Icelandic alternative pop artist, Axel Flóvent has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, "Away From This Dream". Recorded in London last year with British production duo MyRiot, this project is about Axel expanding and evolving his sound that we already know and love - growing it into something even bigger and more powerful than ever before. TRACKLIST Moonlight Don't Wait For Summer Have This Dance Wash It Away Chasing The Night This Feeling When The Sun Goes Down Asymmetry Honesty Away From This Dream Axel comes from the fishing village of Húsavík, Iceland. He explores all areas of music as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and a producer. He first officially introduced himself into the music scene in 2015 when he released his debut EP, "Forest Fires" which immediately made the world fall in love with his sound. The title track itself, "Forest Fires", currently sits at 81 million streams on Spotify and counting. Since then, Axel has continued releasing music, creating new styles and sounds along the way. He released his first ever album in 2021 titled "You Stay By The Sea" which gained notoriety from The Line of Best Fit, Atwood Magazine, NPR and American Songwriter, just to name a few. After teasing a new album over the past several months with singles and music videos, we are here now with Axel's second album, "Away From This Dream". Moonlight Opening up the album is the absolute stunning track, "Moonlight". The soundscape is filled with synthy-keyboard which sounds like twinkling, sparkling stars in the sky. With crickets chirping in the background, you're able to close your eyes and transport yourself into a grass field in the middle of the night, where everything is still and the air is just a little cold, and the only light is coming from the moon and the stars. The dreamy guitar creeps in and you star to feel like you're floating in space. As the song progresses, it starts to get a nostalgic 80's feel to it's rhythm when the drums come in. Sonically, this is a flawless song that tells you a story purely through it sound. However, it does have lyrics and vocals too which make it even better! Axel has such a beautiful smooth tone that fits perfectly with the mood of the music. The lyrics are about when you know a relationship is losing it's spark and you're having the realization it's going to be over, even though you don't necessarily want it to be. Don't Wait For Summer Released as a single in sync and in celebration with the release of this album, we have track two, "Don't Wait For Summer". Accompanied with a music video, "Don't Wait For Summer" picks up the pace and energy with it's infectious groove. Keeping the nostalgic 80's vibe and keyboard, this song has a pop/rock soundscape that would be so fun to jam out to live in concert. "Don't Wait For Summer" is a fun song that is basically telling you to go do whatever you want to do with your life. If there's a dream you want to follow, don't hold back because the only time is now! Don't miss out on any chances or opportunities due to fears and anxiety. Just go out there and make it happen. Have This Dance Next is "Have This Dance" which what I like to call an ear-worm. "Have This Dance" is about how your view of the world changes when start falling in love with someone new. The star of the show in this song is the bright 80's keyboard melody that repeats throughout. There's something about it that brings a sense of euphoria and makes me want to put this song on a loop. The rest of the instrumentation is just as incredible. You can hear a soulful, folk piano intertwined with electric guitar and a raw drum set, giving the sound a realness which is something we don't get much of anymore these days. Axel sings beautifully and wrote such a gorgeous melody for the hook in this song. It's actual pop perfection. Wash It Away We start to slow things down a bit with track four, "Wash It Away", which is an emotional ballad about when you don't want to depend on someone else to get you through your emotional distresses. You find yourself worrying so much that you almost convince yourself to sabotage something good for no reason. I'll warn you, you may need to grab your tissues for this one. There's something about the way everything in this song comes together that really takes your breath away. The piano and the heavily reverbed drums help keep the 80's vibe going. The dissonance in melody is a little bit reminscent of "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper. It's an honest and vulnerable track that can be relatable for so many people. So if you're someone who loves a great song to cry to, this is the one for you. Chasing The Night Picking the energy back up with track five, we have "Chasing The Night". Sounding like another radio hit, this track is filled with synth-keys and pulsing rhythms that make you want to get up and dance. It's exactly what I like to call feel good music. Continuing to be inspired by the 80's, Axel writes about how he's going to keep doing what he's been doing until he gets what he wants out of life - whether you like it or not! Nothing is going to stop him or bring him down from accomplishing what he wants to. This Feeling Released as the latest single after the album release, we slow things down again with "This Feeling". This track is a stunning piano ballad that relates to those vulnerable feelings of being scared to get too close to someone which we heard in "Wash It Away". However, even though there's fear, there's also no denying the good feelings this person brings him. "This Feeling" features beautiful harmonies and soaring vocals. There's guitar ringing in the distance which adds to the ambience of the soundscape. The poetic lyrics are the icing on the cake for just how incredibly well done this song is. When The Sun Goes Down "When The Sun Goes Down" was released as the leading single for this album several months ago, with the music video giving hints to the album's aesthetic. It's an uplifting song about not only accepting that life is going to have it's obstacles, but that you're strong enough to face those obstacles. No matter what you go through, at the end of the day you still make it home. Asymmetry "Asymmetry" is one of the most emotional points on the album. This song features soft, falsetto vocals and heart-stabbing lyrics And although he never actually says the word Asymmetry, the lyrics explore the idea of trying to make a relationship work out, even thought it's obvious that you don't conventionally fit together in the most perfect way. This stripped-down piano ballad puts Axel's beautiful voice at the forefront as he gently sings the most vulnerable and honest lyrics I've yet to hear from him. Honesty "Honesty", to me, feels like a "talking to yourself" type of song. I'm feeling those themes of being afraid to fall in love coming back in. You're so afraid of letting go or messing up, that instead you choose to be alone. You can't even be honest with yourself about why you are this way. Of course this is just my interpretation, and I'm sure there are many ways it could be understood! Keeping those dreamy, hazy 80's vibes going, "Honesty" is a great track to transition us into the ending of the album. Away From This Dream Closing out the the album, we have the title track, "Away From This Dream". This song was so beautifully done and has a melody that flows so flawlessly. When the second hook hits, it builds into a climax that just takes your breath away. I really love how Axel chose to end the album with this song. The mood and vibe is perfect to conclude all the emotions and stories that we experienced throughout the project. The song fades out with echoing vocals repeating the catchy hook and you feel like you're being transported back in time to the closing number at an 80's concert. "Away From This Dream" by Axel Flóvent is one of the best indie projects of this year so far, and I really mean that. Axel is a melody expert and creates radio hits that are crafted and designed to get stuck in your head. Axel admits that he would listen to 80's hits radio on his way to the studio while recording this album, and you can really hear that influence within the soundscape of each song. There's such a dreamy, nostalgic feel to every track that makes you feel like you're floating on a cloud. The style is very reminiscent of Harry Styles, so if you're a fan of Harry, I can promise you'll be a fan of Axel. Axel mixes influences of pop, rock, folk and classic styles to create this universe of soundscapes that just about anybody in this world could love. If you loved this album as much as I did, make sure to follow Axel below to keep up with his musical journey and to see his tour schedule! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW AXEL: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Emes' artistic prowess reveals itself once again in the mosaic of rhythm and prose that is "On The Night," a single that exemplifies his visionary ability to transform life's highlight reel into music. Set for release on June 8th, 2024, the track is a testament to Emes' knack for capturing those profound, fleeting instances that capture our youth and vitality. Through his intricate storytelling and a transcendental mix of electronic, pop, and soul influences, Emes delivers an exhilarating experience designed to transport listeners back to their most memorable evenings, the ones so vibrant and lively they could ignite the night sky. Crafted with a pulsating heartbeat of a beat and an immersive melody that draws one in from the first note, "On The Night" is both an ode to uncontained joy and a celebration of the moments that leave their indelible mark upon our timelines. It is more than mere music; it’s a medium through which Emes conveys the essence of nights woven with euphoria and nostalgia. The profound lyricism interwoven in the track does not merely recount these memories, it intensifies them, enabling the listener to feel the rush, the heat of the crowd, and the sense of abandon that can only be experienced under the enchantment of life's grand evenings. The intricate layering of synths with the warm, soulful tones of organic instrumentation in "On The Night" establishes Emes not only as a craftsman of melodies but also a sculptor of atmospheres, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the collective consciousness of nights that resonate with significance in our stories. Emes stands as an architect of the aural realm, constructing songs that double as vessels for transporting his listeners to a time and space where every second is saturated with meaning. In his exploration of universal themes, Emes challenges the boundaries of conventional songwriting, proving that the tapestry of human emotion can be painted in sonic colors as well. Emes' continued exploration into the synesthetic potentials of music solidifies his status as a burgeoning maestro in the contemporary scene. With "On The Night," he once again beckons us to dive into the depths of our own recollections, to relive, re-love, and rediscover the euphoria of nights that define us — all the while creating a new memory, a new moment, nestled within the harmonious folds of this enthralling track. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW EMES: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | X *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Just in time for Pride celebrations, Sunflower Kid brings us a beautiful heartfelt single about how it feels to find your place in the world as someone in the LGBTQ community. "How Do I Be Gay??" is a sincere reflection on growing up gay and learning to navigate a society that isn't always the most accepting. Sunflower Kid touches on his struggles and insecurities with others always wanting him to change or act a certain way. Ultimately, he chooses to embrace who he is, an important message to younger LGBTQ listeners who might still be discovering who they are. It can be difficult to feel like we fit in with no role models, but with songs like this, listeners can feel like they have someone by their side. Listen to "How Do I Be Gay??" on Spotify!! "How Do I Be Gay??" is a master class on how sometimes less is more in production. From beginning to end, this track is honest and real. It's warm, earnest, and inviting. With heavy emphasis on the acoustic guitar and vocals, we can hear Sunflower Kid's story loud and clear. His brilliant lyrics flow effortlessly across the simple instrumental. Guitar, piano, vocals, and some soft percussion. It's left bright and open so we can hear the words above anything else. It's vulnerable, but it's also confident. Sunflower Kid is unabashedly himself here, and that tenacity shines above his insecurities, showing that he owns the past as a part of who he is. It's a gorgeous song with an important message and I highly recommend checking it out for yourself. Sunflower Kid is a Southern California native who grew up performing around the Los Angeles area. Influenced by artists like Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse, and Adele, artists who weren't afraid to show their vulnerability through music, Sunflower Kid debuted in 2023 with his first release, "Depression Sex". Since then he has garnered over 250,000 streams and 30,000 regular listeners. Sunflower Kid describes his music as translations of his experiences into lyrics. Having felt the ups and downs of love, loss, and all the other trials of life, he channels his energy into powerful stories that his listeners can really resonate with. If you haven't heard it yet, "How Do I Be Gay??" is a beautiful song that truly tugs at our heartstrings during pride month. Make sure to check it out and remember, you are never alone. Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW SUNFLOWER KID: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Twitter *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Singer-songwriter Ainsley Costello's newest single, "People Pleaser," is a rock anthem of self-empowerment. Described by the artist as the musical equivalent of "leaving a cathartic therapy session and coasting down the PCH soaking up the sunshine with the top down," the track is bound to inspire all who listen. "People Pleaser" is about knowing what you want and not settling for anything less. The title is a clever subversion of the titular phrase; rather than pleasing other people, Ainsley sings, "so if you're gonna be with me, please me." The lyrics, combined with the irresistibly catchy pop-rock instrumental, make for the perfect summer feel-good song. It is fun and dancy, yet also meaningful and strong. With the powerful message of self-love, "People Pleaser" is the confidence booster we all need right now. Written by Ainsley alongside renowned producer Christian Harger and Fight the Quiet's Nathan Dohse, "People Pleaser" is a perfect fusion of pop and rock. The acoustic guitars are blaring and the drums sound massive. The song is an infectious listen. Ainsley's performance exudes attitude and confidence, and the melodies she belts are the definition of an earworm. The catchiness of "People Pleaser" allows the track's lyricism to shine. Every line feels like a mantra to the listener; "I know how to make you stay, but I'm not going back in the wrong direction. Ditching myself for a missed connection." They are lyrics to sing to yourself when you need a reminder never to let anyone walk all over you. "People Pleaser" is the lead single to Ainsley's upcoming debut album EXLESS, but the singer is not new to the music scene. At only 14, the singer was the youngest artist endorsed by Breedlove Guitars, and her career only grew from there. The 20-year-old Nashville native released her first official single, "Self Conscious," in 2019 and has since released 19 more. As a Burklee graduate in the music business, Ainsley has a strong grasp of the modern music landscape. Tracks like "Little Sister" and "Cherry on Top" have received over 70,000 Spotify downloads, and the singer-songwriter has amassed over 300,000 streams overall. Citing artists like Haley Williams and Taylor Swift as musical inspirations, Ainsley's music centers on themes of women's empowerment and feminist ideals. You can listen to "People Pleaser" along with the rest of Ainsley Costello's discography, on all streaming services now. And be sure to look out for EXLESS on September 6, later this year. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW AINSLEY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Rock Bottom” is the glimmer of hope we keep on reserve, especially when dealing with trying times. It’s a gentle reminder that “You can only go up from here.” A reminder that one can rest assured in having been through the worst of the worst already and knowing what that looks like. On my first listen to this gem, I noted that it is rather sad, but also empowering it shows us that there can be beauty in pain. It solidifies the fact that growth is painful, but necessary. From the first strum of the guitar, the listener should definitely prepare themselves to either a) cry , b) make a sad face/remember sad times or, at the very least, c) let oneself remember a painful time in your life. ROSIE recounts pondering the world’s view of her - “Everyone says I seem so happy.” But, contrasts that with the truth of the situation. “No one saw the quiet tears.” There is the saying that the happiest people hide the greatest pains. Although ROSIE appears to have mastered the art of masking, she can be truthful within and to herself. She knows the struggles that she has faced, what she has worked to overcome. “I take a bad day and call it a blessing.” It takes a certain kind of strength to be able to take a bad day and call it a blessing. When one thinks of a blessing, it certainly doesn’t involve a bad day. But, ROSIE issues a gentle reminder that sometimes you gotta roll with the punches and be grateful for it all. “I’ve seen the worst nights and never forgot ‘em.” While it does feel amazing to come out of a hard time, it is difficult to forget that time. As the old adage goes, it’s the bad/hard times that make the good/easier times better. Without pain, one cannot appreciate joy. ROSIE has realized this fact and brought it to life in this beautiful reminder to never lose hope and practice optimism at every given chance. ROSIE’s soft demeanor to her voice drives home the point of contentment and the slightly louder singing in the chorus is the fight being revived inside her. Speaking about the process of creating “Rock Bottom”, ROSIE stated ““‘Rock Bottom,’ explains why I am the person I am today. I’ve overcome many hardships over the years, from grieving the loss of a dear friend, to battling anxiety and depression, and this record recounts it all. More than anything, this song is about finding light within the darkness, taking a negative experience and turning it into positivity, or as I say in the song, realizing that ‘nothing looks bad when you’ve seen rock bottom.’” An American singer/songwriter, Rosaileen Scher graces our brains/ears creatively as ROSIE. ROSIE describes her musical stylings and lyricism as “Spreading mental health awareness through music. After much hard work, 24 year-old ROSIE found success through her song “Never the 1” going viral on TIkTok. Rosie’s social media presence includes a multitude of followers across the world wide web, with the count growing by the second. ROSIE has been releasing music since becoming a viral sensation in 2020. You can catch ROSIE on tour next month starting in Georgia. If ROSIE’s single “Rock Bottom” speaks to you and you wish to hear more from her, follow her on all socials below and keep up with her as she cements her name in the world! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW ROSIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | Facebook   | YouTube

British Electro-pop star Erin Bloomer has just released her first single of the year with “Limits" (feat. Birdee 王煒). This track covers a lot of bases, from learning about others' intentions to less than ideal relationship epiphanies. Erin had this to say about the content within the song, “We’re keeping it fun and upbeat, but if someone’s taking advantage of you, it’s all about sticking to your boundaries and setting limits. Stay strong, be resilient, and always believe in yourself.” Yeah, she means business. With co-written lyrics such as, “Woman’s intuition tells me that you’re bad news,” and “Picking up the pattern I’m no longer confused” the track heavily focuses on someone who has gained clarity or understanding in a current or former relationship. The emotional depth of “Limits” is a complete contrast to its exciting pulsating dance beat, so not only will you be able to relate to this song, but you’ll be dancing to it as well! If I had to pin down the mood of this song, it would be electrifying. The fast tempo of “Limits” makes it an excellent (and easy) choice to dance to. The track’s upbeat, EDM style beat paired with its gut-punching lyrics will definitely get your heart rate up, and if you don’t believe me, take a listen for yourself. Both Erin and Birdee’s vocals sound powerful yet simultaneously intimate. I believe this juxtaposition of qualities is one of the most unique and compelling features of the collaboration. Production-wise, the texture of their voices enhances the melodic qualities of the track; it’s almost as if their vocals begin to blend with the musical instruments. Collectively, “Limits” is immersive and memorable; and it’s destined to be a summer dance hit. Erin Bloomer makes a triumphant return with her latest single entitled, “Limits,” now available everywhere! Hailing from the UK, Erin is a breakout talent who has earned a name for herself through social media and breathtaking live performances. Her 2021 candid breakup anthem, “F U & F Her Too” went viral on Tiktok (where she has now accumulated nearly 70k followers).  Speaking of large audiences, Erin also boasts over 181k monthly listeners on Spotify, thanks to her catchy music and ability to resonate with people all around the globe. Erin’s vibrant energy shines more than ever through this electro-pop dance track. This song also features rising Australian indie-pop star Birdee 王煒 who wrote and sang the second verse of “Limits.” Birdee 王煒 is known for her high energy performances and unique stage presence in addition to some of her biggest hits, “See You, See Me” and “Faded Friends.” If you adore “Limits” and can’t wait to hear more from Erin Bloomer and Birdee 王煒, make sure to follow them on all social media listed below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW ERIN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube FOLLOW BIRDEE 王煒: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

If you’ve ever been called a “freak” in the past, then you understand how difficult it can be to allow yourself to be vulnerable in your relationships. To be your authentic self means to take a necessary risk because it is important to feel pride in your uniqueness. The latest release by artist Stillyoung, “Freak Like Me,” delves into that feeling of being completely open with another person, but also emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and embracing what makes you a “freak”. The song itself is a fun indie pop anthem with bright guitars that deliver a perfect summer’s day. “Freak Like Me” is a song that is necessary because it influences the need to be real and vulnerable in our relationships in order to grow into the person that we were meant to be. “Freak Like Me” is driven by such a pure pop sound that uplifts you the way the intent of the song’s story does. However, there is still a feeling of mellowness that comes in the form of the gentle and smooth vocal performance. One of the most important aspects of this is the themes of trust and trusting one another through the good and bad parts of each other, It’s about managing the difficulties and putting faith and one another. “We’ve got all the time in the world if you choose to trust a freak like me” presents this idea directly, as it expresses how no matter one’s quirks, these relationships can thrive if you choose to wholly trust each other. Overall, “Freak Like Me” is completely infection the way the tune sticks in your head and there’s so much fun to be had with it. Stillyoung is an artist from California and “Freak Like Me” is the first release and it perfectly gives us a presentation of what’s to come for Stillyoung. This music project marks a new chapter for founding member Jeff Wright as he has been open about working on himself to reach a better place in his life. As clearly presented by “Freak Like Me,” Stillyoung has a level of authenticity that can often be overwhelming, but still very necessary. What Stillyoung has done is create a safe and introspective space to help listeners understand themselves better and feel safe enough to be themselves. Stillyoung plans to perform shows in California in September and plans to release more music soon, so keep your eyes open as to where Stillyoung goes next. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW STILLYOUNG: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

ALEJ’s latest release “Electric Heaven” is a chill piano summer pop/house song that smoothly transports listeners into a world of euphoria and escapism. The song explores the emotional journey of someone seeking a fun escape amidst the pain of a breakup. ALEJ paints a vivid picture of struggling with a broken heart, turning to drinking and smoking as temporary relief. “Electric Heaven” touches on themes of desperation and finding brief moments of happiness. ALEJ captures the power dynamic of the fallen relationship, portraying himself as helpless while his former partner holds control. This dilemma sets the tone for ALEJ to consider returning to his ex for one night, finding satisfaction in the fading joy of “Electric Heaven.” If you have experienced a recent breakup and are craving a night of fun and distraction, this song will resonate deeply and become your summer anthem. Musically, “'Electric Heaven” is a dynamic blend of pop and house genres. The dreamy piano chord progressions evoke a sound reminiscent of Calvin Harris' production on his 2012 album “18 Months”, making it an ideal soundtrack for summer night drives. Solid drum patterns provide a strong, consistent foundation, enhancing the seamless transitions from verses to chorus that elevate the listening experience. The production complements ALEJ's vocals superbly, allowing his atmospheric voice to shine throughout the song. ALEJ demonstrates his skill in merging introspective lyrics with catchy melodies. Despite its straightforward structure, the song's high-quality production and ALEJ's luminous vocals create an irresistible attraction perfect for those craving a memorable summer night out. ALEJ is an American pop artist that hails from Miami, Florida. He discovered his passion for music at an early age which has since been nurtured by strong family support. Introduced to music production through GarageBand by his sister, ALEJ began recording and uploading songs on Soundcloud, marking the start of his musical journey. His debut single, "Too Famous for Me," released in November 2020, highlighted his musical talent and quickly garnered attention from radio stations and blogs in the U.S. and Europe, accumulating thousands of streams. Collaborating frequently with London producer Andrei Sora, ALEJ has since released notable singles like "Phantom" and "Aries Seasons." These tracks, alongside others, culminated in his five-track EP, "Aries Season," in 2021, followed by his expansive ten-track album, "Luxe," in 2022. ALEJ's consistent output and musical evolution features his potential as a promising pop artist. Make sure to follow him on all socials to stay up to date with his musical journey. Written By Major Taylor FOLLOW ALEJ: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook  | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

I love a good sad song that puts me in my feels and makes me reflect on things. And I have to say, Caleb Hearn’s latest single may just be a new favorite! “If It Wasn’t for You” is an impactful, slow, and emotional song where Hearn reflects on a past relationship and how its end still impacts him. He said that writing this song was a way to reflect on this past relationship and let himself finally move on. Hearn says a big influence for this song was Lizzie McAlpine’s song, “ceilings”. I can definitely connect a few similarities between the two, but Hearn was still able to make this song completely its own thing. And I think what he has created is genius. Upon my first listen to this song, I could sense a lot of similarities in style and tone between Hearn and Alexander Stewart ! I think Stewart’s “if you only knew” is a great example of this. I felt like I really connected with this song, more on a platonic level, and the friendships that have come and gone in my life. I think Hearn has an achingly soft voice, it kept pulling me deeper and deeper into the song. You can sense a lot of vulnerability in his voice, which makes sense given the meaning behind the song. These are things he never got to say to his ex, and now he’s spilling out his emotions on the page. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful. Caleb Hearn is a 23-year-old singer and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. Hearn loves to write songs that make you reflect, and in doing so, he has earned himself over 1.5 million followers on TikTok. And on Spotify, those numbers just keep growing. To date, Hearn has reached an impressive 3.5 million monthly streams. If you haven’t had the pleasure of giving his music a listen thus far, I highly recommend his songs “It’s Always Been You” and “Damage”. This year, Hearn is set to release his EP, We’re Getting Older, and I couldn’t be more excited. I highly recommend everyone go listen to his music, and go stream “If It Wasn’t for You” everywhere, now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW CALEB HEARN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Teasing her latest project, Goldie Boutilier has delivered the first single from her upcoming EP with "The Actress." The EP shares its name with this titular track, being set to come out later this year. Speaking to the inspiration of her recent release, Goldie reveals, "This song is my triumphant return. I’ve grown, conquered my demons, and now stand confident. It’s a sassy statement to men and anyone who believes they hold control over me. I used to claim I was a great actress due to a life spent pretending. Now, I am in the driver’s seat. I am The Actress, and everyone is an extra in my movie." Soft and mysterious, Goldie gives a mystifying performance in "The Actress." The captivating, melancholic track features darker melodies, suspenseful instrumentals, and seductive vocals, coming together to create a compelling alt-pop soundscape. Giving a feeling of timelessness, "The Actress" seems to draw inspiration from '70s and '80s pop-rock, having a hint of influence from acts like Blondie and the Eurythmics. Goldie's wispy, intoxicating voice adds another layer to the nostalgic ambiguity, sounding somewhere between Debbie Harry and Lana Del Rey. Charting her path as a musician from a young age, Goldie Boutilier began performing at the age of five, citing Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette as her early influences. She was signed to her first record label, Interscope Records, at the age of 21, later bouncing between different labels and aliases until returning to her Nova Scotian, hometown roots. From there, Goldie re-established herself as an alt-country star, leaning into the 1950's and '60s Americana image. She began achieving much success as an independent artist, garnering over 11 million streams on various platforms and catching attention from the likes of Elton John and Zane Lowe. Promising to be her best release yet, Goldie's upcoming EP, The Actress, gives an authentic look into the artist's life. Her writing process has sent her on a journey of self-discovery, leaning into aspects like integrity, purity, vulnerability, and a healing return to herself. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW GOLDIE BOUTILIER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Love Of My Life” is Bellah Mae’s latest release.  The song focuses on the reflection of  a relationship post- breakup.  More specifically, a third party reflection.  It is one thing to mourn the relationship known from one’s own perspective, but when a breakup occurs and it’s seen from the outside, the point of view and facts of the relationship change astronomically.  Of course, she does reflect largely on her own emotions, being heartbroken and overwhelmed.  But, there’s a piece of the song that offers something new, the idea that this wasn’t the lifelong fairytale she saw it as.  “Love Of My Life” is an expression of what happens when only one person in a relationship sees the other as their soulmate. The song begins with the first reckoning of this realization, the breakup itself.  Bellah Mae has a voice perfect for pop, low and emotional but more than capable of reaching iconically upbeat choruses.  The lyrics are delivered mostly in a storytelling format, but Mae does something different.  She actually speaks to the listener one on one, breaking the fourth wall in grainy commentary that pairs the primary vocalism.  Her biggest play on perspective though, it being the most notable theme of the piece, comes in with the chorus.  This segment offers first her former partner’s perspective stating “It’s not like you're the love of my life” immediately followed by a complete reversal of this, singing now from her perspective “You're the love of my life”. Bellah Mae got an early start to her music career.  She grew up with a family that was completely entrenched in music, with a grandfather who played in a band and a father who adored it.  She’s been playing guitar and writing songs since she was a child and has held both skills close to her heart.  Her songs come from a largely personal place as well.  Her first hit, “Boyfriend of the Year”, was exceptionally vulnerable and garnered an audience on social media first because of it.  Every song she writes, she writes truthfully and intimately, she’s never even carried an unsentimental guitar- keeping the same named one for years.  Find more of these hard hitting heartbreak songs below and follow Bellah Mae for more information. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW BELLAH MAE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Erica Manzoli has just released her second single of 2024, “Bunny”! The heartfelt track’s title references the pet name Erica and her boyfriend call each other. She describes all the nuisances of her relationship she enjoys; her nicknames, the playlists he’s made her, the songs he sings out of tune to her, and all of the sweet words he shares. But, she tells him “don’t you go waste your breath” because she only needs to hear one thing to make everything okay: bunny. In the second version, she admits that they fight and argue sometimes, but  “there’s one word that always pacifies.” Erica shared on her Instagram that “Bunny” is the first love song she’s ever released, and it’s definitely a powerful debut. “Bunny” is a synth lover's wonderland. This song, which is her exit out of her sad girl era, features layers upon layers of beautiful synths that create this unique soundscape. Her vocals immediately stand out to me: they are crisp yet a bit raspy, but it is so comforting. However, my most favorite part of the song are the background vocals. They are light, airy, and are so angelic. The drum beat drives the song, and is that classic drum beat that you hear in a lot of love songs in 6/8 time. In general, this song perfectly aligns with the sentimental lyrics Erica wrote. And in my opinion, there is no better description of this song than a long, warm hug. Erica Manzoli is a 22 year old singer, songwriter, and musician from South East London. She attended the prestigious BRIT School, a performing and creative arts school in England. After graduating from BRIT, she began playing piano, writing songs, and traveling across Europe to collaborate with various musicians. Once the pandemic hit, she looked inward and rebuilt the way she wrote songs, composing each note and lyric with purpose. Her debut EP, “I’m Okay, I Promise”, was released in 2022, gained much attention and landed her on Spotify and Apple Music playlists such as New Music Friday, New Music Daily, Fresh Finds, New Pop, In My Room, and Life Sucks. The same year, Erica provided backing vocals to Cian DuCrot's smash hit, “I’ll Be Waiting”, which currently boasts 185 million streams on Spotify alone. Erica has also been dipping her toes into live performance, selling out her debut London headline show. It’s clear that Erica’s singing and songwriting talents will continue to impress audiences for many years to come. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW ERICA MANZOLI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube