Uncertainty in love can be terrifying and a huge risk, betting on something that might not work out and choosing to gamble on it anyway. There are ups and downs, highs and lows associated with the unknown, inspiring a mix of fear and hope while falling in love. The Mucks express these feelings well in their energetic new indie single, "If I Believe." The fiery track is their first release of the year, following the band's 2023 debut. Questioning the feelings and confusion they're experiencing with this budding relationship, lead singer Michael Dunn wonders in the lyrics, "Is it love/Is it love/Is it pain/Is it pain?" Creating a perfect blend of indie-pop and indie-rock, "If I Believe" seamlessly encapsulates elements of both genres in its composition. The track features anthemic guitar riffs, ethereal synths, and driving drums, forming a captivating soundscape to support Michael Dunn's passionate vocals. Edgy and raw, The Mucks showcase a sound that is equal parts refined and unpolished, giving "If I Believe" an authentic essence that flawlessly fits in the indie world. The sound the band creates in this track is reminiscent of groups like Catfish & The Bottlemen, Inhaler, and Gang of Youths. Making waves in the indie scene, The Mucks debuted in 2023 with their single "I Don't." The group consists of members Michael Dunn (Vocals), Conor McGuire (Guitar), Scott Johnson (Guitar), Kieran King (Bass), and Stephen Beck (Drums). Catching the attention of some prolific radio stations, The Mucks have been featured on BBC Introducing and Radio X. Since their debut, they have garnered over 45K streams on Spotify and have been selling out headlining shows. Their music is made for enthralling live performances, featuring a loud and blood-pumping energy that translates into a powerful stage presence. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW THE MUCKS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | X

Jordan Suaste’s latest single “Love Who You Want To” is a heartfelt queer anthem about love being the universal glue, and that you should absolutely be able to love whoever you want. It’s such an important message that, while simple, bears repeating in today’s world; with such stringent societal norms and rules, this track is Suaste’s way of breaking free of those chains and embracing the authentic connections between people. That genuineness is exactly what “Love Who You Want To” desires, yearns for. Through its personal and honest approach, interlaced with gentle instrumentals and poignant songwriting, the track becomes clear and direct–  “Love Who You Want To” is just as its title states. “Love Who You Want To” is easy and uncomplicated, which plays to the song’s strengths so well. Loving should be easy, it should be uncomplicated, and the track’s simplicity reflects that in a really beautiful and poetic way. The instrumentals are fairly sparse, but you’ll be blown away by its composition nonetheless; it grows and grows until it finally culminates in the chorus each time, blooming like a flower. Suaste’s vocals need to be acknowledged, too, for how excellently smooth and elegant they are. Combining that with the songwriting, Suaste’s voice is perfect for the message behind the song’s lyrics. With lines like “Love me like you know tomorrow / ain’t gonna come,” such subtle yet empowering passion, “Love Who You Want To” knows it is a sublime mixture of all the right things coming together. In its straightforward style, this track is immensely effective in modeling the simplicity of loving whoever you wish through its soundscape. Additionally, I think it's vitally important to note the song's position as a track for Suaste's LGBTQ+ forward community, and I believe it achieves that tenfold and then some. That emotional tenderness is something so important to being LGBTQ+, and Suaste wastes no time establishing that connection through the track's authenticity. With sounds similar to Troye Sivan and Sam Smith, twenty-three-year-old Jordan Suaste is a passionate and creative voice in the world of pop. His musical career began in earnest when he started posting his original songs on Instagram at the age of sixteen, but his 2021 single “If The World Ended Tonight”, which was featured in the Netflix film To All The Boys: Always & Forever, was the catalyst behind Suaste’s dedicated fanbase to continue in its flourishing. In conjunction with his self-penned 2020 debut single “Body” garnering over 72 million streams on Spotify to date, Suaste is a clear trailblazer in the pop genre. Currently, “Love Who You Want To” is Suaste’s latest single, and his first of 2024. To those that enjoyed the track, I encourage you to take a further look at his discography and drop him a follow to keep up with his next releases! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW JORDAN SUASTE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

I Wish is the latest single from Folk singer-songwriter, Alli Brown, and her first major release of 2024. According to Brown and her team, this is the "perfect song for anyone stuck wishing for something" and I couldn't agree more. The song details a relationship that has gone sour because of the man's apparent love for his another woman... his ex! "That JERK," I exclaimed when first listening to this song where Brown begins by saying "She's still got a hold on you/It's pushing me away." The song's namesake comes from the chorus where Brown states some of her biggest wishes. "I wish you could see/Wish you wanted me/Wish you loved me." A breakup song isn't complete without a heart-wrenching bridge and Brown understood the assignment. "I want you, I'm sorry/My heart has hit the ceiling/She has you, you need her/I wish you could forget her." I know every teenage girl hearing this song will be screaming, "GIRL, YOU'RE TOO GOOD FOR HIM" into their phone. This man in his 20s definitely did. I Wish is a pretty simplistic song in terms of production, but that's what makes it feel so raw and down to earth. The entire song is nothing but Brown's beautiful alto voice and the acoustic guitar's gentle melody. I really dug Brown's style on this song. I felt that it was a wonderful mesh of Kelly Clarkson and Fearless -era Taylor Swift. I especially was a huge fan of the parts in which she would harmonize with herself and it became even more apparent how much of a dynamic vocal range the singer has. The song's ending is a highlight with Brown singing both the chorus and the bridge at the same time. I definitely would be down to sing along with her at the top of my lungs at a live show. Alli Brown is a Sandy, Utah native. Though she just started releasing her original music on streaming services in 2022 with the single, Some People Never Change , she has been publishing guitar covers on her YouTube channel for over a decade. I found it interesting that there are actually several performances of I Wish on her channel from as far back as three years ago. I loved that I was able to see the progression from this song's initial conception to the recent final studio release. It is the third single from her debut album, Undeniable , which is set to be released later this year. You can catch Alli's music on all streaming platforms now or if you're in the Utah area, you can see her live. For tickets and more information, check out allibrownmusic.com . Written by Jordan Elliott FOLLOW ALLI BROWN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Cat Calabrese's newest single, "Loving All the Wrong Things," is a duet co-sung-and-written with fellow artist Romanic. The track is a lowkey, funky earworm of a pop song. Filled with a melodic groove so smooth it's bound to get you to start dancing, yet with lyrics so genuine and authentic that it will likely strike a chord. "Loving All the Wrong Things" is a sweet ballad about hoping this relationship is the real deal. The title is a reference to the idea of ex-partners who were 'the wrong things' for us and how that affects a person before getting into a new relationship. It is a universal concept that we all can relate to, and paired with the irresistible instrumental and vocal performance from Calabrese and Romanic, "Loving All the Wrong Things" is a must-hear. The lyrics are brilliant in depicting the hesitance of entering a new relationship. It is an experience everyone knows too well, written in a fashion that is authentic. Lyrics like "I'm just afraid to show you the real me" and "Am I overthinking? / Cause this feels like dreaming" showcase the two artists' songwriting prowesses. The way they write emotions is poignant and raw. Not to mention, the vocal chemistry between Cat and Romanic is nothing short of gorgeous. The song structure emphasizes this in having verse one belong to Calabrese, verse two belong to Romanic, and verse three have the two duets. The way their voices harmonize is stunning, and both have such an emphatic vocal delivery that highlights the emotions of the track. Cat Calabrese is a Cleveland-based singer-songwriter. In just three years, the artist has risen to universal heights. "Quicksand," her debut, collaborated with the same producer as Machine Gun Kelly, and her star power has only risen from there. Being featured in Rolling Stone, This is 50, and even the Kelly Clarkson show, Cat Calabrese is a name to watch out for. Since Quicksand, Calabrese and her most featured collaborator, DJ London Bridges, have been working on brand-new tracks. Other songs like "At Your Grave," "Psycho Therapy," and "Trauma Queen" are all fun pop bangers with massive success. She currently amasses over 200,000 streams on Spotify and 10,000 monthly listeners. Calabrese's discography, including "Loving All the Wrong Things," is available to stream now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW CAT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Photo: Paul Edwards Zara Larsson is an artist whom I've always enjoyed getting to listen to. Recently, she released her newest album, Venus . This album was amazing to listen to, and I can genuinely say that I enjoyed every single song on this list. Ranging from sad and moody melodies, to psychedelic dance-pop masterpieces, this album has something for everyone to enjoy. Track List Can't Tame Her More Than This Was On My Love Ammunition None Of These Guys You Love Who You Love End Of Time Nothing Escape Soundtrack Venus The Healing Zara Larsson has been releasing music since 2012, when she released her EP, Uncover . Since then, she has went on to release six EP's and four studio albums! And as for her biggest hits, "Never Forget You" and "Ain't My Fault" are both absolutely stellar examples! Larsson has been recognized for her music on numerous occasions! She's won multiple Grammis awards, which is the Sweden equivalent of the Grammys. And she has even gotten to work with some music icons, including David Guetta, Clean Bandit, and Lil Yachty. Zara Larsson continues to prove that playing around with different music styles could lead to a unique final product, and I think Venus is the perfect example of that. Can't Tame Her "Can't Tame Her" is easily one of my favorite songs on this album, and I think set up the general vibe for the rest of the track list very well. The lyrics were so fun to listen to, and tells the story of Larsson, who refuses to feel tied down by expectations set upon her, and she just wants to live her life as if she were living in her own world. It's an empowering message, encouraging listeners to set upon their own path and to not worry about what anyone else thinks. More Than This Was This is one of the sadder songs on this album, and that's all thanks to the beautifully written lyrics. The lyrics delve into the regret and longing one feels at the end of a relationship, and how it could lead a person to wonder "what could've been." Usually with songs centering around this kind of topic, they are slow and moody, really wanting to tug at your heartstrings. But I think the upbeat energy of this song paired well with the lyrics, so I enjoyed it. On My Love This song had an almost nostalgic feel to it, and reminded me a lot of a previous collaboration Larsson did with Clean Bandit for his 2017 hit, "Symphony." "On My Love," as well as many other songs on this album, include dance-pop and EDM elements. This song is heavily influenced by these and made me feel like I had somehow joined a rave in my own bedroom. The song centers around the theme of a strong, genuine love connection, and how dedication in a relationship can only make you stronger. Ammunition This song, while I couldn't relate from a romantic standpoint, I think could translate to any kind of relationship. From the first verse, you can start to see how this relationship likely has some negative impact on Larsson. " You know my situation, why you actin' like you can't be patient?" is a lyric that suggests her partner is insensitive, and unwilling to consider her feelings. I can relate as I have had multiple friends show insensitivity to me during my times of need. It's frustrating, but who wants to surround themselves with that kind of energy anyway? Photo: Paul Edwards None Of These Guys If you need an anthem to show off how awesome your partner is, then this is the song for you! The lyrics for "None Of These Guys" explore how Larsson feels her partner is superior to everyone else's. She sings about how compared to her partner, other guys are either too short or too tall, they lack a decent personality, and they fail to validate Larsson. Overall, I think this was easily one of my favorite songs on this album. You Love Who You Love There have unfortunately been many times where I've had to step in and tell my friend that their partner isn't good for them. And in the song "You Love Who You Love," we get to explore that narrative. Usually, if you're in some kind of toxic relationship, you fail to realize the various red flags until someone else has to point them out. And in this song, Larsson is stepping in to help a friend involved in this situation. And the lyrics translate so well. " Girl, give him up, I'm tellin' you as a friend / What he's putting you through is too much / I told you enough, but you don't wanna listen / You just tell me you love who you love." End Of Time Sometimes when starting a new relationship, you fall head over heels very fast. Sometimes, so fast that many may think you "insane," as Larsson sings various times in "End Of Time." And when you're in a relationship this strong and deep, it's easy to see how it could change your entire outlook on your life. Whether it's love at first sight, or it's a love that grows over time, a relationship that strong is hard to tear down. I loved this song, it was so fun to listen to. Nothing Unfortunately, many of us understand this feeling. The feeling where you're trying to have a conversation where you aren't being taken seriously or just outright ignored. "Nothing" is one of the sadder, more gutwrenching songs on this album, and I think does a great job of exploring this situation. I think this was just a beautiful song to listen to, as Larsson has some awesome runs and almost angelic hums with the instrumental. Escape Compared to the last song, "Escape" is a sweet song about seeking comfort in the arms of a lover. We all know how stressed our jobs and daily lives make us. In "Escape," Larsson sings about how she can escape the stress and unwind with her partner, seemingly forgetting about the world around them. I think this is a great message, and really goes to show how much love and trust Larsson must have for her partner. Soundtrack I don't know about y'all, but I can think of multiple songs that remind me of my loved ones. "Soundtrack" is a nostalgia-driven song that explores the theme of Larsson thinking back on past relationships, and the soundtracks that told the stories of their lives. She references multiple hits by some easily recognizable artists, including "Born to Die" by Lana Del Ray and "Something In The Way She Moves" by James Taylor. I love how moody and reflective this song is, it immediately pulled me into Larsson's headspace. Photo: Paul Edwards Venus We now find ourselves at the titular track, "Venus." This song itself is so stunning to listen to, it makes me feel like I'm floating through outer space. Which, honestly, makes perfect sense if you think about it. "Venus" is a song about Larsson expressing her love for her partner. The planet Venus is known by many to be one known for its beauty and powerful brightness, which could translate to how Larsson views her partner as a warm and bright presence. The Healing "The Healing" is arguably one of the most raw, tear-jerking songs on this album. The lyrics explore past relationships, and how they may impact current ones. Larsson sings of the pain and fear associated with the end of a toxic relationship, and how it left her emotionally destroyed. I think this is the most raw and real song on this album, and could hear every ounce of emotion she poured into writing these lyrics. It was absolutely beautiful. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It had been a while since I had gotten to sit down and listen to one of Larsson's albums, but I think this one was extremely well-made and produced. I also have not listened to much EDM or dance-pop, so the fact that I enjoyed this as much as I did says a lot. I can't wait to listen to it again! Written By Isabel Mays Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

*Created through Canva by yours truly* It’s wonderful when corporate greed benefits everyone but the corporations’ themselves. Don’t you agree? A little confused? Let me catch you up to speed. Universal Music Group (UMG) removed their entire music catalog from TikTok over a compensation dispute. UMG claims TikTok was unwilling to fairly pay for music rights, while TikTok claims UMG was overcharging for the very same music rights. The truth about this fallout will inevitably lie and die between the two entities. All we – the public – know is the result: countless videos now appear as snippets of silent films on TikTok’s platform. Videos once featuring artists signed with UMG have become soundless voids. But there’s a rising, steadfast solution: small music artists. My for you page on TikTok since UMG’s catalog removal has been flooded with small music artists introducing themselves and their music – it’s been incredible. Not only have these artists filled the soundless void on the social media app, they’ve inspired a cultural movement towards authenticity. And it’s only fair for listening audiences to reciprocate their appreciation through an outpour of support. So, I thought the best way Pop Passion could show support would be to highlight these artists in an ongoing series called Hidden Gems. Since this is the last week of Black History Month, the first installation of the series will focus on black music artists. For this installation (and future installations), I have two stipulations: (1) the artist/band/group’s monthly listeners on Spotify had to be under 75k. Then (2), the song in question had to be released in 2022 and beyond. Now, let’s get to the music! There might be a little surprise waiting at the end, too. "STAY (BOY CRAZY)" - Sundiata Do you “conflate the way it could be with the way that it really was”? Then “STAY (BOY CRAZY)” by Sundiata (with their band The Celebrity Curse) is for you. The alt-rock single depicts the intense desire for a love interest; as well as the commitment to said love interest by being whatever and whoever they need. The track has an experimental sound highlighted by immaculate guitar riffs that command listeners attention and respect. And this is all while patiently “wait[ing] by [their love interest's] side” for “a response” that allows this desire to become a reality. If you still need to satisfy your alt-rock hunger, the Delaware artist was on Donavan Burt's (a fellow member of The Celebrity Curse) latest single “New Friend” which is just as catchy and stream-worthy. "((over))" - Heath240 Boston native Heath240 provides an existential listening experience with “((over))”. The shoegaze single takes listeners to the height of heartache. Soft vocals with matching guitar chords open this song, introducing us to a fresh break-up. As the song progresses towards the chorus, the single’s momentum takes on speed before the realization of the relationship’s end finally sinks in. That’s when hardened chords overwhelm, packing an emotional gut-punch that eventually leads to a distortion of layered vocals. It shapes up to be an ethereal soundscape that’s exalted when paired with the music video – it’s quite literally the manifestation of heartbreak. For those brave enough to review the rest of Heath240’s discography, you’ll find loads of transformative indie-pop tracks like “DON’T TEXT ME” and “Ayudame” that know no emotional boundaries. "What He's Used To" - Speedrun Sick of modern dating? So is Speedrun in her single “What He’s Used To”. The self-taught guitarist and bassist from Brooklyn dazzles listeners in this 2000s post-punk throwback. And it features one of my favorite musical elements - lyrical dissonance. Bright melodies and exhilarating percussions contrast with lyrics that describe a man who uses and discards women in an attempt to feel “new”. Despite knowing how wrong it is, he can’t help himself because he “loves the feel of a beautiful casualty”. This single is from Speedrun’s indie-chic project and debut EP Love’s Latest News; an English translation of one of the poems in Jean-Michel Maulpoix’s collection, A Matter of Blue. “What He’s Used To” is the fourth featured song on the six-track EP. But if that’s not enough for you, listeners have the opportunity to watch the indie rocker perform live at the Knitting Factory on March 29th, in NYC. "Favorite Toy" - Tolliver We won’t be tolerating any sex shaming here with “Favorite Toy” by Tolliver. It’s the sex positive anthem that begs to be screamed in and outside of bedrooms. Tolliver spits fire in rapid succession within the chorus while a funky bassline encourages listeners to keep up with the song’s stamina. But most importantly, this single doesn’t believe in “cross[ing] the line” – and there’s nothing hotter than consensual sex. Our artist with Chicago roots currently handcrafts futuristic pop for listeners in Los Angeles. His blend of pop features elements of gospel, neo-soul, and funk. If you’re still craving Tolliver’s infectious personality, you should give his 2022 EP Daddyland a listen. You can also catch him in the 2023 thriller Fuzzy Head, which is now being streamed on multiple platforms. "Have My Way with You" - Jilian-Toreè This song is a must add to all late-night date night and WLW playlists. “Have My Way with You” by Jilian-Torrè is Sapphic R&B at its’ finest. Through a lullaby-like tune layered over transfixing beats, our Texas-based artist showers listeners in her unrestricted passion for women. Offering not only “pleasure [but] deep soul affection”. What I love the most about this single is how it defies toxic masculinity within WLW relationships, and in the overall queer community. In “Have My Way with You”, Torrè presents listeners with a masc lesbian completely comfortable and vulnerable in their expressions of love; no games are being played here. Torrè has a large collection of singles worth listening to, with "Is It Real" being their latest single. "Couple Goals" - Justy We’re not done with throwbacks from New York-based artists just yet though. “Couple Goals” by Justy, a queer Staten Island raised artist, takes listeners back to the 90s with a fusion of hip-hop and R&B. The lyrics in this track flow effortlessly alongside a grooving baseline. The single delivers a hard but warranted truth to listeners: emphasizing to not idolize the relationships projected on screens (both small and little). We live in the digital age where couples can “giv[e] lifetime” on social media but can be “tubi” behind closed doors. And it’s all done for the sake of keeping up appearances – or as Justy puts it, to “look good”. “Couple Goals” was not only independently written by our artist but produced by them as well. The single is set to be one of the tracks on our artist’s upcoming album. "SUNDAYSERVICE" - Timi O There’s no need to attend mass when you’ve got “SUNDAYSERVICE” by Timi O playing. This single is the latest addition to the Massachusetts native’s world establishing discography with himself as a compelling protagonist and storyteller. The visuals of this world are brought to fruition through regular collaboration with independent directors and filmmakers, Sabrina Roberts and Jacob Rodier. “SUNDAYSERVICE” marks the beginning of the journey of self-acceptance that starts with “giv[ing] up [being other people’s] idea of perfect” since we can barely "recognize" the person reflected in "the mirror". This matter-of-factly tone shifts midway into lush rapping grounded in self-accountability. If a freeform hip-hop sermon through your speakers isn’t enough for you, Timi O has an upcoming performance at the Crystal Ballroom on May 11th, in Somerville, MA. "Get Out" - Kindal Tate For those contending with their mental health, “Get Out” by Kindal Tate is a reminder that you’re not alone. The single is fueled with power; driven with the intention of creating a community based on collective experience. It’s difficult to recognize the connections we’ve established with others when there’s negative voices lingering in our heads. But Tate’s deterministic chorus aims to “get [them] out of [your] life”. The lo-fi alternative single accurately reflects the on-going battle between these voices of pessimism and the desire to simply be at peace. Ultimately, the California-based artist is a passionate mental health advocate. And through that advocacy, they serve to remind listeners that their struggles are seen, and there is a place for them to reside within the world. If you find yourself needing to more time to heal with Tate, more singles like "U" are just a click away. Outside of the eventual fallout between TikTok and UMG, music lovers were growing tired of larger artists. While there are a multitude of reasons, the one that stands out is the lack of authenticity. What I mean by lack of authenticity (and by extension what most people are getting at) is the emphasis on widespread appeal. When artists attempt to appeal to all listeners, the music they create becomes vague and nondescript. Music’s impact lies in its ability to capture various moods and experiences; and that diversity cannot accurately be expressed if it all sounds the same. With that being said, I hope you’ll share my zeal for the small artists crafting music through this historic moment. Not just because they’re creating bops, but because they’re committed to sharing their individuality in the hopes that it brings out ours. The best way to show your support is through virtual love in the form of likes, follows, and streams. But make sure you have enough zeal to share with all the artists we have featured on our Hidden Gems playlist, too! The playlist has 50+ songs on it by small black artists that amount to just a little under three hours of listening time. And please, if there’s an artist you feel we’ve left out don’t hesitate to send us a message! Written by Giavanna Gradaille Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Being haunted by your anxiety about the choices you’ve made is inescapable, and often it torments you for so long. Tally Spear’s new single “Here Comes the Rain” is an incredible representation of how difficult life can get when these fears take over and how they can get in the way of your accomplishments. The alt-rock fully takes over your emotions as you listen as Spear has created an anthem for those who are overcome with turmoil. The artistic choices “Here Comes the Rain” evoke the exact images one only sees in their head when they are in a similar state that Spear is in this song. “Here Comes the Rain” is a true enjoyment to consume and a great way to introduce yourself to Tally Spear’s artistry. The instant appeal of this song comes from the instrumentals. The opening riff is an earworm, and it has that classic pop-punk tone that fans of the genre always love to hear. The vocal effect used in the first verse adds that nostalgic tone to the song and it is a great way to open the track. What’s nice about the pre-chorus is the way it paints Spear’s emotional turbulence, as it builds up in energy. What really helps sell this narrative is Tally Spear’s vocal performance as it’s so diverse throughout the song and shows off Spear’s abilities. The way the chorus explodes amps up the energy one feels when listening to this song and motivates you to sing along. The combination of elements and styles we hear on this track make it an instant classic and truly does excite you. “Here Comes the Rain” is worth the listen and makes you feel good about what Tally Spear can do. Tally Spear is an artist based in London, who has been writing since she was a young girl. Besides music, she’s very passionate about animal activism and is very set on living a cruelty-free lifestyle. She has been credited for her talents in different publications such as BBC Radio1, Kerrang! and more. She has done very well, including selling out a headline show at the Paper Dress Vintage in London. She has also gotten the opportunity to write with well-known producers such as Mark Jackson and Ian Scott in Los Angeles. Tally Speat is certainly an interesting artist to come across as there is a lot about her music to like and it makes you want to discover more and more about what she is capable of. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW TALLY SPEAR: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Falling in love is a beautiful feeling to experience, but it can also be really scary. It's a life-changing moment that can leave a mark on you forever. Especially when you've been hurt before, sometimes it's hard to believe that anyone could love you in that unconditional way you're looking for; and when you finally do find someone who treats you right, you ask yourself, "is this too good to be true?". All you can think about is how you don't want this perfect feeling to ever go away. "Like That" by Keyes highlights that moment when you realize you're falling in love, but don't want to be hurt the way you have been before. The chorus exclaims "Why you treat me so good like that / There's no way out, I'm hostage in my feelings, and you know that / So don't let go of me". Written by a ghost writer, Keyes was handed this song to make her own. She came up with the melody and the unique soft-pop soundscape to match the incredible emotion within the lyrics. The instrumentation is minimalistic, but in a hauntingly stunning type of way, giving the vocals a chance to shine through. Keyes describes the sound as "hypnotic", which hypnotized is how most of us feel whenever we fall into this deep of a love with someone. "Like That" was perfectly crafted to embody this feeling of a new, exciting yet terrifying time that most of us will experience at least once in our lifetimes. It's a dreamy, ethereal type of song that will leave you in a trance. Keyes is a female producer and pianist from Melbourne, Australia. She has been playing piano ever since she was a little kid, but has found a passion in production. She has a home studio where she records with artists and she kicked off her production career in 2022 when she released her debut single, "Only You." Since then, she's done collaboration projects with artists like Jackie's Boy, Erin Pierson, Shelley Segal, and Marco $olo. "Like That" is Keyes' first release of 2024 and it's been released as an NFT to be collected on sound.xyz! Make sure to follow Keyes below to catch what she does next. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW KEYES: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

It's no secret that long-distance relationships can be really hard. It's even harder when someone isn't holding up their end of the bargain. We live in the age of a social media craze; the persona that we give ourselves online sometimes becomes more important than our real life - and that includes our relationships. So you can post on your Instagram story, but you can't even read the text I sent you two days ago? This is the type of situation Milena Galasso light-heartedly sings about in her single, "distant". You know when they're posting all their overly edited selfies of them having fun at parties, but they've ghosted you over DM, that the relationship might just be over for good. It's a sad world we live in where breakups now happen over a screen, but "distant" is a fun-loving pop bop that gives a terrible situation an upbeat song you can sing and dance along to. As someone who had gone through a similar experience herself, Milena wanted to make a track that pointed out how it's almost comical how silly this generation is that simply unfollowing someone on TikTok could mean the end of a relationship rather than saying it to someone's face. It's easier to hide behind a screen than to confront someone head-on, but that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. With a catchy chorus and influences from electro-pop and R&B styles, this radio worthy song deserves a spot on your personal playlists. Milena Galasso is an Italian/Sierbian singer-songwriter based in London, UK. Her music career began in 2022 with the release of her debut single, "Summerstorm" which currently has over 60,000 streams on Spotify! "distant" is the second single in anticipation for the release of Milena's debut EP set to release later this Spring, titled "i hope you're having fun" which was recorded at the Angel and Abbey Road Studios in London. If you love "distant", make sure to check out the leading single which came out earlier this year, "cold", a pop piano ballad about the aftermath of heartbreak. Milena also recently released a stunning acoustic cover of Nelly Furtado's classic song, "I'm Like a Bird". Make sure to follow Milena below to keep up with the latest updates for her upcoming EP. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW MILENA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

What is it that you specifically look for in a relationship? Communication? Loyalty? For me, I’d have to say trust. When you trust your partner, it can make navigating hard times easier and make the fun times even more exciting. However, when that trust is broken, it can make you start to see the kind of person your partner truly is. “Basement” is the latest single by singer and songwriter Hana Lili, and delves into a relationship navigating broken trust and lies. This song has an awesome backing track, only topped by its killer lyrics. The repeated phrase “friendly fires in the basement” is a great example of how Lili transforms her life experiences into song. It translates to how quickly a relationship can crumble because of deception and lies. Lili has a uniquely soft, yet powerful voice. It resembles artists like Holly Humberstone and Beabadoobee, and I love both of them, so I was immediately drawn in. There’s an almost powerfully haunting sound to this song. I think it’s pretty easy to get a feel for Lili’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions behind the song because of this. I also love her use of synth technology. During the song's opening, before she starts to sing, you hear this awesome use of a deep synth. It added an extra layer of depth to the song, and I think it worked well in the end. Hana Lili is an artist that I unfortunately had not had the pleasure of listening to before this. However, I can without a doubt say I’m a fan, now. Lili first started releasing music in 2021, with her debut single “Stay,” surpassing 300,000 streams on Spotify. Many of her songs surround topics such as relationships and heartbreak, which I love. And she likes to use an indie-rock style that I think works very well with the lyrics she writes. One big accomplishment Lili achieved was sharing the stage with Coldplay for their Music of Spheres world tour, which I think is super cool! I can see Lili going pretty far in this industry, and I plan to keep myself updated with every new release. Go stream “Basement” now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW HANA LILI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Multi-talented singer-songwriter NYA is here with her brand new single “Selfish Reason”! It's a story of love and grief, but also gratitude for the people that make your life worth living. In a YouTube video talking about the song, NYA says she dedicated this song to her sister, who has been asking NYA to write a song for her for years. We don’t know who she is singing this to, but it’s clear she has a deep, emotional connection to them. She’s giving them her selfish reasons to keep them from leaving her, and she reassures them that even though their heart might be barely beating, there’s still something to hold on to. In the chorus, she tells this person that she’s never had a connection like this before, and they’re the only person who knows about “all the stories, all the scars, [and] all the bad nights.” They’ve stood by NYA through thick and thin, and they’re her soulmate. She’s begging them to wake up out of this state that’s out of focus, and lying on a cold floor together can't be their last moment. After repeating the chorus again, she brings back the lyrics from the first verse. She recognizes that her reasons for staying may be selfish, but she needs this person nonetheless. The production on “Selfish Reason” is beautifully and meticulously crafted, and the attention to detail that is heard showcases the deep connection NYA has with this song. She has cited this song to be one of her most personal pieces she made, and that connection really shines through. This song has a bit of ballad feel, with a string orchestra infused throughout the song. As a string player myself, I pay extra close attention to the strings in a pop song. Often, the strings can sound too electronic and the tone quality is sacrificed, but this is not the case in “Selfish Reason.” The balance of each instrument in the orchestra is great, and the strings as a whole are balanced well with the rest of the instruments. The build of the song is so satisfying, as the climax point is in the interlude with the beautifully luscious guitar solo. It may seem weird that a guitar solo is included in a sad pop track if you haven’t heard it, but in my opinion, it’s the cherry on top of this already great track. NYA is effortlessly flexing her musicality, her confident voice, and her excellent songwriting skills, and listening to “Selfish Reason” is always a wonderful experience. Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter NYA has been one of the great additions to pop in the 21st century. Growing up in Tampa, Florida, she was accustomed to many genres of music in the vibrant city. Her music is a melting pot of different genres, featuring jazz, pop, alternative, R&B, and soul to create a sound that is unique to her. NYA has been consistently releasing music since 2017 with her debut single being “Let Go.” Since then, her 2021 single “HIGH” reached number 21 on the Mediabase National Adult Contemporary chart and number 26 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Not even a month later, her music video for her song “Won’t Pick Up The Phone” currently has over 7 million views on YouTube. NYA kept reaching new heights in 2022, when her single “Mother’s Daughter” reached number 22 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. In the same year, her song “The Real You” peaked at number 20 on the Mediabase National Adult Contemporary. Be prepared for a full length release from hear in the future, where she will certainly continue to impress us with her beautiful voice and her raw, authentic songwriting. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW NYA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website

This song, “Feels Like” by Dana Williams, is a soft pop song all about the mystery and uncertainty of life. Written about the many obstacles that life throws your way and how overwhelming it can feel to not know what you’re doing, Williams emphasizes in this song that this is how everyone feels like, and that the only way to live is to take those moments of struggle and understand the joy that’s waiting on the other side. With lyrics like “but I’m grateful for this life’s funny way of breaking and healing” and “wish it was natural, how do I know what it feels like?”, this song perfectly captures the relatability of these feelings, while also capturing the isolation of them as well. It’s easy to think that everyone else somehow understands life better than you, or have managed to be more successful than you, but really, everyone is just finding their own way the best they can. “Feels Like” is a mellow, bedroom/alt-pop song that consists mainly of understated instrumentals to foreground Dana Williams’ soothing vocals. Starting off with a simple guitar melody, the song almost lulls you in, relaxing you before the first verse starts and Williams slides in. The chorus continues the same tune, but with an added dream-like quality that picks up a little in pace as the song goes on. The tension reaches a peak in this song about two-thirds of the way through, with the bridge and the increased intensity in music, before coasting out to a smooth finish in the last twenty seconds. Overall, this song manages to convey such complicated emotions about the confusion of life while maintaining a beautiful and soothing melody, creating an intriguing contradiction that will leave everyone coming back for more! Dana Williams is an Alt-pop, R&B singer whose jazzy, soothing voice has garnered hundreds of thousands of listeners on streaming platforms over the course of her music career. Raised in a musical household, with her father being a famous guitarist who performed on tracks such as Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Dana Williams grew up surrounded by and loving music. She released her first EP, “The Lonely One,” in 2014, and her second EP quickly in 2015. Overall, she’s released over 25 singles, with her latest EP, “Talk Therapy,” coming out in June of 2023. This song, “Feels Like,” is the latest song she’s shared with her eager fans, and has already been met with very positive and excited reception. Use the links below to explore and listen to more of her amazing music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Dana Williams: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube