Earth to Cheska's newest single, "Power", is that confident personal fable type of song that I think we all resonated hard with when we were teenagers. It captures our edgy rebellious sides with a bit of a twist. Cheska is hyper-confident. The lyrics demand praise from the listener, and honestly, it works. "Power" certainly won me over with its bad girl vibes. The same feeling made us all starry-eyed over artists like Skye Sweetnam and Paramore back in the mid-2000s. We wanted to be THAT girl. Once the song reaches the bridge though, its tone shifts dramatically. Suddenly, it becomes a song about loss. All of that power and confidence collapses in the blink of an eye. And it makes sense. What is power without someone to share it with? The story within "Power" is best conveyed by its music video. Everything is shrouded in red. Cheska is singing directly to us in a confined, dark corridor. She wears devil horns, a studded choker, stacked bracelets, and a leather harness. Everything screams dark, edgy, and dangerous. This girl knows her worth and she expects you to know it too. We're suddenly transported outside under a night sky when the bridge hits. Cheska is wearing a white dress and angel wings. Musically, things are distorted. The vocals are pitched with only soft guitar and ukulele to accompany them. This shift is so melancholy and uncanny and it comes on so quickly. It's such an effective way to showcase that even in our most confident moments, we're still human underneath. Sometimes maybe we feel godlike, but companionship is worth more than that. Earth to Cheska is a strong, female, alter-ego-forward indie-pop passion project created by Cheska Zaide in 2024. Cheska herself began writing music at the age of 12 for her band called "A+ Dropouts". She released her debut single, "Emily (Better Days)" in 2022, which made it onto YouTube's Alt Frequencies playlist. She would go on to release several more singles, including, "Money", with hard 90s rock themes and Gen Z lyrics. Earth to Cheska also has several new releases planned including songs titled, "Daisies" and "Girls Gone Wild". She's also planning tours in both Europe and North America with artists Leah Kate and Deathbyromy. Overall, I think Earth by Cheska is certainly an artist to watch. "Power" is a great introduction to her creative strengths and I absolutely can't wait to see what she comes up with next. You can hear "Power" now on all major streaming platforms. Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW EARTH TO CHESKA: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

The gentle, double-tracked strumming of acoustic guitar opens the latest single from Caleb Kopta, "Pour Over." "Give me all your love," he requests over triumphant horns and thumping drums. There's a vintage quality that isn't rendered by any pastiche, but rather imbued through tasteful flair. "Pour Over" is full of brilliant production flourishes that neither steal the spotlight nor fade into the background. Just try to resist a smile as Kopta's background vocals swirl through a phaser in the bridge. Most enjoyable is the guitar playing: full of indelible riffs and sweet flourishes. The final chorus is distinctly rousing, but it's not a stark contrast in energy. Instead, "Pour Over" basks in its fullness, like Kopta has maneuvered into the exact position where the sun strikes his face with maximal warmth. "I can't win," Kopta admits on the first verse. The feelings of adoration expressed in "Pour Over" are impossible to manage. He describes love as it reaches the point when it exists on its own terms. Anxiety, hesitation, defiance: all rendered useless in the glow of true affection. "You pour over my cup," reads the divine chorus. Love, in Kopta's pop vision, is an act of submission. It is accepting that you are at the whims of your emotions, even as they bubble over into excess. "Need a bit of you to get me up," he sings. Like a cup of coffee in the morning, Kopta savors the feeling. The lines between indulgence and necessity become blurred. Caleb Kopta is set to announce his sophomore EP very soon. The project will release in 2024 and feature previously released singles, "Pour Over" and "Outta My Head." The latter garnered support from 91.3 WYEP in March, earning Kopta the title of Pittsburgh Artist of the Week. Local radio stations have remained significant to the singer/songwriter's growing career. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Kopta has built a tremendous catalogue of music since his debut single in 2018. Primarily, his music pulls from retro influences, such as 70s rock and roll. Since his debut, the Pittsburgh-based artist has shared stages with esteemed peers, such as White Reaper, Punchline, and Michigander. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW Caleb Kopta: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | Facebook  | YouTube

Keeping your passions aflame and glowing isn’t always an easy thing to do, but it’s always worth it in the end. Essy’s latest single “Fire Alive” is all about feeding the fire and maintaining its heat. Everyone’s definitely had that feeling before, of deflating and shrinking and being smothered, but “Fire Alive” wants to remind you that, no matter what, time is going to pass and everything will be alright– so just keep that fire inside you alive and burning and hot, since it’s all going to work out in the end. The track is a fiery mix of crystalline vocals and energetic synthpop with lyrics that twist and turn and mold the song into an encouraging melody that makes you feel bolstered and excited to live. If you're like me and synthpop is totally your thing, then “Fire Alive” is going to be right up your alley. The entire track is infused with super upbeat synth and an underlying rhythmic percussion that keeps the energy flowing the whole runtime; there really isn’t a moment in the song where the spirit dies off. The vigor remains no matter what– it's all fun, engaging pop with contemplative lyrics that keep you thinking as you sing and dance along. Essy's storytelling skills are phenomenal, and as you listen to the lyrics, you're drawn into each verse as if they were a portrait of someone's life, illustrated in vivid and elucidating detail. While the track describes struggles in life and love, and the feeling of passionate flames beginning to sputter, the chorus nevertheless always comes along to say: “Even if you’re broken hearted / Even if your legs won’t dance tonight / I’ll show you how to love somebody / Come on, baby, keep that fire alive.” “Fire Alive” is a comforting reminder that you’re better off than how you were before, and that it’s important to keep that spark in your life blitzing and blazing in your heart. Essy, AKA Rachel Braig, is a singer-songwriter who began her musical journey at age eleven, when she taught herself how to play piano and wrote her own songs. At fifteen, she was accepted into NYU’s Steinhardt summer program, learning from industry veterans Barry Eastmond and Maia Sharpe. Since then, she’s written alongside writers such as Johnluke Lewis, Jintae Ko, Daniel Agee, Mike Pappas, and even more; but eventually her prolific pen went to her own projects in 2019, as she released her debut EP “Second Thoughts” in May 2020. Her solo debut was released just a year before that, entitled “Pulse”. Essy works best in a self-proclaimed “happy-sad” mode, which brings forth her clean style and thoughtful lyrics that will leave you full of emotion and wanting to dance at the same time. “Fire Alive” is currently her latest single, so if you enjoyed it consider following her to keep track of her next releases! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW ESSY: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | Website

This song, “Run Away From The Party” by Izra Fitch, is a rousing pop song all about feeling like you don’t fit in and just wanting to get away so you can finally be yourself. Everyone has felt like this before - when you’re in a new situation, or when you’re in a place you’ve been before but you never felt like you quite belonged. It can be so isolating and uncomfortable and you just want to leave. And maybe there’s a person you’re leaving with. Izra Fitch captures those feelings perfectly with lyrics like “you ever feel like no one really gets you here” and “so uncool in a crowd, what do others feel?” She even does a clever twist on the common phrase with the lyric “let’s leave them talking, what’s the best that could happen,” encouraging the listener to take that chance and not worry about what others think, because what’s waiting on the other side of the door might be the best thing that could ever happen to you. “Run Away From The Party” is an engaging, fun, electric song that keeps the listener pulled in and excited for its entire three minute span. Starting out quick with a rhythmic beat, you’re bobbing your head and tapping your foot immediately, pulled in from the first ten seconds. This only continues when Izra Fitch’s smooth vocals start in the first verse, gaining intensity on the way to the first chorus. The echoing effect during the choruses and the hazy background instrumentals contribute to the overall atmosphere, making this song perfect for a drive along the beach or a day out by the pool. Overall, Izra Fitch has crafted a fun, upbeat, strong contender for the song of the summer! I know it's going straight onto my summer playlist! Izra Fitch is an up-and-coming star in the alt-pop field of music. Pulling from both her real life and her imagination, Fitch draws from many different sources to craft her rousing anthems and pulsing pop songs. Compared to other alternative artists like Catbear, Lorde, and Florence Welch, Fitch has nevertheless continued to cement her own unique sound. This has gathered her an impressive amount of fans already, who she loves to connect with at her live shows. She released her first single, “The Hollywood Kids,” in 2020, followed by “Stay” in 2022 and “California” in 2023. “Run Away From The Party” is her most recent release, and marks plenty more to come! Use the links below to explore her songs and stay up to date on what she has next! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Izra Fitch: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photo: Taylor Swift via Beth Garrabrant// www.bethgarrabrant.com “All’s fair in love and poetry.” Taylor Swift has laid it all out on the table in her latest project. The Tortured Poets Department is the artist’s eleventh album and her most candid piece of work to date. She announced the record during her Grammy Awards 2024 speech for Best Pop Vocal Album. Fans were left speechless as they had been anticipating an announcement for her fifth rerecording—the next chapter in her inspiring feat to reclaim her masters. As fans awaited the release, Swift revealed the 16-song track list and four special edition variants with a unique bonus track each. When the clock struck midnight on April 19th, we were all excited for a total of 20 new songs. However, Swift had another trick up her sleeve. Two hours after release, she revealed The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology—a double album. Including the four bonus tracks, there were 15 additional songs, bringing the grand total to 31 brand-new tracks. Throughout the project, her intricate lyrics, genre-blending soundscapes, and mesmerizing vocals take listeners on a comprehensive journey through the singer’s darkest moments. Delving into heartbreak, mental health, fear, and loss, Swift shows a side of herself that she has never revealed, making The Tortured Poets Department her most cathartic and relatable work yet. Track List Photo: Designed by Elizabeth Siri// Inspired by Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department Artwork via TaylorSwift.com Similar to her 10th album, Midnights, listeners went in unaware of what genre and style the new album would be.  Throughout the 31 songs, Swift blends the sounds of synth-pop, retro pop, soft rock, folk, country, and even classic rock to create her own unique sound. While some tracks were reminiscent of folklore and evermore, such as “loml” and “The Albatross”, others had a more rock-influenced atmosphere that Swift had not fiddled with before, such as “So High School” and “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)”. With this dynamic range, the legendary artist has once again demonstrated that there is no genre she cannot triumph. When a new Taylor Swift album is released, Swifties everywhere have an identity crisis due to there being a collection of songs that they do not know the words to. With only 16 songs, this was already going to be a difficult accomplishment. Then, Swift surprised us with 15 additional songs. Each song on the double album is marvelously written and has been simultaneously playing in my head on repeat since the night I stayed up way past my bedtime to listen (Any other full-time employed Swifties out there?). But instead of dissecting all 31 tracks, here are the songs that I believe capture the entire album’s theme or personally resonate with me. The Tortured Poets Department “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)” Swift kicks off The Tortured Poets Department with the highly-anticipated collaboration with Post Malone. With the latter’s discography, this may be one of the songs that I was most intrigued by prior to the release. The two artists have very differing sounds, however the song is one of Swift’s strongest duets. Her and Malone’s voices beautifully blend together as they share a story of a failed romance. It is no surprise that Swift chose this track as the lead single, complete with a music video starring Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles, because, of course, Swift would make a Dead Poets Society reunion happen. Malone plays the “tortured tragic hero” while Swift is shown being locked up in a psychiatric hospital and undergoing electroshock therapy. This is the embodiment of the line, “I love you. It’s ruining my life.” It is unclear if this affair has truly led her to lose her mind. Or maybe society is only convinced she has gone mad for loving this man, causing them to involuntarily commit her so they can conduct psychiatric experiments. Regardless of Swift’s true meaning, the opening track flawlessly introduces the audience to the overarching theme of the entire album. “The Tortured Poets Department” The title track is a crucial component of the album's melancholic vibe. Continuing with the story of the previous track, “The Tortured Poets Department” details a broken relationship that started its decline due to self-sabotaging behavior and pretentious attitudes.  In the chorus, she sings, “You’re not Dylan Thomas// I’m not Patti Smith// This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel// We’re modern idiots.” She tells her muse that they are nothing special or legendary. They are not the iconic poets or the classic hotel, but two people who happened to fall in love. She rejects the notion of romantic nostalgia—a common trope throughout the album.  With this song, Swift clues in her audience on what it really means to be a member of the Tortured Poets Department. “So Long, London” Every avid Swiftie knows that on every Taylor Swift album, the fifth track is the “emotionally vulnerable” one. Initially, Swift admitted this was always a weird coincidence, but by Reputation, she began making it intentional. So when the tracklist was revealed, fans were anticipating the heart-wrenching story behind “So Long, London” and they were not left disappointed. The mesmerizing track contains some of Swift’s most gut-wrenching and poetic lyrics. So much so that I could write a dissertation on the one track alone. Immediately the audience is reeled in by the angelic vocals that resemble a traditional church choir. The vocal harmonies are stunning and nothing like it has ever been done by Swift before. However, this is quickly cut off and replaced by a steady synth beat that is reminiscent of a frantic heartbeat, perhaps a nod to her Midnights vault song, “You’re Losing Me”. This track contains a heartbeat as well that is paired with the lyrics: “I can’t find a pulse// My heart won’t start anymore… for you.” This leads the listener to believe the two songs share the same muse. This is even more apparent with the consistent theme of clutching onto a love that is already dead. Asa result, “So Long, London” has earned its spot as one of my top favorite track fives. “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” Another vital theme to The Tortured Poets Department is Swift’s struggle with her overwhelming level of fame and the toxic rumors that surround her life. “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” was one of the first songs that immediately resonated with me due to its dark imagery and intense production. As a fan of fictional anti-heroes, such as The Scarlet Witch from the MCU and Katherine Pierce from The Vampire Diaries, this song immediately made me conjure up images of these powerful and misunderstood women. Swift describes being perceived as a vindictive and manipulative monster who is “fearsome and wretched and wrong.” This song is for anyone who has been labeled as troubled and difficult as a result of standing up for themselves and refusing to be walked all over. The passionate lyrics, especially in the extraordinary bridge, make “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” one of the best songs of all time. “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” is simultaneously one of the most tongue-in-cheek and melancholic songs ever written. Swift holds nothing back with the vicious lyrics that describe a lover that left her scorned and disappointed. The chorus takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster from utter heartbreak to subtle laughter in a split second. Swift sings: “And I don’t even want you back, I just want to know// If rusting my sparkling summer was the goal// And I don’t miss what we had, but could someone give// A message to the smallest man who ever lived?” Throughout the song, the production is led by a soft piano making the track a delicate ballad that influences the somber atmosphere. However, in the bridge, the soundscape explodes as the emotional climax peaks. This then fades back into the outro, where Swift sings a very interesting line. She tells her muse “But you are what you did.” This lyric stands out as it is a stark difference from the line, “Who you are is not what you did” from her Speak Now track, “Innocent”. While these two songs are clearly about two different subjects, it is interesting to see the parallels. Perhaps it is Swift saying that despite the hell she has gone through over the years, this is the one thing done to her that is unequivocally indefensible. “Clara Bow” Clara Bow was an old Hollywood film star, known not only for her beauty and talent but also for her mental health struggles due to her fame and love life. Swift has discussed her rocky relationship with her own level of fame since Red (2012) with her song “The Lucky One”. Throughout her discography, she touches on this issue but has not delved into just how dark it is until The Tortured Poets Department.  In “Clara Bow”, Swift discusses being compared to famous starlets, such as Bow and Stevie Nicks. This represents the industry's constant search for the new “It Girl.” One day, you can be the biggest star on the planet and the next day, the media is calling you an old, washed-up has-been who has been replaced by the new and pretty young artist. Swift ends the song with a self-reflective outro that is what she believes to be her fate: “You look like Taylor Swift// In this light, we’re loving it// You’ve got edge, she never did// The future’s bright, dazzling.” This brings the song full circle, leaving the audiences’ jaws on the floor as they are astonished by the self-name-drop. While I truly believe Swift can never and will never be replaced (17 years of being a fan does that to a person), the singer is afraid of being forgotten. However, Swift is a class above all the rest and has solidified herself as a legendary status that will never fade, like Bow and Nicks themselves. The Anthology “So High School” “So High School” is another track that stood out to me the moment I first heard it. The production is reminiscent of a classic 2000s pop-rock song. One that would be played at the end of an iconic teenage rom-com starring Lindsay Lohan or Hilary Duff. Throughout the song, Swift compares her love to being like a cliché high school romance. She references things that were popular when she was in high school, such as American Pie, spin-the-bottle, and Truth or Dare. Despite saying that “nostalgia is a mind’s trick” in the next track, “I Hate It Here”, Swift wrote “So High School” to describe her school-girl-like mindset when thinking about her current relationship. She is head-over-heels for her new partner in a way she has not been since she was a teenager. Because Swift has been writing and releasing music since she was that age, it is interesting to see her come back to her roots as she falls in love with someone who truly deserves her. “thanK you aIMee” Everyone has that one person that caused irrevocable damage to their mind. Someone whose life mission seemed to be breaking you down, piece by piece. Swift is no stranger to this feeling. “thanK you aIMee” is a cleverly written track that not only describes the pain this person caused her but also how what they did brought her to where she is today. The lyrics are very tongue-in-cheek as she screams “fuck you, Aimee” to the night sky and states her saint-of-a-mother used to wish the “Aimee” was dead. Listeners cannot help but chuckle as they listen to the feisty lyrics. In the third verse, Swift sings: “And I don’t think you changed much// So I changed your name and any real defining clues// And one day your kid comes home singing// A song that only us two is gonna know is about you.” Despite this, the unique stylization of the title gives a major hint on who the song may be about. And it is well-known that the daughter of the alleged subject enjoys Swift’s music, making the song even that more amusing. “I Look In People’s Windows” Personally, this is one of my favorite Taylor Swift tracks ever released. The melodic fingerstyle picking on the guitar instantly caught my attention, setting the mysterious atmosphere of the song. Despite being the shortest track in this collection, “I Look In People’s Windows” packs a lot of punch with its grim message. The solemn lyrics describe Swift’s battle with her level of fame and her inability to feel like a real person— a common theme in her recent releases. She finds herself living vicariously through those who can have a normal life, like having friends over and going out in public. The song may even be a call back to one of her very first tracks, “The Outside”. Since a young age, Swift has always felt like an outsider forced to look upon the relationships of others but never be seen. Furthermore, it is my theory that the title delves deeper into the mundane things she is missing out on. She is only able to “look in people’s windows” if their curtains are drawn— something she cannot do in her own home. She is constantly needing to protect her privacy and safety, leaving the windows blocked. This is an interesting detail that I believe she intentionally put into the song for a hidden meaning. “The Prophecy” “The Prophecy” continues the album with a unique guitar soundscape that immediately captures the listeners' attention and keeps them mesmerized until the final note. The beautiful track shares the singer’s desperation to find a love that lasts. She begins praying to anyone who will listen in an effort to change her destiny. After years of dramatic heartache or love that slowly fades, Swift refuses to lose hope. Despite having a heart that’s been beaten and bruised, and being left stranded by men that she thought she could trust, she believes she will find the love she deserves. But only if the fates change the prophecy. The song is a poetic metaphor for the gut-wrenching betrayal Swift has overcome and easily has become one of her most relatable tracks for listeners everywhere. “Cassandra” As a fan of Greek mythology, “Cassandra” naturally was one of the first tracks I was immediately drawn to. The song details the story of Cassandra, the woman who was given the gift of telling true prophecies but cursed with never being believed. Swift having this track immediately following “The Prophecy” was a brilliant decision as it maintains a similar theme. The singer is known for her clever metaphors and profound cultural references— something that has made me fall in love with her over and over again. In “Cassandra”, Swift isn’t simply retelling the classic story, but using it to describe her own life. She is imploring the audience to finally believe her after years of calling her a liar and crucifying her for her candor. Whether this is regarding the recent downfall of Kanye West or all of Scooter Braun’s clients dropping him last fall, it is clear that Swift is discussing the unjust scrutiny she has faced throughout her career. Now that her prophetic message has become reality, she only asks: “Do you believe me now?” While every song on the project is incredible and I have my handful of favorites, it is my opinion that “Cassandra” is the most intriguing and witty track, earning its spot at the top of my list. “Peter” Not only do I enjoy a good metaphor, but literary references in songs are one of my favorite tropes. “Wonderland” from Swift’s album 1989 has been one of my top tracks since its release. So, it comes as no surprise that I immediately fell in love with “Peter”. This is a reference to the classic storybook tale and beloved Disney film, Peter Pan. Throughout the song, Swift refers to the subject as a lost boy who never grew up. In the chorus, she sings: “You said you were gonna grow up// Then you were gonna come find me// Words from the mouths of babes// Promises oceans deep// But never to keep.” Her muse led her on and made her believe that they would come back for her once they matured. But just like the legendary storybook character, he will never grow up. In the end, “the woman who sits by the window has turned out the light.” Swift declares to her former lover that she has officially given up on them and no longer wants them to come around, even if they do manage to grow up. Just like many other tracks in this album, Swift utilizes clever analogies to express her overwhelming hurt and betrayal. Photo: Taylor Swift via Beth Garrabrant// www.bethgarrabrant.com The Tortured Poets Department is Swift’s most complex, personal, and emotional album. For the first time in her career, she released a collection of tracks that came directly from the heart, meant for true fans to consume. She did not cater to the general public by making a glitter-pen pop anthem with simple lyrics and a catchy beat. Instead, she let her thoughts flow freely on paper to craft her darkest and most profound songs. With no single style to label the album, Swift has once again proven that she is dynamic enough to be her own unique genre. As a writer drawn to the dark side, I am now a proud member of The Tortured Poets Department. This meeting is hereby adjourned. Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Surrender is the latest single by the multitalented Angelique Rodriguez. She is not only a singer, songwriter, model, visual artist, photographer, and actress (WOW!!!) but a psych-research assistant. This may have influenced the writing of Surrender , as it explores the psychological idea of self-discovery. The track details Rodriguez's experience of cutting off her former habits and becoming alive in her new life. In the first verse, she questions her new reality with the lines, "Am I coming alive?/Can I cry?/Is everything fine?" The fiery chorus shows Rodriguez reflecting on her past self and sings, "Everywhere I go, I see versions of myself/They're asking what I know, yeah, they're asking me for help." Verse two has Rodriguez standing up to the pain she has once felt in the lyrics, "But I have the strength inside of me/To take back what's mine, to bark and to bite, to finally just be free." I gotta say, Angelique. I am not the me I was before I listened to this song. I have surrendered that version of myself. Rodriguez blends elements of EDM, hyperpop, and psychedelic rock to create a track that will make anyone want to dance until their soul flies out of their body. Surrender is propelled by its heavy use of synths which were complimented by an uptempo drum beat that reminded me of PinkPanthress and Ice Spice's 2023 hit, Boy's a Liar . The song continually feels like it is elevating. The energy keeps expanding until it climaxes in the last minute of the track where the song's biggest beat drop occurs and the vibes shift from cocktail hour to a full-on party. I can see a nightclub full of ragers going wild when that part of the song plays. However, the standout was surely, Rodriguez's hypnotic alto voice. I particularly loved when she harmonized with herself. She gave off some major Tove Lo on Disco T**s vibes throughout the entire track. Just like Tove Lo, Rodriguez proved she is a pop queen. "I want to captivate people," says the artist. "I hope to integrate my love for the arts and psychology and express them with such passion that I would be able to get people's hearts pumping and minds racing." Though Angelique Rodriguez currently resides in New York City, she is very vocal that she is proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and has done quite a bit for social justice and child psychology through her work at PeerTAC. She also is a lifelong lover of theatre and starred in the original show, Tess: A New Musical with an Old Story . This is not even scratching the surface of Rodriguez's lore and if you want more, I encourage you to check out her official website . However, she just started dipping her toes into releasing original music in 2022 with the single, Live for Me . Since then, she has dropped four more songs, including Surrender , and all have been bangers. If you live in the NYC area and want to check her out, she's playing at the Brooklyn Music Kitchen on April 30 at 7:30. Make sure to go, rock out, and wish her a happy birthday. Written by Jordan Elliott FOLLOW ANGELIQUE RODRIGUEZ: Instagram  | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Darling you never really got the best of me.” In this introduction to the song, Boy in Space almost seems apologetic to his significant other. As he relays more of the story, strings are added to the mix and it’s shaping up to be quite the musical feature. There begins to be this buildup of expectation, waiting to see what instruments or beats will be added next to the song. This is definitely one to be listened to with ear buds or headphones, it’s a total experience. Speaking about his latest single, Boy in Space stated ““The Last Time’ was written during a quite difficult time in my life, and the song became an outlet of what I was going through while also taking on a life of its own. A breakup story and a nostalgic description of what could be the last moment together, leaving trails of betrayal and a feeling of being let down.” “You told me, now I’m sinking through the floor.” So, with this new information concerning the makeup of the song in mind, this line now holds new meaning. It goes beyond being told that the relationship is over, more than likely the lover in question has just informed Boy in Space of their infidelity.   This information makes the chorus all the more heartbreaking. Boy in Space sings “Hold tight, this could be the last time.” It’s here we see what Boy in Space spoke of before about looking back on your last encounter with someone you probably never thought you’d have to say goodbye to. We also hear Boy In Space proclaiming “It’s okay, even if my heart breaks. There's still time for mistakes. Burning all the proof.” It appears Boy in Space isn’t ready to let go of the relationship. We get this sense further with the lines “Talking to me, talking to you, until my lips are blue.” He seems to want to keep talking to his love interest, lips being blue is a clear sign of a depravity of oxygen. Perhaps this analogy represents the wasted potential of using your oxygen to talk to someone who would only let you down in the end. “Cause you would leave me in a snap. And I would never do that.” This brings more tension into the picture as we peel back the layers of this relationship and see where Boy in Space is coming from. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with the person in question, but now that option has been taken away. So, we get the resolve of “Fall out of love, fall out of you.” I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the song ended with these lines. He has come to terms with what is happening and is choosing to “fall out of love”, so to let them go and move on. There are so many ways to process a past relationship and to reflect on both you and your former partner’s actions during that relationship, thinking about red flags you ignored then that are so obvious to you now. When speaking further about the song, he is quoted as saying “I tried to capture that feeling of bittersweet heartbreak, when you want to laugh and cry at the same time." I feel that Boy in Space captures that feeling perfectly speaking about “kissing” in one line but then in another mentioning how his love would “leave him in a snap.” And, furthermore, that he would never have done the same to them. It’s a roller coaster of emotion that, again, does finally end with that resolve of falling out of love and out of them.       Swedish by nature, Robin Lundbäck , or, as we know him, Boy in Space, was born in 1994 in his hometown of Alingsås. Alingsås serves as his hometown as well as where his musical adventure began and continues. Lundbäck spent some time in the boy band JTR with his brothers John and Tom, with them taking part in the fifth season of X Factor Australia and even embarking on a world tour together. The band released two albums but seems to be on a hiatus of sorts, as Robin has been releasing solo music since 2018. While discussing this song, Lundbäck also noted a shift in both his life as well as his music - “I view this relaunch as an opportunity for self-improvement in both my musical journey and personal life. With a brand new team and attitude - I'm so excited to finally be working towards something stable and inspiring while putting my imprint on today's pop sound.” I do believe he is doing just that with the pieces of art that he’s already released as well as those that he has yet to. Currently, Lundbäck’s online presence boasts 8,000 followers on Facebook, 51,000 followers on Instagram, over 1,000,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, 3,000 followers on Tik Tok, and 105,000 subscribers on YouTube. I now count myself as a part of those 1,000,000 monthly listeners. If you’d like to count yourself amongst them as well, follow Robin on all of his socials below!   Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW BOY IN SPACE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

JB Elwood's latest single, Lost In My Ways , is an anthemic ballad centered on self-reflection and tackling one's own inner struggles. Elwood poetically sings of crippling addictions and the humility that comes with allowing them to take control over your life – belting out "Dreams wash down the neck of a bottle" ... "Humbled and knocked to the ground". The beauty in this song, however, is in its harmonious message that redemption is always right around the corner if you're willing to change yourself for the better. The repetition of the lines "I want to change, And I need to change, Cause I'm so lost in my ways" paints the picture of a man self-aware enough to know he has a problem and longing to get overcome it – culminating with the declaration "I may be broken but I can be set free". JB wore his heart on his sleeve throughout Lost In My Ways and deserves a big round of applause for singing about something so many of us struggle with on a daily basis; and an even bigger round of applause for just how pleasantly addictive this song is to listen to. Lost In My Ways opens hot with an overdriven guitar riff and a heavy drum pattern to kick things off. Elwood's voice is introduced in the first verse, just after the short instrumental opening. The song's verse sections have more dialed-back instrumentation, while its chorus parts stack layers together to nicely bring the energy up. The percussive strums of the acoustic guitar work in unison with the drums to keep the rhythm rolling. After each chorus is an instrumental break with the heavy guitar hook heard in the track's opening. This fuzzy riff sounds like it would fit well into a Cage The Elephant or Arctic Monkeys tune. The bridge of the song has backing vocal layers echoing JB's lyrics and further emphasizing his message. Overall, Lost In My Ways has an intricate arrangement, with enough layers and movement to never feel stale. The instrumentation of the track manages to tastefully blend together the edgy tones of rock guitar with clean tones of acoustic strumming and atmospheric synths. This level of nuance in music production is hard to execute, but easy to appreciate. A "city boy with a country heart", JB Elwood is an Austin, Texas-based alt rock pop artist with West Virginia roots. His love for playing guitar stems from first hearing the opening to Guns N' Roses, Welcome To The Jungle, at the age of ten and deciding to learn to play for himself. JB credits his enigmatic sound and Americana style to his familial ties to Appalachia – where, namely, his grandfather (the inspiration for his iconic stage name) worked as an entrepreneur and business owner in the coal fields of southern West Virginia. After partnering with a prominent social media strategist in January, 2024 is looking like it's going to be a big year for Elwood and his music career. Be sure to keep an eye out for the release of his latest album dropping later this year, along with some all-new music videos to match. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW JB ELWOOD: Instagram | Spotify  | Twitter   | Facebook  | YouTube

A refreshing glass of melonade sounds perfect for this upcoming summer heat and singer Mel serves it fresh in her latest single, "Melonade." Singer Mel Senese blesses our ears this summer with a rocky pop-wave hit that will find you dancing by the poolside with sunglasses, sun, and of course as Mel says it, “Melonade.” With themes of self-love and positivity, Mel's new single is all about letting go of worries and being your best self. “Living every day like I got something to celebrate” is the kind of mantra we all can embrace and Mel happily vocalizes in this feel-good summer hit. Mel declares, “I'm the boss, I'm the CEO,” as she hypes herself up throughout the song. Known for her pop-rock sound and style, Mel does not disappoint with her new single “Melonade,” which will soon become a summer smash. Her voice demands to be heard in this party anthem and soon all listeners will crave a taste of Mel Senese, or in this case, "Melonade." Stylistically, Melonade is a mixture of sounds and genres weaving together to create an epic pop that pulls from artists like Lizzo and Jesse J. The song begins in a Lizzo-like fashion, with a pull-in beat and empowering lyrics, reminiscent of “About Damn Time” and “Juice.” Mel's tone is also similar to Lizzos in its lively and easygoing attitude. After the first verse, the beat quickly shifts, paying homage to 2000’s rockstars like Avril Lavigne with its edgier rebellious chorus. The chorus is a powerful blend of gritty rock with hard-hitting drums and guitar, creating a sound that complements Mel's lyrics perfectly. In the second verse, Mel raps confidently with quick guitar riffs, telling listeners “I got a line down the street, I'm killing it.” Mel's new single rocks a carefree vibe and urges listeners to simply have fun, living life to the fullest. “Melonade” is just one of three singles Mel has released this year for eager fans after a 2-year song release hiatus. Other songs include “Be My Lover,” an edgy track alongside “Untouchable” which hints at reggae summer tones. With the release of her latest single, Mel wants her fans to experience her authenticity and learn to love themselves unconditionally. Her music revolves around themes of self-confidence and optimism, which can be seen in her motivational and uplifting singles. Born in Chicago, Mel has long been performing throughout the Midwest and opening for artists like Dorothy and The Veronicas. During the pandemic, she continued to stay committed to her fans through live streaming and keeping in touch weekly as an outlet to perform. Mel has always used her music to inspire others to keep moving forward through everyday struggles with her empowering lyrics of self-love and strength. With more to come on the horizon, Mel tells listeners this is just a taste of what's to come. Check out the links below for more! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW MEL SENESE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

girl in red is a solo project that, unfortunately, I did not know too much about before recently. I knew of her song "i wanna be your girlfriend" from when it was featured in the show, Heartstopper , but that was pretty much the extent of it. However, I think I can accurately call myself a fan now, as I was blown away by how amazing her latest album was. I'M DOING IT AGAIN BABY! is an ultra-fun pop-rock collection of songs that not only filled me with bustling self-confidence but gave me an overwhelming sense of joy and giddiness, as well. I don't think there are enough compliments I could give this album, it was simply that good. TRACKLIST I'm Back DOING IT AGAIN BABY Too Much Phantom Pain You Need Me Now? (feat. Sabrina Carpenter) A Night To Remember Pick Me Ugly Side New Love ★★★★★ girl in red is, as I stated before, an indie pop project started by Marie Ulven Ringheim, a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer. She started releasing music back in 2016 on SoundCloud. But in 2018, she started gaining more attention and a wave of new fans. girl in red would go on to win 3 Norwegian Grammys, sign with Columbia Records, and open for several shows during the US leg of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour . She is also a prominent figure in the LGBTQIA+ community. I love learning of how Ulven was able to start such a unique project like girl in red, not knowing how popular it would grow to become. Let's get into the songs! i'm back The album opens with "I'm Back", a number which details Ulven's absence from the music industry for mental health reasons. She sings "I'm back, I feel like myself / I was gone for a minute 'cause I went to get help." I couldn't help but notice how happy-sounding the instrumentals were compared to the lyrics, which to me were reflective and accepting. I obviously cannot imagine what would have caused Ulven to write this, but I cannot ignore how raw, real, and subtle the message was. I think I can easily claim this song as one of my favorites on the album. DOING IT AGAIN BABY Compared to the last song, where Ulven reflected on her absence from the music industry, "DOING IT AGAIN BABY" focuses on her return, how she has risen to a new level, and that no one could try to stop her any longer. I loved this song, it was so upbeat and fun, and made me feel extremely confident and empowered. I especially loved the chorus, " I'm on a new level, something's got me feeling like / I could be inflammable, and I might be / I'm gonna light it up, nothing's gonna stop me / If I say this is what I want." I added this song to my "Feel-Good" and "Get Ready With Me" playlists immediately. too much Next up we have "Too Much", a song about feeling misunderstood, unappreciated, and alone in a relationship. I think Ulven did a great job conveying her emotions in this song, I could really sense her frustration and anger in these lyrics, and while I couldn't relate, I could absolutely empathize. But I especially loved how Ulven mixed the lyrics with this cool, synth-sounding backing track. I think she has managed to find the perfect balance between "subtle anger" and "overflowing giddiness", and I think this song is a great example of that. Phantom pain When I think of girl in red, I think back to "i wanna be your girlfriend", and the hazy, almost ethereal-sound, that it exuded. So, when I listened to "Phantom Pain", I felt like I was immediately transported back to that former era of her music. "Phantom Pain" is a song about unrequited love and being led on by someone who may not feel the same. If you didn't already know what phantom pain was, it's the feeling of pain in a lost limb. To connect this with the song, I imagine it symbolizes feelings that are no longer there, or that maybe never existed. This song was a super fun listen, and I recommend it to everyone! you need me now? (feat. Sabrina carpenter) I was so excited when I saw Carpenter would be featured on this album. I feel like Ulven and Carpenter's styles could mix in a really fun way, and let me tell you, this song did not disappoint. "You Need Me Now?" is a song about a toxic relationship where an ex decides to come crawling back. It presents a back-and-forth type of relationship that I don't often get to hear in music. I will say, Carpenter wasn't featured as much as I thought she would be, but I think the parts that she was in were very well done. I also loved her introduction to the song! a night to remember Do you believe in love at first sight? Well, "A Night To Remember" is the next song on this album, and delves into feelings of immediate connection and passion towards someone you just met. It's a stark contrast in messages compared to the last few songs, but I love how energetic and upbeat this song was. It was almost magical, in a way. Ulven sings as though she is almost addicted to this person, a feeling that I'm sure some of us have experienced at one point. This has to be another one of my favorites, for sure. Pick Me Another song dealing with unrequited love, "Pick Me" is a slow, emotional ballad that left me speechless. It's about loving someone who loves someone else, and feeling like the underdog thanks to any insecurities that may arise. It's a situation I can understand all too well, and I think the lyrics do a great job of displaying Ulven's thoughts and emotions clearly. "There's no amount of validation that would make this go away / The endless fear of losin' you to him / Is keeping me awake." I think this is easily one of the most emotional songs on this album, yet it's also one of the most beautiful. ugly side As I touched upon earlier, Ulven returned to the music industry after seeking mental health help. In the next track, "Ugly Side", we get more of an inside perspective into what may have been going on in Ulven's life. The song centers around imperfections one may have, and how those imperfections may negatively impact their mental health. Self-love can be difficult to learn, but it only benefits us in the end. How can anyone love us if we don't love ourselves? That is precisely what this song is about. new love When I first read this tracklist, I figured this song would be about finding new love following a toxic relationship. However, imagine my shock when I discovered this song was about having to watch your ex move on with someone else. And honestly, I love that message even more. As someone who has never been in a real relationship before, I never really stopped to think about how I'd feel if I saw my ex happy with a new person. But now, after hearing Ulven's stunning lyrics, I can pretty much almost guarantee it would not be a particularly good feeling. This song was perfect, and I think fit the theme very well. ★★★★★ The final track on this album is "★★★★★ (5 Stars)", a look into the music industry that I had never really thought to explore more before. It centers around the pressures associated with writing the perfect hit, and the anxieties that come from the failures of a poorly produced song. Ratings are some of the most important aspects of the music industry, and can make or break an artist's music career. Taking this into consideration, I think this song does a great job of conveying those emotions, I haven't heard a song quite like this in a while. Overall, I think this album brought a lot of really unique and fun elements that I had not really had the pleasure of indulging in before. I think Ulven has done something truly special, not only with the creation and release of this album, but with the creation of girl in red as a whole. I will be unashamedly listening to this album on repeat for a while, as should all of you. Go stream "I'M DOING IT BABY" now! Written By Isabel Mays Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

“Death of the Party” by artist Brosie is an energetic anthem for those who are so restrained by angst that they don’t fit in the typical party scene. It’s a fun dedication for the wallflower bunch who experience social gatherings in different ways. Even in these moments of feeling out of place, the song perfectly reflects the fascination with party culture that doesn’t stop you from attending these events. “Death of the Party” perfectly puts you in the middle of the scene, with wondrous curiosity about party culture followed by the fear and anxiety of being out of your comfort zone. What “Death of the Party” does is it creates a safe space for all of the awkward kids who want to go out and experience complex social situations, but at times can find it hard to perform like everyone else. There’s a lot to love about “Death of the Party” and it all stems from how much fun this song is. The energetic guitars with the infectious beat do make listeners feel as if they are at a party themselves. While the lyrical content revolves around the idea of struggling to fit in a public scene, it is presented in such an enjoyable manner that it’s so easy to have fun on this track and dance along. It’s always great to see artists take an idea that stems from yearning and use it to create a positive piece of art that many people can connect to on a deeper level. There’s something so unique about Brosie’s voice and it makes her such an interesting artist. Brosie has done an excellent job with “Death of the Party,” and it was a great way to get to know her and her artistry. Brosie is an artist who feels pride in her extravagant and unique persona. She is inspired by different figures such as Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, Bleachers, and more. In 2023 she toured with artists Gaz Coombes, Sir Chloe, Arxx, and Friska Viljor. On Spotify, she has earned over 2,000 monthly listeners, and her previous release “Coulda Shoulda Woulda Enthusiast” earned over 17,000 streams. Her personality really shines through in her music as she creates introspective journeys through her work and tries to find joy in everyday life.  Brosie comes across as such an exciting artist and it will certainly be interesting to see what she does next. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW BROSIE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

There’s nothing worse than gaslighting and manipulative people who like to worm their way into our lives. I’ve met my fair share of narcissists, they’re not great people to know. Thankfully, there’s now a killer song that I think sums up my feelings to a tee. “Narcissist” is the latest single by the band, Gold Steps. It accurately represents how people can go from treating you as an equal to treating you as someone on a lower level than them. I liked this song, especially the instrumentals, which I’ll discuss next. I also liked that the lead singer added a “Na, na na” before “narcissist” in the chorus. It sounds super cool. As I previously stated, I liked the overall sound of this song. It has obvious punk energy, and a bit of pop, too. There were some really cool electric guitar riffs throughout the whole song. Paired with the energetic lyrics, this song gave off a vibe similar to that of the early 2000s. I hadn’t heard a song like that in a long time, so I had fun listening! I think Liz Moritz, the band’s lead vocalist, has the perfect voice for this kind of music. Something about it reminded me of old-school Avril Levine, I’m obsessed… Gold Steps is a Milwaukee-based band that has been releasing music since 2016, with the release of their debut EP, Louder Than Words. Since then, the band has released multiple singles and even two albums. They have a pretty consistent fanbase, with their music getting around 11,000 monthly streams (1 million total!) on Spotify alone. They have performed for various events, including tours with artists like Stand Atlantic and Charlotte Sands. They have also made appearances playing at different music festivals like Summerfest and So What Music Fest. Gold Steps has made a lot of really fun music in the past few years, so I’m really excited to hear everyone’s thoughts on their new single! Go stream “Narcissist” now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW GOLD STEPS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | Website