Maya Kuriel really said it best when she told her fans to, “send this to your narcissistic ex best friend.” Her latest single “Victim Complex” is a song that I’m sure we can all relate to in one way or another. The track tells the story of a friendship that has reached the point of no return. Friendships or any relationship for that matter are a two-way street, but in the hard-hitting “Victim Complex” it’s a clear, unhealthy one-sided relationship with someone who lacks self-reflection, remorse, or accountability. To put it in clinical terminology, a victim complex is when someone sees themselves as the victim in every situation, regardless if evidence suggests otherwise - a concept that Kuriel evokes masterfully. Kuriel’s dark pop track exudes frustration and anger, two emotions that are unequivocally valid in friendship that’s as toxic as Kuriel describes. Full of raw, impassioned lyrics like “You never forgive, and you never forget // Psycho-analyze till you're clinically obsessed // Take this as a compliment that you do it best // You’ve got a victim complex,” Kuriel holds her ground and leaves nothing unsaid. Singing about a shattered friendship, Kuriel’s “Victim Complex” starts out with a haunting, slow burn synth beat that sets the tone for the new ex-best friend rage anthem. While “Victim Complex'' very much fits the singer's pop discography, the eerie synth beat leans into a somewhat more seductive R&B-esque tone just before the first verse hits — perfectly suiting her lyrics that speak of deep betrayal. Heading into the chorus, the song shifts into a more rapid, bass heavy beat that’s subtly reminiscent to Billie Eilish’s 2019 smash hit “bad guy.” Though the tempo change and electric drum section that strikes the latter half of the song are true standout points, it’s Kuriel’s voice that really cuts through. Her undeniable vocal talent weaves throughout the song and really hits home the true feeling and emotion of what it means to rid oneself of a destructive presence. Maya Kuriel’s career is only just beginning. The 24-year-old, Seattle-born pop singer released her sultry debut single “Intoxicated” in 2020 and has proven herself to be a rising star ever since. Her love for music began when she was just four years old. As her talents grew, Kuriel further continued to hone her craft and started writing and producing original songs when she was 16. Her eclectic pop melodies and raw lyrics have led her to amass more than 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and rave reviews from magazines like METAL and Raydar. Kuriel’s musical versatility has been evident throughout her career. From the deeply emotional “Helpless” to the more upbeat pop vibes of “Hostile,” it’s clear that she’s not your average pop girly. In the midst of navigating her growing career, Kuriel earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting and Music Production from The Music Institute in Hollywood in 2023 — proving once again that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW MAYA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Chandler Leighton’s highly-anticipated debut album, Proof You Weren’t the Only One, is a skipless record full of dark-pop anthems and melancholy ballads that tackle themes of depression, anxiety, and toxic relationships, as well as personal growth and self-discovery. Each song on the album is outstanding and the epitome of my favorite style of music. I even previously included the second track, “Monster”, in our Top 13 Spooky Songs for Halloween article. Alongside the album’s release, she premiered the music video for her single and the 11th track, “Got What I Wanted”. The heart-wrenching song delves into Leighton’s battle with wanting to achieve her dream but feeling drained by the unrelenting pain and suffering it has caused. Throughout the track, she describes this feeling as gasping for air as the waves are pulling her under—drowning and not knowing how to swim. This corresponds with the album cover where the singer is shown screaming while underwater.  Furthermore, this track connects to the entire record as a whole in the third verse as Leighton sings, “'Cause one day when I'm gone// These songs will be the proof you weren't the only one.” The artist’s decision to take this line and use it as the album’s title was ingenious. It encompasses the overarching theme of the project while showcasing a deeper and darker side of Leighton. After being an avid supporter of the artist for over a year, Proof You Weren’t the Only One was well worth the wait. Each song has a unique sound and storyline that flawlessly blends into one cohesive album. “Got What I Wanted” was the perfect track to round out the 11 songs, meticulously crafted to display Leighton’s individual experience while simultaneously resonating with listeners. Leighton consistently releases immaculate tracks that leave me in awe of her creativity and honesty. From the eerie atmosphere of “Witch Hunt” to the raw vulnerability of “Would You?”, the artist has an impeccable discography that deserves significantly more recognition. When she announced her new album, I knew it would be one of my top favorites of the year, if not of all time. And I was not wrong. Leighton marvelously introduces her audience to the project with the fiery track, “Sick”. This sets the tone for the first half of the album—anger. Meanwhile, “Got What I Wanted” concludes the second half—sadness. Alongside the melancholic soundscape, Leighton possesses a passion in her voice that highlights the intense emotions—one of the many aspects of the singer that initially captured my attention when I was first introduced to her. The song begins with soft synth waves and a staggered keyboard, lulling the audience into the introspective track. This transitions into the first verse, where the production is led by the keyboard and subtle drums, drawing focus on Leighton’s stunning voice sharing her vulnerable lyrics. In the pre-chorus, the soft percussion begins to pick up with layered vocals harmonizing in the background, foreshadowing the powerful break into the chorus. In the chorus, the layered vocal effects enter the forefront, becoming more prominent while the production is led by deep synth. This showcases the deep passion and desperation of Leighton. At the end of the chorus, the production reduces to only the synth as her compelling voice sings the hook: “I guess that I got what I wanted.” This highlights the vulnerable and gut-wrenching storyline as the listener feels the sorrow the artist is experiencing. Then, the third verse switches from a solemn piano-led production to a fast-paced percussion-heavy soundscape. Alongside this faster pace, the layered vocals become more pronounced, symbolizing the anxiety behind the lyrics. Furthermore, this allows Leighton to showcase her remarkable vocal range, which continues through the remainder of the track. In the outro, her flawless vocalizations lift the audience into the clouds, providing them with an out-of-body experience, before bringing them back down to earth with the final hook. “Got What I Wanted” was the perfect song to end the album with, as it encompasses a major theme while showcasing Leighton’s breathtaking, multifaceted talent. If Leighton is not already on your top most played artists list, there is no doubt that “Got What I Wanted” and the entirety of Proof You Weren’t The Only One will change your mind. Chandler Leighton is a dark alt-pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. Her passion for music and entertainment kicked off at the age of five when she began dancing, followed by joining musical theater by the second grade. Leighton then taught herself to play the guitar and began creating her own music in 8th grade. She made her debut in 2019 with her ILLENIUM collaboration, “Lonely”. Her first solo release was the following year with her single, “Eleanor Rigby”. Since then, Leighton has built up a solid fanbase with over 1.2 million monthly listeners and 135k followers on Instagram. Her 2022 single, “When You Say My Name”, has garnered massive attention with over 36 million streams on Spotify alone. Leighton continues to prove that she is an undeniable talent who deserves to become one of the industry’s biggest artists. Follow her on all socials to keep up to date with any new announcements! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW CHANDLER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | X | YouTube

If you love pop music, whimsical storytelling, and literary references in songs, PEGGY may just be your new favorite artist. Since the beginning of her musical career, the singer has combined these three elements to create art that is uniquely hers. She “finds magic with an acoustic guitar,” not letting one single genre rule her creative vision. In her debut EP, Dear Reader, she continues this boundless and imaginative process. The six-track project contains songs that reference iconic literature and historical figures while describing her personal experiences in life and relationships. Due to my personal admiration for classic stories, I naturally gravitated to PEGGY’s music and instantly fell in love with her unique style. Each song is meticulously crafted to create a flawless EP that listeners will never want to stop playing on repeat. Track List FEMININE RAGE ALICE MESS FLIGHT RISK 30 SECOND LOVE STORY DEAR READER PEGGY is an indie-pop singer-songwriter from Michigan. Her art is uniquely her own, drawing inspiration from her love of fictional literature and personal experiences. Growing up in a musical household, with a mother who sang backing vocals for a swing band and a father with a passion for classic rock, PEGGY was destined for a life of music. She began playing the piano at only five years old, joined a choir the following year, and performed in local productions of Annie, Into The Woods, and Les Misérables. Her musical inspirations come from artists such as Taylor Swift and Dodie, but witnessing Sara Bareilles was the catalyst for PEGGY’s journey into songwriting. In college, she studied music therapy and turned to TikTok during the pandemic to share her original songs. After sharing her track, “Fictional Men”, PEGGY’s career took off, garnering her 12.4 million streams on Spotify alone. After her songs “LOVE”, “Villains Aren’t Born (They’re Made)”, and “Falling for the Villain”, earned their own streaming success, PEGGY was signed to Nettwerk Music Group. She continues to release incredible music under the label with Dear Reader being her debut EP. Follow her on all social media to keep up with any future announcements! FEMININE RAGE PEGGY immediately propels her listeners into the world of literary and historical references with her intro track, “FEMININE RAGE”. Throughout the song, the singer mentions iconic stories of women being crucified for things beyond their control. From legendary Greek mythology figures such as Medusa and Persephone to women in history such as Marie Antoinette and Anne Boleyn. PEGGY ingeniously uses these women, amongst so many others, as prime examples of us being vilified since the beginning of time. She even admits that she too would go mad if her lover killed her father, like Ophelia did when it happened to her. PEGGY expresses the frustration that women grow up hearing these stories from a man’s perspective— where they are the heroes. But in reality, they are the people who victimize innocent women and turn them into a pariah. In her clever hook, she concludes that these stories are why it’s no wonder there is so much Feminine Rage. With her clever metaphors and cheeky lyricism, “FEMININE RAGE” is the perfect way for Peggy to kickstart her debut project. ALICE Alice In Wonderland is one of my favorite movies, and there have been countless songs inspired by the classic storybook tale; "Wonderland" by Taylor Swift, "Alice In Wonderland" by Kalie Shorr, and "Alice" by Avril Lavigne to name a few I personally adore. After learning of PEGGY’s literary inspirations and reading the track list, I knew “ALICE” would be my favorite song on the project. The track delves into a deeper and darker side of PEGGY. Paired with a whimsical acoustic guitar and her airy vocals, “ALICE” shares the singer’s experience with disassociation. While the meaning of the classic book is still up for debate, one theory is Wonderland was never real and Alice made it up to escape reality.  In the chorus, PEGGY sings: “Alice, Alice, don’t you know?// Wonderland was all a hoax// Made it up so she could cope.” This symbolizes PEGGY’s own experience with escaping to fictional worlds in her mind to avoid what was happening in her real life. Throughout the track, she references iconic parts of the story to describe the unhealthy habit she partakes in. From the moment the song began, the folk-rock style of the guitar and PEGGY’s stunning vocals instantly captured my attention. But the clever songwriting is what turned “ALICE” from a beloved track to my favorite song on the project. MESS “MESS” is an introspective track that dives into PEGGY’s insecurities and self-doubts. In the verses, she discloses the traits she sees in herself that she is not particularly fond of. She recognizes that she is not perfect, but they are still a part of who she is. She admits that she is a mess and that she makes mistakes. But she knows this is what makes her human and she should be accepted for who she is—flaws included. In the chorus, PEGGY switches the narrative to expose the negative people in her life who judge her for these faults. She sings, “I’m a mess, but that doesn’t make me less than you// I’m naïve, but still, I wish the best of you// And I may make mistakes that I shouldn’t at my age// I know I’m not incompetent// But, damn, you make me feel that way.” PEGGY is exhausted by the ridicule and judgment of outside forces attempting to bring her down. She knows that their opinions do not matter, and yet she cannot help but fall into the trap, feeding into her self-doubt and anxieties. Her insightful lyrics and raw vulnerability are admirable, creating a track that listeners can resonate with. With “MESS”, PEGGY has ingenuously crafted the perfect track for young adults just trying to make it in this world. FLIGHT RISK “FLIGHT RISK” is a cheeky song utilizing air travel as a “metaphor for commitment issues and running away from people.” To kick off the song, PEGGY and her producer, Andrew Tufano, cleverly insert feedback from a pilot’s intercom with an inflight announcement. This instantly propels the listener into the detailed imagery before the infectious soundscape takes over. PEGGY’s captivating voice confesses her predisposition to leave when relationships get too serious. This is all led by her own fears of being “too much for somebody.” She would rather run before they have a chance to leave themselves. In the bridge, she explains this with the lyrics: “I’ll be leaving, so as I’m there// Got my reasons, promise I care// I’m just scared to let you see me, like this// I’m a flight risk.” PEGGY wears her heart on her sleeve, admitting her faults and feeling remorse for her behavior. She hates hurting others, but she needs to protect her own heart. “FLIGHT RISK” is marvelously written—another excellent example of PEGGY’s descriptive songwriting while effortlessly relating to listeners everywhere. 30 SECOND LOVE STORY Rather than taking inspiration from a famous novel or a historical text, PEGGY creates her own narrative in “30 SECOND LOVE STORY”. The song depicts her experience with meeting someone, or just noticing their face in public, and conjuring up a scenario in her mind. One where they have a perfect meet-cute that develops into an epic love story. The song was inspired by a “train crush”—the moment she fell for a stranger she saw on a train. In just 30 seconds, she had already dreamt of a life where they fell in love, got married, and had a house and a family. But then she comes back to reality and knows this will never happen—she will never even say hello. This is an experience many people have felt and PEGGY relays it eloquently, bringing the listener’s thoughts to life. Paired with the ethereal pop soundscape, “30 SECOND LOVE STORY” is easily one of the best songs on the project. DEAR READER PEGGY’s poetic songwriting in her title track blew my mind from the very first listen. Her elegant songwriting displays vulnerable feelings of love and hope. As a Taylor Swift fan of 18 years, I immediately was drawn to “Dear Reader” as it shares a name with a Swift track. With the expressive lyrics and lively production, PEGGY’s song is one Swift would be proud of. Throughout the track, she compares her love to Wendy and Peter Pan and Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy, two legendary love stories that were “fated to happen.” In the bridge, PEGGY showcases her impressive vocal range while she sings my favorite lyric: “We’ll stay young, between ink and pen.” This symbolizes that their romance will forever stay memorialized through the story of their love, even after they grow old and pass on. It is a sweet sentiment that people fade but stories are forever— something literature is often revered for. Furthermore, PEGGY ingeniously concludes the EP with the line, “’Cause you’ll always read, read me again,” perhaps holding a double meaning. Now she is singing to the listener, hoping they will hit replay on the project. Just like she hopes her partner will read her again. Whether or not this is intentional, it is something that stood out and made me respect PEGGY’s songwriting even more. After listening to the entire project, listeners are left in awe of PEGGY’s clever talent. She showcases her love of literature while maintaining the integrity of her personal experiences. From the feminist anthem, “FEMININE RAGE” to the theatrical piano in “DEAR READER”, the singer ensures there is something for everyone. Every single one of her songs is written about her own life, however, she also aspires to create a world of comfort for listeners that resonates with her lyrics. Each song on Dear Reader is flawlessly crafted, using vivid imagery and deep metaphors that showcase PEGGY’s unique style and inspiration. As a lover of music and literature, Dear Reader has earned a special place in my heart. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW PEGGY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

“Try Again” explores innate fears that accumulate into someone becoming scared for things such as love and relationships. Your most recent lost love still lingers within everything you do. Despite the constant pain you feel from their absence, you can never bring yourself to just reach out to them. Any hint of closure or reconciliation is quickly destroyed by your fears. It seems as though many things other than communication make you fearful. Dangerous situations like reckless driving and even the concept of death take over your mind and you are left terrified. You helplessly wonder if all these accumulated fears permeate into most aspects of your life. Being scared of life itself makes your fears behind love explainable. What if you and your ex never find each other again? What if they never realize you were soulmates. The palpable fear of every possible outcome for your love story bleeds into most aspects of your own life. “Try Again” is an indie dream pop anthem that relies on simple melodies and instrumentation to represent the overarching somber narrative. We begin with just two elements to introduce us to this vulnerable story: ROSIE's vocals and guitar strums. The tone is set carefully and effectively with these two elements playing off each other. Gradually, a slight ambience is added as the chorus begins. This ambience is accompanied by slight harmonies and percussion sprinkled in the background. These gradual increases allow the narrative’s emotional nature to become more prominent. The bridge exudes the full effect of the building up as a chorus of voices intertwine with ROSIE’s. Each element blends together to create an effective story and melodic experience. ROSIE is a singer-songwriter from New York. Growing up in a musical family, she has always had a fixation on music and songwriting. She began creating her own music at age 12 and has since skyrocketed a career. ROSIE has amassed thousands of followers on various social media platforms, her primary site being TikTok. She has gained millions of views on TikTok and over 3 million listeners on Spotify. She is well known for advocacy posts on various important social and political topics. She incorporates her own experiences with mental health and negative life experiences into her music. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “Try Again” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW ROSIE: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

San Francisco, California native Hayden Everett has released his third EP, "I Miss The Sky". Hayden is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who takes pride in his love for nature and his free-spirited personality. Mixing genres of indie-pop, alternative, folk and even a little bit of jazz, you can feel Hayden's calm demeanor through his music. Inspired by his easy-going outlook on life, "I Miss The Sky" is a vibey project that'll have you taking deep breaths and letting go of all the stress you've been holding onto. TRACKLIST See You Soon Coma Seize The Sun Jet Plane 7th Street For Winter Hayden Everett debuted his career in 2019 with his self-titled EP which helped him take off in the indie music world when it gained millions of streams. Hayden Everett loves nature, and has used his passion for music to help him make discoveries about himself. He even camped out at Glacier National Park in Montana a few years ago with just him and his guitar so that he could focus on creating sounds and songs straight from his heart and soul with no distractions to interfere. This was the time that Hayden wrote songs that would create the style and concept for what is now the "I Miss The Sky" EP. Let's dive into each track. See You Soon "See You Soon" is the lead single that was released 3 months ago in anticipation for "I Miss The Sky". The indie soundscape has a chill groove that sets the tone for what style the rest of the EP will be. There's a consistent beat mixed with both acoustic and electric guitar and a soft bass. Hayden's raw vocals shine through as he flips back and forth from chest voice to falsetto during the highly catchy hook. "See You Soon" is about when you let a meaningless fight with someone you love destroy your relationship, just to realize later how stupid the whole situation is. You just want to let it go, and get back to the way things were. Coma "Coma" was one of the tracks Hayden wrote outside of his Montana camping trip. This piano ballad is full of pure emotion. It's less than two minutes long, but the pain of it makes it feel longer. There's a jazzy essence to the chord progression, and a gospel feeling to the layered harmonies that come out in full swing. This is where the title of the EP comes in play, as the song opens up with the lyrics, "I miss the sky It would talk to me when I was next to her". "Coma" is about wishing you could turn your brain and thoughts off, because the feeling of missing this person is just too unbearable. “It’s about feeling like I was less in touch with my ability to see magic in the world.... She drew that magic out of me. I’m missing who I was with her.” - Hayden Seize The Sun "Seize The Sun" is a gorgeous track with stand-out acoustic guitar and banjo. It manages to keep Hayden's signature, laid-back feel while also incorporating elements of folk and a little bit of country as well. The song is about taking advantage of the fresh air and the sparkling sun whenever you're dealing with a tough situation. Sometimes all you need to do to see things more clearly is to go take a walk, clear your mind, and take some deep breaths. It's better to step away and really think about something before you take a conflict farther than it needs to go. The stomping chorus is sung in a chant-like manor that makes it easy to remember. This way, when you're in a situation like this, you'll be able to think back to these lyrics and remind yourself that it'll be okay. Jet Plane Although it's not considered the lead single, "Jet Plane" was the first song featured on this EP to be released to the world when it came out ten months ago. It has a prominent beat and a smooth instrumentation that glides and flows beautifully. "Jet Plane" is about having to leave someone you love behind, and hoping that they'll still be waiting for you whenever you get back. You might've made mistakes and have hurt them in the past, but there's nothing you're more sure of than the fact that they're the person you want in your life for all time. 7th Street "7th Street" acts as an interlude, or break within the EP. The song last just over a minute, and is a gorgeous piano instrumental that perfectly leads into the next, and the last track, "For Winter". I recommend closing your eyes while listening to this with headphones on, as you prepare yourself for the closing song. It's an absolute stunning experience. For Winter "7th Street" perfectly leads into "For Winter", which continues on with the piano instrumental, same chord progression but with a faster tempo. I can confidently say this is the perfect track to close out the EP, and it is also the most raw and emotional song on this project. Just Hayden's heartbreaking vocals and his piano, "For Winter" is gut-wrenchingly tragic, sad, but beautiful all the same. It's about when you find a love that almost feels too good to be true. Instead of letting go and letting that person love you, you turn to pushing them away in fear of losing them. Written from personal experiences, Hayden's lyricism skills really shine through. Hayden took his life experiences and interests, and managed to create a perfect sound for it. "I Miss The Sky" is full of sounds that feel natural, organic and raw. You can hear the fact that some of it was literally created outdoors. Listening to these tracks feel like laying in the grass, in the sun, with a warm fresh breeze blowing on your face. Hayden loves to live in the moment, and that's exactly what he inspires people to do with his music. These songs all come straight from his heart, flowing out of him just as easily as it is to exhale a breath. The relaxation that these soundscapes radiate will ease your mind, and it's perfect for a de-stressing playlist. If you loved "I Miss The Sky", make sure to check out Hayden's previous works as well. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW HAYDEN: Instagram | Spotify | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Larsson has said of her latest single, “Package Deal”, “where I go... so do my packages. The packages are labeled: "trust issues" "my exes" "useless information from my exes" "trauma" "fragile". You realised you didn't sign up for this... but it's too late... she's a package deal.” Larsson sings of one of the many pitfalls of any relationship, romantic or platonic, learning to deal with all that comes along with that person, their “packages”. We as humans, of course, know the feeling of both learning to accept people and all of their “packages”, as well as that of finding those who will accept us and all of our “packages”. In fact, suffice it to say that having “packages” makes it easier to accept other people’s “packages” AKA no one’s perfect and we all have extra things with us besides how awesome we are 😊.   “Anxiety’s not who I used to be.” Yes, Larsson understands that anxiety is a learned behavior, whether that be through relationships or other aspects of life, we develop anxiety as a response to life’s experiences. “I’m trying to undo what he’s done to me. Would that help you love me more easily?” The pain Larsson conveys through these lines is the latter part of the package deal, the part where we’re grappling with our own inadequacies and wondering if others will be able to do so as well. Larsson speaks of her efforts with her new lover, to try and erase the damage done by a former lover. This is all, of course, in her mind and she’s wondering if her efforts are helping to ease her new love’s mind concerning her packages. Larsson even goes so far as to say, “I’d leave me too, I guarantee, cause I wouldn’t sign up for someone like me.” It’s this self-deprecating talk that doesn’t allow us to heal from past traumas that Larsson also speaks about. I do find it worth noting that Larsson also chooses to end the song with the line “Wouldn’t sign up for someone like me.” So, not only is Larsson hurt from her past, but she feels that she can’t be salvaged currently and that no one would “sign up” to be with her. Again, the devastation of your deepest darkest thoughts being brought to light and with such bright instrumentation in the song, Larsson is really driving the point home of inner doubts and overthinking. The music perhaps provides some hope in this darker situation, that package deals can be unboxed and tended to properly. Love accepts all, understands all, embraces all, and fights to protect all. May all “package deals” feel at ease with the fact that we’re all quite literally “package deals”. Sienna Larsson describes herself as “an Australian singer-songwriter turning all my emotions into music. Writing music is my free therapy… I’m just trying to navigate through my 20's and all the relationship drama that comes with it; the good, the bad and the really bad. I feel what you’re going through, and I promise I’ll write a song about it…I probably already have.” I do find myself identifying with Larsson’s words, I feel that listening to music is my free therapy. I would agree with Larsson’s statement about her turning all of her emotions into music, with song names ranging from “Useless Information” to “Little Games” and even “Collateral Damage”. All of those names can convey a plethora of emotions for anyone on any subject, really. Larsson’s social media is on the rise across all accounts, with her monthly listener count steadily growing on Spotify. Larsson has found her niche and tapped into it. If you’re a fellow “package deal” and would like to keep up with Larsson and know what other songs she has in store for us, then follow all of her social medias below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW SIENA LARSSON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Mental illness is an epidemic that has yet to make positive progress in our world. There's a lot of people who struggle with depression, sadness, stress and unbearable loneliness. Luckily, music acts as a therapy for those of us who need an emotional outlet; whether it's creating the music yourself or just listening. "Poem Song" by Lily Kershaw is one of those songs to lift you up and help you see that you're not alone in this world. "Poem Song" is about digging yourself out of that dark hole you've been living in, and learning to love yourself and give yourself grace. It's about realizing that you're strong enough to get yourself into a better mental state. "Poem Song" is a stunning piano ballad, with hints of folk and contemporary music. Lily has a stunning, classic vocal tone with effortless vibrato that really amplifies the emotion of this song. The painfully relatable lyrics speak to the hearts of many who have also felt this same type of depressive state that Lily wrote about here. Lily wrote "Poem Song" to help her through a time when her mental health wasn't at it's best. It started out as a nine minute voice memo of Lily letting her thoughts flow, and it was turned into this stunning experience of a song. Lily Kershaw is a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter who kicked officially kicked off her music career in 2013 with her debut album, "Midnight in the Garden". Now 11 years later, Lily has managed to release quite a handful of breakthrough songs, gaining millions of streams across all platforms and having a loyal 400,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify. "Poem Song" is the fifth single released in anticipation of her third album, "Pain & More" which is set to release this fall of 2024. The album is themed around mental health and Lily's personal, life-long struggles with depression. If you liked "Poem Song", make sure to check out the other recent singles, "Depreshmode", "Living Room Parties", "Love Is a Dark Comedy", and "Americandream"! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW LILY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Irrational details loved lost and the heartache left in its wake – with Shane Rennison belting out "Talk about a whole love lost, Packed your bags last night and left, Didn't care what it cost". Shane sings his heart out on this one, touching on just how irrational lovers can be at time when things don't go according to plan. Rennison delves into the addictive side of dating someone with a few screws loose, begging the question of who is truly the irrational one in this pairing? All the signs appeared to be there – "Or when we went home, And your mother told me I'd be better on my own" – and yet it's nearly impossible to make a clean break from this person you care for so deeply. Irrational touches on the raw, complicated emotions that derive from being in an unhealthy relationship and is certainly deserving of a listen from any star-crossed lovers out there. Irrational opens up with filtered percussion and silky slide guitar that fade-in during the brief intro. A punchy drum fill takes us into the start of the first verse, which is held down by a solid drum beat and groovy bassline to match. Atop the groove sits Shane's crystal-clear cadence – this combination of catchy vocals and mid-tempo instrumentation make it difficult to listen without bobbing your head or tapping your foot. Next, the pre-chorus adds a new layer of what sounds like a sampled violin, perhaps even a Mellotron. Following this is the first hook, where Shane repeats the song loud and clear as his backing vocal riffs add ambiance behind the main line. Each hook steps up the production by layering more pads and droning synths that help these sections pop. At the start of each hook, we can hear what sounds like a high-pitched, sustained string sound – which can also be heard in hits by Disco heavyweights like the Bee Gees and CHIC. Towards the end of the track, Shane rests his voice as a brief slide guitar solo takes place. His voice quickly comes back in to push the song into its final climax, before fading out as the message continues to bleed through. Shane Rennison is a US-based singer-songwriter, originally hailing from the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. He has often cited his mountain home as the inspiration for his work, including his 2023 EP, "Nice To Meet You". Despite being self-taught and a relatively new artist on the scene, Rennison has amassed nearly 8000 monthly listeners on Spotify. And they're well-earned. Rennison's discography is humble, heartfelt, and nothing short of captivatingly unique. Shane performs live regularly at local venues throughout the Catskills, covering over 150 other bands across multiple genres. You can catch him live tonight (5/3) at the Courtyard Bar in Roscoe, NY from 6 pm EST till 9 pm EST. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW SHANE RENNISON: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

It is no secret to life that time is both our greatest enemy and our biggest friend. OSKA’s newest single “April May July” details this very idea in the context of grieving a relationship, while also giving yourself the grace to grow through a new experience. OSKA herself explained that, "As long as I can remember, I have struggled with ending any kind of relationship. I had to learn that, sometimes, the only way to regain trust and love is to let go of one another." So much easier said than done, this is such an understandable experience. The musicality of the song is slow and mournful, with a simple guitar picking pattern paired with nostalgic synths in the background. The lyrics in this track flip from lamenting over her past love, while acknowledging the fact that a new one is on the rise. She opens by singing the most true words I have ever heard in describing a crush: “And there’s this other guy / Not like in I loved him / More like me oh my / Should I speak or should I die?” She is beginning the process of developing feelings and second guessing her words, while still acknowledging that he's just the ‘other guy’. Her chorus is divided into two thoughts: grieving the passage of time while letting a potential new love blossom. She starts the chorus with “April May July / Oh this summer passed me by”, and ends it by singing, “Where we end / We begin”. OSKA is an Austrian born singer-songwriter, who was raised through music from the start of her life. She began busking on the streets of Vienna after she moved there at age 18 while simultaneously studying pop and jazz music. She is now signed to Nettwerk Music Group, an independent group across a slew of different genres. OSKA has almost 300k monthly Spotify listeners, and is currently working on a full length album (release date TBD). She has already released two singles from the work, “April May July”, and “Like A Song”, a track that sings about finding clarity after turmoil. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more from OSKA, including her album. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW OSKA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Talia Grace has just released her track, “The Girl Before the Girl” off her latest EP, “From Under You”! The EP delves into her personal journey, coming from a place of hurt and despair to growing a resilient woman with more clarity than ever before. “The Girl Before the Girl” specifically discusses her experience with the biggest heartbreak of all - being the girl before your partner finds the one. She starts off the song by bringing up unimportant guys in her life, merely describing them by where they live or the color of her hair. But, you can tell her tone shifts when she mentions the “boy back in [her] hometown,” proclaiming that he’s the one who keeps her hopes alive. In the chorus, she says that she’s the girl before the girl, and how “[she’s] not the [he] beg[s] to stick around inside [his] little world.” Heartbreakingly, at the end of the chorus, she tells him “I’m the heart that you can break while you wait for yours to mend.” She blames her self-sabotaging on being a child of divorced parents, and the pain of the heartbreak hurts a little less because she has already felt unwanted. In the emotionally-charged bridge, she proclaims “I can’t spend one more second as a second choice,” a perfect description of the despair you feel being the “other woman.” “The Girl Before the Girl” is a beautiful yet poignant track that sadly is so relatable for so many. The production on “The Girl Before the Girl” isn’t the most technologically complex, but the emotion shines through. There are no extravagant moments or special additions of flair, but it perfectly corresponds with the message in the lyrics. With just a piano, a light drum beat after the first chorus, and some synths swirling below her vocals, it emits this down-to-earth feel, as if Talia is trying to get onto the listener’s level. Talia’s distinct voice is what stands out to me the most - her unique vocal quality allows herself to effortlessly express what she’s feeling. There’s this dreamlike quality to it as well, yet it feels so grounded, raw, and honest. To put the cherry on top, the added heartbeats near the end of the track create a sense of despair and is truly moving. “The Girl Before the Girl” is an amazingly crafted track, and it makes you keep coming back to listen. Talia Grace is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She embarked on her musical journey at seven years old playing the piano. Eventually, that morphed into playing in a family band and a love for writing, recording, and performing music. Talia eventually teamed up with Austin-based producer Taylor Webb for her debut single, “Melancholy”, in 2020. She has been steadily releasing music since. Now, she has just released her first EP, “From Under You”. Featuring “The Girl Before the Girl” as well as three other tracks, the EP delves into life’s tumultuous nature, detailing feelings of loss, love, and self-discovery. It’s clear with Talia’s track record that she will continue to make beautiful, compelling music that will captivate audiences. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW TALIA GRACE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

On her newest single, "Wonderland," singer-songwriter Pixia blends her classic dark new-wave aesthetic with a message of love and self-acceptance. "Wonderland" is anthemic in every way imaginable. From a production standpoint, the track is lush and filled with many sonic details. The 80s influence here is strong. From the bleepy electronic synth lines in the background to the heavy drumline to her lavish vocal delivery, Pixia creates a grandness that harkens back to the decade when bigger meant better while still sounding forward-thinking and fresh. It's a song meant to be played while driving in the city under the blinding neon lights. Yet "Wonderland" is not just sonically impressive but lyrically important. In "Wonderland," Pixia writes about the all-too-relatable feeling of inadequacy and comparing yourself to others. When asked about her inspiration behind the song, the artist said: "You always feel like you're not doing enough...I wanted to write something I would show my younger self throughout the years to reassure her that you're on the right path, you're doing what you love, it's going to be okay," which comes through completely in the song. For people who do not know what they're doing in their lives, which, let's be honest, is basically all of us right now, the lyrics of "Wonderland" act as a mantra. "I thought I was running out of time /  but now I see how strong I stand / I thought I was running out of time / but now my life's in Wonderland." Singing along to Pixia reminds you that your life will work out on your own terms and that success comes to everyone at different points. She is not just comforting her younger self but listeners as well. One of Pixia's greatest strengths as an artist is her ability to write songs that emotionally resonate, and "Wonderland" is no exception. By pairing such motivational and honest lyrics about self-love with a sound so effortlessly melodic, Pixia creates a pop triumph with "Wonderland." Pixia is a U.K.-based artist whose music focuses on dark, alt-pop aesthetics with an 80s electronic edge. Her biggest musical inspirations include Kate Bush, Aurora, and Lana Del Rey, which shines through her work as she concentrates on ethereal vocals, grand aesthetics, and honest lyricism. Pixia's official debut, "If I'm On Your Mind,"  was released in 2021 and currently holds over 235,000 downloads on Spotify. The success of her first single has only continued. Since then, the singer-songwriter has released six more singles on streaming services, collecting over half a million streams and 5000 monthly listeners. Pixia has received mass acclaim from publications like the BBC Introduction, AFX Radio, and A&R Factory. Her musical journey is only growing from here, and it is so exciting to see what she will do next. "Wonderland," along with the rest of Pixia's discography, is available to stream now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW PIXIA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Soundcloud | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Down Down Down Down is the latest anthem from German singer/songwriter and worldwide sensation, Chris James. Following the release of his fourth album, Dopamine Detox , just this January, the new track sees James questioning why his life is suddenly spiraling downhill. The first verse has James looking at the false optimism he experiences from day to day and wondering if "there['s] no gold at the end of the road." The catchy, but heartbreaking chorus is when James asks the million-dollar question... "Why am I feeling so/Down, down, down, down again?" James continues his skepticism in the second verse, saying, "I bounce between irrational and common sense/No, I'm not gonna chill, I'm trying to make a dent." Chris James' writing style has hooked me so much that I've instantly down down down down-loaded all of his music to my Spotify. Though the title of the song and the lyrics may be Down Down Down Down, the overall vibe of the track is anything but that. The track starts with a bouncy acoustic guitar riff that reminded me of playing Mario Kart Wii with my buddies on a hot July 2010 day. James also incorporates a light drum beat and some high-pitched synths that came together to remind me of Skrillex and Diplo's 2015 collaboration with Justin Bieber, Where Are U Now? Chris James has a lovely baritone voice that fits in nicely alongside some of the other pop music greats like Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, and Dan Reynolds. I couldn't picture anyone but James on this track and on my next trip to Coconut Mall, I might be muting my TV to turn his voice up. Ya-HOO! Chris James may be from Berlin, Germany, but he is slowly taking over the entire world. As a songwriter, he has already become a legend, both locally and internationally. He co-wrote Komet by Apache 207 x Udo Lindenberg which is the longest number-one song in Germany, but over here in the States, he is known for helping out with the Billboard Hot 100 number one, Life Goes On by BTS. In his solo music career, he has already released four studio albums and even had his breakout hit, Not Angry , reach five billion uses on the Chinese social media platform, Douyin. With the release of Down Down Down Down , James is ringing in a new era with a brand new album set for release in 2025 and a world tour hitting Asia and Europe this summer. Chris James is SUPER talented. Please go stream his new song if you want to be up up up up in life. Written by Jordan Elliott FOLLOW CHRIS JAMES: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook | YouTube