Struggling with mental health often feels like an uphill battle, leaving those suffering to wonder if things will ever get better. Pop-rock duo senses speak to this in their latest single, "Better Than This," releasing an anthem that gives hope and explores resilience amidst mental health challenges. Lyrically, the pair express the difficulties of dealing with anxiety, depression, and everyday life. Incorporating an authentic message that will resonate with listeners, the raw track is highly relatable and provides an open discussion of feelings many of us face. A collaborative experience, "Better Than This" was written alongside singer-songwriter Keith Varon (The Aces, jxdn, Nightly). Upbeat and energetic, senses have released a cathartic banger with "Better Than This." The track showcases the perfect pop-rock/pop-punk soundscape, featuring heavy-hitting drums, angsty melodies, and captivating guitar riffs that waffle between playful and face-melting. Delivering lines listeners can scream along to, Madison Taylor belts her heart out throughout "Better Than This," channeling her inner Hayley Williams. Seeming to draw inspiration from some pop-rock icons, the sound senses create is reminiscent of acts like Paramore, Tonight Alive, and Charlotte Sands. Hailing from Los Angeles, senses began their journey when singer Madison Taylor met drummer Nick Sampson on Craigslist. The duo debuted in 2023 with their EP take me out of here, receiving praise from both fans and critics. Their singles "sleepwalking" and "gonna make sure" have earned recognition from the likes of MTV, NickMusic, Wonderland Magazine, Rolling Stone IN, AXS TV, and many more. The singles have also been supported on radio stations, like KROQ, idobi Radio, and DC101. If that isn't impressive enough, senses have received support from several editorial playlists, including Spotify's The Scene, The Locker, Pop Punk's Not Dead, and All New Punk. Some of their other popular releases include "novocain," "playing dead," and "one last time." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SENSES: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

After a relationship dies, there are many ways that exes can learn to move on. They can cut contact, they can turn to their friends, or they can spiral through the hardships while wishing their partner well (or unwell). Jessica Brett’s new song “Your Karma” details her experience post-breakup, and how she assumes it will affect her ex. She has come to realize that her ex was the problem, not her, and that she would be so much better without them. Now, she is working on moving on, and knowing that they will regret losing her. Their breakup is certainly for the better, and his karma for the pain she has been put through is now having to watch her thrive on her own. This song is a simple track: an acoustic guitar instrumental tied with light electronic pulsations separating the verses from the rest of the song. She sings hard hitting lyrics throughout, such as “I know this might sound cruel / But the problem here was you” and “Broke my own heart loving you after all you put me through”. The pain she has been through is all worth it now, because she knows she is better off. The most powerful part of the song is certainly the bridge, in which the background swells to a release of emotions, where Brett sings, “So I respect the dead and I'll move on / I’ll relearn all our love songs / And your karma will be that you love me still”. She has no negative karma left over from the relationship, but he certainly does, and his time will certainly come. Born and raised in Tipperary, Ireland, Jessica Brett is a singer - songwriter who has been working toward this career since she was twelve years old. Growing up, she performed in big-name venues such as the National Concert Hall, and Helix in Ireland. Her music style is a compilation of the genres she grew up on, but has now mostly shaken out to be mainly pop, with similar vibes to Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. Her past singles “I’ll Come Back Better” and “Sleep At Night” were praised by various radio stations and producers, and she has gained almost 4,000 monthly Spotify streamers. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Brett. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW JESSICA BRETT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Pop newcomer Loren Heat just released their latest single, "Breathe (SOS)." The synth-filled, dark pop anthem tackles feelings of being overwhelmed, burnt out, and struggling to keep yourself afloat. Inspired by artists like Dua Lipa and Rita Ora, the track is full of infectious pop hooks that keep you engaged through out. The dramatic and darker undertone of this production complements the poignancy and heaviness of the lyrics. If you have ever felt so weighed down by everything going on in your life and just wanted to scream out for help, you can relate to the sentiment that Loren sings about here. "Breathe (SOS)" is anthemic, alt-pop track that explores Loren's experiences with falling behind in life and pulling away from people because of that. In the vulnerable chorus, they sing, "SOS / I'm crying out for help / My chest / I can barely catch my breath." With the busyness of life lately between school, work, and other projects, it was easy to see myself within these lyrics. Sometimes, we just need to take a moment to sit with ourselves and catch our breath because we feel so mentally drained. Between dramatic production and passionate vocals, Loren has crafted an authentic track about what it is like when life starts taking an overwhelming toll on you. Middlesbrough-born singer-songwriter Loren Heat released their debut single "Curiosity" in 2023. With only two tracks on streaming, the 20-year-old queer singer is already cementing their place as a fresh voice in the vast sea of pop music. Their music takes influence from a range of dark-pop artists and the north-east's LGBTQIA+ community. Loren began their career with posting covers on TikTok and performing at open mics, before deciding to focus on putting original music out. With strong lyrics, rich vocals, and powerful pop hooks, it is only a matter of time before their success grows exponentially. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW LOREN HEAT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok

“How’s Your Day Been” is Tadhg Daly’s latest release.  It’s an indie pop anthem centered around connection and the daily intimacy of the mundane.  “How’s your day been?” may seem far from a revolutionary or sought after phrase, but it is this repetition and predictability that offers a desirable comfort.  He touches on more serious conversation topics repeating “I’m just as broken”, implying a deeper connection beyond the small talk, but the way he threads this in with their daily conversation subtly compares the two as equally important.  He speaks of this person as his safe space and offers the same in return, this is a piece on the beauty of finding reliable companionship in another. The song begins with a catchy acoustic guitar becoming louder and louder as Tadhg begins singing.  His voice is low and natural, giving the song a sense of intimacy.  He reiterates the importance this person has in his life by beginning the song with a scene of pain and panic without them.  When they’re introduced, the mood of the music immediately lifts with his.  When this person's voice is included, a cleverly placed sound of a voicemail recording, the music goes beyond even its first change in tone, immediately bursting into the chorus.  This is the recreation of how it feels to watch someone “light up a room”.  The talent Daly has to be able to express such inarticulable feelings of adoration is incredibly palpable in this piece, he makes the listener fall just as in love. Tadhg Daly is a singer and songwriter known for his combination of the best pieces of indie music, particularly his heartfelt lyricism.  The artist is originally from Jersey and now based in London where he creates these touching songs.  As stunning as they are heard from simply a speaker, he’s even more renowned for his live performances.  Daly has shared the stage with artists such as James Morrison and James Blunt and has found his own headlining concerts sold out time and time again across Europe.  This vast talent has been recognized by highly regarded sources such as BBC Radio, Clash Magazine, as well as features in major playlists developed by Spotify and Amazon Music.   Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW TADHG DALY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a cult classic film. And one of my favorites happens to be the 2001 film, Donnie Darko. And I’m super excited because Noah Vernon just released a song with the same title, and it’s an absolute banger. “Donnie Darko” is the latest single by up-and-coming artist Noah Vernon, and centers around the emotions one feels after someone has wronged them. I think this song had some seriously powerful lyrics, including the repeated lyric, “You’re just a cameo / But it’s my movie though.” I can sense every bit of emotion in Vernon’s words, it’s such a powerful song. I’m not sure how I haven’t heard anything of Vernon’s before, but this song for sure made me a new fan. I’m unsure if I’m the first person to make this comparison, but Vernon has an extremely similar voice to Shawn Mendes. He also has a style reminiscent of artists like Jeremy Zucker and Dominic Fike. It’s a combination that I think blends well, I’m obsessed with it. I love the start of the song, how it opens with a simple guitar beat. And then, when you think it’s already good, the instrumentals kick into high gear with the bass and drums. It’s a pop-rock masterpiece, everything worked so well together. And Vernon’s voice is like the cherry on top of a cake. Now that I can confidently call myself a fan of Vernon’s iconic hits, let’s learn a bit more about him! Noah Vernon is an Australian-based singer and songwriter who has been releasing music since 2017. With a little over 7,000 monthly streams on Spotify, Vernon is on track to be a big name in the industry. With his music, he loves writing songs in multiple different genres, like pop, rock, and folk. Growing up, Vernon would involve himself in musical theater and school choir concerts. So, it’s obvious he’s been singing for a long time, and I think it’s easy to tell. Vernon is going to go far, I already know it. Go stream “Donnie Darko” today! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW NOAH VERNON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Heartbreaks, emotions, and alcohol aren’t a good mix. But it seems to be a common method that people use in order to cope with the pain of letting go of someone they love. “ Hotel Room ” by Sheer Haimov depicts this event, setting the scene with a night out drinking at a bar as an attempt to escape the thoughts of her ex. But her efforts in trying to numb the pain with shots are unsuccessful. It leads to mixed emotions and regretful actions. We do see Sheer admitting to meeting someone new and trying to move on, but the feelings she has towards her ex don’t seem to be going anywhere. She still wants to reconcile with them, but do they want to reconcile with her? The track opens up with Sheer expecting someone new she’s been seeing to show up to her hotel room. After a no-show, becoming frustrated and thus feeling like “ a mess, ” she decides to go down to the bar to cope with her emotions: “ Won’t look behind. I’m three shots in, got me color blind. Mixing all my drinks like I mix my words. Now I know that it’s gonna hurt .” Seeing someone new while still missing and wanting her ex back is hurting her. She admits to lying to herself by using this new person as a way to convince herself that she has moved on from her ex: “ I keep lying to myself. Seeing someone else .” Feeling confused and full of mixed emotions from both the alcohol and feelings of losing her ex, she continues to drink more. Now drunk, she decides to drunk dial her ex but they don’t pick up. She accepts that this is truly the end: “ You’re gone. Damn, I got it wrong ." She continues to dwell on her past relationship and the desire to have her ex back, but seeing that they’ve moved on from her by not answering her phone call, she seeks solace in more alcohol: “ Pouring out my heart again. You pour another shot. I’m pouring out my heart again. You pour a second shot. ” What I love about “ Hotel Room ” is how vulnerable and expressive Sheer is. She pours her heart out and gets extremely personal with her listeners about the heartbreak she’s experienced. Not everyone copes with things the same, and although using someone to forget about a past lover and using alcohol to cope with feelings isn’t a healthy mechanism, she still lets it all out with honesty. Sheer Haimov is a 23 year-old pop singer and song-writer from Israel, but moved to the US in hopes of creating an entirely new sound. “ Hotel Room ” is her 10th song released so far. Her most popular track is “ Rock Bottom ,” which has surpassed 200,000 streams. Other popular tracks are “ Loaded ,” “ Mascara Run ,” and “ High ,” which have all surpassed 100,000 streams. She currently has over 10,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Keep up with Sheer’s future releases by clicking on her social media links below, and make sure to check out “ Hotel Room ” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW SHEER HAIMOV: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

*Top row from left to right: Numcha via Instagram, Debbii Dawson via Instagram. Bottom row from left to right: Sofía Valdés via Instagram, shiv via Irish Independent.* It’s International Women’s Day once again! Well, it is tomorrow - March 8th. But I like to post a day early to get everyone just as jazzed up as me. The theme for International Women’s Day this year is Inspire Inclusion. We achieve this by celebrating diversity; we praise the contributions made by women of all backgrounds and walks of life. Here at Pop Passion, we do this by amplifying the voices of the incredible women making an impact with smaller audiences and platforms. Last year, I played it a little safe and stuck to women artists based here, in North America. This year, I wanted to expand my horizons (and hopefully yours) by including women artists in the global community. While a lot of these artists are beloved in their own circles and spaces, I thought it was high time to show the rest of the world what they’ve been missing out on. The criteria for the reviewed songs are the same as last year’s: it had to fall under the pop genre (or a sub-genre of pop), it had to be released in the last three years, and the artist/band/group had to represent women we do not hear enough from. Now, let's jump right into the songs and start showing our appreciation! Bebi Monsuta - "Cvnt" “Cvnt” by Bebi Monsuta is the voguing anthem that prepares listeners for any and all runways that lie in their future. The queer Afro-Indigenous trio mean business with this electronic and house fueled bop. Through a high-energy melody and repetitive verse-like mantras filled with empowerment, they remind listeners to stand on business. Because if we don’t, we’re doomed to be “so basic [and] that’s so tragic”. Not standing on your own principles also makes us susceptible to being taken advantage of - which is the last thing we want. The NYC-based rapping trio continuously mixes genres and styles while repping Black, Caribbean, Japanese, and Portuguese-Brazilian, cultural roots within their expansive music. Listeners can always expect something bold and innovative from Manami, Akira, and Aphi. If you find yourself wanting to become apart of the bebimon nation, you should check out the rest of Bebi Monsuta’s discography. JessB - "Come Find Me" “Come Find Me” by JessB inspires listeners to take their own self-discovery journeys. This exhilarating fusion of dancehall, Afro-beats, and mid-tempo reggaetón showcases the versatility of the rising Aotearoa artist. The single opens with glittering synths that beckon listeners to “find” themselves alongside our nonchalant rapper as it builds towards the bridge. Once it’s there, JessB changes pace and lays down deterministic lines: motivating both herself and whoever’s listening to continue to “grow [and…] shine” regardless of the presence of good or bad “spirit[s]”. Longtime fans of JessB have been with the Auckland rapper of mixed Kenyan and Pākehā descent since their netballer days with Central Pulse. Past that, the queer artist has been honing in on their craft in the hopes of gaining more visibility for women in man-dominated genres. Numcha - "cup of tea" Numcha’s “cup of tea” centers on the self-realization that we are the whole meal and should be treated as such – not as the beverage that accompanies it. The Thailand-based indie-pop star and storyteller provides an introspective on romantic relationships: imploring that you should not have to “change [your] world” in order for someone to reciprocate your feelings. Tentative guitar riffs and drum notes with sparkling synths expertly capture the complexity of the song’s mood. Transforming from a quiet rage to full-blown self-acceptance right before listeners. But most importantly, the song supports the mini rocker in us all. If “cup of tea” left you hungering for more, you'll be thrilled to find it’s the last track on Numcha’s latest EP hewantscoffeebutiamtea. Nemahsis - "i wanna be your right hand" Nemahsis’s “i wanna be your right hand” emphasizes her objective of echoing the voices of those who have ever had to negotiate individuality for general acceptance. But this need for acceptance can drive us to have bouts of self-doubt and insecurity. Forcing us to prove our worthiness (to ourselves and others) through acts of service. Within the context of the song, our Toronto-based artist explores how this manifests in a romantic relationship. In spite of the inner chaos that’s being experiencing, we go out of our way to ensure our partner never suffers from our personal struggles - appearing fine externally. This contrast is brilliantly accentuated through an optimistic melody and paired with lighthearted choreography in its’ music video. Nemahsis is a Muslim Palestinian-Canadian artist with a compelling work of art that spans back to 2021 when she made her debut with the single "what if i took it off for you?". Debbii Dawson - "Eulogy for Nobody" “Eulogy For Nobody” by Debbii Dawson marks the commencement of liberation for former recluses. Dawson dazzles both lovers and skeptics of country-pop with this folksy single. Delicate guitar strings envelop the song as the lyrics paint the picture of someone confined within the “four walls” of their own mind - burdened with the emotional weight of the past, present, and future. The acute vulnerability comforts listeners who have also denied themselves any space to simply “be free”. Assuring them that when they’re ready, life will be waiting to “take all of” them as they are. Listeners might best know Dawson from her appearance as the fan favorite breath-of-fresh-air on season 17 of America’s Got Talent. Her slowed rendition of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” charmed the judges and audiences alike. Over the past summer our singer-songwriter released her debut EP Learning, featuring “Eulogy For Nobody” as the opening track. Sevdaliza - "Good Torture" with Elyanna “Good Torture” with Elyanna by Sevdaliza is heavily reminiscent of mid-80s sophisti-pop. A transfixing yet controlled tempo unveils the story of a passionate love affair that has since waned. Bossa nova jazz sets the mood as Arabesque melodic arrangements embrace listeners. The combined vocal prowess of Sevdaliza’s English and Elyanna’s Arabic illicit a deep-rooted longing that anyone who has lost love is familiar with. Demonstrating how intimate experiences can be universally felt, shared, and transcend language. While Sevdaliza, the Iranian-Dutch artist, is known for defying artistic boundaries - this song marks her continued change from her electronica heavy discography. Meanwhile the Palestinian-Chilean artist, Elyanna, continues to carve a place for herself in the western pop sphere by incorporating Arabic and folk melodies into her music; destigmatizing both along the way. shiv - "Mother" “Mother” by shiv invokes the second-wave feminism phrase “the personal is political” and has transformed it into an auditory experience. The soulful vocals of shiv are surrounded by neo-soul instrumentation that’s driven by standout saxophone notes. The song details the unhealthy relationship between "Mother" and "Father", narrated from the perspective of their child that’s unfortunately caught in the middle. But there’s much more than what initially meets the ears here; the relationship is an analogy for the devastating long-term effects of colonization. Here colonization takes on the exploitive masculine character while the colonized country adopts the defenseless feminine character - making the locals the child, unable to intervene and forced to observe. The Zimbabwe-born and Dublin-raised DJ turned artist, shiv, began their music career in 2019. Since then, she’s released two EPs: 2020’s Me 2 Me and 2021’s The Love Interlude; and has even begun producing. For those itching to get more lo-fi hip hop and neo-soul in their lives, make sure you peruse shiv’s discography. Sofía Valdés – “Barbed Wire” “Barbed Wire” by Sofía Valdés is the perfect farewell to past connections that have helped shape the people we’ve become. Airy guitar chords drive this single, but elevated violin stings carry Valdés’ softened vocals and create an ambient soundscape. Although the particular connection discussed here is bursting with melancholy, our artist manages to swept listeners off their feet. “Barbed Wire” is the closing track on the Panamanian artist’s latest EP Silvia. The EP serves as a homage to their late great-grandmother and the first part of a larger album currently in the making. Yet, the body of work stands as a completed concept on its own. Displaying the transmission of intergenerational resilience; and how mental and emotional strength can help us address the same sociocultural problems our ancestors faced. I think here in the United States, we tend to suffer from tunnel vision. We’re so caught up in the events happening within the confines of our own borders – both geographically and mentally – that we accidentally ignore what unfolds in the peripheral. I’m grateful that holidays like International Women’s Day allow us to collectively reassess how we can effectively champion and support the voices of women in the international community without stifling them. In order to properly navigate this inclusion, we have to be willing to envelop ourselves in the stories of other women. So, here’s to the women in pop that continually invite listeners to engage with their own experiences while providing a safe space for those in need of one. Written by Giavanna Gradaille Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

This song, “Sleep Tonight (This Is The Life)” by Switch Disco, Sam Feldt, and R3HAB, is an upbeat, dance pop song that perfectly encapsulates the energy and sensuality of a night out at a club. Interpolating the international hit “This Is The Life” by UK artist Amy MacDonald, this song tells the story of temptation, and the connection between two strangers dancing around each other all night, both knowing the inevitability of where the night will lead. With lyrics like “Baby, I’m so bad, I’m a real temptation” and “When you’re lookin’ at me with that look in your eyes”, the song builds the tension through the verses, reaching a peak in the chorus with the lyric “Baby, I know, I know where you’re gonna sleep tonight.”  “Sleep Tonight (This Is The Life)” is a perfect dance song, keeping the energy high and hype throughout the entire piece. On the shorter side, at only a little over two minutes, the song packs a punch in the limited time it takes up, both satisfying you as a listener and also leaving you wanting more. The pace is consistently fast, and the way the vocals feel almost rushed to keep up with the pace creates a frantic feeling that’s perfect for a song of this genre. I could see this song easily becoming a club favorite, with a heavy and hard-hitting beat perfect for a crowd of people all dancing and having a good time!  R3HAB, real name Fadil El Ghoul, is a multi-platinum DJ and producer who’s become a staple of the dance music industry over the last fifteen years. Boasting over 8 billion streams on his discography, he’s worked on some of the top songs around the globe, including “All Around The World (La La La)” and “Lullaby”, and he’s remixed songs for top artists such as Rihanna, Calvin Harris, Drake, and Taylor Swift. On this track, he collaborates with artists Switch Disco and Sam Feldt. Switch Disco is a UK-based DJ duo, who’ve been working together for nearly a decade, creating unique songs and incredibly catchy remixes. They were recently nominated for a BRIT award for their collaboration with singer Ella Henderson, and will be doing an impressive 21-week residency at Ibiza Rocks this summer. Sam Feldt is another groundbreaking DJ and producer, working with hit artists such as Rita Ora, Kesha, and Tones & I. He not only has worked to redefine dance music’s boundaries and create new sounds for the industry, he is also an entrepreneur and a huge advocate for sustainability, bridging the gap between environmental activism and music. Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Switch Disco: Instagram | Spotify FOLLOW Sam Feldt: Instagram   | Spotify FOLLOW R3HAB: Instagram   | Spotify

Fitting for his upcoming album, Notes On A Hopeless Romance, singer/songwriter Benedict Cork's latest single explores the agonizing desire to be desired back. "Nice Guy" is dance-pop at its most striking, setting a new peak for the UK-based artist. Cork strides through 80's pop references with the grace and confidence to reinvent them entirely. The lovesick whisper he echoes in the first chorus calls to mind the great Cyndi Lauper or Madonna. The exquisite high-note at the end of the chorus ("like me!") is classic A-ha or Prince. But it's not all 80's worship — Cork's vision is chimeric and voracious. The way his background vocals are filtered to sound almost like an electric guitar in the second half of "Nice Guy" is refreshingly modern (take the bridge of Caroline Polachek's "So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings" and dial the heat up tenfold). "Nice Guy" skyrockets into a wall-to-wall, dance-pop anthem immortalizing romance at its most dire, desperate, and destabilizing. "I could try loving you the way that you're used to," Cork insists on the first verse. It's a surprising twist when he elaborates: "rip your pretty heart out and then tear it in two." Unsure of what is expected or desired of him, the "Have a Good Life" singer tries on cruelty like an ill-fitting costume. Will he be more appealing, "if I learn to fuck you over just like every other guy that you've been with?" But the heart-aching romance Cork writes of is the type to bring truth to the surface. "Could you love a nice guy like me?" On an album indebted to hopeless romance, "Nice Guy" is a dancefloor fable of authenticity. Perhaps the one you love won't love you back; is it worth losing yourself over them? Notes On A Hopeless Romance, Benedict Cork's forthcoming album, is set to release on May 10th. The record will feature "Nice Guy," alongside previously released singles, "Reasons I loved You (I Can't Think Of One)" and "Soulmates." The ten-track album is a "big melting pot of brash, electronic, melancholic, gospel-inspired pop music. Recently touring in the USA, Cork will return to the UK for a European tour to promote the new album this May-June. The artist first gained notoriety for a string of EP's between 2018 and 2022. Garnering support from BBC Introducing Artist of the Year, Elton John, and Billboard, Cork's star has been on a nonstop rise since his debut. Notes On A Hopeless Romance is available for preorder and will release via Kartel Music Group. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW Benedict Cork: Instagram | Spotify  | Soundcloud  | Facebook  | YouTube

“If you don’t ask first, Imma make a move.” sings Stephens as she affectionately divulges her love in her mindset concerning their relationship. The song's catchy melody is sure to have the listener singing along in no time. With the release of “Make Me Your Mrs” just in time for Bachelors Day, an Irish tradition in which women propose to men, Stephens is ready to tie the knot and letting her love know. Stephens’ soulful voice is simply stunning as she takes a firm but heartfelt stand on her relationship status.  However, if you haven’t quite made it to that phase of your relationship, Stephens says that the song can also be inspiration to finally ask someone out that you’ve had your eyes on for quite some time. In any event, Stephens instructs the listener to "Do it" as far as taking risks and chances, betting it all on love or even like. This song is empowering in that it gives the listener the encouragement they need to take control of their love lives. In the great year of 2024, women proposing to men is no longer necessarily seen as taboo, but it is still rare to find. In this song, we find Stephens singing about making her relationship completely official with her beau and her popping the question to him, stating “You know I love you, Yeah I’ll admit it, so why the fuck can’t you just make me your Mrs.?” One always wonders if their relationship will make it to the ultimate step of marriage. Stephens sings about feeling ready on her end to take the plunge, but she inquires about her beau’s take on it all and if he plans on popping the big question soon. “You’re crazy, but that’s what makes it so easy.” She speaks of her partner’s quirkiness and how it’s what draws her to him, something a person deeply in love or who has ever been deeply in love can fully understand. “I understand you; you’re waiting for the perfect time. Candles and roses, but I just wanna make you mine.” Stephens makes it clear that she doesn’t need all of the hoopla and simply wants the commitment of all commitments from her beau. Mae Stephens, whose birth name is Anna Mae Kelly, is a 20 -year-old singer/songwriter from the UK. Stephens credits Queen’s Freddie Mercury as one of her biggest musical influences. Stephens’ music is described as colourful funk-pop and 2023 saw Stephens’ career take off with the success of her single “If We Ever Broke Up” on TikTok, making her a viral sensation and crowning her one of VEVO’s 2024 “Artists to Watch”. Stephens, who has been writing since the age of 12, recently played her first headline show at Colours Hoxton in London. She currently has over 9,000,000 monthly Spotify listeners, over 378,000 followers on Tik Tok, over 137,000 followers on Instagram, over 7,000 followers on Facebook, and over 560 followers on Twitter. With songs such as "If We Ever Broke Up", "ADHD" and now "Make Me Yours Mrs", Stephens is an artist to watch indeed! Follow Stephens along on what I’m sure will be an amazing career at her socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW MAE STEPHENS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTo k | Facebook | YouTube

Flora Summers stuns her listeners with the final piece to her debut EP, Obsessions. “Stockholm Music Business Syndrome” was the only song not released as a single prior to the project, saving the best track for last. Summers is one of the most talented independent artists in the business, always blowing expectations out of the water with her stunning vocals, mesmerizing production, and authentic lyrics. While the previous four tracks were flawless masterpieces that found their way on multiple playlists of mine, “Stockholm Music Business Syndrome” was a whole new class of its own. The impeccable song explores Summers’s experience in the music industry and the toxicity she has endured. After losing confidence in herself and her art, she took a step back, reassessed her ambitions, and decided to create an EP that she wrote and produced solely herself. This vulnerable track symbolizes the major reason why Summers needed to make this project, bringing her past year of music into a full circle moment. Throughout the song, the lyrics illustrate the singer’s experience with being controlled by others, using her as their own personal “marionette doll” that they can use to make money and toss aside when they had enough. In the chorus, Summer’s sings: “He’s a grown baby// In it for the money// Never really loved me// He wanted to own me.” She holds nothing back as she exposes the vile person that kept her in shackles, preventing her from the creative freedom she deserves. She was stuck in this vicious cycle, a victim of the music industry’s own version of Stockholm syndrome. Hailing from Sweden herself, this metaphor only goes deeper, showcasing the singer’s clever songwriting skills.  Her desire to live her dreams clouded her vision from the unhealthy relationship with this person, and she felt indebted to them, like a kidnapped victim experiencing Stockholm syndrome toward their captor. Fortunately, Summers broke free of this figurative prison and began releasing music that is authentically who she is. The talented artist is an inspiration to all those in the industry, and even those that are not, reminding them that they can achieve their dreams once they let go of the people holding them back. Deemed as “vintage-pop”, Flora Summers never fails to mesmerize audiences with her dreamy soundscapes and ethereal vocals. “Stockholm Music Business Syndrome” immediately kicks-off into the verse with the guitar utilizing a tremolo effect and what sounds to be like the stereo on a soundboard making the music float around the listener’s head. In the background, nearly imperceptible sirens begin simultaneously with the guitars, symbolizing the warnings she may have heard in the back of her mind when entering the industry. After the first chord, Summers’s angelic vocals kickstart the poignant storyline. “Stockholm Music Business Syndrome” contains a unique production in which the chords are played through the higher notes on the first guitar while the other plays the power chord matching this. The power chords continue and slide up to a different chord that transitions to the next full chord. This is then met by the first guitar playing the high notes again. This pattern focuses on the bass notes of the power chord rather than the higher notes, providing the song with the individualistic element. Then, the second half of the verse adds the bass and drums, focusing on the cymbals, emulating an old blues song. The pre-chorus changes the guitar to just the full chords with an additional melody that effortlessly floats the listener through the song. A brief production pause introduces the chorus, where the chords become more prevalent and layered vocals are heard in the background. As the song continues, Summers showcases her impressive range as she displays raw vulnerability in her lyrics. The remarkable artist captivates listeners with her stunning vocals and honest lyrics, making her one of the best artists of the modern era. With “Stockholm Music Business Syndrome”, Summers once again has proven that she has the talent, determination, and tenacity to become the next big superstar. Flora Summers, also known as Ida Johannson, is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Sweden. “Stockholm Music Business Syndrome” is the closing track to her newly released debut EP, Obsessions. Summers is one-half of the electro-pop duo, Isle of You. The duo was nominated for Artist of the Future in Swedish Radio for the P3 Guld Awards. Through her art, she aspires to create music that is honest and personal—something that is authentically her. Her sound is a beautiful blend of indie-folk and pop, drawing inspiration from other artists from the genre, such as Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, and Angel Olsen. Summers has been featured on prominent Spotify playlists, such as New Music Friday (Sweden and Iceland), På Repeat, Made In Sweden, Aktuellt, Från Norr till Söder, EQUAL, and more. She has also been featured on respected media platforms such as Nöjesguiden, HYMN, CLOUT, and Alfitude. Follow her on all socials to keep updated with any new music and announcements! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW FLORA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook

Indy June is back with her new single, “It’s Better.” In a guitar-lead song, Indy goes into a childhood story, reminiscent of memories of parents fighting, saying, “‘cause you do it one too many times / it’s better and [she’s] fine.’ Singing about a childhood perspective on parents falling out of love, Indy shares a deep cut of emotions that affect the child of a couple on the verge of divorce. Threats become hollow, and the child believing things would be better i the parents did part ways. A deep, personal, and ultimately raw feeling; Indy showcases this with low-key production to have the lyrics stand out and emphasize what really matters: how Indy feels and how this has affected her.  Click here to listen to "It's Better" ! This song stands out to me due to how raw it is. I know I say this in my reviews a lot, but talking about childhood experiences and how it affects the child in this situation absolutely made me emotional and got me in my feelings. Some so many people do get this feeling, and to have someone who was not in that situation have this song affect them so much speaks so much to me. That’s just a testament to the lyrics, though. I think, in general, Indy’s production also really highlights what the focus of the song should be: the lyrics. I do, however, really like the layering of her voice and how cut back and simple the guitar is. I really enjoyed this one, if you can’t tell.  Indy June is a self-dubbed singer “who makes music for cat moms.” Located in Los Angeles but originally from Missouri, Indy’s voice is a highlight for her fans. Having over 30,000 listeners on Spotify, she is making a name for herself throughout the music industry. Having released “It’s Better” along with other singles “Flea” and “Medicine,” fans can expect Indy to release even more music. While listening to “It’s Better,” you can also catch Indy on Tiktok and Instagram, where she keeps fans updated on new releases and even lets her personality shine through, connecting with fans and building a relationship with them. You can follow Indy June below and keep updated on when she releases new music.  Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW INDY JUNE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube