Rising pop artist Jade LeMac just released her track, "Pick A Fight." The alt-pop song adds onto her confessional EP, Confessions, as part of the deluxe edition. In "Pick A Fight," Jade is letting out her frustration from a previous relationship. The satirical song does not take itself too seriously, as she just spends the track addressing her ex with anger. Over the last couple years, Jade has been building a name for herself in the industry, being listed as one of GLAAD's 10 LGBTQ Women in Music to Listen to this Pride Month and their 20 under 20 Rising Stars featured in Teen Vogue. If you liked this song, make sure to check out the rest of Confessions and her other music. With a drum-heavy introduction, Jade sets "Pick A Fight" up as an intense track about fighting, breaking up, and feeling hurt in the aftermath. She opens up about her frustration and has fun calling out her ex with lyrics like "If you think you're hot, your ego needs some bruising," "If you're talking shit, then why'd you try to kiss me," and "Stupid fucking dumbass, you're begging me just to come back." After the breakup, Jade felt quite hurt and angry. She just wanted to process the pain and move on, so she decided to release all her emotions out into this high-energy song. If you have gone through a breakup lately, "Pick A Fight" is the perfect new addition to your playlists. Queer, alt-pop artist Jade LeMac released her first single "Constellations" in 2021. This song has resurfaced and risen in popularity after being featured on the recent Netflix show "My Life With the Walter Boys." This year, Jade has received a nomination alongside well-known artists like Ice Spice and David Archuleta for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist. With a strength in confessional, storytelling lyricism and energetic production, it is no wonder that she has earned over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Make sure to keep up with all the latest information on Jade LeMac and her music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW JADE LEMAC: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook

“Silver lining, always had perfect timing.” Lovetape begins giving detail to the love they’ve found, their ability to count on it, even in times of hardships. The music captivates within the first few chords. The chorus leaves you breathless as you take in this song, layered with palpable love. Speaking on the meaning behind the song, Lovetape states “Sometimes I think of it like a straightforward love song and sometimes it strikes me in a more inspirational, almost spiritual way.” These words resonate with me, as I feel that the song can have several meanings associated to it. There is, of course, the obvious love song to a current partner, it could also be an ode to a past love and their once electrifying effect on the band, a longing for a love like the one described, and the spiritual one spoken about by Lovetape. A spiritual journey is commandeered by someone – a deity, a person held in high regard,“rules”, the one on the journey seeks something to guide them, perhaps the silver lining spoken about in the beginning of the song, an anchor of sorts. “Breathlessly, I’ll follow you into the center of the night.” Lovetape shows the true meaning of their band name with these lyrics, love being the obvious and the tape in this instance being the trust they have in their love to follow them. “When I hear that sound, suddenly I’m found.” This line certainly gives leeway to the spiritual aspect spoken about earlier. The symbolism of being lost and found. The saxophone solo felt much needed and epic, a proper throwback to the good ole days of love songs. The drum’s timing seems to be that of a heart beating. The culmination of the instruments, the lyrics, the melody, and the vocals land this song at the top of the certified bop list. You’re immersed and enraptured for 3 minutes and 27 seconds as the song cascades through your psyche and sticks to your brain with that unforgettable melody. The lyrics continue peppering over the instruments as they have for the last 3 minutes and 10 odd seconds, but then, we get even more saxophone action. It’s truly the icing on top of a quite delicious musical cake. “Breathlessly” is masterfully crafted and deserves all recognition possible. Lovetape is a relatively new band on the music scene, consisting of two members- brothers George and Samuel Stanford. They released their first official single “Heartglow” in December of last year. Lovetape describes themselves as being “connected by a musical force and love for each other." Though Lovetape itself is new to the scene, the brothers are no strangers to the industry with George being a producer for many acts and even releasing his own independent music as well, and Sam often aiding George in his musical ventures. Currently, they have amassed nearly 5,000 followers on Facebook, 559 followers on Instagram, have nearly 2,500 monthly listeners on Spotify and have 13 subscribers on YouTube. So far, Lovetape has released two songs and as a new fan myself, I am hoping for many more! You can listen to “Breathlessly” as well as “Heartglow” and keep up with all things Lovetape at the links below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW LOVETAPE: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Make It is the latest single from the Singapore pop singer, Keegan Israel, and an absolute banger at that. This is Keegan's first drop of 2024 and hopefully, a sign for good things to come out of the artist throughout the year. The song tells a story about being in a relationship with a person where even if there are bad days, they are determined to 'make it,' as the song's title suggests. The first verse shows the contrast between the couple's methods of dealing with hardships as Israel states, "When I'm sad, I write it all down/When you're mad, you let it unwound." The second verse has the singer show hope for growth in his relationship with lines such as "So put on the pain, it'll be worth it/Love is a verse, we'll keep writing." While the verses may be on the more melancholy side, the chorus balances this out with positivity when Israel confesses to his lover that "I'll love you when it's over/And I'll love you forever/And I, I promise you this/You and I are gonna make it." In a market that's been crowded by breakup songs, I am thrilled that Keegan Israel has given us a make-up song. Make It combines a lot of both electronic and acoustic elements to create a fun and upbeat pop song. It kicks off with a booming synth and a fast-paced drum beat that had my head bouncing immediately. Later on, Israel joins in on his acoustic guitar to create a blend of both of these styles that works very well. I was a huge fan of Israel's raspy but powerful voice. On this track, he reminded me of Lewis Capaldi... but singing about much less depressing topics. The production reminded me of the early 2010s in the best way possible. Make It contained some hints of old school Big Time Rush, Justin Bieber, and One Direction while also being reminiscent of modern classics like Chemical by Post Malone. If Israel keeps putting out hits like this, he will be a household name in no time. Keegan Israel's Apple Music bio states that it's impossible for an artist to choose their favorite album of all time, but if he had to pick, it'd be the soundtrack to the Shrek movies. I truly believe this answer fits his music very well because just like All Star or I'm a Believer , his discography would be the perfect background music to a whirlwind adventure. Israel released his debut commercial single in 2022 with More and followed it up with three more in 2023. Alongside the recent release of Make It , he dropped a lyric video directed by Aline Zoe which features him singing, dancing, and playing guitar in a small room all shot from a birds-eye-view perspective. In the description of the video, Israel says, " We all need a bit of encouragement, love, and positive energy!" Now, that's a message I can get behind. Check out Make It and all of his other songs available on all platforms now. Written by Jordan Elliott FOLLOW KEEGAN ISRAEL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Vintage Love” explores the idea that valuable relationships can be worked on, cared for, and polished like prized vintage items. Problems plague your relationship and leave you wondering if there is anything left to salvage. Years of work have been poured into it despite the existing problems. However, as time goes on, you start to value the intricacies of the relationship itself. Care and love go into preserving items such as paintings, and those items can be cherished for years beyond its initial creation. There is more to relationships than just being in them and running at the slightest issue. To make something that is valuable work, precise care and preservation must be taken. If the relationship is meant to be, then careful consideration must be taken into account. Better days can exist and putting in the proper amount of careful work can make love a preservable art. Click here to listen to "Vintage Love"! “Vintage Love” is a synthpop dance pop anthem whose energetic and uplifting mood perfectly reflects its hopeful narrative. The lyricism in this single showcases hopeful yet serious messaging about working on relationships. The narrator comes to the conclusion that love can be worked on as if it was a valuable vintage item, and this is of course a positive outlook on love. As this idea builds throughout the single, the instrumentation, vocals, and every element culminates into an upbeat tone and melody. Amanda Palacios delivers an equally cheerful and sickly sweet vocal performance. The structuring is reflective of the positive outlook we learn about along with the narrator. Every element blends together to truly highlight the upbeat tone and hopeful messaging. Amanda Palacios is a singer-songwriter from California. Her musical interests were cultivated at a young age from her father’s encouragement. She learned piano for eleven years and incorporates her musical prowess into her own music. She has also had a lifelong passion for singing and performing. Throughout her years in school, she performed in many plays and even joined a girls group. In this girl group, she wrote and performed countless songs all throughout her town. She has shared her musical and writing talents through many ways, including writing for Pop Passion Blog. “Vintage Love” is her first single as a full-time artist and she hopes to create many more songs throughout her career. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “Vintage Love” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW AMANDA PALACIOS: Instagram | Spotify

Happy For Real blessed their fans with their highly anticipated debut EP, Desperate Art. The five-track project was self-written and pre-produced with the two members before finishing with producer, Gethin Pearson. The EP offers a fresh perspective on the band's identity, embracing a raw and unpolished sound. It symbolizes taking a step back from the pursuit of perfection, allowing the artist to release the pressure of needing to constantly improve. As a result, Desperate Art is a well-crafted project that highlights the duo’s talents and showcases that excellence can be found even when you are not looking for it. TRACKLIST Limbo Phony Limerence All the Right Things News Happy For Real is an alt-pop duo from Switzerland, consisting of Olivia Virgolin and Marcus Petendi. They made their debut in 2022 with their single, “Falling Asleep”. After two more standalone singles, “News” was released as the lead single for Desperate Art. Happy For Real does not bend to societal norms and pop culture trends. Instead, they allow their own creativity and inspiration to guide their artistic direction. After a journey of musical discovery, Desperate Art contains an edgier and rougher sound from their previous releases, while still maintaining their infectious and enjoyable soundscapes. The duo shows no signs of slowing down, so make sure to follow them on all socials to stay updated on any new releases and announcements! “Limbo” Happy For Real kicks off Desperate Art with an energetic anthem that instantly reels the listener into the captivating project. “Limbo” emulates the iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers’s guitar and bass styles while highlighting Happy For Real’s individualistic sound. The two vocalists alternate, with Petendi singing the verses while Virgolin leads the choruses. Their two voices blend flawlessly together with seamless transitions that showcase that the duo were meant to collaborate. Furthermore, not only do their voices work well together, but their songwriting styles are a perfect match. In “Limbo”, Happy For Real shares the story of a relationship that has not yet been defined. The narrator keeps “coming on back to limbo” with their lover, stuck in this purgatory of love and lust. Alongside the lively and bright production, the band effortlessly captures their audience’s attention from the very first track, setting them up for the remainder of the project. “Phony” Happy For Real maintains the upbeat, energetic energy with the second track, “Phony”. While the song still contains a sound reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it has a mix of 80s influence and modern pop. With a darker atmosphere than the previous song, the guitar provides a unique sound and tone through the background staccato notes, making the song stand out. The candid lyrics share a more serious storyline while maintaining the laidback vibe of the band. Throughout the song, the narrator shares their experience with living in a world filled with high societal standards and feeling that the only way to be fulfilled is to hide one’s true self. Whether these are expectations found in relationships or careers, listeners can resonate with the band’s admirable honesty. “Limerence” Happy For Real continues their candor with the compelling third track, “Limerence”. Leaning more on the side of dark-pop and alt-rock, the band shares a story of love, longing, and the complexity of human emotions. Furthermore, the song connects to the theme of hiding who you really are in “Phony”. In the first line of the chorus, Petendi sings: “I would hate for you to figure me out, while I am knocked down.” He confesses that he is so deeply infatuated with his muse, that he is afraid to let his true self show. Love can be delicate and he does not want to show any part of him that may jeopardize their relationship. With a bass-heavy production, the band effortlessly guides the listener through the emotional yet lively track, making it an instant fan-favorite. “All the Right Things” Desperate Art's soundscape takes an unexpected shift with the fourth track, “All the Right Things”. The song has more of the modern pop-rock vibe while upholding the bands iconic genre-blending style. In the first verse, the synth is more prevalent and there are more effects on the bass. However, when the chorus hits, the production brings back the band’s iconic 2000s alt-pop sound. Furthermore, the track contains a different structure than the last three. In the previous songs, Petendi and Virgolin alternated as the lead vocalists through the verses and choruses. However, in “All the Right Things”, Virgolin leads only the first verse, before Petendi takes the reins for the rest of the song. This stands out, as it is a stark difference from what the listener is used to, making them ponder the meaning behind the change. With this shift, the band once again proves that they defy expectations and will always keep their fans on their toes, forever being one step ahead. “News” Happy For Real closes out their debut project with the lead single, “News”. The electrifying track takes a note from the previous song, once again containing a different structure than the rest of the EP. This time, Virgolin leads the track from beginning to end while Petendi’s harmonizing vocals float in the background. The song kicks off with a drum intro that is reminiscent of the 80s style, before the instrumentation shifts and Virgolin’s voice signifies the first verse. The infectious track symbolizes the band’s newfound self-confidence and their aspiration to create what they love, not what they think the general public would approve. This bold move surely paid off as “News” and the rest of the EP astound listeners with the unique and sonically cohesive soundscape. Throughout the project, Virgolin and Petendi effortlessly captivate their audience with electrifying guitars, genre-blending sounds, and compelling vocals. They accomplish the nearly impossible feat of taking inspiration from seasoned artists and existing genres and turning them into something uniquely theirs. Happy For Real exudes talent through their art that is so fresh and innovating, they only leave their listeners craving more. From the dynamic soundscape of “Limbo” to the lyrical complexity of “News”, Desperate Art has something for everyone and deserves placement on every new alt-pop playlist. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW HAPPY FOR REAL: Instagram | Spotify | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

“til april” is a compelling heartfelt ballad about love that persists in the face of distance. As Lane takes us through intimate moments of longing, love, and anticipation, she never fails to poetically describe the yearning that comes with a love that is bisected from a physical distance. From the moment the soft notes of the acoustic guitar intertwine with the distant chirping of birds, listeners are transported into a world of intimacy and heartfelt vulnerability. As the song progresses, the addition of heartbeat-esque drums adds a layer of depth and intensity, mirroring the ebb and flow of emotions experienced in long-distance relationships. What sets 'til april' apart is Lane's masterful control and restraint, knowing precisely when to pull back certain instrumental elements to allow the beauty of her lyrics to shine through. Lane's vocals delicately glide over the melody, infusing each lyric with a perfect blend of purity and poignancy. There's a haunting quality to her voice that resonates deeply, evoking a sense of longing and yearning that is palpable throughout the song. The instrumentation is equally mesmerizing, with lush string textures and graceful guitar melodies that wrap around Lane's vocals like a warm embrace. Each lyric feels like a whispered confession, drawing listeners into the intimate world of the songwriter's emotions. The climax of the song, marked by a dazzling display of sound and emotion, is nothing short of breathtaking. As Lane sings of longing and anticipation, listeners can't help but be swept away by the sheer beauty and emotional depth of her music. Maria Lane, a captivating indie-folk artist hailing from New York City, weaves tales of raw emotion and vulnerability through her music, creating an intimate connection with her audience. Born a natural-born storyteller, her songs unfold like personal journal entries, delving deep into themes of trauma, mental health, and heartbreak. Influenced by a diverse array of artists ranging from the soulful melodies of Joni Mitchell to the contemporary sounds of Olivia Rodrigo and Harry Styles, Maria Lane's music is a fusion of haunting familiarity and unique creativity. Maria's journey as a musician is not merely about creating melodies; it's a heartfelt mission to serve as a beacon of comfort and solace for her listeners. Through her soul-stirring lyrics and heartfelt performances, she strives to remind her audience that they are never truly alone in their struggles. “til april” marks the debut single from her highly anticipated upcoming album, slated for release later this year. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW MARIA: Instagram  | Spotify | Twitter | Bandcamp | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Taylor Bickett has released her new single “I Like Mondays.” A single about Taylor’s perfectionism and her struggles with it, “I Like Mondays,” touches on the way New Year’s resolutions and scrolling on social media can make us feel. Saying that she’s “trying to surrender / but I’m hardwired to fight,” the struggles of letting go of perfectionism and surrendering to giving one grace and not beating yourself up is a complex feeling that doesn’t come quickly. In an age where self-love and self-compassion take over our feeds and is fed constantly by mainstream media, “I Like Mondays” emphasizes the struggle of the journey of not being perfect by social media standards.  Taylor’s “Quarter Life Crisis” has been on repeat on my playlists since it appeared on my TikTok in 2022, so hearing this new single when I’m in a place of trying to get over perfectionism and not being the adult who has it all together. This song read me like a book, to be honest. The message of the song, giving yourself grace but struggling along the way, is all too relatable to me right now. Multiple journals for self-reflection that haven’t been touched, a reliance on caffeine that gives me too much anxiety, and trying to give myself more grace are all things Taylor mentions in the song and situations that I know people in my circles are also trying to work on. The feeling of starting over and becoming a new person seems appealing, and what day is even more perfect than Mondays? If it doesn’t, though, it’s okay. That’s a message we all need to hear, and Taylor does a fantastic job delivering it. You may know Taylor Bickett from her hit “Quarter Life Crisis.” It’s a song that took over people’s For You Pages in 2022, but Taylor’s other songs show off her range of singles, such as “IDIOT!” and “You’re Not a Bad Person.” A Nashville loca and a self-dubbed “professional oversharer,”, Taylor is well-known for her indie pop hits. These songs have accumulated her over 438,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and near 100,000 followers on Spotify. If you liked “Quarter Life Crisis” and “I Like Mondays,” keeping up with Taylor is a must. You can catch Taylor on tour with Ron Pope, and if you cannot make it to her live performances, you can always keep up with all things Taylor Bickett on her social media, linked below. Written By Abigail Mornhinweg FOLLOW TAYLOR BICKETT: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

“Before You Go” examines the conflicting inner-dialogue that occurs when you just can’t move on from a past relationship. It’s been days since you last heard from them, and weeks since they opened up the doors of communication. As you rot in loneliness, you reflect on the ways their presence used to comfort you. How many times did they hold you and melt away the coldness of December? The way they helped you even during your worst moments. But those difficult times reveal a dark truth, that these behaviors and this dynamic became too much. You remember overwhelming them through intoxicated displays. These actions occurred in their home, a place they once wholeheartedly accepted you into. Although it is more difficult than anything you have done, you need to move on. You need to let go just as they have let go of you. The warmth, comfort, assurability, and reliability they brought will be difficult to part with. However, you know that letting go is the natural next step in the air of their silence. Click here to listen to "Before You Go"! “Before You Go” is an energetic dance pop anthem reminiscent of the great hits from the late 2010s. One of the most impressive elements to this single is how there is a constant feeling of a build up. Throughout, it feels as though it is constantly building up with each chorus. This all culminates into the final minute being a primarily energetic instrumentation and vocal stems sprinkled in. Similar to many of the popular music hits of the 2010s, this single’s structure is based upon the engineering of the vocals. In addition to the instrumentals playing, the vocals are cut in ways that make them serve as their own instruments. Each element works together to create an amalgamation of uniqueness and nostalgia. Seeb is a Norwegian musical duo who gained popularity in the late 2010s. They are known primarily for their impressive remixes of popular songs. Some of these remixes include Mike Posner’s “I Took A Pill in Ibiza - Seeb Remix”, Coldplay’s “Hymn for the Weekend - Seeb Remix”, and Taylor Swift’s “Delicate - Seeb Remix”. Through their many remixes of other acclaimed artists, they have amassed almost 4 billion streams on Spotify alone. In 2021, they released their award winning debut album “Sad in Scandinavia”. The electronic pop duo are currently working on their follow up album. Make sure to follow them on social media and give “Before You Go” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW SEEB: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook

Talk in Code delves into themes of unrequited love, romantic miscommunications, and unfair expectations on their latest track, Something of Nothing ; or as they more eloquently put it, "It's about drama queens!" When asked about the song's significance, the band touched on "people in our lives that dramatize, over-analyze, or inflate" issues that may arise and, instead, really "just need to be taken at face value". Lyrically, TIC opens the song strong by painting a clear picture of a lover fed up with his partner's constant head games – singing "I'm tired of talking" ... "It's time for walking". The song's catchy hook repeats as follows, "You're making something of nothing, you want me to decide" ... "I'm taking each step at a time" – further emphasizing how frustrated the track's protagonist is with the situation he finds himself in. Something of Nothing is a highly relatable tune delivered over intoxicating melodies and is sure to draw listeners in with its emotionally charged storyline of romantic strife and inner turmoil. Something of Nothing tastefully blends influences of electronic pop, alt rock, and synthwave to create a fun and energetic groove for listeners' enjoyment. With a signature big, punchy snare and stacks of lush synthesizers, and it's clear that there is some true 80s inspiration taking place on this track. The producer blends a live drum kit sound with auxiliary percussion during the chorus sections, which ultimately raise the energy on the song's more stripped-down verses. There can also be heard some lovely swooshes and synth flutters that help to beautifully transition between different sections in the arrangement. It would be hard for me not to mention the flashy guitar licks peppered throughout the entirety of the track, as their inclusion fittingly elevates the tune to a higher level. The addition of funky rhythm guitar chords, which are most apparent in the bridge section, serve to drive the groove and ramp up the energy leading into Something of Nothing 's electric final chorus. Hailing from Swindon, in Southwest UK, Talk in Code is an ultra-exciting indie pop band with an enigmatic sound that was once described as being reminiscent of "The 1975 with a huge dollop of Duran Duran". After signing to Regent Street Records in 2022, TIC went on to release three hit singles that accumulated over 300k streams and were added to over 500 playlists across Apple Music, Soundcloud, and FLO. The band has gone on to perform at festivals like Victorious Wychwood, Lechlade, and Jurassic Fields, while also being twice-programmed nationally for Foodies Festival. The name, Talk in Code, stems from the idea that "everyone relates to songs differently" and crafts their own individual meaning, relationship, and (indeed) code. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW TALK IN CODE: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | Facebook  | YouTube

Kiley Baxter’s first original song “While Everyone Sleeps” is finally here! This song is all about the best parts of the beginning of a relationship, describing the best moments of a love-at-first-sight moment. Kiley paints a beautiful scene at the beginning of the song: walking the beach with someone at midnight, feeling like a mess but somehow perfect in their presence. She says she feels out of place, yet she feels that it’s the right place for her. Kiley says “I’m thinking of you, are you thinking of me” and asks them to give her a second to breathe after they talk. In the chorus, she says that this moment is fleeting fast, and to just imagine a free life like that. She can tell this person is scared, but she tells them to just “take [her] hand baby/we’ll be gone/on the run/while everyone sleeps.” Kiley senses some doubt, but in the heat of the moment, she doesn’t want them to look back. In the second verse, Kiley plans their “escape,” telling the person to “climb out [her] back window” and meet her across the street. She develops this story beautifully, and perfectly describes how if you’re in love with someone, you’re willing to take a huge chance on them to savor a wonderful moment. The production on “While Everyone Sleeps” perfectly encapsulates the message of the lyrics. I can imagine being on a late night drive with someone near the beach, standing out of the sun roof, letting the wind mess up my hair. The instrumentation perfectly builds into the electric and catchy chorus, with the gaps in between the synth punches highlight Kiley’s amazing vocals. She effortlessly shows off her beautiful voice at the end of the song with some impressive riffs. Her harmonies as well are amazingly built, and they sound so ethereal and angelic. Overall, “While Everyone Sleeps” exudes a feeling of exhilaration and freedom, and even though we’re a couple months out from summer, this song is certainly a “song of the summer” contender. Kiley Baxter is a 19 year old singer-songwriter from Bridgewater, New Jersey. From a very young age, she’s had a strong passion for music. At only 4 years old, she would walk around her house with a tape recorder, singing whatever melodies come to her mind. As she grew older, she grew more interested in musical theater, performing in her middle and high school plays and musicals, and took classical voice lessons along with many dance classes. Kiley grew an affinity for some of the greatest singers of all time, such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey, and studied their technique throughout high school. She started performing with Meatloaf’s live band, The Neverland Express, in 2022 and toured the US and the UK with them. With over 140k followers on Instagram to date, her singing videos regularly reach over 100k views, which feature her doing covers of famous songs. Even though “While Everyone Sleeps” marks her first original release, she published a cover of Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” in 2023, which first went viral on her Instagram. It will be very exciting to see what direction Kiley’s music will take in the future, but it is sure to impress everyone over and over again. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW KILEY BAXTER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Kayla DiVenere is a singer-songwriter, actress and model. She is known for her roles in Law and Order and Love Victor. Kayla is now paving a path for herself in the music industry. She creatively writes songs most of us can relate to and make you want to sing at the top of your lungs. Kayla released her newest single “Small Talk” on March 1st. The production is simple yet energetic which emphasizes the angelic vocal and vocal harmonies. Kayla wrote this song after reflecting on five-minute conversations she had with a crush but found herself fantasizing about more. She took those raw emotions and turned them into “Small Talk.” This song goes out to all the romance lovers who desire more than a surface level friendship. We all fall in love with romance movies whether we like to admit it or not. The genre captivates us by exploring the natural desire for a deeper human connection. One of my favorite lines in the song is, “Want you at my window, playing your favorite mixtape, like a John Hughes movie.” We all dream about moments like these, where we find a love that feels worthy of a film. Another line says, “Wish you would say I look pretty in pink,” which I believe alludes to the movie Pretty in Pink. Kayla is an incredible lyricist and the way she wove her story with words is a gift in and of itself. Kayla Divenere is incredibly talented in so many ways.  She has great potential in her singing and song writing abilities. Singer-songwriters are on the charts right now for their gift to tell relatable stories through music. I have no doubt Kayla will be on the charts one day. Check out “Small Talk” as well as her other music. She has a growing following on all social media platforms.  Make sure to follow her on the links below to be a part of her journey. She also posts occasional vlogs on YouTube providing glimpse into her life if you want to get to know her better. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW KAYLA DIVENERE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Close As I Can Get” is a fun, upbeat country pop song about avoiding your ex in fear of what would happen if you got close to them again. With a catchy melody and a toe-tapping rhythm, the song perfectly captures fighting the lingering desire to be with someone, despite knowing that they hurt and would definitely hurt you again. Black sings “Yeah I know you’re still the best/When it comes to making my heart race” but immediately follows it up with “But I bet you still know how to make it break” which perfectly illustrates her racing thoughts, acknowledging her attraction to her ex knowing that they would only crash and burn again. With a slight country twang in her vocals matched by a twangy guitar tone accompanied by the upbeatness of a pop production, “Close As I Can Get” is a perfect blend of pop and country. Her lyrics have the storytelling element that country songs are known for while her catchy chorus with a strong hook is the perfect combination of the two genres.  I loved the figurative speech she used, such as “Oh cause, you and I we burned like a livewire/Turning sparks into wildfires.” This metaphor perfectly conveyed the intensity of their relationship, but how that ultimately led them to end things.  Lauren Black, the acclaimed American singer-songwriter and guitarist, has crafted a distinctive sound that seamlessly blends Country and mainstream Top 40 influences. Her original music, recognized alongside artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves, and Maren Morris, showcases a unique crossover Folk/Pop genre. Lauren's success in maintaining independence is underscored by her talent, work ethic, and notable achievements, including winning Alice Cooper's Proof is in the Pudding Songwriting Competition and securing a runner-up position in CMT's 17th Annual NSAI Song Contest. "Close As I Can Get" is her latest single. Written By Rachael Bach FOLLOW LAUREN BLACK: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube