"Wasting my time” by SAPPHIRE is a confident, upbeat pop anthem about knowing your worth and not wasting your time on someone who isn’t willing to commit to a relationship. With an upbeat tempo, synths, and layered harmonies, the song is a fun celebration of self-love and empowerment that'll have you dancing through every beat and singing along to lyrics that resonate with the strength of setting healthy boundaries and not letting someone else’s indecision get you down. It sets the tone for SAPPHIRE's new EP as a way for her to reclaim her passion for music after a tumultuous year of online hate. The song starts with a building synth that then leads into a simple, catchy bassline that accompanies SAPPHIRE’s husky and silky vocals. She begins with saying “She’s pretty cute, I see it/But you could do better” telling us that her romantic interest is interested in another girl, which leads her to ask “why you wasting all of my time?” She’s confidently calling out the person, saying she’s not willing to put up with his nonsense and indecision, and if they want her, they have to put in the effort, instead of chasing after other girls. This leads into the chorus where she directly tells them “I’m falling for you/And I can’t keep wasting my time/I gotta let go” thus making the best choice for herself by moving on. It’s self-assured, matched with powerful vocals that place emphasis on “I can’t keep wasting my time.” The bridge switches up the sound of the song, with SAPPHIRE employing husky, crooning vocals that was a delightful surprise in the song. Her low, almost whisper of a voice creates an intimate sound as she says “You leading me on it’s true/You know you’d be better with me but you.” It’s empowering to hear her proclaim that she knows she’s the better option, and despite having lingering feelings, she’s not going to wait for the subject of the song to make the right choice, when they could’ve had her all this time. The transition from bridge to chorus is explosive and cathartic, a dynamic created by the contrast in sound, and by the end of the song you're left with a powerful anthem that not only showcases SAPPHIRE's vocal prowess but also leaves you with a sense of empowerment and the determination to prioritize yourself over people who don’t deserve you. “Wasting my time” is a compelling and relatable piece for anyone who's been treated poorly by people they love. SAPPHIRE is a seasoned singer and songwriter who has been making a name for herself in the online music world since she was 7. Her journey took a transformative turn in 2022 when she faced the harsh realities of online negativity. Turning adversity into art, she embarked on a songwriting journey that became a testament to her resilience and creative prowess. This journey, marked by collaborations with talents like Cashy Bear and Roy Kerr, draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists and genres, from Sabrina Carpenter and Gracie Abrams to the legendary Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon, while infusing punchy indie-pop vibes and raw honesty into the lyrics. SAPPHIRE's EP, “test drive,” is out now. Written By Rachael Bach FOLLOW SAPPHIRE:

Connor Grant, aka Akurei, just released his newest single, "smile ヾ( ˃ᴗ˂ )◞ • *✰" earlier this November. The song's name is perfectly titled. That dancing smiley face and those adorable little stars encapsulate the happiness of listening to this easy summer-in-December pop anthem. "smile ヾ( ˃ᴗ˂ )◞ • *✰" is about enjoying a simple day shopping. The chorus is endlessly catchy with its repeated: "I want it yeah / got it yeah / run it, I run it right back." It's reminiscent of songs like Ariana Grande's 7 Rings, but with a more chill, relatable vibe. "smile ヾ( ˃ᴗ˂ )◞ • *✰" is a fun, cheerful track perfect for blasting in the car with the windows down. "smile ヾ( ˃ᴗ˂ )◞ • *✰" feels inspired by lo-fi. When those Casio-sounding electronic keys kick in during the first verse, it brings this nostalgic, low-key sound rampant within the genre. Its production is deceptively simple. The beat is expertly crafted top-to-bottom with its spacious drumline, airy synths, and glittery piano. Akurei's vocals are similarly smooth and relaxed, adding to the peaceful energy "smile ヾ( ˃ᴗ˂ )◞ • *✰" brings. The singer-songwriter balances to create an upbeat yet soothing pop song; it's melodic but never overwhelming. It's a track you want to live in, just experiencing the highs of riding scooters and buying whatever you want. By the end, it's hard not to listen and not nod your head along and, as the title says, smile. Akurei is an Australian musician from the Gold Coast. The singer-songwriter started officially releasing music back in 2017 with his songs "Hinterland" and "Floating" featuring Nico Ghost. Since then, his music career has taken off. In 2020, Akurei released 3 EPs, including "CLOVER," "HAIRDYE," and "SEROTONIN." The bedroom pop aesthetic presented in these tracks, which may be appealing to fans of artists like Ginger Root or Role Model, continues Akurei's signtature catchy yet chill sound. The artist has amassed over 23,000 Spotify followers and 11 million downloads. All his tracks belong to his personal "sumoclic" label, which Grant started with close friend Maxwell Byrne. "smile ヾ( ˃ᴗ˂ )◞ • *✰" is the first of several singles as part of Akurei's next big project. So, look out for the next release, and all of these songs, including "smile ヾ( ˃ᴗ˂ )◞ • *✰" are available to stream now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW AKUREI: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

The song "I Hate How I Love You" by Julia Alexa is this beautifully sung song, but it has this tone that really gets you in your feelings. The song is a beautiful reflection of the singer’s heartbreak and a melancholic reflection of sadness and this emotional struggle when it comes to her longing for the past and having a hard time coming to terms with the end of a relationship that she seemed to love so deeply. There's this feeling of a contrast within the lyrics showing how both love and hate wrap around each other and make the song feel just as bittersweet as it was written. This song is a wonderful song where anyone who’s been in a situation like this will be able to easily relate to. The song is emotive and beautifully captures the emotions that follow after a breakup. The song starts with Julia describing this state of despair and numbness most likely due to the effects of the drugs she’s taking, possibly to ease the way she’s feeling to no avail. There’s this sense of her reaching out to her ex-lover but ultimately either feeling or being let down by them when she needs them the most. Julia sings further about how her bedsheets feel different, and she can no longer drive past their home without thinking of them, seeing their face in everyone everywhere she goes but never really ever truly actually seeing them. The feeling of missing your lover so much you see little bits of them in every crowd is such a heart-aching premise that is shown off so well in this song as it makes your heart beat in your chest. The lyrics really convey the impact of this relationship and it only furthers this as the Pre-Chorus sweeps in. The Pre-chorus expresses this feeling of almost going unnoticed or even ignored as her ex-lover “slept right through it all” As she sank to her lowest. Hinting at the fact that there could definitely be a lack of empathy or maybe even awareness coming from the ex-partner’s side. The main chorus glides in so beautifully and it reflects the same love-hate conflict I mentioned earlier above. She hates the love she feels, and she expresses longing for the time in her life before she ever even met them. Before she could fall in love and have her heart torn apart so. Before she started to attempt to numb the feelings of the aftermath of her breakup with vices. Yet, there's still this tone of remorse and guilt almost for her still loving them the way she does. She can’t help it; when you love someone this much it’s so hard to just stop. Verse two reveals that her ex-lover has casually moved on from her, which leaves the singer aimlessly waiting for a sign that her ex-lover misses her equally and will potentially come back. This leaves her feeling a sense of abandonment along with this realization that her ex-lover doesn’t think about her just as much as she thinks about them. The pre-chorus coming back in only solidifies the feeling of her feeling almost overlooked and unnoticed, really showcasing the way it feels to descend emotionally the way she does, and the repeated chorus only emphasizes this point as well as mention again all the inner conflict and turmoil she faces. Even so, the bridge of the song glides in and sort of introduces this idea of emotional walls being broken down, making the narrator of the song feel small and vulnerable due to the aftermath of the great love she had and lost. The song finally caps off with the chorus closing it off just beautifully as it echoes the struggle to move on and the almost desperation for something more, whether it be closure, or maybe just the reignition of the relationship in itself. Either way, this song very well depicts the aftermath of losing a great love in your life, almost feeling like you’re going through the five stages of grief. The vocals complement the song beautifully, and I can’t really imagine anyone else but Julia singing it, as it feels so tailor-made for her, with her tone and style. Overall, it’s just a beautifully produced song, and you should definitely take a few good listens to really get your heart pumping! Julia Alexa (Julia Alexandra Mueller) is this beautifully gifted singer-songwriter who showcases her talent throughout her music. Not only that, but she studies pharmaceutical sciences at ETHZ and has been playing piano for a very long time, in addition to starting singing lessons at thirteen! She began posting covers and original songs on YouTube and, after some time, started writing and producing her own wonderful music. She released her own songs in 2019, and in 2020, she collaborated with lo-fi producers, which helped her music fit into that sad chill-pop genre that is so refreshing to listen to even now! Her songs alone have accumulated over 40 million streams on Spotify alone, and it's no wonder when you really sit and listen to the music she creates. Since the success of her music, she’s released new collabs, an EP, and more solo songs that showcase not only her talent but also her passion for songwriting and production. She released an album on November tenth, and if you’re just as excited as I am to hear more of her sound, you can click on the buttons below to stay tuned with this lovely sound and everything she has in store for the future! Written By Jaylice Mitchell FOLLOW JULIA ALEXA:

Viral TikTok sensation Alexander Stewart just released a new single, “he never will,” off of his upcoming EP. This song is all about losing yourself and your self worth in a toxic relationship. The song starts off by Alexander telling a friend an honest truth: you’re his last resort. His friend is holding this guy on a pedestal while they’re sinking down. In the pre-chorus, he says “you say he's gonna change/we've already been through this,” and he’s got the tears on his shoulder to prove it. He tells his friend that it’s sad to see that you don’t know that he’ll always bring you down. Alexander gives his friend even more honest truths, telling them if he doesn’t know how good you are, he never will, and “if he don't know what he wants now/he won’t until it's too late.” Alexander sums up the message of the song with the final lyrics in the chorus: “if he don't treat you right by now, he never will.” He digs into this person's boyfriend even more, saying that he can’t even put in the effort or even think of a better excuse for his actions. This boyfriend said that he’ll always be there, but Alexander says “Guess he found somethin' better to do.” In the bridge, he gives his friend a series of questions: does he make you feel good, does he go out of his way for you, does he make you feel like you’re all he’s ever wanted? In my opinion, this song is reminiscent of Coldplay, but Alexander also adds his own flair to it. This song sounds nostalgic, with heartfelt and relatable lyrics, with a bit of indie pop thrown into the production. Alexander’s sound is skyscraping pop, and his catalog is filled with heartbreak anthems like this one. Alexander’s voice is immediately captivating, and his vocals are very forward in the track. He uses a bit of pharyngealization, which is sometimes referred to as “cursive singing,” but it’s done in nice moderation. The acoustic guitar in the intro perfectly sets up the melancholic emotional vibe of the track. As the song transitions into the pre-chorus, strong beats are introduced, which crescendos into the powerful punches featured in the chorus. Alexander flexes his incredible voice and range in the entire track, but especially in the choruses and the bridge. The chorus features angelic and heavenly harmonies, and he does octave leaps in the bridge with ease. It’s clear that he is incredibly passionate about his work, and it shows throughout the detailed production. Alexander Stewart is a singer-songwriter taking the LA music scene by storm. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Alexander has over 300 million streams under his belt. He first went viral posting covers on YouTube, most notably “Havana” by Camilla Cabello, and his first single “Enamorado” was released soon after in 2018. Although many of his songs have gone viral on the internet, his song “i wish you cheated” is by far his most popular song. With over 25 million streams on Spotify alone, this track landed him his debut late night show performance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. Alexander just finished touring with K-Pop star Eric Nam, and also toured with Charlie Puth on his “Blame’s on Me” tour, which included stops in NYC, LA, the UK, the EU, and Canada. Now, Alexander is releasing another EP, titled “if you only knew,” which is coming out December 8th. It’s clear to see that Alexander Stewart will continue to reach new heights in the music industry. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW ALEXANDER STEWART:

“Ultraviolet” is the focus track of Lenka’s latest album “Intraspectral”. With synth and electropop vibes, this song is also meant to bookend the album’s themes– it’s about reaching further than a safe and simple life and expanding far past those boundaries to keep your life full of color. “Ultraviolet” highlights the importance of embracing life for the sake of life: you should never be satisfied by the grays and muted tones and never stop aiming for the entire spectrum. Take chances! Love life! Don’t be constrained by safety and welcome every opportunity that comes your way. "Ultraviolet" is one of those songs that you listen to and feel like everything will be alright after. Be comforted by the twinkling strings and synth, and also be encouraged and uplifted by Lenka's mesmerizing songwriting. “Ultraviolet” begins with a shimmering harp and immediately leads into a pulsing synth. I love how the synth remains rather understated compared to other electropop songs– it is gentle yet supportive when juxtaposed against the song’s other instrumentals. The glittering harp and Lenka’s vocals are complimented by it as opposed to being overpowered, which make for a lovely balance between all of them. The lyrics of “Ultraviolet” are also very poetic; Lenka entwines frequency and color and emotion to create a landscape of shifting rainbows. These rainbows give way to metaphors that make for beautiful imagery-- life as a spectrum, a continuum, full of peaks and valleys and a range of colors that not everyone can see but certainly feel in their frequencies, way down in their bones. Perhaps my favorite part of the song is when the instrumentals and lyrics line up to form a beautiful moment; at the 2:20 mark the chorus ramps up and Lenka sings, “Show me the spectrum as a/more than the spectrum as a whole” as the synth swells to its zenith. From there, the synth slowly tapers off and the harp glitters once more. It's just such an ethereal way to end a song that is all about loving life for the sake of life. Previously a member of the Australian electronic-rock crossover band Decoder Ring, Australian singer-songwriter Lenka Kripac eventually went solo and moved to California to begin her musical career anew. Known for her playful optimism, Lenka’s songwriting has a bright and hopeful vibe to it that has followed her throughout her life from Decoder Ring to now. Her music has been featured in television shows such as “Ugly Betty” and “Grey’s Anatomy”, as well as being in commercials for Microsoft and Coca Cola. Her debut single “The Show” dropped in 2008 to massive success, and was featured in a variety of films and advertisements; it was also the first single of her debut album “Lenka”, which was also released in 2008. “Intraspectral” is Lenka’s latest album and “Ultraviolet” is the perfect closer for an already fantastically evocative album full of songs that are uplifting and inspiring. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW LENKA:

“Girl In a China Shop” is a commercial alt pop anthem that explores the realization that with every action you take, you unintentionally damage the most precious things to you. As life progresses, you find yourself not doing so and making a mess of things. Pushing away kind people and disappearing in order to be noticed is practically second-nature to you. You are so enwrapped in your negative actions that your defenses are high, awaiting your own self-destruction. There’s no delicacy in your actions and you find yourself shattering everything around you. The only thing around you is the decay of your self-image and the destructive boundaries you’ve shakily built up. You try to navigate through your life without causing too much chaos due to what you have done before. All you want is for someone to stop you from hurting yourself and others before you completely destroy every last product in this china shop. Click here to listen to "Girl in a China Shop"! “Girl In a China Shop” is an alt pop single with a decent mix of rock-reminiscent guitar, commercial pop instrumentation, and stunning vocals. The standout element here is the rock-inspired guitar that is sprinkled throughout. An interesting aspect to this guitar is that it does not dominate in every section of the song. It primarily structures the chorus and bridge and serves as an exciting break from the verses. The commercial pop, almost contemporary, instrumentation really defines the verses and serves as a light backing to the narrative Caroline Romano tries to depict through her singing. The vocals Romano delivers throughout this single highlight the story she is telling and it does so effectively with every line. Every element described showcases a nicely polished experience to listen to. Caroline Romano is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been writing and performing her own music from a very young age. She released her very first single at age 15 and her career has skyrocketed from there. She moved to Nashville from Mississippi within the next couple years and released a collaborative single, which garnered respectable success. In 2022, she dropped her debut album which has received an admirable amount of streams. The album, like her career, has a broad range of genres and themes that are all met with praise. She has accumulated a strong online presence and continues to release new and impressive bodies of work. Make sure to listen to “Girl In a China Shop” and follow her on social media! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW CAROLINE ROMANO:

“Girl Code” is a coming-of-age anthem that beats to the sound of unspoken alliances. As Yvonne herself has only stepped into high school, she delves into the cliques and complexities of friendships and betrayals. Girl code is known as the bonds of trust and camaraderie among women, unspoken but expected to follow. But oftentimes, girl code is broken by those who don’t value you as you do them, and Yvonne expertly navigates this fragile stage of teenagedom and the evolving relationships between friends, partners, and family. Yvonne’s stunning portrayal of fractured friendships dives into subject territories that many wouldn’t dare touch upon, and her daring exploits in penning the intricate tapestry of human emotions are one to be celebrated for. With maturity beyond her years, Yvonne tackles petty and hurtful disputes with unwavering resilience, taking the high road. With a playful and bright landscape for Yvonne to belt her heart out, the music adds layers to her storytelling, captivating and complementing the stark narrative Yvonne spins. Recently celebrating her 15th birthday with the release of “Girl Code”, Edie Yvonne has had some fruitful years as a pop star despite her youth. Starting to release music at the age of 13, this singer-songwriter based in LA touches upon topics of miscommunication, intolerance to differences, and the struggles of reconciliation and conflict resolution. Yvonne has also had a career as an actress, starting in Kitty (2016) which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. Never one to rest, Yvonne is determined to dabble and placate her creativity, releasing single “Queen Bee” only two months earlier. One to watch, it’s exciting to see the new ventures Yvonne will travel to next! Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW EDIE: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Only One” is a warm acoustic ballad touching on the longing for someone to connect with and wondering whether this person will ever be found. The piece's overall atmosphere is touching and sincere, reminding you of the companionship of a hug to their comfort and knowledge that someone will be there to listen to you. With a beautiful and relatable narrative of heartbreak, Houreau paints a picture of her journey with love, from the fear of letting go of someone you still hold close to your heart, but also nodding to the unhappiness that she has by not letting go. “Only One” leans into beautiful acoustic guitar strings that prime the viewer for a touching and emotional track. With a soft bedding of sound, glistening vocals lay the framework for a bright yet melancholic melody that sandwiches itself around vulnerability. Though wistful, Hoareau‘s voice carries a haunting tone that aspires for more, a fragment of emotion that lingers despite attempts to move forward. The striking piano keys and steady beats show the steady release of how skeletons are left in the closet, a facade that is only let down in the company of those we trust. Being human is tough, and Hoareau lays out the reality of the situations in a poetic way that acknowledges her own insecurities but also finds the hope to move on from the situation. Australian singer-songwriter Georgia Hoareau may only be nineteen, but her music spans generations beyond her age. “Only One”, an emotionally-intelligent alt-pop track, was co-written with Patrick James with production from Scott Stevens. Since releasing her debut single ‘17’ in 2021, Hoareau has honed her skills in live performance, playing at the Women’s FIFA Fan Festival, Bleach Festival, Creekfest, and more. After her eagerly anticipated debut EP ‘Wish Somebody Told Her’ dropped on February 23rd, Hoareau began to reach critical and audience acclaim. Interested in penning soul-singing tracks mixed with indie bedroom-pop stylings, Hoareau truly has a monumental rise with nowhere to go but up. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW GEORGIA: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

As a dark-pop, synth-rock fan with an overwhelming intrigue with gothic aesthetics, I have been naturally drawn to Margo since I discovered her about a year ago. Her music delves into the intricacies of human life and the grim and sinister sides that are often swept under the rug. Her honesty and overwhelming devotion to being the voice for the voiceless is one of the many reasons her music has stuck with me. With her latest single, “crawl”, the singer once again tackles these vulnerable topics with dark themes. The haunting track is about a toxic relationship that is drowning in unrelenting jealousy. The song was written for the dark moments in margø’s life when the partners she had been with would do anything to make her jealous. They were manipulative and she would be led to believe that they “thrived in creating a jealous environment.” As a result, this track is about giving in to the overwhelming intrusive thoughts and becoming consumed by envy. With lyrics such as “If I can’t have you, no one can” and “I’ll crawl in your head, love you ‘til you’re dead,” margø ingeniously brings to life these morbid thoughts. She allows herself to become the sinister villain that this toxic partner wants her to be. Every dark lyric illustrates this grim storyline in a satirical manner. Writing the track was a cathartic and therapeutic experience for margø, as it allowed her to acknowledge the pain and suffering she has undergone. Now, she hopes that her words serve as comfort for listeners that may resonate, making “crawl” another instant fan-favorite. “crawl” is saturated with an ominous soundscape that effortlessly transports the listener into the grim storyline. The song kicks off with synth sounds that set this dark and mysterious vibe. The guitar plays staccato triplet notes in the first two beats of the measures, which expresses the anxious atmosphere of the track. This maintains into the verse where a synth beat and bass are introduced half-way through, before muting in the pre-chorus. While these are silenced, the guitar switches the staccato notes into a riff, rather than triplets. This shift enhances the build into the chorus, where heavy synth is used to guide the listener to the production's peak. This leads to the explosion consisting of an electric guitar using power chords with significant distortion, emphasizing the angsty energy of the storyline. In the background, synth is added and the beat is picked up for a synth solo that leads the transition into the second verse. The bass and beat are present from the beginning of this verse, ensuring that margø’s fiery energy does not stop—even for one moment. The second chorus resembles the first, with the addition of a fast-paced hi-hat beat that highlights the urgency in the story. Then, the bridge brings in a keyboard to take over the melody while the guitar continues in the background and the synth becomes even more prevalent. Unique percussion sound effects signify the introduction to the final chorus that fluently blends into the outro. While layered vocals are utilized throughout the entire track, they are most evident in the last moments of the song, accentuating the eerie vibe and the sinister nature of the lyrics. margø is a genius when it comes to crafting dark-pop anthems that allow her audience to feed into their “villain era,” and with “crawl”, she inspires them to return to their most empowering forms. margø is a dark-pop singer-songwriter from Edmonton, Canada. She made her debut in 2019 with her single, “In Between”. Since then, the artist has released over a dozen singles and three EPs. “crawl” is the lead single from her upcoming debut album. She has over 30 million streams globally with over 7 million streams on Spotify alone for her hit single, “Play Pretend”. Furthermore, she has been featured on several of the streaming platform’s prominent playlists, such as Villain Mode, SALT, young & free, misfits 2.0, Ready to Rock, It’s a Bop, Best of Rock 2022, Fresh Finds: Pop, Rock Now, New Music Friday Canada, and many more. margø draws inspiration from iconic rock artists such as Joan Jett and Blondie, while maintaining her individuality with a modern, dark twist. Make sure to follow her on social media to stay up to date with any future announcements and check out her creative posts that encapsulate her unique aesthetic. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW MARGØ:

Marilyn Hucek’s authentic vulnerability and emotional maturity shine through her remarkable art. With every single release, she conveys her personal experiences while maintaining a deep relatability for listeners. Her latest project, Love and Loss, is a touching dedication to her late father. Released during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Hucek divulges the heartache of losing her father to the disease and navigating life without him. Throughout the EP, she not only discusses her grief, but she also explores her experiences as a young woman—everything from love and loss. This project serves as a cathartic release for Hucek, and she hopes her honest words will provide comfort for anyone who has gone through similar hardships. TRACKLIST Man Of The House I Tried Hey! LDR Happy For You Man Of The House (Acoustic) Marilyn Hucek is an American-Chilean pop singer-songwriter based in her hometown of Washington D.C. Since a young age, she has dreamt of having a successful music career and even auditioned for The Voice. After not securing a spot on the contest, she lost all hope in her career. When the 2020 pandemic hit and her father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, caught Covid-19, the singer returned to songwriting to channel her feelings. This experience allowed her to have a healthy outlet for her emotions and rekindled her passion for the art. Furthermore, this was the moment that her first single, “Memories,” was born. Since her debut, she has released over a dozen singles and two EPs, including Love and Loss. Man Of The House Hucek begins her album with the most impactful event—her father’s passing. “Man Of The House” details the singer’s attempt to navigate life after losing her father. From the very first line, Hucek brings tears to her listener’s eyes and continues to pierce their heart for the remainder of the track. With two simple lines, she illustrates the emptiness in her house now that her father is gone and introduces the audience to the meaning of the song. The lawn is overgrown and the chandelier still needs to be fixed, things she always relied on her father to do. She continues to break the listener’s heart with the lyrics: “I’m left hoping you’d walk through the door// I hear your boots on the floor//But there’s nobody there// No sound of your voice.” She beautifully paints this melancholic scene in which she still feels her father may walk in at any moment, but he never does. Then she leads into the heart-wrenching chorus with the lyrics: “I know I don’t have a choice// Believe me I know// I’m the man of the house now// I’ve got something to prove// I’m the man of the house now// Stepping into your shoes.” Hucek reveals that she is not only mourning the loss of her beloved father, but now she has to take over his duties. Mowing the lawn, paying the bills, taking out the trash. She knows he would be proud, and it pains her that he will never come home to tell her that. Throughout the alt-pop production, Hucek’s powerful vocals contain such strong passion and raw emotion that it is clear to the audience just how real these words are to her. She is lost without her father, but she needs to take care of the household. It is her duty to ensure her family is okay, and I just know her father is looking down from Heaven with a proud smile on his face. I Tried Hucek switches gears with the second track, as “I Tried” discusses the aftermath of a break-up. After her former partner shattered her world and left her broken hearted, the singer did anything she could to drown out the pain. From drinking one too many drinks to downloading every dating app she could, Hucek made it her mission to move on. But no matter what she did, she found herself drawn to her ex. In the chorus, she confesses: “I dealt with the heartbreak// But it caught me off guard// That I can’t heal this heartache// Yeah, you don’t know how hard, hard// I tried to get over you.” Despite this, her effort is done in vain as she cannot seem to find closure. The singer continues her vulnerable storytelling with the desolate bridge as she reveals her attempt to rekindle the romance, only to be left rejected. She had “poured her heart out like a movie,” only for the one she loved to tell her they were “better apart.” Now love scorned with no hope, Hucek is left with an unending flow of tears. Her honest lyrics perfectly describe a blindsided heartbreak, making “I Tried” a perfect break-up song. Hey! After the first two melancholic tracks, “Hey!” brings a new energy full of positivity and life. The song explores the excitement of a blooming crush and watching it turn into an epic romance. The sweet lyrics of the first verse details Hucek meeting her muse when she was sixteen and slowly gaining their attention. After saying “hey” at a party of a mutual friend, their relationship began to grow, and the second verse explores their teenage romance. As the singer continues through the bridge, the audience learns that the couple are still together after graduation. Hucek reveals that while she stayed home, her partner left town for college. The song turns to a hopeless romantic anthem about believing their relationship will last, despite the world saying long distance is doomed to fail. The singer’s sweet voice contains such hope and joy that the listener cannot help but want to root for the young couple. Paired with the bouncy production, her optimism is incredibly contagious, making “Hey!” the most uplifting and joyful song on the project. LDR Keeping with the energy and theme of the previous track, “LDR” stands for long distance relationship and radiates the same hope and optimism of “Hey!” Hucek is head-over-heels for her partner and does not want their love to ever end. They make her feel so adored and treat her in the way she deserves. The upbeat, pop production paired with the elation in her voice creates an atmosphere of infectious happiness. She makes it apparent to her audience that she will never give up on her partner and that their love will withstand the distance. In the chorus, she tells them, “The distance in our relationship doesn’t matter because you’re worth it.” As someone who has been in a long-distance relationship, I have heard the negativity of others that it will “never last”, and we were “doomed from the start.” Now married over two years, “LDR” was the song I needed during our long distance. We are one of the rarities that made it through the rough times, and having this song at the time would have made me feel less alone. Nevertheless, I know that Hucek is giving confidence and comfort to couples everywhere who are still handling their long distance. Once again, the singer has used her personal experiences to craft a beautiful song that effortlessly resonates with listeners. Happy For You “Happy For You” is a break-up song that is a stark juxtaposition of “I Tried.” While the second track discusses her inability to move on from heartache, “Happy For You” explores the freedom after the end of a relationship. Rather than staying bitter and sad, Hucek tells her ex-partner that she is happy they have moved on. Furthermore, she emphasizes her own closure and proves that time truly does heal all wounds. Instead of her holding a grudge and looking back at their relationship with regret, she cherishes the time they spent together. She recognizes that sometimes people change and grow apart, and that is exactly what happened to them. In the outro, she wistfully sings: “We both moved on, that’s good for us// I’m happy for you.” Another crucial theme of the song is just how much life changes when you no longer keep someone in your life. When you catch up, months or years down the line, your life may be completely different. In the first verse, Hucek references this experience and even alludes to her late father’s illness. She tells her partner that while her mother still paints, her sister now lives in Spain. She then goes on to say that her father is “in a home with round the clock aid.” Referencing her father brings the listener back to the inspiration for the EP, while the casual tone she uses makes the audience feel that they are listening in on the conversation between the two exes. “Happy For You” is a brilliant display of Hucek’s emotional intelligence and personal growth. Man Of The House (Acoustic) Hucek ends the EP with a stripped-down version of her solemn lead single, “Man Of The House.” This version maintains the upbeat energy of the original, but the acoustic production contains a raw atmosphere that makes the song more heartfelt. The desperation and hurt behind Hucek’s voice is more evident due to the stripped-down instrumentation. With only her compelling vocals and the acoustic guitar, the song returns to its delicate form. It is as if the singer has transported her listener directly to her room when she first sat down to write the track. Rather than focusing on the bells and whistles of the synth-pop production, this acoustic rendition draws focus on the vulnerable lyrics. Although both versions tug on the heartstrings, the raw nature of this production evokes even more tears and sorrow. Ending the EP with the same song she started with was a brilliant decision, as it brings the entire project into a full circle moment. While the other tracks on the album focus more on her romantic relationships, Hucek makes sure that the project emphasizes her true inspiration— the passing of her late father. Hucek has a raw, effortless talent of taking her most devastating hardships and turning them into comforting words, both for herself to listen back to and for her thousands of fans. Love and Loss is a crucial project for the artist, as it comes from the darkest moment in her life. The lead track, “Man Of The House” describes the “whirlwind of emotions” she felt after losing her father to Alzheimer’s. This cluster of feelings inspired the theme for the entire EP, allowing Hucek to eloquently tie her thoughts together and express them in a healthy manner. While not every song discusses the moment she lost her father, it is the singer’s wish that her EP brings awareness to the disease and hopes that it is a warm embrace for those experiencing similar circumstances. With her poetic words, Hucek has beautifully done just that. Alzheimer's Diseases Awareness Resources: In honor of Alzheimer's Awareness Month and Hucek's inspiration behind Love and Loss, here are some resources that may provide you additional knowledge and support regarding the disease. Alzheimer's Association: Website || Instagram ALZTogether- Alzheimer's Association: Website || Instagram Hilarity for Charity: Website || Instagram Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's- Hilarity for Charity: Website || Instagram Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW MARILYN: 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.

Bre Kennedy has reached the time in her young adult life where she has undergone intense personal change and unique transitions. Often referred as the phenomenon of Saturn’s Return, the artist has recognized this transformative period and turned it into profound inspiration for her sophomore album, Scream Over Everything. The album was written “over the course of one metamorphic year” as Kennedy shares her experience with change and growth. Throughout the nine songs, the singer recounts stories of “reconnecting with estranged family members, seeking therapy, and growing into and out of relationships.” As she takes the listener through her personal life, she inspires hope in the audience as they prepare for their own Saturn’s Return. TRACKLIST 1. Retrospect 2. Navigating 3. Meantime 4. Keep Going Back 5. Ahead of Myself 6. The Vase 7. Faultline 8. Scream Over Everything 9. Hello Bre Kennedy is a singer-songwriter that utilizes her creative storytelling to convey authentic human emotions through unforgettable pop records. Her music takes strong influence from timeless artists such as Brandi Carlile, Fleetwood Mac, and Bonnie Raitt. Kennedy comes from a musical household, growing up listening to classics such as Tom Petty, Heart, Aretha Franklin, and Carole King. She learned to play the guitar at 12 years old and began performing locally in her hometown of Los Angeles. The singer eventually left her native land behind and moved to Nashville to pursue her music career. In 2019, she made her debut with her self-released EP, Jealous of Birds, and quickly followed up with her sophomore EP, Twenty Something, in 2020. Then in 2021, she released her debut full-length album, Note to Self. This led to her being signed to Nettwerk Music Group the following year. This fall she embarked on her first headlining tour, the Scream Over Everything Tour, which wrapped up in October. She also held two album release shows, one in Nashville and one in Los Angeles, to celebrate with her fans. As of now, she has no pending shows but keep up on her socials for any future announcements! Retrospect Kennedy kicks off her album with the soothing, yet melancholic track “Retrospect.” The song shares her experience in letting go of the past and moving on to bigger and better things. She admits that she has spent too much time worrying about what might have been and what could have been done differently. Paired with a soft acoustic guitar, bouncy percussion, and mesmerizing vocals, Kennedy guides the listener through her newfound thinking. She admits that she has been a “fool for holding on” because the past is already gone. She cannot get it back and it is damaging to continue to live like that. Instead, she understands that she needs to let go of her past and focus on her future. With “Retrospect”, Kennedy sets the nostalgic and transformative tone of the entire album. Navigating “Navigating” is a profound track that stems from a very special and delicate moment. Kennedy wrote the track after a conversation with her younger brother when he was going through a difficult time. The coming-of-age track is meant to resonate with listeners that are going through similar experiences. The track is about learning to navigate life’s hard decisions and understanding that you are not alone. No one knows what they are doing, and it is okay to feel lost sometimes. Life is full of winding turns and dead ends, but everything will work out eventually. In the post-chorus, Kennedy celebrates this part of life with the lyrics: “So, we drive, so we drive// I roll the windows down and yell// ‘We’re alive, we’re alive!” With these lines, she emphasizes that this experience is what makes us human, and we should embrace this feeling. Although this track was written for her younger brother, it serves as a reassurance for every single listener and inspires them to pick themselves up and dust themselves off after a difficult period. Meantime Maintaining the inspiring and uplifting theme, “Meanwhile” is a deep track about love and hardships. Through the delicate lyrics, Kennedy reassures her loved one that no matter what, she will always love them. She wants them to understand that sometimes she may need to distance herself to let her go through her own hardships. In the chorus, she sings: “Me loving me, means loving you.” With this, she emphasizes that taking time for herself and letting her undergo change and pain, is what she needs to be there for her loved one. She cannot be there for someone else if she herself is falling apart. Despite all this, she implores her loved one to be patient and know that through all of this, she still loves them. It is a sweet sentiment to recognize the moments that you cannot be fully present for someone, but still being there to ensure they know your true feelings, making “Meantime” another impeccable track by Kennedy. Keep Going Back “Keep Going Back” is a nostalgic track about reminiscing on a past relationship. One that you want to let go of but somehow your mind keeps pulling you back. Kennedy’s angelic vocals and iconic soft-pop production lulls the listener into this wistful storyline. Her heart-wrenching lyrics share her experience with wanting to move on, but life around her won’t let her. Simple, everyday moments remind her of her lost love, and she is immediately “flooded by a flashback." Whether it is an article of clothing, a song on the radio, or an old photograph, Kennedy keeps going back to the past. Her mind cannot help but remain stuck in the past while the world around her keeps spinning. Despite the desolate storyline, “Keep Going Back” contains an infectious soundscape that the listener cannot help but want to scream along to. Being able to evoke raw, heartfelt emotions in the audience while keeping them energized is a meticulous talent that Kennedy has effortlessly perfected. Ahead of Myself Once again, Kennedy beautifully articulates honest relatability and authentic emotions through her insightful lyricism. “Ahead of Myself” explores her experience in wanting to know just where life is going to take her. She is getting antsy as she anticipates what is going to happen and is “getting ahead of herself.” She always wishes she could skip to the end so she knows just the right things to do. She is anxious by this great change in herself. Because, the truth is, we never know what may happen and where this life is going to take us. Her words reassure listeners that even when they feel lost in this world and are unsure what the future holds, they are not alone, and everything will work out in the end. The Vase “The Vase” completely changes the vibe of the album by stripping down to a piano-led ballad that tugs on the listener’s heartstrings. The hauntingly beautiful song shares Kennedy’s experience with trying to fit the mold of society. In an attempt to fit in, she removed herself from the “garden” of never-ending growth and beauty and diminished herself to fit into “the vase.” Now, that she is older and understands who she is, she wishes she had never shrunk herself to fit others’ standards for her. In the chorus, she begs to be “put back in the wild” where she was “perfect all along.” She wants to regain her innocence from before, when she did not feel that she needed to change. Now that she has gained wisdom from her adult years, she wants to take back her wish and become the free soul she was always destined to be. “The Vase” is an inspiration to every listener, as it reminds us that we are perfect the way we are, and we never need to change just to fit the societal mold. Faultline “The Faultline” continues the melancholic atmosphere with the soft acoustic guitar-led ballad. Kennedy’s raspy yet smooth vocals contain a strong passion that showcases her authentic emotion. She is hopelessly in love with the subject, to the point of breaking her into a million pieces. In pursuit of this feeling, she has bent over backwards in an attempt to reach the “goldmine.” However, these actions are not reciprocated. Instead, while she bleeds herself dry for her muse, she still has to plead to them: “do you trust me yet?” She immediately grabs the listener’s attention with the poetic lyrics in the first verse: “I used to hold myself hostage// Yeah, I used to hate myself for being honest// Maybe I'm a masochist// Takin' the blame for all of half of this.” Her heart wrenching words reveal that she recognizes these feelings are not good for her, and yet, she still cannot let them go. “The Faultline” is another gut-wrenching track that showcases Kennedy’s melodic songwriting. Scream Over Everything Kennedy’s decision to name the album “Scream Over Everything” was a clever choice that demonstrates her creative and meticulous mind. The title track describes her frustration and exhaustion with life, and in the end, she just wants to scream and yell in an attempt to drown out all the noise. As a young adult trying to navigate in the modern world, I too feel this need to release all my anger and irritation. With an album that covers all the ups and downs of being an adult, naming the project after this experience was a brilliant choice. It fully encapsulates how it feels to be in this world and experience this never-ending rollercoaster of emotions. In the chorus, Kennedy sings: “I might scream over everything// Let out the version of me that I’ve been trying to keep down.” She confesses that after years of holding it all in, she has reached the breaking point. Now, she is ready to put all her emotions, the good and the bad, on display for the world to see. This song is a testament to her personal strength and her relatable soul. Hello Kennedy ends her incredible album with a bang as “Hello” energetically wraps up each theme and message of the project. The upbeat track showcases the singer’s final decision to let go of the negativity and surrendering to the unknown. The singer admits that she “tends to grieve goodbyes before they even happen.” For her entire life, she has come to expect sadness and tried to run from these goodbyes. But now she has reached a point in her life where, after years of pain and heartache, she has grown into the person she is today—a confident young woman who has accepted the unpredictability of life. Now, she is saying “hello” to the future. In the bridge, friend and colleague, Jacob Wesley Rodgers, is brought in the provide an inspiring spoken word. At the end of the bridge, he says: “If there’s a voice, let it sing// Let it scream over everything.” This reference to the album’s title ties the entire album together and once again showcases the project’s cohesive storyline and Kennedy’s unparalleled brilliance. Scream Over Everything is an ingeniously crafted album that perfectly encapsulates all the feelings that come with being a young adult trying to navigate this difficult world. From the uncertainty of relationships to the elation of finding yourself, Kennedy highlights each experience effortlessly. While maintaining the integrity of her personal experiences, she also ensures that each song conveys a level of relatability for her fans. Furthermore, her compelling vocals mesmerize the audience with her soft, yet raspy voice, bringing chills to the listener. Through every track, Scream Over Everything highlights Kennedy’s unmistakable talent, showing that she is born for absolute superstardom. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW BRE: 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.

"Flea" is sung from a small voice, like that of an insect meant to be avoided and cast aside. It’s ballad is the aftermath of a love story which feels one sided, though its influence implies it likely wasn’t. Indy June offers this piece for those who feel incapable of being impactful, but if she feels this way they evidently aren’t, the song being deeply moving and far from uninfluential. The piece being sung from this perspective offers a moment to rest in the hurt, it’s peaceful and painful. She seems to linger in this way, like the flea character she’s chosen. She sticks to her viewpoint looking from afar at the people she thought would always be near her, and sticking to the smallest bits of their life, being too small to handle a greater distance than a few feet. The song is relatively slow, and purposefully so. It’s a somber piece that begins, fittingly, with a strumming guitar and an acceptance of a sad fate. “Go ahead and ignore me” is her opening line, beginning the thought process seen repeated later that it is her nature to be neglected. Indy’s name is fitting to her voice, having a very organic, “indie” sound that wonderfully suits her genre. The guitar continues throughout the piece, though after the first verse there is a sort of mystical noise added to the instrumentals which sounds almost like wind chimes. Following this, more instrumentals join the song seamlessly, a slowly paced percussion, Indy’s own voice used as an instrument. Towards the end, another unknown voice even joins. The piece ends with these vocals. Indy June is a singer and songwriter originally from Missouri. She began making her own music professionally during the pandemic, leading to her relocation to L.A. where the artist is now based. The flea isn’t the only animal Indy finds inspiration from, making her love for stray cats widely known and using them and the care they receive from her as a key part of her creative process. Her lyrics, as well as her persona, radiate a delicate, emotive, energy that can be felt through every song. And many indulge in this, the singer now boasts over 34k listeners on Spotify with nearly 2 million streams on her most popular song “Daisies”. Listen to this as well as “Flea” below and follow her socials to stay updated. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW INDY JUNE: