Have you ever fallen in love with a guy who ended up being a complete mess in all aspects of their life? One of my friends fell for a guy and they ended up moving in together. Once the guards were let down, things got rocky and emotions got confusing. She quickly realized that he was just as messy with her heart as he was in the apartment they shared. Kal’s newest single “Boys R Messy” captures stories like that to a tee. Her vocals and lyrics reminded me a lot of Gracie Abrams. She brings an edgy vibe in this track with drums and guitar that compliment the irritation she feels in the lyrics. I love how Kal used boys being messy in two different ways. She uses the verses to describe them being messy in a literal sense, mentioning dirty dishes, forgotten clothes in the washer, expired juice in the fridge, etc. In the chorus, Kal takes it to a new level explaining how boys are just as messy when they have someones heart. She says “Boys will be boys and that’s the problem.” That line had me screaming at the top of my lungs each listen! The use of boy instead of man expressed how this person hasn’t grown up yet. “One day you’ll grow up and not make a mess of a good thing when it comes your way.” Kal is a singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Her hard work led her to sign with Rose and Thorn Records. “Boys R Messy” is an absolute anthem that everyone needs to hear. There was so much creativity put into this song. She has other releases for you to check out if you loved “Boys R Messy.” Kal released her first single ‘Weak’ in 2021, followed by her last single “Keep You Up’ in 2022. I know she will continue to have exciting projects in store for her listeners. Check out the links below to support her and her future as a musician. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW KAL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Within the burgeoning landscape of emerging artists, the Ninth Empire, an enigmatic solo entity, captures the resonant tones of heartache and the anticipation of healing in their latest track "Summer," featuring upcoming pop sensation Divinova. "Summer" narrates the tale of longing for the metaphorical and literal warmth that the season brings, paralleling the aching desire to emerge from the chill of a complicated romance into the promise of rejuvenation and light. The track deftly stitches the hope that accompanies the dissolution of past entanglements with an outlook for fresh beginnings. With this song, the Ninth Empire weaves a compelling story of personal evolution, drawing a vivid connection between the natural shedding of the old and the embrace of brighter days, both in climate and in spirit. The sonic identity of "Summer" is as much an evolution as its subject matter, a fusion of genres that finds a cohesive home in the Ninth Empire's production. Recorded and finalized in a home studio, the track resonates with the intimate touch of an artist who serves as both creator and curator of their sound. With pop-punk roots and a hip hop flair, the song delivers an upbeat tempo that belies the depth of its lyrics, providing an optimistic backdrop to the pacing of stirring vocals and an indelible hook. It's in the detailed layering of instruments and textures—where punk rock's edgy bass meets the infectious rhythm of pop—that "Summer" finds its unique charm, hitting a special note for listeners navigating their way toward personal catharsis. Lifting off with an impressive early following, the Ninth Empire marks "Summer" as the sixth single in a rapid but significant journey that only began in February of this year. Already amassing over 100k streams and hitting number one on the Hyppedit Punk Top 100 chart, the Ninth Empire stands out not only for their musical offerings but their philosophical musings on the creative process: "Angels take life lightly, and that's why their wings are wider." With a story of origin that humbly began with a karaoke bar encounter and now unfolds across the music world, the Ninth Empire and "Summer" deliver a soundtrack ripe for reinvention and introspection, resonating with anyone eager to turn their back on the cold, and face the sun-filled promise of what's to come. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW THE NINTH EMPIRE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Photo credits: Kate Hoos “Penguin Wings” by Nihiloceros simply proves how old-school punk music can always live in the hearts of those who have a passion for the genre. “Penguin Wings” is a great way to open their brand-new EP “Dark Ice Balloons” and introduce listeners to the themes of the complexity of life and death that Nihiloceros have chosen to explore. There’s a clear ode to 90s punk music that’s reminiscing of artists like No Use for a Name that reminds fans why they fell in love with the genre in the first place. It’s exciting to see how modern artists are using their talents to keep this style alive at a time when these classic sounds tend to be overlooked. That opening guitar riff screams and serves as an instant attention grabber, playing the role of the opening line of the tale of “Dark Ice Balloons”. The world-building of “Penguin Wings” is uplifted by the punk guitar tones and the talent of the percussion elements. Because the track is somewhat short, the pace of the song works really well, and as mentioned previously, perfectly opens up the EP. The chorus sticks in your head and drags you up to your feet to start moving. What Nihiloceros have done is they have created a great balance with heavy instrumentals that don’t dilute the pop elements that come through in the form of the melody in “Penguin Wings”. Nihiloceros have excelled with this track and they’re definitely working hard to keep this style of music alive through their talent. Nihiloceros is a band from Brooklyn, New York that consists of guitarist and vocalist, Mike Borchardt, bassist and vocalist Alex Hoffman, and drummer Glenn Gentzke. The band prides itself on maintaining heavy music while still infusing pop elements to create a loud and spunky sound. With “Dark Ice Balloons” the band is truly working hard to bring the concept to life and maneuver themes of life and death. The band tends to tackle heavy subjects like they did with “Self Destroy” released in 2021, and it’s these conversations they have with their music that make them so interesting. “Penguin Wings” is a powerful opening track to “Dark Ice Balloons” and Nihiloceros is a band you certainly won’t forget once you listen. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW NIHILOCEROS: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Katanak came through with an instant summertime banger with his latest track, Honeycomb and Hurricane. Lines like "I'm drenched in sunshine and good times" make it easy for listeners auditorily feel the warmth of summer as Katanak swoons them with his electrifying vocals. This single is an injection of pure fun and deserves to be played on repeat next time you drive with the windows down – seriously, try blasting "Tastes like honeycomb and hurricanes" through your car speakers during your next summer cruise without smiling (impossible!). Honeycomb and Hurricane is a song that is easy to love and even easier to get stuck in your head, especially when "vibes are in the air". Honeycomb and Hurricane is a pure, refined indie pop single highlighted by its strong focus placed on Katanak's shining vocals. There can be heard elements of pop and EDM blended together to make a fresh summer sound for listeners. It has catchy synth leads, acoustic guitar strumming, and clean drums. The production uses sampling to craft the sound, which is most prominent in the track's intro. Its up-tempo and energetic just in time for summer and is littered with a ton of exciting transitional production like bass drops and risers. All said, Honeycomb and Hurricane is artfully smooth from start to finish – Bravo, Katanak. Australian indie pop artist Dylan Cattanach, aka Katanak, is known for rocking shows across the Southern Hemisphere with his intoxicatingly fun brand of music. 2023 saw him embark on his second tour of Queensland, where he conquered both the Cairns and Rockhampton River Festival. Katanak has gotten significant love already on some major radio stations like Triple J Unearthed, ABC Radio, and Amazing Radio – garnering him praise from the likes of Music is My Muse, Happy Mag, LivewireAU, and Good Call Live. 2024 is primed for the release of his latest EP, along with a spot in this year's Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival lineup. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW KATANAK: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Pop sensation Rita Ora just released her newest single, "Ask And You Shall Receive." The summer anthem was written in collaboration with Raye, who she toured with previously, and produced by German. Best known for tracks like "Black Widow" with Iggy Azalea and "Lonely Together" by Avicii, you have probably danced around to an Ora song as it blared through your car radio speakers. If not, "Ask And You Shall Receive" is an amazing introduction to Ora's exciting dance pop sound. Make sure to go onto your favorite streaming platform and listen to this energetic summer song. "Ask And You Shall Receive" is a carpe diem spirited track about seizing the moment romantically. The soundscape is upbeat and feels like the summer season. Ora sings about falling for a guy and being willing to do anything for them. She expresses this sentiment with lines like "Baby, what you want from me / Ask and you shall receive, oh-oh" and "Before I talk to you, I rehearse it / I can’t fuck this up, it ain’t worth it, oh.” If you’re looking for a fun electro pop track to blast around in your car with the windows down or dance around to at the beach, look no further than “Ask And You Shall Receive.” Rita Ora is a London pop singer that has reached wide acclaim. In the UK, she has had thirteen top 10 singles and four number one singles. She was also among the first to win a BRIT Billion award for receiving over one billion streams in the UK. With bright vocals and a fun pop sound, it is no wonder that her career has been so successful so far. If you enjoyed "Ask And You Shall Receive," make sure to dive into the rest of Ora's multi-platinum discography. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Rita Ora and her music by following the social media links below. I cannot wait to listen to what she releases next! Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW RITA ORA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook

Singer, songwriter, and actor Madeline Rhodes just released her newest single, "Pep Talk," a pop song that is as catchy as it is thoughtful. "Pep Talk" recounts an experience that is all too relatable: being our worst inner critic. Within the song, Madeline uses vocal layering and volume adjusting to portray this inner monologue clashing with herself. The verses, slightly quieter, are filled with scathing negative self-talk like "I'm mediocre at my best / I'm insecure / I'm full of shit," before the chorus "get out of my head / I'm supposed to be / My own best friend" blasts in. It is masterful musical storytelling that tells an important message. For those struggling with low self-esteem or mental health-related issues that make them feel less than, "Pep Talk" is a reminder that they are not alone. The track, a third single for her highly anticipated upcoming EP "The Brothel," is bound to resonate with listeners everywhere. "Pep Talk" contrasts the dark and introspective lyrics with an instrumental that is undeniable. Working with New York City producer Certain Self and engineer Zeno Pittarelli, the song is an up-tempo acoustic guitar-heavy banger. It's a blend of anthemic pop and 2000s R&B. What really shines through, however, is Madeline. As an established actor, Madeline knows how to put on a performance within the song. When she sings as her own inner critic, Madeline puts on such attitude before belting the chorus: "You call this a pep talk? / Well shut up I've had enough" so emphatically and filled with passion it is impossible not to want to sing along. With "Pep Talk," Madeline Rhodes once more proves her skills in writing pop hits that dig into emotionally resounding human ideas. Madeline Rhodes has released music since 2018, originally under the stage name MuMu. As MuMu, Madeline debuted one of her most popular and acclaimed songs, “Free the Nip,” a feminist anthem about women’s autonomy over their bodies. Though her music is now released under her birth name, Madeline’s artistic goal remains the same: creating art that spreads a message and empowers listeners. Lyrical themes of mental and emotional health are common within her work. Madeline has performed at various Pride events and opened for similarly socially active artists like Todrick Hall or Pussy Riot. In 2020, the singer-songwriter wrote music for and started in the film Best Summer Ever, earning her mass critical acclaim. Media outlets like The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and even the hit Netflix series Big Mouth have all featured Madeline for her acting and musical achievements. Madeline Rhodes’ discography, including “Pep Talk,” is available on all streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW MADELEINE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Sonic Boom" is Ryan McCormick’s latest release, a single expressing the need to not be such. The song focuses on a specific relationship, recalling its early days which inherently created the later ones. Immediate love is exactly what it sounds like, the second he saw this person it was felt. The concept of soulmates and love at first sight is often lost in modern pop love songs, McCormick brings it back and integrates it into the modern genre. The excitement, fear, and complete obsession that comes from finding an instant connection is perfectly expressed in "Sonic Boom". The song begins with a distant, upbeat guitar, sounding like a movie soundtrack- which is fitting for the story of something so many label as fantastical. McCormick manages to make the instrumentals heavier and more acoustic oriented, yet, sound entirely more pop by the moment. His voice works the same, perfectly suited to his genre. The vocals are introduced in the form of the beginning of his story, chronological recording the first moment he laid eyes on the one he sings to, a necessary start to a tale so quick. It's passionate and recognizable, allowing for an emotional relatability to be determined not only in his lyrics, but at the very core of his voice. His voice is used later as an instrument, and as a piece to emphasize such, his composition as a whole and attention to detail allows the song to be as monumental as it feels on a fundamental level.  That relatability, found so intimately in “Sonic Boom”, is the face of Ryan’s motivation as a songwriter. He’s incredibly audience based, focusing on his connection to them first. His closeness with the friends and family, particularly his mother, which he writes his songs for is an admirable use of such talent. “Sonic Boom” is his only recorded release so far, but it has already acquired over 4k streams on Spotify and is gaining attention every minute it's been released. And it has certainly earned such attention, Mccormick began writing songs such as this two years ago, simply exploring his skill in his bedroom- not with intent but with imagination of what it could become. Ryan McCormick is a voracious traveler, finding such explorations in his career as a pilot, but his songs seem to travel much farther and are soon to garner world wide notice. Follow him below and stream “Sonic Boom” now. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW RYAN MCCORMICK: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | YouTube

David Alro’s song “This Kinda Hurt” is about the isolation that comes from keeping your emotions locked inside. Its lyrics bring to light the way keeping your feelings to yourself can be debilitating. The heart-wrenching reality is that when you’re a kid told to “get a grip” and never show emotion, there’s a lasting trauma that makes life heavy. From the very first verse, the words profess loneliness, saying “tried to call my momma yesterday and forgot, ain’t no way she picking up”. Delving into unhealthy coping mechanisms, the narrator reveals an intense image to demonstrate his struggle: “I dance with the devil on the edge.” The chorus, ending with the words “I’m broken”, is a confessional message of pain. It bares the weight of emotions that have been held onto for too long. The second verse exhibits some of the brutal messages that doomed the narrator’s emotional vulnerability. A glimmer of hope comes ends the bridge with a high note in both lyrics and melody, with the words “I know that I’ll make it through”. This language of perseverance delivers comfort and hope to all the listeners who can relate to this pain. “This Kinda Hurt” has soulful piano with a simple chord progression that solemnity of the song and allows the vocals to shine. David’s voice is deep, profound, and passionate. His melismatic expression emphasizes the emotion of the song, cascading through words. The verses begin with a rapid and rhythmic melody, before slowing down and giving way to a beautiful display of vocals. There’s a gentle sound of vocalizing before the lyrics sound as the song begins, and as it ends during the final chorus. It is a powerful exhibit of the singer’s voice in a song about the struggles of not being able to communicate. David Arlo is an artist from London with Nigerian heritage, who began his music journey when he was 18. He released his first single “Settle” in 2018, and continues to write powerful songs. His songs dive into important themes of mental health and personal experiences, creating truly influential messages through music. Mick Jenkins, an American Rapper, featured on his song "Changing" in 2019. He collaborates with other artists on music, including Boots and Marcus Semaj. David's bold and resonant voice and strong ideas shine through in all his songs. You can follow his music on Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, Facebook, and Youtube. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW DAVID ARLO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | Facebook  | YouTube

Emme’s third single off of her upcoming album, “Lovely,” is here! This song is such a pop anthem for all the people pleasers in the world. She dives into her difficulties with finding her authentic self, wrestling with her insecurities and self-image. At the beginning of the track, she tells listeners she’s been hiding her true cards,” just changing [her] sound or [her] looks or [her] face” until she can make someone stay. She believes that somewhere along her timeline, she got twisted into believing “[her] identity lives above [her] bathroom sink.” Emme ends the chorus by sharing this heartbreaking line "And it’s sad but it’s true that the goal of my life/Is that people would meet me/And think I’m lovely.” In the second verse, she dives into the double life she’s living in. On the outside, she’s “out here pretending [she’s] got it all” but goes home to room and falls apart. Emme introduces her struggle with religion, saying she’s the girl at church who won’t swear “but spends Thursday night in her therapist’s chair.” In the gut wrenching bridge, Emme admits she believed “that the state of [her] heart’s only what people see,” and she was forced to put up a pretty wall to protect her heart. Yet, the sadness she holds will always be seen one way or another. Sadly, this is relatable for a lot of people out there, but it is wonderful to be seen in these lyrics. “Lovely,” despite its sad lyrics, the production is generally upbeat.  This pop-rock track is a perfect balance between 80s ballad and 2010s pop anthem. Produced by Emme’s boyfriend, this track features driving piano synths lingering in the back for the entirety of the song and a growing intensity through the use of an electric guitar and drum fills.The crescendo in both the instrumentals and her vocals as the song progresses adds this sense of urgency and despair. The melody is gorgeous, and Emme’s emotions are seeping out so authentically. I can listen to this song over and over again, picking out different instrumental flairs each time. There’s never a moment where the production is minimal, and it beautifully accompanies Emme’s lyrics and vocals. Emily Dakin, professionally known as Emme, is a Canadian singer-songwriter. She is a recent graduate of MacEwan University in Edmonton, Canada with a degree in recording and production. She quickly grew recognition in the Canadian music scene with her intelligent writing, haunting melodies and electro-pop production. She released her debut album, “Avalanche,” in 2022, an entirely self-written and self-produced album. She flexed  her versatility and capability as a songwriter, singer, and a producer. Off that album, tracks such as “Daisies” and “Downhill” hit local radio stations and generated a notable amount of streams, and “Avalanache” became a well-received project. In that same year, she was awarded a MusiCounts scholarship and a mentorship program. She continued her success in 2023, with “Ugly Tears,’ which introduced Emme’s new era. She followed that up with “Growing Pains,” where she flexed her songwriting skills and her ability to look inward and expose her thoughts and feelings. “Lovely” is the third single off of her upcoming sophomore album and it will be so exciting what journey Emme will take listeners on for this release. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW EMME: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

We've all heard of the Midas touch; where everything you touch turns to gold. In Leah Mason's new single, "Midas Touch", she uses the term not quite so literally as the fairytales. Have you ever felt like you're just the girl that comes before every guy goes off and finds "the one"? You fix him up, make him a better man; perfect husband material, just for him to leave you for someone else. You put in all the effort and work just for someone else to get rewarded. Then, you're back to square one - all alone and onto the next man that needs fixing. Leah Mason claims that she has this figurative Midas touch, where she turns men into "gold" so they can leave her and move onto finding the love of their life. This song is tragically stunning in all areas. Leah's lyricism is very Taylor Swift coded, emotional, and poetic in it's nature. She uses so many visuals so that you can step into her shoes and feel exactly what she is feeling. The themes specifically remind me of the song, The Prophecy from The Tortured Poets Department where you're just stuck in this loop and you feel like this is what your life is destined to be - even though it's not what you want. Leah has such a beautiful, soft and angelic voice that soars and glides across the soundscape effortlessly. Sonically, the instrumentation has a modern pop beat but mixes in some indie guitar and the slightest bit of country twang. If you're also a fan of Maisie Peters, Kelsea Ballerini, and/or Kasey Musgraves, I promise you'll not only love this song, but you'll love Leah Mason! Leah Mason is a country-pop singer/songwriter originally from North Carolina who is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. She started her musical journey when she began singing in a rock band at the raw age of eleven! In 2019, she attended Belmont University in Nashville which eventually led her to releasing her debut single in 2021, "Far Boy" which now has millions of streams across all platforms. Just last year in 2023, Leah released her first ever EP, "Honeydew & Hennessy" which gained attention from People Magazine! Leah then made her way to Sweden, where she started recording her highly anticipated debut album. There's no new info on that yet, but what we do have are 3 new songs this year! "YOUR BOYFRIEND SUCKS", "Klepto", and now most recently, "Midas Touch". Make sure to follow Leah below to stay up to date on what's next! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW LEAH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

“Forward” delves into the complicated emotions behind rising above repeating your toxic habits. While living in the fog of the toxicity you let define your actions, it is difficult to bring about change. You find yourself on a familiar path, headed towards another treacherous route. The person you have attached yourself to seems all too familiar. They excuse each trait you have have slowly come to associate with toxicity. This pattern you have allowed yourself to become consumed by feels like a trap. As you come closer to the new source of negativity, you come to a realization; you can’t allow this to happen again. The toxicity you held onto with a tight grip no longer serves you. The vivid red flags you once draped yourself in now burn at the touch. Each trait and dangerous sign repel you. Although you still carry the effects of your past, you make a vow with yourself to never look back. The only way to continue down a clear and safe path is to move forward on it. Click here to listen to "Forward"! “Forward” is a dream pop and alt pop anthem that focuses on the vocality as a means of leading the single and defining it. The vocals are prominently displayed as the instrumentals navigate through with a dream-like sweetness. On most but not all lines, a harmony accompanies the lead vocal. These harmonies add a sweet touch that is pleasantly introduced. Throughout the chorus, modulation is added to the vocals and brings more of these elements together. The harmonies continue here as the modulation picks up. The instrumentals resemble similar alt pop productions and serve to accompany the prominent vocals. Laura Holliday is a multi-talented singer-songwriter and filmmaker currently based in Los Angeles. She received her BFA in film production from the Art Center College of Design. As a filmmaker and actor, she has written and directed content for Comedy Central Digital and Funny or Die. She effectively takes inspiration from her own personal stories. She makes strides for progressive inclusiveness for chronically ill and disabled creatives. Her music career has recently expanded and she has released a number of singles in the past few years. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “Forward” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW LAURA HOLLIDAY: Instagram | Spotify

Only The Poets’ EP One More Night features a collection of raw, emotional, and encapsulating songs. But, the track “It’s Okay (Not To Be Okay)” was the song that tugged on my heartstrings the most. Written during a difficult time in lead singer Tommy Longhurst’s life, “It’s Okay (Not To Be Okay)” speaks to the overwhelming emotions that come with mental health and depression. It’s honest, vulnerable, heartfelt, and poetically freeing. Mental health, whether it’s anxiety or depression, can oftentimes make one feel as though there’s a crippling weight holding them down from ever seeing the light, but the lyrics in this song drive home the message that it really is okay not to be okay. The lyrics, “When we’re feeling lost / When the weight’s too much / Tell me how to gauge all your secret pain / Maybe it’s okay not to be okay / When we fall apart / It’s another scar,” really speak to how heavy these kinds of emotions can feel, but ultimately it is okay not to be okay. A piano, subtle hints of guitar, some drums, and the ache of Tommy Longhurst’s voice are all that’s needed to make a winning combination in “It’s Okay (Not To Be Okay).” The powerful alt-pop track starts very ballad-like with a simple piano meshing seamlessly with Longhurst’s captivating gravel-filled voice. But halfway through the song, the tempo picks up a bit as the drums kick in, providing an edgy rock flare. Speaking on what inspired him to write the song, Longhurst shares, “Amongst a difficult period in my life mentally, I wrote this song longing to want to hear these words to help with how I was feeling and to remind myself that it’s okay to have bad days.” Only The Poets are an English alt-pop band composed of lead singer Tommy Longhurst, guitarist Clem Cherry, bassist Andy “Roo” Burge, and drummer Marcus Yates. The band officially formed in 2017 and built traction as independent artists, playing pubs, student house parties, and smaller venues before officially signing with a label in 2023. After opening as the supporting act on the European leg of Louis Tomlinson’s world tour in 2021, Only The Poets gained significant popularity. Fresh off the heels of their highly anticipated One More Night EP release, Only The Poets are hitting the touring circuit this summer with a string of European tour dates. 2024 is already turning out to be a big year for Only The Poets and they’re only just getting started. With momentum on their side, there’s nowhere to go but up. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW ONLY THE POETS Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube