On the surface, Take a Chance , might seem like yet another pop ballad harping on lost love and emotional distress; but in reality, it is so much deeper than that. MiKael bravely explores the difficult topic of anxiety on his latest track – but through a synth-pop lens – explaining how it "tells the story of someone trying to make peace with their anxiety, accepting it as a part of themselves and learning to love themselves, despite it." The addictive line "Can you take a chance on me, take a chance on me" finds a way to burrow into the listener's brain and attach itself there for the rest of the day, leaving you chanting the lyrics over and over again in your head thanks to their addictive sentiment. The tune is self-described as "a typical euro-pop track with influences from dance and electronic music", simply put by the artist "it's about love". Take a Chance is a fun and catchy ditty that deserves a listen from any and all fans of quality modern-day synth-pop music. The production of Take a Chance eloquently blends elements of dance-pop, trap, and various genres of EDM to create a uniquely refreshing sound for the pop sphere. The track opens promptly with MiKael's vocals, backed by a flurry of lively plucks and snappy trap claps. The instrumentation builds nicely throughout the pre-chorus, reminiscent of progressive house or Trap EDM, before ducking down and leaving MiKael's falsetto vocal front and center. Following this tight break is the track's first hook, which really makes the listener want to move with its infectious beat. The chorus is a cacophony of pumping drums, rolling trap hi-hats, percussive plucks, and driving bass. There is a short bridge between the second and third chorus that takes the audience to a dreamier plane – a stark contrast from the song's much less subtle hooks earlier on. The ambient piano and synth combination, along with the very distant drums and familiar rolling hi-hats, is cut short by two snappy claps that bring Take a Chance into its final hook. Throughout most of the arrangement, there are percussive synth plucks that sound similar to mimicked steel drums commonly heard in tropical house or dancehall. This incredible fusion of island pop, electronic dance, and hip-hop is sparsely heard on the pop charts these days – boldly placing this tune into a category all its own. This musical formula has helped bring artists like Rihanna and Sean Kingston to fame in years past, and is undeniably present in many of the hits put out by producers like Timbaland and Dr. Luke. Take a Chance is a dynamically energetic hybrid of some of the most fun subgenres of music, making it sure to be an instant classic for MiKael. 80's baby, MikAel, is an ascending singer-songwriter, producer, and actor based in Prague. After breaking onto the scene in 2019 following the release of his debut album, Easy , MikAel has gone on to pump out a bevy of euphoric pop singles that have taken Eastern Europe by storm. His enigmatically infectious sound shows heavy influences of synth pop and electronic music, creating the ultimate dance vibe for listeners. In 2020 he released his biggest single to date, Alone Together , which is closing in on 100,000 streams on Spotify alone. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears fixed on MikAel over the course of 2024 in anticipation of more uber-enticing electro pop hits coming from this Czech talent. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW MIKAEL: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“ Kid Sydney ” by Black Sands dives into deeply personal themes that may resonate with many. It covers the singer’s internal struggles, revealing a desire to escape from his own thoughts, feelings and identity. Despite the presence of supportive and loving individuals around the singer (“ I get so lonely even on the nights you hold m e”), he still expresses loneliness and the inability to express this disconnect and their ongoing internal struggle with them. With heartbreaking and deep lyrics such as, “ I feel like my heart doesn’t want me ,” the song shows a raw and personal exploration of self-rejection. However, it also serves as a symbol or source of connection for his listeners that are experiencing these same feelings reminding them that they’re not alone. Overall, the track covers the struggles of re-discovering belonging, love and happiness within oneself. “ Kid Sydney ” has a calm vibe with its opening of a smooth electric guitar, and the singer’s raspy voice adds to this relaxed feeling. This track doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s extremely open and is being used as an outlet for the singer to express an internal battle he’s having with himself. The opening verse shares the singer's inner turmoil with, “ I’ll be having thoughts about the weirdest things. Like what it would be like if I could change my name .” This moment indicates a dissatisfaction within himself and wanting to escape this feeling so badly that he considers getting “ away from everything ” and starting over by changing his name or identity. The song is heartbreaking, and sparks a desire in me to flip the singer's world back around and push nothing but love and happiness his way. Lines such as, “ I wish that I could turn back to the better days . Cause right now I just want to get away from me ,” and “ My heart breaks every time that I see my face ,” shows a longing for inner peace. I'm rooting for his emotional well-being, as well as for those who can relate, to grow stronger, and for the happiness they rediscover as they reconnect with themselves. Black Sands is made up of Andrew Balfour, a singer, songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles, California. For each and every record, he collaborates with international vocalists, while also blending various genres like indie pop, rock and alternative R&B. Andrew has gained over 28,000 monthly Spotify listeners, with the most streamed song being “ Ice Castles ,” a collaboration with Jordan Astra and Ruhde, which has over 400,000 streams. Black Sands has been featured in Rolling Stone, Wonderland and Atwood Magazine, as well as sync placements on MLB Network, NHL, UFC, Netflix, the London Olympics and more. Keep up with Black Sands by clicking on the social media links below, and check out “ Kid Sydney ,” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW BLACK SANDS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | Website | YouTube

“Burn” is Janaa’s latest release, it’s a new single for the newly single.  Shockingly upbeat considering its subject matter, the song is for the anger phase of a breakup, where realizations and revenge come into play.  “Burn” is a villainous and seemingly dark song, but only on the surface.  In between her threatening lines, Janaa offers pieces of explanation.  Of course she isn’t the malicious femme fatale she’s presenting herself as, merely labeled as such.  Accused of being a liar and of being seemingly unhurt, Janaa leans into this characterization and tells what would happen if she actually held the cruelty she’s labeled with.  This isn’t written from the perspective of a heartless woman, just a heartbroken one. The tone of this song would never reveal as such, though.  Her introduction is effortlessly intense, a slow buildup that somehow seduces, frightens, and empowers the listener all at once.  Janaa’s voice maintains this energy, low and gloomy, and yet her words still begin with her as the victim: being left out of this person's story, forgotten.  Even as we reach the chorus, it isn’t her that’s set the fire, it’s them.  But the way in which she repeats that key word “burn” is still just as intimidating.  Her voice is powerful and even where she seems purposefully detached, it’s full of emotion. It’s a pop song at its core but this anger couldn’t go without a bit of rock. Electric guitar pairs the chorus in an explorative dynamic twist that allows Janaa to express herself properly, without regard to the rules of genre.  As the song ends, this guitar even blends into her own voice, meshing both into the flawless instrumentals heard throughout.   Janaa’s voice, so expressive and full of emotion, is perfect for her own purpose in creating music.  Her goal, and motivation, as an artist is to do exactly that- express herself.  Her songs, like “Burn”, are made to be a safe haven.  It’s three minutes of raw feeling, that leaves the listener, and Janaa herself, empowered and more refreshed than beforehand.  The singer/songwriter cares deeply about mental health, making it a priority in her own life as well as the lives of her listeners through the work she creates.  “Burn” is the first original song available on her Spotify to date, and with such an impeccable opening there is without a doubt even better to come.  Follow her below to find more and stay alert for her future releases.   Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW JANAA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | YouTube

In today’s societal standards, many of us can’t help but compare ourselves to the models and influencers we see online. We may think to ourselves, why couldn’t I have been blessed with such clear and polished skin? Why couldn’t I have perfect eyes, and beautiful irises akin to the gorgeous sea that capture the attention of others? Why couldn’t I just be perfect? These are questions that seem to monopolize the minds of many people, mostly those of the younger generations, as they are more likely to fall into the notion that we all must look a certain way to be considered beautiful. And yet, we seem to overlook all the beguiling attributes about ourselves that get swallowed by the unattainable and the asinine standards society pressures us with. To conquer this, we need to come to accept ourselves as who we are. With our flaws, and all our imperfections. We cannot continue to compare ourselves to the – likely – fanciful images we are shown throughout the media. Once we can accept ourselves for who we are, and kindly appreciate all the attributes we are all so uniquely gifted with, we begin to empower not only ourselves but those who also struggle with self-acceptance. CoverGirl, by Aubryanna, is an exemplary song that does just that. It describes empowerment and calls for self-love, to dismiss all the perfect faces we see throughout society, and to love ourselves. At the start of the song, Aubryanna describes a situation about a CoverGirl who is absolute perfection. She catches the eyes of everyone, they all seem to want this girl, and others yearn for her statuesque body. However, from the beginning, it seems Aubryanna was aware that she would never be this CoverGirl. She was invariably cognizant of how different she was with everything this CoverGirl did. The artists even describe how she could be that CoverGirl if she truly wanted to. Yet, she doesn’t want to. She’s aware of her own perfections and appreciates herself for who she is, and no CoverGirl is going to change that. The song seems to carry out a bold tune, it says to me, I’m here. It’s out there. It’s confident. Just like Aubryanna’s empowering message for all her listeners. Her voice matches the significance of the song well, I can hear the motives in her vocals and the message she wants to convey. I can hear her confidence ripple throughout the beat. It not only will convince other listeners to listen, but it will also convince them to follow her important message. This song heals old parts of me. From a very young age, I was constantly comparing myself. I had attributes that other girls my age didn’t have, and it set me apart from the rest. It caused me to have insecurities that followed me as I went into junior high and even in high school. It was hard for me to see anything good in me. However, as I aged, I realized that I needed to come to love myself and accept myself. Especially right now with how demanding society is, forcing younger girls to grow up faster. This song is imperative for ourselves and younger generations and it is also so momentous. We have an emancipating voice, Aubryanna, telling us to cherish ourselves. It’s empowering, a message that I think needs to be shouted from rooftops and touch the hearts of other listeners as how it has touched my own. Aubryanna, the amazingly talented singer behind the song, is a singer/songwriter exploring the genres of Pop and R&B. CoverGirl is her debut single, a song that explores the bold colors of empowerment. Although CoverGirl is Aubryanna’s first-ever single, she has been in tune with singing since she was little, exploring just how far her musical talents could exceed, falling in love with music. That spark ignited more and more as she grew older, pushing her to release a song for the public to hear, sharing her talents with listeners who could quite possibly appreciate Aubryanna’s innate talents. Continue to follow Aubryanna throughout her journey as a singer as Aubryanna has a lot more left in her that she would like to further express. I cannot wait to hear more and will be following along her journey as a rising singer. Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW AUBRYANNA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | SoundCloud | YouTube

“Pray t0 god” by tiLLie exposes the duality between healing the lasting effect of abuse experienced at the hands of an abuser. tiLLie explains that “Pray t0 god” is about an abusive figure in her family that she was eventually able to free herself from. This is evident in lyrics like “eight years and seven days, since I severed your chains, made my escape,” which depict her ability to create space between her and the abuser despite her family still being trapped. There is relief that you are physically free, but mentally, you know the healing journey is an ongoing battle and it’s hard to truly commit to that when the abuser is still affecting your life in one way or another. tiLLie sings “Brick by brick, I built a castle, found a prince, a golden apple, but in the weeds, there lived an asshole, in between me and happily ever after,” showing that although she’s embracing her empowered era, there are still emotions there that resurface, reminding her of the trapped feeling associated with the abuse endured.                   “Pray t0 god” begins with the classic storybook opening and a brief narration from tiLLie that places you in a dreamy fairytale setting. The beat transforms as the song opens exposing the nightmare within the dream. It’s a clean cohesive mix between electronic pop and rock that plays heavily on fantasy-esque sounds, earning the title tiLLie has named nightmare pop. Despite the clean simplicity of the beat everything from the harshness of the bass, drums, and guitar to the small insets of lighter quirkier sounds builds directly off of the lyrics to convey the emotional intent of the song. tiLLie explains that “’Pray t0 god depicts’ the emotional duality of feeling prisoner to the effects of her abuser while simultaneously trying to embrace this healthy, empowered era in my healing journey,” and the beat depicts this uphill battle of constantly flipping back and forth between wanting to be the move on and be the bigger person but also wanting this abuser to feel the pain they’ve caused. There is rage there but there is also an undeniable boundary that states “You won’t make me cry” giving the rage conveyed through the music an empowered stance. As a young teen, tiLLie began her music journey playing basement shows with her punk band in Atlanta. In 2016 Machine Gun Kelly asked her to collaborate on a cover of Foo Fighters’ hit “Everlong” after watching her perform live in Los Angeles.  During that performance, tiLLie also gained the interest of Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman, who invited her to join the 2017 lineup of Warped Tour Newcomers You Need to Know Before This Summer. She has also worked with Bishop Briggs and has received editorial support from Alternative Press, Fader, and Spin Magazine to name a few. Since tiLLie decided to move to Los Angeles in pursuit of her musical career she has released four EPs and several singles including “Flip a Switch” in 2021 which was selected as “Tune of the Week” by BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists program. Her music is a cohesive blend of pop and nu-metal in what the singer/songwriter has affectionately called “nightmare pop”. It’s reminiscent of No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani during her L.A.M.B days but with far more bass, feminine rage, and a touch of fairytale magic. Listen to her latest EP featuring “Pray t0 god” and “jeLLiefish aPocaLypsE” and more at the links below.  Written By Joselyn Jimenez FOLLOW tiLLie: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | Facebook  | YouTube

"Anymore" by alternative rock singer-songwriter Ziggy 2000 comes as a lead single for her upcoming second EP, Needles, that will be releasing in June 2024. It is her first new release in a couple years. The guitar-laden track recounts feeling done with a person and realizing how both of you are meant for something better than what you thought was love. As she laces the track with nostalgic melodies and guitar patterns, it felt reminiscent of 90s icons like Alanis Morissette and The Cranberries, and one of my current favorite artists, Suki Waterhouse. Even if you're not reeling from a breakup, "Anymore" is the perfect addition your to streaming library. Ziggy 2000 starts of "Anymore" with a metaphor for the state of her relationship in the lyrics, "We're just like pages / All scattered on the floor." The acoustic sound features guitar strums and gentle vocals that make the track feel like a fitting backdrop for a coming-of-age film. In the refrain, she expresses the simple sentiment of being done with someone in the lines, "If I could, I'd tell you / That we're meant for something / But it's not what / We think is love." As her ethereal vocals repeat 'anymore' through the chorus, we are brought into how tired and insecure she has felt in this ending. UK-based pop newcomer Ziggy 2000 released her first EP Obvious in 2021. Her music takes inspiration from pop ballads, alternative rock anthems, and the nostalgia of the 90s. Her monthly Spotify listeners is over 9,500, and she has earned hundreds of thousands of streams on her music. If you enjoyed "Anymore," make sure to check out Needles when it releases on June 5th, 2024. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Ziggy 2000 and her music by following the social media links below. After this track, I am so excited to see what music that Ziggy 2000 will release next. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW ZIGGY 2000: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Seth Gauton’s highly anticipated debut solo release “Right This Time” is an exploration into the moment you realize you’re losing your perspective in an argument, but remain too stubborn to apologize. It’s something we’ve all experienced– our confidence shaking, but wanting to nonetheless sting with conviction in a heated fight. We dig our heels into the ground and attempt to regain our stance, but know that we’re wrong and keep shouting anyways. The track details the cycle of fighting and forgiveness until forgiveness can no longer be given, and the sudden shock of comprehending that things need to be made right before it’s all over, and allowing yourself to listen to the other side. With melancholy and lyrical poetics, Seth brings “Right This Time” to life by injecting passion and hope within its soundscape to create a beautifully complex track, narratively and compositionally. “Right This Time” is decadent with meaning, narrative, and instrumentals. The soundscape is sublime– with hummable strings and eventual pumped-up percussion, you can feel the heat of the argument before it fizzles out near the track’s end, and the sobering realization of a lost perception setting in. It’s an extremely dynamic song, and I felt that the instrumentals' varying intensities played really well with the song’s meaning, too. There’s a very compelling interplay with the phrase “right this time” in the lyrics, where the narrator wants to be “right” in the argument but ends the track wanting to make it “right” with the other person. The lyrics are amazingly vivid– my favorite lines definitely have to be “Now we can’t deny we’re / Holding smoking guns / No bullets dodged”. It’s just such an evocative way to describe a fight that’s going nowhere. “Right This Time” is an oscillating track with changes in both vigor and meaning, making it remarkably magnetic with a new experience each time the song loops anew. Singer-songwriter Seth Gauton is “bad with words, good with lyrics”. He uses writing as more than an escapist tool, but as a way to synthesize a busy mind into expressive and potent concepts. Influenced by artists such as Jeff Buckley, Sam Fender, and Holly Humberstone, Seth’s indie pop sound is rich and expressive with eloquent songwriting. His writing expertise has attracted a variety of talent across the music industry to his project– ranging from Grammy and BRIT nominated writers to award-winning mixers, many are interested in working with Seth’s music potential. “Right This Time” is his debut solo single; if you enjoyed the track’s superb composition, consider dropping him a follow as this release will be followed by four more tracks over the next few months. Seth Gauton is definitely an artist you'll want to keep your eye on. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW SETH GAUTON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Wisdom” by RAGS AND RICHES is a powerful testament to the duo’s growing mastery of their art form. The Kentucky-born brothers Tanner and Peyton Whitt deliver an emotional rollercoaster that's both soul-stirring and invigorating, aptly reflecting their journey and musical ambitions. The song shines as an anthem of hope that touches the essence of the human condition, especially following the tumultuous events of the past few years. Tanner's revelation about rewriting the track multiple times until they “had it” speaks volumes about their dedication and commitment to their craft, the blend of this perseverance and raw talent that shines through every harmony and lyric of this inspiring piece. Brimming with a sound that is both contemporary and timeless, the song kicks off with a melodic resonance that tugs at the heartstrings. The opening chords set a reflective tone, leading into a chorus that swells with both emotion and empowerment. The production quality is top-notch, providing a clean yet intricate backdrop for the brothers' poignant harmonies. Lyrically, “Wisdom” speaks to the soul. Each verse conjures images of struggle and triumph, a balance that the Whitt brothers navigate with an astute sense of storytelling. Their voice delivers a message of comfort to dreamers and fighters; those looking for a sign to hold on a little longer. It’s a universal call to embrace the wisdom we all hold within, urging listeners to face life's challenges with heads held high and hearts alight. RAGS AND RICHES have garnered five million-plus career streams and significant video views, demonstrating that they are not just another drop in the ocean of alt-pop music. Their debut single, “Speed of Sound” was released in 2019, garnering close to one million streams. Performing in over 300 shows across 40 states with well-known artists like Smash Mouth and Fitz & The Tantrum, RAGS AND RICHES have won several awards, including a Josie Music Award for Pop Artist of the Year. Looking ahead to 2024, RAGS AND RICHES have a fantastic year of performances planned, from the Lovin’ Life to the Backwoods music festivals. RAGS AND RICHES are musical trailblazers who push boundaries in alternative pop, inspiring millions to yearn for greater heights.  Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW RAGS AND RICHES: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

"twenty five" by Kelley Cole is a poignant, strikingly sincere single that embodies the tumultuous era of diving headfirst into true adulthood. Born out of the almost ritualistic experience of a first encounter with the IRS, the track is a vivid narrative spun from the threads of self-discovery, financial awakening, and the bitter taste of grown-up responsibilities. The moment Kelley Cole watched her bank account dwindle post-tax payment, her instinct was not to retreat but to translate the universal punch-in-the-gut feeling into music. This creative birth, on the floor with nothing but a guitar, a notepad, and colored pencils, is telling of the homemade authenticity that pulses through "twenty five." It’s raw, unfiltered, and unpretentious – a slice of life turned into art. Musically, "twenty five" delivers a nostalgic yet fresh sound that strikes a resonating chord with its blend of gutsy rock foundations and the whimsicality of toy pianos and wobbly synths. It's a testament to Cole's ability to juxtapose the playful innocence of youth against the stark, sobering reality of maturation. The track's production wraps listeners in a sonic comforter while Cole's vocals - laced with vulnerability and determination - guide us through the emotional landscape of her rite of passage. What sets "twenty five" apart is its ability to act as both a personal memoir and a universal shout-along anthem. Sprinkled with the daydreams and delusions that encapsulate the early twenties, the song captures the essence of that pivotal age with questions and truths laid bare, offering companionship to anyone caught in a similar crossroads. It’s an encapsulation of the feeling when early adulthood both weighs down and liberates, echoing the experiences of many who are losing and finding themselves in the same breath. As a self-produced and written track, "twenty five" marks Kelley Cole taking control of her artistry, defiantly claiming her space in a burgeoning Nashville indie scene that she’s already shaping with initiatives like mini-festivals at Flamingo Cocktail Club. Her trajectory from a Chicago suburbia to the stages of Nashville is a journey of grit and grace, something that shines through her entire creative output. The upcoming EP, 'when will I feel alright,' promises to be a cultivation of Kelley Cole’s fervor for real, gut-driven storytelling, if "twenty five" is any indication. Cole thrives not just in her music but also as a fulcrum of Nashville's independent circuit, her songs echoing the screams and feelings of women past and present. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW KELLEY: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Pop sensation maryjo has just released her third single of 2024 titled “Should Be Us!” This song delves into seeing an ex with someone else and all the emotions that come along with it. It’s an exploration into the longing of being with someone in your past, despite whatever happened in the relationship. maryjo starts the song off by describing how she usually is when a relationship ends: she cuts ties and never looks back. But now, since she sees her ex with someone else, she wasn’t expecting it and she thinks “[she] had a heart attack.” She kicks off the chorus by saying “that should be us” doing all of the romantic things her ex is doing with their new person. She thought she would be ready for her ex to move on, but she tells them “you know that should be us.” maryjo thought she was doing okay and she “[doesn’t] know why [she’s] hung up on us.” She asks a series of questions about this new girl that has a bit of lingering jealousy. In an interview about the song, maryjo says, “I think a lot of relationships go through this stage after a breakup where someone else just either moved on quicker, or finds someone else sooner, so for me I really wanted to write about that.” “Should Be Us” is a wonderful mix of a classic pop song and a melancholy ballad, which creates a unique pop aesthetic. The song has a basic pop structure, with an acoustic guitar setting the rhythm of the track. Swelling synths give this track an extra layer of emotions, with the pushes and pulls aligning with the strong points of the song. The choruses are big and expansive, with maryjo flexing her impressively powerful vocals. Despite these big moments, the song still feels quite intimate. One of the small touches that I loved about the track is the ever-so-delicate whispers, that can be pretty hard to make out upon first listen. It doesn’t seem like much, but it adds another emotional layer, insinuating that maryjo is singing this song in real time as she feels these emotions. Overall, this track is a well produced pop ballad track that is heartbreaking yet alluring with the sound and the lyrics. maryjo is a 22 year-old singer songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. She got her first break into the pop music scene being a fan-favorite contestant on Season 19 of American Idol. Singing beautiful renditions of songs from Ed Sheeran, James Bay, Tate McRae, and more, she quickly grew a large audience. In 2021, maryjo released her first single, “Carpet,” which currently has over 2.1 million streams on Spotify alone. She’s had multiple releases since then, including fan favorites such as “I Woke Up.” Currently, she has more than 1.3 million TikTok followers and over 140k listeners on Spotify. Now, maryjo is rejoining Knox on his “I’m So Good At Being Alone Tour,” with shows all across America. It’s clear that maryjo will continue to impress her fans with her captivating vocals and her beautiful songwriting with all of her future releases. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW MARYJO: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

In Joe Bygraves' latest release, “Healing,” he has given us a gut-wrenching ballad about trying to move on from a person you loved so deeply. The song makes it clear how difficult and slow the process can be, and tiny steps have to be taken. Bygraves paints the sorrow of heartbreak in a very clear way and how moving on is easier said than done. There are a lot of raw emotions here about how haunted one can be by a past relationship and how this only slows down the healing process. The ballad itself is quite beautiful, Bygraves’ voice can really fill a room and be made to sing a song of this level of emotional transparency. The structure of the song is a simple ballad, with powerful vocals over a gentle piano, however, as the song progresses it does build up on itself. As previously mentioned, the lyrical content is very transparent about the difficulties of moving on. What’s really nice about the lyrics is there is an emphasis on how slow this process can be and how needs to be taken “step by step.” You can surely hear the pain in Bygraves’ voice, and it makes the song feel much more genuine. The bridge does a great job of putting everything at a standstill and giving listeners time to reflect on the story being presented. Joe Bygraves truly has done an excellent job with “Healing” as it both evokes the pain of past experiences and yet still serves as a reminder that moving on is a process that needs to be taken at one’s own pace. Joe Bygraves is an artist from Bedfordshire, UK who has become a rising star in his local music scene. He is inspired by artists like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Tom Grennan. In 2020, Bygraves was asked to write and perform an anthem for the We Make Events Movement that represents individuals in the entertainment industry. He has done well for himself, in 2022 he sold out his first headline show at the Craufurd Arms. He has more shows lined up this year including the Bedford River Festival. With “Healing” Joe Bygraves has given us a great insight into the talent he possesses and will be surely exciting to see what he does next, so go ahead and give him a listen. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW JOE BYGRAVES: Instagram | Spotify | Website | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Dark alt-pop/rock band from Florida, The Haunt have just released their newest EP, "Do Not Resuscitate". With industrial and cenematic themes, this project is aimed to make listeners feel empowered. Starting as a sibling duo, sister and brother Anastasia (lead vocals) and Max Haunt (vocals, guitar and production) have been making music together since a young age. Officially debuting their career in 2017 with their debut single, "All Went Back", they've since been joined by bassist Nat Smallish and drummer Nick Lewert. The Haunt has evolved and they have strengthened their sound to create their most recent era of music, "Do Not Resuscitate". TRACKLIST FML Little Like Hell I Don't Like The Quiet Damage Morally Incompetent On My Grave In 2018, The Haunt released their self-titled debut EP. Just one year later, they broke through with their fan favorite single, "Cigarettes & Feelings" gaining millions of streams. In the next few years, The Haunt would go on to release 4 more EP's, including a collaboration project with pop rock band Silos, titled "Gaslight" which was released earlier this year, and of course most recently, "Do Not Resuscitate". Let's dive into the 6 track collection and see what The Haunt has in store for us this time! FML Kicking off the EP with a strong one, we have "FML" which was released as the leading single in anticipation for this EP. This fiery track is about feeling stuck in an endless loop with someone that is toxic for you. It's that kind of relationship you know isn't good for you, but you can't get yourself to leave. The soundscape radiates anger and resentment; you can literally feel the aggressive nature especially during the heavy and distorted hook. Anastasia uses her voice to execute this intense emotion so well; despite the heaviness of the instrumentation, she doesn't let the music outshine her. Her powerful vocals are reminiscent of pop/rock goddess, Taylor Momsen, lead singer of The Pretty Reckless. Little Like Hell "Little Like Hell" was released as the second single for the EP, just one month after "FML". The story is a continuation of track one, comparing being in that toxic relationship to like being in hell. It's a torture cycle that never seems to end. Co-produced with Grammy nominated and multi-platinum producer and songwriter Kevin Thrasher, this song has more of a pop/punk style with electronic components on the vocals to take things to the next level. This is a jump around your room and dance like no one is watching type of song; especially if you need something to help you get your anger out. I also highly enjoyed the music video for this song, which features the entire band. It's nice to see the chemistry they have together as performers. I Don't Like The Quiet Track 3 is also single number 3, "I Don't Like The Quiet". Just on first listen, I immediately fell in love with this song. It has a nostalgic type of style and groove, like early 2000's pop/rock. It's a song that I would've had on repeat in my middle school emo phase. The song is about the suffering silence that comes with being alone. Whether you broke up or had a fight, there's someone out there who you wish would come home to you. Distractions just aren't enough to take away the yearning feeling. "I Don't Like The Quiet" is a duet and we get to hear Max's vocals throughout. I was so excited when I heard Max start singing, because he has such an addicting, smooth tone. Anastasia kills it in this song, showing off her impressively high range, vocal control and belting abilities. Anastasia and Max's voices blend together perfectly. One of my favorite parts is how the outro goes soft, so you can really feel the hurt behind the lyrics. Damage Next, we have "Damage" which is the fourth and final single that was released before the EP. The Haunt describes "Damage" as a "villain theme song". It's meant to make you feel strong and empowered; like you can do anything. Unbothered, Anastasia sings about how you can try to do your worst, but she can handle the damage. Out of all the songs on the EP, this song leans heaviest towards an electronic rock soundscape with heavy emphasis on synths. It has a beat that is undeniably catchy and a cenematic hook that'll get stuck in your head for days. Morally Incompetent As part of the EP release, The Haunt also released this brand new music video for track 5, "Morally Incompetent" at the same time. This high-energy, athematic song is for all the "outsiders" out there who don't play by societies rules. Featuring a stomp rhythm and a bad ass guitar solo riff, this song was made to be played live. I can already see a whole crowd getting into the beat and screaming the lyrics together. As the song goes on, it continues to build and only goes harder and crazier in the best way possible. On My Grave The final track, we end off on "On My Grave". So far, this is the only non-single song without a music video, but I'm sure there's hope for one in the future! "On My Grave" is a beautiful, haunting pop/rock break up song with lots of reverb and distortion. I would say this is the most emotional, sad song on the EP but that doesn't take away from the power and energy put into the soundscape. Anastasia wrote this song after her first serious breakup, emphasizing that there was a part of her that knew the person wasn't good for her, but she ended up falling for them anyway and go hurt in the end. This EP takes The Haunt to a whole new level. They made it a point to establish this new sound with heavy rock and punk influence, but still keeping some alt-pop elements and even dabbling a bit in electronica. The relationship, dynamic and chemistry that the band has together really shines through in their sound. From complex lyrics to out-of-this world instrumentation, to breath-taking vocals to brilliant production, this EP has everything you could ever want or need as a pop/rock fan. Make sure to follow The Haunt below to keep up to date with them and see if they're coming to a city near you. They'll be in Europe as an opener for Missio in June! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW THE HAUNT: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.