The song begins with Myrell singing “Dreaming of..” it definitely has ethereal vibes to it, with both her voice and the instrumentation. The lyrics continue to hint at wishful type thinking with Ella singing “And if I did...”. The song speaks further “I could...”, Myrell finds herself encapsulated by the idea of this love, what it could be, could mean. But ultimately, the love doesn’t appear to be enough, and the relationship feels one-sided. Speaking solely from a listening standpoint, the song appears to be very upbeat, energetic, light and fun. However, once you zero in on the lyrics, you find that there’s more than meets the ear. Myrell is describing the heartache of investing too much of yourself into a dead-end relationship.   The picking up of the instruments as Myrell sings “All I ever did..” is the making of pop bops. So, you find yourself bobbing along while also analyzing the lyrics. Later in the song, Myrell notes that “Now there’s water under my feet.” She says that the water is there both because she “falls harder” with each word her significant other speaks and, also, because she “cried”. With this song, we take a deep dive, if you will, into the effects of a strenuous relationship. Even after it ends, you find yourself overthinking every little thing you’ve done. Myrell speaks about how all she “ever said was nothing that’s in my head.” So, pointing out the fact that she didn’t trust her own instincts or thoughts and only said or did what she thought her partner wanted. Sort of diving deeper, she is reminiscing about this time in her life and more than likely felt as if she was drowning in this new found unwanted identity she’d adopted. Perhaps she felt herself blinded by the “hunger” and “fire eyes” she had for this person. As one does in a relationship, she developed tunnel vision, but now, in hindsight she sees how it affected her and has learned from her past about what she does and doesn’t want out of a relationship. Ultimately, Myrell’s single is a cautionary tale to never let your feelings cloud your judgment and to always remain true to yourself.   Hailing from Sweden, Myrell is a relative newcomer to the scene. The 23-year-old has stated in her bio that music and writing has always been close to her heart and that moving to the country helped make things finally click for her and thus, began her musical career. She describes her music as power pop and her power pop has helped her amass hundreds of followers across her social media. Myrell has also stated that her music mirrors her inner reflections as she navigates the world around her and how it affects her. I do feel as though this is shown through her music and wish her nothing but the best in her endeavors. Follow Myrell on her musical journey by following her at her socials below!   Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW ELLA MYRELL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook

What is the Good in Goodbye is the first collaboration between the Dance Moms alumni, Hannah Grace Colin, and the American Idol contestant, Mackenzie Sol. A remix of her 2022 single, Goodbye , Colin dialed up Sol to turn this solo banger into a duet. This song details a relationship gone sour and finally saying goodbye to that toxic person in your life. In the first verse, he sings, "Don't want to take a chance and do this/Don't want to be the one that's foolish" and later, "If it's love, I don't think I need it." Damn, Mackenzie, that hits deep. Colin continues by saying, "I get a text from you/You say that you're gonna follow through/I heard that before, thank you." Yeesh ... ICE COLD, HANNAH!!! The very catchy chorus sees both artists asking the question, "Tell me why... What is the good in goodbye?" Damn, guys. Really got me pondering. What is the Good in Goodbye is an upbeat dance-pop song reminiscent of the summer jams of the late 2010s. Produced by Myles Erlick, the beat especially reminded me of Major Lazer's Justin Bieber collaboration, Cold Water . Just like that feel-good anthem, I could picture myself driving around Wildwood, New Jersey blasting it out of my mom's Honda Pilot... the most immaculate vibes. Though the song originally was performed by Hannah Grace Colin herself, Mackenzie Sol stuns in his reimagining of the opening verse. His voice blended very well with Colin, who absolutely slayed with her parts in this song. The very memorable chorus' climax to a beat drop was pop music perfection and is the reason this song is going straight to my pool party playlist. If you want a song that feels fun , look no further than this bop from Colin and Sol. Hannah Grace Colin follows Mackenzie Ziegler, Kendall Vertes, and of course, JoJo Siwa as the next girl from Dance Moms to break out into the music industry. A native of New Albany, Indiana, the 19-year-old performer released her debut single, Control , in 2021. Since then, she's dropped a cover of Ariana Grande's Santa Tell Me and of course, the original version of Goodbye . Mackenzie Sol was added to the new 'special' version and he brings the track up to another level. Originally known for his viral TikTok prank videos, the Las Vegas native gained a new following over the last year on the current season of American Idol where he is known for his sing-offs with Dutch singer Ziggy Krassenberg. The collaboration has me on the edge of my seat to see what happens in both of their careers and hopefully, see another collaboration between the two. Written by Jordan Elliott FOLLOW HANNAH GRACE COLIN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube FOLLOW MACKENZIE SOL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

The recurring feelings of our troubling past can be overwhelming and irrepressible. It can monopolize us, keeping us from moving forward with our lives, and leaving us stagnant in the same overbearing emotions we once endured from our past. Although we try and move forward, taking a different itinerary in life in hopes of outrunning the entities that wish for our demise, they can find us again in places that we once believed were sacred. These are nightmares. Nightmares will violently shake us awake, leaving us in a nebulous state– stewing on the possibility of whether or not we have truly healed from our traumatic past, or if we simply outran it for a concise moment. In a cold sweat with nothing but the riotous sound of our thrashing hearts that desire to break loose from our trembling bodies, we try to gather ourselves. The memories, so knowledgeable and so familiar, can take us back into the painful mindset we were once in, suffering in utter silence, the weeping cries of our desperation never reaching out far enough for others to hear. Nightmare, by Terence Sun, is a song that portrays this image in the form of a rhythmic tune. It retells the potent sentiments of an interminable depression and unbeatable death. One that our singer believes he had formally outran before, but yet continues to be tormented by his nightmares that remind him of the depths of the struggles he formally went through, stemming him from living out his life in happiness. There was an insurmountably notable lyric, and those were “can’t face the fact of dying” and “this nightmares got me trying”. It’s almost as though the singer continues to have these unfortunate nightmares, and yet they are the exact reason why Terence continues to push himself and strive for better days. The nightmares remind him that he’s stuck in the past, stuck on the feelings he just can’t seem to shake off, but he’s trying to fix himself and cleanse his soul. After listening to the song for the first time, I struggled to uncover the message of Terences' song. However, after writing out the lyrics myself, and putting painstaking thought into what his deeply crafted words could possibly mean, I realized exactly what our artist was talking about. It’s simply in the title itself– a recurring nightmare. Although the tune of the song sounds rather uplifting and catchy, I find that the lyrics almost beg to differ. I find myself personally connecting with the lyrics more than anything. I find myself constantly worrying over my past, frightened of finding myself at my lowest again, where my thoughts would never uplift, where my worries seemed incessant. When I believed the weight of my anxiety would never seem to disperse. Terences’ talented somber voice provides the song with more of a lugubrious effect, accentuating just how meaningful and delicate these lyrics are to him. Although the song itself tells about a suffocating and recurring nightmare of powerful emotions, the last lyrics give me immense hope that we will find our way to prevail. We may even find the strength in our nightmares that call upon our death, it will keep us striving for a better life and push for the happiness that we deserve. Terence Sun, the artist behind such a fragile and strengthening song, is a singer and songwriter mostly linked to genres like indie folk. It seems Terence has always had an emphatic passion for music and singing. On his Instagram, he can be seen doing covers of popular songs with his piano or guitar quite frequently, showing off his talents in both instruments and singing. Throughout the years of his pursuit of singing, he would attend small gigs where he would perform songs that he had written himself over small crowds of people in intimate spaces. His strong passion for music is such an inspiration! His natural talents in music and songwriting should not be kept secret, and it’s time listeners gave Terences' music a chance to appreciate his musical and artistic talents. His dedication has inspired me and I personally cannot wait to hear more of what Terence has in stores! Continue to support Terence by following his socials, and keep up with his journey as a singer. Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW TERENCE SUN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | SoundCloud | YouTube

There’s never a dull moment when you’re a Waterparks fan, and with their Sneaking Out of Heaven tour, this message remains true. This tour is certainly the band's most ambitious tour to this date, as they have created a theatrical spectacle that will leave you laughing, crying, and most likely in pain for days after from the intensity of it all. The Houston band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Awsten Knight, guitarist Geoff Wigington, and drummer Otto Wood. The tour was named after their most recent single, “Sneaking Out of Heaven,” which was released in October of last year. Hometown shows are always special for the band, and selling out House of Blues only made the show extra special. Our day began very early; we traveled back from the Dallas show that morning and arrived at the venue as early as we could. Fans were very eager for this show and had been camping out since the night before. They were all very organized and implemented a system where numbers would be assigned to a person every time they would arrive. Different numbers were given for VIP and GA ticket holders. This system made sure no line-cutting took place, as well as allowed fans to leave the venue without having to lose their spot. Arriving at a venue hours before a show start isn’t as boring as it sounds. We all had fun interacting with our internet friends, signing pride flags, and making friendship bracelets. Every major fan of an artist dreams of meeting their favorite musician, and this is exactly what Waterparks always tries to make come true on every tour. Meet and greet is always such a special moment for Waterparks fans, they have their chance to tell the band whatever they please and even bring them gifts if they wish. It’s always fun to see online everyone’s wacky poses they wish to do for their picture. After the meet & greet comes a quick Q&A for fans to have a moment to ask the band whatever questions they’d like. Once this is done, the band leaves and it’s time for doors to open. The first band to open was Pollyanna, a spunky band from New Jersey who certainly knew how to ignite the venue. The band exudes vibrant sounds, they’re exactly the kind of band you want present for this kind of tour. The second opener of the night was Loveless, and this band knew how to get everyone up dancing a screaming. The band’s performance left you wishing for more as it came to a short end, but so much was accomplished for their set in such little time. Waterparks have outdone themselves with their set this tour. The stage backdrop consists of screens that play detailed visualizers for each song, all bringing to life the story each song encompasses. Leave to Waterparks to find the perfect blend between music and color theory. You can see this in the lighting throughout the show connects with the theme of the music. The entire concert is so detail-oriented that it makes you want to attend every date just to be able to catch every artistic choice. Similar to a play, the set changes throughout the show, from a projected screen to a piano being brought on stage. The setlist for this tour is for all kinds of fans, old and new. The show opens with “Watch What Happens Next” from the band's third studio album. Fandom. One of the highlights of the setlist is a melody composed of multiple songs from their fourth album, Greatest Hits. The melody is an energetic spiral where each transition leaves you feeling overwhelmed, in a good way.  The band features a cover of Liz Phair’s “Why Can’t I.” A nice touch during this performance was the visualizers that included different scenes from romance films. With this era of Waterparks, there is an exploration of the religious guilt that stems from the damaging teachings of the church. At one point in the show, a screen is placed in front of the set where we see a projection that expresses the religious trauma one feels for simply being oneself. The band has always made an effort to create a safe space for their fans to be whomever they please, and this moment in the show only proves that. The psychological damages that are birthed from unattainable ideals expected by religious teachings are ones that can be difficult to separate ourselves from, but there is a possible exit once you find that inner strength. This “religious guilt” interlude elevates the performance to a level of sophistication of this band’s artistry. Following the interlude is the performance of the song “Soulsucker,” an unreleased track that is the second half of their song “St*rfucker” from their fifth album Intellectual Property. After this moment of emotional intensity, the band quickly jumps back into their previous energetic high. An exciting moment during the show was when special guest Vincente Void came on stage during Ritual to perform with the band. Throughout the night the crowd was filled with surfers, but a particular favorite moment of mine was when a fan dressed as Jesus crowd surfed to the front where they were lifted into the air as if Jesus Christ was walking on water. These are the kind of moments you only really experience at a Waterparks show. Another memorable moment was when Geoff Wigington brought out his daughter on stage for fans to sing Happy Birthday to her. It was all so precious, and it was sweet to see how important this moment was for the father-daughter duo. Before the tour, Awsten Knight was very open about how he had been practicing frequently to perform piano on stage during this tour. Closer to the end of the show a piano is brought on stage for Knight to perform three songs, “High Definition,” “Snow Globe,” and “Crying Over It All.” This section of the show has become a quick favorite for fans online and it’s one we hope stays for future tours. The final encore show was the best ending one could ask for as it’s the time of the night for the audience to go absolutely insane. The mosh pits that developed during these shows were as large as the room could allow, diffusing an energy one only finds at a rock concert. As the band closed off with their final song “Real Super Dark” it was sad to see them go, but Waterparks made sure fans had a night that will stay permanently imprinted in their heads. Having the opportunity to see Waterparks go from playing as an opening band to then selling out the House of Blues seven years later has been so special to me.  It leaves you emotional to see a band grow and truly develop and perfect their ability to create spectaculars that go above and beyond a normal show. Many fans travel to Houston for a Waterparks hometown show and it’s obvious why. With this tour, the band has gone above and beyond fans' expectations, and it’s hard to see how they will top this in the future, but one has faith that the band never does the same thing twice and always increases their efforts with every project. If you ever get the chance to attend a Waterparks show, I guarantee you will have a night filled with joyous insanity you’ll always treasure. Written By Chantal Charles Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

The remix of "Better Care" brings UNA MIA and Lekan into collaboration, after Lekan responded to an open verse challenge for the song posted on TikTok by UNA, to create a steamy and sensual song about wanting to better understand your partner. The ultimate song for people whose love language is acts of service. The lyrics open with “How can I take better care of you?” showcasing a want to please and be pleased. The song is smooth and slow, picking up tempo momentarily as we lead from the first bridge to verse and into the chorus. This seems to be intentional as lyrics like “Can you get here tonight? Let me know cause I’ve been craving your body since I saw you last night,” seem to demonstrate an almost impatient tone in the first half of the song. It sets the tone of anticipation as two lovers come together in intoxicating devotion to one another. Inequality does not exist here, only equal give and take between intimate partners intent on listening to each other's fantasies. It takes a certain level of vulnerability and authenticity to display this level of comfort with a partner and “Better Care” demonstrates that plunge into deeper intimacy perfectly in a slow-burn seduction.            The soft bass, melodic guitar, drums, keys, and sultry vocals layer atop one another to create an immersive and moody tone that encapsulates sensuality. UNA’s higher register is ethereal and grounded by the rich, deep, baritone of Lekan to create a perfect blend of seductive energy that is raw and intimate. The two are harmonious as they depict the picture of intentional and devotional service that is liberating and opens the floor for one’s authentic self. Both UNA MIA and Lekan agree that “Better Care” is an intimate song about how intentional actions and consent relate to self-pleasure and the pleasure of one’s partner. “Better Care” is reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s era of R&B and artists like Sabrina Claudio with its slow and sensual beat that elicits deep, romantic, intimacy and infatuation with your lover. Canadian artist UNA MIA is a classically trained vocalist, who spent much of her youth performing in theater and opera competitions. UNA credits musical influences like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles to name a few in shaping her musical journey. Her debut EP single “Lose You” marks the beginning of an era for the young artist who brings a refreshing softness and vulnerability while navigating the complexities of womanhood, autonomy, and the fears that can surround the mysteries of what the future holds. Catch her as a supporting artist on the 5-date European tour of Spanish R&B artist Eva Ruiz this summer starting May. Ohio native, Lekan is an American R&B singer and songwriter on Spotify’s 2024 R&B Artists to Watch list. Lekan names artists like Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo, and The Weeknd as musical influences that have shaped his music. A musician, Lekan uses the knowledge he gained playing the drums, piano, and violin to blend vocals and instrumentals seamlessly and with intention. Featured on “Blue Eyes” by Vic Mensa, Lekan showcases his ability to blend his baritone vocals seamlessly with other artists during his debut TV performance on The Tamron Hall Show in 2023. You can follow and listen to UNA MIA and Lekan at the links provided below.     Written By Joselyn Jimenez FOLLOW UNA MIA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube FOLLOW LEKAN: Instagram   | Spotify  | Twitter  | YouTube

Tyler Jarvis’ brand new single “29” not only delves into the complexities of growing up, but the nostalgia that comes with it. Through sentimental lyrics, the artist reflects on the passage of time and the inevitable transformation from carefree youth to hesitant adulthood. The chorus encompasses these themes and serves as a powerful reflection of the uncertainties that accompany one’s maturity into adulthood. In particular, Jarvis sings about a realization; he’s become someone who’s afraid to take chances. The Chorus draws on this, “When did I become the person who’s afraid to take a chance/ Is that what growing up just seems to guarantee?” For the older listeners out there, “29” may evoke memories of their own journey through adolescence and the evolution of identity. Ultimately, the song will foster a strong sense of understanding among listeners; after all, growing up is a universal part of the human experience.. The instrumentals of “29” create a dreamy atmosphere. From its airy instrumentals to soft and smooth vocals, the song possesses a sense of anticipation. The incorporation of strategically placed drums add impact and momentum, this builds the song into moments of excitement and energy exceedingly well. The hopeful yet curious tone of the music encourages introspection and self-discovery from the listener. Synth-like noises add layers of depth and texture to the music. With its slightly rock-influenced sounds, the guitar creates some of “29’s” most engaging moments. As the song progresses, Jarvis’ vocals grow stronger. Aesthetically this progression is dynamic and exciting, however it also represents the metaphorical journey of the song in a delightful way. Tyler Jarvis was gifted a guitar for Christmas at 13 years old, and the rest is history. He has been making music ever since! He credits his success to the encouragement of his parents; as they never wavered from embracing his dreams of becoming a singer/songwriter. Originating from Cincinnati Ohio, he now travels and tours around the United States in order to share his music with the world. Jarvis has been a contestant on both “American Idol” and “The Voice,” and has amassed nearly 9,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. His discography is filled with feel-good singles; some of the most recent being “First Born,” “Nostalgia,” and now “29.” If you loved “29” and want to hear more, follow Tyler Jarvis on social media platforms below. Written By Casey Hascup FOLLOW TYLER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“17” records the feeling of unwelcome nostalgia when recognizing repeating patterns in one’s life, particularly in relationships.  Most people begin their first serious relationships around this age, the ones where cheating is more hurtful than it is intriguing gossip.  Where emotions feel genuine enough to have a hold over your life.  But, 17 is also for heartbreak and growth.  It’s the end at the beginning.  To be hung up on and recognize these same emotions again and again becomes tiring.  Teenage heartbreak should remain just that, teenage.  Hello Sister is remarkably skilled at expressing the pain that comes when it isn’t, enunciating repetition without making any of the instances feel muted- just as it feels in life. The song begins with an increasingly intense electric beat, and a solo voice over it.  The vocalist is earnest and though tension builds in her voice, the intro remains casual.  The second the beat drop comes though, her incredible talent is revealed.  As if this scream had been held back, she belts this astounding note that instantly clues the listener in to the creativity and originality this piece presents.  Though the vocals can be classified as simply indie or pop, the instrumentals differ throughout the song.  At its chorus, the percussion and guitar almost give an impression of rock- something that allows “17” another aspect of originality, that is, in tone.  The song flows like a poem, storytelling with heights of intensity, and it’s a prime example of Hello Sister’s utter genius. Hello Sister is, as the name implies, a band made up of three sisters.  Grace, Scarlett, and Gabriella grew up in Orlando, Florida to a family of musicians.  Not only is this creative gene found in the siblings; but also in their father, Tim.  Tim is a former musician himself, known for his pop and R&B songwriting.  Needless to say, the girls grew up around music and were expressing their love for it early on, practicing in the living room and taking classes at The Music Box as children.  As teenagers, the three combined the independent skills harnessed over the years into the dynamic trio seen today.  Grace plays bass and keyboard, Scarlett the drums, and Gabriella is their guitarist.  The group were born to be in a rock band, and that’s their goal: to create modern songs for a modern audience without neglecting the roots of pop; so far, they are achieving it by all measures.    Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW HELLO SISTER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Unfortunately, not all relationships are happy and perfect. In Sami Rose’s debut single, “missing you,” Rose sings about missing an ex that was bad for them. It’s about understanding how this person is a negative influence on your life, but wanting them in it nonetheless. It’s a message that I think was translated very well. And, I think Rose did a fantastic job of making me feel all different kinds of emotions in this song. I think the lyrics were written exceptionally well, and I could easily connect with them on a platonic level. One of my favorite lyrics is actually in the chorus: “I don’t know what to do with myself / When I know that you’re bad for my health.” Sami Rose is an artist with an incredible range to her voice, but where she truly excels is with using her upper register. There are a few moments throughout the song where we get to hear Rose singing in a lower voice, which really allows for you to hear the emotion in her voice. But it’s when she starts belting that I found myself getting the most emotional. She has amazing control over her voice, so I really enjoyed getting to listen to this. Also, the synthy-piano background gave this song such an insane energy that I needed to step back for a moment and recollect. It’s so simple, yet works so insanely well with the lyrics… kudos, Rose. It was all perfect. Sami Rose is an artist that I actually first found through one of her covers! Rose started her career doing cover music, one of her most popular covers being “elastic heart,” a cover of Sia’s hit song! After doing some covers, Rose decided to start to release her own music. By this point, she had already surpassed millions of streams on Spotify, and built a dedicated fanbase on TikTok and Instagram! She has even caught the attention of some well-known celebs in the industry, including Olivia Rodrigo and Benson Boone! I think that Rose has a solid foot in the door starting her career, and I can’t wait to hear what she releases next. Go stream “missing you” now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW SAMI ROSE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

If you’ve ever been scared for the future and the passing of time, GIO DARA’s “Dream Alone” will speak to you. This being his first single of 2024, “Dream Alone” is one-hundred percent GIO DARA; detailing his fears and insecurities for what comes next in life, it begins somber before evolving into a bright and uplifting track as he overcomes these anxieties to become the person he is today. It’s a topic that everyone can relate to, and its closeness to an artist is comforting in a way. Knowing that others feel the same way, being frightened of how the clock ticks forevermore, makes us a little less lonely. “Dream Alone” is a song about hope, and clinging to those hopes; flowy instrumentals and passionate vocals form the backbone of a track that is simultaneously subdued and inspiring. “Dream Alone” begins with tentative strings and GIO DARA’s careful vocals; throughout this initial part of the song, you can really feel the subdued energy radiating from the lyrics as GIO DARA sings, “Sometimes I feel I’m floating / Sometimes I’m a sinking boat.” A focal point, this uncertainty is weaved throughout the first and second verses, but as the track continues on, you can hear exactly where this insecurity is slowly shed. From the second chorus on, the song picks up in spirit as hope is threaded into the instrumentals and GIO DARA’s voice. In a really beautiful moment, the strings are twined with pulsing percussion, and GIO DARA’s vocals are lifted into the heights, hope entrenched into the track. What I especially love about “Dream Alone” is the acknowledgement of life’s difficulties while simultaneously highlighting the importance of retaining the strength to carry on. “Dream Alone” oozes this authenticity, and the fact that the proximity between lyrics and GIO DARA are extremely close, it makes its message that more important, knowing that it means so much to the artist. And, it also makes it that much more comforting. GIO DARA is a singer-songwriter based in London. Originally from Ukraine, he was a contestant in the 2019 airing of The Voice of Ukraine, and also performed his 2020 debut single “Feeling so Lost” during Ukraine's National Selection of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020. Similar to legendary artists like Ed Sheeran and Bon Iver, GIO DARA’s music is intimate and conjoined with warm vocals and strings. Along with his debut single, his debut EP dropped the same year, entitled “Higher”. “Dream Alone” is his first release of the year, so if you enjoyed its soundscape, check out GIO DARA’s discography and socials to keep track of what else he has in store for this year! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW GIO DARA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Oh, pretty boys, pretty boys. Thank you, Naomi, for writing a letter addressed from all girls around the world to pretty boys that have left us crying on our bedroom floors. “Why do pretty boys make girls cry?”, is the question we all ask and Naomi Jane earnestly demands in her newest single, “Pretty Boys.” Catch me belting out this little number on a Saturday night, 11 pm, all in my feelings, at a karaoke bar downtown. The song sounds like both an angry yet heartfelt letter to not only Jane's past exes but to all unaffected pretty boys out there. Boys who are used to breaking hearts with dashing looks yet are simply “gross inside,” as Jane writes. Throughout the song, Jane tells a story by making examples of her past exes (hello Tyler, Owen), who are “making us believe all their lies.” Jane writes about this repeated scenario that keeps playing out with the same result, the boy is beautiful on the inside but always turns out to “s*** on all our expectations.” The track as a whole is an ode to all heartbroken girls who fall for venomous pretty boys and Jane is quite frankly tired of it as she unleashes her frustrations in this edgy new track. The song is carried by Jane's resonant voice, reminiscent of Dua Lipa’s sound and music style, mostly seen in Jane's heavier chorus. The beginning verse pulses with an echoing and deep reverberating beat, setting the stage for Jane’s booming chorus. “Pretty Boys” borders on a techno electronic sound within its pre-chorus, heightening then stretching out into a sudden hard-hitting electric rock chorus. Within the track, Jane talks about the side effects of her past relationships and mentions one boy as “a poet for put-downs.” Jane parallels their beauty with a dark side, something that runs deeper behind such a pretty face, something that no amount of pretty could hide. In the first verse, she sings, “Chiseled all the way to hell and back / But ugly keeps on slipping through your cracks.” In the bridge and ending chorus, Jane wraps the song up in a nice bow, stating how unattractive “toxic masculinity” is as she exposes “pretty boys” and their pretty lies. Jane’s “Pretty Boys” 2024 single crosses over to a new area of music, sound-wise, as Jane's past singles, spanning 2022 and 2023, are slower piano ballads, musical and reflective with Jane’s raw and “mezzo-soprano” voice. According to Spotify, Jane’s impressive vocal range can span three octaves like fellow singers such as Adele, Dua Lipa, and Jesse J. With singles like “Never Let Go” and “Why Not,” released in December 2023, Jane continues to showcase her skill through heartfelt and poetic lyrics. When not doing music, Jane has been seen working in theater and film since a young age. In recent performances, she has starred as Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago" and has taken part in many other musical theater productions throughout the years. Born and raised in New York City, Naomi Jane never disappoints in reaching new heights and capturing the hearts of her audience with her incredible vocal range and her diversity as an atrist, tackling all areas and making it look easy. Be sure to check out Jane's music in the links below! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW NAOMI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Alec Benjamin just released his second single of 2024 called “King Size Bed!” Alec dives into the vulnerability he feels after a break up, and the irresponsible decisions you can make because of it. The irresponsible decision that Alec makes in this case is buying a king size bed for a girlfriend he doesn’t have anymore. They used to squeeze together on a little mattress, and he would bear the pain of sleeping against the wall so that she could have a better night's sleep for her 9 am meeting. He swore he would save up the money to buy a bigger mattress for them, but once he finally got the money, she was gone. He “bought a king size bed when [he] lost [his] queen,” but he still believes she’ll come back. But in the meantime, he’ll continue to look and feel foolish in a king size bed. In the second verse, he directs his message to his ex, telling her “I owed you so much better/baby you deserved a crown.” Even worse, he’s punishing himself by sleeping on the cold floor because that’s what she did for him. In the bridge, it almost feels like he’s enticing her to come back because of this bed, not just because it’s better for them to sleep on, but because it shows that Alec is in a better place mentally and physically. He’s financially stable enough to support someone he loves, even if it's something seemingly unimportant like a king size bed. On “King Size Bed,” Alec stays true to his music roots by creating a great dance-pop track. Like many of his other songs, he combines a high energy and upbeat production with some pretty heartbreaking lyrics. The drums immediately stood out to me, as they are pretty prominent in the production and they drive the song forward. Alec uses an acoustic guitar at the beginning of the song which sounds fresh and organic, but balances it out with some synths and other electronic influences later on in the song. As with all the songs Alec has put out, “King Size Bed” has catchy lyrics and a well written melody. The bridge is especially catchy, mostly because of Alec's use of talk-singing. Sometimes using talk-singing can feel a bit cliche, but I feel it fits really well with the song. Alec Benjamin is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter from Arizona. He first got his start in the music industry in 2018, promoting his music in parking lots of various concert venues. His first album, “Narrated for You,” was released that same year, featuring his 3x-Platinum hit “Let Me Down Slowly,” which currently has over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify alone. Off that same album, Alec has another certified Platinum and Gold track. Later that year, the song was released as a duet with Alessia Cara. Since then, Alec has still continued to impress audiences. He released his second album, “(Un)Commentary” in 2022, which features the hit song “Devil Doesn’t Bargain,” and made his debut performance at Coachella that same year. After releasing a plethora of singles in 2023, Alec is set to release his third album later this year. As of now, Alec has over 9 billion global streams, over 12.5 million followers across social media platforms, and over 1.6 billion YouTube views on his channel. It’s clear that Alec has forged a strong connection with his audiences, and will continue to make quality music for them for years to come. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW ALEC BENJAMIN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

"careless" by Thea Alien offers a timely and thought-provoking examination of contemporary societal themes through a fusion of gripping R&B, pop, and rap music. This track is a testament to her ability to weave complex subjects into the fabric of appealing and accessible melodies, hitting hard against the complacency of a capitalist-driven world and does so with a perfect blend of sonorous aesthetics and lyrical profundity. However, "careless" is more than just a critique; it's a multifaceted musical journey. The choruses reveal a stark contrast, showcasing Thea Alien's vocal range as her tone shifts to a lulling serenity, betraying the song's melancholic theme with an almost soothing refrain of "oh we feel fine." This contrast embodies the bittersweet nature of societal indifference, lulling the listener into reflecting on the glossy facade of a society where everything seems fine when it is anything but. The song begins with an ominous set of tones, evoking the suspense and foreboding of a horror flick, setting the stage for a compelling critique of materialistic decay. As the soundscape unfolds, Thea Alien's initially nonchalant delivery transitions into a crisp rap, echoing the rapacious lifestyles marked by a careless exhibition of temporary, shiny veneers celebrated in some quarters of modern society. Her voice, raspy and filled with a rebellious sneer, serves as a bold counterpoint to the opulence that her lyrics criticize. The production of the track, handled by Calcou and with mastering by the esteemed John Greenham, is a lush landscape of sultry synths, thumping beats, and a buzzing bass that envelops the listener in a sheer musical escapade. It is this intricate production that compels the audience to revisit the track, with hidden depths waiting to be uncovered upon each listen. Thea Alien grew up in a family of artists in Magdeburg, where she left off steam early in the creative chaos of music and acting. Now living in Berlin, Alien writes her own lyrics inspired by the hustle and bustle of the city. Fusing themes of everyday triviality with social criticism and the desire to turn the world upside down, Alien doesn’t care about music genre boundaries, effortlessly combining R&B with neo-soul or pop with hip-hop. With inspirations from artists like Mahalia, Lana del Rey, Noname, and H.E.R, Thea Alien compels us, with her song “careless”, to confront the harsh realities of a world obsessed with growth at any cost, where financial success is held on a pedestal at the expense of ethical conduct. And so, Alien accomplishes the difficult task of creating art that entertains and enlightens, making "careless" a must-listen for those who appreciate music that dare to delve deeper. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW THEA: Instagram   | Spotify  | Soundcloud | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator