The latest single “Beauty is a Weapon” by Maria Ellis serves as an empowering anthem for women and how one can find power in their femininity. The song is a fun pop jam that becomes an instant classic as soon as you tune in. The confidence of the song bleeds through and Maria Ellis’s voice is so perfectly highlighted on the track. The production as well is very clean and cuts sharp. As you listen to the song you can instantly picture any film with a strong female lead. What’s great about the message of this song is that it persuades you to use to your advantage what has previously been a target. While in the past femininity has been a weakness, Maria Ellis expresses the strength it gives her and others. The use of the classic phrase “mirror mirror on the wall” is a great way to add some amusement to the track, and it’s always great to see artists have some fun with their work. The song is catchy from the start, it’s a song you can certainly find yourself dancing to throughout the night. The lyrical content is filled with words of affirmation, and they expel inner power as you listen. The chorus itself comes in with a punch and it really sells this song as a theme song for any character you want to root for. As previously mentioned, Maria Ellis sounds great on this track, and her voice holds a lot of power. The harmonies throughout the track are blended in so well and make the song sound fuller. This song has a great sense of style and is an exciting way to introduce the artistry of Maria Ellis. Maria Ellis is an artist who has had a love for music since she was 6 years old. Maria Ellis attended Berklee College of Music where she received a bachelor’s in Music Business. She gained a lot of popularity when she began posting videos on TikTok. From there she has gained over 5.8 million views and over 80,000 followers. She has received a lot of praise from different publications including Digital Journal, Music Crowns, Revamp Magazine, and more. Her style and artistry are very fresh and vivid, and she brings a lot of excitement to the scene. Her song “Beauty is a Weapon” is from her upcoming EP titled “Ultrabaddie” which will be released later this year. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW MARIA ELLIS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Andreas Moe has returned from his brief hiatus to release his latest single “Not Yet”. Floaty and uplifting, “Not Yet” is a stark refusal to accept that this is the journey’s end– there’s so much more to give, to experience, and live. It’s the belief that there’s always something around the next corner or bend, and holding on long enough to see whatever else the world has to offer you; of course, it’s not always easy to keep going, but it’s important to realize everything you’ve achieved to bolster your resolve, encouraging yourself up to take that next step into the unknown horizon. Ever-hopeful, “Not Yet” is a dedication to the present moment while looking forward to what the future may hold. What you’re going to immediately notice about “Not Yet” are Andreas Moe’s vocals. The track’s instrumentals remain fairly understated in the first verse, which really lets the vocals come through to take center stage– and what awesome vocals they are, crystal clear and evocative. Once the chorus comes around, the strings and percussion ramp up as Andreas Moe sings, “I’m not dead / I’ve got a hell a lot more to give”. I found it rather poetic how each verse details the struggles we might have in life, in balancing the stress and bad days, but each time the chorus always comes with its high-energy lyrics. Even more so, the track ends with the chorus fading out, the lines repeating, “Not dead, not dead yet”. What “Not Yet” does superbly is illustrate the downs of life while simultaneously showcasing that we’re not dead just yet, so we’ve always got something to give, tying that message together with uplifting instrumentals and smooth vocals. Five-time platinum-certified singer-songwriter Andreas Moe is an internationally acclaimed artist whose music has garnered millions upon millions of streams throughout his career; he’s collaborated with artists such as Avicii, Seeb, Armin Van Buuren, and Tiesto, and has also opened for John Mayer’s “The Search for Everything” tour in Europe. His debut release was an EP entitled “Collecting Sunlight” in 2012, which was then followed the next year with his debut single “This Year (As We Go)” in collaboration with Wyte Labl. 2015 saw his first album “Before the Rumble Comes” to great success, with the song “Ocean” having over 15 million streams on Spotify to date. “Not Yet” is actually the first single from Andreas Moe’s upcoming EP, which is slated to release early this summer; if you enjoyed “Not Yet”, drop him a follow and check out his discography while we patiently wait for summer to come with his next EP! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW ANDREAS MOE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

The 80's has been making a comeback; not only in music, but in fashion, food and in lifestyle. Nostalgia is a huge thing in today's society. We all want to go back to the times where things were more simple, even if it was a time that we didn't get to live in (I'm talking to you, 90's babies). Modern pop music has been using influence from 80s synth-pop and glam rock for quite some time now. It's a popular comeback style that is present in some of the biggest artists in today's music. However, Conan Gray's new album "Found Heaven" takes this to a whole new level. It's not just influenced by the 80's; it IS the 80's. So if you love authentic retro music, this album is for you. TRACKLIST Found Heaven Never Ending Song Fainted Love Lonely Dancers Alley Rose The Final Fight Miss You Bourgeoisieses Forever With Me Eye of the Night Boys & Girls Killing Me Winner Conan Gray is a singer/songwriter who started out posting covers on YouTube when he was a young teen. He is known for his incredibly angelic voice and gut-wrenching lyricism. Now with over 15 billion streams on his songs, he is one of today's most beloved pop artists for the Gen Z generation. You may know him from his viral song, "Heather". Conan has always used a bit of 80's synth in his style, but his 3rd studio album, "Found Heaven" takes his 80's sound to a whole new level. This album transports you back in time as if you are witnessing the 80's right now. Let dive into each track. Found Heaven Track one and the title track of the album, we start off with "Found Heaven". It's a strong song to start this album off with and I think it's a perfect track one. It starts off with angelic, choral vocals and harmonies in a sort of "Bohemian Rhapsody" fashion. Then we get into the dark and heavy synths that create this haunting, but beautiful experience. This song seems to be about religious trauma; being scared to ever love because you don't want to be seen as a sinner. I see Conan talking to himself in the lyrics, reminding himself that he doesn't have to be afraid because religion isn't what takes you to heaven; love is. The lyrics in the chorus ring, "Don't be scared little child of that feeling / you're in love / you found heaven." Never Ending Song "Never Ending Song" was the first single to be released in anticipation for this album.  In fact, it came out almost an entire year before this album did. Even though "Found Heaven" hadn't been announced yet when this song came out, Conan fans knew one we heard this song, we were in for something huge and iconic in the future. This song was a first look at the aesthetic and era that would become "Found Heaven". When I first heard "Never Ending Song", the first thing that came to mind was this could be a perfect song for the Netflix series, Stranger Things. It's a hauntingly catchy synth-pop bop, crafted in such a genius way that if you put the song on repeat, it is literally a never ending song. I recommend watching the music video, which made it on our list for Top 10 Pop Music Videos of 2023, and was set in a grocery store called Food Heaven (yes, an Easter egg nobody knew was there until now). Fainted Love "Fainted Love" is one of the songs that feels the most classic Conan when it comes to the vocals and groove. It's very 80's, but it has this typical Conan Gray imprint on it. The vocals on this song took me to another world; I've never heard a voice so effortlessly stunning. This song seems to be about being in love with someone who only sees you as a casual partner rather than a serious lover; but somehow, you convince yourself that you're okay with it and that this is all you need as long as you get to be close to them. The instrumentation in this song is so catchy and heart-grabbing, it's easily one of the most catchy songs on this album. Lonely Dancers "Lonely Dancers" is the fourth single for this album and it's such a fun, upbeat synth-pop song. Conan has the ability to change his voice to match certain singing styles, and he does that very well in this song. There are moments he sounds like Conan, but there's moments where he goes from sounding like David Bowie to Michael Jackson (and it's done insanely well). Filled beyond believe with synths, this fun-loving song is relatable for those who feel chronically single. The song has a comedic sense that makes you smile and makes life feel a little more carefree for a moment. It gives you permission to make fun of yourself for a minute and dance around like no one is watching. Alley Rose "Alley Rose" was the fifth and last single to be released before this album came out. It's also the most vulnerable, emotional and lyrically complex song on the album in my opinion. It is track 5 after all (iykyk). The soundscape of this song is very Queen influenced; it has that operatic rock style that the legendary band had created. Conan Gray has a very Freddie Mercury influenced tone to his vocals in this one, with beautiful falsetto moments with vibrato as well as flawless belting. "Alley Rose" has what I would consider not only one of Conan's best written bridges of all time, but one of the best bridges in any song that I've heard so far this year. Get ready for it, because it's that kind of bridge that takes your breath away. The Final Fight "The Final Fight" is the shortest, but yet one of the most beautiful tracks on "Found Heaven". The breakup ballad style song has the most pop tones to it out of every song on the album. It's reminiscent of Whitney Houston and Wilson Phillips with it's soft groove and percussion choices. This song is about when you know a relationship is on it's final leg, and all there's left to do is have that final fight to end things for good. In just a short 2 minutes and 10 seconds, this song is able to put off such a strong and emotional aura. Conan once again shows off beautiful and flawless vocals with his ability to write lyrics that'll ring in your head for a lifetime. Miss You Other than "Alley Rose", I think "Miss You" is one of Conan's most personal and vulnerable tracks on this album. If you know Conan's back story, you know that he doesn't trust easily. In this song, he explains that he has a fear of falling in love; therefore, he rather push you away than get too close to you. However, at the end of the day he still finds himself missing the person he could've been if he wasn't afraid. This beautiful track has a melody that'll sweep you off your feet. It's a very lyric and vocal focused song with a minimalistic but catchy instrumentation. Bourgeoisieses The term bourgeoisie refers to the small group of people who own the majority of the world's major companies. Capitalism at it's finest, these people have a large percentage of money, more than anyone in middle class or lower will ever make in their lifetimes combined. "Bourgeoisieses", (spelled wrong on purpose), is probably the most eccentric song sonically on "Found Heaven". It's a fun soundscape with more spoken toned vocals rather than a distinct melody. It has a very Brit-pop influence, similar to David Bowie. Forever With Me "Forever With Me" is about knowing that even though you're no longer with someone, you'll probably never stop loving them. That kind of heartbreak will last forever and it'll be impossible to forget them, regardless of the bad things they might've put you through. This ballad style song has a heavy piano focus and an 80's pop/rock groove that feels influenced by the likes of Elton John. It has a rawness; a realness to it that almost sounds like a live recording rather than a studio production. Eye of the Night "Eye of the Night" has a heavy bass and is in a minor key; mixed with the lyrical theme, it gives the song a haunting, 80's horror movie vibe. The groove reminds me of a mixture of Michael Jackson and Bon Jovi, specifically the song "Living On a Prayer". The song is about feeling haunted by someone; you always feel them around even after cutting them out of your life; but this scenario is described metaphorically with things you'd see happen in those iconic 80's horror movies. Boys & Girls “Boys & Girls” seems to be about a bi-sexual girl who has an erratic personality that everyone loves. Conan exclaims that there’s no point in trying to get her when your competion is literally everyone else. If they don’t want to be WITH her, then they want to BE her. It’s another Bowie-esque song that has a strong rhythm and a spoken but still melodic hook. Killing Me “Killing Me” was the third single released before the album was announced. It was supposed to have a music video, but unfortunately Conan fell ill when it was supposed to be filmed. This song is about being in love with someone who can’t be faithful, but you can’t help but still have feelings for them even though they don’t feel the same way. My favorite thing about this song is it not only has an incredibly catchy groove, but it has dissonant harmonies that add this sense of mystery and scariness to it. Winner "Winner" was the perfect closing track for this album. Released last year, it was the second single released for this album before it was announced. It has a very "We Are The Champions" by Queen vibe to it when it comes to the soundscape. The lyrics are about having a parent who was emotionally abusive. Conan has been open about his past and how he had a disfunctional family, so this song is particularly personal to him. He calls out his parent in this song, basically saying, “do you feel good about yourself now that you’ve made me feel bad?”. This is a great song for anyone who has gone through similar situations. Conan Gray has brought the 80's back in a way I would've never expected. "Found Heaven" sounds like a time capsule; the soundtrack to an entire decade. Conan took 80's music and revived it in a way no other artist has been able to accomplish yet. You can hear moments that are reminiscent of some of the most iconic 80's artists of all time; like David Bowie, Queen, Elton John and Michael Jackson. Conan experimented with his vocals in a way we haven’t heard before, especially in his lower register. He was able to mimic the influences mentioned flawlessly and respectfully. Even then, he took these classic styles and sounds and he was able to make them his own. If you love retro music, you will absolutely love this album. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Veronica Tavares’ brand new single “Dormant” puts a spotlight on self-discovery while portraying the thoughts of someone who feels trapped in a state of dormancy. This introspective anthem is not only a great listen, but a uniquely beautiful song. The metaphorical dormancy spoken about in the lyrics emphasizes the possible suppression of one’s voice and self-agency after difficult times. A crucial moment within the song’s story is the following, “I forgot I had a choice/ to wake up from it.” Here, Tavares begins to mention an awakening of sorts. Ultimately, the song reflects on the realization that feeling immobilized by circumstance is a choice. There always remains an inherent power to break free from complacency. Artistically, Tavares does an amazing job of displaying how grappling with doubts and uncertainties of self-worth is not only a vulnerable topic to sing about; but a very relatable one. The track’s calming tone, twist on the modern pop genre, and infectious guitar cords are a reminder to listeners that even in challenging times, we always have the power to overcome life’s many obstacles. She treats this single as a rallying cry to shake off your cobwebs and seize control of your days again. “Dormant” envelops listeners into its gentle sound and soft vocals. The vulnerability of the lyrics is certainly felt due to Tavares’ immense vocal talent. The harmonies on the track add a depth and richness to the sound. These qualities combine to create an immersive and captivating listening experience. Through it all, the repetition of the word “Dormant” ties the song thematically together with a bow. Veronica Tavares’ journey as a singer/songwriter took root at the Berklee College of Music and in her childhood home where classical melodies were often played aloud. The violin was her first choice of instrument. Throughout her musical career, she has skillfully woven her Brazilian heritage into the fabric of American-pop, drawing inspiration from her roots. As a result, her music transcends borders and genres. Throughout her EP “Blueprint of a Dream” released in 2013, Tavares unveils her talent for crafting melodies that feel introspective and refreshingly new. The lyrics of her work invite listeners to ponder life’s big questions; she always does an excellent job of capturing the human experience. With a classical foundation and a contemporary twist, Tavares invites her audiences to join her in a world where nostalgia meets innovation. If you loved Veronica Tavares’ brand new single “Dormant” and want to hear more, check out all of her social media below! Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW VERONICA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Be Alone” by Madeline Rhodes emerges as a somber reflection during a period of self-imposed quarantine, a result of necessity that turned into an exploration of solitude. Produced by the illustrious Brett Shaw at 123 Studios in Peckham – known for his work with Florence + the Machine and Foals – one expects nothing less than a sonic masterpiece, combining crisp instrumentation with Rhodes' emotive voice to narrate her poignant tale. Beginning with a haunting melody that quickly establishes the tone of introspection, Rhodes' vocal prowess is apparent, as she deftly navigates through the landscape of her emotions, her voice serving as both the narrator and the participant of the story she tells. The musicality mirrors the lyrical dichotomy of the desire and fear of being alone, with ebbing and flowing dynamics that accentuate this push-and-pull sensation. Lyrically, "Be Alone" delves into the heart of what many have felt but few have expressed. The line "I'm scared to be… I think I need to be… I know I shouldn’t be… I’ve got to be alone" speaks volumes about the human condition—our desperate need for connection battling our equally strong yearning for personal space and identity. Rhodes doesn't resolve this conflict but instead lays it bare for all to see, making the song an anthem for anyone grappling with the nuances of self-care versus self-isolation. Beyond the enticing production and vocal delivery, the emotional resonance of "Be Alone" is where Rhodes truly shines. In a time when the world was forced into solitude, her words echo the silent musings of many. Through acknowledging her struggles with identity and mental health, Rhodes opens a dialogue that extends beyond the music. She isn't offering solutions; rather, she is providing solidarity – a notion that you are not alone in your desire to be alone. Madeline Rhodes, an artist whose journey through the realms of Broadway to the viral landscape of YouTube with her feminist anthem "Free the Nip," has taken a step closer to her roots with her latest single "Be Alone." The pivot toward vulnerability and introspection is a remarkable foray into the intricacies of self and societal labels for Rhodes, whose background story defines much of her creative output. As a precursor to her full-length album set for release in 2024, "Be Alone" signifies more than just a musical interlude – it's a testament to Rhodes' commitment to using her art as a conduit for shared human experiences. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW MADELINE: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Manipulation is a cruel thing, but it makes for an insane inspiration for a song! MANSA, an up-and-coming musician from Singapore, recently released a song about just that! “Best Of Me” is an insanely energetic and electric hit about rejecting the manipulations of a man who makes you feel inferior. I don’t usually listen to electro-pop, but I enjoyed this song! I think MANSA wrote some great lyrics with a lot of truth to them. I particularly like the lyric, “I’ll forgive and I’ll forget it / Don’t need you’re attention / I won’t let you get the best of me.” It’s empowering, I really liked these lyrics. “Best Of Me,” as I described it earlier, is an electro-pop style song. I noticed that MANSA used a plethora of different synth techniques. I also liked how she had moments where we could listen to and appreciate her natural voice. Because when the chorus hits, MANSA’s voice transforms to this killer-sounding electric tone. I think this song is a great display of MANSA’s producing skills. “Best Of Me,” like most of her other songs, must have required much production work. It’s hard! But I think MANSA killed it, she does a great job with all of her songs. MANSA is a 20-year-old DJ and Producer from Singapore. In 2020, she made her music debut by releasing her first single, “Just a Dream.” Since then, she has released over 20 more singles, her most popular being “Best of Me” and “Back To You.” She also made a collaboration track with Xander Jones titled “Not Enough,” which has amassed over 100,000 streams. In just these past few years, MANSA has gained almost 50,000 on her own. If you enjoyed “Best of Me,” go check out her most recently released track, “Knee Deep!” I most certainly did! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW MANSA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Get ready to vibe to the ultimate summer anthem! R3HAB and duo FAST BOY have come together to drop a new hit, “ Electricity ,” just in time for the best season of the year. This song dives into a strong attraction and pull between two people, igniting sparks so powerful that it’s compared to electricity. The connection and love story is unlike what they've had with other people, and it makes you feel like you’re witnessing the start of a beautiful romance. The lyrics are also joined with infectious beats and a concert vibe that’ll have you picturing yourself dancing like there’s no tomorrow, surrounded by a crowd full of thousands of people. The lyrics convey the sensation of experiencing a feeling they’ve never felt before. Its new, different and unfamiliar: “ I don’t know what it is, it sparks a fire ,” and “ I’ve never felt like this .” But, it’s lovely and is now leaving them craving for more, and wanting to have this person's presence around them more: “ I feel the lightning inside of my bones and I want it again, again, again .” The strong connection could indicate a sign that they’re meant to be in each other’s lives, considering that they’ve never had such an intense or similar feeling to this in their past relationships. Especially if it’s compared to jump-starting a heart: " Some kind of electricity when you're next to me. When you're next to me, jumpstart my heart 'til you hear the beat ." The sweet affection they show for each other is very loud and clear, highlighting the strong desire to keep each other close and in their lives. R3HAB, also known as Fadil El Ghoul, is a multi-platinum EDM DJ and producer. With 15 years of being in the game, you’ve definitely heard his collaborations and remixes that include artists like Rihanna, Drake, Taylor Swift, Calvin Harris, ZAYN, Sean Paul and more. His music discography is insanely impressive, including the collection of over 8 billion streams to date and receiving 70 Gold and Platinum certificates. He's been featured in multiple top charts, had multiple sold-out worldwide tours, and collaborated across languages and genres. In fact, he’s currently on a worldwide tour, with his show tomorrow being in Paris, France. FAST BOY, made up of brothers Felix and Lucas Hain, are producers, singers, and songwriters from Germany. They’ve collaborated with well known artists like Meduza, Ofenbach, Alle Farben and more, with their most streamed song being “ Bad Memories ,” a collaboration with Meduza that has over 400 million streams! To date, they have over 10 million monthly Spotify listeners. Both FAST BOY and R3HAB are definitely household names and ones to watch in dance music. Their collaboration, “ Electricity ,” was just released about 2 weeks ago, and has already surpassed 1 million streams. They’re killing it! Keep up with R3HAB and FAST BOY by clicking on their social media links below, and listen to “ Electricity ” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW R3HAB: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube | Website FOLLOW FAST BOY: Instagram   | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Delivering their first single of 2024, RISK has released an absolute banger with "KIDZ THEZE DAYZ." Shedding light on the song's meaning, the duo share, "While the immediate gratification and short bursts of dopamine have become a daily reliance, what we’re left with once those temporary hits fizzle out is some sense of emptiness & longing; so some may turn to other ways to fill those gaps. We feel bad for those instances. Truly. This song looks to shed a light on that feeling of worry. For ourselves, those around us and the future generation. Not an individualized worry from behind a screen or closed door, but a collective voice and community of worry. Where we can & should have each other's backs. We should want better for ourselves and our friends if one of us gets lost in a dark place.  As just a couple of KIDZ ourselves, we’re also looking in the mirror as we acknowledge all these things. When we scream KIDZ THEZE DAYZ, it’s our intention to have our words yelled back AT us - because this song is indeed FOR us as well." Capturing nostalgia with a hint of modernity, RISK channels the sounds of '90s and '00s pop-punk legends in "KIDZ THEZE DAYZ." The track is upbeat and energetic, featuring electrifying guitar riffs and driving drums. "KIDZ THEZE DAYZ" is equal parts angsty and lighthearted, showcasing memorable melodies that are meant to be screamed along to. Feeling like being thrown into a time machine, Matt LeGrand's vocals and the sound he and Jeremiah de la Peña create in this song are reminiscent of something we might've heard from acts like Good Charlotte, blink-182, and Weezer. "KIDZ THEZE DAYZ" is certainly a song to remember, awakening the emo kid in all of us. Hailing from Chicago, RISK is an up-and-coming pop-punk duo looking to push boundaries in the genre, consisting of members Matt LeGrand (vocals/guitar) and Jeremiah de la Peña (drums). The pair's name is an acronym, standing for "Recovering Introverted Scene Kidz." Giving nods to some of the greats before them, RISK fuses sounds from icons like blink-182, Sum 41, The Chainsmokers, and Katy Perry. Already making waves in the pop-punk world, RISK has recently landed a deal with major distributor Create Music Group. The duo is just getting started and is one for any pop-punk enthusiast to keep on their radar. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW RISK: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website

This song, “CRUISE CONTROL” by Stacey Kelleher, is an upbeat anthem about feeling stuck after a difficult breakup. Maybe everything feels stagnant, or maybe you just don’t know what direction you want to go toward, the smallest choice can feel so overwhelming after such a dramatic change in your life. As Kelleher puts it, “since I let you go, I can’t get a steady grip on the steering wheel” and “gotta get my life off cruise control.” And this feeling doesn’t just apply to breakups. It’s universal. Feeling lost after a major shift in some area of your life, or even knowing what you want to do but not knowing how to get there. Just know that, even if it takes time, someday soon you’ll learn how to grab the wheel again! “CRUISE CONTROL” is an energetic pop song that harnesses the electricity of strong instrumentals and strong vocals to produce an endlessly catchy track. Starting off without any hesitation, Kelleher jumps right into the first verse, the beat in the back keeping time and already pushing the tension farther as she guides you into the chorus. The guitar is the star of the chorus, forming the backbone of the engaging melody and staying consistent throughout the rest of the three minutes. The instrumentals only take a backseat again in the bridge, when Kelleher’s vocals are foregrounded again against soft music as a contrast to the full and bright ending. Overall, this song is so fun and upbeat and perfect for screaming along to with your friends. The three minutes go by so fast, you’ll find yourself instantly hitting replay! Stacey Kelleher is an up and coming musician based in the musical city of Nashville, Tennessee. An accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer, Kelleher’s unique genre-bending, catchy melodies, and detailed lyricism have garnered her an impressive number of listeners that is only going to grow as she releases more amazing music. Her first EP, Songs so Far , was released in 2021, and her second EP, Out of Orbit , was released in 2023. This song, “CRUISE CONTROL,” marks her latest release, and if you like artists like Kacey Musgraves, Lennon Stella, and Phoebe Bridgers, you should definitely use the links below to check out more of her music and follow along as she records and shares more! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Stacey Kelleher: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | Website | Youtube

Temme Scott is here with her first single of 2024, “Softly,” featuring Jack Rabbit! In an interview with Atwood Magazine, Temme says, “the song is about being scared that you don’t love someone you’re with quite enough, even though you care about them deeply and wish you could.” The title “Softly” describes the hesitation in fully admitting something to someone. In this case, Temme doesn’t want to tell her partner that she’s losing her love for them. She even catches herself hoping she would dream of someone else in the first verse. Temme was scared she was thinking like this, “but not enough to stop the wishing.” She introduces a series of questions in the chorus, asking herself “what if I don’t love you in the morning?/if feelings change and there’s no warning” and wonders if they could already sense it. Temme admits at the end of the chorus that even if she tells her partner how she feels, she doesn’t want them to believe her. In the second verse, she sets the scene of the two of them sitting at a table, and Temme is “too unsure to say I love who.” She feels guilty for feeling this way, and wants her partner to be angry with her. Temme doesn’t want to be in a relationship with someone that she doesn’t love enough, and asks her partner to “not be too patient with [her].” Temme then delivers one of the most wondrously brutal lyrics in the song: “is silence still the killer if I never have to say,/‘I’m scared as hell that I’d be fine if you just walked away’?” In the bridge, she reiterates once again that if she ever says how she feels, she doesn’t want them to stop her. “Softly” has a perfectly concocted production, filled with raw vocals and folk influences. It is truly a confessional put to music, and you can even hear the hurt and vulnerability that seeps through Temme’s vocals. Mainly, her vocals aren’t perfectly polished like in most songs today, which gives this song an even greater feeling of intimacy. She uses these echoing drums in the track that feel like crashing waves, and it comes to a helm in the bridge when it sounds like there are huge waves crashing over you. The harmonies that Temme created are angelic and ethereal, and it adds a new dimension to the track that wouldn’t have been there. Temme basically weaponizes her talent to be vulnerable and doesn’t shy away from her true feelings, which not only makes “Softly” a gut-wrenching track, but also sets her apart in the music scene today. Despite the song being so moody and heavy, it is truly a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the music we hear today. Temme Scott is an LA based singer-songwriter originally from Baltimore, Maryland. Although she didn’t grow up in a musical family, she had surrounded herself with music all on her own, becoming obsessed with the Wizard of Oz and singing “Maybe” from Annie any time she could. She took a couple guitar lessons leading up to middle school, and eventually started making covers on YouTube with her friend. Temme’s videos gained traction, and eventually found some success in a band called Say Chance. She was performing and touring at the same time she was in high school, but it soon became too much of a burden on her and her bandmates. They disbanded when she was 18, and she swore she’d never do music again. But after entering “Spring Sing” at UCLA as a junior, she developed an inclination to perform live again. This inclination only grew when she spent a semester abroad, and came back for her senior year with a renewed passion for music again. She released her first song in 2017, titled “Stop Saying Goodbye,” and released her first full length album, “Trust You, Trust You,” in 2020. At the same time, she was holding a residency with other musicians at Bootleg Theater. Her second album, “A Total Shame!” was released two years later in 2022. She then set out on a 25+ show tour all on her own, performing wherever and to whomever would listen. Temme is still involved in the LA music scene, hosting a house show series called Silverhouse Songs. Now, she’s got her third album underway, and it is sure to impress audiences just as all her previous works have done. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW TEMME SCOTT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Julia McKay’s “Cheer Me On” is dark and edgy, while maintaining vulnerability and honesty through her lyricism. Right off the bat, she begins with the lyrics “I feel like you don’t see me/Not the way my mother does” struck a chord with me. A mother seeing their child for everything that they are and loving them anyway is one of the purest loves, and she knows that her lover does not know her well enough to love her that purely. She feels small and silenced by this person, saying “You love it when I’m quiet” forcing her to recede into her own personal echo chamber of thoughts for comfort, since this person is unwilling to provide it to her. In the bridge, she asks why this person isn’t proud of who she is as a person, and why they’re with her if they’re not. The pain of the unreciprocated love is potent, and the vulnerability of ending the song with the lyrics “Oh I wish sometimes you’d try to cheer me on” is like a stab to the heart, since all she wants is this person’s love and support. The song begins with a driving electric guitar and vocals, with very minimalistic production. From the start, the grungy tone of the electric guitar helps establish the mood of the song. The  stripped down first verse and chorus allow the lyrics to shine and helps the thesis of the song really sink in. After the first chorus, drums and synth-y production kick in, adding energy and passion. It adds an edge to her emotional vulnerability. The darkness of the production creates a contrast with the lyrics, where she talks about her personal echo chamber cheering her on. The song feels anything but cheerful, and rather helps create a vacuum of sadness that McKay wants to fill with love. Haunting background vocals echo after the main vocals, paralleling the echo chamber of her mind that she sings about. The main vocals also had reverb added to them that added to the floating, echoing tone of the song. The production made me feel like I was inside her mind with her, hearing her most vulnerable inner thoughts. The bridge builds tension to a powerful, anthemic final chorus with stunning vocals. The vocal run that she does at the end of the skillful, and the power she adds to her vocals conveyed her pent up frustration. Overall, the storytelling of both the lyrics and the production are perfectly executed.  Julia McKay, a rising star in the music scene, invites listeners into her captivating universe with her soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics. Her debut single, "How Much of You," served as a compelling introduction to her artistry, delving into challenging emotions and hard truths with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences. Building on the momentum of her initial success, McKay's follow-up single welcomes listeners into her 'echo chamber,' exploring themes of isolation within relationships through driving guitar rhythms and anthemic choruses that showcase her jaw-dropping vocals. With influences stemming from a musical upbringing immersed in the sounds of Joni Mitchell and Aretha Franklin, McKay channels the power of her predecessors into her own unique sound. Growing up in the tight-knit music community of Anchorage, she honed her craft from a young age, her passion for music evident from the moment she first sang her first notes. Now, as she prepares to release her debut EP, McKay continues to push boundaries and expand her artistic world, as evidenced by the beautifully crafted music video for "Cheer Me On." With her debut EP on the horizon, Julia McKay is undoubtedly an artist to watch. Written By Rachael Bach FOLLOW JULIA MCKAY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

Released March 29th, “Peace” by Roses & Revolutions captures the quiet desperation of lovers drifting apart. Love is one of life’s great complexities and “Peace” paints the picture of a diligent partner trying their hardest to pour into a relationship that is dying. The song opens with the lyrics “I’ve never been so tired, but I don’t want to die alone, never felt so undesired, I guess maybe I should go, ” demonstrating the moment when lovers start to become strangers. It’s a jarring realization to wake up one day and realize the person you love is falling out of love with you despite your best efforts to satisfy them. It’s hard to pull yourself away from the person you love, especially when they become cold. “Peace” highlights the want for closure on one side while the other seems to be actively checked out of the relationship already. The chorus shows this through lyrics “You’ve never been so cold, I just need to know, when you were with me, was there ever peace?”    Roses & Revolutions states that “You keep trying to make them happy, make them love you, almost in a desperate way, to earn their affection. You feel like you’re doing everything right, but they’re still not happy.” Described as the “in-between” moment in a relationship by the duo, “Peace” tells a beautiful story of a lover desperately seeking some form of closure from their partner. Roses & Revolutions does a wonderful job of capturing that breath you didn’t realize you were holding before the emotional breakdown. Despite its light and delicate tone, “Peace” captures the dejected feeling of not being enough for someone. The simple melody played on the piano sets the scene and creates a somber backdrop for singer Alyssa Coco’s breathy vocals to deliver the texture necessary to tell this story. The drums and guitar help build the frustration of the song lyrics. That quiet desperation creeps up until it reaches the cathartic release of understanding that this is ending and all you want after pouring so much of yourself into someone else is closure. In this sense, “Peace” seems to have a double meaning.   Formed in 2014, indie duo Roses & Revolutions gained viral attention in 2016 after the release of their first song “The Pines” which was featured on their self-titled debut EP in 2018 alongside hits “Big Bad Wolf” and “Moment”. Since their initial rise, the Rochester, NY natives have released several hit singles including “Dancing In A Daydream” from their 2020 EP Under the Spell , “It’s Not Living ( If It’s Not With You)” and “The Night We Met” from their second 2020 EP Covers , and their single “Coffee” featuring Lostboycrow, later released on their 2021 EP Midnight Monsters . The duo creates delicate melodies that craft stories and capture the beautiful and tumultuous nature of life. Thanks to their viral success they’ve been able to share stages with artists K Flay, Kaleo, Nina Nesbitt, and VÉRITÉ. You can stream “Peace” and other hits by Roses & Revolutions on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube linked below. Written By Joselyn Jimenez FOLLOW ROSES & REVOLUTIONS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube | SoundCloud