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Originally released over five years ago, "Back To U" by Slander and William Black gained over 40+ million streams on Spotify alone. Fans have long awaited an acoustic version, something Slander and many EDM artists are known for doing with their smash hits. Well, it's finally here, and it's more beautiful than we could've ever imagined. Taking a piano ballad approach, "Back To U (Acoustic)" highlights the vulnerable lyrics and the stunning vocals done by Annika Wells , which is something that can get lost in the heavy production within original version. "Back To U" is about how life never slows down, and sometimes we have to just take the moment that we have and lay it all out on the table. Tell people what we want to say, even if we're afraid of the outcome. Life is too short for "what if". Accompanied only by a stunning piano instrumental, vocalist Annika Wells glorifies the incredible emotional depth behind the song with her incredible voice at the forefront of it all. The perfectly crafted melody is highlighted as well, making it easier to appreciate all of the elements of the song next time you give the original a listen. Slander is a multi-platinum, Grammy nominated music production duo from Los Angeles, California consisting of Derek Andersen and Scott Land. They met each other through their fraternity in college. William Black, a producer from Orange County, came from a musically inclined family where his dad was an accomplished guitar player and his sister is the one who introduced him to electronic dance music. All 3 artists are alumni from the music production school, Icon Collective . William Black is also now a native from Los Angeles and has gained support from Slander, as well as other major EDM artists. Both Slander and William Black have millions of streams across all platforms, as well as have performed for sold-out crowds across the world. Follow them below to keep up with what they're up to! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SLANDER: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | Website FOLLOW WILLIAM BLACK: Instagram   | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube  | Website

Often, we categorize love as a tender dream or a fragile heartbreak, but Ella Collier sees the two realities bleed together in “SLEEPWALKING.” The memories of someone significant haunt Collier throughout the day, looking out the window, tossing and turning at night, and dreaming. She cleverly shows her subconscious’s control over her life. The longing for what once was lingers. Disguised within this R&B song, Collier leads us along a complex path to uncover our true desires among our thoughts and reality. Seeing someone over and over in our dreams does not mean that grief needs to overrule our lives. It’s the first step forward to waking up to clearer days. The eighth track of her upcoming album DANGEROUS , and latest release, pours loneliness and longing into minor keys, reverb, and trap drum sets. Co-written and produced by Sam Vendig and Stefano Pigliapoco, the track takes the raw moments of grief and blends them with the sleepless path. The ringing of each note flows like raindrops sliding down the window. The keys create a brooding soundscape with a calming effect. Collier’s vocals echo the longing that outlines her heart. The slow-paced singing in the pre-chorus opens the door to the overwhelming emotions ready to flood in. The rapid hi-hat loop in the chorus filters the song, letting us process grief. Collier won’t let you get stuck in the sadness because the kick drums and snares roll with movement, pushing you closer to clarity. Ella Collier, songwriter and producer, finds her passion in pop, acoustic, trap, and hyperpop. She reaches her audience through blending the genres. Her songs explore the highs and lows of love and what it means in different relationships. Her music has appeared on Apple Music’s front page, #6 on Spotify’s “SALT” playlist, Love Island, NBA2K, and X Games . Ella Collier spreads her love to fans through Zoom calls, social media interactions, and her new releases. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW ELLA COLLIER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Lizzy Donzis’ “The Wrong Guys” is your classic story about dating all the wrong guys, just as the title says. Whether you’re the type to move too fast, or maybe your independence gives them the wrong idea, finding Mr. Right seems like it’ll never happen when you keep dating guys who just aren’t working with you. You get obsessed, he leaves you at the worst time, and then you’re left crying and wondering why your luck is so rotten. Endlessly relatable and super catchy, “The Wrong Guys” is perfect for all you folks who just can’t help but hop into relationships with men who always end up breaking your heart.  If you’re looking for a song to shout out the car windows, you and your friends dancing along to the chorus, then I can’t recommend “The Wrong Guys” enough. It’s upbeat and energetic with that perfect tint of melancholy, and with a super catchy chorus that is definitely going to get stuck in your head for days to come. The soundscape is a combination of bright pop and somber indie, humming vocals complementing the entire track like a bow tied around a gift. It gave me the impression of smiling through the tears, heartbreak, and pain, just like what the song itself discusses. The lyrics are also amazing, highlighting the back-and-forth– and inevitability– that comes from dating all the wrong guys. It seems like no matter what the narrator does, they end up crying in the end, wishing that the relationship could have lasted. “The Wrong Guys” is an amazing breakup track, underscoring the aftermath of messy relationships that were doomed from the start. Lizzy Donzis is an American musician, originally hailing from Los Angeles, who specializes in creating passionate pop that blends captivating beats and meaningful songwriting. She combines dance-pop, R&B, and electronic pop to create music that energizes listeners. And with vocals as powerful as hers, you can be sure that her tracks are filled with soundscapes that bring her audience to a different place with each song. Her debut track “Crazy” released in 2023 to amazing success, and was followed by a number of other singles like “Hold On”, “Why Do I Ask For Flowers?”, and “sailor boy” in the years after. 2024 saw the debut of her album Obsessed . “The Wrong Guys” is Lizzy’s latest track, and if you loved it, be sure to drop her a follow on her socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW LIZZY DONZIS: Instagram | Spotify  | Website

As we wrap up the year, a lot of people are traveling which, for me, is when I do the most reflecting. I think back to the year I just had and try to reflect on what it taught me, what I've gained and what I want for myself next year. The best is having a song that sparks those emotions and feelings of reflection which is what I've gathered from COMPASS by Matt Hansen. The song feels adventurous with the tone of it being more on the folk-rock side of things but the lyrics take us on a whole other ride. The idea of reflecting on people and taking big chances for the people that you really love speak so loudly in this song. I've always loved the idea of one person being home to someone. It can be really hard to find that level of authenticity in this day in age. Matt Hansen has brought that point of view to this song and does such a wonderful job with it too. Matt uses the idea of someone being a compass in order to find their way back home. The lyrics are absolutely incredible in this song and shape the entire story from the very beginning. One of my personal favorites is in the first verse when Matt asks the questions, "If it's love, why would I be afraid?" This hit pretty hard because it begs the question of if you end up falling in love, or sharing love with someone, why is that such a bad thing? Matt Hansen is a singer-songwriter that is climbing really quickly to new heights with massing over 1 billion streams and over 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify. As a 25 year old, Matt has really made his own dent in the music industry and it doesn't sound like they're stopping anytime soon. Matt's covers of "Yellow" and "Iris" have gained a huge following on social media which have reached fans globally, launching their music career. The newest song "COMPASS" comes as a cherry on top for this past year while Matt polishes up the finishing touches for their next album. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW MATT HANSEN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

"Problem Solving" is the newest single from Diana Pilquist , a song about a relationship with two people who are different from each other but still complete one another. The saying "opposites attract" serves as the perfect definition for the couple described in this song; despite their differences, they still know that they are meant for each other. Even when they have disagreements or arguments, this is still the case. Pilquist showcases her amazing and talented songwriting skills in "Problem Solving" with her unique lines and and clever verses, separating herself from other pop artists. The song "Problem Solving" starts off a as piano ballad before diving into the raw drum beat and Pilquist's fantastic vocals. Once the first verse ends and the chorus begins, even more cozy and distinct atmosphere is added to the song. It sounds like something you would hear the band at a bar play, that would make everyone want to stand up and form a crowd around them to hear the vibe-inducing melodies and dance along to them. The piano notes and beat make up the production in such a unique and original way that you can tell its a pop song, but it also feels like its part of its own new genre. Diana Pilquist is a singer-songwriter and dancer from Sweden. She began her music career in August 2020 with the release of her debut single "She Is In Your Arms". In September 2024, she released her debut EP Disco Daydream , and her debut album at some point in time... in August 2025. She is an incredible live performer, having performed at different venues with her band. A triple-threat, a preview of Pilquist's dancing skills can be found in her music video for her song "Lost Feelings For You". Diana Pilquist is a wonderful and up-and-coming popstar! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW DIANA PILQUIST: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Coming out from mentally abusive relationships is a battle with your mind. You spend so long being manipulated by someone who was supposed to love you and it causes internalized blame and guilt. It feels like you’re out of touch with yourself and it’s a spiral that feels like it will never end. Dolder just released an EP titled after one of the singles “The Motive.” “The Motive” is a heartbreaking confession about the self-hatred that follows after a damaging relationship. With tension filled melodies and angelic harmonies, this song rips at your heartstrings. If you’ve ever been broken by someone you were supposed to trust the most, this song is for you. “The Motive” truly shows how deeply manipulation can distort someones perception of care and self-worth. “I assumed that this was love.” You feel like you’re doing everything in your power to make them happy, but they never are and even though it’s not your fault, it’s easy for their deceptions to make you feel like it is. "Lately I've had the motive to hate me." Dolder wrote from a place of reflection on how much trauma can live in your mind without realizing. It’s hard to confront and it follows you every time you feed it. All of this can feel isolating and there’s comfort in songs like this to know most of us have been there. Let “The Motive” be a reminder that your emotions are worth feeling and it’s okay to sit in the pain before getting up and moving on. It's not your fault for the damage caused by someone elses hand. Dolder is a duo name for identical twins Dani and Zara. They are 22 year old alt-pop singer-songwriters from Newcastle. The sisters are heavily inspired by the rich 60/70’s sound that they bring into their music to create a nostalgic feeling. Emerging just this year, their debut single “Charlie” brought immediate attention. With confessional lyricism and timeless ease, they’ve received recognition from Rolling Stone, Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit, NME, Dork and more. “The Motive” is their debut EP which is out now for everyone to listen. If you’re a fan of Gracie Abrams and Fleetwood Mac, Dolder is the perfect combination while bringing their own unique sound. Follow the links down below to stay up to date on future releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW DOLDER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Named after an inside joke between her and her fans, Savanna Leigh’s newest single “nothing yet” is her first work coming from a place of imagination, not actual experience. First played while touring her latest EP, Leigh feels that breaking into the fictional world of songwriting is a step towards her artistry, stating that “that leap, from processing the past to envisioning the future, feels like a new chapter for me.” In this story, Leigh depicts a classic situationship, two people destined to hurt each other by simultaneously not giving enough, and also giving too much. The couple knows their fate will end in hurt and confusion, and yet that doesn’t stop them from going back and forth until their inevitable doom. Although Leigh has not actually experienced this, her lyrics are none the less raw and all too real. The first verse explains the conversation they are faced with: the end. The listener can almost see these two individuals, him pulling away and her trying to hold on, but knowing that their time is up. Their mutual grief shows through in the soundscape, a mournful piano backing joined by violins and Leigh’s pleading voice. In the chorus, she sings, “'Cause you know that I'd drive all night / If it means that I'm by your side / No, I don't wanna talk, I don't wanna blink, I don't wanna fight”. Her desperation grows throughout the track, until the bridge where she tries one more time to get him to stay. She repeats the lyrics of the chorus with a newfound urgency in her tone, and yet it still does not convince him to stay. Savanna Leigh is a 25 year old singer songwriter based in Nashville, TN. She is an indie artist known for her deeply resonant and descriptive lyrics, and has amassed over 50,000 monthly Spotify listeners. She has a plethora of singles and EPs on streaming platforms, including her recent EP “for your entertainment”. Her music focuses on themes of self discovery and coming of age, and she aims to make music for those who cannot put into words their own emotions. She recently toured her 2024 EP “reminders of you”, which allowed her to connect with her fans and hone her craft. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more raw music from Savanna Leigh. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW SAVANNA LEIGH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Website  | YouTube

Mistakes are a part of any relationship. Forgiveness and understanding are important in order to move on and thrive. However, some people continuously cross boundaries without taking accountability. This is the story told in “99” by Grace Luv. Grace Luv describes the experience of giving someone multiple chances only for them to let you down with powerful lyrics such as “Go ahead and tell me all your empty promises” and “I can’t believe it’s you again and all your bullshit.” Eventually you have to draw the line somewhere and find the power to leave, and that’s how Grace Luv ends her story. This track begins with subtle vocals and harmonies over a bass melody. The pre-chorus introduces guitar and percussion. After the chorus is a groovy instrumental break before the introduction of the second verse. The vocals are mellow and cool while still delivering the emotional value of the song and showing off technical prowess. The final chorus layers the guitar and percussion tracks with impressive vocal harmonies. By doing this, the final verse has a certain emotional punch while keeping in line with the subtle and subdued mood of the rest of the song. The backing track cuts out for the final line, leaving the audiences to consider the powerful messaging of the song. Grace Luv is a 16 year old singer, songwriter, and actress. She has been singing since the age of 5, when she took her first piano lesson. Since then, her career has been blossoming beautifully with the release of emotional and artistic works such as “exile” and “Bridges”. She has had numerous successful performances at places such as Monument Square Park in New Brunswick, and performing the National Anthem for a University of Notre Dame basketball game. Her next performance will be at the Jupiter Seafood Festival where she will be opening for Maddie and Tae on February 21st.   Written By Victoria Fitzgerald FOLLOW GRACE LUV: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

*The Haunt via Ticketmaster.com The Haunt is a magnetic force to be reckoned with. The alt-rock band effortlessly commanded the stage at their first headlining show on the New Addiction Tour in San Diego. While guitarist and vocalist Maxamillion hyped up the crowd with his impressive crowd work, lead vocalist Anastasia mesmerized the audience with her powerful vocals and haunting demeanor. She truly embodied the sound and aesthetic of the band with her ethereal presence. Together, the siblings created the perfect space for the audience to release their emotions and forget their troubles for a couple of hours. The band kicked off the night with their hit song, “Bad Omen," one of my favorite tracks from their new album, New Addiction . The song is the perfect way to start the night, containing brutal lyrics that match the heavy production. With the line, “I’m a fucking psychopath, and it’s all working out,” the audience experienced a cathartic release while they screamed along with the artists. The Haunt did an excellent job at engaging the audience and making the show an unforgettable night. One thing to know about me is that I am a fan of all things macabre. My favorite genres are dark-pop and women-led rock, so when I discovered The Haunt, I immediately became obsessed. I adore the haunting aesthetics found on all their cover art, merch, and music videos (I am also insanely jealous of the fact that the duo’s last name is literally “Haunt”). An important aspect of what makes a concert amazing is not only the performance, which Anastasia’s vocals and Maxamillion’s guitar skills blew it out of the park, but also the visuals. Anastasia looked like an otherworldly spirit gracing the living plane for one night of chaos. Her delicate white outfit, stark red hair, and bold black lipstick turned her into a haunted doll. Her mannerisms and expressions matched this deadly visual, making it one of my favorite live performances to date. For my friend and me, and probably everyone else in the crowd, I couldn’t take my eyes off her for one moment. Her presence possessed the audience, leaving them at the mercy of her enchanting aura. The Haunt at the House of Blues Voodoo Room in San Diego on their New Addiction tour. In 2025, I had the honor of listening to several amazing artists and attending many tours. However, The Haunt is by far one of the best artists this year, as evidenced by my Apple Replay. The way the audience couldn’t take their eyes off the band and everyone was rocking along, even if they didn’t know the song, proved their immense star power. If you have the opportunity to see them live, buy tickets immediately. The Haunt may be ending their headlining U.S. tour at the end of the month, but do not worry! They will be heading to the U.K. and Europe, as well as being a supporting act on the first annual Hollow Crown tour. Purchase tickets here and follow them on all social media to stay updated with new announcements and music! The Haunt at the House of Blues Voodoo Room in San Diego on their New Addiction tour. Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Photo Credits: Live Nation Track List: Bummerland Sober Up Way Less Sad Karma The Big Goodbye Cover - "All-Star" by Smash Mouth Bang! Inertia World's Smallest Violin Wow, I'm Not Crazy Burn The House Down 100 Bad Days Weak There’s so much to say about artistry and technology. For a while, it seemed like the two were in a dance together where neither one was leading or following - it just flowed. Over the past decade or so, we’ve seen technology forget about its dance partner, leaving it behind to what feels like an astonishing takeover diminishing any sense of originality. It’s very rare, as well, that we see artists who fight to save that same originality at all. Yet somehow three brothers from New York City seem to be doing just that and boy - what a fight it’s been. Growing up in a generation where the world is increasingly getting harder to keep up with, AJR shows us that technology - when used as a partner to music - can further advance us in the songs we create as well as by putting up an entire show that gives everyone an opportunity to feel included no matter where you sit.  AJR is a pop band from New York City, although after seeing them in concert, I feel like they could range anywhere between indie - folk. The band is created by three brothers, Adam, Jack and Ryan Met (Metzger) who contribute to the band in so many different ways. The extended band members are Arnetta Johnson (trumpet), Chris Berry (drums) The brothers are multi-instrumentalists and are known as a DIY band as they created a lot of their music from their living room. AJR started 20 years ago, back when the brothers would busk in the parks of New York tap dancing, performing cover songs before eventually taking their turn into producing their own music. Their father, Gary, who was a major part of the band as a manager and roadie, was also an important role in the brothers getting their start. The brothers have told stories of him selling their living room furniture in order to buy them instruments which launched their momentum into the music industry. AJR performed at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois on December 9th. It was the first night out of four of “Twisted” - a holiday festival hosted by Live Nation. AJR shared the stage with Wet Leg and Out In Front who matched the band’s energy perfectly. Once AJR took the stage, it felt like the ballroom exploded with energy as they opened with their single “Bummerland” from their album OK Orchestra. This song came out in 2021, during the pandemic and felt so topical to what was going on around us as it's somehow one of the most optimistic "I've hit rock bottom" kind of songs. This song was an incredible opener as it let the audience know exactly what they were to expect - a high energy, fun, friendly show. The band then switched to their song “Sober Up” which even though it was an older one, you can tell it's held up as the brother's seemed to have so much fun with it. The brothers seemed shocked to hear the entire ballroom yelling this song back at them as they kept looking at each other and smiling. This song leads straight into “Karma” - two songs back-to-back that are heart-breakingly vulnerable about the human experience and what it means when we start to question things a little too much. “Karma” went viral on their tour last year by being performed with Jack hoisted up in the air making it seem like he was free falling during a part of the song where it feels like he's overthinking. This is one of many immersive examples they use to show us how technology can take music a lot further than what we think. Jack and Ryan from AJR during their song "Bang!" One thing that I think sets AJR apart from other artists is how different their songs sound live than recorded. The band doesn’t shy away from showing off their talents like when they break out the drum pad in their new song from the new EP, What No One's Thinking, “The Big Goodbye” which swayed more in the rock genre played in person. One of the most memorable moments from the concert was a cover song that I didn't know I needed so badly. The band covered Smash Mouth’s “All-Star” which they played on a ukulele and an acoustic guitar. It’s always so great to see a band really know their sound because if I hadn’t known this song, I would’ve thought it was a song they wrote as it sounded so “AJR.” With them stripping the song down to an acoustic level, it also showed the weight of the lyrics of a song a lot of us grew up with that we seemed to have never taken so seriously but it was incredible to hear it in a different lens. The band’s song “Bang!” was easily one of their more distinguishable songs and even got the little kids around me to dance and sing. This song proved one thing - that Ryan is the keyboardist with the utmost swagger. These brothers are so good at their jobs by making a pop song sound better in person than recorded. The band transitioned into the next “phase” of the concert with a jazz version of “Bang!” which, again, showed off their musical talents before completely shifting gears to Ryan playing a piano version of their song “Inertia.” This song speaks the most to a lot of creative people - or maybe just to the general public - of the idea of settling. It begs the question of "Why do we stay with people that aren’t right for us?" or "Why do we not go and chase our dreams?" “Inertia” is used to describe this energy of resisting change in motion - also known as the feeling of being stuck. Hearing Ryan play this by himself made that hard truth a bit more gentle to hear but it’s one of the biggest takeaways I hope people got from the concert.  It wouldn’t be an AJR show if Jack didn’t run up into the crowd to play a few songs from the balcony section. While playing “World’s Smallest Violin,” I finally realized what this band really captures when seeing them live. Just hearing the music, it sounds like a one man band as if when you turn around, you might see Jack wearing one of those huge bass drums with tambourine’s on his feet somehow making everything coexist. Maybe it was just the song - but I for sure thought that was happening up on the balcony. This song then went into “Wow, I’m Not Crazy” which is a song off of their Neotheater Album. This song was an important addition to the set list since they were able to show off one of their most important members - Arnetta Johnson. Without the trumpet, AJR is not complete as a lot of their songs are trumpet heavy. The last handful of songs really allowed Arnetta to shine, especially with “Burn The House Down.”  Jack and Ryan from AJR during their song "Sober Up" What’s incredible that AJR does in the middle of a concert is they give the audience a lesson on how music production works. By doing this, they get to really flex not only their knowledge on how any ordinary sound can be used to create music but to also show the audience that if you’re willing to learn, the technology is right there and you can do it too. Ryan gave a demonstration on how impactful it can be to be curious about how things might sound if you play them backwards, higher pitched, sped up, etc. Only AJR can get 5,000 people to be engaged in a lesson of music production. What really sold the show for me was their last song, “Weak.” Hearing this song recorded, in no way shape or form, does it justice. One of the feelings I had while hearing this song live was how huge it sounded. It felt like it touched every single soul in the room along with every corner. Kind of like when you turn your lights on first thing in the morning when everything is black. Just when you thought that song couldn’t get any better, the band stepped off the stage, grabbed more instruments and switched the genre completely into what felt like a song that you would hear after you won a prize on the radio. It was such a party which is exactly what this band seemed to have wanted.  Seeing AJR is truly a once in a lifetime experience. They are constantly reinventing what is “allowed” to happen in a concert. One of the perks of having knowledgeable musicians is being able to flip a song on it's head sending it into a different genre as well as showing us truly how important it is to use technology as a partner to music while always ensuring the music isn’t jeopardized. You can feel the 20 years of dedication as it shows in everything that they do. The patience, the persistence, the care, the passion and the intensity that AJR throws into their music is exactly why they have shown us how incredibly important it is to not only really know your craft, but really stand up for it until it looks exactly how you want it to. For a band that is anything but ordinary, they are original and organic. What you can expect from an AJR concert is to leave with more questions than when you came in about how you can push yourself more as a person as well as feeling like you can do absolutely anything.  Written By Breanna M. Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Calling all my sad hotties! I have a song for you! “How Can You, How Can I” by Halon is an anthem that can easily be related to. If you’re like me and turn your sadness into your fuel, give this excellent song a listen! This is Halon’s second single released as a teaser for her upcoming album, set to launch in spring of 2026. Her vibe of Lana Del Rey mixed with FKA Twigs creates a beautiful medley between alt-pop and R&B. And boy, is this one just gorgeous! The song starts off with very distant echos and ad-lib breaths, adding to the allure found throughout the song. There is a pulsing synth that carries us through her angelic voice, illuminating the song. There is a ton of reversed white noise that builds suspense for the chorus as well! The drums alter the song to make this sensual melody a head-bopping pop! I cannot get enough of her voice, as she is effortless and smooth throughout. Her vocal effects throughout this song make it even more steamy! It really gives Tate McRae vibes! All of these elements together make this song perfect! Halon is singer/songwriter hailing from Stockholm, Sweden. Before she was an artist, she was a ballet dancer. She caught the attention of Lana Del Rey’s producer, Rick Nowels, with her stunning lyrics. After coming out with single after single in 2022, she became a hit, with millions of plays. After that, she worked towards dropping her debut album, Music To Get Rich To , in February of 2025 with none other than Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah. From going to a dancer, model, founder of a duo group, to finding herself going solo, she has accomplished so much in such a short time span. If you’re looking for more of Halon and want to be on the lookout for her new album, be sure to follow using the links down below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW HALON: Instagram | Spotify

Drew Schueler's new song, "I Thought By Now," a part of his recent album, "Vulnerable For Once," is one that everyone can relate to when adulthood hits. With social media, television, and books all painting an idea of what adulthood should be like, its easy to start comparing yourself. But life is not linear, so things move at different paces for different people. Still, once you feel pressured, you can get overwhelmed and frustrated while wondering why you haven't reached a certain point in life you want yet. Schueler expresses some of this in "I Thought By Now." He perfectly shows just how easy it is to hold yourself to higher expectations because of external pressures. Comparisons can challenge your expectations, and make you doubt where you're at in life. Lyrics like "Work so fucking hard to stay in the same place / Sick of waking up every day. I thought by now I'd have more figured out" are vulnerable, showing frustration and other emotions that consume you. "I Thought By Now" has a sound that matches the vulnerability of the lyrics. There is a steady sound of a guitar the moment the song starts. The beginning of the song feels like Schueler is trying to reach out to his listeners. The guitar reels you into the song. Schueler's distinct vocals leave you hooked to the song. The intro immediately welcomes you into his inner-world, with his emotions drawing out the emotions of everyone listening. Near the end of the song, the sound completely switches for a second. The piano and guitar are replaced by intense, high-energy beats that feels like a final burst of frustrations and emotions coming out. His sound is reminiscent of Alex Warren , and fans of that singer, would enjoy this song. While the song is vulnerable, it also feels comforting and reassuring. "I Thought By Now" is the kind of song you could cry to, and be motivated by, knowing there are others who share the same experience and emotions as you. Drew Schueler is a vibrant up and coming pop artist, writer, and producer out of Nashville, TN. His vocals and songwriting abilities are well crafted and polished, helping him stand out in the Music City and beyond. His steadfastness in releasing stellar music and pushing it consistently has been growing his fan base. This has been leading him to soldify the groundwork needed for an emerging artist. In addition, Schueler recently won the grand prize for the NSAI Song Contest. With all his recent projects and achievements, he is ramping up for a breakout year. Follow Drew Schueler below to stay updated with all his future releases and projects! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW DREW SCHUELER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube