Songs resembling a dreamlike quality — blurred instrumentation in a transient collage of sound — often are described as 'kaleidoscopic.' There's a sharpness to singer/songwriter EÐÐIE's latest single, "Melatonin Medicine," that might evade the kaleidoscope interpretation upon first listen. Rather than containing the ethereal softness of dreams, the funk-pop anthem is the cascading of a restless mind on the verge of drifting to sleep. The Nothing But A Nightmare frontman harnesses the glossy romanticism of retro pop and rock influences, such as Queen, Bowie and Prince, in a timeless, dancepop reverie. The immaculate production filters the flurry of guitars, drum machine, background vocals and synths through the space like a funhouse of pop music's past and present. But it's EÐÐIE's vocal performance that steal the show, demonstrating his jaw-dropping range and control. When he soars into a show-stopping high note at the two-minute mark ("I'd rather be ignorant"), it's a moment of pure bliss among his restless desires. Not a hint of drowsiness in "Melatonin Medicine," the titular sleep-aid has yet to kick in. Instead, EÐÐIE portrays the deliriousness of fighting an active mind on the verge of sleep. "All I want is to feel a little better," he opens the song with. It's a seemingly simple desire to express, but "Melatonin Medicine" sees the artist's body and mind conflicted on what that means. "Melatonin medicine, put me to sleep," he pleads like a spell. But with complicated love in the foreground of his mind, rest feels like the last thing possible. "All I want is to totally forget her," he exclaims, though indubitably unconvinced, "call her on the phone while I'm counting sheep." Some images and memories filter through in a fragmented blur ("Get your hair done, car ride, waited for you all night," he recalls). As the song warps through a phaser in the closing seconds, we see his active mind drift into the sleep he was so desperate for. Based in Pennsylvania, EÐÐIE began fronting the band, Nothing But A Nightmare. The rock band went on to release three albums, with their final LP, The Salvation , releasing in 2022. Since then, singer/songwriter and bassist EÐÐIE has shifted his focus to his solo career, which began in 2021 with his debut album, Lowly Throne . The following year, EÐÐIE released a live album featuring all 11 songs from his debut. In 2024, the indie artist plans to release his sophomore album, Grieving Hour . "Melatonin Medicine" and previous single "The Spark" will be featured on this forthcoming record, which releases on March 15th. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW EÐÐIE: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | Facebook  | YouTube

The guitar begins strumming and the listener feels themselves settling into this emotional prism that is “Addicted. The narrator feels a devotion to the pain the relationship brings. The music is all-encompassing as the narrator opens their wounds to show the listener the pain that they have subjected themselves to. Bamford’s airy vocals feel emblematic as if to signify the fragility of the narrator and are marvelously paired with the somber feel that the guitar crafts for the listener. Bamford sings “I’m addicted to the pain”, the emphasis placed on the word “pain” highlights the main emotion felt by the narrator, the worst kind of pain, self-inflicted. The lyrics resonate with me as a listener and persuade me to consider a time when I, too, was plagued by self-induced pain concerning a relationship. Click here to listen to "Addicted"! “We were so high, but you were above me” clues the listener into the fact that the narrator held the lover in question in higher regard than themselves. At the height of the narrator’s realizations of the toxicity that is this love, the electric guitar glides in to sharpen the mood and awaken the listener to the emotional turmoil that is afoot. “I don’t know if it’s wrong or right, to feel what I’m feeling” shows how the narrator is still grappling with the gravity of this situation at hand . The narrator pulls us in deeper with the lyrics “Forget how to breathe, feel like I’m sinking”. This imagery forces the listener to symbolically also sink with the narrator and to connect on a personal level. The uncertainty of relationships can undoubtedly cause one to feel as though they are sinking, as if reality as they know it has forever been altered due to an off-putting experience with a former lover. Bamford is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist as well as photographer. Though she now calls New York her home, Liverpool is where she was both born and grew up as well as established herself as a musician. She moved to NYC in 2018 and has been leaving her mark in North America as well ever since. In her bio she also proudly proclaims herself to be a “cat mum.” Her musical style is described as Lo-fi, Indie, Dream Pop with her crediting artists such as Phoebe Bridgers as inspiration. Her vocals have a soft vulnerability to them that allows the audience to truly deeply connect with her lyrics. Bamford currently has over 1700 followers on Facebook, 187 YouTube subscribers, as well as over 1900 followers on Instagram. You can catch Bamford on tour starting February 22nd in New York. If you find yourself “Addicted” to Bamford’s voice as I have, you can follow her journey on all of her socials below. Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW SHANNEN BAMFORD: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Typically, the romance songs I indulge myself in center around topics such as heartbreak, deception, and unrequited love. However, that does not mean that I don’t like to listen to songs praising  love! And I think I’ve found the perfect song for all of you love-sick romantics out there. “psychic” is the latest release by up-and-coming artist Lenox Monroe, and is sure to get you in a romantic mood. The song centers around a lover who seemingly always knows what to say at the right moment, and how they seemingly always know what their partner wants to say before they even get a chance to say it themselves. It even has a similar sound and vibe to the music that artists such as Camilla Cabello and Ariana Grande would write. It was refreshing, and I loved getting to listen to it! I think for only having one other released song under her belt, Lenox Monroe shows a lot of promise! I even found myself dancing around my tiny apartment, blasting the song on my TV, and just enjoying every second of it. I think one of Lenox’s strong suits is undoubtedly her songwriting skills. She managed to convey the giddy feeling of being in love in an amazing way. “‘Cause boy I know you like it / How I’m a psychic / I read your mind when you look at me.” I also think that Lenox has an incredibly healthy voice that adds a lot of depth and emotion to the song! I’m surprised she hasn’t been discovered sooner!  Lenox Monroe is new to the scene, but has a lot going for her already! Lenox first got her start in music at the age of 12, when she took private classical voice lessons. And throughout middle and high school, she involved herself in musical theater and choir. She began writing her own music when she attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, MI. She would write songs and send them to her best friend, who would encourage her to continue. After her friend died in a car accident in 2018, however, she continued to write music in honor of her. Now, she has two songs released on Spotify, including “psychic,” and she plans to release much, much more. I’m excited to watch her grow as an artist, and I cannot wait to hear what she releases next. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW LENOX MONROE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Kelly Vargas’ most recent release, “Crush” was released on Valentine's Day and certainly lives up to the holiday. The song itself mimics the feeling of falling in love- a quiet and nervous start, then slowly gaining speed, confidence, and knowledge before exploding into the chorus, where Vargas declares that she is in fact crushing. It is upbeat and enticing, drawing the listener in with her emotive and sultry voice. This track is relatable and fun, highlighting a part of the human experience that everyone can understand. The song was created by a team of all women (girl power), with Vargas at the helm as singer, songwriter, producer, and mixer. My personal favorite part of this song is the difference in her lyrics as the track progresses. At the very beginning, the way she speaks about the person in question makes it obvious that they are new in her life. She sings “neon late night conversations / tell me more about you” in the opening line, which is obviously early on in their relationship if she is still learning new things about them. By the time the chorus comes around, she sings lyrics like, “Crush, crush / I feel you coming on” and “i don’t wanna be too much / don’t you feel it in my touch / got me thinking you’re my crush”. This person is clearly established in her life at this point (enough so that she is declaring her feelings), and the listeners had the luxury of watching this progression. Kelly Vargas, raised in New York but based in Los Angeles, seamlessly blends her Costa Rican-American background into her work, combining hints of R&B, pop, latin, and alternative influences. She sings about her femininity and sexuality, and self empowerment. Her music has dark soundscapes and electronic instrumentation, and is mostly produced by Vargas herself. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2019, and her education certainly has helped her progress in the music industry. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Vargas. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW KELLY VARGAS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Sailor boy” describes the tumultuous and complicated feelings someone can feel in a toxic relationship. Your partner’s manipulative behavior is ever present in your relationship, but you can never quite bring yourself to bring it up. Their baseless accusations against your character and memory ring through your ears but you find yourself ignoring what them. Security is a long forgotten feeling as you look around you and understand their actions. He has convinced you that your memory is always wrong based on meaningless and demeaning standards. What remains true is how he treats you despite his incorrect and cruel words. Against everything he has tried to make you believe, you have come to realize you have fallen for a very toxic and manipulative boy. Click here to listen to "sailor boy"! “Sailor boy” is an energetic contemporary and dance pop single that intertwines its hard-hitting instrumentation with its serious narrative. This single displays an impressive implementation of piano with the punching bass and drums. Each note is felt and almost every one has the same hitting implementation. As the piece builds, the piano and bass become more and more elaborate so each note is in quick succession of each other. The vocality is also highly intertwined with the instrumentation. Each lyric is belted alongside the punching notes in an impressive display. Every element blends together for a hard-hitting experience through this single. Lizzy Donzis is a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California. She has enjoyed listening to and creating music from a young age. At age 8, she began writing songs at the suggestion of her therapist to help with her mental health. Throughout her childhood, she kept writing music as a form of self expression and healing within herself. During the pandemic, she decided to release her music to the world and was met with relative success. She has since been working on her musical repertoire and will soon release her first EP. She has since performed at various venues and will continue to do so in the future. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “sailor boy” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW LIZZY DONZIS: Instagram | Spotify

In the iconic Xana fashion, the singer combines a captivating dark-pop production with sultry lyricism to celebrate queer pride in her latest single, “Better Kind Of Best Friend”. The fiery track is a sex-positive anthem that explores giving into your deepest desires and appreciating the euphoric emotions experienced with a devoted partner. Xana’s candid lyrics leave little to interpretation as she details the moments of sweet ecstasy with her muse. Each line contains sensual imagery that immerses the listener into the track. With lyrics such as “I don’t die for my women anymore// No, I kill for ‘em” and “Sweet like cinnamon// And I wanna make this so innocent// Belladonna, looks so innocent,” Xana has crafted the perfect song to play in the background of a sapphic drama or to be added to a dark-romance playlist. As the lead single from her upcoming album, “Better Kind Of Best Friend” gives longtime fans a taste of this new era while reeling in even more listeners to anticipate the project. “Better Kind Of Best Friend” contains a captivating dark-pop production with fiery rock elements to form a perfect sensual anthem. The electrifying song kicks off with a muted guitar riff that keeps the treble but eliminates the sustain. Alongside a unique sound effect that emulates a vintage recording, this creates a mesmerizing sound that sets up the sultry atmosphere. The verse begins with Xana’s compelling vocals as the bass and the drum’s rim clicks are introduced. This continues into the pre-chorus, which is signified by the synth sound that controls the bass. When the chorus hits, the full production makes its appearance as the electric guitar plays the power chords in drop-c tuning. Xana utilizes a unique style, as this tuning usually uses more distortion than what is found here, making it harder to distinguish the drop-c. This highlights Xana’s experimental style, showcasing her unparalleled talent. Furthermore, throughout the song, specific phrases are emphasized by the powerful background vocals, bringing more focus to the seductive lyrics. As the song continues into the second verse, the production mimics the first verse with additional guitar melodies being played periodically. Then, the instrumentation in the pre-chorus decreases to amplify the explosion into the second chorus. As Xana reaches the bridge, the drop-c tuning makes itself more prevalent as the guitar uses only the low string instead of chords, enhancing the climax of the track. Xana’s lead vocals run through the chorus one final time before stating the lyric, “I kill for ‘em.” This transitions the song into the outro, where the production takes a complete shift. While a guitar solo and harmonizing vocals are heard subtly in the background, significant synth is utilized, bringing a spectacular close to the track. “Better Kind Of Best Friend” has every ingredient for a perfect dark-pop anthem, making it my favorite song of 2024 so far. Xana is an independent dark-pop singer-songwriter based in Vancouver. She made her debut in 2020 with her single, “Goddess”. Since then, the track as over 13 million streams on Spotify alone and the artist has over 254K monthly listeners on the platform. In 2022, she released her debut album, Tantrums, and is set to release her sophomore album, The Sex Was Good Until It Wasn’t, on May 10th, 2024. Xana’s music is heavily influenced by artists such as Halsey, Lorde, and Taylor Swift. As a queer musician, Xana strives to make genre-bending songs that encompass themes of LGBTQ+ romance, female empowerment, sex positivity, and self-reflection and discovery. She hopes to be the role model that she could not find in her youth, encouraging her listeners to love and accept who they are. With the tightknit connection she holds with her fanbase, it is clear Xana has already made this meaningful impact. This summer, the artist will embark on The Sex Was Good Tour in select cities across the United States. Presale begins 2/21, with general sale to follow on 2/23. Check out the tour dates and get tickets here! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW XANA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website

Oskar Levin initially wrote Give Me You for his boyfriend, stating that it was his way of “letting him know he’s loved even when he is his unstable, imperfect self” – fittingly releasing the love ballad on Valentine’s Day and showcasing a touching level of romanticism that should not go unappreciated by his audience. Upon completion, however, Oskar found that this track was about much more than just his relationship; explaining “now I know that the message was to myself, and to you.” This being the debut single of the Swedish romantic, listeners are sure to be blown away by the gravity of the track’s lyricism – which feels as if it were written by a far more seasoned solo artist. With lines like “So tell me what you’re thinking of, so we can build a life and a home, for you and I” it’s super tough to not get hooked by the overwhelming sensation of unconditional love that pours through Levin’s vocals, as he wears his heart on his sleeve throughout Give Me You. The loving sentiment attached to the message of this ditty is epitomized in its chorus “Give me you, Darling just give me you” – painting the picture of an unrepentant lover ready to give his partner the world, if they would only let him – and is sure to be stuck in listeners heads (as it was mine) for the foreseeable future. Give Me You showcases the power of tastefully simple production by harnessing the tried-and-true combination of powerful vocals layered over enthralling piano riffs; a refreshing level of brevity that truly allows Oskar Levin's incredible songwriting to shine. The unembellished delivery of this track serves to bring listeners in, making them feel as if they are sitting at the piano with Oskar as he belts out the entirety of the tune. Stacked backing vocals help the song to open up towards the end, before closing full circle with just piano and Oskar's intoxicating voice. The use of reverb also helps to build the track into a sensational climax by offering an appreciated sense of space. Simply put, there are absolutely no gimmicks with this one – with the relatively bare bones production allowing for the message of the song to speak for itself. Bravo, Oskar. Swedish-born artist, Oskar Levin, has an impressive and storied history ghostwriting for other artists – having made appearances at the top of the radio charts in South Africa and Billboard China (29th), all the while accumulating millions of streams worldwide. At the age of fifteen, Oskar moved by himself to London to live with a host family, only to be kicked out after three months and left to wander the streets in search of a better life. Tragically, Levin later lost his mother to an accident and father to dementia, sending him spiraling into a years-long depression that he has only now escaped thanks to music; viewing becoming an artist as his “catharsis back to life”. Fortunately, though, he was able to defy all odds and transform himself into the budding star he is today. With a sound that is self-described as “acoustic soul with shades of pop and rock”, Levin has established himself as an uber-talented individual dripping with promise and someone pop fans should keep an eye on as he continues to progress as a solo artist. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW OSKAR LEVIN: Instagram | Spotify | Website | Facebook | YouTube

Cee Blu’s “ Quite Like You ” is a song that highlights and honors the most pure and endearing things about her significant other. It’s a dedication to them, and how delighted she is to have such a special bond with them. The track is truly beautiful. The angelic harmonies combined with the euphoric lyrics have me in complete awe! This, combined with the chill r&b beat is such a vibe to listen to. The lyrics go into detail about this person's pure personality, how it makes Cee feel, how there is nobody quite like them. As you follow along, it’s very clear how healthy this duo is together and how happy she is. Everything that her partner puts into keeping the spark alive doesn't go unnoticed by Cee. To dedicate a song and use it as an expression of your love for your soulmate is definitely a love language, but to drop this song on Valentine's day is the cherry on top. Cee doing this intentionally adds an extra layer of magic to the song and will be something to always remember. I’ve mentioned how her partner's personality is acknowledged in this song. This is important because Cee pay’s attention to not just the way they treat her, but how they are individually as a person. The way your partner treats themselves and others is the same way they’ll treat you. She sings: “ It’s the way that you treat everybody fair. No matter what they’ve seen or done, to you it ain’t a care . You see the best in everyone. ” So now that we see how caring, understanding, non-judgmental and forgiving this person is, imagine how they treat Cee?! This person is a walking green flag: “ See with you, I, I don’t ever gotta worry ‘bout a thing. Cause you’ve shown me more than my eyes could ever see. See the good, the bad, the in-between. Now I know just what it means to have someone love all of me .” Being assured that your loved one expresses their affection through actions, not just words, and then feeling entirely comfortable in the relationship because they cherish every aspect of you is truly comforting, reassuring and builds a strong foundation of trust and security. Cee Blu is an independent Indie artist from South Auckland, New Zealand. She’s definitely leaving a strong mark on the New Zealand music scene by spending three weeks in the top 10 charts on NZ Hot Singles  for her song “ Tell Me Twice, ” selling out her first headline show, and performing at festivals like Summer Sounds  and Peachy Keen . In a TikTok about “ Quite Like You ,” Cee shares, “ The more I was writing this song and listening to this song, I realized that these are words that I want to tell my sister, my mom, my dad, my friends – just people that are important to me. I want them to know that I think this of them. So send this song to someone you love. It’s just a love letter of appreciation and celebrating love in all its forms .” “ Quite Like You ” is her first single of 2024 and I’m excited to see more of what’s to come! Keep up with Cee Blue’s journey by clicking on the links below, and check out “ Quite Like You ” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW CEE BLU: Instagram | Spotify  | Website  | YouTube

Straying from her country roots, Leah Marie Mason is embracing a new era with the release of "YOUR BOYFRIEND SUCKS." The track is taking the artist's sound in a pop direction and is the product of her collaboration with songwriter Sara Bares and songwriter/producer Simon Jonasson (Summer Walker, HWASA, Alan Walker). Sharing the inspiration behind her latest creation, Mason explains, "I have this stunning, gorgeous, smart, outgoing, funny as hell friend that had been seeing this guy for a few months, and it felt like every week I heard her tell me the most awful stories about how he treated her. I was always so confused as to WHAT her infatuation with him was because he… sucked! She is THE best person and friend, and she deserves to be treated that way! The song is brutally honest, but I believe it’s for the better because that’s what a real friend does." Diving headfirst into the world of commercial pop, Leah Marie Mason pairs anti-love sentiments with an upbeat, anthemic attitude in "YOUR BOYFRIEND SUCKS." The bittersweet track features infectious melodies and captivating synths, driven by fast-paced pop beats. Mason's light and airy vocals float over the hypnotizing soundscape, delivering lyrics that function as an open letter to her friend. Surprisingly light-hearted, the instrumentals and melodic lines in "YOUR BOYFRIEND SUCKS" melt together to create an energetic and carefree mood that contrasts deliciously with the blunt, pragmatic message behind the song. Originally from North Carolina, Leah Marie Mason is now based in Nashville and has been a country-pop artist on the rise. Her journey began at a young age, performing classic rock covers in a band at age 11. She eventually found her way to Nashville at age 19, attending Belmont University and soaking in the city's diverse music scene. Receiving wide recognition and critical acclaim, Mason's 2023 debut EP, Honeydew & Hennessy, earned the artist millions of streams and flattering comparisons to icons like Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kacey Musgraves from People Magazine. Some of Mason's popular releases include "Black Sheep," "Trust Fund Cowboy," "Habit," and "Holy Water." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW LEAH MARIE MASON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“Typical” is Assa’s deep house cover of Alok and Steve Aoki’s song. While the original track is known for its infectious beat and the high-intensity vibe it brought, Assa’s interpretation crafts catchy beats and evocative melodies with a darker and more cynical twist. From its first beat, Assa immerses his listeners in a journey that leaves you feeling the effects of the track long after it’s over. Beyond the boundaries of conventional deep house music, Assa demonstrates just a portion of his immense technical skill and mind for creative opportunities. With featured vocals in a sea of distortion of reverb, Assa Music perfectly balances the line between bright yet full of nuance and depth. With the carefully crafted production, it’s clear to see how the music is minimal, it’s also impactful in how it pushes the frontiers of house music. By getting right down to the nitty-gritty and reconstructing the track in his image, Assa Music focuses on the big picture but also minute sonic details that add a flavor unreplicable by just anybody. The poignant harmonies and theme around the complexities of love and relationships are drawn out by Assa’s expert vision. Assa Music, returning from a prolonged hiatus, is finally back with a new single, “Typical.” The Norwegian EDM producer dabbles in genres such as deep, electronic, and tropical house. From classical roots grounded in piano and trombone, Assa’s talent for music was honed from a young age. For the past two decades, Assa has donned many hats -- from chef to personal trainer. These unique experiences only fuel Assa’s sonic journey. His productions focus on the intermingling of tradition and modernity, welcoming listeners to seek out things that transcend their boundaries. With a rich musical history and commitment to the new, Assa leaves much of a mark on the electronic music landscape. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ASSA MUSIC: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok| Facebook| YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Pain For Passion” is certainly made with and for passion, sensual and gothic, the piece publicizes feelings usually kept private.  The lyrics introduce the listener, “Welcome to the end of the…world” not with a feeling of impending chaos but of secrecy, the world not falling to ruin so much as it is being left behind.  Alex McArtor turns herself into a sort of femme fatale, luring in the listener with words that tempt as much as they criticize.  This narrating character places herself above others, being a person to project desires onto.  The little information provided about her is only a confirmation of a mutual sense of adventure and lust as she states “I seek danger” and yet she is utterly fascinating.   The song begins with a heartbeat of electric guitar that immediately reveals its unique genre.  When Alex McArtor begins singing her talent almost interrupts the listening experience, her voice’s perfection for the song being simply that staggering.  She sounds sultry and vintage, reminiscent of Lana Del Rey or a gloomy Stevie Nicks.  The instrumentals build up behind her, but at their peak the music actually slows down in a more magnetizing way than any explosion of chords would have offered.  It’s soon after, in the first rendition of the chorus, that McArtor reveals her experimentalism beyond her standard skill. She raises the pitch of her voice abnormally, but it lands and gives the song something rare- originality.  The song ends after another rendition of the chorus surrounded by background vocals that make it echo in the mind of the listener long after it’s over. Alex McArtor grew up in Texas, surrounded by a culture of music.  She found her love for it early on, coming from a family that played guitar themselves and over the radio frequently.  She didn’t waste any time pursuing the career, releasing her first single in 2019 while still in high school.  She would go on to move to L.A. where she’s now based, carrying her country roots with her in her music today.  This, as well as her willingness to explore genres and her undeniable brilliance as a writer, made her stand out, immediately marking her as an artist to watch since her first recorded song.  She’s released 17 singles since 2019, “Pain For Passion” being the latest.  Despite her compelling origin and the endless compliments that can be said, nothing is more convincing of her potential than her own words, listen to her music below and when you find yourself immediately needing to learn more about her, her social media is available there too.  Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW ALEX MCARTOR: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Stela Cole’s latest single “Midnight Killer” is here! This song, although sounding dark and edgy, is all about a revival of empowerment, rediscovery, and becoming stronger through pain and hardships. Stela said this song for her is like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. This song is written in third person about a girl, who is actually Stela, who is no longer causing her own demise. Right away, she starts off the track by saying “she doesn’t get hurt anymore” and how she loves the more simpler, calmer things like the band The Doors. She tells the listener that they had never loved someone like her before. Now, she’s a “midnight killer/Hollywood thriller” who doesn’t make the same mistakes she used to. She found someone who put out her fire and she swore she'd never forget. Stela adds on to this girl's calmer life, saying she’d always be the first to leave with her partner, and her partner will put all their love on their sleeve for her. “She’s the nightmare of your dreams'', but she’ll be the person who will tell you “let’s get outta here.” Although there is some darker imagery in this song, there is an overarching theme of self-betterment. “Midnight Killer” is such an interesting listen for all the right reasons. The production is beautiful, deep, and really built out. The song starts off as an enchanting, light track with some elegant plucked guitar strings and angelic harmonies, but takes a dark turn as soon as the lyrics start. Stela and her producers have a very clear image in mind, and it perfectly leans into that dark and vulnerable vibe that works great with the lyrics. Yet, the track still feels intimate, which comes from her voice. Especially in the lower notes in the verses, she has a raw yet powerful voice that’s very forward in the song. There are many synths used in the song, and I feel the best way to describe it is that it feels like a swelling undertow in the ocean. Stela also has some luscious harmonies, especially in the interlude. In my opinion, this track is perfectly crafted to perfectly align with the themes in the lyrics. Hollyn Elizabeth Shadinger, professionally known as Stela Cole’ is an American singer-songwriter who first entered the music scene in 2018. She first started focusing on songwriting at 15 years old, and was noticed by Steve Sparrow, her eventual manager, after a couple of demos.  She attended Belmont University to pursue a degree in “Commercial Voice”, but dropped out after being signed by RCA Records. She released two singles with RCA, but was sadly dropped due to creative differences. Stela self-released her first EP “Woman of the Hour” in 2020 and her TikTok-viral song “I Shot Cupid” in 2021, which has amassed over 55 million streams to date. After this huge success, she signed with Ultra Records. Since then, she was a semi-finalist on the show American Song Contest to represent her home state of Georgia with her track “DIY”. There’s no telling what Stela Cole will do with her songwriting talent and her creative vision for her music in the future. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW STELA COLE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube