There is a feeling we all struggle with at some point in our lives. It’s a feeling of uncertainty… a fear of the unknown. However, despite our best efforts and wishes, sometimes uncertainty is all we have to rely on. “Maybe” is the latest single by singer and songwriter Gabriela Bee, and it’s a spectacle to listen to. The song is about Bee’s best friend of over 14 years, who moved away to college. As Bee struggles with grappling with the unfamiliar distance between her and her friend, she also has to realize that sometimes, “maybe” is the best answer. As someone who grew up with a dad in the military, I understand the pain of having to leave my friends behind every few years. We would often lose contact, but I had to remember that maybe we would find our ways back to one another again. So, I think it’s safe to say I am deeply connected with this song. This song is achingly beautiful in so many different ways. It wasn’t just the meaning behind the song that tugged at my heartstrings, but there was a unique production editing choice that I observed with Bee’s voice. It sounds like there’s some kind of static, almost like it’s hazy (if that makes any sense). Honestly, I’m obsessed with it. It gave the song a vintage-sounding feel, and I think Bee’s stunning vocals were able to shine brighter because of it. There is also a pretty simple instrumental accompaniment, really allowing for the vocals to be the star of the show. This song was immediately added to my “Sad Boi Hours” playlist, and I can’t say a song has made me so emotional in a while. Kudos. Gabriela Bee is young, talented, and is bound to have a long career ahead of her. At only 17 years old, she is gaining a lot of attention online for her music. Thanks to that, Bee now has over 1.6 million listeners a month on Spotify. She has been involved in the music industry since she was 12, where she would post covers of songs online. She released her first single, “High Hopes,” in 2020. However, it would be the release of her single, “Look At You Now,” that would cement her place in this constantly-evolving industry. Gabriela Bee is insanely talented, and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to review this song. I can’t wait to hear more from her. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW GABRIELA BEE:

A new song has been added to the world of nostalgia and idolization of decades gone by. This new track is titled “living in the 90s” and was written by artist tiger del flor. Del flor writes, “the lyrics were inspired by 90s films like Twin Peaks and Pulp Fiction, while sonically it was inspired by 90s bands like Mazzy Star and The Pixies”, and these inspirations are evident. It gives the vibe of old-dreamy VHS tapes and string guitars, and the song actually opens and closes with the clicking sound of a tape rewinding. The 90s were an incredible time for music, with artists like Smashing Pumpkins, U2, and Nirvana. Del flor takes this era of music and pairs it with the modern vibe of Lana Del Ray and Suki Waterhouse, and makes a sound all of her own. The song is sung in a dreamlike state, and she has lyrics that detail substance use and how it makes her feel (the 90s were clearly a time of extreme usage, so this checks out). She sings, “passed out in the bathroom / heels and my makeup on / shut down the casino / baby don’t you know i'm drunk?” Clearly, she is having a good time in this song, and references like Quentin Tarantino and the popularization of cigarettes places in the very time period of music she intended it to be. It has the feel of an underground bar with other grunge bands, and a psychedelic scene. Tiger del flor has been making her rise as a solo artist, but you might also recognize her from her girlband Bleachbear, which was made up of her, her sister, and their cousin. Tiger, whos real name is Tigerlily Cooley, was also seen on season 14 of the hit show Love Island USA. Her talent and intrigue clearly transcends her from just a singer-songwriter, and labels her as up and coming all around celebrity. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, she shows her hometown through her grunge and indie vibe, as many artists with this sound have come from this area. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from tiger del flor. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW TIGER DEL FLOR:

This song, “Someone Else” by Aria Ohlsson tells the story about how it feels when you have to watch the person you love fall in love with someone who isn’t you. Written by Aria about her own experiences with love and relationships, this song dives deep into those moments where you feel like everything you want is slipping away from you. The pain can be all-consuming, even worse when this person that you love turns around and gives their love to someone else. Aria Olhsson captures this perfectly with her simple but poignant lyrics, with straightforward lines like “while I think of you, you think of someone else”, hitting you right in the gut with this heart wrenching song. “Someone Else” is a beautifully dark alternative pop song that keeps the tension perfectly balanced throughout all three minutes with its mix between smooth instrumentals and melodic vocals. This song opens very softly, drawing you into the song with the simple background music before delving into the first verse. Ohlsson’s vocals are very strongly foregrounded in the verses, but the beat picks up more in the chorus, creating a stronger emphasis on her heartbreaking lyrics like “Does she taste like cherry and wine? Does she give you all of her time?” The bridge is the strongest part of the whole song, picking up the pace and forming the climax before dropping back to end with a heavy beat and then smooth silence. Overall, Aria Ohlsson has crafted a track that sounds serene on the surface but is rough underneath, a perfect method for sharing the story of unrequited love. Aria Ohlsson is an alt-pop singer/songwriter born to Filipino and Swedish parents and based in the city of Toronto, Canada. At twenty five, she’s been writing and making music for over a decade, after turning to songwriting to help her deal with the grief of losing her mom when she was twelve. Compared to other artists such as Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde, Aria Ohlsson finds her inspiration in her own experiences, yet crafts her songs in a way that allows her fans to find their own meanings in the words she sings. Boasting over 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Aria has found lots of success with her recent release “Love on the Weekend”, and hopes to reach even more fans with her newest singles “Someone Else” and “Sober” ahead of her upcoming EP. Use the links below to listen to more of her music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Aria Ohlsson:

There's a particular brand of electronic dance-pop that uses the genre's kinetic momentum to evoke the heart-pounding emotions of complicated love. Lorde and Robyn come to mind as contemporary masters of this; but, on "Hiding Place," Maddie Regent joins them on the forefront of dance-floor romantics. In under three minutes, Regent soars, submerges, and stands resolute atop love's woes. The production, courtesy of Regent's boyfriend and collaborator Cade Hoppe, recalls the sugary dance-pop of Katy Perry's landmark album, Teenage Dream . Whirls and twinkles of synths create a neon phantasmagoria, like lasers reflecting off a mirrorball in every direction. Through the intoxicating rush, the NYC-based artist delivers an indelible vocal melody that squeezes out every drop of ambivalence from her lyricism on toxic relationships. Hear the way she slides through the words as she sings, "but it's such a waste!" It's the type of song that never quite leaves your head, like the toxic relationship its narrator can't seem to escape. The immediacy of "Hiding Place" belies just how clever Regent's lyricism is. "You crossed my mind without even looking both ways," she sings on the chorus. The song's narrator resides in the complicated space between falling out of love and holding onto it for dear life. Knowing someone is toxic for you is one thing, but living without the love you've built for them is a whole other challenge. Remarking on her new inclination towards the loudest clubs, she reasons with heart-breaking clarity. "'Cus I thought I saw you / so I tried to shout / but it wasn't you / and now I'm blacking out." This ex-partner lives like an apparition in her life, a void where nothing has yet filled the space. "You know that I'm not the one to look the other way," closes the haunting bridge. With eyes trained on an afterimage, grief begins the process of fading. On December 1st, Maddie Regent released her new EP, Girl Of Your Dreams. The eight-track project features "Hiding Place" alongside five, previously-released singles. Regent wrote the project around the cycle of toxic relationships and their impact on one's self-image. Like "Hiding Place," the EP's other tracks were produced by Cade Hoppe. Originally from Toronto, the singer/songwriter currently resides in New York City, where she has collaborated with industry titans such as the songwriting and production trio, LIONCHLD (Britney Spears, Bebe Rexha, Calvin Harris). 2021 saw Regent breakthrough with her viral single, "Ego," and debut EP, Miss Regent. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW Maddie Regent:

We’re all deserving of a happy and healthy environment, full of love and comfort. It affects our mood, thoughts, emotions, and even the outcome of our days. Its extremely difficult when an important figure in your life, such as a parent, is bringing a toxic environment into the home that’s interfering with your daily life, as well as your connection with them. youcallmecarla’s latest single, “ remember ,” is a personal, yet relatable song to many. Due to her fans finding comfort in someone going through the same thing, Carla develops a deeper connection with her fans as the lyrics express what they’ve all wanted to say, or have been feeling, in a time where they thought they were alone. This song can also be relatable for those in either toxic friendships or romantic relationships. The message is the same - that sometimes, it's better to just let go even if its hard. It's okay to desire a feeling of freedom and peace - a feeling that you used to have, even if it means having to distance yourself from someone that means a lot to you. It's especially hard for it to be a parent, though. From beginning to end, we follow Carla’s thought process and realization into the way her fathers behavior has become worse and turned negative overtime with fights, (“ Never easy, never right. Not a day without a fight. And all I remember is thinking this can’t be it” ) to wanting to never feel love for him again, (“ I could never, I could never, I could never love you again" ) and to eventually wanting this feeling to go away so she can feel normal again (“ I just want to be free .”) It was a gutting feeling for her to see her father changing and no longer being the man that she remembered raising her. She does admit that her attempts at forgetting him have failed because he does have a good side. She fights with herself by going back and forth of not wanting a part of him left in her. It's a difficult thing for her to do because it’s her father of all people: “ I couldn’t forget you even if I tried. Cause I also know you’ve got some good sides. And even if I don’t want it to be, there’s still a part of you left in me .” Carla Freude, aka youcallmecarla, is a 23 year-old German singer and songwriter. Her music career started at the age of 15 where she began writing songs. Her storytelling lyrics take you through a journey. Her songs tend to be personal and sad, yet extremely real and relatable in a way where you can find comfort in both her soothing voice and the lyrics. She says what a lot of us want to say, but have a hard time finding the words for. Keep up with youcallmecarla for future releases by clicking on the links below, and check out her latest single, “ remember ,” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW YOUCALLMECARLA:

With their self-titled album, The Sweeplings candidly share their personal experiences with loss, change, and perseverance. The eleven-track folk-pop project transports the listener to the duo’s headspace as they recount their journey through life. About the album, band member, Cami Bradley, has revealed that the music is “the accumulation of us as a band, our lives, and unfortunately, a lot of tragedy.” Since the beginning of their music, The Sweeplings have relied on their songwriting as a cathartic experience for love and loss in their own lives. With their latest album, they have dived deeper into this vulnerable storytelling and provide listeners an even greater insight on their life. TRACKLIST Fever Running Loose Drag Me Deeper (oh no) My Ach’n Heart Nothing Can Keep Me From You No Mercy Just Like That Stay Can I Have Forever With You The Only One Without You Farewell The Sweeplings are a folk-pop duo consisting of Washington native, Cami Bradley, and Alabama native, Whitney Dean. The pair connected when Dean, a former touring bandmate of John Paul White (The Civil Wars), saw Bradley perform on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. After seeing her performance, he reached out to her in hopes that she would be interested in writing songs with him. The two met up in 2014 and their musical relationship was born. An interesting lore behind their art is that the two still live in their respective home states. They work cross-country and manage to create authentic music despite the distance. Their spouses are the honorary third and fourth members of the band, helping the artists with travel and writing. Since The Sweeplings debut, they have released several EPs and three full-length albums, including The Sweeplings. They have massive streaming success, with over 33 million streams on Spotify for their single, “Chains”, followed by 21 million streams for “Hold Me” and 19 million streams for “Across the Sea”. Furthermore, their music has been heard throughout the film industry with placements on projects such as, The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Good Behavior, and Longmire. They even performed “In Too Deep” on an episode of Freeform’s The Fosters. Fever Running Loose The Sweeplings kick off their album with a flawless folk-pop anthem that instantly reels in listeners. From the very first measure, the lead single exudes the classic sound of folk with lively pop influence. Bradley’s compelling vocals lead the track, while Dean’s harmonies beautifully complement her. The duo’s voices blend so flawlessly together that it is evident that the pair were a musical match made in heaven. With the haunting melodies, “Fever Running Loose” shares the story of a relationship that the narrator is unable to let go of. Even though it is unhealthy, as described by the lyric, “Poison my veins when I’m with you,” they cannot seem to break this cycle. The Sweeplings poetically describe this type of dynamic in such devastatingly honest detail that only a true folk song could articulate. Opening the album with this powerful track was a brilliant move, as it immediately showcases their remarkable talent and the sonic theme for the entire album. Drag Me Deeper (Oh No) “Drag Me Deeper (Oh No)” was released as a single in October 2023, two months prior to the album’s release. The song contains dark lyrics and an eerie soundscape that matches the vibe of Halloween. The duo’s decision to release the track just 11 days before the holiday, whether intentional or not, was a brilliant marketing tactic. As a fan of all things spooky and folk-pop, “Drag Me Deeper (Oh No)” instantly caught my attention from the moment the song began. The haunting track continues a similar theme of the previous track as the narrator recounts a toxic relationship. With Bradley leading the song, she sings profound lyrics about being dragged deeper into darkness by this sinister person. The verse contains my favorite line as she proclaims: “Caught between the truth and all the things that leave me haunted.” She is tormented by the lies she is told but cannot seem to escape this overwhelming sadness. Alongside an ominous atmosphere, “Drag Me Deeper (Oh No)” ingeniously describes this cycle of falling into darkness and losing sight of yourself in the name of alleged love. My Ach’n Heart Continuing with the eerie soundscape, “My Ach’n Heart” utilizes gloomy strings and a powerful percussion to emphasize the emotional storyline. The song details the aftermath of losing a loved one and navigating the intense grief and sorrow. Throughout the track, the narrator pleads to God to mend their broken heart. The poignant lyrics eloquently describes perpetual mourning that never seems to fade. Bradley’s mesmerizing vocals sing the despondent lyrics: “God I’m calling out, I plead// I’m staring down the dark of morning// God I’m calling out, oh please// Take a heal’n to my ach’n heart.” As the song builds in the bridge, the power behind the instrumentation and vocals brings overwhelming chills to the listener. The emotional track hits this high point of the song in such a commanding manner that the audience cannot help but become lost in the music. While each song on the album is written from the duo’s personal experiences, this melancholic track is born from a darker place. Bradley and Dean both recently lost their own fathers, bringing them closer to this place of morose sadness. As someone who lost a close family member this year, “My Ach’n Heart” tugs on my heartstrings differently than other songs. The track gives mourners permission to be angry at the world for taking their loved one and grieve as long as needed. It reminds them that healing is not linear, and this wound may never fully recover. Someday, you may feel okay, but the next you may be begging God to take this pain away. With these profound lyrics and haunting folk-pop production, “My Ach’n Heart” instantly became one of my top tracks of 2023. Nothing Can Keep Me From You After the heartbreaking brilliance of the previous tracks, The Sweeplings decided to give their listeners a break with their uplifting song, “Nothing Can Keep Me From You”. The track contains a dreamy soundscape that encapsulates the happy, yet melancholic atmosphere of the lyrics. The ballad is a sweet ode to a loved one, telling them that they will follow them to the ends of the earth. They proclaim that nothing will tear them apart and they will always stand by them, no matter what. The wistful tone of the vocals captures this feeling of hopeless romance and sweet dedication. Despite the uncertainty of the future and the anxiety it may hold, the narrator makes their intentions clear—they are committed for eternity. Even through hardships and into death, they will never let go. The sentimental lyrics throughout showcase this in such a poignant manner, making “Nothing Can Keep Me From You” an absolutely stunning love ballad. No Mercy After a beautiful love song, The Sweeplings return to a bleak storyline with “No Mercy”. The song kicks off with the chorus as the two singers harmonize and a delicate piano play in the background. This sets the solemn atmosphere before the production slowly introduces the soothing guitar and a steady beat to signify the first verse. Bradley’s sweet voice shares the tale of a love story that ended in tragedy and heartbreak. Now, the narrator is unable to move on and they are being “haunted with no mercy” by this lost love. No matter who tries to replace them or where their life takes them, they will never truly move on. They see their former lover is unable to escape their mind. In the bridge, the two singers harmonize the lyrics: “Took me to the edge so I wouldn’t forget ya// Wouldn’t let me go on// Told me that you need me so I couldn’t be without ya.” These lyrics indicate that this person haunts the narrator, not because they are still in love, but because their behavior while still together was unhealthy. Their actions manipulated the narrator into staying, but then they eventually left them blind. These grim lyrics are wonderfully accentuated by the haunting production, showcasing the band’s ability to truly bring their art to life. Just Like That The Sweeplings return to their romantic theme with “Just Like That”. The sweet ballad is a beautiful dedication to both artists’ spouses. Both of their marriages began with a love so pure and true, that it happened “just like that.” The duo wanted to craft a song that encapsulated this feeling in a way that is authentic to their respective relationships. The track shares this deep love through poetic lyrics that are perfect for a first dance song at a wedding. In the bridge, Bradley’s sweet voice sings lines that are like vulnerable vows during a ceremony: “Find me safely wrapped in your arms again// I need nothing, you are my everything.” When they are together, she feels warm and protected in her partner’s embrace, and there is no force in this world that can tear them apart. It is this sweet sentiment that makes “Just Like That” one of my favorite love songs ever written. Stay The Sweepings maintain the theme of love with “Stay”. However, this track conveys a different type of love—One that is often underappreciated and deserves more recognition. While several of the other love songs on The Sweeplings are about romantic love, “Stay” is about familial love. Specifically, about the “unconditional love and unparalleled joy” that comes from being a parent. The day prior to the writing session that produced this song, Dean had a sweet moment with his oldest son. When putting him down for a nap, the child had fell asleep on the singer’s chest, causing him to become emotional. He wanted to stay in that moment and never let his son go. Throughout the song, touching lyrics illustrate this undying devotion to his children. That no matter where life takes them and the hardships they may face, he will always be there for him. He will be a soldier fighting all their demons and keeping his kids safe from any harm. The entire track is incredibly moving, showcasing Dean’s strong commitment and everlasting love for his children, making it another lyrical masterpiece by the band. Can I Have Forever With You With “Can I have Forever With You”, The Sweeplings once again have crafted a charming romantic love song. The sweet ballad contains the duo’s iconic vocal harmonies and delicate folk production that effortlessly guides the listener through the song. Each lyric shares the sentimental notion that the narrator is head over heels for their partner and knows they have found “the one.” The dreamy soundscape transports the listener to Cloud 9 as they envision this beautiful love story. While “Just Like That” is a perfect first dance song at a wedding, “Can I Have Forever With You” would play nicely in the background as the bride walks down the aisle. It is as if each romantic ballad on the album was meticulously made to be included in every wedding playlist. Utilizing their own love stories, The Sweeplings have continued to create sweet songs that lovebirds can effortlessly resonate with, once again proving their extraordinary talent. The Only One Switching back to a more desolate storyline, The Sweeplings breaks the hearts of listeners with, “The Only One”. The song shares a story of self-doubt and insecurity as the result of a toxic relationship. Throughout the track, Bradley’s compelling voice repeats the question: “Am I the only one?” The repetition emphasizes her anxiety as she wonders if her partner is seeing other people or if they are committed to her like she is to them. Furthermore, in the first verse she asks the heart wrenching questions: “Am I broken? Will I ever be enough?” This relationship has caused her to question her self-worth and ability to be loved. These lines are paralleled in the second verse as she sings, “I’m so lonely, dreaming just to be enough.” At this point, she is pleading with fate to allow her to be worthy of love and acceptance. Then, Bradley twists the knife with one last parallel in the bridge: “My heart, given up to find that it’s too late now// Oh, pouring out// I’ll never be enough.” After the rollercoaster of emotions and heartache displayed throughout the song, Bradley no longer questions her self-worth and has accepted that she will never be worthy of love. While happily married to their spouses, Bradley and Dean still manage to articulate this idea of self-destructive romance as if they experienced it yesterday, showcasing their remarkable storytelling abilities. Without You In “Without You”, The Sweepings share additional intimate details about the passing of their fathers. The vulnerable lyrics share that no matter how much time has passed, they still cannot believe that their father is truly gone. In the chorus, Bradley’s soft falsettos convey her authentic emotions as she sings the hook: “What will I do without you?” three times. From here, she continues with the lyrics: “Goodbye// Must I try to live on without you.” Facing life without their loved one is difficult, if not completely impossible. Two different experiences are described in the song: a sudden tragic loss and a slow, prologued stay in a hospital. Having gone through both with close family members, I could not tell you which is worse. Because neither is ideal, and in the end, grief is grief. Throughout The Sweeplings, the duo does an excellent job at demonstrating their own personal experiences with death and mourning while maintaining a level of relatability for the listeners. Farewell Ending the album with a song entitled “Farewell” is a clever decision that contains a double meaning. While the track is the perfect conclusion to the album, as the band beautifully harmonizes to tell the audience goodbye, the song can be interpreted in more than one way. Whether it is a farewell to their late fathers, a goodbye to a past relationship, or something else entirely, “Farewell” contains lyrics that showcase the end of an era. Through the poetic lyrics and Bradley’s stunning falsettos, the song consists of wistful nostalgia while the narrator recalls the lovely memories they have had. There is a bittersweet element in the songwriting, as they are heartbroken that they have to say goodbye but thankful for the time they did have together. Although the song is more than likely about more personal events, the song is perhaps a goodbye letter to their fans, reassuring them that if they do not release anything new for a while, they will always return. As a huge fan of indie-folk music, from The Civil Wars to Birdy, I have felt there has been a decline of good, authentic folk music in recent years. Discovering The Sweeplings has been exactly what I have been looking for. Their vocals blend so well together that it is impossible to imagine a world without their professional partnership. Bradley and Dean were destined to collaborate and each one of their releases are proof of this. And The Sweeplings is no exception. The self-titled album is a flawless project that contains eleven remarkable tracks that flow effortlessly together. The cohesive nature of the record stands out, showcasing that these are not just a collection of random songs thrown onto one album, but a meticulous artistic masterpiece the duo diligently crafted. The Sweeplings is such a mesmerizing project that it has earned its spot on my personal top albums of 2023 list. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW THE SWEEPLINGS: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Pop newcomer Keanan Eksteen just released his newest single "Myself" on November 24, 2023. The track, produced by Jeremy Farber, is a more stripped down version of punk-rock song that tackles love and pain. While the lyrics are solemn, the upbeat production keeps you engaged and dancing around. The song comes as his third released single of the year, after "CUPID" and "Sing With Me." I had never heard of Keanan Eksteen before this release, but quickly, I was drawn into and dancing along to the track. If you are into indie pop and rock sounds, "Myself" is definitely a new track worth checking out. Upbeat drum beats and bass line make "Myself" an exciting track that just makes you want to dance. Featuring engaging backing vocals and synths, the song is an effort to make people "absolutely lose themselves," as Eksteen put it. Though the lyrics take on a more somber tone with lines like "Now that you're screaming / I can't even hear myself" and "What I hate to say / Is I love the pain," the song is driven by the fast-paced instrumentation. Eksteen brings about topics of love, hurt, and cyclical patterns in a relationship. The vulnerable, authentic lyricism coupled with exciting melodies had me hooked from the start. 23-year-old, South African singer-songwriter Keanan Eksteen officially released his first track "Dixie Clouds" in 2022. Now, he has earned himself over 11 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify. His sound blends old school rock with newer, energetic music. After releasing his six-track EP FOREVER in July 2022, Eksteen set off on a one month long tour across Europe. He also released his debut album Golden Fever earlier this year in July. If you enjoyed "Myself," check out the social media links below and follow the accounts to keep up with all the latest information on Keanan Eksteen and his music. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW KEANAN EKSTEEN:

“Poison Ivy” is an indie anthem that relays an experience of an intoxicating relationship with little substance beyond its thrills. Every date brings new thrills fueled by substances and minimal conversations. You crave proximity and a deeper relationship, but the other person just calls you for more intoxicating adventures and pleasures. You remember the dates and what was so engaging about them but you wonder what more there is to them. The other person almost needed substances to function during every outing together. The toxicity grates at you until it burns and grows into something you know you should keep away from, but it pulls you back in. But with every explosive meeting, you are drawn in and crave more even if you only know them based on the thrills you provide each other. Click here to listen to "Poison Ivy"! “Poison Ivy” is a dance pop indie pop anthem with an upbeat tone and instrumentation that uniquely contrasts with the melancholy and serious lyrics. Despite its contrasting tones, both the melody and the relationship described in the lyrics are intoxicating. Throughout the piece, a familiar and nostalgic dance melody and instrumentation give a nice invigorating structure for the lyrics and vocals to base itself around. The consistent modulation on the vocals makes this new single sound excitingly nostalgic of early 2010s dance pop and indie singles. One of the standout aspects of this single is the brief part of the bridge that abruptly slows everything down. In a way, these tonal contrasts and shifts are reminiscent of the toxic relationship being described here. It is upbeat and thrilling, but it is still, in essence, somber and ever-changing. Chaz Cardigan is a singer-songwriter from Elizabethtown, Kentucky and currently based in Los Angeles, California. His musical aspirations were heavily inspired by musicians such as Justin Timberlake, NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys. He began writing and producing his own music in his childhood and early teenage years and posting them to early sites such as Myspace. In 2020, his single “Not OK!” received a top 15 alternative radio hit spot and rocketed his presence in the music industry. As part of the LGBTQ+ community, he uses his identity as an encouraging factor in his life and the lyrics for many of his songs. He has amassed an impressive social media following that has increasingly elevated his career. Make sure to follow him on social media and give “Poison Ivy” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW CHAZ CARDIGAN:

South Australian sisters Ella & Sienna have just released their new single, “New Year’s Kiss.” This track is an emotional journey that reflects themes of heartbreak and romance, after seeing your ex dancing with someone else at a New Years party. The girl's start off the song describing one of their exes, saying he’s wearing a polo t-shirt and blue jeans. With this description, they feel like nothing has changed with the two of them, except that they’re no longer together. The girl's are embarrassed to see this ex, saying “If I knew you were coming, I wouldn’t be here.” They put up a front when this ex asks them how they’ve been, and notices his new girl. The girl's in the chorus pose a question: “is she gonna be your new year's kiss?” They feel as if they’re getting left behind, but they know that this guy is “wishing that those were my lips.” In the second verse, Ella and Sienna see this ex dancing with his new girlfriend, but they can’t help but realize he keeps looking over at them, and second guesses his belief that he got closure. The girl's repeat the chorus again, they ask a series of questions about this girl in the bridge. They want to know if she’s going to be his valentine, if she’s going to be his first hello and last goodbye each day, and if she’s going to be there for the rest of their lives. This song is almost a bittersweet goodbye, even though the girl's know that he isn’t ready to say that. Ella & Sienna perfectly blend elements of pop and folk into this predominantly country track. The sound starts off with a nice synth and beat to set the scene. It sounds a bit like a song that would actually be playing at a New Years Eve party. A beautiful acoustic guitar is introduced later on in the song, which leans into the more folk and country vibe of the song. Both Ella and Sienna are incredibly talented singers, and their harmonies and vocals mesh wonderfully in the chorus. They make their low notes and high notes seem effortless and sweet. At the end of each chorus, they do a half time breakdown, which adds a bit of a nostalgic and pop feel. Most importantly, the narrative perfectly works with Ella and Sienna’s vocals and the backing track. Ella & Sienna are a sister duo from South Australia. They cite their inspirations as Fleetwood Mac and Taylor Swift, which is seen in their country and folk sound and their skilled songwriting. Even though they only started releasing music in 2022, they’ve already made a large impact on the Australian music scene. They were featured on Season 11 of the Australian version of The Voice, where they sang “cardigan” by Taylor Swift and “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus. The girls have performed at Semaphore Music Festival, Country by the River, and Fleurieu Folk Festival, and have performed alongside Australian singers John Schumann and Amy Sheppard. Their accolades include winning Most Popular Country Artist in the South Australian Music Awards 2022 and were finalists in the Folk Alliance Australian Youth Folk Artist of the Year two years in a row. Their debut EP, “Seven Ways to Say You're Fine” was released this year, which features “Next to Mine”, “Save”' and “Don't Call Me,” which earned them praise from major country radio stations like ABC Country. This sister duo will continue to flourish as their catalog grows and is sure to impress the music world for years to come. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW ELLA & SIENNA:

"How Your Love Feels" by Joakim Molitor has this infectious dance beat that almost reminds me of the dance music scene of the early 2010s, making it enjoyable. The added nostalgia boost makes you want to keep listening to the song, like a warm embrace of the best time of your life coming back for an encore! When this song plays, there's an almost instinctive energy to start moving, even if you can't dance; it makes you want to move. This is such a fun and lovely song that you and your friends can listen to in the car on the way to a party or just jam to it by yourself in your room. Anytime. anywhere, it really doesn't matter. If you have that dancing spirit in your heart, this song is for you! The song starts with the singer talking about staring down at their phone, indicating a mood of contemplation, as if there's underlying uncertainty in their actions. The mention of overthinking suggests nervousness that the person they're interested in isn't responding. This is felt to the point where there's an idea of visiting them just in case their partner's phone is dead, showing a strong desire for contact despite the nervousness. Despite worrying about a possible lack of responsiveness, the pre-chorus and chorus explore the simplicity and frustration in the relationship. The chorus highlights a strong desire for emotional transparency, tired of the rust between telephones, seeking to understand the emotions behind their partner's love. Verse two starts with the singer alone in bed, visualizing their partner's silhouette, feeling a strong need for their presence. Being willing to visit someone at 3 am, regardless of how late it is, shows a strong connection and feeling. The pre-chorus and chorus amplify the frustration and longing expressed earlier in the first chorus. The bridge perfectly depicts every emotion showcased in the song, almost like an emotional plea with heightened repetition of "I wanna know." The question "Can you tell me now?" shows urgency for an immediate emotional connection. The chorus beautifully ties off the rest of the song as it comes to its end. This song, off a first listen, has such a good vibe—a fun love song that not only will have you relating to it but will also have you wanting to dance. Joakim, behind the hit "Always gonna say sorry" with Maia Wright, is here with another song that perfectly captures the feeling of not overthinking when you have a good thing going. Just listen to your heart, and the rest will follow. His talent shines through the production of this song, and the vocals tie in nicely with the beat and melody. DJ Mag wrote that his single "Always gonna say sorry" straddles between pop and dance, with catchy vocals that sweep into a puddle of good vibes, built with sunny chords and chirpy bits of Vox. I wholeheartedly agree with those words when it comes to the song I've listened to today. His breakthrough came through the single "Morning Sun" with UK producer Corey James, climbing to the top 20 of the Beatport chart instantly and hinting at the top 10 of the Spotify Viral Top 50. The song got support from the likes of Tom Swoon, Max Vangeli, and Third Party, yet that isn't even the start of the recognition Joakim has received. His talent shines not only on its own but also through the people he's written for and worked with, including Maia Wright, Cher Lloyd, Elvira Andefjärd, Cornelia Jakobs, Victoria Voss, Cazzi Opeia, AMAYA, Robert Habolin, and Moa Petterson Hammar. He's also produced many remixes for an assortment of talented people (John de Sohn, Eric Saade, Charlotte Perrelli, Feenixpawl, Andreas Moe, etc.). Clearly paving his way not only through the EDM scene but also showcasing his songwriting in the Swedish TV series "Eagles." His talent is evident, and he deserves all the support. Do yourself a favor and not only listen to his music but also keep up-to-date with the links below, because this is an artist that deserves all the support we can give! Written By Jaylice Mitchell FOLLOW JOAKIM MOLITOR:

“Something” by Movie Night featuring Tish Hyman is a powerful anthem of self-empowerment and resilience. It's all about embracing who you are, letting go of the things that hold you back, and pursuing your dreams. The lyrics encourage the listener to be true to themselves and to, most importantly, believe in something meaningful. “Something” acknowledges that life is hard and it’s difficult to overcome challenges and not give up, but ultimately, we must persevere and find strength in both the highs and lows in life by finding something to believe in and fighting for it. Accompanied by energetic synth and guitar tracks, the song inspires passion and courage all the while being a fun song to scream at the top of your lungs. The song begins with a soft guitar track, letting the vocals shine. Starting the song with the chorus cements the meaning of the song with lyrics like “Don't waste any more time pretending you're nothing/You gotta believe in something” right from the start. This adds to the anthemic feel of the song, with the lyrics feeling like a mantra as the song goes on. In the verse, lyrics like "You forget to care for yourself/Killing time by going through hell” lay the foundation for the song's message that you only have a limited amount of time, so you shouldn’t waste it living a life you don’t want to live. This then builds up to the chorus, which now feels familiar and really hits home hearing it the second time around following the verse. The song’s feature, Tish Hyman, adds a powerful and soulful element to the song, and her delivery of the lines “Sometimes we fall down to our knees, yeah/Sometimes we climb back to our feet” adds just the right amount of raw authenticity and oomph to the track. The song ending with various voices saying “You gotta believe in something” is the perfect way to reinforce the idea that the song’s message applies to everyone, no matter what age or stage of life they’re in. Mike Squillante (guitar and vocals), joins forces with Nick Squillante on keys and Steve Ranellone on drums to form the dynamic NYC pop/rock trio, Movie Night. Formerly recognized as Running Lights, the band underwent a compelling rebranding, unveiling a fresh lineup of all-new songs. Movie Night's musical prowess extends beyond their own discography, with noteworthy collaborations that include co-writes and productions alongside Grammy-nominated multi-platinum producer William Wiik Larsen, known for his work with artists like Nico and Vinz, Kygo, and Florida Georgia Line. A testament to their contemporary appeal, Movie Night has rapidly garnered a substantial following on TikTok, amassing over 125K dedicated followers. The trio has taken their vibrant energy on the road, touring colleges across the United States and sharing stages with acclaimed artists such as American Authors, Offset, and Tai Verdes. As anticipation builds, Movie Night is gearing up for the release of their next set of singles, promising fans an exciting continuation of their musical journey in the coming months. Written By Rachael Bach FOLLOW MOVIE NIGHT:

Believe is a commercial pop ballad centered around the tasteful duet of two dynamic vocalists, Ivon Roberts and Hannah Dorman, both of whom combine their oratory abilities to craft an artfully expressive message of optimism. Produced by well-known Baltimore talent Sam Ray, aka Ricky Eat Acid, this single is a refined representation of how a pop song is supposed to be heard. Believe is a hope-filled anthem for anyone out there who needs a healthy dose of auditory inspiration in their life. It’s easy to just Believe when booming vocals are belting out lines like “But I’ll still believe, So just hold onto that fire, We started inside us”, as the overwhelmingly optimistic aesthetic of this song should have fans ready to overcome any obstacle in their life. Roberts and Dorman’s voices play well off each other, working together to romantically entrance their listeners into daydreams of finding true bliss – so long as they “still believe, in this dream”. On a technical level, Believe is a masterclass in musical production and equally parallels Ivon Roberts and Hannah Dorman’s impressive vocal talents. The combination of a big snare and stacked vocals during the chorus allow the section to open up and sound HUGE, and the addition of a pulsating bass creates a sweet rhythm that really helps amplify the feel of the drums. In terms of vocal production, the verses have a rimshot and mellow vibe to them which leaves adequate space for the lyrics to really shine on their own. The soothing pad in the intro continues to cycle throughout the song and serve as the “bow on top” that nicely ties the entire piece together sonically. There is also the pleasant addition of an electric guitar, introduced in the beginning, which has a super cool delay effect on it that adds a charming ambiance to the entire track. The last climax of the song is a key change that gives vibes of an instant Disney classic, an iconic sound that is sure to capture the ears of pop fans everywhere. Roberts and his collaborators certainly deserve recognition for crafting a beautifully tailored piece of art. Ivon Roberts is a multi-talented artist from the small town of Rosscarberry, Ireland, widely known for his abilities as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Having grown up with few friends other than his dogs, Roberts turned to music at a young age as a means of expressing all of his feelings on life. Ivon began writing music at nine years old and later progressed to recording songs as a fifteen-year-old, eventually going on to write his first song in 2019 – an experience he has since defined as “the best form of therapy I’ve ever had” and “a normal part of my routine”. Ivon began producing in 2017, using music as an outlet of self-expression in order to come off “quite straightforward and uncomfortably honest” in his songs; later going on to produce for artist friends like GER in 2020. His song Solo found critical acclaim on iTunes, hitting #2 on both the pop charts and overall charts in Ireland for several days – as well as surpassing 20,000 streams online within its first week of release. Roberts cites Ava Max, Dua Lipa and Carly Rae Jepsen as his main sources of musical influence, with The Corrs, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift and Aly & AJ being his “tried and true” favorites in terms of lyrical expression and artistic inspiration. Ivon taught himself to sing as a youth, eventually going on to study Singing & Musical Theory for four years in college – further solidifying himself as a musical purist. He has since dipped his toe in every genre from “Commercial Pop, to Country, to Classic, to Celtic” lending credence to his proclamation that “writing music feels like second nature at this point”, or as he more poetically shares its familiarity “its like skincare or reading”. Written By Dan Caddigan FOLLOW IVON ROBERTS: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator