Worth It In The End" by Vicky Rai is this dreamy-like song about the artist talking about her life experience as someone a part of the LGBT community and the vulnerability that comes with coming out and hoping the people around you love and accept you as you are. As someone who has known that they are queer, this is definitely a song I can easily deepen the story behind, just like I’m sure everyone else in my community can. There’s this gut-wrenching feeling about the possibility of having to hide who you truly are, in order for the people around you to still love you. Even so, the only person who needs to accept yourself is you, and when you can do that, the right people in your life will follow suit and support you endlessly no matter your orientation or how you feel in your heart. You shouldn’t let anyone tell you how to live your life or fit inside a box that you just can’t squeeze into. The vocals in this song are absolutely lovely and almost siren-esque as the background vocals have this smooth quality to them as Vicky so beautifully weaves the pages of her story within her melody and lyrics. The first verse has the singer reflecting on early signs of attraction for someone but possibly not being able to act upon it due to being scared to say anything about it. There’s this automatic hesitation when thinking about the societal pressure to suppress thoughts of liking someone who’s the same gender as you. Like it isn’t appropriate, even if you can’t help who you love. Yet there’s this sense of fear at potentially facing consequences, no matter what they are, for openly expressing her feelings. Internal conflict is also a given as she questions herself and chooses between her personal feelings and the ones of the people she loves. She doesn’t want to disappoint them. The pre-chorus echoes lyrics that represent her repetitively trying to grapple with these feelings, trying to at least suppress them in hopes of some kind of resolution. The chorus kicks in, and it’s essentially the singer telling herself to “Get Out Of Her Head” and urging herself to stop overthinking not only her identity but her feelings too. She expresses this desire to become more than friends with the object of her affections while also encouraging herself to start the path of self-acceptance. Verse two depicts the societal struggle of expectations and pressure to conform to an identity that’s more palatable. As the pre-chorus and chorus reiterate this struggle, it’s internal. However, the final chorus wraps up the song beautifully as it comes in like this romantic self-mantra lullaby to herself about not overthinking it, how her feelings aren’t a phase or temporary, and reassuring herself that even if it takes time, it all will be okay. This is a beautiful song with not only beautiful musical aspects, but the songwriting and real-world ties this song to the LGBT community dig very, very deep, and I can see queer people relating to this. This song is about accepting your sexuality even through the fear and worry of what might happen; you’ll never be able to live your true authentic self if you’re scared of what will happen, and the only person who gets to have an opinion on you is you! This song is just so absolutely lovely; I know I’ll find myself listening to it again and again. Vicky Rai, a Toronto-based artist with deep Portuguese roots, has this amazing ability not only to beautifully delve into emotions, but the music is not only relatable but also sort of irresistible, and she has this cadence to her voice that only some of the best R&B pop singers have, which is super unique and also absolutely gorgeous as this contemporary song takes you over. She continues to garner recognition (and for good reason) from esteemed radio stations to even music blogs like Music Buzz, Moan Barrow, and ESCCovers, who’ve dubbed her the next big thing in music. With 11k (and counting) monthly listeners, this song showcases why it’s no surprise she has that many monthly listeners. The more connected a song is to someone’s personal life and struggles, the more human it is, and the more you can’t help but relate to it. Vicky Rai is an amazing artist, and I can’t wait to see what she does in the future, and if you want to stay tuned, click on the links below to get a front-row seat to what this artist might create in the future! Written By Jaylice Mitchell FOLLOW VICKY RAI:

In the aftermath of divorce, singer/songwriter Tim Schou sought to capture this grief in a four-track EP. The resulting project, Ashes On The Shore , chronicles the heartbreaking end of an eight-year relationship. Its final track, however, brings an appreciative energy to what could be a grueling subject. "One Last Dance" takes the moment to celebrate the love and joy that was, looking forward to finding it in new places. This is clean, peppy pop that breezes through its moods with a conversational energy. The chorus, a thumping synth pop call to "put your hands together," snaps back to the verse with little fanfare. Schou simply dives back into his narration over muted guitar and finger snaps. The effect is charming rather than jarring, as the Danish musician keeps the sonic focus on his closely tracked vocals. There are hints of Vampire Weekend in the clean guitar tone and conversational delivery, but Schou's songwriting is distinctly more aligned with the likes of Ed Sheeran. While "One Last Dance" might not sound like what one might expect from "post-divorce music," it is nonetheless percolated through grief. "I'm bad for you and you were bad for me," he admits frankly. "You know I love you, I've tried everything: flowers, therapy, two diamond rings." The intimacy with which he excavates the collapse of his marriage is overwhelming—threatening to pull the weight of "One Last Dance" into its dark voice. Then Schou shakes it off with the chorus. The danceable groove and sentimentality feel almost tongue-in-cheek with how they resemble music that might be in a wedding DJ's repertoire. But rather than steeping it in any irony, Schou uses these conventions to celebrate life, love, and hope — even in the wake of heartbreak. In 2015, Tim Schou made the life-altering decision to pursue the couch-surfing lifestyle of a traveling singer/songwriter. His first major success was landed in 2017, with his single "Novocaine." The awards and acclaim that followed directly led to the Danish musician supporting Barbara Moleko and Morcheeba on tour the following year. The exciting and eventful tour brought Schou to the concept of his aptly-titled Neverending Vagabond Tour. This touring concept allows for anyone to book him for living room concerts, only requiring a chair and his acoustic guitar. This October, Schou began his first venue solo-tour across Denmark. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW Tim Schou:

Everyone needs a good anthem after a breakup and Erin Bloomer’s latest single “Bye Bye” is the perfect candidate. While it weaves that tell-tale story of ending up as just another notch in someone’s belt, the song makes it exceedingly clear that it won’t stand to be the crying damsel. Instead, it absolutely does not care, both physically and metaphorically saying bye-bye. The song is fun and light, and its lyrics are total confidence boosters– “Bye Bye” wants you to hold your head high and to know that you’ve got it so much better than whatever your not-so-significant-other has. I think my favorite part of “Bye Bye” are the traits Bloomer names in the song's lover. From “spending all your money that your daddy saved for you” to “open your mouth/you let it out/no hesitation”, listeners know exactly what kind of lover this is. Bloomer elegantly crafts through her songwriting the vision of a lover who clearly doesn’t deserve any sympathy, whom of which is selfish and egocentric. It just makes the “bye bye” in the chorus so much stronger knowing that the lover’s red flags are dropped in inconspicuous corners of the song, eventually adding up until the bridge hits in a release of frustration. The song’s instrumentals are also super nice, in that they’re a little slower but gradually grow in power as the track continues. By the chorus, the song has gathered a lot of momentum; there, you can really feel the lyrics and instrumentals twining together. While "Bye Bye" is a culmination of anger toward someone who never deserved you in the first place, it also showcases how resilience and empowerment can take shape in a way that prevents the past from holding onto you. Singer-songwriter Erin Bloomer first got her start by uploading covers onto social media which showcased her vocal talents and range, as well as her writing abilities. She’s worked with writing talents such as Oscar Scheller and Future Cut, who have written for Ashnikko and Lily Allen, respectively. Her debut single “Right Love, Wrong Time” dropped in 2017 and has garnered over 2.8 million streams to date. And, after the release of her debut EP “Cherrygirl3101” in 2020, she was requested to feature on the “‘SAD XXX’ remix” which has a collective 160 million streams. “Bye Bye” is Erin Bloomer’s most recent single and is definitely the best addition to your next playlist, breakup related or not. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW ERIN BLOOMER:

This song, “Shot In The Dark” by Abbey Lane, is an energetic pop song all about a relationship that seems like it’s hopeless. A relationship that maybe you’ve dreamed about for a long time, with a person who’s been on your mind, but not something that ever seems like it could really go somewhere. But this song dives further into that feeling, with the singer contemplating what could happen if you did have that “shot in the dark”. As Abbey Lane sings, “give me just a minute alone with you, I’m feeling that I could make you want to stay.” Just maybe, maybe, this relationship that seems so out of reach could be in your grasp for just a moment. And what would you do if you were given that chance? Click here to listen to "Shot In The Dark"! “Shot In The Dark” is an upbeat and rousing pop song, keeping the energy high and the rhythm strong throughout the entire three and a half minutes. The song starts with four beats that lead right into the rhythmic introduction, drawing you in and making your head bounce as Lane’s vocals start in the first verse. The melody picks up then, layered with the vocals and the underlying instrumentals, making a fully fleshed out track that stays rich throughout the chorus as well. The pace stays consistent through the chorus and into the second verse, the drums and the guitar riffs creating the intensely catchy tune that sticks in your head even after the song ends. Overall, this song is such a fun listen, one I could envision for both an indie movie soundtrack and for a party playlist at the same time! Abbey Lane meshes together every single element that makes a song perfect to listen to over and over, and I already know this song is an instant repeat for me. Abbey Lane is an indie pop singer-songwriter, based in Sydney, Australia. Having started making music over a decade ago, Abbey Lane has garnered an impressive number of fans and is establishing herself as a growing force in the industry. Other Australian artists have influenced her own sound, such as Maddy Jane, Eves Karydas, and Middle Kids, but her own unique talent and creativity has led her to win awards such as multiple titles in SongComp Australia, as well as helping her gain recognition and give her the access to work with award winning producers, like Dave Petrovic who helped create her newest song, “Shot In The Dark”. Use the links below to follow Abbey Lane as she further embarks on her musical journey! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW Abbey Lane:

Breaking Sound is a burgeoning showcase recognized the world over for its exhibitions of the hottest up-and-coming artists of today’s international soundscape. With over sixty monthly events spread across all major global cities, a worldwide 24/7 radio station, major partnerships and collabs with top brands, Breaking Sound has already established itself as a staple within the modern music scene. When it was announced there would be an 11/8 show in Hollywood, music heads all over Los Angeles were left scrambling to secure their tickets to what was sure to be one of the year’s most promising showcases of ascending talent. Adults Only, the venue of the event, is one of the city’s trendiest spots and is highly regarded as one of the best kept secrets within the LA music ecosystem. With a style all its own, Adults Only is thematically laid out to resemble a 90’s era sex shop – with vintage brick televisions queued up playing retro skinflicks as you walk down a hall adorned with VHS porno tapes of a bygone era – and into the cozy, yet spacious, bar setting with stained glass windows overlooking an intimate stage area. The space itself is truly one of a kind, an artful parallel of cult classic porn posters and reupholstered church pews, serving to create a yin and yang feng shui of sexuality mixed with a hint of moral righteousness. The dynamic combination of showcase and venue, along with the mystique surrounding the evenings performers, created a seemingly perfect storm of anticipation for all fans lucky enough to be in attendance. Let’s be real, if you’re not already a fan of Rawle … are you even a real fan of good music? If you’re (sadly) unacquainted with this man, then let me introduce you to the next big artist to come out of Los Angeles. Not only is Rawle one of my personal pop favorites, but he’s also a true talent that I have pegged to take the next leap into super stardom. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at his socials and you’ll see the guy isn’t playing around. With close to 150k followers on Instagram and just under a million plays on some of his songs on Spotify, the impressive numbers reflect his level of talent. When he stepped on stage at Adults Only he was dressed in all-white designer, shades on, shining like the star he undoubtedly is. Everyone in attendance could feel an atmospheric shift when he grabbed the mic and flashed that golden voice of his; the fact that he had Andreena Mills and Yonatan Watts, two Grammy-nominated engineers/producers, in attendance to handle production duties certainly added to the gravity of his performance. He opened his set with a brilliant cover of Sam Smith’s Stay With Me , allowing him to showcase his tremendous talent as a vocalist and set the tone for what can be expected of this man in terms of being a true performer. He proceeded to also cover Usher’s Confessions , an extremely difficult song for most, but one in which Rawle hit out of the park with ease – leaving audience members singing along as he belted out the iconic lyrics of the mid-2000s ditty. The fervor surrounding the release of his latest EP has left fans starved for new music, so when he chose to perform his new afrobeat single, Unconditional , the audience was abuzz with excitement as we were blessed with a taste of his latest project. Although he has attained a certain level of international celebrity, Rawle was not too big to give props to those within his circle – taking a moment to subtly shout out his producers and videographer in between songs, a sentiment which didn’t go unnoticed. He capped his performance with a beautiful rendition of Find My Way , his most recent track to be made into a music video, and a song that holds significant meaning with the rising star. This Guyanese sensation, by way of Toronto, is the next international star set to take America by storm. To be honest, I’d truly hope you’re already familiar with this man’s body of work… but if not, I’d highly recommend checking out his singles Bae, Broken Love and of course Find My Way . Also, be sure to keep an eye out for his new single Unconditional dropping sometime in late January, followed by the full release of his latest EP in early March. I can’t emphasize enough how extremely talented Rawle is, so buy stock in him now because his value is only going to go up from here on out. FOLLOW RAWLE: Dripped out in a jersey tee covered in his own branding – a logo emulating the Milwaukee Bucks, except the stag is replaced with Bucky’s face (fire marketing, I know) – the opening act of the evening’s event was none other than Omaha’s own, Bucky P. Bucky was placed in the unenviable position of having to set the tone for the entire show even as audience members continued to trickle in. Was he able to deliver? This man flooded the venue with a level of energy and contagious confidence that set the perfect vibe for the rest of the night; by the way, it must be mentioned that his music is absolute fire (which undoubtedly helped). If you’re unfamiliar with Buck’s work, you’re sorely missing out, as his catalogue of music is one of the most impressive I’ve ever heard from an unsigned artist. Go ahead and add Fast Life, Who Taught You, Oh My, Not a Regular Person and Around You to your Spotify libraries as these five songs are absolute gas – filled with unforgettably clever lines like “Two b*tches goin’ down on me, call them twin towers”. When interviewed after the show Bucky was solely focused on giving love to his homies in the Omaha music scene, including a buddy back home who did the cover art for his Spotify page and, most importantly, his boy SK8 – someone who strongly influenced his direction as a solo artist. An important message Bucky was able to share with the crowd was the fact that he “kicked the cup” a testament to his ability to break from the industry norm of drinking lean. Bucky P is much more than just a rapper though, he’s the entire package when it comes to music, and has a lengthy history as a producer. His story began at the young age of thirteen, when he taught himself to play the drums, later progressing to making beats on garage band as a fifteen-year-old. Since then, he has also taught himself to play piano and guitar, proving that he has an affinity for all genres of music – even going on to recently make a punk song. I promise you Bucky P is the type of multifaceted musical talent you need to check out (his song Around You is truly, truly different) and he can without a doubt be added to the top of the list of Midwest artists primed to take off. FOLLOW BUCKY P: Taking the stage third, wearing a stunning black dress, the young and talented Hana Tabbara effortlessly entranced the audience with her booming voice and amorous lyricism. Couples could be seen throughout the crowd holding one another and swaying along to the mystifying beats and intoxicating verses of Hana’s songs. The young starlet even chose to perform her own tasteful rendition of a Frank Ocean cover, showcasing her elite vocal range and talents as an on-stage presence. Hailing from Ventura County, California, Tabbara began writing music at eight years old and has since crafted herself into a polished lyricist thanks to the guidance of UCLA’s renowned songwriting program. Please go check out her debut single Love You Better , as it is just starting to blow up – with over 1.2 million views on TikTok and almost 300,000 streams on Spotify. FOLLOW HANA TABBARA: The pride of Northeast Baltimore City, Kilo Tae is one of the most slept on artists in all of Los Angeles. This man is simply too talented to not already be a household name for all fans of infectious, “give me the AUX cord” level hip hop. A product of Perry Hall High School, Tae is making Charm City proud with the quality of music he’s been putting out recently – especially his latest EP Silent Assassin , a project in which you can’t help but play every song all the way through. Despite his big-body persona (he was a college football player in a past life) and inner-city roots, Kilo Tae is far from an intimidating figure; in fact, he’s a super mellow, down-to-earth dude that you can’t help but like. I cannot stress enough how easy this man is to be a fan of – he’s talented, humble, and authentic – a combination of attributes rarely seen in today’s hip hop climate. When he took the stage at Adults Only, Tae’s cool demeanor gave the impression he was unfazed by the size and energy of the crowd in attendance and was simply there to do his thing. His charismatic nature shined through while on stage, as he got the crowd engaged by actively sourcing area codes to see who all was in attendance. During his post-set interview, he made sure to give props to his former producer, Wink, and current producer, gmbeatz – explaining that when working with both, his artistic process is fairly straightforward “When I go in the stu I let the beat take me where to go”. When asked which artists from Baltimore affected him growing up, he made a point to shout out Shordie Shordie and Lor Scoota, two bonified legends in the city. If you’re looking for new music to add to your repertoire, Kilo Tae is an artist you need to familiarize yourself with ASAP; so please go and check out Gucci Cardigan, Dark Knight , and Catching a Vibe as all three have worked themselves into this author’s recent most listened to on Spotify. FOLLOW KILO TAE: Originally from Galveston, Texas, 26-year-old Deo Cane has had a love affair with music from a young age. Having moved with his family to the San Fernando Valley in 2001, Deo claims Newbury Park as his home – no doubt an inspiration for the unmistakable Southern California vibe felt in his music. Along with the help of his producer gmbeatz, this 805 legend has gone on to craft a sound which he has affectionately titled “chill trap”; a unique and poetic style of artistic voice that is paired with soulful RnB melodies to create an unforgettable sound for listeners. At the Adults Only show he charmed the audience with his high-energy stage presence and fresh fit – a black Jackie Robinson Dodgers jersey with a FILA fanny pack strapped across the front, white beanie, pair of clean kicks and two sparkling earrings – Deo seemed to have the crowd singing along to all the words in his songs. His iconic Cali twang, a noticeable byproduct of being from the Valley, could be heard in between songs as he chatted up the audience; “My fans hate me because I don’t drop more sh*t” was the message he shared with all those in attendance, a sentiment that surely resonated with all of us who want him to put out more heat. An exciting addition to his set was the surprise appearance of collaborating artist, Rafik, who took the stage rocking a (fire) Muhammed Ali tee. Do yourself a favor and tap in by checking out Deo and Rafik’s latest single Level Up , it's an irresistibly catchy club banger that’s sure to be stuck in your head and added to your Liked Songs library on Spotify. FOLLOW DEO CANE: Written By Dan Caddigan Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Falling in love is a wonderfully dangerous thing, and Andrew Marshall’s new song “Fragile” details this very feat. He feels that he always falls hard in relationships, and it always breaks him. The title of the song is a reference to himself- he feels that he is destined to be fragile in every situation, and he just has to accept this fact. He feels inferior to every partner, and inevitably comes out worse for wear. He views them all as magical and perfect, and in this he finds his flaws within himself. He gets too lost in the love to protect his heart, and seems to break every single time. This does not stop him, however, and even though he knows the shatter is inescapable it hurts him every time. The song itself is upbeat and sounds happy, unless you listen to the lyrics. This seems to be an ode to the way that love makes him feel at first- he can’t help himself searching for the way it makes him feel like he's flying- but knows it will hurt him. In the chorus, he sings “I like falling in hard / But I still break / My smile when I hit the pavement / I’m so high till you walk away now / I’m like a house of cards / That tries to fake it like a castle / But baby I’m just fragile”. He compares himself to flimsy things, like cards and board games, reflecting how lowly he thinks of himself. He feels that he is doomed no matter what, and that mindset carries over into his relationships. Andrew Marshall’s career officially started in 2018, but his story begins long before that. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 16, and truly developed his love of music through the long treatment process. He wrote songs and performed them, and even got to meet his idol, John Mayer, through the Make-A-Wish foundation. After his battle with cancer, he became a quarter-finalist on season 20 of the Voice, and moved down to Nashville, Tennessee where he lives now, writing and recording music. His new project is planned to be released at the end of this year, and has similar vibes to John Mayer, Harry Styles, and LANY. His music is upbeat and pop, and he writes that his goal is to “...make his listeners feel a little less alone, just like music always did during his most difficult days in treatment for leukemia”. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more from Marshall. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW ANDREW MARSHALL:

Lou Emery comes in with fire with her latest single, “Fools.” The song is a passionate pop-rock tune that showcases what Lou Emery is capable of. Her voice carries this energy in it that builds up emotion within listeners and it really makes her stand out as an artist. The song is incredibly frisky in its musical and lyrical content, and it really does make you want to check out Lou Emery to see what else she has to offer. The lyrical content itself really paints that painful feeling of confronting religion and questioning everything you once knew. It’s a subject that’s always difficult to explore, but Lou Emery perfectly executes the task with style. “Fools” is a track that is definitely worth the listen and can provide the perspective one needs in times of existentialism. The song begins with guitars that have a kick to them and certainly grasp your attention. There is something very attractive about Lou Emery’s voice in the sense that she has a great tone, and the moments where she really gets to show it off are what makes the song so passionate. The lyrics where she is questioning the subject matter of the song are what show the feeling of despair and abandonment that comes with questioning religion. While the speaker in the song has a level of resilience in their questioning, there is still an aspect of defeat, especially with that chorus line “I’d rather be a fool.” On the subject of the chorus, that hook is very catchy and has a dark tone to it people are attracted to when it comes to alt-pop or pop-rock songs. The vigorous guitar solo after the second chorus is a great way to transition into the bridge and is so fitting in the anger and passion the song portrays. With “Fools” Lou Emery is able to stand out as an artist and songwriter in ways not everyone can, and it’s exciting to see what comes next for her. Lou Emery is an artist based in Los Angeles, California. She likes to play with different styles within her work as she does not like to be put in a box. She takes inspiration from a wide range of artists and genres to create her own unique style that is versatile enough to connect with different groups of people. Lou Emery has been called an “anthem writer” in the past for her ability to write meaningful stories to catchy melodies and that is very clear from her song “Fools.” The song “Fools” is the fourth single of her upcoming EP, so keep your eyes open for what Lou Emery does next as she is an artist you don’t want to miss. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW LOU EMERY: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

When you’re in a relationship, life can feel exciting, and your mood could be elevated. However, when that relationship ends without warning or reason, all of that excitement dies, and you’re left with one question… why? In Ava Della Pietra’s latest single, she explores this exact situation. “talk it out” is an energetic song about betrayal, heartache, confusion, and abandonment following a relationship that ended without any kind of word. It’s a powerful ballad that takes inspiration from the styles of artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Sia, and even Maren Morris. Even the lyrics hit you right in the feels: “I’ve been racking my brain / Trying to remember / Anything I said that could’ve upset you / I don’t have a clue.” Like any song that deals with heartbreak, this one hit me right in the feels. However, I really liked how this wasn’t a slow and emotional type of song. It was high energy, and made me want to throw my head around dancing. I think the music video also did a great job of demonstrating this. You see Pietra posing for a painting class, where over time, the paintings get more chaotic and incomplete, a perfect comparison to the true meaning of the song. I also think that since the last time I reviewed one of Pietra’s songs, her voice has matured a bit more. It’s subtle, but I enjoyed listening to it. Ava Della Pietra is a singer and songwriter who has been releasing music since 2019. Her debut single, “Christmas Tonight,” garnered around 600 thousand hits on Spotify since its initial release. Since then, she has released 13 singles, one EP, and has written many, many more. Aside from the music she is currently releasing, Pietra was also very involved in musical theater from a young age. Her most notable role (and my personal favorite) was when she played young Cosette in Les Miserables on Broadway. She has also performed at the infamous Tony Awards and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade . I am a big fan of Pietra, and her music has definitely influenced a lot of the artists I listen to now! I cannot wait to hear what she releases next. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW AVA DELLA PIETRA:

Caleb Hearn’s latest release, “How Did You Know?”, is a personal one, written almost in the format of a letter, an intimate conversation. It’s about growing up, asking the advice of the first “grown-ups” we know, our parents. Reaching the age they are in our memory and realizing just how difficult it must have been. We grow up viewing our parents as all knowing people, having the answers to any concern and being able to comfort any grievance, realizing they’re people too is a hard awakening. Especially when you realize you have to be able to function as they did. Caleb sympathizes with his father, wondering simply how he did it, and goes on to describe his own struggles wishing for the advice that’s always been there. “How Did You Know?” is a sentimental piece that offers the comfort an experienced and all knowing adult would. The song begins with a folksy, whimsical, guitar that offers the perfect track for the storytelling he’s about to begin. He starts by stating the age his father was when he proposed, putting himself in his shoes from the start. His voice is earnest and conversational at the start, but immediately upon asking that first “how did you know” he has no issue switching his tone to one of pure skill and incredible vocal talent. The guitar heard at the beginning follows him, nearly unchanging. But this isn’t a song meant to be covered by audio flourishes, it is completely genuine and extremely based in Hearn’s thoughtful lyricism. Which is why it is ingenious that he leaves off the song on a note of silence, just repeating his same question. Caleb Hearn was born in a small town in North Carolina, the setting of his first times writing and performing his own songs. “Always Be”, one of these, and particularly “Always Be 2.0” , a version of it dedicated to a friend of Hearn’s who lost his life, touched an audience he found first on TikTok. From this piece and others, he’s now gained over a million followers on the platform, a group that’s followed him to Spotify where nearly all of his songs hold well over ten million streams each. This success has moved the artist to Nashville where he is now based and continues to write heart wrenching, honest pieces based around his personal experiences. “How Did You Know?” is a prime example of this, stream it and follow Caleb Hearn below. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW CALEB HEARN:

"The Longest Goodbye" comes as a track off of rising pop artist Rosie Darling's debut album Lanterns that just released earlier this November. The heartfelt song chronicles Darling's feelings after a breakup, as she tries to move on and say goodbye. Heartbreak is a universal experience, and if you are reeling from the hurt of a relationship ending, Darling enscapsulates this experience in a form that will resonate deeply. With an indie bedroom pop sound, I was drawn in from the start. Each authentic lyric and note is woven together to form a musical tapestry of heartbreak, longing, nostalgia, and regret. Here in "The Longest Goodbye," Darling opens up about lingering and reflecting on a relationship from the past as she tries to move on from it. Over a sad pop production laden with keys and strings, emotive vocals sing honest lyrics like "Just 'cause I never see you / Don't mean I learned to leave you" and "This might take me my whole life / You're the longest goodbye." Losing someone can cut deeply. It can be hard to let that person go and accept that it's time to move on. Rosie Darling puts into poignant words the experience of enduring the pain of moving on from a relationship. If you have ever wondered about the "what ifs" and "what nexts" of a breakup, this song is for you. Rosie Darling is a Los Angeles-based pop artist that released her first single in 2017. Since then, she has amassed over 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Her confessional-style songwriting, rich vocals, and minimal pop production has earned her millions of streams as well. Her debut album Lanterns stands out from her earlier work as the most vulnerable and introspective that she's ever been in the songwriting process. If you enjoyed "The Longest Goodbye," make sure to check out the rest of the album. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Rosie Darling with the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW ROSIE DARLING:

Friendship breakups can be tough and it's scary to think about having to lose the memories and connection you’ve made and formed together. But if the relationship between you two has turned toxic, and is no longer the happy and healthy relationship that it used to be, then it’s important to let go, and step away for your own well-being. “ White Lilies ” is Jillian Loux’s first single released from an upcoming EP. This song is a diss track about a friend that was hurting her more than benefiting her. She makes observations and sits in her thoughts about how this friend is making her feel. When coming to the conclusion that this friendship is toxic, she decides that it's time to let the friendship come to an end. Sometimes, letting go of people is a necessary thing to do when it comes to putting and valuing yourself first, even if it hurts. Throughout the song, Jillian shares a few of the observations she’s made about this person's actions towards her and how they’ve made her feel. They range from taking advantage, to being emotionally abusive: “ You done used up all my sympathies. How I let you get the best of me, ” and “ Thinkin’ you are no angel just like my mama said. Emotionally abusive. No boundaries, intrusive .” She gathers all of these thoughts and later comes to terms that she needs to stop being friends with this person. Although no one wants to experience a friendship breakup, Jillian chooses to do this for her own good. She knows that this decision will hurt, but it’s for the better: “ Imma try to put this gracefully. 6 feet for you, black dress for me .” This wasn’t an easy decision to make, but Jillian does it anyway, out of respect and love for the both of them. Jillian Loux is an 18 year-old singer and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. She began her musical journey at just 5 years old when she wrote her first song. During the pandemic, Jillian spent 2 years preparing for her first EP in virtual writing sessions. The five-song EP, which was produced by Matt Corby and co-written with Nat Dunn, was written and recorded in one week, and is set to release in spring 2024. “ White Lilies ” comes after her first single “ Nevermind ,” which was released last month. Keep up with Jillian for future releases by clicking on the links below, and check out her latest single, “ White Lilies ,” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW JILLIAN LOUX:

Ending 2023 on a high note, Sea Girls has released a fiery indie-pop single called "Young Strangers." The track comes ahead of their third studio album, giving listeners a glimpse into the band's new sound. Frontman Henry Camamile sheds light on the song's meaning, stating, "Young Strangers’ is about seeing the similarities between two people who have just met. They get talking about their lives, about how they want to prove themselves and find purpose with a desperate need to get out of life’s daily rut. Never met before they realise they’re navigating the same feelings in the world and so are not young strangers anymore." Co-written with Kid Harpoon, the producer of Harry Styles' Harry's House, "Young Strangers" demonstrates Sea Girls' innate abilities to create unforgettable melodies and an effortless indie-pop sound. The track is addictive, featuring driving drums, buoyant choruses, and vibrant guitar riffs. Light, wispy vocals deliver animated melodies, making the track a compelling listen. With a classic indie-pop/pop-rock sound, Sea Girls' "Young Strangers" would fare well in a playlist alongside acts like Blossoms, Inhaler, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Royal Blood. Comprised of four friends who met at school, Sea Girls is an English alternative band consisting of members Henry, Rory, Andrew, and Oli. The quartet formed over a shared love of music in 2015, debuting with their single "Call Me Out" in 2017. They have since released two studio albums, Open Up Your Head and Homesick, with both charting within the UK Top 3. Some of their popular releases include "All I Want To Hear You Say," "Do You Really Wanna Know?," and "Weekends and Workdays." Known for their anthemic hooks and energetic live shows, Sea Girls is certainly an act no one will want to miss. Anyone interested in seeing the band live can catch them on their 2024 "The Young Strangers Tour." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SEA GIRLS: