Change is scary, especially when you are growing up. As you grow, you mature and develop different mindsets and outlooks on life. Grace Abel, an up-and-coming singer and songwriter, released a song recently about change and embracing new journeys and life experiences. This song was incredibly impactful, and I found myself relating to it more than I thought I would. “Girl I Used To Know” is a beautiful anthem to people trying to embrace newer versions of themselves, and letting go of their past so they can look ahead. I think the repetition of the lyric “When will she die?” is so strong, and had me reflecting for a while. I think everything worked great together. Abel’s voice to me sounds like a unique blend of Phoebe Bridgers and Billie Eilish, it’s absolutely stunning and very healthy-sounding. I think most songs I’ve listened to that center around a topic like this are usually pretty upbeat. However, I think the pace and tone of this song work even better. It’s moody and hits you in the feels, which I appreciate. I also want to give special mention to the lyrics, which were probably my favorite thing about this song. It sounds almost like poetry, in a way. I was able to interpret the emotions Abel poured into this song solely through her lyrics, which is an accomplishment all on its own. Grace Abel is still fairly new to the scene, but is bound to make a lasting impact with her art. She began releasing music in 2023, with her debut single “Ghost Of You” racking up over 120,000 streams! Since then, she has released six other songs, each one just as good as the last. Consistency is key, and Abel has absolutely mastered that. The Pennsylvania-born singer hopes to inspire the world with her music, and send good vibes to all of her listeners. I think Abel has had a pretty solid start to her career, and I think she’s going to go very far. Go stream “Girl I Used To Know” now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW GRACE ABEL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok

This is the type of high-energy track I enjoy listening to and reviewing the most. By pairing hyper-groovy melodies with a powerfully optimistic message, CATDADDY has created a sound within SUPERPOWER that is undeniably pleasant to the ears. This track is a call to arms for listeners to embrace their self-worth by unleashing their "SUPERPOWER" on the world – a sentiment that is epitomized in the line "take back your superpower". The duo combine their superpowers (pun fully intended) with gifted percussionist, Armando Baeza, to provide fans with an absolute banger on their hit song SUPERPOWER. Kick off the weekend on a high note by giving this song a listen (or 10) in order to boost the vibes on a Friday night. SUPERPOWER starts out strong with a four-on-the-floor drum beat and some plucky guitar before giving listeners' ears a first taste of CATDADDY's silky vocal range. As the instrumentation escalates, we hear some funky guitar chops and slap bass, further accompanied by more percussion and an overall electric energy. As the song continues to build, the audience is kept on edge with new and refreshingly original sections in SUPERPOWER 's arrangement. The vocal tracks are highlighted throughout the mix, blending harmonic vocal stacks with fun lead lines and ad-libs. Throughout the entirety of the tune, a groovy bassline continues to drive along – adding weight to an already sensational rhythm section. The song is a beautiful demonstration of how to have pure fun making music. You can feel CATDADDY's personality shine through during their performance and I find it very hard for anyone listening to refrain from tapping their feet or nodding their head along to this ditty's intoxicating beat. CATDADDY is a pop-funk super-duo comprised of Miami-based artists Aidan Paul and Leonardo Bacan. Both Paul and Bacan are multi-faceted talents who self-compose and self-produce their infectious brand of hyper-addictive music that is best described as being a sonic amalgamation of funk, pop, and electronic. The tandem is kicking off 2024 in style with the drop of their much-anticipated third single, SUPERPOWER – a precursor for the release of their CATDADDY EP, which is set to come out later this year. The pair give credit to Daft Punk, Parcels, and Hall & Oates for inspiring the "disco-soul" sound fans have come to love them for. Paul and Bacan are no strangers to the limelight, having already been featured on The Songwriter Radio Show, WWAM, PopHits New, Mesmerized Magazine, and Sinusoidal Music. Bravo boys, keep pumping out more heaters for us fans to bop along to! Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW CATDADDY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | Website

Unrequited love is often considered a universal human experience, destroying the hearts of many along the way. Caleb Kopta explores the intricacies of the complex feelings that accompany this experience in his newest single, "Outta My Head." The track takes a deep dive into the frustration that arises from chasing after something unobtainable, noting what it's like to long for something out of reach. Marking six years since the artist's debut, "Outta My Head" shows Kopta emerging from personal struggles of depression and heartbreak with a newfound, admirable strength and resilience. Caleb Kopta creates the perfect indie-rock/pop-rock sound in "Outta My Head," seamlessly blending modern and nostalgic elements to make the track timeless. The single is captivating from start to finish, featuring a lush soundscape comprised of 80s-inspired synths and drums, groovy bass lines, and bright guitar riffs. Kopta's commanding voice steals the show with a vocal quality similar to Brandon Flowers, Harry Styles, and David Le'aupepe. Unapologetically indie, "Outta My Head" would fare well in a playlist alongside acts like The Killers, Inhaler, and Gang of Youths, making the energetic track essential for fans of the genre. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Caleb Kopta has been steadily building an impressive career as a singer-songwriter and producer. He prides himself on honing his nostalgic sound, effortlessly mixing elements of contemporary pop with classic rock. Kopta draws inspiration from the rock superstars of the 70s and 80s, using their influence to shape his voice and pave his way within the modern alternative rock scene. Having achieved a great deal since his debut, Kopta has garnered a quarter of a million streams and has shared the stage with acts like White Reaper, Punchline, Michigander, and Parachute. The artist is regularly compared to icons like Bruce Springsteen, Bleachers, and The Killers, speaking to his nuanced sound. Some of Kopta's popular releases include "Foreign Language," "Kids," and "Anything." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW CALEB KOPTA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

This song, “Little White Pills” by Cloe Wilder, is a soft pop song all about struggling with depression and never knowing when or if you’re going to feel better. Written by Wilder about her own difficult relationship with antidepressants, this song shows both the hopelessness and the hopefulness that comes with the battle of fighting depression. You can see this in lyrics such as “I was spilling my guts on the floor of your apartment” and “I think I’ve finally found the light again”, emphasizing the emotional ups and downs that everyone faces. Overall, this song is very relatable, because no matter what state you’re in now or how content you are with your life, everyone has at one point in time felt hopeless. Part of the beauty of life is that nothing is certain, and to really experience joy, you have to know what it means to feel empty too. “Little White Pills” is an understated bedroom pop song that really emphasizes Cloe Wilder’s vocals and lyricism. The song starts immediately with an introduction rendition of the chorus, Wilder’s soft voice accompanied by mellow instrumentals. The first verse takes up after this, with the addition of an undercurrent beat, framing the song but not overpowering the melody. The next chorus keeps up that little bit of added intensity, before fading out a little bit again in the second verse. By the end of the song, the last repeat of the chorus picks up the pace for that last beat of tension before coming to a stop. Overall, Cloe Wilder’s voice shines in this song, with the harmonization and the softness proving that an understated melody can be just as impactful as high notes and volume. Cloe Wilder is a young, indie-pop singer songwriter who’s ready to make a name for herself in the world of pop music. Her strengths lie in her lyricism and her ability to tell a very relatable story with a catchy melody, making it clear why she’s been compared to a Floridian young Taylor Swift. Cloe Wilder also credits other artists like Lana Del Rey and Bon Iver as inspirations, which you can hear in the poignancy and the lyricism of some of her songs like “House by the Water.” Her first single, “Crying When I Shouldn’t”, was written and released when she was a teenager in 2020, and she’s released several more songs since then, including her album Teenage Lullabies  in 2021. “Little White Pills” is her latest release, and you can use the links below to check out more of her music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Cloe Wilder: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

“Little Bit Better” becomes just that after each listen.  Caleb Hearn offers this piece as an uplifting ballad without neglecting the existence of hard times.  It’s a love song, simple and pure and focused on reflecting the beauty of that.  Displaying how someone improving your life even slightly earns them adornment.  Having hard times, independently or due to issues in the relationship, with someone you love is always easier than alone.  As it seems to be in this case, these difficult periods may even strengthen the affection already present.  Hearn expresses a life unknowingly lived in black and white until this person came into it.  Maybe she can’t erase problems, but she can make dealing with them an act of love instead of struggle.   The song begins with a chorus of singing, implying the themes of community and support found in the lyrics, over a peaceful strumming of acoustic guitar.  Caleb introduces his love with the story of it, stating “I met somebody” first.  Even though he speaks of her in the third person, the intimacy with which he sings and the honesty of his words make it feel as if he’s singing to her.  His voice is warm, down to earth, making the song that much more meditative.  His description of all her incredible qualities leads into the chorus, “Even when it’s hard with you, it’s a little bit, little bit better”  which is sung by both ROSIE and Hearn.  ROSIE’s feature follows this, singing from her perspective with the same story and emotions involved in it.  The piece ends as both come together for another rendition of the touching chorus.   Caleb Hearn grew up in the small town of Mount Airy, NC.  He was surrounded by their population of 10k until 2020 when Tiktok offered him a much, much larger audience.  One of his early releases “Always Be” caught the ear of the platform's listeners quickly and his followers there, as well as his listeners on Spotify, skyrocketed overnight.  He was noticed first and praised still for the incredible intimacy and truthfulness he offers in each new single, each feeling more personal than the last and offering a look into who he is.  Rather than being a disconnected creator, Caleb Hearn pours himself into his work.  Get to know him by following him below or streaming simply one of his songs.   Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW CALEB HEARN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Gabriela Bee is back with her highly anticipated single “I WANT A HEARTBREAK.” Gabriela delves into her own insecurities of wanting to feel the full range of emotions that come with a heartbreak. She starts off the song diving right into this, alluding to the fact that she feels almost numb - “but it’s not like I need a reason/to try a new set of vibes.” She longs for these dramatic feelings that come from the heartbreak that she isn’t getting. In the first pre-chorus, she sings “I’ve heard it’s better to love and lose.” Gabriela tells the listeners that she longs for a real love and wants to learn heartbreak the hard way: she wants “the good, the bad, the worst.” She can’t even relate the sad songs she listens to “when the singer is dying inside/cause I don’t relate to relationships sinking.” This is a twisted take on the feelings that come with heartbreak, as most people would love to be able to move on and be indifferent. Yet, Gabriela wants these feelings. Gabriela has a really defined sound in this song. Generally speaking, it is an alt-pop track with a hint of dream pop in it. Her sound is similar to artists like Tate Mcrae and Dove Cameron, with heavy synths that give this beautiful, dreamy feel. This song sonically, much like a heartbreak, is like a rollercoaster. There are moments of peace and calm, while the next there’s a 50 foot drop, taking you back. In the verses, there’s generally a calmer vibe, but Gabriela flexes her impressive lower range. The choruses, however, are more intense, that aso feature her powerful vocals and her impressive songwriting. The lyrics blend incredibly well with the production, and the rhythmic delivery of the lyrics make it so catchy. Gabriela Bee is a 17 year old singer, actress, and a content creator. She first got her start on Vine with her family at only 6 years old. From there, her family created the YouTube channel The Bee Family, which currently has over 10 million subscribers and over 3 billion views across their videos. She has also branched off to make her own YouTube channel, where she has been posting covers for over 4 years. Music has been a passion for Gabriela since she was born. Gabriela has performed at Wembley Arena, music festivals, and even toured with Walk off the Earth. With this single alone, she has shown off her strong songwriting capabilities, her amazing vocals, and her passion for creating quality music. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW GABRIELA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

South London pop artist Cheska Moore just released "Narcissist" as the prelude to her debut EP, Self Loathing Narcissist, that also came out this month. The dark pop anthem explores toxic relationships and when two people bring out the worst in each other, fueling a cycle of blame and projection. The deeply introspective song is a way for Moore to call out this guy and also open up about her own narcissistic and self-loathing tendencies. With light, airy vocals and an ominous synth soundscape, Moore takes on a sound inspired by the likes of Billie Eilish, Melanie Martinez, and Dove Cameron. If you enjoy this track, make sure to check out the rest of Self Loathing Narcissist. In "Narcissist," Moore explores the dark, toxic side of a relationship with a production that feels just as eerie and dramatic. Here, she boldly reflects on the pain of dating a narcissist with lines like "Self-confessed / Fucking narcissist" and "Villain or misunderstood / Blaming you just like I should." In the depths of this vengeful lyricism, however, she also notices these tendencies within herself and how much she enjoys being part of this cycle. She conveys this with lines like "And I know you're talking 'bout me / just the same" and "I could be your new obsession / Silly boy learn your lesson." With intimate, sultry vocals and intense synth production, Moore has crafted an exceptional alt-pop track that brings listeners deep into the relationship she sings of. Cheska Moore is a South London-based rising alt-pop artist known for her unfiltered songwriting and complex sound. She brings vulnerability into her work and is not afraid to get explicit, as heard in this recent track, "Narcissist." Debuting in 2019 with her first single, "Boy Who Tried," she has been constantly finding and improving her sound with each release. It is no wonder that five years later, she has already earned over 74 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. You can also also keep up with all the latest information on Cheska Moore and her music by clicking the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW CHESKA MOORE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Even in the healthiest and most loving relationships, it is natural to overthink and worry. Sometimes, it's the relationships like these that the nerves are the most common in. You can see how important your partner and their love is to you, and you find yourself constantly worried and hoping that they will stay by your side. This phenomenon is exactly what Kid Travis sings about in his new track, titled “Rust”. The single was released in the beginning of February, and has already amassed almost 100,000 streams on Spotify. Clearly, the rest of Kid Travis’ listeners can relate to these feelings. The song itself is upbeat and electronic, with a backing soundscape full of a twinkling melody similar to a wind up doll. The production includes echoing tracks of his voice in the background, which adds harmonies and emotions. Despite the upbeat instrumentation, the lyrics are a mix of Travis professing his apprehension and also professing his love. He switches between the two topics quickly, giving his listeners the same kind of whiplash that he himself is going through. His first verse talks a lot about his fretfulness and stress regarding the relationship, and how he desperately hopes she won’t leave him. He feels “nauseous” and “insane” with this overthinking. In the chorus, he sings, “I love you way too much / Don’t leave me in the dust / Girl, I just hope our love don’t turn to rust”, which is where the title of this track comes from. He prays that she won’t leave him, and that the wonderful love they have will not dissipate. Kid Travis hails from Philadelphia, and his city upbringing certainly shines through in his music. His soundscape is fast-paced, upbeat, and electronic, something that can only be found in the depths of a city. He has over 400k subscribers on his YouTube channel, on which he posts original music and covers. In his time in the music industry, he has been recognized and praised by huge artists in his genre, like Post Malone, Dominic Fike, and Bryson Tiller. He is a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer, demonstrating his love for music through the hard work he puts into each and every release. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more releases from Kid Travis. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW KID TRAVIS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Photo Creds: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy If you know me at all, then you know that I consider Taylor Swift a revolutionary. So when I turned on the GRAMMYs, fully expecting Swift to announce reputation (Taylor’s Version) , you can probably imagine my shock when she announced a whole new album! The Tortured Poets Department  is set to be Swift's 11th studio album, and fans immediately began theorizing what the vibe of the album could possibly be following the announcement. There are plenty of theories and easter eggs to go over, so let’s get right into it! The Album's Title So one big theory for this album is that it will be heavily centered on Taylor Swift’s past relationship with ex Joe Alwyn. Swift and Alwyn were together for six years before they broke up not long after The Eras Tour began. Their breakup made headlines, and stirred a lot of questions surrounding what the reason behind it may have been. Well, fans are hoping this album answers some of their questions, starting with the album’s name. Fans speculate that The Tortured Poets Department  could be in reference to a group chat Joe Alwyn is a part of. Alwyn, along with fellow actors Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott, share a group chat titled “The Tortured Man Club.” Coincidence? I think not. But, I look forward to finding out if this connection is, in fact, true. The Vibe Throughout the years, Swift has changed up her style of music on more than one occasion. Starting in the country-scene, she then transitioned to a more pop-like style. Then, as Folklore  and Evermore  hit the shelves during the pandemic, we got to hear Swift explore a more moody and poetic style of writing. And then she released Midnights , which let us experience Swift’s synth-pop skills. So the only question remaining is… what’s next? Fans theorized for a while that TPD  would have a synth-pop vibe like Midnights did, but I don’t necessarily agree with that.  If our theories are correct, and this is an album where we hear Swift saying goodbye to her relationship with Alwyn, I can only imagine TPD  is going to have a similar sound to Folklore or Evermore . I’m expecting for it to be moody as she sings about her heartbreak and the events that led up to that, but also uplifting as Swift sings about acceptance and new love. However, Swift could completely surprise us and give us something we were not at ALL expecting. But a Folklore/Evermore style album seems the most likely to me. Photo Creds: Beth Garrabant The Track List Fortnight (feat. Post Malone) The Tortured Poets Department My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys Down Bad So Long, London But Daddy I Love Him Fresh Out the Slammer Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine) Guilty as Sin? Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) loml I Can Do It With a Broken Heart The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived The Alchemy Clara Bow Bonus: The Manuscript Bonus: The Bolter Bonus: The Albatross This track list has me so excited, a big reason being that the titles alone hold so many hidden messages! Along with the main track list, Swift will be releasing three separate versions of TPD , each with a different bonus song! Maybe at some point, Swift will release a deluxe edition with all of the bonus songs, but for now, they are exclusive to their respective variations. Now, let’s go over what some of these songs could be about! So Long, London Swift tends to have an ongoing theme with each of her albums, and that is making the fifth track the most raw and vulnerable one in the set. Some notable track five hits include “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” from Red (Taylor’s Version) , “tolerate it” from Evermore , and “Delicate” from reputation . And based on the track list, the song titled “So Long, London” appears to be the next one. There’s an incredibly high chance that “So Long, London” will center around the end of Swift’s relationship with Joe Alwyn.  Alwyn, a British actor, grew up in London, and was the inspiration behind a slew of different songs on both reputation  and Lover . Most of her songs dedicated to Alwyn are heartwarming and lighthearted, giving us a good glimpse into their seemingly happy relationship with one another. But many fans believe that this song will center around the end of their relationship, and the emotions Swift felt following the breakup. All I know, at least, is that I’m expecting this to be a big tear-jerker. Photo Creds: Christopher Polk/NBC/Getty Images Clara Bow Like some of you could probably relate, I did not know who Clara Bow was prior to doing research on this album. Turns out, she is someone who could have been a big inspiration for the album itself! Clara Bow was a 1920’s silent film star, and caught the attention of many very quickly, donning the title “The It Girl.” She dealt with many mental health issues in her life, but to the naked eye, seemed to be the picture of joy and happiness. I like to think, and it would seem that fans agree, that “Clara Bow” is going to center around Swift’s relationship with fame, and how the cost of fame could lead to poor mental health. Others have also pointed out that this song could share some kind of connection with Swift’s song “Gorgeous” from her album reputation . This is mainly thanks to a lyric that reads “Whisky on ice, Sunset and Vine,” Sunset and Vine being the location of Bow’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart One can imagine that following a breakup, you’d want time to grieve. So when Swift went ahead and continued her tour, I’ll admit I was a little surprised. That being said, it made fans start to wonder if the song “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” will center around Swift continuing to tour following the breakup. Now listen, Swift is one of the best people I have seen perform live. She will perform rain or shine, happy or sad, hot or cold… so the fact that she went ahead and continued touring makes me think this song will be an uplifting and empowering hit. But Daddy I Love Him Fans of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) may recall how some songs like “Style” and “Out of the Woods” share some nods to her past relationship with Harry Styles. And a song on TPD may actually be about him as well! “But Daddy I Love Him,” which is a line from the classic Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid, is theorized to be about Styles because of a shirt he once wore with the line written on it. The movie was also released in 1989, which is another crazy coincidence!. We can only wait and see what this song could be about, but I think this is an interesting theory. Photo Creds: Taylor Hill/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Mana Post Malone and Florence + The Machine I was super excited when it was revealed that Post Malone and Florence + The Machine would both be featured on this album! Malone’s announcement surprised me, honestly, but it was definitely a pleasant surprise! His song with Swift, “Fortnight,” is the first one on the track list, and fans think it could be another Joe Alwyn inspired hit. The word “fortnight” is a British term that you don’t hear used often in America. And a fortnight is a period of time that lasts two weeks, so maybe this song will center around the final two weeks of Swift and Alwyn’s relationship. I just about screamed when I saw Florence + The Machine would be featured. I’m a massive fan, and I think their style would blend nicely with Swift's, so it makes sense they would make a song together. “Florida!!!” is a song also believed to be about Alwyn. If you remember, news surrounding their breakup went public on April 8. Following the news, Swift was set to continue her tour in Tampa, Florida, where she actually swapped the song “Invisible String” for “The 1” during the Folkore  section. “Invisible String” is a song with many references to Alwyn, so it makes sense why she swapped it out, and only makes me further believe “Florida!!!” will center around Alwyn as well. ell. The Bonus Tracks I got to say, Swift’s bonus tracks are on a completely different level. Fans can expect at least three bonus track songs, including “The Manuscript,” “The Bolter,” and “The Albatross.” “The Manuscript” was listed on the album’s first variation, and is thought to be a play on the words “the man you script.” I like to think that it will center around how people may view Swift’s life as “scripted.”  “The Bolter” was announced with the album’s second variation, and fans seem to think it will be another Alwyn-centered song. However, a bolter is defined as “an outsider in a contest or race,” so that makes me think it may be about Swift succeeding in life despite what others may think. Finally, “The Albatross” is set to be included in the album’s third variation. If you don’t know what an albatross is, it’s a bird that can fly without landing for six years. This is crazily enough just how long Swift and Alwyn’s relationship lasted. So, if there was any bonus track that would be about him, it would without a doubt be this one. The Tortured Poets Department is bound to be a lyrical masterpiece. With an incredible track list, some emotional themes, and absolutely GORGEOUS album art, I’m not sure if my heart can wait much longer for it to be released. But getting to theorize about the theme of the album is always super fun, and makes waiting for the initial release more bearable. Swifties, if you haven’t already marked your calendars, The Tortured Poet’s Department is set to release on April 19. I know we’re all excited, but hang in there! I think we are all going to witness some incredible things upon its release. I can’t wait. Written By Isabel Mays Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

“If The Shoe Fits” offers an introspective view into a person’s self-reflective journey post-breakup. In the aftermath of a messy breakup, nothing looks as put together and healthy as they once seemed. Your mind gravitates towards a reflective healing journey, your relationship had more flaws than you initially believed. Your ex’s behavior during and after your breakup has shown you their true colors to which you were once blind to. Past comforts offer little solace anymore as you realize they are tainted by your ex’s existence. Their constant prodding does little to sway your feelings as you stand firm in abandoning places like your favorite bar. Little things you once did with them taint other experiences. As you move forward, however, you come to understand how much better life is. You could and always can do better than them, no matter what your feelings may throw at you. Click here to listen to "If The Shoe Fits"! “If The Shoe Fits” is an alt indie rock anthem which offers many different working elements to bring this piece together. One of the most standout aspects of this piece is the consistent background vocals. These “ooo’s” almost serve as another instrument for everything to build itself around. Each section change, such as the bridge, changes tone based on the vocals. The instrumentation follows closely behind as everything. The guitar riffs are another noticeable aspect, as they feel reminiscent of early 2000s summer hits. It introduces us to an energetic and invigorating experience to follow along with the narrator’s self reflective journey. The Cliffords are an indie rock and pop band from Cork, Ireland. The five member band has made a name for itself through both their impressive live performance catalog and their social media presence. They are known for performing in various venues both in Ireland and in other countries. They have performed in venues such as Cyprus Avenue, Tangle around and Upstart Festival, and Dolans. In 2022, they first exploded in popularity when they won the UCC battle of the bands. They uniquely incorporate elements such as trumpets into their indie rock and pop music, adding to their talented charm. Make sure to follow them on social media and give “If The Shoe Fits” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW THE CLIFFORDS: Instagram | Spotify

Seasonal metaphors are reliable appeals to human experience: sensory, universal, and broad. With spring on the horizon, we are once again reminded of stepping into the returning warmth and basking in new experience. On her new single, indie-pop singer/songwriter Lauren Minear reckons with past experiences through gentle reflection and uplifting optimism. "The Sun" is a breezy, indie-pop meditation on self-worth. The lax verses sprout a meadow of fingerpicked guitar and drum machine, Minear speaking earnestly to her younger self. The NYC-based artist applies the naturalistic approach of folk arrangement to this pop-centric structure. The choral bridge sounds almost hymnal, instilling uplifting affirmations with whirling instrumentation. As it rises back into the sunny chorus, "The Sun" blossoms into a lush expression of security and pride. As with the other songs on Minear's forthecoming album, "The Sun" passes poetic wisdom to anyone needing support (including herself, past and present). "Don't ever let it fade, / just trust who you are," she recites like a charm. She sings to moments in which we might let our stars dim, whether that's because something stands in our way or we let insecurity cloud our mind. "You are the sun," she sings with warmth and clarity, "don't need anyone to save you." The sound and structure is squarely pop, but Minear's folk sensibilities shine through the universal truth and simplicity of these centerpiece lyrics. An image as richly explored in art as the sun could seem cliché in the hands of a lesser writer, but Minear deftly deploys its ubiquitous nature as a center of gravity for the song's broader themes. When she affirms us with its image, every listener can feel its warmth. Coming off the darkness of winter, Lauren Minear is embracing the coming spring with the singles for her sophomore album. "The Sun" is the third single teasing towards the forthcoming record, titled Chasing Daylight . The Nashville artist released the title track back in January, showing the broad depth of her folk-pop spirit. Throughout the writing process, Minear states that she had been deciding between pursuing music full-time and returning to her day job as a psychotherapist. The resulting record finds motivation and warmth in universal affirmations and observations. While Minear has not announced an official release date, Chasing Daylight is set to release later this spring. It follows her 2022 debut album, Invisible Woman. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW Lauren Minear: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Isa Mari has just released her second single “Three Four Five”. This track is all about accidentally catching feelings for that certain somebody you have a casual relationship with, placing labels upon something that hasn’t even fully bloomed just yet. This ever-prominent “situationship” is defined by a back-and-forth, push-and-pull between two people, tinged with uncertainty and passion without a name. “Three Four Five” highlights the snowballing effect that situationships can have, when one time turns into two, and then three, four, five, and so on and so on. With beautiful vocals combined with soft instrumentals, this track manages to merge tentative romance and relationship-related ambivalence into one catchy song. I think what I loved most about “Three Four Five” is the seamless way the songwriting flows from chorus into verse– there’s a really smooth transition for each part of the song that becomes entwined with the song’s soundscape, just barely perceptible over Mari’s amazing vocals. The instrumentals lend themselves superbly to these transitional sections, as the synth grows gently while Mari sings “I thought that it’d be one time with you” each time the chorus comes around. Emphasizing that soft and sensual mood, the instrumentals underpin the wandering, pondering motion of the song’s lyrics; we’re brought along for the ride in this situationship, and while those tend to be imbued with countless ups and downs, we also get the exciting undertones of said situationship. “Three Four Five” really brings out the aspect of “catching feelings” in a situationship by focusing its vibe on that sensual pop tone, and I think that by paralleling that against its songwriting, tentative and unknowing, we get a lovely representation of what it feels like to be stuck in that situationship loop of yes-no-I-don’t-know. Miami-born singer-songwriter Isa Mari got her start while attending Berklee College of Music. While in Boston, she gained some unique opportunities, such as performing with music industry veteran Gabrielle Goodman and perfecting her songwriting with GRAMMY and Emmy award-winning songwriter and producer David “Swagg R’Celious” Harris. She’s also been a finalist in the Atlantic Records’ Emerge competition and has since then moved to Los Angeles, where she’s been mentored by twelve time nominated GRAMMY vocalist Ledisi. Mari’s debut single “Forget Me” dropped in 2023, and was included on TREBEL’s Today’s Hits R&B playlist. “Three Four Five” is her second single– if you enjoyed her evocative storytelling and beautiful vocals, follow Mari to keep track of what’s coming next for her! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW ISA MARI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | SoundCloud