Search Results
Search this site
5740 results found with an empty search
- Review: "Bad at Being Casual" - Fionn
It’s the summer of situationships and the blurred lines that come with them. “Bad at Being Casual” is Fionns second single release from their upcoming EP. If you’re a fan of Wet Leg or The Beaches, this duo is for you. Their new song is a must listen for anyone stuck in this situation… or in this case, ‘situationship.’ This single is an indie pop track that dives deeper into the new dating phenomenon. Fionn says that this song highlights the internal chaos while presenting a cool exterior, and you can truly feel that within the music. The song feels energetic and fun while the lyrics contain panic and insecurities. Putting a label on connections you have with someone else can be exciting yet just as terrifying. In todays world most of us choose to play it safe by avoiding labels, even though it will end in a broken heart. ‘Bad at Being Casual’ portrays the narrative of someone who easily catches feelings in waves of meaningless attention. In the first verse there’s a line that says, “Cause your apartment floor’s my revolving door, I walk through then I’m back again.” I thought this perfectly depicted what it’s like seeing someone without truly seeing them. You’re there for the 1am call to come over and gladly do it, but once business is done they send you on your way with no strings attached. It can suck when your heart longs for depth but you have to stay on the surface. Fionn is an incredibly talented duo comprised of sisters, Alanna and Brianne Finn-Morris. They released their self-titled debut back in 2018 and have continued to develop their artistry ever since. Their discography has grown immensely as well as the variety of sound they add to their songs. These sisters were brought up in a musical family in Vancouver which explains their undeniable gift as musicians. ‘Bad at Being Casual’ is just a glimpse at what we will get to hear on their next EP. According to the duo, they are on their pop/rock path while singing about personal relationships in their 20’s. Following Fionn on the links down below to stay alert on their future releases, you won’t want to miss. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW FIONN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Don't Call" - DAYA
In singer/songwriter Daya’s new single “Don’t Call”, you’ll find yourself electrified by the pop dreamscape she’s created. Daya has crafted a track that’s not only perfect for dancing and letting loose, “Don’t Call” additionally showcases her incredible songwriting capabilities. With lyrics entailing both a tumultuous and passionate connection, Daya’s songwriting gracefully walks the fine line between resonation and yearning. This story is told through detailed lyrics such as, “Now I’m here in your arms, it’s just like the start,” as well as the passion in Daya’s voice. Her voice soars over swirling drum beats with both pain and beauty, creating an atmospheric song that has transcended current genre dividers. “Don’t Call” could be labelled as a pop song, but it provides layers that cannot fit it into one box. Daya’s style brings me nostalgia, reminding me of artists like Nelly Furtado and classic 80’s pop/alternative mixes, as well as comparisons to current artists such as Troye Sivan, Lorde, and Charli XCX. From the echoing sound of Daya’s voice in the intro to “Don’t Call," the song begins to set you out on a journey. As the story escalates and Daya’s passion grows, the tempo of the track follows in a similar fashion. Daya's voice greets you first, followed by scenes that evoke specific images in your mind. I perfectly pictured a movie-like club scene and felt feelings of resonance, similar to watching a romance carry out through time in a coming-of-age story. “Don’t Call," in simple terms, tells the tale of a relationship that Daya needs to let go of but finds herself running back to. She finds herself thinking alone, looking back and remembering what they had, yet simultaneously knowing that she needs to break away from the situation. Her lyrics detail wishing for something to take her mind off this other person and accept that the situation doesn’t feel right anymore – an experience that is perpetuated and, unfortunately, has been felt by numerous other people. Daya’s voice, along with her intelligent songwriting, should be propelled into the pop world and give her the flowers she deserves. Daya is a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From the age of 3, Daya began to learn to play a multitude of instruments including piano, saxophone, guitar, flute, and ukelele. In 2016, as a high school junior at 16 years old, Daya broke onto the music scene with her debut album, “Sit Still, Look Pretty”, certified gold in the U.S. and silver in the U.K. From the album, her track “Hide Away” became multi-platinum. Later that year, she won a Grammy with the Chainsmokers for the song “Don’t Let Me Down”. Since then, Daya has released her second EP, “The Difference” (2021), and has provided music for soundtracks like 13 Reasons Why and Blade Runner: Black Lotus. In 2023, Daya announced that she had become a fully independent artist, meaning that she has control and direction of her music and content, and given her the platform to create the sound she’s now diving into. Written By Madison Spies Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "L2LM2" - Mike Mroz
Toxic relationships can be so draining; you begin to lose yourself and all sense of individuality. They just keep breaking you down until there's nothing left, making you feel like you're not worth anything - but you are. "L2LM2" by Mike Mroz stands for "Learn To Love Me Too" and is about stepping out of these toxic situations and finally putting yourself first. Co-written with songwriter Dwayne Alo , the lyrics are uplifting and are about recognizing all the things that you didn't deserve when putting everything you have into someone. Mixed with a catchy radio pop groove, "L2LM2" is an empowering Summer jam that will have you feeling good and dancing around like no one is watching. "L2LM2" is a little bit bittersweet; it hurts that you had to go through something so painful, but you're finally free and on this new journey of self love. The positive energy and production on this song really helps amp you up and help you realize just how great you are and how much you deserve. One of my personal favorite parts are the mixture of guitar progressions throughout the song; it adds something really special to the overall groove and mood that I love. Mike has a really raw, easy-on-the-ears type of voice that makes "L2LM2" even more enjoyable. The echoing background vocals and the overall remarkable production create a soundscape that is unforgettable. This is a song to have on repeat all Summer long. Mike Mroz is an artist, producer and engineer based in New York City. He started out producing for other artists, such as Hadji Gaviota , She Loves Boon , Gabi Diaz , Harry Taylor , Dania and others. In 2021, he began releasing music as a solo artist, starting with his debut single "Local Girl". Since then, Mike has released 9 more singles, including his most recent song we covered here, "L2LM2". If you loved this song, make sure to also check out his other two most recent songs released this year, "Voices" and "Rain Check"! "Voices" is about when you have those negative thoughts running through your head and you can't seem to shake them; it's mixed with a heavy popping beat and a catchy radio-worthy groove. "Rain Check" however, breaks things down a bit with a more gentle dance beat and is about looking back on a "right person, wrong time" type of relationship. Make sure to follow Mike below to keep up with his journey and to see what he does next! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW MIKE MROZ: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Nicotine" - Ghost Weather
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical drug that releases the "happy hormone", dopamine, and a small rush of adrenaline when it enters your body; and when I say it's highly addictive, I mean it's highly addictive. In Ghost Weather's latest single, he compares the feeling of someone's touch to nicotine in the sense that his attraction to them is so strong that he just cannot get enough of them. He drew inspiration from his own personal struggles with addiction, and how the person he was seeing at the time made him feel the same way that nicotine did. He claims after realizing this comparison, "the hook basically wrote itself". Written, recorded, and produced completely solo in his former, rat infested apartment, "Nicotine" was a challenge that Ghost Weather was willing to take on. He says he purposely left some rat scratching noises in there, so if you listen hard enough you might just hear them! "Nicotine" is such a catchy, trippy electronic pop song that really showcases what Ghost Weather is all about - purely independent and honest talent. The heavy drums get you moving and the psychedelic mixture of synths put the story right into picture perfect view. Not to mention Ghost Weather's ear-pleasing voice which ties the whole song together, making it a radio-worthy track and a perfect Summer jam. Funny enough, the hook is quite addicting ; it's easy to remember, and I guarantee it'll be stuck in your head after your first listen. Ghost Weather, also known as Michael Heller, is an independent, indie pop / electronic singer-songwriter, guitarist, sound designer and producer based in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Ghost Weather started his musical journey at a very young age, becoming at recording artist at only 13. He is currently studying electronic production and sound design at Berklee College of Music . He is inspired by artists like Twenty-One Pilots , Owl City and The Neighbourhood . He takes great pride in working independently as he writes, records, produces, mixes and masters all his own songs. Ghost Weather also released another single this year titled "Tab", so if you enjoyed "Nicotine" I highly suggest checking out that song as well! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW GHOST WEATHER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Running Back 2 You" - Presence
Presence's latest single "Running Back 2 You" is a powerful song that explores the themes of love, heartache, and the struggle to move on from a broken relationship. Diving into the deep end of emotion, "Running Back 2 You" hits the heart like a tidal wave. It's a raw, unfiltered confession set to music, with Presence taking us through the turbulent journey of realizing one's faults in love and the desperate need to mend things. As listeners, we've all felt that knot in the pit of our stomachs - the one that forms when we've thrown away something golden, hoping against hope it's not too late to retrieve it. With lines like "Keep running and I / I just keep running back to you," he captures that relentless pursuit of a second chance, that universal chase after a love just out of reach. It's a scenario that strikes a chord – when you can't help but gravitate back to that one person who gets you, regardless of the pride it costs you. The essence of "Running Back 2 You" isn't confined to its lyrics alone; the music itself carries you on a journey through the peaks and valleys of reminiscence and remorse. Presence crafts an undeniably heartfelt soundscape, with a sad piano setting the stage for the soul to speak. When the guitar strings in, it feels like the plucking of heartstrings, each notes a step on the path back to the one that got away. His voice echoes with an almost tangible longing, wrapped in a vulnerability that makes every apology feel like an intimate whisper meant just for you. The style is indie with a touch of the blues – a perfect backdrop for late-night introspection or rainy-day musings. Presence's music provides more than just background noise; it’s a comforting companion whispering, "You're not alone in this." Beyond being a figure in indie music, Presence emerges as a storyteller capturing moments of love, loss, and the universal search for redemption in "Running Back 2 You." He invites listeners to peek behind the curtain, sharing personal narratives woven into each note and refrain. An artist shrouded in enigma, his music speaks louder than any biography, inviting listeners to traverse the emotional landscapes he paints. While his origins remain veiled, his music speaks volumes, echoing a journey of self-discovery and emotional awakening. As "Running Back 2 You" drifts into the air, it carries the promise of more stories waiting to unfold, drawing us deeper into Presence's inner world and the universal yearning for connection and understanding. Dive into the emotional depths of "Running Back 2 You" on Spotify in the link down below, and you can watch the official music video above. Beyond the song, continue to journey alongside Presence by following him on his social media platforms using the links below. Join the symphony, the shared emotions, and the unspoken connections as we traverse the lyrical landscapes drawn by Presence's melodies. Stay Positive and Inspired Guys! Written By CJ Taylor FOLLOW PRESENCE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Concert Review: The Kid Laroi - The First Time Tour
@thekidlaroi on Instagram T he Kid Laroi gained traction into the music scene with his 2020 pop rap song “Diva” featuring Lil Tecca. He would soon follow this up in 2021 with his smash hit “Stay” featuring Justin Bieber. These viral anthems would establish The Kid Laroi into the mainstream after consistently putting up top charting hits on the Billboard during the span of these two years. This was my first time seeing The Kid Laroi perform in person. I attended the June 15th date of the First Time Tour in Washington D.C at The Anthem. The venue was nice. There were no bad areas to watch The Kid Laroi perform. The general admission standing room gave the concert an intimate feel because you were close to the artist. The venue did not feel too small because it could fit thousands of people as there was barely any breathing room while attending the concert. The balcony seating was perfect for those who wanted an aerial view of the concert and wanted to enjoy the concert without having to worry about bumping into someone in the general admission standing room. I was fortunate enough to have the perfect spot in the middle of the general admission standing room so I could have the best of both worlds. I was able to see The Kid Laroi up close and could observe my surroundings as the concert unfolded. The concert experience was fun and amazing. The audience was full of diehard The Kid Laroi fans that brought the energy as soon as he walked across the stage. The Kid Laroi fed off the crowds’ energy throughout the show which enhanced my concert experience because it kept me engaged throughout the concert. There were some fans that knew every single lyric from each of his songs that he performed. This was impressive within itself as there were moments where The Kid Laroi would let the crowd sing his parts and the crowd would always respond well to his challenge. The stage visuals were simple but aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. The lights matched the vibe of each song The Kid Laroi performed. For example, if he was performing a more emotional song then the lights were red. If the song was more chill, then they turned blue. The Kid Laroi kicked the concert off with more of his hype songs. This would include songs such as “Sorry”, “What’s the Move”, “Diva”, and to the crowds’ surprise “Tragic”. Although “Tragic” is song from an older album from his catalog, The Kid Laroi wanted to be inclusive to the fans that appreciated more of his rap songs as he explained before performing the song. The energy was unmatched during this point of the show. There were huge mosh pits throughout the venue where everyone participated. It was so loud that I could not hear my own voice during this part of the concert. It was great way to start the concert and get the crowd involved in he show. During the middle portion of the concert, The Kid Laroi performed more of his chill songs. This would include songs such as “Girls”, “Go”, “Nights Like This”, and “Bleed”. Personally, this was one of my favorite parts of the show. The combination of the quality stage production, aesthetically pleasing lights, and The Kid Laroi’s breathtaking vocals made me watch in awe. I could only appreciate and soak in the concert experience at that point. At the time, “Girls” was an unreleased song that The Kid Laroi had been teasing on TikTok for months. He announced during the concert that he would be releasing the song in about two weeks. This was an exciting part for the audience as we got to listen to the full song live before the rest of the world. “Go” included a Juice WRLD tribute before the song which rallied the crowd while he performed the song with emotion. There was a beautiful transition from “Go” to “Night Like This” as fans got an opportunity to listen to the extended version of the song. When I thought that this song could not get any better, I was proven wrong. The song outro of the extended version was beautiful. The crossover between the EDM sounding synth chords transitioning into the airy Drum and Bass drum pattern blew me away. This version got me to appreciate “Nights Like This” even more. The Kid Laroi gave a nice gesture to the fans with the extended version of the song, rewarding his core audience. As The Kid Laroi moved towards the latter part of the concert, he sang more of his emotional songs. This would include songs such as “Love Again”, “Without You”, and “Thousand Miles”. Although this part of the concert was more a slow pace, the energy did not go down from the crowd. The heartbreak anthems got the audience to passionately sing the lyrics louder and louder during this stretch of the concert. “Thousand Miles” is one of those songs that sounded even better live than the studio version. I would say it was one of The Kid Laroi’s best performances of that concert. Coming into the show I always thought that “Thousand Miles” was one of his more underappreciated songs. You could really feel the raw emotion in every lyric he sang. As the song progressed, The Kid Laroi kept feeding off the crowd which I noticed gave him a burst of energy while performing the song. This encouraged everyone to sing with him as the concert neared its’ end. To close out the show, The Kid Laroi performed his biggest song “Stay”. Before performing the song, The Kid Laroi showed his appreciation to his mentor Justin Bieber for making the song with him. “Stay” was one of the most fun parts of the show since most people knew the lyrics to the extremely catchy song. After he performed the song, the audience begged for an encore which The Kid Laroi would eventually grant. For his encore song, he performed his Soundcloud exclusive song “Hatred”. This was the perfect song to close with because fans were sent off with a hype song that lifted everyone’s spirits. My impression of the concert is that I had a stellar experience seeing The Kid Laroi. Although he did not perform with a live band, this did not take away from the experience at all. The Kid Laroi sang his heart out and gave the audience maximum effort while performing. His DJ was also amazing during the concert which gave us top-tier production with the songs like “Nights Like This” and “One Thousand Miles” as I stated earlier. The Kid Laroi had great stage presence and crowd control, which is very impressive because he is only twenty years old as he will only continue to improve in those areas in the future. This was one of the better concerts I have been to recently. Overall, I would highly recommend people to watch The Kid Laroi live. The amazing vocals, detailed stage production, and the energetic audience are all reasons why The Kid Laroi concert experience is like no other. If you are looking for a fun, high quality concert that is not too expensive then this is your sign to go to a future concert. Written By Major Taylor Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Nothing Without You" - Joe & The Anchor
Joe & The Anchor's latest release, Nothing Without You , is an ultra-catchy and relatable tune about unrequited love and the pain that comes with it. There is an inspiring level of depth and poeticism felt within the track's lyrics, embodied by the line "Your heart is gone but I'm still here, Swaying in your atmosphere". You can feel the romantic strife coming through your speakers as Joe & The Anchor melodically paint the picture of a heartbroken lover. By repeating the line "Sweet to love but hard to be without", the band artfully conveys the double-edged sword of falling in love – it can be the greatest feeling in the world when you're together, but when apart it can feel as if [you're] Nothing Without You . Nothing Without You is the group's first single produced by the newest member of Joe & The Anchor, Sam Petter Claeson, and tastefully blends together a litany of different genres to create an enigmatically iconic sound. Foundationally, Nothing Without You is an amalgam of indie rock, pop, and EDM interconnected through its vintage 80s aesthetic. The track has a melancholic vibe that pairs nicely with its up-tempo instrumentation, providing listeners with a highly addictive song that's nearly impossible to skip when it comes on shuffle. Claeson knocked it out of the park with the impressive level of production he brought to this track, Joe & The Anchor surely has a hit on its hands with Nothing Without You . Native sons of Malmo, Sweden – Joe & The Anchor is a quintet of childhood friends who joined powers to craft some truly nostalgic indie pop music reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s era. The group is comprised of Joakim Rosenlund, Sam Petter Claeson, Ruben Sonnesson, Robin Zhang, and Viktor Edsjo. Joe & The Anchor notably took off in popularity during the pandemic, when their cover of The 1975's hit song If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know) blew up on an international scale, garnering the group a dedicated fan page in the Philippines. The group is set to perform some major shows this upcoming year, namely Victorious, Rebellion, Reading & Leeds, Live At Leeds, Twisterella, and Loud Women Festivals. Be sure to keep an eye out for the release of their 12-song album dropping on September 20, 2024. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW JOE & THE ANCHOR: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "GOODBYE" - Ava August
Ava August is here with her brand new single, “GOODBYE”! In this nostalgic, acoustic pop track inspired by sunny southern California, Ava discusses the final moments of a relationship. At the start of the song, she begins to reminisce on a late night driving down the 405. They felt so free together, but “[they] were never meant to last.” They thought they could never come down from the dream they were in, and when she pulled up to her ex’s house, she knew it was their last goodbye. Ava still has love for her ex, but she’s been a wreck since they moved out. She wishes her ex’s new girl treats him well, but she can’t get over the fact that she can’t tell if he misses her. Ava ends the song by heartbreakingly confessing “I could never say goodbye/never found a reason why/I don’t even want to try.” “GOODBYE” is the perfect acoustic pop anthem for the summer. The song starts off boldly with angelic echoes, personifying the feelings of riding the high of their relationship. Ava infuses the carefree attitude of southern California with some delicate acoustic guitar melodies and rich, soulful voice. As the first verse transitions into the infectious chorus, this dramatic build up from both a production standpoint and a volume standpoint lends itself to showcase Ava’s heightened feelings of desperation and sadness. Despite this, the production still has an effortless, carefree feeling. The climax of the song is during the bridge, with the intense vocals and the guitar solo. Sonically, it takes inspiration from classic soft rock and pop but has a modern flair. To me, it reminds me both sonically and lyrically of pop elites like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, with their biographical songwriting style and their signature production style. Ava August is an 18 year old singer-songwriter from southern California. However, she has long been active in the music industry, making her first appearance singing the National Anthem. Not long after, she wrote her first song at only 9 years old, and the rest is history. She was contacted by NBC’s The Voice and became one of the youngest contestants to compete on the show at 12 years old. Although Ava had previously released music on iTunes only, she released her debut single on all music platforms in 2020 with “ Daybreak ”. She then appeared on season 19 of American Idol at 15 years old, where she performed 2 original songs, received the Golden Ticket, and sang with critically-acclaimed singer Josh Groban . She’s performed for many California sports teams over the years, and she was given her own float as a HomeTown Celebrity at 16 in the City of Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade. Despite her busy schedule, she has been consistently releasing music since 2020 and will be attending UCLA in Westwood, and is simultaneously preparing to release an EP. Make sure to be on the lookout for Ava’s next projects. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW AVA AUGUST: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website
- Review: "sunshine" - Jiwon
