Breakups often cause a flood of emotions and regret, leaving the affected parties to wonder what went wrong. It's a difficult experience to navigate, especially with the newfound loneliness the end of a relationship brings. Vilhelm Buchaus captures this perfectly in his new single, "Together." The track is relatable and honest, giving listeners an open look into the artist's heartache. Shedding light on the song's meaning, Buchaus states, "The song is about trying to move on after losing something close. About feeling lonely and at the same time wondering what could have been done differently." Tender and vulnerable, "Together" masterfully blends expressive piano lines with symphonic drumbeats. Buchaus' emotive vocals soar over the impassioned soundscape, carrying touching melodies that tug at the heartstrings. The artist wears his heart on his sleeve, delivering a poignant and powerful chorus that'll have listeners wondering who caused all this hurt. Buchaus' moving performance flawlessly conveys the pain that comes with a breakup, incorporating intense and harrowing emotions into every note he sings. "Together" is quite the captivating song, leaving listeners begging to hear more. A 22-year-old up-and-coming artist, Vilhelm Buchaus has been making waves with his skillful guitar playing and mellifluous voice. His music is a charming mix of pop and rock, consisting of both covers and self-written songs. Just getting his career started, Buchaus began posting recordings to YouTube in 2022 and later released his first single, "First Cut," in spring 2023. The artist cites several influences as his inspiration, including acts like John Mayer, Bruce Springsteen, Dire Straits, Bob Dylan, Ed Sheeran, Lizzy McAlpine, and The 1975. Some of his popular releases include "Take Me To The Moon," "All In Vain," and "Nothing At All." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW VILHELM BUCHAUS:

Brooks The Boy has just released his newest single “Window Shopping”, a pop rock song about the subtleties of cheating and where the line should be drawn when looking at other people, albeit supposedly innocently. “Window Shopping” refers to admiring people from afar while in a relationship, and while this may be harmless when not acted on, Brooks The Boy instead sings of when the innocent glances become those further actions. The track is laced with that classic pop rock percussion and passionate vocals, and the lyrics are totally what you’d expect out of a song that’s all about heartbreak and betrayal– and then some. I had never heard the term “window shopping” in relation to relationships before this song, but was delightfully surprised when hearing the lyrics’ double meaning. Especially when Brooks the Boy sings, “No harm in window shopping,” I think of moments when you’re out with your friends and you glance through the shop windows at the mannequins, and then popping in to take a quick look. Because, of course there’s no harm in looking, but what usually happens during window shopping is the urge to purchase the item anyway. Brooks the Boy’s songwriting and playful usage of the term is such a fun way to turn an everyday phrase into something with plenty of layers. More than that, though, is the song’s classic pop rock instrumentals– complete with an energetic guitar and intense percussion, it’s everything you’d ever want out of the genre. "Window Shopping" marries clever songwriting with an upbeat soundscape, all while telling a tale of heartbreak. Brooks The Boy is an alternative/rock pop artist based in Nashville. His music is filled with raspy, melodic vocals combined with relatable lyrics that ring true for everyone in some way. With a discography surrounding themes of love and heartbreak, Brooks The Boy creates quintessential pop tracks with evocative songwriting. His debut single “Dirt on Your Dress” released in 2019 and has over 370,000 streams on Spotify to date, and his debut EP “She Loves Me Not” similarly released that year. “Window Shopping” is currently his latest release and is definitely worth adding to your next playlist. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW BROOKS THE BOY:

Music is an artform that is meant for our ears. We listen, we dance, we relate to the lyrics and we connect with the soundscapes. However, when you listen to a song while also watching the music video, it becomes a whole different experience. It goes from something that you hear to something you can also see. It helps us have a deeper understanding of what the songs are about. This list is what I consider to be the 10 best pop music videos from the entire year of 2023. Not only are the songs on this list incredible, but their accompanying music videos are visually addicting. 10. I Feel Like Dancing - Jason Mraz The "I Feel Like Dancing" music video was filmed at the Via Verde Country Club in San Dimas, California. The entire video was done in one take - meaning there were no cuts in between scenes and there were no room for mistakes. We follow Jason Mraz through the country club as he's on his way to crash a wedding reception, simply because he just feels like dancing. There's quite a few TikToker and musician cameos, like The Fitness Marshall and Lindsey Stirling so see if you can spot them! The video was directed Taylor James and the incredible choreography was done by Megan Lawson and Damian Gomez. It feels like a celebration of individuality and expression when you see the diverse cast of people. It shows that no matter who you are or where you are, everyone can dance. Click here to watch the behind the scenes of the video! 9. That's Not How This Works - Charlie Puth (feat. Dan + Shay) The music video for "That's Not How This Works" takes splices from Charlie Puth's short film, titled the same as the song. Starring himself and the incredible Sabrina Carpenter, Charlie explained that he felt just a simple music video wasn't enough to explain the deep meaning behind the song. The most simple way to explain what song means is it's about two people who fell in love, but fail to communicate with each other. Instead of having a civilized conversation, they just fight and argue. There is no "bad guy" in this scenario, just two troubled people being human. The music video below is done very well, but if you want to see the full picture you'll have to watch the short film too. Click here for the short film! 8. TRUSTFALL - P!NK P!NK always knows how to use her music in a powerful and meaningful way - and the same thing goes for her music videos. TRUSTFALL, also the title of her album that came out this year, is about letting go and facing your fears. Things might be scary right now, but you might regret not trying if you don't just jump in and get it over with. The music video follows a young girl who is afraid to have feelings for someone, but in the end she puts trust into herself and finds that they feel the same way. The production on this video is incredible - almost like a movie; and of course, no legendary music video is complete without some great dancing. 7. Feather - Sabrina Carpenter "Feather" was a track of the deluxe edition of Sabrina Carpenter's latest album, "emails I can't send (fwd:)" and it was such a fan favorite, that she decided to release a music video for it months after it's release. Directed by Mia Barnes, this comedic video is for all the girls who have been treated like a piece of meat by any man that passes them by. Sabrina just goes about her day while men find themselves literally *dying* over her. *TW* if you don't like blood, I wouldn't watch this video! But really, it's just a fun and lighthearted video that features the highest heals you've probably ever seen. Sabrina is iconic, sarcastic, sassy and humorous and it really shines through in this video. You can also watch the BTS here! 6. Never Ending Song - Conan Gray Set inside a grocery store that is stuck in the past, Conan Gray brings back the 80s with his addicting track, "Never Ending Song". Conan pulls of the retro synth-pop star role really well, both in sound and fashion. This music video is filled with characters that you could imagine being in a cheesy 80s movie. Conan lets his intrusive thoughts fly and does what we all wish we could do when our favorite song comes on while we're in the grocery store - dance like no one is watching. By the second chorus, you realize there's something a bit more sinister happening when all the people in the grocery store begin to dance in sync; it's almost like they're possessed to do so. At the end, it implies that everyone in the grocery store is stuck in a loop, where it really is a never ending song. 5. Flowers - Miley Cyrus "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus came out in really early 2023, and ended up being one of the biggest songs of the entire year, already with billions of streams across all streaming platforms. This song went certified double platinum and for a while it was playing everywhere you'd go. The song is already a bop and a half without context, but if you know the deeper meaning, it's even better. "Flowers" was a stab at Miley's ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth and is an interpolation of the Bruno Mars song, "When I Was Your Man" which is a song Liam had dedicated to Miley. Miley flips the lyrics and the mood, dancing around to an upbeat catchy groove and singing how she can take care of herself better than he ever could. The song was dropped on Liam's birthday, January 13th and in the music video, Miley wore a golden dress, rumored to reference and famous Jennifer Lawrence look, someone who Liam had been rumored to be involved with while he was still with Miley. The music video shows strength, independence, and just how far Miley has come in her personal journey, and within her career. 4. All My Exes' Moms - Brooke Alexx Brooke Alexx is a smaller artist compared to the household names on this list, but her self-directed music video for her song "All My Exes' Moms" blew most others out of the water. Brooke literally called up all of her REAL LIFE EXES, and asked them and their mothers to be in her music video. You know she has to be an incredible person for all of them to say yes - which they did. Not only is the music video incredible and hilarious, but the song is unlike any other pop song I've heard (in a REALLY good way). Watch as all the boys sit around rolling their eyes and being on their phones while Brooke and their moms have the ultimate girls night filled with sushi, pillow fights and face masks. You're guaranteed to fall in love with Brooke once you watch this music video. Click here to see Brooke calling one of her exes to invite him to be in the video! 3. Wish You The Best - Lewis Capaldi Warning - THIS MUSIC VIDEO WILL MAKE. YOU. CRY. Lewis Capaldi is an expert when it comes to creating really emotional music, so it makes sense that he also holds a record for one of the saddest music videos of all time (at least in my book). The production quality of this video is absolutely insane. It's basically like watching a movie, and there's a devastating storyline too. I don't want to spoil it for you, so all I'm going to say is it involves an old man and a dog (and you know that can't be good). If you need a solid cry and need some help getting those tears flowing, this video will do it. Unfortunately, it's a very underrated video within mainstream media, but that's why I'm giving it the recognition it deserves as No. 3 on this list. 2. I Can See You - Taylor Swift If you were a Taylor Swift fan during her Speak Now era, this music video is incredibly nostalgic. Taylor came out with Speak Now (Taylor's Version) in July this year which included 6 "from the vault" songs, aka songs that didn't make it on the original album way back when. The night SNTV came out, "I Can See You" (from the vault) became an instant fan favorite. Little did Swifties know at the time that it would soon have a music video. The setting is at a museum that seems to revolve around Taylor's Speak Now days. We see Presley Cash and Joey King, both who were featured in Taylor's music video for "Mean" 13 years ago. Taylor is dressed in her SN Tour outfit, and is locked inside of a vault with a painting that has the album cover of SNTV on it. It seems that Presley and Joey are on a secret mission to break Taylor and the Speak Now album out of the vault. About halfway through the video, we get another shocking, surprise cameo from one of Taylor's exes from 2009, Taylor Lautner. While in a room surrounded by outfits that Taylor wore during this era, Taylor L. and Joey break out into an action packed scene where they fight off security (aka, the ones who took Taylor in the first place). Taylor L. managed to pull off all of his own stunts within this sequence, which was really quite impressive. They finally break Taylor free from the vault, running out to the van where Presley is waiting to make their great escape. As you can see, this is a very detailed video, which is exactly why it earns such a high spot on the list. We did an album review for Speak Now TV, which you can read here! 1. Got Me Started - Troye Sivan Finally, here we are at the No. 1 spot with a video that deserves the praise! Troye Sivan broke back into the mainstream when he began his single releases for his new album, "Something To Give Each Other". This included 3 songs that all got music videos - "Rush", "One Of Your Girls" and "Got Me Started". Honestly, I had a really hard time picking which one out of the 3 was the best because every single one of them is GENIUS. I really suggest watching all 3 of these music videos, especially "One Of Your Girls" which has a really deep meaning and creative visuals (aka, Troye Sivan in drag literally being the hottest girl ever). What made me ultimately pick "Got Me Started" was the choreography and the production value. This video is actually insane and I just want to watch it over and over and over again. If you love dancing, the choreography in this video is pure eye candy. I had no idea that Troye Sivan was such a great dancer. The video was filmed in Bangkok, Thailand and features many beautiful spots around the city. At the end of the video, you witness a group of people literally dancing on top of a tall building, being filmed from up above. It's just an ethereal experience to watch, which is why it has the No. 1 spot for the best music video of the year. We did an album review for "Something To Give Each Other" which you can read here! What's your favorite music video that came out this year? Was it on this list? Follow us on our socials below and comment your thoughts on our best music videos post! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Sometimes, not everyone can truly enjoy the “most wonderful time of the year.” Sometimes, there are heartbreak, loss, and familial problems that may make the holidays feel unbearable. In Hayes Warner’s newest single, we explore this very issue. “Worst Time of Year” is an impactful and powerful song that explores the feelings of heartbreak around the holidays. It’s centered around the protagonist being abandoned by her significant other during the holidays. What was supposed to be a time filled with love, warmth, and cheer quickly turned into one of sadness. Honestly, I’d consider this a true anti-holiday anthem. This song has kind of a mix of both pop and rock. Pair that with the powerful electric guitar and the quiet jingle bells, and you have the perfect base for a song like this. It opens with Warner’s quiet “La, La, La’s” as the energy builds up. I think the tone of this song is pretty similar to some of the music Olivia Rodrigo has released. However, I sense a little bit of Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams in her voice. It’s refreshing, and I feel made this song unique and exciting! I think more people need to write holiday songs like this one, I am unashamedly obsessed with it. Hayes Warner is bound to be a big name in the industry. She began writing her own music at only 14 years old, and by the time she was 16, she was recording her music. Warner graduated from Northwestern University’s musical theater program in 2022. In February this year, she signed her first record deal with Daniel Glass, the Founder and CEO of Glassnote Records. Warner has had a great deal of success so far in the industry, and has even toured with artists like Fetty Wap and Flo Rida. She is also set to release her first EP in early 2024. Hayes Warner is already soaring to the top, and I cannot wait to hear what she conjures up next. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW HAYES WARNER:

“Not Backing Down” is an empowering anthem that beats to the sound of your self-confidence and power. Embodying themes of self-defiance and belief, Sabrina G urges her listeners not to settle for anything less than what they deserve. It’s often too hard to hear past all of the noise, whether that’s people who celebrate your downfall or urging you to give up. But these people don’t know you, they don’t know your worth nor the motivation you may have to stick it to the haters and prove them wrong. Sabrina G asks her fans to believe in themselves and make their decisions on what they think they can do, rather than what other people think they should do.  Sabrina G’s honest narrative stands out among millions of others, showcasing the often harsh truth of how others simply try to get you down. With the thumping drums setting the tone of the song, it also serves as an icon of life moving forward, minute by minute, day by day. With the song’s upbeat tempo, it reminds listeners that though life might be tough, there’s always hope to do what you want to do. Her raw earnest and elegant vocals add texture and depth to her emotion, and the modern nuance of the atmospheric noises pair beautifully to transport the listener to another world, one where you can be anyone that you want to be.  “Not Backing Down” is her second single from her exciting new EP Hierarchy , set for an early 2024 release. Sabrina G, an alt-pop UK artist, was featured on Glastonbury Festiva’s Emerging Talent Longlist 2022. This caught the attention of BBC Radio 6 Producer Mark Higgins, who stated that Sabrina G is “musically turning grey skies blue…there’s play more to come from this artist who is soon becoming one to watch.” Supporting artists like Newton Faulkner and Maple Glider on the stage, Sabrina’s stage presence is nothing to scoff at, and the energy she brings to each and every track is something to be applauded.  Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW SABRINA G: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Won’t Let Me Go” is a contemporary alt pop anthem that relays the self-healing experience of breaking down your barriers alongside someone you deeply care about. No matter where you go in life, you find yourself unable to express yourself freely. Every new interaction or experience brings about a sense of uncomfortability. You constantly feel on-edge and it feels as though nothing can bring you out of your continuous slump. But there’s a small light that accompanies you and gives you self-assurance just by its existence. This everburning light is someone deeply special to you. They give you reassurance that you are wanted and heard, and the value within their words becomes clear to you. You understand that these barriers you have built are just that; limits you have created. Although you’ve always kept your head low, out of sight and out of mind, your newfound confidence and love have worked within you. If your loved one won’t let you go, then why should you? “Won’t Let Me Go” is an alt pop commercial anthem that is as free-spirited and energetic in tone as it is in its story. Typically, music describing the effects of mental health is somber in order to reflect the narrative. However, this story is about overcoming your struggles and opening yourself up, and it is greatly reflected in the instrumentation and melody. Each upbeat guitar strum and cheerful clap represent the ever evolving mentality of the narrator and his journey of self-reflection and healing. Special care is taken with each intricate detail of this single, such as the beat briefly swelling down when Charlie Finch writes “Keep my head down low”. These small details add a sugary sweet cherry on top of a detailed story. Every element of this piece intertwines into a cohesive and enjoyable experience. Charlie Finch is a singer-songwriter from South Africa. He has had an extensive and thriving career within the music industry for many years now. He regularly performs at live music events which helped elevate his career both in its infancy and now. He has long-standing singles from the mid 2010s that still gain positive attention today. His first album, “Life’s Journey” was released in 2017. He took a short break from music due to the pandemic but has skyrocketed back into music with this latest single. Make sure to follow him on social media and give “Won’t Let Me Go” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW CHARLIE FINCH:

When life throws obstacles your way, it’s easy to feel discouraged and down, but it’s best to have hope that things will turn around. All you may need is a win, big or small, to lift your spirits and remind you that life is worth living. Natalie Clark’s song “Miracle” is a song that brings hope to people who may be down on their luck but don’t want to give up. She sings to the people trying their best but needs a push to get back on track. Truthfully, we all have those moments, but hearing the ballad is a gentle reminder that someone acknowledges, cares, and wants us to win. If you’re going through a dark time, “Miracle” might be the miracle you've been waiting for. The song starts with an uptempo guitar and Natalie Clark’s vocals. She has a unique voice that draws you in. The hint of a rasp in her soothing voice adds a bit of an edge to her. The song picks up for the chorus, increasing both energy and hope for listeners. The emotion-filled chorus meets the expectations of an epic ballad. The melody behind her powerhouse vocals allows listeners to soak in her writing and singing capabilities. Everything about the song is uplifting and healing. She paints a vivid picture with her compelling narrative and stimulates a soul-stirring performance with powerful synths. You can feel Natalie Clark’s emotions as she sings her inspirational message with a riveting voice. Her tone is just as strong as the song makes us feel. Natalie Clark is a Scottish singer-songwriter who moved to the U.S. to pursue her dream career of singing, writing, and playing music. Natalie’s previous role as a teacher came to an end when she accepted Richard Branson’s invitation to sing at a BBC Radio 1 Academy session in Glasgow. Since moving to the States, Clark has opened festivals, toured the country, and was named a ‘Hot 100 Live Artist’ in Music Connection Magazine. Her music has been featured in several Netflix shows, including Insatiable . She was even selected to open for the Indigo Girls tour. When she’s not on tour, Natalie Clark records music in Los Angeles. Written By Victoria James FOLLOW NATALIE CLARK: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Heather Sommer’s latest release, “My Mind Makes Me” speaks on the unintentional thought processes and recurring memories that shadow most of our lives.  The past, her goals, her former ones, and the future she now views constantly echoing in her head.  Not only does the piece call awareness to the consistent ideas that occupy most of our minds and go unaddressed, making her audience feel seen and understood, but it also addresses these patterns in a way that omits guilt and self-consciousness surrounding them.  By referring to the experience as something her “mind makes” her do, she reduces the subject to something of physical unavoidability that normalizes regret and overwhelming thoughts and allows room for them to be part of the human experience rather than something shameful. The beginning of the song feels the way her lyrics describe the experience itself must have, “life hit me” she instantly begins singing, hitting the audience with the same sudden shock.  She starts off on an already upbeat note, seemingly throwing the audience into the chaos she feels her head is.  Sommer then goes on to almost list the thoughts she has, being vulnerable and creating a sense of intimacy with the listener.  Her repetitive and catchy phrases surrounding her mind are said pointedly and more calmly than the thoughts themselves, with skilled and memorable instrumentals backing her.  Though her lyricism and tone is admirable, it is Heather Sommer’s voice that steals the show, strong and passionate, her talent is especially undeniable in this piece. Heather Sommer is an independent artist, fairly new to the scene, releasing her first EP, “Nocturnal”,  in February of 2021.  She’s always had a connection to artistic subjects such as this, as a young girl she took advanced art classes and participated in choir.  This continued as she moved on to college where she studied design and illustration, writing songs in between her classes. Now, she travels between New York and L.A., creating everywhere with everyone she meets.  The artist values moving between destinations, genres, and collaborating with other creatives to bring out a little piece of everything in her work.  This method has proved successful, with Sommer gaining over 60 million streams on Spotify since Nocturnal’s release as well as amassing an impressive social media following with about 50k followers on Instagram and TikTok.  Follow these accounts below and stream “My Mind Makes Me”. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW HEATHER SOMMER:

7evin7ins tackles the highs and lows of fame and journeying through the music industry with his new track "THANKS FOR THE THERAPY." The song is a sarcastic response to navigating the challenges of being signed to a major label, giving fake thanks for the woes and heavy feelings the experience has caused. Depicting the double-edged sword of chasing difficult dreams, "THANKS FOR THE THERAPY" explores the initial excitement that comes with achieving said dream and then the aftermath when things weren't what they seemed to be. Parts of the song also seem to reflect a toxic relationship, stating "Fake love, I know you’re not sorry/You gave up before I got started/Drove me to insanity/Hey thanks for the therapy." Though not everyone has gone through 7evin7ins' struggles of interacting with a major label, the song is relatable for anyone who has been disappointed or scarred by following their dreams. Mixing elements of pop-punk and alt-rock, "THANKS FOR THE THERAPY" features a cathartic, edgy soundscape perfect for releasing some frustration. The song has a guitar and drum-laden instrumentation, driven by aggressive beats and face-melting guitar riffs. Though the track features some heavy lyrics, 7evin7ins incorporates a carefree attitude throughout the song, pairing his pent-up emotions with breezy, unforgettable melodies. "THANKS FOR THE THERAPY" has an anthemic feel to it, sounding positive and uplifting in the face of adversity. Hailing from New Jersey, 7evin7ins is an up-and-coming artist known for seamlessly blending elements of pop-punk, alternative, and hip-hop together to create his unique sound. The artist began his journey after sustaining an injury that derailed his college basketball prospects, using music as an outlet. He eventually discovered TUBLife & Rockstaar, leading him to start recording professionally. 7evin7ins finds himself inspired by many, including acts like Paramore, Post Malone, Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Juice WRLD. Some of his popular releases include "Life Gets F**ked Up," "Oh Sh!t," "I'M A-OK," "break me," and "999!" Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW 7EVIN7INS:

“The Best View In Liverpool” is BANNERS’ latest release to cap off a year full of fantastic songs. Like the orange-red hue of the cover, “The Best View In Liverpool” is a slow-growing anthemic tune with a gradual increase in passion and power as the track continues on. It has that soaring yet soft vibe that makes you feel as if in Liverpool, watching the city lights as the sun sets. With a gentle piano and swelling vocals, “The Best View In Liverpool” is a dedication to BANNERS’ home, replete with a threading love story, where the best view in the city is with someone you care about. The song begins with a soft introduction of piano keys, twinkling against BANNERS’ vocals; as the track continues, the piano grows until the song’s zenith, but by then the rest of the instrumentals have joined in to create a crescendo of sound. Although, I think my favorite component of the song is its writing– specifically in the bridge, as the instrumentals slowly become stronger while BANNERS’ vocals mingle with its intensity. “This is my home/This is my heart,” he sings, and that’s when you realize that “The Best View In Liverpool” is a twining story of love and dedication; it isn’t the sights or familiar street corners that make a city a city, but the people you have experienced it with. It’s a lovely message wrapped in a song with a beautiful soundscape, colored like sunsets and rolling waves. The song is unendingly romantic, a dedication to both those you love and the place where that love was cultivated. Michael Nelson, AKA BANNERS, is a singer-songwriter based in Liverpool, whose musical career began when he was seven, just starting his “musical apprenticeship”. During a chance trip with his producer father to a studio in Toronto, his life was changed forever there on out. Eventually, one of his demo CDs made its way to Stephen Kozmeniuk, a Grammy-nominated producer. “Shine a Light” was his debut single under the name BANNERS and was an instant success– to this day, it has over 60 million streams on Spotify. He’s been invited to perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has become a household name throughout North America, and has had his single “Someone To You” go viral on TikTok with over 1.5 billion streams. “The Best View In Liverpool” is BANNERS’ latest single and is another exemplary addition to his year’s releases. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW BANNERS:

Indie singer-songwriter Kayla Mercuri has just released her single, “i just need you,” and it’s sure to be a hit. In this song, she writes about the slow burn of her love, starting off as strangers and growing into lovers. Kayla recalls one of the first times they met, saying “You waiter for me out in the street/you pulled me in and it felt complete.” Even though they had just met, she knew they would have something great. In the chorus, Kayla says, “one things for sure/don’t need anything more,” and she knows all she needs is him. In the second verse, she talks about all the sweet nuisances in their relationship. She says, “you’re giving me roses just because/it’s in the details I feel your love.” Kayla repeats the chorus again, and reiterates “And one things for sure/don’t need anything more/I just need you” in the bridge. She adds a sweet message for her lover at the end of the song, saying her love has no end and how her lover is her best friend. “I just need you” is definitely a stripped back track. For the most part, it features a piano and her voice, with a laid back guitar solo after the second chorus. After the first verse, she adds in some incredibly beautiful and ethereal harmonies throughout that reverberate through the song. Following the chorus, there’s a bit of a rhythmic change that makes the song more upbeat. Her vocals are raw and her tone is beautiful, and it gives the track this down to earth feel. There aren’t crazy vocal runs or high riffs in this song, but Kayla’s voice is truly beautiful. To me, this song sounds a bit like “Slow Dancing” by Aly and AJ, another beautiful song that has a mellow backing track and simple vocals. Kayla also released a piano version of “i just need you,” which adds even more to the vulnerability in the lyrics. Kayla Mercuri is a Boston-based singer-songwriter who first embarked on her musical journey in 2014. It was in 2014 when she flew to Los Angeles to record three of her songs that debuted on radio stations in Boston and the surrounding area. She already earned recognition with her debut EP, “Notions,” in 2015, earning a top ten spot on the 2016 New England Music Radar Award. Kayla has performed on some pretty famous Boston stages, including at the Boston Hard Rock Cafe and the longest running songfest for female artists, Chick Singer Night. Kayla has continued to impress listeners with her carefully crafted songwriting and her perfect songwriting that show her confidence and depth. She’s bringing a fresh new voice and sound to the saturated music world, and I’m sure she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW KAYLA MERCURI:

"Invisible Wars" by Luna Keller is a poetic folk ballad about bottling up one's emotions in the midst of declining mental health. The song is grand, dynamic, and chilling, mirroring the deep sorrows the lyricism emotes. When talking about the process of crafting the track, Keller opens up about her own personal journey with depression, saying, "You keep hoding on and tell yourself you can be strong for everyone when in truth you need help and support." The title is a brilliant play on this concept. We fight our internal mental "wars" while putting on a brave face for everyone else. For those who have similarly struggled with depression, this sentiment is all too familiar. Keller's history and passion for the subject matter bring a level of authenticity and relatability that makes "Invisible Wars" come to life. Melodically, "Invisible Wars" is luscious. The verses pair the simple folk-inspired acoustic guitar with Keller's stunning vocals, slowly building up to the chorus. Then, once that refrain hits, the song skyrockets; harmonic belting and beautiful violin-sounding strings usher in a dramatic, powerful fashion. With how epic it sounds, the song could easily fit on a movie soundtrack for a franchise like The Lord of the Rings or The Hunger Games. And yet, with how impressive "Invisible Wars" is sonically, Keller keeps the listeners focused on the primary subject matter with her thoughtful and poignant lyrics. Lines like "I play with thoughts like swords and knives," are such a succinct and creative way of describing the mental anguish of depression. Luna Keller accomplishes an extraordinary feat with "Invisble Wars," creating a gorgeous but important song. Listeners who have depression can listen to Keller's words and feel less alone in the invisible wars they may be fighting themselves. Luna Keller is a German indie singer-songwriter. The up-and-coming musician has released official singles since 2017 and has seen great success thus far in her career. She was a finalist in the Hollywood Songwriter contest and currently amassed over 700,000 streams and 38,000 followers on Spotify. Her sound is a mix of indie, pop, and folk, focusing on lyricism akin to artists like Stevie Nicks or Phoebe Bridgers. "Invisible Wars" is just chapter two of Luna Keller's newest album rollout. For her upcoming "Ocean Inside of Me" LP, the singer will release a new single or "chapter" every month. It is an exciting project, and I cannot wait to see what Keller releases next. "Invisible Wars," alongside Luna Keller's discography, is now available on all streaming services. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW LUNA: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator