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  • Review: "London" - Emily James

    This song, “London” by Emily James, is a beautiful, escapist ballad all about those feelings you have after a heartbreak where you want to leave and start a new life. With poetic, wistful lyrics, James weaves together a romanticization of leaving everything behind and moving to a new country, where everyone is new and everything you experience is fresh. Maybe you’ll fall in love with someone else, or maybe you’ll just find things to distract you - but you’re hoping to find something that makes you feel better. Slipping between feelings of sadness - with lyrics like “I’ll sipping on champagne, can’t be lonely with champagne” - and bitterness - with lyrics like “queen of giving you too much credit, never quite knew it until I let it go” - Emily James perfectly captures the whole plethora of emotions you go through when you lose someone so instrumental. You chase that fleeting idea that everything will feel better if you just leave everything behind. “London” is an understated, heartfelt ballad that relies on soft vocals and piano melodies to dive deep and strike an emotional chord with listeners. Starting out with just isolated piano, Emily James coaxes you into the song, layering her gentle voice on top for the first verse. The instrumentation builds throughout this piece, slowly adding to the intensity as James guides you toward the bridge. This rise in intensity pairs perfectly with the rise of emotion in the lyrics, reaching a peak in the bridge, with James crooning on top of layers of atmospheric harmonies. All of this drops back for one last rendition of the chorus, returning to the simple piano and vocals before sliding to a smooth close. Overall, this song is a beautiful masterpiece of devastating wistfulness, and has quickly become a new favorite of mine. Emily James is a rising singer/songwriter whose dynamic vocals and eloquent lyricism delve into the emotions that everyone feels but don’t necessarily understand. She sings like she’s having a conversation, creating beauty while also staying very in tune with her listeners and telling each and every story she wants to share. Her first EP, Emily James,  came out in 2016, and she’s been gathering fans ever since then. Now, after several more EPs, including The aLtErNaTeS, released earlier this year, she’s gearing up to release The aLtErNaTeS part 2, continuing along the same threads of emotional confession and artistry that’s so characteristic of her. If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, or Lizzy McAlpine, use the links below to check out more of her music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Emily James: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

  • EP Review: "Ghost Town Road (east)" - Smallpools

    Smallpools, the indie alt-pop and rock trio who have been making music for over a decade together now, have just released their new EP, "Ghost Town Road (east)" which is part one of their upcoming full-length album to be released later this year! Splitting time between Los Angeles, California and Nashville, Tennessee, lead singer Sean Scanlon, guitarist/producer Michael Kamerman, and drummer Beau Kuther have created a sound described as cenematic, anthemic, and nostalgic for this new chapter in their musical journey as a group. TRACKLIST Swayze Night Shift Fake a Happy Face! Motorbike (Wild Ones) Caller ID Smallpools debuted their career together in 2013, hitting it big with their first ever single "Dreaming" which has amassed hundreds of millions of streams and is now RIAA certified gold. Soon they released their first EP, self-titled "Smallpools" and had a number of remixes for their song "Dreaming", including collaborations with names like The Chainsmokers and Charlie XCX. They've been continuously releasing music throughout the years, including three albums, one of which featured cover songs. They've also been spending most of this time touring as openers for bands like Twenty One Pilots, Walk the Moon, and Neon Trees. In anticipation for their upcoming new album, this EP gives us an insight to what is to come and will give us a taste of the newest Smallpools era. Swayze "Swayze" starts off the EP with a bang. This upbeat track sounds like a song on the radio in a classic car, in the most nostalgic way possible. The production is done in a way that purposely makes "Swayze" a recording straight out of the 80's. Filled with synths and electric guitar, this is the perfect song to dance around to in the Summer time, or with the windows down as you drive around too fast in a beach town. Referencing 80's heartthrob actor, Patrick Swayze, Scanlon sings of a love that feels timeless. While the rest of the world moves on, the two of you remain the same. Check out the brand new music video for the song below! Night Shift Released as the leading single 3 months before the EP release, we have track number two, "Night Shift". It's another energetic and nostalgic bop of a song with lyrics that are relatable to most anybody. "Night Shift" is about living life on auto-pilot; you're stuck in a comfortable routine, but you can't help but feel like you want more out of life. We covered "Night Shift" in depth in it's own article, which you can read here! Fake a Happy Face! "Fake a Happy Face" is a single that covers the topic of mental struggles and depression, but captures it in an addicting ethereal soundscape that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. After my first listen, I already had the hook replaying in my mind for the rest of the day. It's a bit of a juxtaposition, because the lyrics are relatable thoughts you have when you're stressed and going back and forth with yourself inside of your head; however, the music itself and the catchy groove make you want to dance. It's a perfect representation of when you want to be happy, but just can't quite get yourself to be. So you try to just pretend in hopes one day things will change and feel different. "Fake a Happy Face!’ is about yearning to escape, to start over, lying in bed with the weight of the world upon you. There are so many mixed emotions that switch on a dime. Everything’s great and everything sucks. ‘Fake a Happy Face!’ and keep on cruising the best you can." - Smallpools Motorbike (Wild Ones) Going back to that heavily nostalgic, 80's car radio sound, we have the single "Motorbike" (Wild Ones). This song seems to tie together with the first track, "Swayze" not only in production style but in story as well. Released as the second single in anticipation for the EP, the lyrics look back on a love and a time that is long gone now, but you still find yourself reminiscing on from time to time. Just like in "Swayze", it was a type of relationship that made the rest of the world disappear. It was fun while it lasted, but now all you have left are those timeless memories. It's another synth and guitar heavy pop-rock bop with layered vocals that'll take you back. Caller ID The final track "Caller ID" is still upbeat, but has more of a gentle tone than the other tracks. It's a refreshing way to end the EP. It has a beautiful chord progression and an instrumentation that you can get lost in. The smooth vocals and catchy hook make for another song to easily get stuck in your head. "Caller ID" is a breakup song about that anxious feeling that comes along with seeing your ex's name pop up on your phone. Especially when you still have feelings, you're wishing that they're calling in hopes of starting over with you; but realistically, you know it's not going to be good. As the calmest track on the EP, it's a great wind-down song after all the hype from the previous tracks. After listening to this EP in it's entirety, I am excited to hear the rest of the album that is to come! Smallpools have established their sound through-and-through, taking nostalgic components and creating something that is their own. It's an exciting era for Smallpools who clearly know how to write hit songs. Every song on this EP fits and flows together like a true work of art. It's a very upbeat collection of tracks that are easy to put on repeat. The lyrics are relatable, the music itself is catchy, the production is creative and it all comes together to create a sonically incredible project. Make sure to follow Smallpools below to keep up to date on when more new music comes out, and to see if they're coming on tour at a city near you! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SMALLPOOLS: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

  • Review: "I Hope It Kills You" - Laila

    Laila gives us this sweet angelic face as the cover art, but it's for a song with the sour title of "I Hope It Kills You”. She's got us intrigued and we’re anxious to hear what she has to say and why she would have that sentiment towards someone. As the opening line of the song literally begins with “God damn”, one can imagine that the treachery that is to be discussed has to be of epic proportions. In a description for the song, Laila disclosed "I Hope It Kills You: your lover leaves you for your best friend. Ouch. You take the high road but still pray that karma does her work. Play this while you cry on the kitchen floor." So, there it is. The bombshell. The gut-wrenching inspiration behind this somber song. Our narrator has just suffered one of the most painful circumstances known to man, being betrayed by your best friend and lover in one fell swoop.   “And I hope it kills you.” Of course, Laila doesn’t mean in the literal sense but in their souls. She hopes that it eats away at them, every single day. That they don’t see a moment of peace in their union, that karma does its work, as mentioned earlier. “As you both look back, do you laugh as you watch me bleed?” In this instance, the listener doesn’t really know who to hate more – a friend of the highest regard or your significant other who you thought had all this love and respect for you. It’s the stickiest of situations to lose two people so close to you at the same time and for the same reason and to think of how they’re just happy together with no remorse for what they’ve done. “I got what was left of you, while you took the best of me.” Ah, a relationship where one person gives more than the other and, seemingly, feels more deeply towards the other. That dynamic typically doesn’t end up working out, as the other grows tired of pulling most if not all the weight in the relationship. Laila sings of how the relationship was already troubled, but that loves makes you do crazy things sometimes. You’re blinded by the intense feelings towards that person, or rather the version of them you’ve crafted in your head from the crumbs they’ve supplied you with during your “love”. The lyrics and the pain in Laila’s voice tugs at your heartstrings while the piano seems to nail it all in, intensifying the effects of this tear-inducing song. Laila has crafted a beautiful song and perfected the art of invoking emotions.   Laila, whose full name is Laila Kharouba, hails from Ottawa, Ontario and is an actress, singer, and songwriter. She currently has 451 followers on Facebook, 2,811 followers on Instagram, has over 2,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, is closing in on 6,000 followers on Tik Tok, and has 569 subscribers on YouTube. Having been featured on CTV’s “Your Morning” and Spotify’s “New Music Friday”, Laila is making a splash in the entertainment industry and making sure that everyone knows her name. Her sound is a great blend of beautiful instruments that don’t overpower her voice, which is a wise move as she has a tremendously beautiful tone and grace about her voice. Her vocals are sure to move you in any of her songs that you choose to listen to, whether that be a ballad or a more upbeat offering. I’m certain that Laila has the brightest of futures ahead of her and I look forward to hearing more music from her. If you feel the same, give her a follow on all of her socials below! And, even better, catch her live playing Breaking Sound at Rivoli in Toronto on April 17th!! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW LAILA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook  | YouTube

  • Album Review: "Older" - Lizzy McAlpine

    Lizzy McAlpine has hit her fans hard with her third studio album Older, released April 5th. It consists of fourteen new tracks, packed with McAlpine’s typical heartbreaking lyrics and stunning vocals. She covers a lot of ground with the content of these songs, including relationship trials and triumphs, the death of her father, and the all encompassing fear of getting older (hence the title). True to her typical style, her songs are slow and hard hitting, with swelling instrumentals; emotive violins and piercing piano chords. TRACK LIST The Elevator Come Down Soon Like It Tends To Do Movie Star All Falls Down Staying I Guess Drunk, Running Broken Glass You Forced Me To Older Better Than This March Vortex Lizzy McAlpine is a singer-songwriter born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Older follows her first two albums, Give Me A Minute and Five Seconds Flat, released in 2020 and 2022 respectively. McAlpine blew up on TikTok with her song "ceilings" from Five Seconds Flat, and also recently collaborated with rising folk artists Noah Kahan. Her music is a similar style to Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers, with simplistic instrumentals, emotive lyrics, and a stunning voice. The Elevator The album opens with a quick track titled “The Elevator”. It is less than 2 minutes of simple piano chords, a vocal line full of harmonies and hope, and an outro filled with the intensity of falling in love. It is one of the only songs on this album that is hopeful and does not state the fear or toxicity of the relationship. She hopes that she can stay in this love forever, but if it is anything like the relationship she sings about in the rest of her songs, maybe staying is not for the best. Come Down Soon Anyone insecure in love can understand the message in this song. McAlpine sings about her partner and how they know each other so well, but she still feels like it is bound to end. She doesn’t allow herself to feel totally comfortable, for fear that the rug will be pulled out from under her. She laughs at his jokes and praises how he knows her so well, but she still finds herself wary of being hurt. She puts this complicated (but relatable) feeling into words, perhaps even the idea of “coming down” being a reference to the elevator that she just spent so much time loving and learning. Like It Tends To Do And just like that, the love saga is over. McAlpine sings about how her relationship that once held a comfortable and easy love has turned tense and complicated. Every lyric in the chorus is phrased as a question, showing her confusion and frustration and her lack of knowledge. The instrumentation is slow and sober, and allows her voice to be the main event. Movie Star Track 4 explains McAlpine’s feelings dwindling for her relationship. The first verse and chorus feels so excited and giddy, almost as if she is a little kid singing about a crush. By the end of the song, however, she has realized that maybe this relationship is not as good for her as she thought. She feels put on a pedestal rather than actually being seen, and by the end of the song questions if this is even what she truly wants. All Falls Down The epidemic of heartbreaking lyrics with a fun background beat has struck again with this track. McAlpine sings about her mental health issues, and specific years in her life coupled with what she was dealing with behind the scenes at the time. The ‘all’ in the title seems to be life itself, as her outro sings about how when it falls, “it all falls down on you at the same time”. McAlpine had canceled the UK and Europe dates of her last tour for mental health purposes, which is briefly mentioned in this song. Fans were disheartened to hear she would not be performing, but it is clear that the artist needed a break. The feelings she describes in this song are indicative of this, and hopefully sheds some light on the fact that everyone struggles, even those appearing at the top of their game. Staying “Staying” hits listeners hard as McAlpine sings about second guessing when to leave the relationship. The first verse has one of my favorite lyrics of all time: “Now I'm laying in bed with you / And you're falling asleep / How can you look so peaceful / When you know I'm gonna leave?” The words are so simplistic, but are so realistic. McAlpine has stated that this is her favorite song off of this album, and it is so clear why. Sonically, the track is melancholic and feels like something off of her first album, Give Me A Minute. I Guess “I Guess” was released as a single in March, and gives a nice contrast to the plethora of anxious songs on this album. This track is the only one on this album, except for “the Elevator”, that sings about being in love in a positive context. It feels like the giddy beginning of a relationship, where she is guessing about the different things that got her to this moment. The outro incorporates fan vocals from her Toronto show during her last tour, a sweet homage to her supporters. Drunk, Running Another song of a somber piano and heartbreaking outro, “Drunk, Running” compares her love to her partner’s alcoholism. The soundscape ebbs and flows constantly, mimicking the stability of the relationship going back and forth. The outro is clever and interesting, where she tells him she sings, “Say, "I love you" / And then drink it backwards / Say, "I love you" / Uoy еvol I, Uoy evol I”. The last lyric is the sound of someone saying ‘I love you’ but put in reverse, over a sorrowful violin track and echoes of laughter and better times than this. Broken Glass “Broken Glass” details a toxic relationship where McAlpine questions why she stayed so long, but also acknowledges her faults in the situation. The verses and chorus are matter of fact and snarky, while the bridge explodes in a very “doomsday”-esq pattern (a song on her last album Five Seconds Flat). You Forced Me To Perhaps the most exact depiction of the thoughts behind a toxic relationship, “You Forced Me To” explains McAlpines reactions to her lover’s poor actions. The backing piano track mimics that of a whirlwind carnival ride, which is definitely on purpose. The tug of war and nauseating realizations of the fact that this is not love is prevalent, and she claims that he forced her to change out of the loving person she once was. Older “Older”, the titular track on this album, was released as a single in February, and it is certainly clear why. The terrifying feeling of growing up, of finding love and losing it, and watching your parents age with you, all while wondering if you are making the right choices as you move along, is something that everyone can relate to. It feels all encompassing of this album, and was certainly an amazing teaser to get fans excited for the heartbreaking songs to come. Better Than This These next three songs feel like something out of my own head, especially “Better Than This”. In my opinion, it is one of the most real and hard hitting songs that I have heard in a long time, and something that so many people can relate to. She sings lyrics like, “What if I'm not a good person? / You always say that I am / But you don't really know me at all now / I think that I'm not who you think I am” and “But I like to be seen and I like to be wanted / Want it to mean something, though”. Her honesty in a point of view that might not be seen in her favor is so respectable, and brings a layer of openness to this song. She knows that this is not the best she will ever have, but also knows that her partner deserves better than she can give. March McAlpine has released songs about her father’s passing in other works, but as someone who has also struggled with this kind of grief, this track is by far her most accurate. The feeling of desperately searching for lessons, seeing him even in places he is not, and wondering when this will finally feel easier is all too familiar, and she pours her heart into this song. She experiments with echos and a fade out at the end of the song, with her grief lingering on the tip of her tongue. Vortex When I say that I have never heard a better bridge in my life, I mean it. “Vortex” is a stunning song, both vocally and lyrically. McAlpine’s harmonies and crescendo of instrumentation throughout takes you on a journey along with the relationship in question. Listeners feel the tension grow as instruments slowly get added to the original piano track, and she cascades into arguments and screaming matches, knowing that this cannot be what love is. The two are tied together so tightly that they cannot escape each other, and keep coming back even though they know it will not work. She ends the song with the lyric “Someday you'll come back, and I'll say no”, which I have heard a million times since the release and never fails to leave me speechless. The outro is 1 minute and 30 seconds of motifs from her other songs, intense vocals, and a cacophony of beautiful instruments that are both heartstopping and uplifting. Some albums simply have stunning vocals. Some have amazing lyricism and storytelling. Some have fantastic instrumentals that convey the artist's heart and soul. This album truly has it all. McAlpine has gifted us with 14 songs full of angst, heartbreak, and love, and I for one cannot thank her enough. She has found her style and solidified her voice, and is no doubt an artist to keep an eye on. Written By Tessa Maddaloni Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

  • Review: "Fired" - Libby Whitehouse

    “ Fired " by Libby Whitehouse is more of a hype breakup anthem, rather than the typical sad breakup song. It flips the script on those traditional breakup tunes by delivering a pop song with a feeling of empowerment and resilience. This track does acknowledge the feelings of heartbreak and pain, but includes the reminder that it doesn’t always have to be that way. It’s a feel good song, a reminder that you’re always in control. You can absolutely cry over an ex as a way to navigate the heartbreak, but you can get up and dance while doing it too. This track is written with Libby’s friend in mind, and with being the bestest friend ever, she crafted these lyrics in a way to lift her friends spirits. But it can lift yours too! The song has such infectious energy that you won’t have a choice but to feel good about letting your ex go. Let this song be your go-to track for healing. The title, “ Fired ,” symbolizes Libby’s friend taking control over the situation and her emotions, just as the lyrics remind her (and us) to do. The friend took charge by initiating the breakup due to her boyfriend being a liar. The song opens with a serene tone, with the first verse being a realization that Libby’s friend had overlooked some red flags from early on in the relationship and how this has now impacted the present state of the relationship: " My friends warned me how you're bad at love. But I only saw the best in us. Looking back, so dumb, yeah ." At the pre-chorus, the tempo quickens and the anticipation builds, with the lyrics hinting at a reveal in the chorus: “ For a minute we just danced around it. It was fun, it didn’t hurt at all. Now I think it’s time to let you go, and let you know .” The chorus has a catchy pop beat, with the drums and electric guitar intensifying the track. The lyrics here are full of honesty and everything Libby’s friend was feeling in the moment, including disgust and a desire to quickly remove her ex from her life with lyrics like, “ But little did I know, I loved a liar. So now I'm done, oh boy, you’re getting fired ,” “ You tried to run, but honey, not this time around. You’re playing nice, ain’t it a shame you got found out ,” and “ Go pack your bags, oh boy, you’re getting fired .” This part of the song is what feels to be the most playful and empowering. She’s asserting control with each lyric while eloquently bidding farewell to toxicity. Libby Whitehouse is a 23 year-old Brighton-based pop singer and songwriter. “ Fired ” comes after her debut single “ OMG ,” which was released back in February, currently nearing 300,000 streams on Spotify. Both tracks are set to be on her debut EP that’s releasing later this year! Since the announcement of “ OMG ,” her Tiktok has collected more than 2 million views, as well as receiving love from Radio 1 and plays from Future Pop. Sharing what she wants to inspire in those that listen to her music, Libby stated, “ I want my music to be a safe space for people to celebrate life and to express themselves; to celebrate who you love, including yourself, dress how you want to dress, and to be unapologetically…you. It’s also important to me that I encourage my fans to stand up for themselves and to do what makes them happy, no matter what anyone else thinks .” Keep up with Libby Whitehouse by clicking on her social media links below, and check out her newest single, “ Fired ,” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW LIBBY WHITEHOUSE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Y ouTube

  • Review: "I'm Okay" - Mathilda Bohman

    Pop newcomer Mathilda Bohman just released her newest track, "I'm Okay" on April 3, 2024. The sorrowful tune depicts reeling from heartbreak and piecing yourself back together again. Bohman reminisces on moments with a person, thinks about her parents' advice for relationships, and how their love just didn't feel right. Heartbreak is a heavy thing, and it can be difficult to process the ending of a relationship and accept that you need to move on. In this track, Bohman has the will to move on and knows that she is okay, despite the hurt she is facing now. If you're facing any of life's difficulties lately, this track is the perfect addition to add to your streaming library. "I'm Okay" begins with an indie folk-inspired guitar introduction and first verse, as Bohman starts with the lines, "I still remember the way you would hold my hand / You held it so tight but then time tend to move so fast." The building transition from the verse to the chorus matches the change in her sentiment, as she sings about feeling okay and finding satisfaction in her heartbreak. For the bridge, the production is stripped back, as Bohman's impassioned vocals shine through. She lets out, "I let you control my heart, started to let down my guard / Now I'm all on my own / I'm losing my direction / And though it hurts me to the bone," before she jumps back into the chorus for the final time. 17-year-old Swedish singer-songwriter Mathilda Bohman is ready to make a splash in the music industry with her masterful storytelling and rich vocals. Her debut track "A Better Place" was released in 2021, and she has put out five more songs on streaming platforms since. Despite her young age and small discography, Bohman has already shown off the strengths in her songwriting capabilities. In "I'm Okay," each lyric is honest and feels like pages from her diary. If you are enjoy artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Gracie Abrams, it's time to put Mathilda Bohman on your radar. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW MATHILDA BOHMAN: Instagram | Spotify

  • Review: "Sleeping With Anxiety" - Maddy Hicks

    Nothing is worse than not being able to sleep; especially when it's because of something painful on your mind. You're tossing and turning all night because you can't shake the things that keep running around inside of your head. Somehow, time seems to be moving slower than ever in times like these; so not only are you losing sleep, but you're forced to be alone with your thoughts for what feels like eternity. "Sleeping with Anxiety" by Maddy Hicks is a relatable breakup song about the anxious feelings we deal with when thinking about the person you still love but lost being with someone else. "Sleeping With Anxiety" is a raw, emotional and lyric focused pop song that keeps you on your toes. The melody and rhythm literally feel like anxious thoughts racing through your mind. You can feel the sadness in not only the words, but within Maddy's incredible voice. The instrumentation is minimalistic to let the lyrics shine, but it's still such an ear-pleasing mixture of sounds and it fits perfectly with the mood of the song. Like most great breakup songs, "Sleeping With Anxiety" has a bridge that will rip your heart to shreds. Especially the lines, "I hate that I want to call, I hate that I care at all / 3am never ends, yeah here we go again". Maddy Hicks is a singer/songwriter originally from New York, who is now based in Nashville, Tennessee since attending Belmont University in 2018. Focusing on her music career for over a decade now, Maddy released her debut album, "The Bliss You Missed" in 2019 which was more of an acoustic folk style. Since then, Maddy has been shifting more and more into modern pop, releasing her second album "Reclaiming" in 2021 and her third, "Situationships" which just released last year. Maddy's career got a boost in 2022 when her song "Kinda Over It" went viral on TikTok and has now amassed millions of streams. Maddy is still releasing new music, and her new single "Don't Look At Me" comes out April 24th! Make sure to follow Maddy below to keep up to date. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW MADDY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube

  • Review: "Heartbeat Wipers" - Lucy Wroe

    On "Heartbeat Wipers," singer-songwriter Lucy Wroe gets introspective. Life post-breakup can be difficult; the emotions that come with it are complex-- often contradictory--emotions that force you to reflect on who you are. It is a ubiquitous, deeply personal experience that Wroe explores in her latest release. "Heartbeat Wipers," is a bedroom pop-inspired ballad that is gently melancholy. With its piano-and-guitar-heavy instrumental and ethereal vocal harmonies, the track is a smooth, soft listen. It is a dreamy head-in-the-clouds experience, sonically, that grounds you with Wroe's heartbreakingly earnest and relatable lyrics. In this latest single, Lucy Wroe creates a track that blends poetic lyricism and gorgeous instrumentation, showcasing what makes her such a compelling and exciting up-and-coming artist. The songwriting process for "Heartbeat Wipers" is a unique one. Collaborating with Philipp Koerver, Wroe combines voice notes, vocals recorded in her bedroom, and sounds from various late-night landscapes to create an ingeniously produced pop track. Every element, from the soothing, opening rain sounds to the heavenly vocal deliveries from Wroe, adds to its grand, enchanting sound. However, what shines the most here is the songwriting. Wroe writes about heartbreak in such a raw, emotionally resonant way. Lines like "Pull the knife that's set in stone / Break through the fold / And bury all the pieces here / to stop them from getting old" are as poetic as they are relatable. "Heartbeat Wipers" is the best kind of breakup song; it's forthcoming and sad yet comforting to listeners who are going through the same scenario. Lucy Wroe is a London-based artist. She made her official debut with the acoustic ballad "There Is an Ocean" in 2020 and has only grown from there. Since then Wroe has released numerous more singles and a few projects, including the EPs Same World in 2022 and WAVES a year later. This has resulted in Wroe having over 5000 streams and growing on Spotify. The singer-songwriter has cited the ballads of Phoebe Bridgers to the experimental pop of Charli XCX as sources of musical inspiration. This range of inspirations showcases what makes Wroe so interesting as an artist; she has a unique ability to blend various soundscapes and aesthetics in a way to make something all of her own, but still accessible. After  "Heartbeat Wipers", Wroe's next output is bound to be exciting and you can listen to it, as well as the rest of her discography on streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW LUCY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

  • Review: "Flight Risk" - Francesca Everly

    Francesca Everly gets deep on her dreamy new single, Flight Risk – touching on the importance of self-reflection amidst the chaos of lost love. Everly delves into the human psyche by exploring the self-doubts and insecurities that tend to creep in when dealing with heartache; melodically singing of the "unwanted 9am alarms and 12pm therapy sessions" that seemingly plague someone wrought with depression due to lost romanticism. Flight Risk is a dream pop ballad sure to resonate with anyone besieged by heartbreak and in need of some comforting vocals to tell you that you aren't alone in how you feel. Flight Risk opens with an acoustic guitar progression that establishes a sense of intimacy right from the jump. This bright introduction is immediately followed by Francesca's first verse, which is as equally raw and candid as the guitar; with the initial chorus infusing light percussion and sweet vocal harmonies into the mix. There are subtle layers throughout the production that contribute to the overall whimsical atmosphere of the song – especially the riffing piano lines and distant vocal adlibs. Each layer that gets interposed helps to fill out the instrumentation as Flight Risk progresses. In the second verse enters a lively drum section that dials up the energy of the overall groove and boosts the vibe of the track. The arrangement takes a turn after the second chorus and shifts into a new territory, with an energetic build into a massive climax that leaves the listener's heart pounding. The vast difference in mood during the finale creatively parallels that of the opening and makes for an incredibly dynamic journey for the audience. Francesca Guerra, aka Francesca Everly, is an Italian singer-songwriter and alumni of London's prestigious Institue of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP). Prior to moving to London, Guerra was making music in Rome and working as a sound engineering assistant alongside her mother. The young songstress burst onto the professional scene in 2021 with her debut single 100 per 100 – and has since gone on to release a string of binge-worthy ballads, namely, Pathetic and Summer . Francesca blends Italian Pop with British Indie to create her own soulful RnB sound that's fully laced with emotional lyricism centered on feelings of intimacy and self-reflection. Her goal is simply to make music "that people can relate with their own experiences" in hopes that it will become "the soundtrack of their daily life". Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW FRANCESCA EVERLY: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Soundcloud  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

  • Review: "boy with a view" - PENNY X

    PENNY X’s new single “boy with a view” details the story of her new relationship that is shrouded in confusion and uncertainty. She begins by telling us how it started “I wasn’t looking for love when/the leaves started falling/But your 2 room apartment/felt like a home/Drunk in your kitchen/I’m locked on your lips” setting the tone of the song as romantic, and describing a scene that sounds like it’s taken straight out of a romcom. However, we find out that it’s not quite as perfect as we initially thought. It’s clear that PENNY X has fallen for him, however she can’t pinpoint how he feels. Is he taking the relationship as seriously as she is? Is he ready for more? These are questions that go unanswered through the song. The problem becomes clear in the chorus when she says “Boy with a view/if only you knew/that you look so pretty/lying on top of me/but you’re acting cool/playing by your rules” and she calls him out for being a “fool” for not making up his mind and expressing how he feels directly. Click here to listen to boy with a view ! The track is a dreamy six-eight ballad rooted in country, but with a pop sound that allows it to take on a unique identity, not allowing itself to be boxed into a singular genre. With soft piano and guitar accompanying her buttery, silky vocals, the song feels like a daydream, as if we were floating in her thoughts alongside her. The production and the simplicity and raw honesty of the lyrics really reminded me of Kacey Musgraves, but with more of a pop sound. I loved the falsetto she uses on the line “I’m right in front of you” in the chorus. The background vocals also add to the sense of dreaminess created in the song, and the guitar solo towards the end is not overpowering but helps capture the emotionality of the song. The dreamlike state of the song that sounds romantic upon first listening to it and then reveals itself to be much more bittersweet parallels the relationship; a romantic fantasy that is dampened by the confusion of her lover. PENNY X is a Berlin based artist in the alt-pop scene. As of now, she has 16, 501 Spotify listeners. She's released her first music video "back to your dad's" on YouTube. Her musical tastes, shaped by the eclectic sounds of the radio and a teenage fascination with country music, bear the indelible imprint of artists like Taylor Swift. Her country roots really shine in “boy with a view” and is reminiscent of talents like Sierra Ferrell and Kacey Musgraves, as well as more pop leaning artists like Sasha Sloan. This influence can still be heard in their heartfelt songwriting, which resonates with authenticity and emotion. Written By Rachael Bach FOLLOW PENNY X: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

  • Review: "Whatever (feat. 2 Far Out)" - FELIN

    Delivering a fiery new single, FELIN has released her new song, "Whatever," which features a captivating collaboration with 2 FAR OUT. Shedding light on the inspiration behind the track, FELIN states, "'Whatever' tells the story of a destructive relationship, where passion and devotion collide with the harsh realities of toxicity, pain and mortality. Sometimes the love story just isn’t like in the movies, even if you would want it to be, you know. The song was originally written for FELIN, but when it was done it just felt like it was meant to be a duet. 'Whatever' is an energetic pop punk track and I’m so happy that the rising pop punk stars in 2 FAR OUT wanted to join in on the track." Gritty and aggressive, FELIN feat. 2 FAR OUT packs a punch with their feisty pop-punk duet, "Whatever." The track features face-melting guitar riffs, exhilarating melodies, and spirited drums, creating a perfect, angsty backdrop for the song's bitter narrative. Encompassing the conflicting emotions in the single's lyrics, the singers' edgy vocals cut through the masterfully composed soundscape, showcasing the pent-up frustration that makes "Whatever" a track listeners can scream along to. Channeling the essence of pop-punk icons listeners know and love, FELIN and 2 FAR OUT embrace the legacies of acts like Avril Lavigne and P!nk, formulating a sound that is reminiscent of those artists. Hailing from Stockholm, FELIN is an up-and-coming pop-punk artist that enjoys experimenting and pushing boundaries with sound and visuals. FELIN is the project of Elin Blom, an experienced songwriter and producer who has written for well-known artists like Adam Lambert. Accompanying her on this journey, Blom is surrounded by a creative collective (FELIN Collective), consisting of people who have experience creating music videos for acclaimed acts and have published visuals in magazines like Harper's Bazaar. Having already accomplished much, FELIN has played Rockpalast in Germany as well as several festivals around Europe. FELIN also takes pride in being a strong advocate for equality and feminism, incorporating this into her music. Some of FELIN's popular releases include "Worst Regret," "Heroes & Villains," and "Revolt." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW FELIN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

  • Review: "Blink of an Eye" - Jacob Spencer

    Blink of an Eye is the first original song in three years from the Iowa pop singer, Jacob Spencer. The track sees Spencer reminiscing on a lost love whom he accidentally runs into and is hit with the old feels. Spencer opens the song with the line, "Late night out and I see you again/Memories flooding, we didn't want it to end." Personally, I've never run into my ex at the club, but I HAVE seen my old math teacher at the supermarket and if this is anything like that, I relate to Jacob Spencer so hard. (Please return my emails, Mrs. Baldwin.) The second verse sees Spencer putting his foot down and saying, "Maybe, this was all for the best/Sometimes, love just has to be put to rest." In the chorus, Spencer looks back on how fast his relationship was stripped of him while singing, "Just when I thought love would take flight/It all went dark in a blink of an eye." Bro, I felt that. Mrs. Baldwin, if you're reading this, let's get lunch. Jacob Spencer collaborated with the four-time platinum music producer, Rebbel, alongside the Swedish sound engineer, August Green, to make sure Blink of an Eye was a certified hit. It is a melancholic electropop song with production that features a chill guitar riff that brings the relaxation factor and a contrasting drum beat that packs a punch. The synth-led beat drop was a bit more mellow, but there's nothing wrong with that... especially when there are some heavenly distorted vocals mixed in there. Speaking of vocals, I was very impressed with Spencer's. On this track, I was reminded of early 2010s legends like Cody Simpson, Austin Mahone, and Big Time Rush's Kendall Schmidt. I was brought back to much better times by Spencer's voice. He was hitting some VERY high falsetto notes and I give him major props for that.  The timing of this song's release is perfect because as the weather starts to warm up, many are making their summertime convertible playlists and this one deserves to be at the top. Jacob Spencer posted his song to YouTube, a cover of David Guetta and Justin Bieber's 2U , back in 2017. Since then, he has covered some of the greats like Joshua Bassett, Charlie Puth, Harry Styles, and Big Time Rush. He also has dropped quite a few bangers of his own including 2020's Hard to Let Go and 2021's I Deserve Better . With the release of Blink of an Eye , it seems like Spencer has entered a new, more mature era and has teased it as the first single of his debut EP. This has already become his most-streamed song on Spotify and to celebrate, he just announced the release of the next single, Dear the One That Got Away , which is set to drop on April 26. It seems like we'll be hearing a lot more from Jacob Spencer. Check him out now because I'm sure he's going to blow up in a blink of an eye . Written by Jordan Elliott FOLLOW JACOB SPENCER: Instagram  | Spotify  | TikTok | Facebook  | YouTube

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