is on its way to reaching similar heights. Her first released song as Kid Tigrrr, “Shapes of Water”, was recognized by DKFM Shoegaze Radio, “Skin” has been highly regarded by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, and her second single, “Scry” received a personal acknowledgment and blessing from Neil Halstead of Slowdive. Her live performances are widely respected as well for their creative ingenuity and can be seen at the Cleveland Museum of Art this coming September. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW KID TIGRRR: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
- Review: "Jane" - SARA
"Jane" is the latest pop rock anthem from London-based singer SARA, released on July 26, 2024. The song was produced with the Grammy winning Chris Sclafani. It is only her second single, and it shows off her strength in storytelling and crafting catchy hooks. Whether Jane is an actual person or a metaphor, SARA encapsulates her story and struggles in this track. For fans of 2000s pop rock and artists like Avril Lavigne and Paramore, "Jane" is an exciting nostalgic-sounding track to blast and dance around to. The electifying song invites us as listeners to simply let loose and have fun. On "Jane," SARA sings about a girl that bottles up her feelings, feels like an outcast, and seeks validation in any way that she can get it. Backed by a rock and punk-influenced production, the track is like a time capsule to the noughties era. In the refrain, she sings, "No one ever looked so pretty while being so sad." It's an ode to the teenage experience; feeling insecure and out of place, always trying to feel more alive and at ease. "Jane" encourages listeners to dance around and sing along, the perfect backdrop for a night out. Make sure to add this track to your favorite playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. SARA is a German singer-songwriter who lives in London, crafting a distinct pop rock sound. Each song of hers feels like a movie soundtrack to the listener's lives. Along with creating music, SARA works as an actress and a model. This creative energy shines through in her projects. If you enjoyed "Jane," make sure to check out SARA's other single, "Runaway." You can also keep up with latest information on SARA and her music by following the social media platforms before. More releases are planned for this year, and personally, I am so excited to see what she will put out on streaming platforms next. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW SARA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok
- Review: "A Mile Away" - Hunter Sheridan
The distance of a single mile is rather lengthy. The average time it takes a human to run a mile is seven minutes and four seconds. If a human were to walk that mile, it would take roughly 20 minutes before they reach their target. But no comparison sums this up as well as Hunter Sheridan does in his newest single ‘A Mile Away’. The song details a one-sided love affair, in which Hunter is trying to receive unwanted love from a significant other. A painful and yet relatable tale of being hopelessly devoted to someone, Hunter ties painful lyrics into a catchy production full of pop-rock and indie influences. “It’s like I just keep running, but you’re always a mile away. And I can’t get much closer, what you want me to say?” The cover art is a great expression behind the meaning of the song. Two people seemingly a mile apart, but close enough to where one can pursue the other. But this production crafted by Hunter Sheridan and Ty Callan of the indie-rock band ‘Sit Still’ creates an irresistible tune that you can’t help but sing along to. The instrumental is dominated by a strong pop-rock rhythm along with a smooth, folk-sounding guitar part. ‘A Mile Away’ has the ability to be comforting to those who have experienced unrequited love. The song is a sub-three minute anthem, short enough to keep your attention, but long enough to get the point across. Hunter Sheridan adjusted his songwriting formula to make ‘A Mile Away’ into a pop masterpiece. The Canadian singer-songwriter is predominately known for creating folk songs that have alternative influences. ‘Skin & Bones’ is one of Hunter’s strongest tracks that incorporates these folk sounds. His delivery in that song is phenomenal, and I’d highly recommend checking it out. Hunter’s debut album ‘Life is a Dream’ has accumulated over 100,000 streams on Spotify and received a feature on Spotify’s ‘folk favorites’. In 2020 and 2021, he received nominations at the Oshawa Music Awards for ‘Songwriter of the Year’ and ‘Album + Single of the Year’. You can check out all of the music and the latest updates from Hunter Sheridan in the links below. Written By Camden Luca FOLLOW HUNTER: Instagram | Spotify | Website | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Album Review: "BLOOD ON THE DRUMS" - Ashton Irwin
Singer, Songwriter, musician and beloved drummer from the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, Ashton Irwin has released his second solo studio album, "BLOOD ON THE DRUMS". TRACKLIST Straight To Your Heart Breakup BLOOD ON THE DRUMS I See The Angels Lose You Rebel At Heart Last Night Of My Life Indestructible The Canyon California Holds Her Breath Little Spark Wicked Habit Marry You Glory Days Wild Things Endless Wave Ashton Irwin is known mostly by many as the drummer from globally popular pop/rock band, 5 Seconds of Summer in whom he's been a part of since 2011. However, he is more than just a drummer - he's a true artist at heart and has a phenomenal voice as well. As the 5SOS boys have been taking more free liberties in the past few years, In 2020, Ashton released a debut solo album titled "Superbloom". Now, four years later he introduces us to "BLOOD ON THE DRUMS", which he has described as "the sound of Ashton Irwin" . Mixing unique blends of 80's influence, rock'n'roll and art-pop, Ashton is ready to show us who he is as an artist, away from his bandmates. Straight To Your Heart Track one is the leading single of the album, "Straight To Your Heart" which was released in anticipation of the album's release. Let me just start by saying - THIS SONG IS A BOP AND A HALF. I'm shocked that it hasn't gotten more attention. Talk about the perfect track to get somebody hyped for an album. It has everything a hit song needs; a high energy beat, a catchy groove and instrumentation, smooth vocals and a heart-stopping melody, and lyrics that get stuck in your head. Enough said, just listen to it. I promise if you're a pop music fan you're going to love it and be adding it to your playlists. This song has those nostalgic pop rock vibes, it's something I could see Harry Styles coming out with - so if that's someone you're a fan of, I highly suggest giving Ashton a chance. Breakup Track two and also the second single, we have "Breakup". Ashton is getting dirty with this dark rock song, featuring heavy electric guitar and a haunting vibe. He shows off his vocal talents by singing in falsetto. "Breakup" is about trying to convince a girl you're interested in to breakup with her boyfriend because she could have a better time with you. It's very rock influenced, with an eerie groove that makes you feel like you're doing something bad - which is the point! BLOOD ON THE DRUMS Next, we have the title track and the third single, "BLOOD ON THE DRUMS". It seems like a very vulnerable, personal song to Ashton and it makes a lot of sense why it is the title of this album. Even though Ashton was able to make a career for himself as the Drummer for 5SOS, I feel like he doesn't want to be only known for that. He is an individual, his own person who can make his own art - which is the whole reason he made this album in the first place! I love the soft, acoustic feel to the emotional chorus followed by the heavy rock refrain in this song; and during the verses, you feel like you're just listening to him tell you his story like he's speaking directly to you. The dynamic diversity between sections definitely makes this a stand out track. I See The Angels "I See The Angels" has cryptic lyrics and seems to sound the most 5SOS out of all the songs so far. Given the context of what I think the lyrics are about, this may very well have been done on purpose. The pop/rock vibes and gorgeous falsetto moments do remind me a lot of the signature 5SOS sound and I think this song is about feeling a bit trapped within the industry and not getting to be yourself. The entertainment business can be a really dark and toxic place, but Ashton sings of still being able to recognize who the good people in his life are. He sings, "I don't see the light, but I see the angel". Lose You UM. OKAY ASHTON?! When I read the title of this song, I expected a sad ballad. Well, I was wrong. This is the one of the catchiest pop bops I've heard all year. "Lose You" is about wanting to throw in the towel for good if you lose this person you love, because you'll never find someone better than them. This song has a hook that will play in my head forever; it features high falsetto and low chest unison vocals that are so smooth and have a melody that repeats in a good way because you just want to hear it over and over again. This is going to be one of my favorite songs. Rebel At Heart "Rebel At Heart" is a groovy, nostalgic and raw rock song about a self-destructive person. Life isn't going their way, and instead of facing their issues head on they just drown themselves in bad decisions and negative habits. Again, Ashton shows off his incredible range with smooth falsetto vocals. Last Night Of My Life "Last Night Of My Life" in summary, feels like a song about having an existential crisis. Death is something many avoid thinking about in fear of what comes after; Ashton sings of this of this fear - you literally never know when you're going do die. It could be in the next minute, it could be 50 years from now. Another point he makes, is since life is so short and it could end at at any liven second, we shouldn't spend it with people who treat us poorly. Don't waste your breath and time on people who don't deserve it. Indestructible "Indestructible" mixes heavy rock with dark electronic pop to create this sort of anti-hero, empowering song. This is for all those people out there who know they're badass even though there isn't anyone else but themselves who believe in them. The Canyon The fourth, most recent single released along with the album is "The Canyon". This song is haunting, and although it can probably be interpreted in many ways, this is my take. I think "The Canyon" is a metaphor for depression; its a dark place, that many people fall into. Before I even had this realization of what the song might be about, I was experiencing the music itself and thought to myself - this sounds like an old, Southern American folk song, like something a coal minor would sing during The Great Depression . Then when I read the lyrics, everything started to piece together in my head. Just listen, and watch the music video too; this song is a true work of art. If you've ever struggled with mental health, this is for you. At the end of every tunnel, there is a light. California Holds Her Breath People usually see California as the place where people's dreams come true. In "California Holds Her Breath", Ashton sings of a girl who is being held back from happiness because of her career as dancer in California. She doesn't feel like she can be herself anymore because she has to earn a living. It's more broken down than other songs we've heard so far, taking more of an acoustic approach. It's a very beautiful, but tragic song with a gorgeous melody and a euphoric, emotional build at the end with drums and vocal harmonies. Little Spark "Little Spark" is one of the more lyrically driven songs on this album I'd say. It's very descriptive in it's imagery and is good at keeping you invested. "Little Spark" is about when you're not necessarily having the best time but you still have that one thing, or person in your life that can make everything better. Even if they're not necessarily there with you physically in that moment, just looking at a picture or remembering that you'll be able to be with them soon is enough to pick you back up. This song has such a catchy little groove and melody - and it has a super cool guitar solo that transports you back into the early 2000's pop/rock era. Wicked Habit "Wicked Habit" goes HARD. I just can't imagine listening to this song and not getting to jump around and toss my hair all over the place. It's definitely giving nostalgic hard pop/rock feels. "Wicked Habit" is comparing your feelings to someone to a drug addiction. It may be a little toxic, but you just can't imagine ever living without them. Ashton sings, "Please don't wake me up until you're rushing through my veins, I can't live without a little hit of you". Marry You Showing off those sexy falsetto vocals again, Ashton has made up his mind in "Marry You" as he sings about someone who he's 100% sure about. This sensual song has Latino influence in it's rhythm and chords as Ashton tells us a story of someone he's able to be happy around and go on adventures with - ultimately making up his mind that he wants to marry her. Glory Days "Glory Days" is about looking back on the fun times you used to have when you were younger; when you would hang out with your friends, do stupid things and felt like you were invincible. Ashton is looking back on these memories fondly, saying "it sounds like a perfect story", but still wishing that things could be that way now, implying that those people he had so much fun with aren't as close with him anymore. "Glory Days" is very 80's pop rock in it's influence and has a cathartic soundscape that draws you in instantly. Wild Things "Wild Things", is a stunning folk inspired track filled with acoustic guitar, cinematic drums and keys. This song is about having a partner who struggles with mental health and sees themselves as "too crazy" to be loved; but from Ashton's perspective, he's telling this partner that he loves them no matter what and he wants to be there for them to help them through what they're dealing with on the inside. He doesn't want to be pushed away, and he will follow them wherever they go. It's such a honest, beautiful love song that I feel like a lot of people out there need to hear; and there needs to be more songs like this on the topic of loving someone who suffers with mental illness. Endless Wave "Endless Wave" is the final track, bringing this album to a close. I will say, when you listen to this album as a whole and then you get to this song, it's a bit of a culture shock! This has a very classic blues and soul feel to it with a different production style from the rest of the album. It's very mellow, coming down from the excitement and heavy energy that we've experienced from other songs. At this point, it's time to take a deep breath, and just enjoy Ashton's conclusion to this incredible project he has created. Here we are again with another album this year that is incredibly underrated!! Why am I not seeing more hype about this album?! Ashton Irwin has really outdone himself on this one, creating masterpieces that I'm personally still processing. He's proven that he's a force to be reckoned with and deserves more recognition as a well-rounded solo artist and not just as the drummer from 5 Seconds of Summer . There are bangers on here, there are emotional tear-jerkers, there's rock'n'roll, there's mainstream pop, there's nostalgia, there's relatable songs, there's thought out stories, there's ones that you have to sit and really think about - there are topics on this album that I've never heard anybody else write about! This is a must listen album, so if you haven't heard it yet I suggest you add it to your list now. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Call It Falling" - Emily Ricks
Emily Ricks's latest release “Call It Falling” is a spunky and energetic track that expands on what the dating scene currently looks like. The song uses humorous tones to explore the hardships of being young and falling in love. The alt-rock style of the song matches perfectly with Ricks's unique voice which is so reminiscent of when this style of music was at its peak. While the song is shorter than the traditional structure, it accomplishes so much in such little time and transforms itself into a heartbreak anthem. “Call It Falling” is exactly the kind of high-energy song that’s needed for the discussion of what the dating scene is like when you’re young, and Emily Ricks comes across as the best artist to make it work. Click here to listen to "Call It Falling" The song is fast-paced and loud, immediately grabbing listeners' attention. “Call It Falling” is very guitar-driven and they have such a great tone. The opening line “looks like I got my heart broke again” presents the main theme of the song as universal and inevitable. It uncovers how young love can be damaging and repetitive and how you’re bound to experience multiple heartbreaks. The chorus really brings listeners to their feet as it’s very jumpy and hard-hitting. The way Emily Ricks sings “Call It Falling” feels very refreshing and her vocal performance adds so much character that distinguishes this song from other songs of similar themes. Overall, “Call It Falling” is so fun, even if the topics it discusses are difficult to come to terms with, and Emily Ricks is certainly an exciting artist to discover. Emily Ricks is an artist from Los Angeles, California. She began working in the entertainment world at just 8 years old when she voiced the character Bonnie in Disney’s Toy Story 3. She continued to work in the film and television world, but recently she has gone all in on her music career. She began writing music when she was 12 as a way to deal with the difficulties she’s experienced in her life. Ricks has received high praise for her transparent lyricism and catchy beats. She stands out as an artist because she comes across as very honest and real with her audience. Emily Ricks’ “Call It Falling” is an immediate favorite from the initial listen and we will wait patiently to see where the artist takes us next. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW EMILY RICKS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "15 MINUTES" - Madison Beer
Madison Beer’s latest release “15 MINUTES” is a thrilling roller coaster you’re never going to want to get off of. A story about chasing your feelings and curiosity, following where your piqued interest leads you, you’ll be drawn into this mesmerizing summer single with its intense synth and Beer’s silvery and smooth vocals. It’s a completely different world, tinted by excitement and anticipation; for those of you who live on instinct, or those who need that extra push to be a little more spur-of-the-moment, this is going to be the perfect song for you. At the core of “15 MINUTES” is spontaneity spearheaded by passion and romantic inquisitiveness. It’s all about letting your body take the reins as the rest of you is taken along for the ride. Ardent, fervent, and wrapped completely in exhilarating romance, I can’t stop listening to “15 MINUTES” on loop. There’s something about its composition that makes me– and will make you– want to just keep hearing it over and over again. The introduction is tentative, with its synth low in the background while a piano slightly brightens the soundscape; eventually, though, the chorus comes as the instrumentals intensify along with Beer’s vocals, forming this immensely addictive sound together. You can feel the motion of the song, and coupled with the lyrics “15 minutes ago, I was layin’ in bed / Then I had a crazy thought in my head”, the narrator’s sporadic movement from their bed into the car is a jostle– a rush– that you can feel your own body doing, too. An immersive soundscape, you perceive each sensation the narrator does. Yet, as much as “15 MINUTES” is a musical experience, it is also a story. The songwriting reveals the narrator not being able to stop themselves from doing exactly what their instincts are telling them, following the thought in their head to drive directly to their lover’s place to see them. I love how descriptions of their to-be encounter are sparse, but nevertheless there: "Show me how much you care, touch me and pull my hair". Still, the song is much more about the moment the narrator decides to leave their home and the ride toward their goal. The line “Don’t know how I got here, but baby, here we are” is a perfect descriptor for those moments when you go with the flow, not realizing how you exactly found yourself in a situation, but knowing that it’s right. “15 MINUTES” is just one of those songs that has the perfect storm of complementing elements: finely composed with an animated soundscape and strong vocals, as well as excellent songwriting to match its atmosphere, it makes for an electrifying listening experience for everyone. Platinum-selling recording artist, songwriter, producer, and author Madison Beer made her music debut at age 12 and has since then transformed into the brilliantly multifaceted artist whose work both inspires and rallies people around her sincere portrayals of what it means to be human. Whether this is love, heartbreak, or self-discovery, her emotive and powerful vocals connect her millions of listeners to the commonalities between one another, and offer an exploratory experience into her beautifully crafted worlds. With over 15.5 million listeners on Spotify and 2.4 billion cumulative streams worldwide, Beer’s reach is global and continues to grow. Her most recent releases include her second studio album, “Silence Between Songs”, dropped in 2023, and her immensely popular 2024 single “Make You Mine”. “15 MINUTES” follows both releases with its own success, having already received over 4 million streams on Spotify alone since its initial release. Beer is currently heading on a brief tour of Asia and Australia which begins in Japan at the Tokyo Summer Sonic Festival on August 17th and ends in Melbourne, Australia on September 2nd, along with having some stops in Singapore and Brisbane. If you enjoyed “15 MINUTES”, you absolutely have to check out the rest of Beer’s discography, and pick up a ticket to her tour if you’re in the area! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW MADISON BEER: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube | SoundCloud












