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Photography & Creative Direction: Aidan Cullen Do That Again is the newest album from the incredibly talented musician Malcolm Todd. The second album but third full-length installment in his discography, he sings more alternative, emotion-fueled love songs, whether these emotions are passion and/or regret. T R A C K L I S T Jean Skirt Obsessica Free.99 Breathe I Saw Your Face Difficult Love Malcolm In The Middle Ain't That The Truth Gun To My Head X's & O's Lonely Song Good Bye Do That Again With several tracks from his 2024 mixtape Sweet Boy gaining him lots of recognition early in his music career, its not just those songs that make Malcolm Todd the amazing musician he is known as today. Born into and raised in an artistically-inclined family, he would begin to passionately pursue music after receiving a bass guitar as a birthday present. This would then lead him to develop his signature sound that separates him from other alternative artists, while still paying homage to those who inspired him during his musical journey. Malcolm released his eponymous debut album in 2025, and has now released his sophomore album Do That Again. Jean Skirt "Jean Skirt" proves that Malcolm is 3/3 with album/mixtape intro tracks. "Earrings" from Sweet Boy is a rapid anthem about uncertainty with an ex - "Harry Styles" from Malcolm Todd is an orchestral ballad about questioning the validity of fame - and now everything has come back around with a passionate song, both lyrically and sonically, to start off Do That Again, which is filled with elements that resemble these same vibes. Obsessica Red flags are ignored on both sides of a relationship in "Obsessica". The title of this track suggests how Malcolm carries his approach to different romantic partners, listening to his heart instead of his brain and disregarding any signs that a relationship wouldn't be ideal. Even as he closes out the song, he says names of different girls to amplify this message. The production of "Obsessica" is very influenced by 90s and 2000s indie rock, with the song emphasizing bass guitar and loud drums that beam through headphone speakers. Free.99 Vociferous musicality continues from the last track to "Free.99", where Malcolm sings about missing a past significant other, while still acknowledging the poor relationship they were in. By the end, although it wasn't healthy for either of them to be together, he still feels empty, confused, and isolated now that they are no longer together. The melancholia that defines the songs of one of the lyrical and musical categories Malcolm is known for is heavily represented throughout this song, also due to the composition of the chords and synths. Breathe The lead single of Do That Again, Malcolm surprised fans with cover art containing animal print and a whispered, sybaritic, and spoken-word intro, supplemented only with soft hi-hats. Then, the song cleverly flows into another lo-fi hit, where his dignified singing voice and delicate backing vocals are strung out and perfectly compliment the vibes of the overall theme and lyrics. Malcolm sings about yearning and feeling true happiness when he is with his partner, who he is often apart from, and wishes that they could spend more time together. I Saw Your Face While he has already sang about breakups on Do That Again, "I Saw Your Face" reintroduces the lyrical theme of yearning for a former significant other. While still maintaining of one of central themes of the albums, Malcolm switches things up from the distorted synths of "Free.99" with somber electric guitar chords, symbolizing how it feels like his whole world is crashing down on him from how much he misses his ex. Alongside this is emotional singing that also tells this story through the means of not just the songwriting, but the vocals and production as well. Difficult Love In "Difficult Love", Malcolm admits he is attracted to relationships when they aren't easy and straightforward, but when they require work and contain toxicity. He knows that this is unhealthy, but he sings about how he can't help but getting back together with an ex that reciprocates the same feelings towards romance that he has. The combination of Malcolm's distorted vocals and soft rock-esque guitar chords provide more unique production for this album, which has also been a key element of his post projects, and shows why he is such a distinct figure in the music industry. Malcolm In The Middle The production and instrumentation of the seventh track of the album is meant to portray childlike joy and whimsy, aptly titled "Malcolm In The Middle". The lyrics mostly articulate the same thing, but Malcolm still sings about how he is somewhat unsure about his relationship. In the verse and bridge, he details the happiness he has with being with his significant other, but in the choruses, he shares bittersweet feelings regarding this person and how is he not completely positive if their relationship is going to last. Ain't That The Truth On the eighth track of the album, Malcolm expresses his frustration towards someone that didn't prioritize the relationship they were in like he did. He hints at this person cheating and not taking his feelings seriously, often expressing the desire to be with other people. Like the other songs in Do That Again, the composition and melodies of "Ain't That The Truth" are very distinct, and how there are twist and turns with the tempo and volume of the production to create different emotions and vibes during the length of the song. Gun To My Head The title of track nine of Do That Again perfectly defines Malcolm spilling his guts and showing his true feelings and emotions, and being vulnerable with new and old listeners of his when it comes to his love life. "Gun To My Head" comes off as an upbeat, alt-pop song, but how Malcolm sings in regards to his current situation in terms of romance shows how conflicted he is. He feels as though no matter how long he is apart from his ex, he cannot rid of the memories and happiness he felt in their relationship from his head, causing him to regret the break up. X's & O's The intense bass and matching synths create an atmospheric experience when listening to "X's & O's", the tenth track of Do That Again, as Malcolm provides more early 2000s vibes with the melodies and harmonies that flow throughout the stunning production of this track. Guitar chords and distorted vocals take charge, with the choruses being the central, overarching elements of the song, where Malcolm continues to articulate his sentiments on love and relationships as a whole by writing in regards to an ex partner. Lonely Song "Lonely Song" consists of the quarter-life crisis Malcolm is going through, and how he feels comfort in newfound love due to how dejected he feels. He wants to try to pursue a new relationship instead of following his old habits of not taking romance seriously enough. He explains that he feels immensely out of place as his music career advances, and is upset that he can't share it with someone else, and this leads him to have this point of uncertainty in his life. The beat switch also signifies him wanting to change his life for the better for himself. Good Bye The guitar-driven twelfth track of the album, "Good Bye", presents itself as the last of Do That Again, but is actually the penultimate song, in which Malcolm wishes a sorrow farewell to an ex that he regrets leaving, but felt as though he had no choice but to do so. He reminisces on when the relationship made them both happy, but still reminds listeners that the good times have faded away, and how heartbroken he is from this. He sings about what could've been had they stayed together as well, to add fuel to his own fire and give even more emotional depth to "Good Bye". Do That Again The album concludes with the title track to reign in the warm summer upon us, as Do That Again was released at the start of it. Although a new season means for more memories to be made and new opportunities to arise, Malcolm sings the album's title over and over, suggesting he wants to stay behind and try to reignite past relationships, feeling as though he is unprepared to begin new ones. These feelings are very relatable to many, as its not easy to let go from what once brought you comfort, even though you know its not what's best for you. The ability to confide in one's own music is often hard for many artists to do, but Malcolm Todd does this flawlessly, which each track of Do That Again feeling like not just an impeccable song, but diary entries exploring his life and romantic relationships. He opens up about what others may not feel comfortable doing, providing a sense of relatability within his music for listeners to empathize and connect with on an emotional level. Malcolm also shows his phenomenal instrumental skills on yet another project of his, presented in all thirteen tracks of this astonishing record. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW MALCOLM TODD: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

"Four Words" by Ilianna Viramontes is a heartfelt love song. Taking listeners through a desire-riddled confession, this light-hearted track shows just how all-consuming love can be. Hyperboles poetically impress a deep feeling of connection into the meaning of this song with the words "I want to live in your mind" and "In a million dimensions, in a million spaces, I'd find you every time." The speaker of the song is wholeheartedly devoted, with urgency pulsing through her lovestruck and ongoing pleas to move forward in their relationship. A picture of romance, "Four Words" takes on the immersive emotions of a new relationship. Chord progressions on the acoustic guitar offer a heart-warming opening to this intimate love song. Ilianna's smooth vocals are conversational through the verse, gently gliding into an airy, breathy, and beautiful voicing of the chorus. Her singing carries a lovestruck daydreaming atmosphere into the track, sliding easily through highs. As the tune progresses layers of acoustic instrumentals and vocalizing blend harmoniously into a light, romantic sound. The song comes to a close with instrumentals growing quieter allowing the final lyrics to be graceful and unaccompanied. Fans of Lizzy McApline will love the way this track flows, with an authentic softness to the sound. A California native and Nashville-based singer and songwriter, Ilianna Viramontes first made a mark on the music scene on NBC's The Voice. From turning the chairs of music icons Miley Cyrus and Blake Shelton, to studying music at Berklee College of Music, Ilianna's vocal prowess and multi-instrumental talents continued to flourish. In 2025, she released her EP, For A Reason, showcasing her emotional lyricism exploring coming-of-age experiences. She regularly takes the stage at venues across Nashville including The Basement East and The Browery Vault. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ILIANNA: Instagram | Spotify

Recently, things have been feeling a little too stressful for the beginning of summer. The end of the year makes sense to be crazy due to the holidays but I've always loved the apprach of summer for longer days and warmer weather to remind me to slow down a bit. This year, it's been taking me a bit longer to try and set those roots down to go slower. The music that I surround myself with is definitely a big part of that too. As soon as I played "Sermon" by David Wimbish and The Collection," I realized that going back to my folk-loving roots might be the answer the choas that's been the beginning of summer. "Sermon" brings a much calmer vibe than the songs in the past couple weeks I've reviewed which is always a nice change of pace. The 12th song off their next, highly anticipated album, "Sermon" sets the tone for a Lumineers or Mumford and Sons style of folk music that screams fun summer nights. The song's blend of a perfect mountainous voice with an acoustic guitar throws us into the headspace of bonfires and beaches. Something that David Wimbish and The Collection are perfect at is creating folk music that is created in the modern world but feels like it's from the era of Jim Croce and Simon Garfunkel. "Sermon" is the perfect song of the summer. David Wimbish is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from North Carolina. After four albums and touring with their original band, The Collection, David has started a new journey as a solo artist. Stepping away from the alternative roots that drove The Collection, David has taken a different approach with the solo music which fans have been all about. With songs massing over 11 million listens on Spotify, "Sermon" brings us the warmth of summer vibes. David also has alternative versions of other fan favorite songs from previous albums so there's something for everyone. Written By Bre Macomber FOLLOW DAVID WIMBISH AND THE COLLECTION: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube

Estella Dawn has released her brand new single, “Japanese Boots.” an intimate investigation into falling for someone who seems too perfect. An indie-pop release, “Japanese Boots” looks to Dawn’s writing abilities as the song unfolds within the snapshots Dawn writes about throughout the stages of falling. Whether it’d be through Dawn capturing the feeling of “wishing on people like stars” and not knowing the color of anything due to her being distracted by her partner, Dawn puts out one of her best lyrical pieces to date yet. On top of that, Dawn also allows for the production to steer the way so that the lyricism shines more; “Japanese Boots” is a soft, atmospheric, and acoustic guitar-led production, only allowing for Dawn’s vocals and lyricism to shine even more. “Japanese Boots” captures a somewhat niche topic within the songwriting space; rather than someone who hurts us, “Japanese Boots” centers on someone who may be great, but may seem too perfect due to past experiences. Throughout the song, Dawn notes different snapshots that feel real and places listeners within the emotional world in which Dawn and her innermost thoughts, something that I really commend Dawn for. It’s easy to just write about thoughts without experiences, but Dawn turns her thoughts into snapshots in the relationship she’s experiencing with her partner. Those snapshots help listeners connect with Dawn, drawing them in further into a discography that features highlights, but “Japanese Boots” may just be my favorite highlight so far. Estella Dawn is a Kiwi singer-songwriter. Hailing from New Zealand, Dawn also is a producer and multi-instrumentalist, creating a visionary catalog that’s both genre-bending and unafraid to take risks. With over 30 million streams across her discography, Dawn’s work ethic and creativity don’t go unnoticed by her eighty-five thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. With discography highlights such as “Detached,” an alt-country anthem, her cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” and now romantically-fearful “Japanese Boots,” there’s no doubting that Dawn’s discography will continue to grow both with new songs and with new listeners. If readers would like to keep up with Estella Dawn’s newest releases and show dates, they can follow her on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW ESTELLA DAWN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Photography: @rob.seeley_ In her newest single "Choice I Would Choose", B.Miles executes her spectacular songwriting abilities with intricate and detailed stanzas about a past relationship. In each verse, she time travels and reflects on the defining moments she spent with her former significant other. Then, in the chorus, she returns to the present and sings about her complex feelings regarding the relationship and how it ended. While she presents some of the aspects of the relationship as flawed, she expresses how she would still take this person back if given the chance. "Choice I Would Choose" begins with a lo-fi beat with elements of reversed synths; something that you would hear in the video game Life Is Strange (which is also about rewinding time and making choices!). This seamlessly transitions into the first verse, where we hear the amazing vocal talent of B.Miles, which extends into the rest of the song that now implements acoustic guitar chords as well. Listening to "Choice I Would Choose" takes you on a journey, both with the lyrics and the unique mix of pop and alternative production, and defines B.Miles as a brilliant storyteller and virtuoso. B.Miles is a music artist from Pasadena, California and is based in New York. She began her studio career in August 2015 with her aptly titled debut EP Twenty Fifteen. Since then, she has spent the last eleven years releasing more amazing music, such as her albums In Order of Appearance, Different Pages, and Time Doesn't Heal. It Hides. In addition to her musicianship, she is also an incredible live performer and has released captivating music videos, showing even more of her artistic creativity. With nearly 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, its clear that B.Miles is an exceptional visionary in the music industry! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW B.MILES: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

When a relationship ends, that should be it. Wrap it up, pack up your things– it’s done. But that doesn’t always happen, and Lily Crow’s latest single “rub it in” highlights what happens when neither ex-partner is willing to give it up. You both keep replaying conversations in your head, pointing fingers at each other, and it all comes to a head when one of you calls the other. “rub it in” is an indie pop rock track that will fit into any of your breakup playlists, dark and moody with just the perfect amount of introspection and intensity. Crank this one up to 11 and get ready to shout it out of your car windows this summer. And try not to think too hard about calling your ex back, no matter how much they rub all your so-called “mistakes” into your face. “rub it in” is one of those songs that should be an instant add onto any of your breakup, heartbreak, or related playlists. There’s a certain moodiness that makes it perfect for singing along, delicately grunge with just the right amount of rock to create a super distinct track. I love how the soundscape sounds almost cyclical as Lily’s vocals hold a steady beat, like it’s referencing the lyrics. The songwriting captures the feeling of being trapped in a relationship that should be over, and asks “why’s it never ending?” as the song closes out. It’s an awesome way to finish a track that discusses that caged sensation, unable to escape a person who continually comes back to you to tell you about all the ways you supposedly messed up the relationship. Lily Crow is a singer-songwriter who was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. Her music is all about heartache, self-reflection, and growth, blending elements of 2010s bedroom pop and 90s indie rock. Vulnerable and honest, Lily’s tracks invite audiences to explore their emotions through relatable lyrics and catchy hooks. With a similar sound to artists like beabadoobee, Dora Jar, and Juliana Hatfield, Lily first got her start in 2023 with her debut single “i have feelings too.” She’s since released an array of other tracks, as well as a debut EP in 2024 entitled pretender. “rub it in” is Lily’s latest release, and if you enjoyed it, be sure to give her discography a listen, and drop her a follow on her socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW LILY CROW: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok

Launching her career in an unforgettable way, Ella Quynh has delivered her highly anticipated debut single, "Iconic." The track captures a feeling many of us have experienced as Quynh spins the epicness of a first crush into a captivating music moment that'll resonate with audiences across the globe. Shedding light on the inspiration behind the song, Quynh shares, "'Iconic' is about that first-crush feeling where everything feels cinematic, intense, and a little irrational. You know it might not last, but in the moment it feels huge — and I wanted the song to capture that honestly." An iridescent, shimmering ballad, Ella Quynh's "Iconic" is bound to take your breath away as she wraps teen angst and butterfly feelings into a pop-rock dream. The track blends 2000s nostalgia with modern twists to create a timeless soundscape, featuring a compelling mix of bright pop melodies, guitar-laden instrumentals, and driving drums. Quynh gives an enthralling performance throughout "Iconic," showcasing her powerhouse vocals as she belts out the song's thundering choruses. Perfect for a variety of pop enthusiasts, Quynh's "Iconic" is a must-listen for fans of acts like Paramore, Avril Lavigne, Lights, and Tori Kelly. Hailing from Southern California, Ella Quynh is a young pop artist on the rise. The 16-year-old singer-songwriter has quickly cemented herself as an exciting new voice to watch as she's built a loyal fanbase with her online covers and high-energy live performances. Already enjoying a plethora of achievements, Quynh has signed with Yellobird Records, gone viral on TikTok with over 1 million views for her music trailer, and premiered at No. 11 on the New Music Weekly "Indie Music Singles Chart." Quynh has also proven herself to be a seasoned live performer, playing at notable venues like The Garden Amp, Chain Reaction and House of Blues Anaheim, Great Park Live Irvine. Though she's just getting started, Ella Quynh is certainly an artist you don't want to miss and we're excited to see where she goes! Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ELLA QUYNH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | X | YouTube

Learning to fall in love again after heartbreak is no easy feat. You’re walking a tightrope you laid out for yourself and taking every step so carefully to avoid falling fast. You want to fall and it seems so tempting but the past haunts your previous steps. Chilli Chilton released her new single, “Please Don’t” about the fear of learning to love again. It’s catchy with drums that make your feet tap and guitar riffs that have you moving your head to every beat. It’s upbeat yet under the surface holds desperation, sadness and yearning for something as easy as it is good. It’s truly a track that will have you fighting between dancing and crying at the same time. “Please Don’t” is truly for the ones who have been broken time and time again and have lost faith that love even exists. Chilli Chilton vulnerably begs in this song for this person not to hurt her like all the ones before. “Don’t break this heart, another hit and it might never start again.” As someone who got her heart broken a year ago and is now taking the leap with someone new, I resonate with this song so deeply. Everything feels good, but you can’t help but impend doom based on previous situations. It’s tough, it’s scary and it’s a risk, but none of us are alone in trying. Take a listen to “Please Don’t” if you’re rolling the dice on someone new and let it be a reminder that it’s okay to be afraid. Chilli Chilton is a pop singer-songwriter paving her way into the industry one song at a time. For her, music is her own personal diary that her listeners get to listen and relate to. She shares all about love, heartbreak, life and the epitome of being a young woman figuring it all out. Growing up comes with many lessons that are important to learn, but can burn in the process. That’s why I love artists like Chilli who so easily share their own experiences for us to find comfort in. Her debut single “9000 Miles,” was released in 2025 followed by “Over It Now” and “Catch Me If You Can.” Her discography is growing and so is her listener base so follow the links down below to watch Chilli shine. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW CHILLI CHILTON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

In her latest single, Dani Stocksdale tells an interesting story of heartbreak, one that is all too familiar. “Pretty Thing” discusses the feeling of falling for someone “who was terrified of ruining the relationship by taking it further, but gave in anyway and ended up treating something fragile too carelessly.” The track plays with themes of hope and excitement, and then leads to betrayal and snarky comments about the way he let her down. The soundscape of “Pretty Thing” is like a “glittery middle finger”, as Stocksdale puts it: upbeat and fun but layered with lyrics that are not afraid to call out his bluff and be honest about the way he has hurt her. The track opens right away, without an intro to distract from Stocksdale’s hurt. Straight to the point, the first verse details how he likes to beat around the bush, but Stocksdale will come right out and say the hard hitting truths. With this style demonstrated in the song itself, the listeners right away get to view their relationship dynamic, and how different they are. Layered over simple guitar strumming, the song picks up in the pre-chorus and chorus, with synths and drums joining the charge. In the chorus, she sings, “You can say you didn’t do it (uh huh) / Make it feel all better (uh huh) / Like I’m just a pretty thing that you didn’t wanna break / But you had to find out and touch it anyway.” Neither of them wanted their story to end this way, yet the break was inevitable. Dani Stocksdale is a 25 year old indie pop artist with goals of lyric driven songs with ‘dreamy cinematic production’. Born in South Florida and now based in Los Angeles, music has always been a huge part of her life and upbringing, putting on shows to family and friends as a little girl. She attended NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and truly finding her voice. With a similar vibe to artists like MUNA and the Japanese House, Stocksdale’s lyrics are what makes her stand out as an artist. “I love to come up with lyrics that tickle the intellectual side of your brain”, she states. With multiple singles and an upcoming debut EP, Stocksdale’s music is real life stories about her coming of age, and highlights the life of a girl in her twenties trying to find herself. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Dani Stocksdale. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW DANI STOCKSDALE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

After the long awaited anticipation, Maisie Peters is finally back with her third studio album, "Florescence". Mixing her U.K. folk roots, unapologetic lyricism and magical pop flare, this could be her best work to date that just might have been worth the wait. TRACKLIST Mary Janes Audrey Hepburn Say My Name In Your Sleep Old Fashioned Houses Kingmaker (with Julia Michaels) Vampire Time My Regards You You You If You Let Me (With Marcus Mumford) Flat Earther Questions Girl's Just Flying You Then Me Now Nothing Like Being In Love Maisie Peters is an English singer/songwriter who officially began releasing music in 2018. "Florescence" is her 3rd studio album release, following success of her debut album in 2021 "You Signed Up For This", and even bigger success, "The Good Witch", her sophomore album which released in 2023. Florescence quite literally defines as the blossoming stage of a flower. Maisie describes this album as the growth period between finding true love while healing and letting go of a past heartbreak. It's about learning what you deserve, what true love is supposed to look like, and maturing into the person you are meant to be. Maisie is known for her songwriting skills which has rich storytelling and emotional details. I'm excited to dive into these songs! Mary Janes Known for her incredible intro tracks, Maisie always uses track one on her albums to catch us up on how her life has been since we've last heard from her. Usually, it's the title track of the album, but this time she has broken the tradition with "Mary Janes". In this song she highlights how the material things as well as "looking the part" in the music industry and in society in general doesn't matter to her anymore because she has found someone who loves her for who she is; flaws and all. It's also a song to all the people who have brought her down or think they are better than her. Although she admits that things used to bother her (like the time people brought her down when she opened for The Eras Tour), it doesn't anymore. There's a sense of peace that comes with finding someone who loves you for exactly who you are. Audrey Hepburn Track two is "Audrey Hepburn", the first single that was released before the album. Titled after the iconic actress who was known for her natural beauty and kindness, "Audrey Hepburn" is a sweet and endearing love song about the peace that comes with finding the right person and being satisfied with the simple things. It's like being able to take the weight of the world off of your shoulders and take a breath of the freshest air. Nothing else in the world matters, because you have someone who genuinely wants your company. In this song, Maisie's love interest compares her bare face to Audrey Hepburn, a compliment that has stuck with her enough to write a song about it. Say My Name In Your Sleep "Say My Name In Your Sleep" is a soft-folk song that is quite literally haunting, but beautiful. This post-relationship track is about hoping that your presence lingers in your exes life, even though you're not physically there anymore. They left you hanging, so the best revenge you could give is little daily reminders that you still exist without even trying. They see you in the chair across the table when they eat breakfast in the morning, they smell you in their bedsheets, and they hear you in the music that plays on the radio. They thought they were escaping you by leaving, but ended up with regret. Old Fashioned The next track, "Old Fashioned", is about those guys who like to play the field and use the same old strategy every time to trick girls into thinking they're cooler than they actually are. This guy in particular goes to dive bars and jazz clubs, and claims to only drink old fashioneds, as if that somehow makes him more mature and attractive. Maisie calls him out, because she once was a victim of his tricks. She tells him "I wish you never happened", and if she could find him out there somewhere again messing with other girls, she'd throw his old fashioned glass at the wall. This song has a simple but beautiful instrumental with a kick-drum, downstrums and guitar patterns to create an emotional experience that focuses on the lyrics. Houses Marked as the first ever self-written song to make it on a Maisie Peters album, "Houses" claims the notoriously vulnerable spot, track 5. This acoustic ballad is bittersweet, emphasising the growth that comes with heartbreak, but also reflecting on the toxic environments you've escaped from. Maisie imagines the future she could've had if she had stayed with past lovers. She pictures what kind of houses they'd live in, what would be inside, and how they'd live, knowing that it wasn't the kind of life that she'd want if she had stayed. Kingmaker (with Julia Michaels) Co-written and sung with hit songwriter and artist Julia Michaels, "Kingmaker" calls out all the men that use good, vulnerable women to better themselves just to leave and be the dream man they created for another woman. Ladies, I feel like we've all been there. It's absolutely infuriating when we watch a man we've spent so much time and energy "fixing", be the man that we wanted him to be for someone else. Vampire Time A secret fan favorite is "Vampire Time", a song that Maisie had played before this album was even announced, leaving fans hopeful that it would be on the tracklist. It's a fun-loving, romantic song about having someone on your mind that you regret not taking the next step with, and you're hoping that it's not too late. You find yourself lying in bed at night and wondering about them, thinking about the moments that you had together, curious what they're doing right now, and if you'll ever get to see them again. It's a super upbeat, stomp-clap type of folk/pop track that'll have you singing along in no time. My Regards "My Regards" mixes Western and folk with a spy movie vibe and sensual vocals to create a fun song about claiming your man as your own and not letting anybody else touch him. This bop is full of confidence as Maisie sings of a love that is locked down. She sings, "God bless all of those other eyes; they can look but they can't ever touch". This song even comes with a super cool and fun line dance that you can learn. You You You "You You You" is about the lasting impact that a relationship has on someone; especially toxic ones. The trauma becomes ingrained in your DNA. Even if you don't want to think about them, you do. They've mentally and physically become a part of who you are in the worst way. Everything was about them, and even though they're gone now, it still is. "You You You" has a unique soundscape, blending an acoustic ballad foundation with an electronic production. If You Let Me (With Marcus Mumford) A stunning yet heartbreaking duet between Maisie and her album collaborator, Marcus Mumford (of Mumford & Sons), comes "If You Let Me". This song is about processing the grief of a breakup, and almost needing permission to forget and move on. Maisie and Marcus sing softly and beautifully together. It's a short, simple, but impactful track for the album. Flat Earther In the piano ballad "Flat Earther", Maisie Peters compares a way she used to love someone to the way that people obsess and fall into delusion with certain conspiracy theories; especially ones that have been disproven already. It's like no matter how much proof you show them that they're wrong, you can't get them to snap out of it. People will believe whatever they want to believe. In this case, Maisie was wearing rose colored glasses for someone who was trying to convince her that he was a better man than he really was. She sings a gorgeously emotional melody that sticks with you. Questions Right before the album dropped, Maisie began teasing this song, "Questions" and it instantly became a fan favorite. Everyone couldn't wait to hear the full track, knowing it was going to a banger and a half; and it is. It's one of those "word vomit" type of songs where lyrics just keep getting thrown at you in the best way overtop a super catchy pop production. "Questions" has a bit of sass but also a sense of happiness and closure when you finally realize you're over someone who still bothered you in the back of your mind. You've been able to find someone who has helped you figure out how you're supposed to be treated. So now, if for any reason you ever ran into the past lover in public, all those questions you used to want answers to from them wouldn't bother you anymore. You'd just walk right passed them without a second glance. Girl's Just Flying Perfectly transitioning from "Questions" is "Girl's Just Flying" which continues the theme of closure and moving on. There's a lot of growth and healing in this song that reminds me of "There It Goes" from Maisie's last album, "The Good Witch" (which I highly recommend listening to as well, by the way). There's a lot of lyrical genius moments in this song. I recommend just listening and taking it all in. There's more of a country flare to this song which is really fun as well. I will say I think my favorite line has to be "You lost sleep babe, I lost seasons". You Then Me Now "You Then Me Now" plays through the idea of how things would've been different if Maisie would've been the version of herself she is now while facing the guy who broke her heart now; also implying that men never really change, because he would still be the same now as he was back then. She sings of how much stronger she is now, compared to how unimportant and unnecessary his existence has been to her all along. Nothing Like Being In Love Last but certainly not least, we have "Nothing Like Being In Love", the final realization that now that you've finally found someone that truly loves you, everything you've experienced with people in the past wasn't really love. You can let go of all the things you've been through because it doesn't matter anymore. You can find peace in the person that has shown you what true care and happiness feels like. This one can be a tear-jerker, so just beware. It's a perfect, beautiful ending to this album. I've been a big fan of Maisie Peters for a really long time now and I have always believed she is a highly underrated superstar. Her songwriting is so genuine and vulnerable, which is what makes it so relatable. Not only that, but I can personally attest that she is a firecracker on stage and has music in her bones. She was born to create and perform, and you can tell that she loves doing it. With this new album, "Florescence", she is showing us not only the growth she has made as an artist, but the versatility she has when it comes to doing different genres and styles. Maisie is a force to be reckoned with, and I hope that if you haven't given her music a chance yet, you will. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

NYC-based entrepreneur and social media influencer Piper Phillips just released her debut single, “Growing Pains.” “Growing Pains” is a sparkly, disco-influenced pop track, released just in time for summer. The song follows in line with Phillips’ social media presence. Like much of her content, “Growing Pains” is a motivational track about self-improvement and achieving goals. It discusses the winding road of personal growth. It’s a song to listen to remind yourself that you can do anything you want to in this life. With this self-released debut, Piper Phillips is already showing potential as a feel-good musical artist bound for your dance playlists. It’s hard not to want to dance while listening to “Growing Pains.” The upbeat, glimmering production absolutely soars in the chorus. There’s a wonderfully nostalgic quality to “Growing Pains.” The sound is an 80s synthwave throwback with a modern twist. Fans of artists like Dua Lipa would find lots to love within Phillips’ debut. The earworm sound of it all also coincides with the track’s message. The beat pumps with energy as Phillips describes the growing pains of self-improvement. “Growing Pains” is an impressively thought-out, refined pop debut that establishes Piper Phillips as an artist to look out for. Piper Phillips is a NYC-based musician, entrepreneur, and social media personality. She is the founder of the brand “SELF-EMPLOYED” and has acquired over 170,000 followers across apps like TikTok and Instagram with her content creation. She specializes in spreading awareness for self-improvement and alternative career paths. And now, she is adding music to her resume. “Growing Pains” is her just debut, with more to come in the works. Within less than a month, the track has already over 22,000 streams on Spotify with Phillips herself gaining 12,000-plus monthly listeners. It’s clear her career is just getting started and you can listen to “Growing Pains” on all major streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW PIPER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Credit: Sing For Science For those of you who don't know... Chaka Khan debuted in 1973 as the lead vocalist of her funk band, Rufus, with whom she had many hits with including “Tell Me Something Good” and "Ain't Nobody". But she is even moreso known for her solo career which she debuted in 1978 with “I’m Every Woman” off of her debut studio album, Chaka. She has cemented her legacy with many accolades to her name. With a career spanning five decades, she’s been hailed as the “Queen of Funk”, received the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame receiving the Musical Excellence award in 2023. On May 27th, Chaka Khan came to the Museum of Natural Science, one of Houston’s many prestigious museums, with the founder and director of Music-In-Medicine at M.D. Anderson and concert pianist, Dr. Mei Rui. Both women were interviewed by Matt Whyte who is the creator and host of Sing For Science, a podcast where musicians sit down with scientists to explore the scientific ideas hidden in their most iconic songs. Tonight’s event supports the Chaka Khan Foundation which focuses on advancing mental health and wellness initiatives for neurodivergent individuals. She co-founded the foundation with her sister, Tammy Michelle, whose son was diagnosed with autism. The song discussed was “Tell Me Something Good”, Rufus’s iconic hit song. It played before Chaka came on stage, but when she did arrive, she received a standing ovation. During her time on stage, she discussed the origin of the song. Stevie Wonder came to the studio while she was about nine months pregnant. He played a song and she didn’t like it so he played her another one. She revealed that the drumbeat wasn’t recorded on an actual drumset. It was a literal garbage can! She also discussed her experience with live music and remembering all the lyrics to her songs. Insecurity and fear of not pleasing everyone led to her getting high and weezing. Weezing is still something she struggles with today. She was once told, “If you touch the ocean, you touch the entire ocean.” and that has stuck with her all these years. She was even in a band called Shades of Black before she joined Rufus. At the end of the night, Dr. Mei Lui played a medley of classical pieces. One of the attendees was wearing a neurological device that showed how the brain was reacting to the music. It was one of the new, innovative clinical trials the scientist is involved in. A few of the things I learned about the science behind music included how music activates the entire brain, how live music enhances our emotional and mental wellbeing, and how different genres of music affect our brains both consciously and under anesthesia. While the event was marketed as lasting from 7 to 8 pm, we didn’t get seated until 7:30 and it officially ended at 9:30 pm. The event organizers apologized for the delay, but nonetheless, the event itself was sagacious. I loved Chaka's energy, humor, and philanthropy. One of the most astute gatherings I’ve had the pleasure of attending. I love music and hearing about the process of songwriting. Chaka is releasing another studio album in September of this year so I will make sure to review it. I truly believe that we should always be paying our respects to the legends that shaped music today. Without barrier breaking legends like Chaka Khan, what would the music industry look like? Written By Jazz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.