Artist Jiwon releases his latest single, “sunshine,” a relaxing and modern alternative blend of electronic sounds in its own genre, one that Jiwon has skillfully crafted on his own. The song is an authentic and reflective piece in which Jiwon invites us into his world, one that is emotionally challenging. Jiwon notes when writing the song in college he felt miserable at the time and wanted to “make something that [he] could bump on the way to class and not feel super depressed.” Titled, “sunshine,” Jiwon's sound is fun and experimental, contrasted with lyrics filled with longing and deep inward struggles that Jiwon faces. Jiwon writes, “Sunshine on my windowsill just another rush if I pop that pill.” The single sounds like a yearning for happiness, a pining for a happier and stable state of mind. The image of sunshine streaming through the window seems to make Jiwon feel trapped, yearning for an escape from troubled thoughts as he immerses himself musically in this spacey mix of cool beats. With multiple sounds and beats moving together, despite feeling chaotic, the track sounds like a pleasant and chill blend of pieces that bounce off one another with ease. The chorus takes a step away from the relaxed tone and catapults listeners into another world where techno waves rush over us and static radio sounds crackle over our ears. It's as if we are a lost and lonely astronaut floating through time and space, trying to phone home to Earth. Musically original, listeners are immersed in a futuristic world, and yet a modern one as electronic instruments clash with sounds that bring us back down to earth. The acoustic guitar supports the song, keeping it cool and loose, setting a hippie tone while slowing the song's pace and keeping it lighter. The song centers around its unique blend of sounds rather than focusing solely on Jiwon’s voice, which acts as a steady stabilizer within the wonderfully intense musical fusion. Brilliantly crafted and artistically individualistic, “sunshine” showcases Jiwon's free spirit and musical talent. Born in New York City, Jiwon was influenced by his father's love for rock and punk bands, as well as his mother's attention towards classical training. Jiwon is a multi-instrumentalist and has learned the piano, cello, bass guitar, and drums. He has been inspired by musical influences like Lou Reed and Jai Paul, who he follows in his unique musical expression. During the pandemic, while studying philosophy at Harvard and exploring musically, Jiwon soon released his 2023 album, Album 1 , highly praised for its raw and honest lyrics and distinctive sound. “Sunshine” is Jiwon's own creation as he is known for writing his own pieces and producing his own music single-handedly. With over 500,000 total streams, "sunshine" transcends musical barriers and structures, standing on its own stage. Check out Jiwon’s latest creation below! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW JIWON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "IAK" - MELIJAH
MELIJAH’s exciting debut single, “IAK”, captures the powerful mindset behind embracing life’s haters and proving your capability and strength in spite of them. This single’s title, “IAK”, is a clever abbreviation for ever-present lyrics in the chorus, I’ve Always Known. What you always know is your own capabilities in the face of life’s difficulties and naysayers. It doesn’t seem to matter what situation you find yourself in, negativity from others seems to follow you incessantly. You remember the harsh critiques and cruel words they said to you at every turn, and you can no longer tolerate them. The hardships of life have made you stronger and better equipped to stand up for yourself. These trials are incomprehensible to someone who navigates life with overwhelming hatred for people other than themselves. They wait for you to pursue anything and are ready to tear you down for trying. However, these comments have grown to fuel your burning passion for gaining success in your life. You’ve always known that their misery will never know your company, and so you continue to prove them wrong. Click here to listen to "IAK"! “IAK” utilizes its contemporary and dance-pop musicality to craft its uplifting messaging. We begin with an intro that’s noticeably fast-tempoed. This tempo continues throughout the verses and gradually gains more accompaniment as it builds. Once we hit the chorus, we are greeted with an exciting change in vocality. The tempo slows slightly and suddenly picks up again with an instrumental break. This instrumentation is reminiscent of the early to mid 2010s pop-EDM hitmakers such as Calvin Harris and The Chainsmokers. What is derived from this instrumentation choice and its lack of vocals is how balanced this single is. It is not solely focused on vocals or its messaging, but rather it utilizes the instrumentation to tell its story as well. This energetic chorus and mood throughout is reminiscent of the positive mindset accrued by the narrator throughout their journey to self-affirmation. MELILJAH is a Swedish singer-songwriter who is currently based in Stockholm. He is a fully independent artist that has hit the music-scene full force with “IAK” as his first official release. He studied the fine arts and earned both a vocational and bachelor’s degree in them. A defining aspect of his music is showcased through his relatable and realistic lyricism. His career has gained traction and dedicated followers through his social media accounts. Each account is filled with support that is reminiscent through the respectable amount of streams his debut single has accumulated. Make sure to follow him on social media and give “IAK” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW MELIJAH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok
- Review: "What We Wanted" - Jordan
There’s something really beautiful about a rekindled love. Sometimes the timing isn’t right and both people have to go their separate ways to realize what they really want. Jordan’s single, “What We Wanted,” from her new EP, Driven Back To Love , tells the story of former lovers who cross paths again and realize that their feelings for each other never went away. It's poetic, passionate, and romantic, really. While some may see rekindling a romance as simply getting back together with an ex, it takes two mature people to come back together and value, recognize, and respect each other’s growth. The chorus, “And it’s been a whole year wasted since I denied that all need is you // And now we’re standing right here lost in each other’s eyes. Does it feel like deja-vu? // And it’s true that I, I don’t want someone new // Baby I can see it so clear, it’s always been you and I, there’s nothing you can lose,” really encapsulate the love and growth between two people who found their ways back to each other. “What We Wanted” is about a rekindled love and the smooth, synth-pop vibe and flow, effortlessly match the song’s journey of re-sparking an old flame. The vocals in this song are also take things to another level. The seamless harmonies between Jordan and her producer Cione match the heartfelt, magnetic energy that the lyrics exude. The bass beat that also echoes behind the track’s instrumentals, adds a slight sprinkle of R&B flare that lends itself nicely to the overall feel of the song. What’s also interesting about this song is that we hear Cione’s voice first, before Jordan’s voice comes in on the first chorus. Typically with features, we don’t normally hear the featured artist’s voice until about midway through the song, and this arrangement in particular, was really refreshing. Jordan is an Irish artist who has found her sweet, musical escape in Berlin. Her debut EP, Driven Back To Love , was released in June and its synonymous debut single was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds GSA playlist. Though the budding artist is just getting started, it’s clear that Jordan has found her sound – an effortless blend of pop and alternative sounds that beautifully compliment her soft, yet sultry voice. Her single “Defeated” has also drawn attention from online music blogs like GrrrlMusic, Juicy Underground, and MusikFreitag. Be sure to follow Jordan on social media to stay informed on any new updates and releases. “What We Wanted,” along with the rest of the tracks on her debut EP, are now available for your listening pleasure on all music streaming platforms. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW JORDAN Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook
- Review: "But I Do" - Issa Raye
Issa Raye is cooking up quite the dish with her latest single, and the recipe goes a little something like this. Take a cup of funk and disco, add a spoonful of honest lyrics, mix everything into a polished pop production, and you have yourself “But I Do” by Issa Raye. Throughout the song, Issa describes somebody who she’s having mixed feelIngs for. The hook explains her feelings perfectly; “Something about the way we move, it’s true baby, it’s true baby. Don’t want you but I do baby, I do baby”. These lyrics are quite reflective of how certain relationships can develop. You may notice chemistry between you and your partner, but you two haven’t quite fallen in love yet. In this scenario, it sounds like someone has reeled Issa in and she can’t help but dance along to their groove. “Big runner with the talk trynna please me, gotta love it when you make it look easy, and I don’t even try”. No matter who you are, somebody probably comes to mind when you listen to this jammer. With an upbeat tempo and a strong bass, “But I Do” has disco written all over it. Strings have a strong presence in the instrumental, predominately in staccato form. The overall production is smooth like butter, reminiscent of something you’d hear from Dua Lipa. The song is very radio-friendly, with no explicit content and a happy vibe. You shouldn’t have any problem playing this at one of your next events. But the best quality about this song? It has gender-neutral lyrics. With no “he” or “she” attached, anyone can sing this song to anyone. Everything about ”But I Do” makes it a primary candidate for your summertime playlist. Issa Raye is no stranger to the disco scene. She’s released a handful of tunes that all bring off the same, upbeat vibe. “Expectations”, released in 2023, contains similar lyrics and a slightly faster tempo than “But I Do”. “Beautiful Mess” is somewhat softer than her other projects but will still manage to get you out onto the dance floor. Disco was far and away the most popular music genre in the late 1970’s. Artists like The Bee Gees were dominating the charts until eventual protests by rock fans derailed the genre in 1979. But disco has seen quite the revival in recent years. Dua Lipa is a prime example of an artist who has taken this genre and catapulted it back into the mainstream. There’s no doubt Issa Raye has helped contribute to this growing trend and it’s safe to say the best has yet to come for this talented artist. Written By Camden Luca FOLLOW ISSA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Apple Music | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator












