Jack Kane’s latest single, “I’m Just Being Honest”, begins with “Maybe you need taking down a peg.” Kane notes that his life is making a turn for the best and big things are happening. However, he doesn’t want to be sucked into the machine and become yet another person who’s lost themselves in the sauce. Kane layers his vocals to drive his point home of remaining humble and remembering where you come from. “Maybe your ego needs acknowledging” Kane sings as he continues to read the person in question who is, presumably, himself. The song is sprinkled with warnings about superficiality such as owing apologies to others for making things about them and overstaying welcomes. Kane does acknowledge the intended party’s efforts, stating “I know you’re killing it; I know you’re making moves” while still citing that the fact that those things are happening is no excuse to “shout about it”. Kane’s vocals paired with the infectious melody make the song an instant hit. “I’m Just Being Honest” gets better with every listen as we all can relate to enjoying success and wanting to celebrate but finding the sweet spot between being cocky and being appreciative or even inspiring. The guitars and drums add an intensity to the song that enhances Kane’s vocals and adds an edge to the overall message of not taking yourself too seriously. Kane begins and ends the song with the lines “Maybe you need taking down a peg, maybe your ego needs acknowledging”. This is, of course, purposeful and circles back to the original thoughts concerning the matter about banishing ego. The video for the single drives home the point of the song with Kane playing both an exaggerated version of himself and an assistant type of figure. In the video, the exaggerated version is the star of the show and can be seen wearing the sunglasses inside as mentioned in the chorus as well as being the center of attention and completely ignoring others while discussing, most likely, himself. Jack Kane is a 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and actor from the United Kingdom. Kane was featured in films such as 2019’s Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw  with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Statham as well as 2020’s Dragonheart Vengeance alongside Helena Bonham Carter. He has also done television work on shows such as Goldie’s Oldies and The A-List.  Kane’s musical style is described as Alternative/Indie, being closely linked to the music of artists such as Niall Horan and Ed Sheeran. He has cited artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Billy Joel as influences.  His latest EP was released in January 2024 and consisted of four songs, including “I’m Just Being Honest”. Kane has over 2,000 subscribers on YouTube, he’s closing in on 100,000 followers on Instagram and has amassed over 100,000 followers on Tik Tok. Kane has mentioned on his social medias that “I’m Just Being Honest” is about the kind of person he doesn’t want to become. Lucky fans in the UK can catch Kane on tour this coming February and April. All in all, Kane has made a new fan out of me with this latest gem of a track. You can stream “I’m Just Being Honest” at the link below as well as check out Kane’s social medias. Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW JACK KANE : Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

How To Live is an ultra-inspirational pop ballad that emboldens listeners to chase their dreams and fulfill their life's passions. Brainheart combines his enigmatic sound and effectual lyricism to cook up the perfect motivational anthem for when you're down and need to get yourself back up. The lyrics begin by painting a bleak picture for the song's protagonist, who desperately wants a better life for himself, away from his hometown – a truly gloomy sentiment felt within the lines "When all my stars are fading out, Try to drown it out, Till my feet can leave this town". But as the song builds, your chest begins to swell with motivation as Brainheart sings of not giving up and continuing to pick himself up by his bootstraps so that he can try again – "Just like you gotta move ohhhh, When you fall back down". The inclusion of "stacking stones" as a metaphor for discipline and patience within oneself showcases a level of lyrical depth not typically found within the genre, for which Brainheart deserves immense praise. For starters, Brainheart needs to be commended for the level of diversity and originality on display production-wise in How To Live . The drums, for one, are a cornucopia of varying styles that provide the listener with an assortment of percussion. There can be heard indie pop drums in the first verse, cinematic movie trailer-like drums on the pre chorus, and Main Stage EDM drums on the hooks but with some tasty 80s drum fills also sprinkled in. At the 1:20 mark listeners will notice a soundbite of a car starting just as Brainheart sings about "going away", a tasteful example an auditory addition enhancing the visual imagery within the minds of listeners. There are droning backing guitars on the prechorus and bridge that keep the tension of the song going throughout each section nicely. The vocals are neatly stacked and later panned all around by the end of the song, adding a unique twist for his audience as they listen along. Shoutout to the producer/engineer on How To Live for their use of Sidechain compression on the chorus, which gives it a distinct pumping locomotive feel. There is also a cool push-pull effect going on, which can be attributed to its classic dance four-on-the-floor beat and everything ducking in volume to the big kick drum. The track really finishes strong with a poignant violin stab on the last section to emphasize its finality. Brainheart , real name Roei Zoar, is an indie producer, songwriter and DJ who broke on to the international pop scene with his 2019 smash hit Explore the World , which garnered millions of streams on Spotify while simultaneously hitting the seven-figure mark for reels on Instagram. Roei was first introduced to classical music by his mother when he was four, later inspiring him to take up playing the piano at fifteen – something he cites as being a major turning point in his musical development. After watching the Tomorrowland Festival for the first time, Zoar instantly fell in love with EDM and has since dedicated his life to making impactful music in that same vein. When he is not in the studio, Brainheart enjoys training, travelling, and finding peace of mind out in nature. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW BRAINHEART: Instagram   | Spotify  | Twitter  | Facebook  | YouTube  | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

little luna’s latest track, “fool,” is finally here! It’s the first single off of her latest EP, “the wildflower woman”, and it fuses elements of 1970s and 1980s soft rock and the current pop sound. The track is all about rejecting the college to 9-5 pipeline that we are told to abide by. “fool” starts out by addressing this head-on, saying “well they say you need an education/guess everybody’s got a crystal ball.” She knows that she doesn’t need a plan to know that she’s going places, and her determination and her longing for freedom will take her there. In the pre chorus, she tells listeners that she doesn’t want that 9-5 life, but “I’ll take the suit and tie/and I’ll dance in it every night.” The chorus is when she introduces the title, saying that she’ll always be perceived as a fool because she isn’t doing what others want her to do. little luna rejects judgment from others, not being embarrassed that she “laughs(s) at things that no one else finds funny.” She starts embracing her freedom from not following the “normal” life: she’s not learning from an institution, rather by traveling and learning things as she goes. Once again, she doesn’t need a plan for her future, further pushing the wonderful life she has with her freedom. The production of “fool” is what I consider pure bliss. This track takes elements from Fleetwood Mac, but also more current artists like Maggie Rogers and Phoebe Bridgers. The imagery in this song perfectly aligns with the instrumentation that brings an effortless, upbeat, and energized feel. Her vocals are also effortless, despite them being dreamy and ethereal. The harmonies and ad-libs add another layer of depth and passion. She also incorporates some catch and release elements, mostly in the chorus. The first bars feature just little luna’s voice and a guitar, which creates a sense of tension as it zooms into the rest of the chorus. “fool” has a magnificent soundscape that fits perfectly with the other tracks on “the wildflower woman.” This track has a truly inspiring message of setting yourself free that is wonderfully communicated with the production. little luna is a singer-songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who is currently based in Los Angeles, California. She describes the name little luna as “ my expression of searching for my truest self, connecting to it, and then creating from it.” Growing up with a passion for singing and acting, she has always had a passion for performance. However, once she moved to LA at 18 years old, that’s where her musical journey truly began. Alongside her friend, Dayyon Alexander, she made her first demo in 2013. After meeting her now creative director, Jade Ehlers, in 2015 on a photoshoot, her vision of little Luna came to be, and she knew she wanted to make a record. However, it wasn’t until 2020 when she came out with her first single, “shift and go”. Since then, she has released two EPs: “through the self” and “the wildflower woman”. little luna is an incredibly talented visionary, and she goes the extra mile for her music. As a lover of film, she often creates a “cinematic” version for her songs. On top of creating regular music videos, she also creates a one-take music video for the cinematic versions. As if that wasn’t enough, she also is a yoga instructor, and she created yoga flows for each of the songs on her first EP, and has a 25-minute guided meditation track to end both her EPs. little luna’s dedication to her craft is immeasurable, and her talent as a musician and a visionary will certainly leave an impact on the indie-pop scene. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW LITTLE LUNA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website

Many of us have fallen victim to the fear of being alone. After being in a relationship for a while, it can be hard to risk starting over and facing the unknown. For better or worse, it feels more secure to stay in a relationship that's familiar, even if it isn't healthy. The Haunt captures this in their new single, "I Don't Like the Quiet. The band reflects on the song's meaning, stating, "'I Don’t Like the Quiet' is a song about not being sure if you’re in love, or if you just hate being alone. It’s about someone who has taken a ton of shit and is stuck in a relationship that no longer serves them, just because they’re scared of being alone. The end of the song kinda captures that hopeless feeling we all have when we know something that we’ve relied on for too long really starts to slip away." Instead of wallowing in the track's negative emotions, The Haunt tackles these feelings head-on with an unapologetic attitude. Filled with the pent-up frustration the song's story depicts, "I Don't Like the Quiet" creates a captivating alt-rock/alt-pop sound to keep listeners hooked. The track features driving drums and face-melting guitar riffs, beautifully accompanying the band's electrifying vocals. Giving fans a cathartic listen, The Haunt incorporates aggressive vocal melodies throughout "I Don't Like the Quiet" that are perfect to scream along to. Taking the alt-pop/alt-rock world by storm, The Haunt released their self-titled debut EP in 2018. The group was co-founded by siblings Anastasia Grace Haunt (vocals) and Maxamillion "Max" Haunt (guitar, production). Completing the quartet, Nat Smallish (bass) and Nick Lewert (drums) joined Anastasia and Maxamillion to form The Haunt. The band is dedicated to pushing sonic boundaries, blending elements of classic and contemporary rock/pop music. Establishing an already impressive career, The Haunt has spent time sharing the stage with acts like Palaye Royale, The Struts, The Hu, and Filter. Some of their popular releases include "Cigarettes & Feelings," "I'm Not Yours," "Love You Better," and "Shake." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW THE HAUNT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website

Wanting to move on and being unable to is a natural process in a breakup. You don't want to think about the “what ifs” and the possibilities, yet it’s all you think about. Mia Baron touches on that in her new song, “Over and Dead.” In the song, Baron goes on about an ended relationship, yet her partner wouldn’t leave her alone “for six months,” giving her false hope and mixed signals of what could be, only for them to stop reaching out. Baron is glad, yet has to face the impact of these mixed signals–those what-ifs and the countless possibilities of what could’ve been. In the song, Baron wishes for the person to accept that their relationship is “over and dead” rather than leading her on and leaving her to suffer through the pain of the breakup all over again. “Over and Dead” is a slow-paced, guitar-led ballad, with Baron’s vocals shining through with all the emotion of her pain, one feature I enjoyed throughout the song. Because of her vocals, the lyrics can shine as they are: relatable to anyone. The intimate sound of the music allows listeners to connect to the lyrics of the song. Not only that, but the production is really enjoyable to listen to. Lowkey yet powerful, I enjoy how much I can listen to this in settings other than relating to the lyrics: studying, late-night drives, and more–this song can be for any occasion, not only for crying in the shower. With a great song to hit off the new year, I can’t wait to hear what else Baron has in store for 2024. Mia Baron hails from Toronto, Canada, where Baron has written, produced, and sang on alternative and alt-pop tracks, following the tracks of Madison Beer and Billie Eilish. Racking up over 39,000 followers and over 900,000 streams across all of her songs on Spotify, Baron is here to stay. Baron’s been creating music since 2021, and her vocals and production have evolved throughout her time as an artist and continue to impress and to hook new fans onto her new music and want more. With powerful vocals and lyrics that continue to resonate with her fans, keep your eye out for Mia Baron–2024 is her year. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW MIA BARON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Isn’t it frustrating how others feel the need to weigh in on the career path you choose in life? The idea that it's not disrespectful to try and tell someone what they should do with their own individual and separate life from yours, simply because its out of the norm? If there’s one life to live, and you’ve found a love or passion for something that you can turn into a career, why do others feel the need to try and stop what’s making you happy rather than filling you with confidence and support? Lauren Presley’s latest single, “ White Noise ,” covers this annoyingly common issue, but from her personal experience. We follow Lauren’s journey of the opinions she was getting from those around her who, instead of supporting her, were rather flooding her with their doubt and clouding her environment with negativity. We then see how these comments were affecting her, and how she overcame them, eventually growing and having her own back when no one else did. What I love most about this song is that Lauren doesn’t listen or get the slightest bit  persuaded into following what they want her to do with her own life. She’s solid on her dream of being an artist, pursuing music, and the exact path she wants to go about it. While the people in her life are supposed to support her, they’re instead telling her to find a plan B, that her dreams are unrealistic, and that she: “ Should stay in school, don’t let us down .” Tired of the nagging and people-pleasing comments, Lauren ignores the noise, and takes her power back by choosing herself: “ Why does the thing I love offend you? Cause I won’t change. I won’t pretend to .” Its quite interesting, yet annoying how creative and artistic routes that people want to go in life tend to get doubted on or pushed away, because its unconventional. It’s strange how it’s hard for others to understand that not everyone has the same interests or want to follow what the crowd is doing for a living. Lauren realizes that it's her choice, and she's choosing what makes her happy at the end of the day, which is music and ignoring the noise: “ Not sorry that I stepped out of line. Go and live your life. I’ll live mine .” In an Instagram post about the release, Lauren further shares her feelings towards outside opinions and how she’s moving past that in the new year: “ I'm leaving people pleasing in 2023. I'm no longer basing my self worth on other people's opinions and/or numbers on a screen. I do this because of the love I have for it. To every single one of you who believes in me & in what I'm doing - I see you, I love you, I appreciate you, thank you. You inspire me & I'm forever grateful .” Lauren Presley is a rising pop singer-songwriter from Redwater, Texas, but now based in Nashville, Tennessee. As of today, she has 26,000+ monthly Spotify listeners, with her most streamed song being “ A Little Longer ,” which is reaching 1 million streams! She has been featured as the cover photo of Spotify’s “ Fresh Finds ” playlist, as well as having one of her songs, “ Nice Guy ,” featured on there as well. “ Nice Guy ” was also featured on Apple Music’s “ Heartbreak Pop ” playlist. Keep up with Lauren for future releases by clicking on the links below, and check out “ White Noise ” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW LAUREN PRESLEY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube | Website

We all have indulgences, yet, sometimes they only help hurt us. And a lot of similarities can be made between some of these indulgences! Singer and songwriter Mirby released her latest single, “Chocolate, fries & you,” and it centers around Mirby herself. In this killer song, Mirby navigates her cravings for chocolate, fast food, and being intimate with someone who wasn’t a good influence on her life. You learn that there are a lot of similarities between chocolates and love. The biggest one I picked up on, though, is knowing that sometimes it can be bad for you, yet also acknowledging that you love it. Honestly, I think this is a great message that was interpreted very well into a musical format. I loved it! Listen to "Chocolate, fries & you" here! Looking at the title of the song, you probably would expect some kind of upbeat and bubbly love song. But the actual mood is sexy and slow, which I think works better for the theme of this song than what I originally expected. One thing that I love about this song is actually Mirby’s voice! First thoughts, I think she has a sound pretty similar to Gwen Stafani. I’m a big fan of Gwen, myself, so I think that made me appreciate the song a bit more. And I think her voice paired very well with the instrumentals, which had a touch of Charlie Puth sound to it. It was an interesting combo that I think was executed extremely well. Let me tell y’all about Mirby, because I think she’s going to go very far in her career. Mirby started releasing music on Spotify in 2023, and has four songs released as of right now! According to the artist herself, Mirby likes to incorporate lots of humor and emotion into her music. She says she is “always trying to find and accept” herself through her music. It’s a process I’ve noticed more and more artists doing, and I think it just makes the songs better . Overall, I think this song was awesome and pretty fun to listen to! Everyone should go and listen, now! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW MIRBY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

On his October single, "All In My Head," AEMS sings as though he's whispering into your ear. "Sitting on the bed listening to your song," he opens over delicate piano chords. The song captures the singer/songwriter's talent for direct-to-the-heart confessional storytelling. His vocals are lushly double-tracked as the piano begins to pick up speed, though never losing any fragility. Then "All In My Head" builds into a spacious and full sound: reverb-soaked percussion and echoes bouncing around the mix. AEMS demonstrates his most impressive performance to date, positively soaring over the instrumentation. Just when you think the song might implode, AEMS howling at the peak, he pulls back for something in between the two extremes. As he delivers the chorus for the final time, it's as though the words start to register in his mind. "I'm falling, but it's all in my head," AEMS sings on the chorus. Throughout the song, he contemplates what it means to experience something more devastating in your mind. Imagery is twisted towards the representational: "staring at the ceiling's replacement." AEMS uses the natural world to contrast his internal feelings of pain, powerfully remarking on the dissonance between internal and external experience. "The sun rips my heart, it's raining red," reads one of the most evocative images in the second verse. What is constricting the artist, it's never explicitly clear. Allusions to sergeants and soldiers imply a self-constriction and demanding expectations. But recognizing that these exist solely in his own mind helps to deflate their power. "When I think it will never be the same, and the tide is never gonna change, that's all in my head." AEMS first began releasing music in 2022 with his debut single, "Vienna." The song showcased his strength in piano balladry and swelled with orchestral flair. The singer/songwriter continues to triumph with confessional, piano-based songs. "All In My Head" was written by AEMS and produced by Remy Cooper. Released in October, AEMS followed the song one month later with his most recent single, "If You Let Me." He has confirmed the release of a new song "maybe really pretty soon," though no official title or release date has been announced. Where his music is intimate and personal, AEMS keeps his life outside of his songs quite private. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW AEMS: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Melanie Wehbe’s latest collaboration with Paul Rey– as well as her first duet– “Arrows” is a beautifully somber dedication to making the leap of faith to fall in love once more, in spite of the pain you’ve faced before from losing someone. It’s a hard thing to learn to love again, but even harder making that first step to risk your heart again; “Arrows” knows this well, and its writing represents that feeling like nothing else. In this debut duet, Wehbe and Rey both do a fantastic job of balancing those emotions of fear and excitement, of awe and caution. With tentative instrumentals and passionate vocals, you’ll be comforted that taking that chance to love again is better than any risk of being hurt. “Arrows” begins as a vow to never fall in love again. Through rhythmic percussion, Wehbe and Rey’s respective verses speak of body-ridden battlefields of past lovers, keeping your head down, and maintaining that armor around your heart, lest Cupid shoots his arrow through you again. Each artist sings a verse and a chorus, but eventually come together to let their voices mingle in the final verse and chorus. It’s such a beautiful and subtle way to illustrate the song’s message; while I adore the songwriting and its metaphors and imagery, something truly amazing happens when Wehbe and Rey sing together. “Arrows” is also an instrumentally sparse song, except for when the duet begins in earnest. Percussion and swelling strings, passion oozes from the song’s final verse and chorus to cap off an artistically masterful representation of opening one’s heart to love once more. I love how the song acknowledges the hurt that can come from love, “lovers get bruised/I call a truce”, but still knows that it’s always worth it in the end. By the song’s end, a white flag is waved, and you’ll learn to fall in love again. Swedish singer-songwriter Melanie Wehbe began her musical journey at the age of fourteen when she began to write songs to express herself. She spent several years as a backing vocalist in Melodifestivalen, and has also written two entries for the Eurovision Song Contest: “Move” by The Mamas and “Love Is Forever” by Leonora. Additionally, she has also written two Swedish Idol winner songs. 2016 was the year of her debut single, “Wasted”. Her first EP, “Bloom”, dropped in 2022 and represents the journey of finding self-acceptance and inner-strength to bloom as a person. Likewise, Paul Rey is similarly talented and successful; hailing from Sweden, Rey has worked with industry legends such as Snoop Dogg and Fifth Harmony. He debuted in 2020 in Melodifestivalen with the song “Talking In My Sleep”, and has reached the finals in both his 2021 and 2023 performances. “Arrows” is both Melanie Wehbe and Paul Rey’s most recent release; if you enjoyed their excellent synergy, then I recommend delving deeper into both of their discographies to discover even more from their amazing musical styles. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW MELANIE WEHBE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website FOLLOW PAUL REY: Instagram | Spotify

If you want to know what it looks like to be a 20 year old girl, listen to Tate McRae’s new album “THINK LATER”. She covers all of the topics of girlhood- toxic love, fake friends, and finding yourself. McRae truly has a unique vibe and way to storytell, and it is certainly not one to miss with this album. TRACK LIST cut my hair greedy run for the hills hurt my feelings grave stay done exes we're not alike calgary messier think later guilty conscience want that too plastic palm trees Tate McRae is a 20 year old singer songwriter from Calgary. She was first discovered at age 13, as a finalist in the television show So You Think You Can Dance. She also went viral on YouTube and TikTok in 2017 with her song “One Day”, which truly kickstarted her songwriting career. She released her hit album ‘i used to think i could fly’ in 2022, which is personally where I fell in love with her music. She is in the top 40 Spotify artists, and she was listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 list for musicians. She is simply so real, and I love the unique way she incorporates different genres into her music. She has almost reached 56 million monthly Spotify listeners, and is currently riding her high off of this album. She announced her world tour in November, which kicks off in April in Ireland. cut my hair McRae opens this album with the dark pop anthem that is “cut my hair”. The sound is melodic and a clear indication of McRae’s unique vibe. She talks about all of the things she wants to do to make this boy jealous and want her more than everyone else- cut her hair, wear a little black dress, and make him sweat. The lyrics are so real and something that every girl can identify with, the frustration of not being noticed and the thirst for that attention, along with noting what you have to do to get it. greedy Personally, “greedy” was one of my most anticipated tracks on this album. It was first teased on TikTok, and then released in mid-September as a lead single to get fans excited for the rest of the drop. I feel that it directly shows McRae’s sass and personality as she proclaims her self love and confidence over the necessity to be wanted by someone else. Her playful tone suggests a vibe of “of course he wants me, I’m me!” It is a self love anthem full of cheeky comebacks and an engaging soundscape that ebbs and flows with the dynamics of the lyrics. run for the hills The third track on this album brings in another dark element of a toxic relationship. McRae knows that she really should be running for the hills with how poorly he treats her, but the love is too fierce and intoxicating to just let it go. My favorite lyric on this track is right at the end of the first verse when she sings, “maybe the danger’s covered by the thrill”. This is simply such a real statement, and McRae does not fail to bring to light the negative parts of love and relationships. Along with the other tracks, the soundscape is full of pop and trap beats, which seem to add to the angst she sings about. hurt my feelings This track is consistent with the electronic pop vibes seen in the other songs, but still finds ways to stand out. McRae’s voice stands out in this with background vocals and harmonies scattered throughout and a back and forth dynamic that demonstrates her technique. The song talks about wanting someone who is already taken, and knowing they feel the same. The secret shared looks and unspoken knowledge, along with the guilt being overpowered by lust is all too evident, and McRae is not afraid to sing about things that might be seen as immoral. grave The upbeat and energetic soundscapes of the rest of this album takes a short break for the beginning of “grave”, as McRae takes a ballad-esque approach to this song. Her vocals shine as she sings about how hard she tried to fix their relationship and save each other, when all he did was dig a grave and shove both of them down into it. The beat is brought back after the first chorus, but not in the same way. The other songs, while they may be discussing upsetting topics, can still be viewed as upbeat and energetic. Even when her style is incorporated, this song is still an emotional track. The beats add to the overall perspective of tense and depressing realizations. stay done The ballad vibes continue into this song, which has quickly become my favorite. She is simply so honest, even about her own faults, which is truly something to admire about a young artist. The point of this song is for McRae to pour her heart out and reveal how much she truly wants this love, while also acknowledging that it is definitely not the best thing for them. She simply cannot stay done with this relationship, and keeps coming back even when she knows it is harmful. Her voices get a chance to shine because of the toned down background, and the instruments simply being a guitar and some swelling drums. She flips into a delicate head voice, and her conversational and sarcastic tone has slipped away, leaving a girl who is hurt and disappointed. exes And just like that, we are back to the dynamic and sarcastic McRae that has been seen in the first couple of tracks. This is a hip-hop song, and gives nods to McRae’s dance background with the viral dance that is currently going around TikTok. Similar to “greedy”, McRae knows that she is a catch and has made it her personal mission to make sure all of her exes and nexts know this. Her personality shines through in a truly relatable song for any teenage girl. we're not alike This next song drifts away from breakups and into the differences of girls. McRae references the term ‘girls girl’ throughout this song, which basically means a girl that puts other girls first and is supportive and kind, instead of putting them down and making them look bad (especially in front of boys). McRae is calling out a non-girls girl, and she details her negative actions. She lies, she stabs in the back, and she steals the boys other girls have called dibs on. With less hip-hop beats and more simplistic pop, McRae emphasizes how different they are, and that she is without a doubt a girl's girl (unlike the unnamed antagonist). calgary This song is an ode to the city of Calgary, McRae’s hometown, and truly how much it sucks to be back in your hometown. She sings about the feeling of reverting all of your progress the second you get back to the place you used to be stuck in, a feeling that I think everyone can relate to (I know I can). My favorite lyric is scattered throughout the chorus, as she sings “I thought that I was gettin’ better / No, I got better at pretending”. She feels like the same kid she was when she first went through all of these struggles, and the lack of upbeat background really drives the sadness in her tone home. messier A similar vibe to “stay done” and “grave”, McRae has definitely been through it with this song. The two of them are a complete mess and bring out the worst in each other, but it is simply addicting. She can’t get enough despite how much he frustrates her and how many times they have called it quits. She questions if it's even love, but knows that the feelings they have for each other are too intertwined and obsessive to ever really get over. An even mix of delicate vocals and upbeat backgrounds, this song one that will climb right into your head and stick there. think later This track brings us right back to the hip-hop sound that McRae does so well. The premise is to “live now, think later”, and truly enjoy your youth. Sometimes it is okay to make poor decisions, especially if they give you masterpieces like this song. In the spirit of New Years, so many people have the mindset of bettering themselves and cutting off the feral parts of themselves, but McRae calls for the absolute opposite. I mean, really what is more fun, a chill night in with an early bedtime, or being “at the Ritz with the door locked”, if you know what she means. This song being the title track makes so much sense, as it is a call to action for a change of mindset between her and her listeners. guilty conscience Another track of McRae’s hip-hip, she sings about a messy situation and low morals, but deciding to simply “live with a guilty conscience”. Another song about the toxicity she has experienced, she knows staying involved with him will be putting her against what her friends want for her and what she knows is best, but she simply cannot get away from this man. She puts them over doing what is best for her, and decides to simply deal with the consequences later. Oops! She’s just a girl. want that too “Want that too” is a song about realizing how much you have given away to someone who truly does not deserve it, and seems to suck the life right out of you. McRae realizes she has been used and didn’t even realize that she was “too young to be treated like that”. She has finally realized the turmoil that she has been put through, and makes a promise to distance herself. Even with this acknowledgement, she knows this person will find their way back into her life the second that she appears happier. She can see this coming though, and knows she has pulled herself together enough to be strong when this time comes. plastic palm trees The final song on this hit of an album is something that people who have made it big will say time and time again- that it is lonely at the top. She sings a song that seems to be pleading with her audience to listen to her when she says that it is not all that it seems. Celebrities can appear to be happy and serene, but could truly be dying on the inside. The world is full of fake friends and boys who will hurt you, as well as the disappointment once you realize these things. The ‘plastic palm trees’ seems to be a snarky dig at the fact that everything you see is fake, and just put there for the picture. She reminisces that this is not always how her life has been, and seems to be questioning if she likes her life more now or before. McRae truly has covered all of the bases with this album. In my opinion, it is a comprehensive look on what it is to be a teenage girl / in your 20s. She sings about making bad decisions, dealing with toxic relationships and fake friends, and the mental health issues that come along with all of this. She has a very unique vibe of the electronic hip-hop and ballad-esque tone, which doesn’t seem like it should work but she makes it look easy and like a common pairing. McRae truly is an artist to watch, and has accomplished so much in her 20 years of life. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more from her. Written By Tessa Maddaloni Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Sixteen-year-old pop newcomer LEONI just released her second song, "SUPERNOVA." The London-based singer created an infectious pop track that is perfect for dancing around, whether it is at a club or in the comfort of your bedroom. Inspired by fellow young pop icons like Tate McRae and Olivia Rodrigo, LEONI is already making a splash in the industry with her energized pop soundscape. As she begins to make her mark in music, she has already earned over 10 million views and 2.3 million likes on TikTok. She has also been featured in the film Matilda The Musical and a FILA ad campaign. "SUPERNOVA" stands out for LEONI's sparkling vocals and upbeat production. Here, she sings about her inspiration from seeing her peers dancing on the television, working hard to achieve this same dream, and her determination to reach that star status. The catchy refrain features the lines "See my face all over / I'll be your supernova." It's an inspiring sentiment delivered through an electro-pop track that will have you rocking around to the beats. After this track, LEONI's comparison to a supernova might not be so far-fetched, as I am certain we will start to see her explode into stardom soon. LEONI is UK singer-songwriter and fashion student. She came into the music industry with her first release "Polaroid" in July 2023. Her latest track, "SUPERNOVA," has already earned over 11,000 streams on Spotify. With a love for both pop music and dance, LEONI is ready to make waves in the industry. Writing, producing, and performing her music, she is already standing out. While LEONI might only be sixteen-years-old and have a discography of just two songs, I am certain this only marks the beginning of a very long, very vibrant career. As she continues to work on her debut EP in East London, check out the social media links below to keep up with all the latest information. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW LEONI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

To say Dove Cameron has come a long way since her time at Disney would be an understatement. And the wait for her debut album is finally over, at least for the first part of it. Alchemical: Volume 1 is the first part of the artist's debut studio album, and it does not disappoint. With a short but sweet setlist, this album is filled with absolute powerhouses that left me on the edge of my seat with every song that played. TRACKLIST Lethal Woman Still Breakfast Sand White Glove God's Game Boyfriend FRAGILE THINGS Click here to stream the full album! As I previously mentioned, Dove Cameron is probably most well-known for her role(s) as twin sisters Liv and Maddie on the hit show Liv and Maddie on Disney Channel and for her role in Schmigadoon on Apple TV+. She also had a lead role in the Disney Channel original movie series Decendents , where fans were able to listen to her stunning voice constantly. Now, with Disney in her past, Dove is focusing on her professional music career, and she's kicking it off with Alchemical: Volume 1! Dove is also an openly bisexual woman, and she explores her sexuality through her music on more than one occasion. It's refreshing to see someone I used to watch as a child now growing into more of her own person, and I had a lot of high hopes for this album. Needless to say, she did not disappoint in the slightest. Lethal Woman We're starting off strong with the opening track on the album, "Lethal Woman". Immediately, I knew I was going to be obsessed with this song. In an interview, Dove mentioned how this song was about a woman who once "cast a spell" on her. It's an anthem for women with a powerful energy to it. I also love the accompaniment to this song, which includes a good amount of synth and gunshots. Yes... gunshots. It's perfect, and I feel gave the song more power. Still Coming up next on the setlist is a song delving into the need for genuine connection in a relationship. The lyrics "Can we just stand still" are repeated throughout the song, and usually with little backing accompaniment with it, which made me consider the meaning behind the words. Society expects all relationships to be a certain way, but "Still" proves that sometimes, it's hard for a relationship to conform to those norms. I love how Dove prioritizes using a whispery voice for this song. I could hear every bit of emotion in the lyrics she sang, and I fell deeper and deeper in awe thanks to it. Breakfast There are two tracks on this album that I quickly fell in love with, one of them being "Breakfast". This song can be interpreted in a few different ways. Many fans, including Dove herself, have mentioned the overturning of Roe v. Wade as an inspiration for the music video. But if you want to think of it simply, it's a song about the unfair gender norms women have to deal with compared to men. "I eat boys like you for breakfast / One by one hung on my necklace" is an absolutely killer lyric that I think sold the song completely for me. I'll die on this hill, "Breakfast" is arguably one of the best songs on this album. Sand One of the darkest ballads on this album would have to be "Sand". According to Dove herself, "Sand" is about a relationship she had with someone she thought she would be with forever. However, it soon transitions to the idea that sometimes, the relationship could feel pretty one-sided and that you could often be doing more to save it than your partner. Many fans have their own ideas on who specifically this song is about, but I don't think the point is to theorize that. The point is to consider Dove's feelings through this relationship, and the negative emotions she surely felt. This song is hauntingly beautiful and deserves every bit of praise. White Glove This is one of the more interesting songs on the album production-wise. However, that is in no way a bad thing! In fact, I think it fits the overall vibe of the album very well! "White Glove" expands into themes of sex, drugs, and money. And, at only two and a half minutes, lots of different elements were able to make its way into the final product. There's an almost robotic sound to Dove's voice, but I think it works well! I also love how there are moments where you just hear Dove yell out, or sing in a low voice that sent shivers down my spine. I was obsessed with every bit of this song. God's Game "God's Game" is another one of those songs that hit me right in the feels. It's a song about manipulation and self-doubt, and how they could ruin a relationship. Emotional abuse is always a difficult subject, but I think Dove expressed her thoughts and emotions very well. One lyric that I think was genius was "Just a boy with a man's face / Playing God's Game". I think it only grazes the surface of what Dove may have experienced, and gives the listener a never-before-seen look into her life. I always appreciate when an artist uses their platform to discuss different issues, and I think that unfortunately, this song will resonate with listeners. It was beautifully written, and I give Dove all the respect in the world. Boyfriend This is probably my favorite song on the album, and for GOOD REASON. "Boyfriend" is well-known online as being Dove's official queer anthem. It's about Dove as she tries to steal a girl away from her boyfriend. This song has everything: it's sexy and powerful, has a great backing accompaniment, a killer music video, and well-written lyrics that honestly sold the entire album for me. This song was the one that piqued my interest in Dove's professional music career, and honestly, I've been a genuine fan of her music since. If I had to vote for which song I feel deserves the most recognition on this album, I would vote for this one every time without a doubt. FRAGILE THINGS "FRAGILE THINGS" is the final song on this album, and I think it's a perfect ending to the masterpiece Dove has created. It's about a dying relationship, and just how easily it can be broken down to nothing. Vulnerability is always difficult to navigate in a relationship, and it's hard to watch one crumble. Love is fragile, and that is made abundantly clear during the whole three minutes of runtime. I empathize with everyone who may have experienced a relationship like this in their life, and I'm sure this song can give some viewers comfort and hope. Overall, I was obsessed with this album. I was immediately drawn in with Dove's sultry yet impactful lyrics. And with tracks that celebrate both women and men, I was able to connect pretty easily. As a gay woman, I can confirm that these are all valid anthems, and I'll be listening to them all on repeat for a while. So, go and experience this album for yourself. Alchemical: Volume 1 is available to stream now, and I promise, you will not be disappointed. Written By Isabel Mays Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.