“Sweetest Revenge” by new artist Libby Whitehouse is a blend of witty lyricism over an anthemic and energetic beat. The song plays heavily into the healed phase after a breakup. With lyrics like “I know you want what you can’t have it’s tough,” and  “I swear I’ll never settle again if it’s average,” Libby provides an empowered perspective that is focused on having fun, loving oneself, and curving exes. “Sweetest Revenge” is for when you’re done being sad about the breakup and are ready to head into your glow-up phase because after all, “The sweetest revenge is me looking this good.” With summer in full swing “Sweetest Revenge” enters the scene just in time as the perfect post-break-up anthem of the season. Libby’s cadence and attitude are reminiscent of 2010 pop stars melded together with the pop beats of recent years. There is a lot of energy in “Sweetest Revenge” making for a positive perspective on breakup songs. Libby talks about the inspiration for her previous song “Fired” saying she wants anyone who is experiencing a breakup to feel empowered, “If you’re going to cry over a boy, at least dance around the kitchen looking hot whilst doing it.” Her recent release is another addition to that with “Sweetest Revenge” being an anthemic dose of positive image reframing after a crappy breakup.   New to the scene, Libby Whitehouse released her first single “OMG” in February of 2024 gaining 435,000 streams on Spotify alone. Her debut EP Sweetest Revenge , released May 31st, 2024,  features her three singles “Sweetest Revenge”, “Fired”, and “OMG”. The Brighton-based pop star draws inspiration from pop icons Elton John , Katy Perry , and Miley Cyrus hoping to create pop songs that inspire Gen Z’ers. Libby says, “I want my music to be a safe space for people to celebrate life and to express themselves.” She believes in the importance of doing what makes you happy and wants to encourage her fans to be unapologetically authentic no matter what anyone thinks. Libby’s social media following gained the attention of global brands PUMA and Sprite recently, earning her a spot as a headliner for Camden Assembly on May 28th, 2024. You can check out her music and social media profiles at the links below. Written By Joselyn Jimenez FOLLOW LIBBY WHITEHOUSE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Scarlett Andrews is singing about burning bridges and moving on in her brand new single, “Reasons Why.” This track has some pretty amazing lyrics, and if you’ve ever had a complicated end to a relationship, they might sound quite familiar. It explores themes of love and loss between two individuals whose relationship has been severely damaged. Perhaps the most relatable aspect of the song is the struggle between holding on to someone you cared about, or letting go. Scarlett highlights this conflict in lines such as, “Faded love/ bridge is burned so I’m packing up.” Here, she utilizes the common metaphor of a “burned bridge” to suggest a sense of finality. She later contradicts her assertion to leave by singing, “Won’t you wait/ Won’t you stay?” The addition of these few words showcase her reconsideration to stay. Scarlett makes a point to repeat ‘I’d wait” several times, this repetition does a great job of conveying her sense of longing and simultaneous difficulty of letting go. “Reasons Why” is a bittersweet farewell, and it’s certainly a relatable journey which listeners will absolutely love. Despite the emotional depth of “Reasons Why,” the song manages to maintain an upbeat and quite lively tempo. The instrumentals are alluring, while Scarlett’s intense vocals deliver the lyrics with sincerity. Her voice is undoubtedly a highlight throughout the music as a result of Scarlett’s ability to sing with such profound emotion. The vibe of the song is relaxed, making it optimal for unwinding or casual listening purposes. However, I found myself dancing by its end as “Reasons Why” does feature a slight instrumental break. Overall, the song evokes heart wrenching feelings… with a great beat. With all this being said, I believe “Reasons Why” will be a standout track in Scarlett Andrews’ growing discography. Scarlett Andrews is a sensational British singer/songwriter hailing from Leicester. She’s making waves in the music world with her latest single, “Reasons Why.” This track only adds to her growing list of hits which includes fan favorites such as “Choices” and “Never Too Much.” Scarlett started her musical journey at just 16 with a full 10- track album, impressive right? Inspired by the songwriting prowess of Raye and the soulful sounds of both Amy Winehouse and Adele, Scarlett’s music combines heart wrenching lyrics with passionate vocals. When Scarlett isn’t writing songs, you can find her performing at the local spots in Leicester where she brings an impressive stage presence to her live shows. To keep up with Scarlett Andrews and all of her latest music releases, be sure to follow all of her social media listed below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW SCARLETT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Speaking about what inspired “Boring”, Miller states “"Boring" is a song I wrote when I was in the midst of healing from a heart-shattering break up with a best friend turned situationship turned stranger.” This sentiment is certainly evident even in the first line of this song “I’m doing better, I promise.” With these words, the listener has found themselves in the trenches with Miller, and wanting to believe that he is, in fact, doing better since the aforementioned heart break. Miller continues relaying the tale of this “situationship”, as he described it - “I found myself at rock bottom, and then climbed back out.” We all as humans know how hard it is to find yourself at rock bottom and how it’s even harder climbing back out, for any reason. So, at this point, as the listener we’re rooting for Miller and his healing process. “I’m boring without you.” Hearing the relationship that this song was inspired by definitely helps the listener to understand this line. Miller admits that it’s hard to imagine life without a best friend who was always there, no matter what. A best friend is someone who you tell everything to, who you want to tell everything to, your absolute person. A best friend is also someone you can vent to about failed relationships, but, in this case, Miller speaks about losing a two in one, or, rather, an everything in one. I’m often in the mindset that losing a friend hurts much worse than losing a partner, but to lose someone who was seen as both at once is indeed “heart shattering” as Miller stated when describing what he was going through when he wrote this song. Divulging more about how the song and its sound came about, Miller states “Sonically, it was inspired by 2000s pop rock, and it is lyrically akin to Taylor Swift or MUNA, equipped with a seismic bridge that will resonate with anyone who has grieved the loss of a best friend and a lover all in one.” I definitely both hear and feel the 2000s pop rock that Miller states this song is influenced by. Speaking about the process he’d gone through to heal after his situationship, Miller said “As much as I knew I needed to implement healthy habits in my life in an effort to pull myself out of the hole I'd found myself in, I resented the entire process.” It’s funny how doing what’s best for us sometimes doesn’t feel the best. It truly makes one wonder why we hate what’s good for us and love what’s bad. Why are we all living the same existence? “Being in love with you is worse than being alone.” I had a conversation with a friend before where I realized and disclosed that I've never been in a relationship that made me happier than being alone. A revelation that one doesn’t really know how to feel about. Miller puts the listener in all of their feels as well as taking on his feels with this heartfelt offering, rolled into a fun melodic beat. Allen Miller is a singer and songwriter described as “a writer first and foremost”. His sound is described as consisting of “cutting, clever lyrics sitting atop production ranging from indie folk to big pop”. Allen enlists his musical endeavor as “telling compelling, authentic, interesting stories. Allen’s musical inspiration stems from artists such as boygenius, Harry Styles, MUNA, Taylor Swift, and The 1975. Allen’s online presence boasts 1,210 followers on Instagram, 686 monthly listeners on Spotify as well as over 1500 followers on Tik Tok. If you feel like your life was boring before you were introduced to Miller’s music and that you now can’t live without it, follow him at all of his socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW ALLEN MILLER: Instagram | Spotify   | TikTok  | Facebook

If you’re like me, you love to watch others experience your favorite music. There's something exciting about seeing the look on someone's face when they hear an incredible song for the very first time ever. I like to hear other's thoughts, insights and even their critiques on music that I listen to on a daily basis. It's really interesting to see it from someone else's point of view; especially when it's not usually their personal favorite tastes. It's even more fun when you can relate to exactly how they react and feel about a certain artist or song. Reaction channels on YouTube have become extremely popular over the years, but not all of them are necessarily fulfilling to watch. A lot of the time, they just sit there with a blank stare and there's not much commentary. This list of YouTubers, however, are the complete opposite. These are the best music reaction channels on YouTube who will entertain you with their emotional and enthusiastic reactions as well as their thoughts and comments on the music. Caitlin Marie Reacts Caitlin Marie is a music lover, horror movie fan, and gamer girl from Rhode Island. She started her channel, Caitlin Marie Reacts in 2013. In 2020, she doubled her fanbase within the year going from 100k subscribers to 200k. She reacts to every new mainstream album that comes out; from bigger starts like Taylor Swift to smaller artists like Maisie Peters. What makes Caitlin stand out from the rest, is she gives her honest opinion! She's not afraid she say when she doesn't connect with a certain song or project. She often points out stand out lyrics and discusses them. She's also so relatable and hilarious in her reactions; plus her video editing is to die for. Not only does Caitlin react to music, but she also has a second channel called she's scared, where she reacts to horror movies. Caitlin also plays video games and streams on Twitch! Caitlin is also on Patreon where she posts uncut, unedited versions of her reaction videos (both music and movies) as well as exclusive videos for her devoted supporters! Chats & Reacts Chats & Reacts is a channel made by Australian besties, Bonny Rebecca and Emily Hunt! This adorable duo are known for their full body reactions and dramatic facial expressions. They are both huge pop music fans and are deeply invested Swifties. They react to all the latest mainstream albums, as well as some songs. They also do album rankings. What I love about their videos in particular is how they pause to not only make sure they're understanding the lyrics they've just listened to, but to also stay true to the "chat" part of their channel name. They do a lot of discussion on what they're listening to and that's something you don't get in a lot of other reaction videos! When they love a song, they'll describe it as "offensive" or "illegal" which makes me crack up every time. You can support Chats & Reacts on Instagram and Patreon as well where they have a private discord server and exclusive content! HTHAZE Hamilton Troye Hayes, a music producer also known as HTHAZE on YouTube, is the perfect reactor if you're looking for a sense of humor. His comments and his editing style always has me rolling on the floor - all the while, he still keeps his thoughts honest and genuine. He reacts to albums and songs; and he doesn't just stay mainstream either. He's a music lover who explores all areas and genres. The effort that he puts into his content doesn't go unnoticed. If you love a full break down, he talks about everything in a song from the lyrics, to the production, to the vocals. If you want a live reaction, he initially streams his reactions on Twitch. If you miss it, you can watch the full, unedited reactions by becoming a supporter on his Patreon! Tristan Paredes Tristan Paredes is a vocal coach who mostly post song reactions to mainstream pop music on his YouTube Channel! If you're looking for shorter videos and specifically videos about songs, then this is the channel for you. Tristan is hilarious and has the most iconic facial expressions. He also focuses on the vocal side of things, explaining and demonstrating what the artists are doing with their voices. He actually offers voice lessons both online and in Los Angeles which you can sign up for here. If you find that you enjoy Tristan's content and want more, he also has a Patreon where you can find exclusive content and get early access to unreleased videos! Hannah Bayles Hannah Bayles, formerly known as Your Voice Teacher, is a vocal coach who reacts to songs, live performances, and musical theater. She has a fun, quirky personality that catches your attention and makes you want to binge watch everything she's ever posted. She's a great choice if you're not looking to watch hour long reaction videos. She also lets her inner vocal coach come out and explains what she hears the singers doing while reacting to them. Hannah runs a studio called The Vocal Collective where she teaches private lessons, classes and online vocal courses. Just like many reactors, Hannah has a Patreon where you can get extended cuts of her videos! Reacts by Ash Reacts by Ash is just one of the channels by creator Ashley Ippolito, also known as Internet Mom. On Reacts by Ash, Ashley focuses on music; mostly album reactions but there are a variety of other videos as well. She has such a fun personality that makes you want to be her best friend. She's hilariously entertaining and very relatable in her reactions. Not only does she react to music, but she reacts to movies and tv shows as well, specifically on her ur internet mom ash channel. If that's still not enough, you can follow her personal channel where she posts vlogs and a wide variety of random videos! Two Gay Matts Two Gay Matts is a Podcast and YouTube Channel consisting of bestie duo Matt Steele and Matt Palmer. Both music lovers at heart, Matt Palmer is a Pop Singer/Songwriter and Matt Steele is a Musical Theatre lover. Together, they spend their time chatting about all things music and pop culture as well as reacting to the latest trending albums and songs. Their loveable personalities and enthusiastic friendship dynamic are to die for. They give their honest opinions and have infectious auras that keep you coming back for more content. Speaking of more content, you can support them even more by becoming a Patreon member where you can get exclusive, uncut videos and access to their discord server! DarrielandAshton DarrielandAshton is a music reaction channel on YouTube consisting of the two friends, you guessed it, Darriel and Ashton! Only starting their channel just 10 months ago, they already have managed to gain over 115k subscribers due to their incredible personalities and by keeping their reactions real. Knowing that they having a growing fanbase, they've started to upload more consistently which includes both reactions to albums and reactions to songs - mostly within the mainstream music world. Just like many, you can be supportive of Darriel and Ashton by following their Instagram page and becoming a member on their Patreon where you can join live watch parties and get early access plus exclusive content! Which channel are you most excited to dive into? Do you love reaction channels as much as we do? Follow us on our socials below and let us know your thoughts! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Following the success of their first album release this past year, Beach Weather has dropped another single that fans are quickly taking a liking to. Delving deeper into their sultry and electronic sound and moving away from the carefree summer-esq sound of their album Pineapple Sunrise, “High In Low Places” feels like the cool older brother who plays the drums in a rock band and skips class with a cigarette. Their past releases had a similar sound, yet were much more upbeat and lighter (of course with an occasional track following the vibes of this latest release). Beach Weather certainly seems to be fine tuning their overall sound, and the genre they have settled on is exactly where they should be. “High In Low Places” feels similar to the vibe and sound of artists like Arctic Monkeys and the Neighborhood, with a hint of the indie-ness of Cage the Elephant. Intense electric guitar riffs and a heavy drum beat paired with lyrics referencing alcohol and deeps spells of love and lust, and you have this energetic and alluring new track. Lead singer Nick Santino has mastered the balance of the sensual and sultry tone with an impeccable vocal quality, making their lyrics all the more interesting. The premise of this song is certainly a love song, but takes the approach of lust and dangerous infatuation, rather than a romantic ballad. The title references the end of the chorus, where Santino sings “You and I got some troubles we’re facing / I know we can make it / Staying high in low places”. Beach Weather is an indie-rock band hailing from Massachuets. They are spearheaded by Santino as their lead vocalist, with guitarist Sean Silverman and bassist Reeve Powers completing the group. They made their name known last year with the release of the hit single “Sex, Drugs, Etc.” on their last album, which quickly rose to the top of Alt Radio charts. They traveled North America this past year on their sold out tour promoting this album, and were recently seen at Boston Calling. During their set, they gifted fans with an early listen of “High In Low Places”. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more releases from Beach Weather. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW BEACH WEATHER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube

Flinch is the latest single from the up-and-coming UK pop star, Ines Rae. The song describes an incident where Rae tries to break up with her partner who she believed would be destroyed by her choice, but they were not affected. In the opening verse, Rae claims that this person was, "Living in [her] head for free," and asks, "Did it hurt you deep down 'cause you seem alright to me?" Rae's bewilderment continues into the chorus when she sings, "I thought you'd be battered or bruised or a little confused/On the day I called it quits, you didn't even flinch." Damn girl, were you dating The Weeknd because that's HEARTLESS ... ZING! The song comes to a climax in the bridge with the unforgettable and relatable lyrics, "I'm kind of bothered that you're not bothered/If you call, I'm gonna call it all off/You're not my problem and that's a problem/And I feel naked, wanna make it all stop." I wish Ines Rae and I could trade lives for a day because my only problem is that I can't stop replaying this song. Ines Rae uses a pop-rock style across Flinch that will get every listener headbanging, much like Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams did in the early 2000s. The song is mainly composed of rockin' electric guitars that are amplified even further when joined by the smashing drums in the chorus. The intense sound contrasts the melancholy lyrics to create a unique "crying in the moshpit" vibe. Rae's voice would fit right at home on the radio next to some of today's biggest pop stars. I heard some similarities to Tate McRae, Demi Lovato, and especially Olivia Rodrigo. The way that she blends pop and rock in this song could give Good 4 U a run for its money. If you're a diehard Livie looking for a new favorite song, you'll want to listen to this one. At only 21 years old, Ines Rae has already sold out a headlining concert at Camden Assembly, worked with high-profile artists like Bastille, and was featured in the soundtrack for Netflix's hit series, Emily in Paris . The UK-based artist began dropping music at 18 years old with her debut track, New Girl, followed by her breakout single, Never Get It Right . The year isn't even halfway over and Rae is already the queen of 2024. Her track, Someone Else's Heart , was praised for its lyricism relating to her dad's recent heart transplant and was featured in Spotify's New Music Friday . Her latest single, Flinch , is described as a "powerful portrayal of moving on" and has already hit 10,000 streams. Don't flinch , stream this song now! Written by Jordan Elliott FOLLOW INES RAE: Instagram  | Spotify  |   TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

FABIAN reflects on the struggles of moving on in his latest single, "pieces." The track delves into a difficult topic as the singer addresses his conflicting emotions regarding his new relationship. FABIAN admits in the lyrics to feeling as if he is cheating on his past love by pursuing something new, despite them no longer being with each other. While trying to put the pieces back together, the artist finds himself haunted by the past, reminiscing over bittersweet memories of his ex. "pieces" is a powerful, relatable single, showing listeners what it is like learning to love again. Though FABIAN's reflections are poignant and ambivalent, "pieces" is a firecracker of a song. The track is upbeat and energetic, giving a feeling of hope that the artist will be able to move on from this old flame. "pieces" creates a perfect commercial pop and nostalgic pop rock soundscape, combining the song's addictive melodies with a subtle nod to '00s rock. Compared to the likes of Lauv and 5 Seconds of Summer, FABIAN gives a compelling performance in "pieces," highlighting his rich sonic palette with captivating vocals, playful guitar riffs, and infectious beats. Sparking his journey into the music industry at an early age, FABIAN's childhood was influenced by the pop icons of MTV and the cultural vibrancy of Södermalm, Stockholm. The Swedish pop artist, signed to Rexius Records, aims to create music that makes his listeners move, crafting feel-good tunes that everyone will want to have on repeat. Drawing inspiration from the stars that came before him, FABIAN follows in the footsteps of acts like Charlie Puth and NOTD. FABIAN finds himself driven by the need to create unforgettable melodies rather than thought-provoking lyrics, stating, "I’m more about feeling it than thinking about it." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW FABIAN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Conversation with the right person can replete our hearts with effervescent delight. The kind of delight that stimulates a deep interest, one that keeps our mind occupied on this person– on the sincere conversations we share with this special individual. It’s the kind of conversation that puts us in a state of kalopsia, brings us to a vivacious Arcadian, and gets our restless hearts racing in utter bliss. We find ourselves relishing the time we spend with this person, the rush of vibrant emotions we get when we interact with this person. When we engage in meaningful conversation with this someone it’s a feeling like no other, at the edge of our seats waiting to hear more about them, to hear their dulcet voice susurrate with the unpredictable tides of our smitten hearts. All we want is for this person to simply knock on our door. "Knock on My Door" by Alicia Daydreams is a song that will leave listeners stunned, marveling at Alicia’s mellifluous voice that sets the stage for such a beguiling song– a song that tells a story of a comely love and the pleasant sentiments that come with an early and refined love. This song carries an almost unforgettable sound, it’s purposefully gradual and beyond addicting. The compelling riffs of the guitar corroborate flawlessly with our artist, Alicia, and her enchanting voice. Alicia’s voice only seems to add more elaborate emotion to the song's ravishing sound. Her voice is sure to leave listeners awestruck by the intrinsic talent that skillfully flows, resonating with the beating hearts of any and all listeners. To me, this song flawlessly captures the bucolic sentiments of the beginning stages of a flourishing relationship. When you first find interest in someone, those new feelings are highly intoxicating and addicting. This song leaves us wanting more, reminiscing on the times we shared such delicate emotions with someone. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the sound, unable to resist such a sweet-sounding song. Alicia Daydreams is the magnificent artist behind such an entrancing song. She is a singer, songwriter, and composer, resonating most with genres like soul, indie pop, and alternative pop. Alicia is based in the UK, and at just 18 years old, she has established a name for herself in the music industry! From a young age, Alicia had always been fascinated by music– she found herself humming tunes she created all by herself, and even writing lyrics. As she aged, she continued with this passion for music as it only seemed to grow and expand. Despite her young age, she is quite familiar with making and composing new sounds. In 2021, she released her single titled "Genie" along with "Maze", "Remedy", and "Devil's Promise" in the following years. Alicia desires to share her musical talents with any listeners and supporters, irrevocably motivated and inspired by their supportive presence. As Alicia continues to grow as an artist, I look forward to hearing more of her innately compelling sounds! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW ALICIA DAYDREAMS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Apple Music | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Ava Valianti pours her heart on her latest single, January – describing the song as being about "loving someone from afar, knowing that the person they are with is a better fit than you are". This track pulls at your heartstrings with lines like "My January Blues are running wild, I need to find a place so I can cry" that will surely have listeners fully singing along as Valianti's raw emotion bleeds through in every relatable lyric. The songstress eloquently explains her thought process as being "The hurt is still there and the feelings don't go away, but you know as hard as you might try, you're not what they need". A tip of the cap to Ava for crafting a heartbreak song centered on seasonal depression and named after a winter month, then dropping it in June and celebrating its release with a fun summertime evening event – the artistic parallels have not gone unappreciated. Ultimately, this song depicts how impactful memories become as life moves on, and "the feeling of being tethered to the past and what could have been". January should resonate with audiences thanks to its hauntingly intoxicating melodies and Ava Valianti's equally enamoring vocals. A folksy acoustic guitar paired perfectly with the siren-like delivery of Ava's emotionally charged lyrics works to transport audience members from the warmth of June and into the frigidity of January. An uptick in tempo serves to artfully match Ava's increase in emotion as she sings about her romantic interest being with another woman. All in all, the production level within January is impressively high and makes this song for a must listen for all true fans of indie pop out there. Originally hailing from Newbury, Massachusetts, Ava Valianti is an indie pop singer-songwriter whose sound and style have drawn her comparisons to Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Renee Rap, and Gracie Abrams. Valianti's music has already taken her local airwaves by storm – with her songs having appeared on WXRV The River 92.5's Homegrown Music Showcase and WATD 95.9's Almost Famous Showcase. Ava's first two singles, bubble wrap and Middle Ground , both received critical acclaim and exposure from Indie Boulevard, A&R Factory, Clout, and RGM. She is currently working in the studio with Chris Plante, of CP Audio, in anticipation of the upcoming release of her EP, which is due out in late summer/early fall of 2024. Following the release of January, the young starlet will now set off for a series of performances across the North Shore of Massachusetts; before culminating with her event January in June – An Evening of Music with Ava Valianti at The Players' Ring in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on June 18th at 7 pm. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW AVA VALIANTI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Bob Marley, Prince, Aretha Franklin and Jimi Hendrix were all iconic artists. Picture: 1. Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns/Getty 2. The LIFE Picture Collectio/Getty 3. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty 4. Ed Caraeff/Getty Images February is Black History Month. A time to celebrate and honor Black Americans who have made significant changes to the United States as well as all around the world, past and present. But we cannot talk about Black History without talking about Black music. Music that has played a huge role in the cultural and social movements of the past century. For the past 400 years, Black music has continuously evolved into many different genres such as slave spirituals, gospel, jazz, soul, R&B, disco, country, hip-hop and rock and roll. Over the years, these genres have been blended together and worked off each other to create the foundations for modern pop music. So much so, in fact, that it's not an exaggeration to say that without the contributions of black artists, pop music as we know it today would not exist. So today we highlight ten black artists who rose to prominence and who fundamentally molded pop music into something completely new. 10. Sam Cooke Sam Cooke was an American gospel, R&B, soul, pop singer and songwriter who had 30 U.S. top 40 hits between 1957 and 1964, plus three more posthumously. He was the pioneer cross-over artist from gospel to rhythm and blues and his unique vocal style reverberated through the pop music of his time as well as into the modern era. He was signed and joined the soul stirrers at age 19 and by 1956, he made the jump to record secular music, which was a huge risk at the time as he knew it would alienate his core gospel-loving religious audience base at the time. But the risk paid off because by 1960, after joining RCA Victor, he perfected the art of songwriting and created some of the greatest soul and pop classics ever. Elements of Sam Cooke's style can be heard in mega pop stars such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. From his powerful voice to the beautiful way his voice could shift from smooth to gruff in an instant, his vocal style has also been replicated and modified over the second half of the 20th century by, for example, someone like Michael Jackson. Memorable songs: "You Send Me," "A Change Is Gonna Come," "Cupid," "Chain Gang," and "Wonderful World." 9. Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy who signed with Motown's Tamala label at the age of 11. Through the guidance and mentorship of many legendary figures such as Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and especially Marvin Gaye, Wonder became a prolific songwriter and wrote many of the iconic songs of the time. He wrote songs for The Supremes, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Roberta Flack, Minnie Riperton and many more. Wonder is one of the best selling solo artists of all time, with sales of over 100 million records worldwide. He has won 25 Grammy Awards and one Academy Award. Wonder has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. 1971 - 1976 is Stevie Wonder's widely recognized “classic period”. In that 5 year span he released five albums: "Music of My Mind”, “Talking Book”, “Innervisions”, “Fulfillingess’ First Finale”, and “Songs in the Key of Life”. These albums alone shaped the pop music for the next decade and they are still being sampled today in everything from hip-hop to R&B. Interestingly, one of Stevie Wonder's main contributions to music was his eager incorporation of technology into making his songs during the '70s. Originally, the use of the synthesizer was frowned upon and not understood by critics but that didn't stop Wonder from using it anyway. Wonder was an early supporter of the use of drum machines, and one of the first artists — if not the first artist — to use a sampler in his music. His nature documentary soundtrack “Steve Wonder’s Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants” was one of the earliest digital recordings ever released. Through collaboration, mentoring, or inspiration, Stevie Wonder has influenced musicians from the 70s onward. This includes artist like Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyoncé, Drake, Frank Ocean, Janelle Monaé, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Tupac, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Snoop Dogg and many, many more. Memorable songs: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)", "Superstition - Single Version", "Sir Duke", "Isn't She Lovely", "I Just Called to Say I Love You", and "I Wish." 8. Dionne Warwick Dionne Warwick is an American singer who has been a prominent figure in the music industry for over five decades. Known as, "The Queen of Smooth Pop," Warwick began her music career in the 1960s as a background singer for popular artists such as The Drifters, and broke into the mainstream as a successful solo artist in 1963 when she released her first solo single, "Don't Make Me Over," which became a hit. Her first out of many to come because in 1968, Warwick became the first African American solo female artist to receive a Grammy and by 1970, she had recorded thirty hit singles, close to twenty best-selling albums and received a second Grammy for the album I'll Never Fall In Love Again. Dionne Warwick's musical style bridged the gap between pop music and soul, which opened the doors for future vocalists to do the same. Her smooth and sophisticated approach to melody and phrasing influenced every vocalist that came after her which ranges from Whitney Houston to Alicia Keys. Dionne Warwick also used her velvety voice to carve out a space for herself in pop music during an era where racial divides were still very sharply defined. She broke boundaries by becoming one of the first African-American artists to establish herself in pop and R&B charts and pushed back on being pressured to only perform in front of segregated audiences. Memorable songs: "Walk On By," "I Say a Little Prayer," and "Do You Know the Way to San Jose." 7. Diana Ross Diana Ross’ place in pop history, as well as Black pop history, has long been cemented and cherished throughout the generations. While leading the Supremes, Ross played her part in creating their distinctive sound, which combined Ross’s powerful lead vocals with intricate harmonies and a pop sensibilities. They defined pop music of the ’60s, projecting an image of class, elegance, and aspiration in an age where reductive and racist stereotypes of black people permeated minds during the midcentury. This glamorous style along with their choreographed dance routines also helped make them a popular act on television eventually allowing them to become so popular that they were the first girl group to have a number one album on the Billboard 200 chart. They became Motown's most successful act during the 1960s and one of the world's best selling girl group's of all time and they also remain the best-charting female group in history. By 1970, Ross left the group to pursue a solo career. Diana Ross, her debut solo album, showcased “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” which would go on to become Ross’ first number one hit without the group and with careful guidance, Ross was transformed from pop singer to pop diva by appearing in elaborately staged performances and television specials. Ross established herself as a versatile singer as she navigated various musical genres, from soul and R&B to pop and disco during rapid changes in the music industry. This versatility allowed her to appeal to a wide spectrum of audiences and also established herself as a trailblazer full of a vast array of elegant style and grace. She contributed to breaking down barriers for black artists and for black women which allowed artists like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey to follow her. Diana Ross’s appeal and iconic status remains unchallenged as her contributions to music, culture, and civil rights have solidified her legacy as legendary. Since her solo career began in 1970, Ross has released 25 studio albums, numerous singles, and compilations that has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Ross was also named the "Female Entertainer of the Century" by Billboard in 1976 and inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes. Alongside with these accolades, Diana Ross has sung for the Queen of England and in 2007, she has two stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Honors Committee honored Ross for her influence on American culture. Ross herself was also awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and in 2016, Diana Ross received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. Diana Ross is still very active musically, releasing records and touring in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Ross has also continued to inspire artists ranging from Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Rhinna, Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera. Memorable songs: “Upside Down,” "Come See About Me," “I'm Coming Out,” and “Ain't No Mountain High Enough." 6. Janet Jackson Thirty-eight years ago, Janet Jackson released Control. An album that allowed her to cross over into pop and which also ushered in the New Jack Swing sound of the early 90s into the music industry. For the next decade, Janet Jackson released back to back number 1 albums that allowed the star to prove herself to be more than just, "Michael Jackson's sister." With her work ethic and success, Janet Jackson claimed a place of her own in music history next to her brothers as one of the main blueprints and foundations of modern pop music and established herself as one of the greatest living music legends of the early 21st century. Even though she is sometimes left out of conversations that involve her peers, Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna, Janet Jackson's influence can still be seen in the way artists of today choreograph their music videos, as they draw clear inspiration from Janet's own signature militant dance moves and style. She also pioneered the art of incorporating spoken word interludes that into albums that has now become a commonplace in pop, hip-hop and R&B. Jackson has sold over 100 million records making her one of the world's best-selling music artists. She also holds the record for the most consecutive top-ten entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart by a female artist with 18. She is also the only artist in the history of the chart to have seven commercial singles from one album (Rhythm Nation 1814) peak within the top five positions. In 2008, Billboard placed her number seven on its list of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists, and in 2010 ranked her fifth among the "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years". In December 2016, the magazine named her the second most successful dance club artist after Madonna. She has earned five Grammy Awards, eleven Billboard Music Awards, eleven American Music Awards, an Academy Award nomination, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and eight Guinness World Records entries and in 2019, she was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Janet Jackson has been named as an inspiration for the likes of Usher, Beyoncé, Aaliyah, and Ciara. Also, her influence has most recently be seen in the Australian artist Troye Sivan's most recent project, Something To Give Each Other and was also seen in Beyonce's Renissance Tour (2023). Memorable songs: “Rhythm Nation,” “All for You,” “That's the Way Love Goes,” “Miss You Much,” “Control,” "Made For Now," and "Burn it Up." 5. Beyoncé Beyoncé Knowles Carter is an American singer that has become one of the largest cultural and pop icons of the early 21st century. Getting her start in the late '90s in the girl group Destiny's child, Beyoncé has since become a boundary pushing artist in her own right. She has since been credited with the invention of the staccato rap-singing style, empowering black and African artists in visual media, the popularization of the surprise album, and emphasizing women in music. She has also used her influence to raise awareness of racism, LGBT rights and feminism. And arguably most importantly, Beyoncé has also breathed life back into live performances, bringing back the larger than life elements that existed in the past. Beyoncé, in a way, can be described as the culmination of black music history. Her stage precense is reminiscent of the late Tina Turner, and Janet Jackson. Her mastery with music videos brings to mind the artistry pioneered by Micheal Jackson and she mirrors the extravagant styles of Diana Ross along with the vocal prowess of Patti Labelle. Her artistry blends together the vocal techniques and styles of black artists of the 20th century while also keeping her own unique timbre. She is a bridge between the past and the present, perfectly mixing the elements that made black artists of the past so great, with the innovative sounds and styles of today's artists. Beyoncé has won 32 Grammy Awards, as well as 26 MTV Video Music Awards (including the 2014 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award), 24 NAACP Image Awards, 35 BET Awards, and 17 Soul Train Music Awards. And even though her career is far from over, Beyoncé has been named as an influence by many of today's rising stars such as, Lizzo, Adele, Tinashe, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye Wesr, Drake, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars and many more. Memorable songs: “Formation,” “Love on Top,” “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “Irreplaceable,” “Break My Soul,” "CUFF IT," "Texas Hold 'em," “Crazy in Love,” and “Listen.” 4. Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin was the legendary American singer, pianist and songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotional performances. She made her breakthrough as a solo artist when her first Atlantic single, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” became hit in 1967. Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Franklin continued to release a string of iconic hits that showcased her powerful voice and her incredible range that not only became anthems for the civil rights movement but also for the feminist movement. Throughout her life, Aretha Franklin's musical style was a fusion of various genres, including soul, R&B, gospel, jazz, and pop. Her powerful and soulful voice, coupled with her unique phrasing and emotional delivery, made her able to infuse each song with her own musical interpretations that allowed Franklin to connect with her audience in a special way, modeling a way for the singers who came after her to do the same. She was so skilled in this art in fact, that the covers she did of songs often became more popular than the originals. Referred to as the "Queen of Soul", Rolling Stone twice named her as the greatest singer of all time and with global sales of over 75 million records, Franklin is considered one of the world's best-selling music artists. She won 18 Grammy's (out of 44 nominations), including the first eight awards given for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, a Grammy Awards Living Legend honor and Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1987, she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her other inductions include the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012, and posthumously the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2020. In 2019, the Pulitzer Prize jury awarded her a posthumous special citation "for her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades". Memorable songs: “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “Natural Woman,” “Ain't No Way,” and "Think." 3. Prince There is simply no musical figure in recent pop music history who has commanded the same respect or inspired the same awe quite the same as the late Prince Rogers Nelson. He is credited with playing all the instruments on many of his records and was regarded as the most innovative, creative and technically skilled musician of his generation. Signed to Warner Brothers at the age of 19 in the late 70s, Prince quickly set himself apart from his contemporaries, that being Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and Madonna. He did this by adopting a more "dangerous" and "promiscuous" image that refused to bend to society's standards at the time. And while artists like Michael Jackson needed a Quincy Jones to help create his vision, and Janet Jackson needed a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Prince took his artistry into his own hands and created his own original sound on his own which has been dubbed, "The Minneapolis sound," which is a subgenre of funk rock with elements of new wave and synth pop. Prince also pioneered artists having creative control over their own music and image by negotiating a deal with his record label that gave him creative control to bring his musical vision to life. Also his public fight with Warner Brothers in the '90s laid the groundwork for many artists to go independent and have ownership over their own work. By the end of his career, Prince had a total of 16 platinum albums, and was considered to be the most successful artist on the Billboard charts from 1980 to 2000. He scored 8 number 1 R&B singles and 7 number 1 Dance singles (tied for second place for male entertainers with Enrique Iglesias and Michael Jackson). He also scored over 50 top 40 hits around the world since 1979 and was a known advocate for music artist being able to own their own names and music. Prince's influence on pop music cannot be understated. He didn't just rewrite the rules of pop. He burned the entire rule book and made his own. He created his own sound, blended many different genres together, stomped on societal pressures and continuously encouraged younger artist to carve out their own unique musical identity. Taking the time to mentor great acts such as Janelle Monáe, Lizzo, Beyoncé, The Time, and Sheila E. Memorable songs: “Purple Rain,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Controversy,” “When Doves Cry,” “Kiss,” "Diamonds and Pearls," "I Would Die 4 U." 2. Whitney Houston Named the ‘most awarded female artist of all time’ by Guinness World Records, Whitney Houston was known for having the ability to convey pure, raw emotion through her vocals whilst singing with flawless technique. Some singers only have the former, some only the latter and it is rare to have both equally. Moreover, the agility of her voice was magnificent, along with the power and superb control she has over her voice set her apart and leagues above her contemporaries. Her Gospel-trained ability earned her the moniker of, "The Voice." Throughout her career, Whitney sold over 200 million records worldwide, won six Grammys, one Emmy, was the first artist to have seven consecutive Number 1 hits, and became the first woman to enter the Billboard 200 chart at No.1 with her album, Whitney (1987). Her numerous industry accolades also include being the first artist to have seven consecutive number one hits, the first woman to enter the U.S. Billboard 200 at number one with her album, Whitney, and holding the longest reigning number one single on the Hot 100 with “I Will Always Love You.” Whitney Houston was undoubtedly one of pop music's biggest superstar's, but Whitney’s introduction into the music industry in 1985 was also important because of her mass appeal to both black and white audiences. This allowed her to break down the barriers of MTV alongside Michael Jackson not just for black men but also black women. Her presence on MTV and VH1, allowed artists like Janet Jackson and Anita Baker to have their visual art on the channels as well. It opened major doors for female artists of color to have their music be heard by millions who would have never heard them otherwise. Memorable songs: “You Give Good Love,” “Saving All My Love For You,” “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “So Emotional," “All the Man That I Need,” and "I Will Always Love You." 1. Michael Jackson Michael Jackson wasn't given the title, "The King of Pop," for no reason. By the age of five, Michael Jackson became the lead singer of the Jackson 5 and landed his first Number 1 record at only 11 years old. By the end of the 80s, he established himself as one of the most recognizable figures of the 20th century and one of the most influential artists of all time. Known for his signature dance moves, stage presence and memorable music videos, Michael Jackson rewrote the rules of what it meant to be a pop star. Releasing hit after hit, he not only broke the racial barrier but also transcended the RnB box he was often regulated to in order to become one of the one of the best selling artists of this generation and the last. Some of Micheal Jackson's accolades include, becoming the first person to ever win 8 Grammys in one night (1984), being 1 of the 15 artists to ever win the GRAMMY legend award, being inducted twice into the rock and roll hall of fame, and having his solo debut performance in 1988 being considered one of the greatest Grammy performances of all time. Memorable songs: "Beat It,” "The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Black or White,” “Remember the Time,” “Blood on the Dance Floor,” “Rock with You,” and "Slave to the Rhythm.” Black music is the cultural backbone of America's pop music history. These black innovators are a large part of what makes America's music scene so unique. But keep in mind, that this list hardly scratches the surface of of the hundreds of black artists that put pen to paper and crafted some of history's greatest hits. Written By Lauren Lumsden Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Photo: Night Club via Facebook Dark electronic music duo Night Club recently wrapped up the Masochist Tour in support of their latest album. Starting on April 2nd in San Diego, CA, and concluding in Leipzig, Deutschland, on May 19th, this concert was a whirlwind of activity and an experience to remember. Accompanied by DJ JPEG and band Rosegarden Funeral Party, the tour featured thirty-three US dates and two additional stops overseas, in Great Britain and Germany. On April 13th, a sinister wave of synth-pop overtook Omaha's Reverb Lounge, much to the delight of the onlookers. Nestled in the heart of Omaha's Benson neighborhood, the mid-century-inspired lounge specializes in craft cocktails and tiki drinks. Reverb features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems in a small performance space, making for an intimate experience. Photo: Reverb Lounge, courtesy of their website DJ JPEG started the evening's festivities, setting the mood by transforming the venue into a miniature rave, flawlessly weaving together a succession of bangers, and getting the crowd pumped up for the upcoming performances. JPEG continued conjuring musical magic during the show's artist changes, keeping the crowd engaged and entertained. Next to take the stage was the Dallas, TX-based gothic rock band Rosegarden Funeral Party. Formed in 2018, there have been numerous changes to the band's lineup. Most recently, shortly after the conclusion of the Masochist tour, Lane's brother Wil, the original bassist, rejoined the group. For the evening's set, the performers included Leah Lane (vocals, guitar) and Dean Adams (the group's new percussionist). Leah's voice is reminiscent of Siouxsie, quite lovely to hear and conveying a wide range of emotion. On their website, Rosegarden Funeral Party describes their sound as '...synths trapped in the loving arms of the 1980s, rhythmic percussion and drums inspired by dark dance floors...the second-coming of traditional goth.' The band's playlist included hits such as In the Wake of Fire, Doorway Ghost, and Fear of Feeling Nothing. Once Rosegarden Funeral Party's excellent performance had concluded, headliner Night Club finally took the stage. The duo was formed in 2012 and consists of Mark Brooks (synth) and Emily Kavanaugh (vocals). Haunting lyrics are paired with darkly brooding music that simultaneously manages to be catchy and infectious. This sonic lily is gilded by Emily's vocals and the depth of emotion in her delivery. As the tour was in support of "Masochist," the band played album tracks such as Crime Scene, Barbwire Kiss, and Black December. Of course, the band always takes advantage of opportunities to play some well-loved fan favorites as well. Amongst these, the duo enthusiastically dove into tunes from previous albums, including classics Your Addiction, Schizophrenic, Gossip, and Candy Coated Suicide. Having been a fan of Night Club's music for several years, to say I had been looking forward to this live performance is a vast understatement - they did not disappoint! I was unfamiliar with Rosegarden Funeral Party prior to the show, but they were also fantastic - an in-depth perusal of the band's catalog is in order. Both bands delivered fantastic, high-energy performances, leaving everything they had on stage and efficiently keeping the audience entranced. If given another opportunity, I would absolutely go see them both perform again; they put on an incredible show! Give Night Club and Rosegarden Funeral Party a listen and see what you think! Written By Vanessa Siebrass Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Copyright not intended. Fair Use Act, Section 107.

"Life Without Me" is an emotionally charged anthem sketched against the backdrop of raw self-reflection and the turmoil of queer love. The song is a potent narrative of love's complexities, the pain of loss, and the earnest journey toward genuine self-acceptance. Leveraging her deft skills as a songwriter and producer, Ella envelops listeners in a soundscape where vulnerability is exposed and emboldened, cradled by her haunting melodies and forthright lyrics. Ella opens a window into her soul through the single, unveiling aspects of her strife and growth. The track enfolds moments of delicate introspection that ring with an earnest yearning for authenticity, a motive inspired by a recent breakup and the challenging process of self-discovery it precipitated. What truly elevates "Life Without Me" is not just its interesting lyrical content but the innovative vision behind its visual representation. Queer filmmaker Frankie Joe Gommon, recognized for his emotive LGBTQ+ film "Tell Tyler," collaborates with Ella to shape a music video that threads a narrative of forbidden love and resonates with the experience of queer struggles. The video is a cinematic odyssey that brings to life the turbulence and liberation of Ella's story, impeccably timed and framed to accentuate the pathos of the song’s thematic core. The collaboration between Ella and Frankie, blossoming from shared experiences, has yielded a powerful portrayal of queer realities - the fear, the strength, and the beauty found in embracing one’s true self. "Life Without Me" crystallizes a pivotal moment in Ella Eliza's career. With the raw edge of production by Jules Konieczny and the symbiotic partnership with Frankie Joe Gommon, Ella steps into the limelight not only as a queer icon but as a beacon of inspiration for authenticity. The heartfelt tune, coupled with its poignant video, sets the stage for Ella's evolution as an artist and as a human, simultaneously heralding a fresh chapter for Frankie in the domain of music videos. Together, they are not just creating art; they are crafting a legacy of empowerment, setting a precedent for authentic queer storytelling. As Ella gears up for her anticipated EP, and Frankie continues to explore meaningful narratives, "Life Without Me" is a testament to their collective artistry and the transformative power of embracing and narrating one’s truth. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ELLA: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator