In the rich tapestry of contemporary pop music, Carina Marie’s single "who i'd be" emerges as a profoundly intimate piece, tenderly unfurling the complexities of growing older with the guiding foresight of motherhood. With buttery vocals that gently cascade over the listener, Marie transports us through a journey of self-discovery and homage to her primary role model. Her musings reflect a dichotomy of emotions, reconciling the trepidations of maturation with the excitement of blossoming into the familiarity of a mother's silhouette. With “Who I’d Be,” Marie proves that her focus on tackling staggering modern issues through the lens of pop music is not only pertinent but also timeless in its appeal and depth. Marie’s narrative prowess in "who i'd be" is a delicate exploration of the wistful wonderment about the lives our parents led before us, offering listeners a glimpse into the anticipation of inheriting the cherished traits and strengths that her mother exemplifies. The song, striking a resonant chord with its audience, captures that universal relatability of witnessing one's self gradually mirror a parent, embodying the virtues and wisdom once observed from the knee-high vantage point of childhood. Carina Marie's "who i'd be" is more than just a musical number; it’s an emotional cartography charting the lineage of maternal influence and the silent transition of virtues from one generation to the next. The heartfelt composition manages to echo the past while confronting the evolving ideals of the present, serving as a beacon for listeners navigating the intricate dance of growing up alongside the lingering echo of their forebearers’ footsteps. Carina Marie, a promising talent from Pleasantville, NY, is an emerging pop singer, insightful songwriter, and passionate performer with an emotive presence that effortlessly bridges the worlds of music and theater. A recent graduate with a BFA in Musical Theater from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Marie’s artistic endeavors do not stop at her captivating vocal performances; she is also a dedicated playwright, having penned her first play. Her approach to music emits a vivid sense of authenticity and exploration, drawing influences from the storytelling prowess of Sara Bareilles to the cheeky charm of Lily Allen. As she carves her path in the music industry, Carina Marie continues to hone a unique sound characterized by its "buttery vocals, cinched right harmonies, and catchy anthems," all while tackling significant modern issues within her stirring pop compositions. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW CARINA: Instagram   | Spotify  | Website | Soundcloud   | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

"Giving You Up Now" by Odd Blossom – the dexterous brainchild of Kevin Moffat & Jake Cooper –pulsates with fervor and finesse, marrying heart-tugging emotion with bass that grumbles like an impending storm. Crafted through remote collaboration between Moffat in Phoenix and Cooper in Chicago, "Giving You Up Now" distills their individual strengths into a single entity. It encapsulates the duality of their musical personas – Jake's penchant for crafting beauty in melody entwined with Kevin's proclivity for the heavier, dirtier edges of bass. Moffat and Cooper have crafted a narrative of heroic romanticism, woven through the song’s tapestry. The track unfolds the tale of a heart challenged by the notion of letting go, conveyed through evocative vocals that highlight the precious complexity of love and loss. From the ascent of its opening bars, the song announces its intentions with a clarity that resonates. It is a testament to the project's ethos: modern commercial lyrics enmeshed with melodic instrumentals, encompassing an atmosphere filled with longing, set against the visceral punch of gritty bass tones. On a technical level, the song manages to strike the delicate balance between radio-ready appeal and the festival-stage dynamism. The narrative core of the song, with its thematic depiction of releasing what you hold dear, propels the listener through an aural journey that is both personal and relatable. It's the type of track that resonates with the listener long after the last note has faded, leaving a lingering touch of melancholy tinged with empowerment. Odd Blossom is the melodic bass pop brainchild of producers Kevin Moffat and Jake Cooper, who have combined their formidable talents to create music that resonates deeply with emotional undercurrents and gritty bass. Their collaboration, forged from a deep-rooted friendship that blossomed in high school, has led to a fusion of sounds that challenges the boundaries of conventional electronic music, marked by haunting melodies, evocative hooks, and a subtle edge that speaks to the soul. With a wealth of experience and support from respected labels and industry giants, Odd Blossom represents the perfect amalgamation of Moffat's textured, bass-driven soundscapes and Cooper's ability to craft authentic, heartfelt tunes, culminating in a duo that not only captivates listeners but leaves an indelible mark on the electronic music scene. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ODD BLOSSOM: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Soundcloud | Linktree *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

I got really excited when I was asked to review this song, because I think Zoe Ko has a super fun and unique style of music. And “EAT” may be one of her best yet! “EAT” is a song about loving yourself, “eating”, and “serving”; as Ko herself describes it. I think the lyrics got me into a really fun headspace where I felt super powerful, like I could run the world. I especially like the lyric “Drag my girls and strut the street / Like cold hot killers / Serving dinner / Drop men like accessories.” I think this song has a super sexy vibe to it, that much is evident from some of the song’s first lyrics. I think everyone needs a solid anthem to make them feel empowered and confident. I think “EAT” is a great example. Right away, I could hear a lot of Gwen Stefani in Ko’s voice. It transported me back to early 2000s pop punk, where artists like Avril Levine truly shined. I also like the almost electric sound this song has. I can tell a lot of production work went into making this song, so I think it sounds great. I also noticed that Ko has a super raspy voice, she tends to draw out the ends of each verse. And honestly, I think it works well in the context of this song. I vibed with it fairly easily. I’ve heard a few of Zoe Ko’s songs before, but haven’t really connected with one as I did with “EAT”. So, if you haven’t enjoyed listening to her music yet, I hope you all start today! Zoe Ko is a 23-year-old singer and songwriter from New York City. To highlight the female experience, Ko has released numerous catchy hits that have connected with women everywhere and has been doing so since 2022. Some of her most popular hits include songs like “DIRT,” “Lovesick in Public,” and “Pink Noise.” With an average of nearly 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Ko is making major moves connecting with her audience. Ko is currently on tour, with her final stop in Boston, Massachusetts on May 1. Go stream “EAT” today! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW ZOE KO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

This song, “Prague” by Blair Davie, is a beautiful, lighthearted tale about being in love and realizing that anywhere feels like home when you’re by that person’s side. With Prague picked as a random destination, Davie emphasizes this point with lyrics like “If I could go anywhere then I would choose the anywhere that’s by your side” and “who needs planes to fly,” showing how once you find the person you want to be with, who you feel comfortable with, then anywhere you are together is where you want to be. Whether you are in a relationship or not, this song is for everyone, showing that what really matters is that you have people you care about and who care about you - the rest just fades into the background. “Prague,” is a soft, piano-based pop song that perfectly balances melodic instrumentation with strong vocals. Starting off right into the first verse, this song leaves you no time to hesitate; you’re drawn in immediately by Davie’s voice and the already audible emotion. The song starts off softly, but picks up pace and intensity as it builds to the chorus, differentiating the sections while staying true to the heart of it. The piano is highlighted in the break between chorus and verse, and remains clear throughout the whole song. A little after halfway through, more instruments and vocals are added, building to the peak of the song in the bridge, where the new sounds drop away to create that powerful contrast. Overall, Blair Davie has created a beautiful, heartfelt song that remains emotional while also staying upbeat. A perfect song for any occasion, this one will definitely be on repeat. Blair Davie is an up-and-coming singer songwriter hailing from Perth, Scotland. They started writing and recording music at the very young age of twelve as a solo artist, before joining and fronting multiple bands throughout their teens and working on developing their own style alongside their peers. Inspired by musicians such as Bon Iver, Dermot Kennedy, and Dodie, Blair Davie has taken their love of heartfelt music and made it into their own sound, dealing with themes like loss and heartbreak, coming to terms with their own bisexuality, and admiring the beauty that life can offer amidst all the struggle. Following an impressive nomination for Rising Star at the Ivors Awards, Blair Davie is looking forward to an exciting year for new music. Use the links below to explore more of their music and follow along their musical journey! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Blair Davie: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

TheProfessR's new single, "MINISTRY" is a high-energy dance track that embodies the thrill of nonstop nightlife. The lyrics tell the story of what it's like to step into a crowded club, lose your inhibitions, meet new people, and dance without a care in the world. Pulling inspiration from a wedding he attended in Cancun and Tulum, TheProfessR built, "MINISTRY" with heavy influences from Mexican club music. The song is predominantly based in Latin roots but with a lead vocal line more reminiscent of Westernized music. No matter how it came to be though, one thing is true. "MINISTRY" will get you on your feet in a heartbeat! Listen to MINISTRY on Spotify! As an EDM fan, "MINISTRY" is one hundred percent the type of song I look out for. It's the type of thing I add to playlists for gaming, working out, or even just traveling. The energy in this song is so positive and uplifting that it's hard to put it down. The track sports a tempo of 130BPM, giving it that fast-paced drive that you definitely want in a nightclub anthem. The sound behind "MINISTRY" really reminds me of classic David Guetta songs like, "Sexy Chick" and "Memories" and I think it could slot in just fine in a DJ set alongside his work. It gives that late 2000s club hype feeling that we all wanted to go out and experience for ourselves when we were young. TheProfessR is a multi-genre producer, composer, and lyricist who is always looking for inspiration around the globe. His discography spans not only the pop and EDM genres, but also Reggaeton, AfroBeats, House, and Liquid Drum and Bass. His aim as an artist is to mix British culture with his own heritage alongside the cultures of others. He's an artist passionate about taking listeners on a new journey with each new release. The ProfessR debuted on Spotify in 2022 with a song called, "Black Opium", with a heavy focus on Drum and Bass. Since then, his music has evolved through songs like, "Treasure", a soulful Drum and Bass track with tons of R&B influence. Overall, I think TheProfessR is an incredibly talented artist with insane potential, especially in the electronic scene. "MINISTRY" is a must-listen for any fan of EDM or even anyone who wants to dance and have a good time. And you can hear it now on Spotify! Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW TheProfessR: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | SoundCloud *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Forever planning but failing to start.” All of those New Years’ Resolutions made over the years, that never amounted to anything. “Keep Living” sees VICTORS back at it again, supplying us with music that makes both your mind and body move. "We're all just trying to find our way." Truer words have never been spoken. We’re all here on Earth searching for purpose, for belonging, for meaning to it all. I feel like VICTORS just get me at this point, I'd go further to say they get the human experience, which, as we’re all finding out, is a lot more similar than we think. So, here we have it, a song that you can dance to and that gives you internal joy and hope for the future?! Sign me up, I'm all ears! “Sad and happy go hand in hand.” VICTORS are quite literally speaking to the hearts of millions, no, billions of people. All of earth’s inhabitants can relate to the fact that “sad and happy go hand in hand.” You simply can’t have one without the other, we wouldn’t be able to make it through the sad without remembering or looking forward to the happy and we know that we can’t always be happy. We, of course, look forward to when happy rolls back around, but sadness does build character. “Keep Living” is the reminder to just keep going, it’s not some epiphany or some world-changing aspect of life, it’s the simplicity in “Just keep swimming” as dear Dory told us in Finding Nemo . Speaking about the song, VICTORS has stated “It’s about hitting your mid to late 20s, still being unsure of yourself and where you’re going. Still making those same mistakes and wrong turns, but also realising that that’s what living is, and that we have to just keep going in order to grow and eventually find our way.” This quote certainly brings to mind the old saying “You live and you learn.” Because, when you think about it, living is learning. In most cases in life, you learn things “the hard way” which is by using trial and error, living, making mistakes, correcting those mistakes and, hopefully, not making them again. But even then, if you’re lucky, ya still got time to “make it right” and choose another way. That’s the beauty of life, second and third and fourth and fifth (and so on) chances. As someone who is now in my early 30s, I’m thankful to be in a place where I do feel more comfortable in my own shoes and not as “lost” as I felt in my 20s or going through repeated cycles. Wisdom does come with age, if you let it. “Keep Living” is an open invitation to realize that life is about simply living, enjoying the full ride, not just the “good parts.” This invitation is, of course, coupled with some nice 80s inspired instrumentation and a melody ya can’t pass up. VICTORS has done it again, they can’t miss. The song ends with the words “To keep living on” being repeated, no mistake, I’m sure. In this life, we simply have to keep living – to get to the “good part”, to see what the future holds, until our time is done, we simply must keep living. VICTORS is a trio hailing from the United Kingdom. The trio consists of Simon Appleson, Leon Davies, and Harry Waterhouse. VICTORS is known for their combination of 80s inspired melodies and electronica, making for a sound exclusive to the band. They describe themselves as “Leeds based dream pop/electronic trio.” VICTORS’ online fan base continues to grow with thousands of followers across all of their social media accounts and approaching 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. “Keep Living” is the second single off of the well-anticipated EP from VICTORS, The Hotel. In my humble opinion, “Keep Living” is a worthy second single to follow the first very well-received single “Nothing Seems to Matter Now”. I don’t know about you, but I’m keeping my eyes on all things VICTORS and (im)patiently waiting for The Hotel to release! Follow VICTORS on all socials below to stay in the loop about VICTORS, The Hotel, and to stream their other awesome music! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW VICTORS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

ego n friends' latest single, none of your business, is refreshingly stark in contrast to the prototypical pop break up song story arc. Rather than lyrically dwell on lost love, enf uses the quietus of an ex-partner as an opportunity to psychoanalyze himself and his journey; with the song acting as "the connective tissue between the artist's past and present selves". none of your business is an anecdote about ego's reincarnation of self, with the departure of his antipathetic ex-partner fitting within the narrative as a jumping off point for his voyage forth with a new lease on life. ego n friends chooses to sing purely about how much better off his story is going to be moving forward – "When I leave you Ima come up" – personifying just how far he has come as an individual and an artist. none of your business opens up with what sounds like a depressed gospel choir of the future. The first minute or so of the song consists of deeply processed vocal stacks that, when combined together, play like chords of their own. This sort of layered processing can be heard in modern RnB artists like Brent Faiyaz, Giveon, or Miguel. After the first psychedelic minute of none of your business, ego's raw vocals are finally introduced – backed by occasional ad-libs and backing vocal takes. Other than the layers of processed vocals, the only instrumentation here is a clean guitar track that steadily strums some beachy chords to keep the tempo. The guitar accompanies ego's voice for a minute and a half of the arrangement, which features both two verses and two hooks. The long first verse is followed by a hook, another shorter second verse, and then closes out with one final ritornelle. The song wraps up after the final chorus with a callback to the pitched-down vocals from the intro, with the processed vocal stacks looping and reversing before stuttering to a halt to conclude the track. Indie pop artist, ego n friends, is a Denver-based producer, audio engineer, and studio owner who produces, mixes, and masters all of his own music. Raised by Indian immigrant parents in the Bay Area, enf began playing guitar as a pre-teen and was "determined to pursue a career in music by the time he reached high school". His artist name, ego n friends, is an homage to "his vast network of collaborators, most of whom he considers close friends". ego's production style is self-described as "unexpected samples, a dynamic use of sonic space and a harmonious blend of acoustic and electronic tones". Heavily influenced by artists like Joji, Frank Ocean, Dominic Fike, and Col3trane, enf developed his iconic sound after experimenting "with a range of genres before ultimately finding his niche" in indie pop and alternative hip hop. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW EGO N FRIENDS: Instagram | Spotify | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Photo: Allie X via Bandcamp Canadian avant-pop songstress Allie X has released her latest album offering, entitled "Girl With No Face." This album offers the best of both worlds; it fully embraces and invokes the familiar nostalgia of the 80s with all of its synth-heavy pop, yet simultaneously provides the unique creative perspective and vision that only Allie X can breathe into life. The artist has described this album as bold, indulgent, and aggressive. The encompassing theme of identity is reflected throughout the album's title, cover art, and music videos. Allie X likens the journey of creating this album to a type of death, the dissolution of previous identities. She is still in the process of her evolution, having not yet fully formed a new identity, and appreciates the flexibility and protection masks can provide throughout such transformations. Tracklist Weird World Girl With No Face Off With Her Tits John and Jonathan Galina Hardware Software Black Eye You Slept On Me Saddest Smile Staying Power Truly Dreams Born as Alexandra Ashley Hughes but better known to the world as Allie X, the singer is no stranger to facing and overcoming adversity. The release of her previous album, "Cape God," in early 2020 saw the artist facing not only the onset of the global pandemic but also suffering a relapse of the autoimmune illness she has endured for over twenty years. This forced downtime, however, presented Allie X with a unique opportunity - to take on the challenge of self-producing an album for the first time. The artist thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating "Girl With No Face, calling it '...the most me thing that I've done.' Allie X also directed the music videos for both Weird World and Black Eye. Track 1 - Weird World Listed as the tracklist opener, Weird World is the fourth album release. Brightly infectious synth-pop beats usher us in, emphasized and accentuated by darker, slightly sinister elements. The music provides a sonic playground for Allie's voice to explore, at times giving the impression she's daydreaming or distracted, her vocals a bit softer, more rounded. However, quick as a flash, those vocals shift to a laser focus, hitting higher, sharper, and becoming stridently clear. 'Oh, the light shines through the linen/Der Morgen beginnt singen/I don't want to dream anymore/Oh, they tell me that I'm stubborn/Treffe meine Wahl im Zorn/I don't want to dream anymore.' This song is a celebration of the artist's eccentricities in an industry that constantly pressures compliance and conformity. Track 2 - Girl With No Face The second selection for the tracklist, as well as the second album release, Girl With No Face, serves up more synth vibes. More predominantly dark and gothic in feel, get an assist from some deep, brooding base notes and crunchy guitar riffs. Combined with the multiple facets layering haunting background vocalizations and ethereal lyric delivery, the title track provides a rich sonic soundscape for the listener to immerse themselves within. Allie X explains that she was forced to examine herself while in isolation, peeling back her layers to make a raw, honest assessment. In the end, the process enabled the artist to release and work through some emotions that had been troubling her for some time. 'She's never done/This is her fun house/And she's the one/But you'll never find out/And look at you, you're such a mess/You want more, but you end up with less.' Track 3 - Off With Her Tits Another delightful example of synchronicity, Off With Her Tits serves as the third track and album release for 'Girl With No Face.' A well-known advocate for both women's rights and LGBT rights, the artist crafted this tune for those who suffer from gender dysphoria and its accompanying societal stigma. While the overall music here is dark, in alignment with Allie X's current era, it also embodies resolve and brighter elements symbolizing hope and acceptance of self. These emotions are perfectly encapsulated in the song's catchy and dynamic vocal delivery. 'One day out of nowhere/My chest began to rise/He noticed in the shower, said he liked it, and I cried/I'll never be a lady/Why make me feel a fool?/Take this flesh and suck it out/And stop the ridicule/Stop the ridicule.' Track 4 - John and Jonathan Darkly dramatic and exquisitely crafted synth music and effects, coupled with Allie X's mysterious and alluring vocals, intertwine to create the album's fourth offering. Partially inspired by actual events, this track shares the story of a gay couple, John and Jonathan, who caught a 2018 Allie X show in New York City's Bowery Ballroom. After acquiring some merch, the couple had a chance to meet the artist, who took delight in the similarity of their names, musing that perhaps one day she would craft a song featuring the pair's names as its title. When reunited for a 2021 interview regarding Allie X's then-new single "Mistress Violet," John was shocked as the artist started riffing the opening portion of this track - 'John and Jonathan are on the town/John and Jonathan, they go up, they go down/At the Bowery, in line they wait/They will stay all night, then wake at eight.' Track 5 - Galina Part prayer, part desperate plea that the artist knows will never actually be heard, Galina is a surprisingly melancholy journey whose inspiration is drawn from real-life interactions. Suffering from eczema flare-ups, Allie X met Galina in a naturopathic clinic, using the healer's ointment to help soothe her skin condition. The remedy provided such relief that she wondered what she and others like her would do if Galina retired. Sadly, not only has Galina since retired, but she suffers from dementia, meaning that the recipe for the healing salve will forever remain a secret. If sheer emotion alone was enough, Allie's vocal performance would shatter the cold prison of dementia and Alzheimer's that holds so many captive. 'My hand's turning' red and dry/She keeps sleepin' in her bed/My face crackin' in the light/Her lips part, the tiniest smile/Galina, wake up/I'm running out of luck/And I get so ugly without you/Now open your eyes/Help me make it through the night.' Track 6 - Hardware Software One of the album's shorter tracks, this track is delightfully unhinged and campy, featuring a decidedly robotic/computerized flat-affect vocal quality. At the same time, the music itself is lively, conveying more emotion, even incorporating video game nods. (Some very Tetris-reminiscent musical vibes start around 40 seconds in, and honestly, this is one of my favorite song details). This type of tune could easily find itself at home on the Original Soundtrack for a dystopian, futuristic video game. This song falls flat, lyrically speaking, and is one of the album's 'weaker' tracks. 'My hardware is getting too fast/I need to slow down honey, wanna make it last/And my software is kicking me in the gut/It's gonna get me soft like a pillow top.' Track 7 - Black Eye The album's first single, Black Eye, is an absolute banger of a song. Jam-packed with as much dark 80s gothy synth as one could possibly desire, this track assaults the senses in the best possible way. High-energy and dramatic, Black Eye immediately sinks its musical hooks in, refusing to relent until the song's conclusion. The breathy vocals at the start suddenly explode into a crescendo of defiance and challenge. Like a Japanese Daruma doll, this song parallels the singer's ability to pop back up after being knocked down. 'Oh, hit me, hit me with that super pain/'Cause a hit feels like I'm dancing in the rain/Give me that beat/There's no need to cry/It's just a black eye, yeah/Hit me, hit me with that super bass/'Cause I want tonight to slap me in the face.' The artist shared her fundamental belief - that if something causes pain, it's working; if there's no pain, something is wrong. She clarifies that she doesn't think others should feel this way, but, 'it's a fucked up thought that never goes away.' Track 8 - You Slept On Me Harnessing all the frenetic energy of some of the most beloved and iconic 80s classics, You Slept On Me comes in like a sonic whirlwind, an earworm of the highest order. An exquisite pop-dance synth symphony, this cheeky tune is Allie X's playful nod to fans' concerns about the singer not being given the artistry recognition she is due. Sassy vocals dripping with attitude convey a persona poised to take the industry by storm and swallow it whole. 'I held my tongue for about long enough/It's about damn time that I spoke up/I'm an icon, honey, this isn't a chore/And I need to make money, so give me yours." The question, however, remains - does the artist feel slept on? Allie X shares that she would prefer being slept on to being considered overrated. Track 9 - Saddest Smile A poignant and touching ballad, Saddest Smile, is one of the most beautiful tracks on this album. Although this is another comparatively short track, the song has an undeniable impact. The brooding, melancholy music captures a heavy, visceral sensation of sorrow from which escape feels impossible. There is a sweet surrender and acceptance in the vocals and a triumphant freedom that's reached when her voice soars to caress and linger over those stunning high notes. 'When I'm sad, I don't cry/I put on my saddest smile/Used to kick, I used to bite/Now I've lost my appetite.' Track 10 - Staying Power The album's tenth track, Staying Power, feels like a classic, slightly generic, dance-pop offering. There's something about it that falls short for me when compared to the level of creative artistry that Allie X incorporates into the album's other tracks. The music and vocals here are less dynamic; fewer variations in sound and tone result in a one-dimensional and less sonically robust final product. Lyrically, this is excellent, but I wish the delivery packed more of that familiar avante-garde punch of Allie X's creativity. That having been said, this is by no means a 'bad' track - it just doesn't rank amongst my favorites. 'Don't want to be a victim, but I want your sympathy/Don't want to be religious, but life brought me to my knees/I've got so much to say to you that I want you to know/But I don't wanna scare you off, I don't want you to go.' Track 11 - Truly Dreams The eleventh and final track is a lovely album closer. Another beautiful offering, filled with angelic vocal runs and upbeat, hopeful music. This track is a subtle negation and rebuff to the opener, Weird World, in which the artist seemingly relinquishes her dreams, 'I used to be a dream girl/But the world interfered.' In Truly Dreams, however, Allie realizes that regardless of what life, time, and circumstance may steal away, her hopes and dreams remain an indelible part of her spirit. 'But I keep dreaming/And if it's not enough, then/I'll just keep my hopes and dreaming/With all my might, just listen/Truly dreams never die/They never die.' Undoubtedly, Girl With No Face will rank among my top 2024 albums of the year. Allie X continually challenges herself, digging deeper to deliver even more of herself to her eagerly awaiting fans. The artist's creativity, vision, and degree of execution are constantly improving and evolving as she processes life experiences and incorporates them into song. Allie X kicks off her Girl With No Face Tour at the end of May, featuring international and North American performances. If you can catch a gig, I suggest you do so! If not, I encourage you to explore Allie's back catalog, particularly "Cape God." Written By Vanessa Siebrass Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Copyright not intended. Fair Use Act, Section 107.

Get ready to turn up the volume because the one and only Pablo Brooks has released a brand new single entitled, “Never Really Over”! The song explores the struggles of letting go and the complexities of “situationships”.  The simple opening lines of “Never Really Over” truly encompass the heart of the track, “You wanna take it slow/ But I go light speed.” One of the song’s underlying themes includes sudden reconnections and the emotional rollercoaster of breaking up and making up. Another piece of the lyrics reads as follows, “We won’t talk for months/ Then you’ll call me up.” Yet again, Brooks sings about inconsistent reconciliations and the often painful lingering hope which accompanies them. The sound of “Never Really Over” is electronic-infused. The song sets a perfectly-paced rhythm that keeps the energy high from the start. Brooks’ vocals carry a textured quality, this adds layers of depth and richness to the track. The passion and raw honesty of lyrics is evident throughout the song while the backing track serves as the perfect complement to Brooks’ simple yet punchy vocals. The mood of “Never Really Over” is bittersweet; its lyrics will leave you contemplating the status of your relationship while the music will make you dance! At the age of only 12, Pablo Brooks burst into the limelight by captivating audiences and garnering an impressive 10k subscribers on Youtube. He would eventually be bestowed with the “Best Youtube Newcomer” award; a milestone which worked to solidify his position as a rising star in the online space. Hailing from the suburbs of Dusseldorf, Germany, Pablo Brooks was born in 2002. He quickly gained a passion for the arts, particularly in movies and photography. Soon, Brooks would venture into the realm of creating music, ultimately growing a dedicated following of over 22.8k monthly Spotify listeners. His discography currently includes acclaimed EPs such as, “Not Like the Movies” and “Pleaser.” If you listened and loved “Never Really Over,” keep an eye out for even more new music from Pablo Brooks using the links to his social media below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW PABLO: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

“Summer” by Anna Salman is pensive and sorrowful, reflecting on a past relationship while still maintaining some hope for the future. Salman walks us through the story of the relationship, creating vivid imagery with lyrics like “Slow hand on the steering wheel/Light a cigarette in the other” making me feel like I was experiencing it alongside her. She says “I heard it from a friend/That you found a new lover/So I spent all my days/Scheming to outrun her” which broke her heart. Despite dancing on her own now, she’s hopefully waiting for summer when everything is sunnier and brighter. Whether she means it literally or figuratively, perhaps both, I like that it’s up to the listeners discretion to decide.  The production has a profoundly nostalgic sound, with what sounds like echoing droplets, subtle static, and gentle electric guitar strumming. After the first chorus, a slow drum beat adds depth to the song. It sounded like a mix of Lorde’s “Melodrama” and Phoebe Bridgers’ “Punisher.” The track gains soft intensity as it progresses, with strings coming into play during the bridge. I really liked that touch, making it sound more emotionally profound. When the strings stop before the end of the song, there’s a sense of emotional tension, letting the vocals shine. The subtle layered harmonies added to the emotional feel of the song by creating a melancholy tone, perfectly matching the feelings created by the lyrics. Anna Salman, a Pakistani singer-songwriter, captivates audiences with her pop music characterized by introspective narratives and heartfelt melodies, drawing inspiration from themes of longing and reflection. Rising to prominence after a standout performance on Nescafe Basement with her rendition of John Newman's "Love Me Again," Salman's debut track "Middle Of Nowhere" showcased her exceptional songwriting, earning her a nomination for "The Best Emerging Talent" at the LUX Style Awards. With her dreamy voice and unflinchingly honest lyricism, Salman has carved a distinctive space in the Pakistani music scene, leaving an indelible mark on listeners with her poignant narratives and emotional depth. Written By Rachael Bach FOLLOW ANNA SALMAN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | SoundCloud  | YouTube

In a vibrant and seductive new single, Rhea Raj keeps her listeners at the edge of their seats in preparation for her new album. Raj is known for her ‘girl boss’ energy, and her music elicits confidence and youth, which is exactly the vibe in “HUSH”. Self-released under her own label, Misschief Records, Raj is changing the game for women in the industry, and encourages her listeners to be as powerful as she is. The track feels like the kind of song to be played in a club on the best night of your life- being young and playful with your friends, but also having the element of male attention and sexiness. Picture hair flips and men begging for a chance- what could be better? The song itself is full of synths and electronic beats, and opens with a sultry whisper of “hush”. Her chorus opens with a statement of confidence, singing “I’m miss temptation / You wanna know / Imagination / Where does it go?” She sings about her self confidence and worth, knowing how much of a catch she is. A personal favorite line of mine is in the middle of the chorus, when she sings “Boy hush / you’re talking too much”, stating her feminist ideals and countering the common theme of men talking over women, especially those they are interested in. Her overall song lyrics and vibe have listeners wondering is the title directed at the men she is hushing, or if it is a “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” vibe. NY born but currently based in LA, Rhea Raj has almost 170,000 monthly listeners. She has been seen in performances at places such as SXSW and NYFW, and has been plastered on billboards across Times Square in New York City. Her style is similar to that of Dua Lipa and Tate McRae, with influences of pop and a snarky, confident attitude. As an Indian and Sri-Lankan-American singer, she incorporates her roots into her music with a blend of beats found in Indian music and classic American pop music. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Raj, as well as her upcoming album HUNTER, releasing on May 24th. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW RHEA RAJ: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Giving voice to resilience, Robert Grace tackles some tough feelings in his latest single, "Reasons." The track reflects on struggles with depression and feelings of inadequacy, grappling with these emotions and battling the urge to give up. Though it has been a dark and lonely road for him, Grace remembers the importance of his family and finds light at the end of the tunnel. Sharing the inspiration behind "Reasons," Grace states, "This is probably the most personal song I’ve ever written. There was a point in my life where I really believed my family would be better off without me in their lives. I felt like a complete burden. Like there was no reason for me to stick around. Obviously I couldn’t have been more wrong…I’ve got millions of 'Reasons' to be here and that’s what this song is all about." Reflecting the vulnerable nature of the lyrics, Robert Grace masterfully pairs a soft and delicate soundscape with the song's soul-baring narrative in "Reasons." The track's instrumentals are simple yet beautiful, driven by tender acoustic guitar lines and hushed synths. Delivering his heartfelt confessions, Grace's vocals lightly float over the song's lush composition, gently exposing the artist's deepest thoughts. Though "Reasons" battles with the artist's poignant reflections, the chorus is infused with hope, combining rich, uplifting harmonies with optimistic melodies to convey Grace reminding himself that he has reasons to live. Making it his mission to openly address issues surrounding mental health, Robert Grace uses his music to create a safe space for those struggling and to discuss the topic in a light way. Having achieved much in his career, Grace has garnered more than 3.2 million followers on TikTok and was ranked number 1 on the platform's "Year On TikTok 2022," surpassing acts like Niall Horan. He was also the third most viewed Irish artist on TikTok in 2023, partially thanks to his track "Fake Fine," which has gained over 24 million streams to date and has earned him a platinum certification. Grace has much in store for 2024, kicking off the year strong with the single "EUPHORIA" and later releasing his debut album, Happy Sad Songs, on May 24th. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ROBERT GRACE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube