When you think of video games throughout history, one thing that often comes to mind is the creativity behind the soundtracks. If you think about it right now, you're sure to be able to hum a video game tune from memory. They're just that iconic. Today, we're exploring the top 10 most influential video game soundtracks that shaped gaming history and still impact games being made today. 10. Sonic the Hedgehog - 1991 to present Beginning at number ten is the entire Sonic the Hedgehog IP. This one was too hard to narrow down into simply one of the franchise's many games because they've all been crazy influential over the years. Sega has always produced some incredible chiptunes and broken ground with elaborate soundtracks like the one in Sonic CD. But what Sonic really brings to the table is the addition of custom-written multi-genre songs with lyrics featured in several games starting from Sonic Adventure and beyond. Sonic Adventure 2 included a myriad of rock and hip-hop tracks to accompany our heroes on their journey. Since then, it has become a trend for the series and inspired other developers to test the waters with lyrical songs in their own games. 9. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - 2011 Coming in at number nine is the most popular Elder Scrolls installment of all time, Skyrim. This one isn't on the list for its atmospheric background music. It isn't even here for the music played during battles or most of the gameplay. I've added this one to the list for its incredibly iconic opening theme and the diegetic music within the game. When you launch Skyrim, you're greeted with the song, "Dragonborn", which is probably the most powerful way to open a video game ever. It's adventurous, strong, chanted in a mythical language, and has an overall high fantasy vibe to it. Elder Scrolls players will know that this language is a huge part of the game's lore and lore is our focus for this entry. Aside from this epic opener, the game features bard songs played by minstrels in various parts of Tamriel. The bard songs will tell the ancient tales of the land as well as the current affairs that our hero is entwined with. How convenient. This type of diegetic songwriting leads to an undeniable level of immersion that has influenced this type of storytelling in other games, inspiring composers and developers to get creative. 8. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow - 1998 Our eighth spot goes to the original Pokemon trio, Red, Blue, and Yellow. Originally released on the Gameboy, these games showed that even on limited hardware, you can still leave a mark with good sound design. The entire soundtrack is only just under an hour long but paved the way for so much more to come. The battle music used in this game has been duplicated so many times in other works, typically in other monster-catching clones. However, there's no denying that this is the game that started it all, and on a handheld console of all things. Nintendo would continue to include Pokemon's iconic motifs not only in future handheld installments but also in the anime, movies, and more. This soundtrack is absolutely legendary. 7. Doom - 1993 Seventh on our list is the original Doom. Released all the way back on DOS in 1993, this game paved the way for metal music to not only be featured in games but also escalated the popularity of the genre as a whole in the public eye. The game was so popular that the iconic theme tune spread like wildfire, inspiring not only developers in future works but also musicians to write rock and metal songs of their own. In preceding Doom games, the music became an experience of its own. Listeners were playing the music on its own just as much as they were playing the games. The soundtrack was more than atmospheric for the games. It was atmospheric for everyday life. 6. Final Fantasy VII - 1997 Coming in at number six is a complete change of pace, Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation. This is a soundtrack that changed history, as it is known as the title that brought the orchestral genre to gaming as a whole. The game featured insanely complex orchestral compositions and unique motifs for characters and story events. Thanks to composer Nobuo Uematsu, the song "One-Winged Angel" lives in millions of minds rent-free. Paired with an iconic character like Sephiroth, it's truly unforgettable. All Final Fantasy installments going forward would follow suit, each having beautiful and unique orchestral soundtracks of their own. Final Fantasy's popularity would inspire countless other RPGs and story-driven games to implement orchestral music as a common practice today. 5. Chrono Trigger - 1995 Before Final Fantasy VII could soar, another game had to run. Coming in fifth is the legendary JRPG, Chrono Trigger. Having been released on the SNES, this game explored the limits of chiptunes, creating complex compositions that forged the path to games having full orchestral scores once technology caught up with the idea. Having also been made by Square, it is the obvious predecessor to the 3D Final Fantasy era, as Uematsu himself worked on this game alongside composer Yasunori Mitsuda. The Chrono Trigger OST not only inspired the music for FFVII but is known for setting the tone for all future Square (Enix) works. This valiant, heroic sound became the standard for JRPGs as we know it and still holds up today. The soundtrack has been featured on a total of four albums released by Square Enix since its inception. 4. Undertale - 2015 In our number four slot is Undertale, and oh boy, has this one made an impact. This meta, story-driven RPG-like game is the most recent entry on this list, but there's a reason for that. Undertale's music is undeniably some of the most iconic of the current era. The game's creator Toby Fox took immense inspiration from the game, Earthbound (We'll get to that later.) to create the game's overall quirky and unique feel. Throughout the game, we hear the use of story and character motifs, battle themes, and even emotional tracks that make this already surprising little game even more of an icon. Undertale being so recent is unique, as much of the music from the game has been used in countless YouTube videos, fan games, and other media. Undertale's legacy has quite literally been built by the fans, and if a soundtrack has that kind of influence, it must be powerful. 3. Earthbound - 1994 Number three on this list is Earthbound. (I told you we'd get there.) I'm not going to lie. This is a weird game. It was weird in 1994 and it's weird now. But that's what gives this game its charm. Despite having a prequel and sequel released only in Japan, titled "Mother" and "Mother 3" respectively, Earthbound, the second installment in the franchise, is the only one of the trilogy that saw a US release. Regardless of the missing pieces, the music in Earthbound is undeniably iconic. It's whimsical and strange and ignores the common musical tropes of video games at the time. The Earthbound soundtrack creates some of the most uncanny feelings throughout the game's unexpected story. For those who heard it firsthand in the game, the sound left a serious mark. The ability to evoke such a range of emotion was left underappreciated for years except by diehard fans, but with the release of fan games and Toby Fox's Undertale, the wacky world of Earthbound's OST was once again realized. 2. Minecraft - 2011 Nearing the end now, our number two spot goes to the now ultra-popular crafting and survival game, Minecraft. As you might already know, Minecraft is the single most downloaded game in history. It quickly took off after its release in 2011 as a simple game with limitless creative freedom. Alongside this colossal success though, was an unexpectedly subdued soundtrack. With such an open world, diegetic music didn't really fit well. The game didn't have much surface-level lore. It had to be unveiled, coaxed out from each individual player's point of view. Instead, Minecraft's creator, Notch, alongside the game's composer C418, opted for something more serene and cozy. Minecraft's music is surprisingly tranquil for its pixelated aesthetic and adds atmosphere to the pure imagination of such a non-linear space. Minecraft's soundtrack lives in the minds of millions and has inspired countless projects. Even today as a now thirteen-year-old game, Minecraft's music feels fresh, clean, and bright. I don't see it becoming obsolete any time soon. 1. Super Mario Bros. - 1985 If you made it this far in the article, you probably already saw this one coming. The number one title of the most influential video game soundtrack goes to Super Mario Bros. on the NES. Everyone knows that iconic level 1-1 theme. You know it, your grandma knows it, your dog probably knows it. I would almost say it is THE most iconic video game song in history. However, that's still up for debate. As far as this list goes though, it's impossible to ignore the fact that Shigeru Miyamoto's NES classic was the baseline for so many of the soundtracks listed above. The original vibrant, happy, little tune became an earworm to the now millions of people who have played and shared this game since all the way back in 1985. Mario has easily become Nintendo's biggest franchise now, spawning over 200 games now under the IP's umbrella. If you've somehow dodged this game's OST, give the original NES game a try. It's clear to see why it's my pick for the most influential game soundtrack of all time. Wow, what a long list. What did you think? Would these have been your picks for the top 10 most influential game soundtracks? Is there something we maybe forgot about? Feel free to share your thoughts with us on our socials below and thank you so much for giving us a read! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

San Francisco, California based Alternative/Indie Singer-Songwriter, Emma Roellig has recently released her debut EP, "Fire Signs". Completely self-written by Emma and produced by producer and graphic designer, Rob Enea , "Fire Signs" delves into the emotional stages of heartbreak. TRACKLIST We're Just Kids Furnace Miles Away Sacrifice Overflow Emma Roellig is an independent artist who stepped into the music scene in 2021 with a collaboration project with fellow artists Alt Hays and Sam Dunn , titled "Familiar". Since then, Emma began working on her debut solo project which would become "Fire Signs", starting with the leading single, "We're Just Kids". The EP features intricate lyrics that revolve around themes of intense human emotion such as love, loss, grief, longing, denial and absolute heartbreak. Emma draws inspiration from artists like Bon Iver , Phoebe Bridgers , and Noah Kahan , but also has been compared to the likes of Gracie Abrams , Lennon Stella and Lizzy McAlpine . If you're someone who loves that delicate indie folk-pop sound, with raw emotion, intentional lyrics, and stunning vocals, then Emma just might be the artist for you. Let's dive into these tracks! We're Just Kids Track one happens to be "We're Just Kids", which was not only Emma's first single release in anticipation for this EP, but Emma's first solo single ever which was released in October of 2023! "We're Just Kids" sets the tone for what is yet to come, and kickstarted Emma's signature sound. The haunting acoustic soundscape rings as Emma sings in layers. There's a classic, rawness to this song that gives it a nostalgic, hometown feel. "We're Just Kids" is a trip down memory lane, and is about the simplicity of young love - before life gets hard and you're forced to grow up. This relationship may be over now, but Emma still remembers it well. Furnace Track two is "Furnace", and the second single release in anticipation of the "Fire Signs" EP. "Furnace" is heavily focused on lyrics and story-telling; Emma sets the scene and uses details so you can paint the picture of the story inside your mind. "Furnace" is about someone who is constantly changing their mind about what they want in a relationship. One second they want you, the next they're not sure. The verses are accompanied by an acoustic bass, pulsing B-flat while the focus is on Emma's words. The song picks up for the chorus, bringing in a stomping beat that puts the song on a whole new level. The tone and rhythm completely switches up for the bridge, but I want you to just listen for yourself to see what I mean. Emma says she pulled inspiration from Vance Joy and The Lumineers for this particular song, bringing in some of those Celtic Folk vibes with just a bit more twang. Miles Away Next we have "Miles Away", a song about being with someone that is so emotionally distant, that it's almost like you're not even in the same room. You start to feel so lonely that you don't even feel like you're in a relationship anymore. It's also about the frustration that comes along with losing what could've been, because there was a moment in time where they felt like the one - but now everything just feels wrong. "'Miles Away' was written about the complex feeling of grieving someone’s potential... I found myself feeling lonely every time I was around this person - like we were existing on two separate planes. I realized that we were playing house more than enjoying each other’s company. In writing this track I found that it is possible to long for the version of someone that only existed in my mind." -Emma . "Miles Away" has a dreamy, nostalgic 90's soft rock soundscape mixed with Emma's signature folk influence. This song embodies what it sounds like to be drifting away, whether it be physically or emotionally which really fits the mood and meaning. Sacrifice **TRIGGER WARNING** - Sensitive Topics "Sacrifice" is about losing someone you love to addiction and mental illness, and willing to sacrifice yourself just to bring them back. "Sacrifice was written about losing a loved one far too soon due to addiction/struggles with mental health. It encapsulates the frustrating and desperate feeling of begging someone to see themselves the way that the people who love them do, and pleading with the universe to keep them around long enough to see it for themselves. "Sacrifice" tells of my own bargaining with a higher power to offer up myself in exchange for my loved one." -Emma . "Sacrifice" is a very vulnerable track, and is unfortunately one that many people can relate to. Mixing Pop/Rock with classic western and country vibes, "Sacrifice" is a stunningly emotional song that will surely bring you to tears. Overflow The "Fire Signs" EP concludes with the final track, "Overflow". This song is meant to close this chapter in Emma's life; it's a positive reflection of what she's had to go through. It's the final stage of her grieving process, acceptance. Time heals all wounds, and she's finally found closure. She's able to look back on everything in a good light and she can move on. It's a gorgeous track, perfectly summarizing "Fire Signs" and bringing it to an end. The sustained acoustic chords and featured piano really stand out on this one, along with Emma's gentle vocals and genuine emotion. It's an ethereal, cenematic type of experience that you can really feel in your heart. Emma Roellig is only just getting started, but she's starting strong with her debut EP, "Fire Signs". You can hear how comfortable and confident she is that she has found her personal style, making each song sound effortless and honest. Not only can you hear that in the music, but you can hear it in her lyrics as well. Her story-telling is so detailed and vulnerable; she really knows how to engage you into her words as well as make her songs relatable. She has a soft, sweet voice that draws you in and she loves to layer them to add intensity in a very Phoebe Bridgers type of way. Indie Folk is where her heart is and you can tell, but there's also hints of soft rock, country and indie pop scattered throughout her songs as well. If you loved "Fire Signs", make sure to follow Emma below to see what she does next! This is only the beginning. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW EMMA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Pop newcomer Amelie Kalia just released her debut single, “Good Kid” on June 28, 2024. The guitar-laden track is reminiscent of artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Gracie Abrams. The song was co-produced by Gavin Hudner and mixed/mastered by Bella Marcy. It tackles the experience of being young and anxious. The kids that were too scared to raise their hand in class, who preferred to play by themselves at recess. She sings about being quiet and reserved, particularly compared to her classmates, and how that gives her this notion of being a ‘good kid.’ If you’re looking for a new voice in pop music, Amelie Kalia is the perfect place to start. “Good Kid” is an acoustic inspired track that features Kalia’s breathy vocals layered over a guitar-heavy production. She opens the track up with “Sitting in the front of the fourth grade class / Teacher said I’m kind in a conference.” Right away, we are pulled into Kalia’s childhood as she reflects on what it means to be a ‘good kid.’ In the solemn refrain, she sings, “I’m a good kid in the fourth grade class / Mom’s not worried about drugs because I’m smarter than that / She’s just worried ‘cause my brains not like my friends / I’m a good kid ‘cause of that.” As a child, I often struggled with social anxiety and was more reserved. I felt my child self seen with lines like “I read at lunch / The kids are loud.” She put in the experience of feeling disconnected from everyone else in the fourth grade because of your more quiet and anxious personality. Amelie Kalia is a 20 year old rising singer-songwriter studying music at the University of California - Los Angeles, with roots also in Napa Valley. She has crafted an exciting indie pop and acoustic inspired sound. In her music, she loves to explore childhood and growing up. She touches on these universal topics with honesty and authenticity. “Good Kid” is a wondrous debut track that explores life as a quirky and anxious kid. If you enjoyed this song, make sure to check out Amelie Kaila’s social media accounts linked below, so you can keep up with all the latest information on her and her music. I, for one, cannot wait to see what she shall release next. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW AMELIE KALIA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

“Cascade” is Anna Harrell’s newest release, but it has the cadence of a past emotion.  The piece presents a metaphorical expression of, and an opportunity to, cascade. To fall into that slippery slope of nostalgia. As Anna walks the listener through her daily life it's clear something more looks in the distance, and the trigger for bringing it forward is a simple reminder of when this person was her daily life. A picture creates a waterfall which only for a moment, Harrell flows with. “Cascade” not only lyrically examines the emotion behind such a thing, but gives into the relief of it and gifts the listener a chance to as well.  Harrell’s lyrics are genuine and expressive, but the structure and skill of her composing created the atmosphere necessary for them to be truly heard. Her instrumentals introduce the song with a catchy, but purposefully repetitive sound. Though it's still skillful, this compared to the release of the “cascade” is definitely intentional. The acoustic guitar presents a sort of build up to the underlying temptation of reminiscence. And the chorus does even more so to bring this out. Her vocals are what ties it all together, they follow the theme of the instrumentals but the honesty of the lyrics and do both beautifully. Anna Harrell is only 18 years old but has been making music for nearly a decade. At only nine years old she knew songwriting evoked a passion that couldn't be found elsewhere. Her love for the art, its impact on her and the world, is palpable through the work she creates. Her songs, emotive and honest, are a sort of journal.  They present a method of summarizing the world, making sense of it in a way which only words cannot.  This is felt by Harrell as well as her audience. The artist has come back strong from her recent break with “Cascade” and is continuing those powerful themes felt previously, this and other Anna Harrell works can be found below. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW ANNA HARRELL: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

Nothing feels quite as good as summer love. The warmth it fills you with that has you smiling brighten than the sun - but once the Summer starts coming to an end, you start to wonder if it really is love, or just a casual fling that will fade away with the Summer heat as it turns to cold. Tessa Dalton just released her new single “Overkill", which is a song that encapsulates exactly what it feels like to fall head over heels for someone when you least expected it. The vibrant synths and punchy drums bring so much energy to the track. Tessa’s vocals are stunning and bring a Gracie Abrams vibe to the song. “Overkill” is definitely one to add to your summer playlist. Tessa paints a picture of a relationship going full 360, from a casual situation to taking a hard fall into someone. She expressed lyrically how she doesn’t even care what they are labeled as long as they are together. “We can keep it a secret, you can whisper that I’m yours.” Sometimes we are satisfied keeping feelings held close and tight. I love the imagery she added with the line “every red light, kissing till our drinks spill.” This single brings all the hope of reciprocated love and how beautiful it feels. Tessa made an enjoyable song we can all play on full blast. Tessa Dalton is a multi instrumentalist singer-songwriter. She grew up in Idaho and now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. She is very well known with the fiddle and has participated  in a fiddle championship in multiple states. She has gotten to play on many tracks and is now taking her turn at being a studio musician. Tessa was a finalist in an international songwriting competition back in 2023 with two unreleased songs. She is incredibly talented and I know her spotlight with keep getting brighter. Tessa has a few other songs out for us to listen to so check out her Spotify link below. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW TESSA DALTON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Adding a fresh new single to the alt-pop/indie-rock world, Hutton has made her music industry debut with her song "Cool!" The track embodies teenage angst at its finest, incorporating unfiltered lyrics and a raw, authentic message that many can relate to. "Cool!" reflects on what it's like to stand your ground and stand up to someone who has hurt you, making it an anthem for those fighting against the toxicities of life. Giving a sneak peek at what's to come from the artist, "Cool!" is the first of many songs to be released by Hutton, setting expectations high for what she'll do in the next few months. Dark and mysterious, Hutton sets a laid-back and moody scene with the alt-pop/indie-rock sound of "Cool!" The debut track features groovy bass lines, shuffling beats, and slinky melodies, eventually layering gritty guitar riffs and distorted vocals at the song's climax. Hutton's voice is intoxicating throughout the track, delivering heavy-hitting lines with a subtle edge. Between the intricate layers of the soundscape and the artist's rousing vocal performance, "Cool!" has a sound reminiscent of indie icons like Foster the People , Chappell Roan , and Olivia Rodrigo , paying homage to some of Hutton's influences. Hailing from Telluride, Colorado, Hutton has been relying on music and songwriting throughout her life as a form of therapy. She moved to LA at 18 years old, dedicating the last two years to developing herself as an artist. During this time, she has worked with producers Austen Healey , Runnner , Stephen Conley , and Derek Ted , writing a collection of hits inspired by the likes of Indigo Girls , Sheryl Crow , Olivia Rodrigo , Phoebe Bridgers , and Chappell Roan . Hutton aspires to convey a bold authenticity through her creations, using her music to reflect on themes of heartbreak, longing, and the questioning that defines life in your 20s. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW HUTTON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

There’s a sort of barrier that many of us put around our sensitive hearts when it comes to the raw sentiments we feel when we find ourselves tangled in a messy situationship. We keep these protective barriers up, coddling our hearts, and guarding our true feelings to save ourselves from the inevitable crash we will soon face once we fall. However, doing this only seems to confuse us further, unable to set aside these boundaries we construct, leading us to block out even the purest forms of love where we find ourselves infatuated with others. Yet, we ultimately let them go due to the harsh torment our hearts have endured, all to keep ourselves safe from the hurt that will eventually crash down on our vulnerable hearts. “At Night” by Jorja B is a song that depicts a similar situation in the form of resounding lyrics that gouge at our hearts in the rawest form of exposure and realism. Jorja doesn’t hesitate to take her listeners to another realm, a realm that takes her listeners to a realm of true emotions, her lyric “break the fall before I crash” tells us, again, that she is saving herself from the disasters that can lead up after opening up her heart and giving into her vulnerable emotions. Click here to listen to "At Night"! The song dives straight into a storyline that takes its listeners to a reverie that depicts such a harrowing situation perfectly. The emotive sound that is Jorja’s voice carefully leads up to a scene of heartache and confusion, battling with the emotions our heart feels and the innate ways we’ve learned to cope with such vulnerability, creating barriers to keep others out and stay away from something as intimidating as commitment. Despite the lyrics being so elaborate and passionate, the sound is rather uplifting– percolating that sense of a summer pop alternative song that others will be able to listen to so casually without thinking about how deep the lyrics go, touching the hearts of those who care to listen and resonate with such effective lyrics that drive vehement emotions. This song touches those who have dealt with similar emotions– those who have been involved in confusing friendships that only lead to situationships. Yet, it is also the perfect song for listeners to rock their heads to, appreciating the dynamic sounds of the electric guitar that strides perfectly against Jorja’s mellifluous voice. Jorja B, the talented artist behind such an excellent song, is a singer and songwriter from Australia who resonates most with sounds like pop, pop rock, and indie. “At Night” was released just a few weeks ago on June 24, 2024! This is Jorja’s fifth single she has released since she announced she will be releasing singles every month for this year! In February, she released a track titled “Swim”, and in March she released a track called “Faked it”, and again, in April and May she released tracks titled “Pictures” and “Tried to” all following up to her most recent single “At Night” for the month of June! She keeps her loyal listeners and supporters updated on social media platforms like Instagram, providing them with a more intimate look into her relationship with writing and making music! I can’t wait to hear the rest of the tracks she has planned for the remainder of 2024, keep up with her music, and continue to support Jorja by following her socials!  Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW JORJA B: Instagram | Spotify  | SoundCloud  | YouTube

This song, “Hallelujah (Movin Through Ya)” by Marisa Finley, is a soft indie-pop song about the all too common story of falling in love with someone before you truly know who they are. With lyrics like “I don’t want to lie to myself anymore” and “Once I really knew ya, I could see right through ya,” Finley showcases how you can trick yourself into thinking that this person is perfect for you before you realize that they aren’t who you really thought they really were at all. This is a trap so many people fall into and it can be hard to get out of. A person can seem like the ideal, they can seem like everything you want, when truly, no one is perfect and something that seems too good to be true probably is. “Hallelujah (Movin Through Ya)” is a pensive indie song that relies on hazy instrumentals and smooth vocals to tell the story Marisa Finley is sharing. Starting out with cheerful bird sounds that break into a retro-sounding track, you’re placed right into the steam-like state that this song keeps up consistently throughout the nearly five minutes. The first verse starts about thirty seconds into the song, layering Finley’s delicate vocals over the rich melody. Overall, this song is perfect for fans of crying to sad music in the bathtub or getting into your feels while driving in the car. Finley has created a masterpiece of emotion, and I already know it’s going to be a favorite of mine. Marisa Finley is an up-and-coming singer songwriter based in Canada. With a wispy, melancholic sound that sets her in the same genre as songs like George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass,” Finley is cementing herself as a master of lush production and heavy-hitting lyrics and vocals. She worked on this song with her long-term friend, musician and producer Peter Mol, who has worked with other artists such as Father John Misty and Quincy Jones. “She is influenced by musicians such as Kevin Morby and Cotton Jones, and focuses on themes of love, loss, and outgrowing versions of yourself. Use the links below to listen to “Hallelujah (Movin Through Ya)”! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Marisa Finley: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

Singer-songwriter Grava comes in with a banger that electrifies our souls with her newest rock anthem, “Down the Drain.” A 90s-inspired single with a flared, edgy sound, singer Grava confidently makes her mark with her latest release. The song centers on the beginnings of a new relationship and the fear and anxiety that sometimes creep in. Intense yet emotional, her single creates a “safe” space where these feelings and insecurities can be authentically expressed. Grava notes the pain of valuing someone so much, that everything you are can sometimes feel as though it pales in comparison. “Why do I have to be so rotten / Why do I have to be so cruel / Why did I have to put you on a pedestal.” From the beginning, Grava throws stones at herself, as if she's tossed to and fro by her emotions and doubtfulness. She mentions drinking down the pain and being overcome with sadness: “The air can’t blow my kisses / When I’m crying from a far / And when I wash the insides down at the bar.” The song is a nostalgic throwback reminiscent of Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams. The single also embodies the punk and edginess of Olivia Rodrigo, along with her clever lyrics. Extremely catchy and moody, the song denotes a carelessness and strength in voice that's fitting for the 90’s rock sound it pays homage to. I can imagine myself walking through the streets of Manhattan under a gray clouded sky with the single blasting through my ears. Her deep voice carries the strength that's needed to uphold a heavy song such as this. Drums bellow and boom throughout, blending with the guitar to create a powerful sound. Strung with deep bass and an electric guitar at the forefront, “Down the Drain” pulls you in deeply with its artfully crafted sound and spirit. Grava has been releasing music since 2021 and has produced multiple singles. One of her singles, "cigarettes and lollipops," has garnered over 10,000 streams. From a young age, Grava has always had a great love for music and acting. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Grava has traveled to various cities while pursuing her dream, including New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. Grava is also a talented multi-instrumentalist, skillfully mastering the piano and guitar. Through her music, Grava has shown to be uniquely authentic and gratefully honest with her lyrics, writing narratives that instantly capture listener's hearts and minds. Her pop-rock sound blended within an alternative rock soundscape makes for a perfect fit alongside Grava's compelling voice. Make sure to check out Grava’s single “Down the Drain” below! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW GRAVA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Basilica” explores the heartbroken mindset acquired from the end of a relationship with an avoidant partner. The clock ticks slowly, each hour passing slower than the one before. Each minute used to be spent alongside your once loving partner. But in the crumbling aftermath, you long for their presence in your life. Every important life milestone is spent wondering how they would react. You yearn for their comforting demeanor while cripplingly difficult events occur. But as painful as their rejection of you hurt, the memory of their coldness during the last time you saw them stings just as much. The monotonous tone they spoke with as they chose another over you was heartbreaking in words you cannot fully articulate. The trauma they gave you left you completely crumbled. The foundations of the relationship you built crumbles in a chaotic dangerous state. It once felt like an empire, but was now left fallen and abandoned. What they did was easier for them, but the glorious, shining pillar you two once formed remains decayed. In many ways, that is still the hardest part of everything they abandoned you in. Click here to listen to "basilica"! “Basilica” is a chill commercial single that encapsulates the somber nature of its narrative. A key aspect of “basilica” is its stringed and percussive instrumentation. It begins with simple strings balancing on each other. They do this intertwined with the low yet expressive vocal performance. The chorus seamlessly integrates brief yet intricate sweeping strings. These added strings are sprinkled throughout as they pair with the increased vocal harmonies. Following the first chorus, the instrumentation takes a surprising yet welcome change by adding new instruments and sounds. The newly added drums are paired with unique synthesizers and other retro-like additives. Each new verse and chorus includes an extra vocal effect or instrument that feels as natural to the single as the simple beginning it had. Natalie Kilic is a Turkish singer-songwriter currently based in New York. Her love of music has been a part of her for years and was writing music from just age six. She attended and graduated from the University of Alabama. She began her music career at age 23 and has released many singles since starting her music journey. She is inspired by artists such as Banks and WET and integrates this into much of her work. Her work often includes other forms of art, such as her art being used for the “basilica” cover art. She has a respectable social media presence and has amassed a dedicated following. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “basilica” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW NATALIE KILIC: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

Frances Whitney is a force to be reckoned with, using 2024 to kickstart her career with an undeniable bang. In March, she made her official musical debut with her single, “Easy Street,” followed by her sophomore release, “Holding On.” While these two songs garnered her new listeners, “Still Have July” has solidified her place as one of the industry's most intriguing “artists to watch.” With the third single from her upcoming EP, Whitney shares a story of nostalgia, longing, and heartache. The singer took inspiration from the novel  Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan, as well as her own personal experiences with summer love, and turned it into a soul-crushing “will-they won’t they” anthem. Through her insightful lyricism, Whitney shares the internal battle within her mind, wondering if they are just a summer fling or meant to be something more. While every lyric cuts deep, the second verse holds a special line that stood out to me more than the others. Whitney sings: “You’re not sly but you’re not mine// We’re choking on goodbye.” These lines seem to imply that they both were trying to play it cool and casual, but the reality of saying goodbye at the end of the summer leaves them hurt, struggling to say the words. But in the end, at least for now, they “still have July.” The clever song effortlessly describes the complex feelings surrounding a summer romance. Through the poetic words, listeners are able to resonate with the meaningful message while the song serves as a cathartic release for the talented artist.   Alongside these vulnerable lyrics, “Still Have July” contains a whimsical soundscape that beautifully blends the sounds of classic rock and indie pop. The track begins with a fingerstyle steel string guitar which is quickly met by Whitney’s sweet voice to effortlessly lull the listener into the soothing atmosphere. The style of the guitar is more intricate than expected from the genre, showcasing the artist’s multiple talents and her natural propensity to craft her own genre. The production is staggered, introducing each new instrumentation in phases. In the verse, only the guitar and vocals are present, followed by the bass in the pre-chorus. Then, the production increases in the chorus with the introduction of the percussion. The chorus also picks up two electric guitars in the background—one playing chords and another playing the melody. The lively production stays consistent through the remainder of the track, utilizing the background chords to signify the transition into the next verse. Whitney’s infectious production paired with her stunning vocals and introspective lyrics forms an unforgettable summer anthem, making “Still Have July” one of my favorite tracks of the season.   Frances Whitney is an alt-pop singer-songwriter from San Francisco, California. The talented artist identifies first and foremost as a songwriter above all else. Even when she was overseas playing professional volleyball, she still found herself spending her free time playing her guitar. When she retired from sports, she returned to the world of music and artistry. Her style is a wonderous blend of 1970s rock and modern indie folk, forming an unforgettable soundscape. With three incredible singles under her belt, make sure you follow Whitney on all socials to keep up with all new releases and announcements. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW FRANCES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | X  | YouTube

Paper Citizen's latest single, "American Song" is the indie rock jam we all need this summer. It's a vibrant upbeat tune about reminiscing on good times. The lyrics touch on the idea of modern escapism, wanting to get our heads out of the internet and current events, and just go back to the music. Claire Gohst (Paper Citizen's creator) expresses her deep love for American music and her nostalgia for the way performing live has changed over the years. It's a yearning to go back to when things were simple and free, and this song is a time machine. "American Song" is the perfect tune to play as a reminder that no matter what, we will all be okay in the end. Musically, "American Song" is the perfect summer concert song. It's bright, poppy, and positive. The energetic G Major key paired with fun instruments like electric guitar, fast-paced drums, and even horns in some sections makes the tune feel light and airy. The carefree nature of the track paired with Claire's strong vocals and extremely relatable lyrics make it so easy to resonate with. I would honestly be willing to call this song a millennial anthem. The chord progressions remind me a lot of anime openings or J-rock bands from the mid-2000s, something I frequented often in my teens. The whole thing feels so familiar and comfortable to me and I absolutely love hearing this sort of thing in 2024. Paper Citizen is a musical project spearheaded by singer, songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist, Claire Gohst. Originally from Singapore, Claire was forced to leave home due to her parents finding out she was queer. Fortunately, she found love and kindness in the music scene, learning to play American songs to play for locals and tourists. After receiving a scholarship to study music in the US, Claire moved to Boston where she studied recording arts and jazz violin at Berklee College of Music. "American Song" is the first single revealed for her upcoming debut album set to come out this fall. I think it's a fantastic preview and I cannot wait to hear the finished album. You can give "American Song" a listen on Spotify now! Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW PAPER CITIZEN: Instagram   | Spotify  | SoundCloud  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator