Nessi’s latest song, “ Fooling Myself ,” is a heartfelt, catchy and uplifting anthem that captures her struggles of feeling left behind in her 20’s as she tries to navigate through dark moments and find herself again. As she’s losing sight of herself, she notices her friends stepping up to be there for her when she had a hard time showing up for herself. They held on, wanting nothing but the return of her happiness and brighter state of mind. This song is a tribute to these people in her life, and is a reminder to those listening to be grateful for these kinds of friends in your life. The song begins with a catchy guitar melody that makes you want to nod your head along. Nessi is honest and admits that she “ Used to lie, say I’m fine ,” which is something I know we’ve all said when trying to dodge questions from people about our well-being. Despite her attempt to avoid concerns from others, her friends notice how unusual she's being, and quickly rally by her side to assist in her journey of getting her back to her true self: “ But you saw through the smile I'm faking every single day. And with every mistake I’m making you still chose to stay. ” Her friends saw her positive traits and continued to stand by her, making the effort to bring her back to a healthy state of mind. She expresses gratitude for their consistent support, even when she falsely insisted that everything was fine. Seeing right through that facade, they stayed by her side until she returned to the person they always knew her to be: “ You picked me up every time that I felt way too weak. Became a ritual, but you still saw my qualities. I didn’t realize it then, but you are all I need. Even though I used to lie, say I’m fine .” Nessi, whose full name is Vanessa Hutel, is a pop singer-songwriter from Norway. As of today, she has over 3,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Her most streamed songs are “ My Mistakes ” and “ Emotional ,” both surpassing 30,000 streams. “Fooling Myself ” was released just a week ago and has already impressively reached 20,000 streams. As a coping mechanism for when she's facing challenging times, Nessi turns to music because she finds comfort in it. She hopes that it provides comfort to her fans through her songs as well. Stay connected with Nessi by following her socials by clicking on the links below. And make sure to check out her latest single, “ Fooling Myself ,” out now! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW NESSI:

“Letter to My Future Lover” is an infectious song that combines the catchy hooks of pop with grittier rock. A powerful testament to their dedication and craft, this song has taken them nine years to perfect-- with a bold and uplifting sound, it’s clear to see the maturity that lines the voices and sounds of Live in Color . Thoughtful and provocative, the lyrical craft that Live in Color utilizes to create a narrative to connect to their audience might be one of the standouts on the track. Beyond another pop-rock group, Live in Color takes the time to address and be fun, genuinely giving their advice to those who might feel as though they don't have a voice. “Letter to My Future Lover” is a bright and hopeful song about dedicated to the next partner, but also written for a reflection on oneself. Live in Color’s wavering yet determined voice only serves to prove the intimate and personal nature of this song, adding in personal vulnerabilities to bear out. With bright and colorful sounds, Live in Color certainly lives up to its namesake, with production styled so irrefutably as themselves. Showcasing their bold spirit, this band of five courageously charge into the unknown after a long hiatus like they’ve never left, coming back just in time to take the world by storm. Hailing from the idyllic city of Jonkoping in Sweden, Live in Color is a pop-rock group that deftly harnesses their adventurous spirit within their musical endeavors. Established in 2018, the band comprises of three gifted brothers -- Jesper, Anton, and Linus -- alongside the talents of Tim and Melker. After the release of their debut album “One World” in 2019, audiences got a glimpse of their sonic tapestry defining their signature sound. Notably, their single “Catch the Feeling” was selected as the official soundtrack for the European Universities Rowing Championship, showcasing the band’s aptitude for creating music that resonates across diverse audiences. In 2023, their single “A Better Me” received international attention, securing airplay on BBC1 Extra and led to a nomination at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, further cementing their global music presence. Live in Color is not one to miss, and they have big plans coming up in 2024. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW LIVE IN COLOR:

“Game” is a sinfully dark EDM track that compares the dangers and pitfalls of casino games with how one might roll the die on starting a relationship. No matter how hard one might try, the future and never be predicted, and how can one know whether or not their partner is perfect for the sets of challenges they might face? All they can do is hope and develop their bond based on what happens at the moment. Like casino games, your luck might depend on the draw, but just like with poker, if one has to play their hand out confidently despite Lady Fate’s ministrations, they can still take the pot and strike it rich. With well-crafted metaphors and a narrative that only draws listeners more and more into the world that LÖNA has crafted for us, “Game” is the perfect dark and moody track to boost your confidence up for a night on the town. LÖNA incorporates a variety of genres to create dark and menacing soundscapes, bouncing effortlessly from catchy and popping to vulnerable and haunting. From the first hit of the drums, the track sets the atmosphere. As it progresses, it snowballs in intensity and drive, with emotional voices growing fuller and commanding the soundscape to bend to their will, charisma oozing out of the melodies as they dazzle the audience. Music is empowering, and LÖNA’s mixed hodgepodge of sounds, emotions, and lyrics is a beautiful melding of everything that makes them so irrefutably themselves, teaching their listeners not only how to play the game, but how to win. The perfect storm of dark and melancholic, LÖNA are identical twin sisters who mix their rough synth sounds with heavenly guitars and four-to-the-floor beats. Speaking from their hearts, LÖNA bears their vulnerabilities as they weave narratives about grief, loss, activism, and LGBT love. Imagining a cold and dark Scandinavian atmosphere as you listen to their music, the name LÖNA comes from the word for “valuable” in Swedish. And LÖNA is certainly showcasing their worth, dropping a smattering of singles in 2020 before their most recent comeback this year. Inspired by the likes of Bjork, Tove Lo, and AURORA, LÖNA invites you to listen as they take you on a haunting yet evocative journey. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW LÖNA: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

"I really should've opened up," The Indien sang on their previous single, "Sleep When I'm With You." The gorgeous song introduced listeners to a relationship in turmoil. More importantly, however, it established the stakes for lead singer, Rianne Walther. "Cause I can only sleep when I'm with you," she sang, identifying the sense of comfort and safety that is pivotal in a strong relationship. Her latest single, "Stay," begins her journey to mending things. Rooted in the classic folk-pop and rock of Fleetwood Mac, The Indien are at their most timeless and expansive yet. "Stay" sources its remarkable beauty from the power of Walther's vocals. Her voice is elastic, stretching over vowels with such rounded intonation, reading somewhere between Dolly Parton and Jessica Pratt. "I'm afraid of loving you," she sings each word like curves on a winding road. While the instrumental paves a stable path in gravelly muted bass and sturdy drums, Walther is constantly adding dynamic new levels to "Stay." When she lifts into the angelic chorus, all she needs is that one word to brighten every anxiety and uncertainty expressed in the verses. Stretching it into a four syllable mantra, "Stay" is not a pleading request grasping at the ankles of a fleeing lover — it's the crack that lets the light in. Loving someone, as Walther concludes, is the act of opening yourself up to the parts you'd tried to hide. Much of The Indien's lyricism is open-hearted and direct, as though Walther is penning an envelope-sealed letter for only one person. This is why it is all the more evocative when she melts fragments of detail into aching collages. "Crawlin' on the kitchen floor, dishes in the sink where you left me," she captures in the opening verse. The subtle turns of phrase is a perfect setup to the directness of her immediately following admission: "I just wasn't ready." Sometimes it's as though Walther's private reflections are battling against the reactive emotions that bubble up when she tries to express them. "You say I'm good enough, still I always seem to let you down." These moments are keenly aware of the work ahead to rekindle things, but the openness with which Walther sings them bodes well. "I don't wanna live like that," she repeats in the closing moments, "no more!" She rolls up her sleeves, yet sighs with relief. The long-awaited debut album from the band, The Indien, is set to release in spring of 2024. The LP will feature "Stay," alongside previous singles "Be Yours," and "Sleep When I'm With You." Rianne Walther, band leader and lead singer, describes the groups music as fundamentally pop with an alternative twist. This "twist" is in her dynamic and soaring vocals, breadth of references, and intricate production. Building music off of live sessions, much of the band's production is then done at home, layering cinematic soundscapes over stripped-back percussion and Walther's distinct vocals. The Indien's debut album will be celebrated with a show at Paradiso Tolhuistuin on April 5, 2024. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW The Indien:

Photo Credits: Ultimate Classic Rock An eclectic collection of songs, Duran Duran mixes both new and old sounds on their 16th studio album, Danse Macabre. The 13-song album features reimagined tracks from Duran Duran’s existing catalog, covers from other well-known artists, and some never-heard-before compositions. Inspired by a 2022 Halloween concert in Las Vegas, the band created this spooky concept album and released it right on time for this year’s Halloween celebrations. Danse Macabre dropped on October 27th, playfully mixing dark themes and ‘80s pop to deliver the perfect treat for Halloween enthusiasts and Duran Duran fans. TRACK LIST: 1. NIGHTBOAT 2. BLACK MOONLIGHT 3. LOVE VOUDOU 4. BURY A FRIEND 5. SUPERNATURE 6. DANSE MACABRE 7. SECRET OKTOBER 31ST 8. GHOST TOWN 9. PAINT IT BLACK 10. SUPER LONELY FREAK 11. SPELLBOUND 12. PSYCHO KILLER (featuring Victoria De Angelis) 13. CONFESSION IN THE AFTERLIFE A long-time favorite in the pop world, Duran Duran began their journey in 1978, being formed in Birmingham by singer/bassist Stephen Duffy, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, and guitarist/bassist John Taylor. Over the years, the band has seen many personnel changes with their most recent line-up being Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor. Working on Danse Macabre, the project saw the return of former members Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo. The band has been extremely successful since their formation in 1978, having sold over 100 million albums worldwide and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. They’ve repeatedly hit the charts, achieving 18 American chart hits and 21 Top 20 UK smashes. Repurposing some of their existing catalog for Danse Macabre, Duran Duran presents the reimagined songs “Nightboat,” “Secret Oktober 31st,” and “Love Voudou.” “Nightboat” comes from the band’s first and self-titled album, taking the track “The Night Boat” and giving it a spooky makeover. The song already had a darker feel to it, featuring eerie synths and haunting melodies that the band tweaked for Danse Macabre. The new version of the song is intoxicating, turning the original’s over-the-top ‘80s synth-pop sound into something more modern and cinematic. Giving a groovy makeover to the 1993 track “Love Voodoo,” Duran Duran rebrands the track as “Love Voudou” and turns it into one of the catchiest entries on Danse Macabre. The track is infectious, featuring funky bass lines and sexy melodies. “Secret Oktober 31st” is the last of Duran Duran’s reimagined tracks, coming from the B-side of the single “Union of the Snake.” The track was originally called “Secret Oktober,” renamed “Secret Oktober 31st” for the album’s Halloween theme. Putting their own spin on some classics and hits, Duran Duran includes a series of cover songs on Danse Macabre. The group takes Billie Eilish’s “Bury A Friend” and puts an ‘80s synth-pop twist on it. It’s an unexpected choice for Duran Duran to cover, but it works quite well for the album. Giving an updated spin on a 1977 classic, Duran Duran reimagines Cerrone’s “Supernature.” The group shortens the track, emphasizing the eerie synths for the album’s Halloween theme. Keeping things spooky, the band includes a creepy cover of “Ghost Town” by The Specials, featuring some of the eeriest harmonies on the album. Following “Ghost Town,” Duran Duran takes on The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.” The song is already on the spookier side, but the group makes the song extra chilling with a plethora of ghostly synths and Le Bon’s haunting vocals. “Super Lonely Freak” takes the cake for being the most innovative cover on Danse Macabre. The track blends Rick James’ “Super Freak” with Duran Duran’s “Lonely In Your Nightmare.” It’s the mash-up we never knew we needed, keeping listeners hooked from start to finish. Keeping things similar to the original, Duran Duran delivers a compelling rendition of Siouxsie and the Banshees’ “Spellbound.” The cover is strikingly close to the original version, just giving the song a more updated synth-pop/rock sound. Wrapping up the covers on the album, Duran Duran takes the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” and gives it their own flair. Le Bon’s vocals on this track seem almost David Bowie-esque, sounding like something that could’ve been ripped from Bowie's Let’s Dance era. Adding some new and exciting material to their catalog, Duran Duran stuns with “Black Moonlight,” “Danse Macabre,” and “Confession In The Afterlife.” All three tracks fit right into the album’s Halloween concept, mixing characteristic ‘80s sounds with moody pop. “Black Moonlight” is a strong combination of groovy and mysterious, featuring infectious dance beats and funky guitar/bass riffs. Reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” eerie sound effects are intertwined throughout, making the track an equal balance of chilling and playful. “Danse Macabre” keeps the creepy party vibe going, showcasing lively beats, ghostly synths, and haunting harmonies. Coming down from the album’s previously energetic tracks, “Confession In The Afterlife” ends Danse Macabre with a relaxing, otherworldly ballad. The beautiful song features rich harmonies and showcases Le Bon’s ageless voice. It’s an excellent conclusion to the album, almost mourning that Danse Macabre has come to an end. Overall, Danse Macabre is one of the most fun albums to be released in 2023. It’s a tasteful combination of old and new ideas, creating captivating soundscapes and an unforgettable listening experience. Breathing new life into some familiar tracks, Duran Duran’s incorporation of reimagined songs and covers whisks us back to the ‘80s with a modern twist, making the album both nostalgic and timeless. Whether you’re a long-time Duran Duran fan or just hearing of the band for the first time, Danse Macabre is perfect for anyone looking for some spooky Halloween tunes or just overall darker pop. Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

“Charming But Annoying Asf” is Athena Skye’s latest release, and if you don’t know her yet, it’s a perfect starter song, being a self-aware introductory and breakdown of her own person. It’s not often one gets the opportunity to be influential enough to appear as the muse and the artist, Athena is. Her title is self-explanatory, though the piece seems to display traits within herself that could be interpreted as negative or criticism, her tone doesn’t waver in face of them. Proving another trait she speaks on, confidence. She knows who she is, inside and out, and she doesn’t stutter in telling others. The lyrics touch on mental health, referencing therapists and ADHD but even amidst this the song never stumbles into melancholy. “Charming But Annoying Asf” is the peak of self acceptance. The song begins with electric and intense music, the type of intro that compels one to get up to grab headphones just to fully experience it. It’s not that the pace is particularly fast itself, but the energy of the song makes it feel incredibly upbeat while maintaining a reasonable sound. This upbeat vibe makes the introductory lyrics all the more interesting, Athena describing her past and why she is the way she is starkly contrasts the story the music seems to be telling, but they fall together incredibly. This theme continues throughout the piece, but as it goes on a sort of balance also comes into play in the lyrics that explain why this isn’t a slow, sad, ballad. Every negative trait has a positive one behind it, this isn’t self-hate, it’s self-exploration and awareness. The chorus, as well as Athena’s voice hold this early 2000s pop quality that completely tie the song together and the song ends with a staple of this, at a high note on another repeat of that unforgettable chorus. Athena Skye is a London based singer and songwriter, though not much more of her can be placed into categories. She takes pride in, and should, her ability to move throughout genres and offer a unique sound that combines them. Her lyrics are mostly based on her personal life, being an emotional outlet, and so, they are known for their relatability and genuineness. This skill was first noticed on Tiktok where her songs went viral in the beginning of her career. Now, she holds over 2 million views on the platform as well as an impressive social media presence elsewhere having thousands of followers there and on Instagram. Follow these accounts below and stream “Charming But Annoying Asf” now. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW ATHENA SKYE:

Think of the most romantic song you’ve ever listened to, and then imagine it cranked up to an eleven. “last girl” is exactly that, and is elijah woods and MacKenzie Porter’s latest collaboration together, a dreamy country-pop love song all about romance, love, and being the last ones for one another. "last girl" was originally part of woods' earlier EP "bright orange everglow," but he reached out to Porter to add her personal country style to the song. Almost a confession, "last girl" creates a vision of a slowly dimming sun as you gaze at the person you love the most, realizing that they’ll be the last person you’ll ever love and the only person you’ll ever want, too. Perhaps you'll be reminded of a time when those words struck you, and you knew that the person you were with was the only one you'd ever want to take home. "last girl" is a vivid duet that is all love and soft, tentative warmth. “last girl” is the exact song you should think of when someone brings up country-tinged love songs; the romance that seeps from this song is unmatched, so irrevocably intimate in its orange-tinted, starry-sky instrumentals. The strings that are weaved throughout the track are beautiful and soft, joined by a twinkling piano that supports each strum. Although, I think where the song shines the brightest is in its lyrics, accompanied by woods and Porter’s vocals. The songwriting is dyed with sunset colors and summer heat; the chorus paints this beautiful picture of a sudden realization, surrounded by a countryside landscape. woods and Porter’s voices harmonize especially well during the chorus, too: there’s a really great part where woods’ vocals dwindle out near the end, and all you’re left with is Porter singing, “I’m the last girl you’re bringing home.” And "last girl" is just that: a final statement-- not of a goodbye-- but a promise that you'll be the last girl, forever and, hopefully, ever. elijah woods is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter, producer, and recording engineer who seeks to deliver multilayered musical artistry with his signature crisp style and evocative lyrics. As a 4 time JUNO Award nominee and with multiple platinum and gold records, woods has well over 4 million listeners on Spotify, and is already on his way to stardom. His 2021 debut single “lights” has over 9.5 million streams on Spotify, and his debut EP “look what i made” had even more success. MacKenzie Porter is a similarly talented artist; with her distinctive country-pop style, she’s made waves in the industry with her 2021 single “Pickup” that has over 44.5 million streams on Spotify. Her debut single dropped way back in 2012, “I Wish I’d Known,” and from then she’s blossomed into the artist you listen to now. “last girl” is the artists’ latest duet, and is best enjoyed during a gorgeous orange-hue sunset, just as the stars shine through the growing dim. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW ELIJAH WOODS: FOLLOW MACKENZIE PORTER:

“Long Haul” is an indie pop/rock anthem chronologically detailing the mixed emotions, heartbreak, and frustrations that derive from realizing a relationship you cherished was never meant to last. Every step taken with this relationship brought upon a flurry of emotions that never resonated within you. The joys and motivations your partner held dear were not aligned with your own. The thrills they experienced were often at your expense, no matter how strongly you forced yourself to believe they weren’t. The butterflies you once felt dissipated and left you realizing that the comfortable and secure future you imagined with them was just that: your imagination. Reflection clears your mind and you remember all the times you were warned about your partner. The experiences of others were always plentiful, but your hopeful imagination was always more abundant. “Long Haul” is a wonderfully structured and catchy track that intertwines digital instrumentation, live instrumentation, ambience, and vocalization. It usually isn't the easiest thing to mesh digital instruments with physical, tangible instruments, but this was able to do it with relative simplicity. The starting mix of electronics with guitar strumming was a simple yet engaging way to draw us into this song’s journey. Throughout this single, but primarily in the verses and bridge, there are hints of ambience that blend well with the harmonizations at the end of each line. They blend well together so that the song is not primarily focused on the lead melody. Every line brings about a new understanding of the journey which is highlighted by the surrounding elements of this single. The little glimpses of creative instrumental structuring and vocalization serve as the cherry on top of a sweet experience. PEPTALK is a trio of young women based out of Sydney, Australia. Each member is an accomplished singer-songwriter that helps make this group shine and establish itself in the industry as much as it has. They take musical and songwriting inspiration from groups such as Remi Wolf, MUNA and HAIM. They have written for artists and producers in multiple countries such as the USA, Canada, South Korea, and France. In 2022, they were able to gain a song-writing opportunity for K–pop group Rumble-G's “Every Other”. Just this year, two of PEPTALK’s members were selected by Troye Sivan and Lucas Keller to participate in APRA AMCOS’ pride songwriting camp, partnering with World Pride and Sydney Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras. They have built a well respected and accomplished career and even just recently released their first EP, called “Dumb Teen Heartache”. Make sure to follow them on social media and give “Long Haul” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW PEPTALK:

Photo: GAYLE via Instagram GAYLE has had a whirlwind of a year. From going on tour as an opening act for both Taylor Swift in the United States and P!nk in Europe, to writing and performing a song on the Barbie soundtrack, the alt-pop singer has had a phenomenal 2023. In only a couple short years since her debut, GAYLE has accomplished a tremendous amount and has gained a massive following. After the success of the two major tours, she decided to go on her own headlining tour, the scared but trying tour. After being an avid listener for almost two years, writing five song reviews for our blog, and seeing her at the Eras Tour, I immediately jumped on the chance to get tickets to GAYLE’s headlining show in Los Angeles. The concert was a night to remember as I was given the opportunity of a lifetime, followed by watching the natural-born performer and vocalist in her element. GAYLE performing her latest single, "I Don't Sleep as Good as I Used To" GAYLE knows how to command a stage with her cheeky personality and authentic relatability. Her personable interactions with fans showcases her adoration and appreciation for the support. She has not let her sudden shot into stardom or opening for two of the biggest stars in the world, change who she is. She is overwhelmingly grateful for every opportunity given to her and to all the people who have helped her along the way. This includes her strong relationship with her band, drummer Andrew Grasso, and lead guitarist, Max Landis. While on stage, the trio showcased their impeccable bond and their innate chemistry with each other. GAYLE assured the audience from the very beginning that it was going to be a chaotic night because the two men had their own microphones. These were not there for background vocals, but so that they could all communicate and be a part of the fun. This was a unique addition that I have never seen outside of group acts, as opposed to a solo act. GAYLE wanted her band to be included, giving them opportunities to introduce songs and rip on each other. This made the show especially intimate and special, as all three members on stage were showing the audience how well they work together and that they are more than just colleagues, but actual friends. After seeing GAYLE live once before, I knew she was a powerful performer that naturally brings her fiery energy to life on stage. However, seeing her headline her own show was a whole new experience that blew my expectations out of the park. Her remarkable talent shined through every single song, from her original tracks to each outstanding cover. As one of the many covers of the night, GAYLE performed the iconic Arrows’ song, “I Love Rock & Roll,” sung in the style of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. With her powerful vocal range and angsty rasp, the singer absolutely nailed this cover. While she shred on the electric guitar, she did the original song justice while showcasing her individual talent. She left me completely mesmerized as she proved that she was born to rock. Another key moment when I found myself completely captivated by GAYLE was during her song, “Don’t Call Me Pretty.” At the end of the bridge, playback loops were utilized that allowed the singer to harmonize with herself. Each line she sang was recorded and played back, as she sang a different riff, emphasizing her strong vocal ability. I was left standing there with my jaw on the floor as I was completely in awe by her oustanding talent. Throughout each performance, the singer never missed one note while maintaining her high, compelling energy, solidifying herself as one of my favorite performers I have seen live. GAYLE performing "I Love Rock & Roll" in the style of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts GAYLE interacted with fans in such a down-to-earth and relatable fashion that made the show feel like a casual hang-out with friends. Right before she sang her final song, “abcdefu,” she pointed to someone in the middle of the crowd wearing a squirrel shirt. She told them that she loved watching them all night as they kept the same hype energy throughout the entire show. And, she of course told them she loved their squirrel shirt and said they are now best friends. It's moments like this that represent just how fun loving and authentic GAYLE is. Another incredible moment in the show is when the singer brings out a jacket that she has one fan sign at each show, that will then be hung on her bedroom wall. This was something very unique that I have never seen at another show. Rather than the artist giving something to a fan, she instead has them permanently place themselves on a keepsake that she will cherish forever. In ten, twenty, thirty years down the line, GAYLE will be able to look at this memento and reminisce on her first headlining tour. This is just another sweet reminder that she truly cherishes her fans and sees them as such a light in her life that she will forever hold close to her heart. Prior to seeing GAYLE take the stage, a handful of fans got to partake in a unique fan experience. Those that paid for VIP were let in first to kickstart their meet and greet. However, right before my best friend met me at my house, I checked GAYLE’s Instagram and saw the most incredible opportunity. She shared that the first fifty people in the general admission line before 6:30 would be let in early for a special meet and greet event sponsored by Adobe, which included a project for an upcoming music video. The moment I got in the car with my friend, I told her what I saw and asked her “can we skip dinner to make sure we get in line?” I have never been happier to go hungry. After our long, yet familiar two-hour drive to Los Angeles, we made it to the venue and ended up being first in line for general admission. After VIP was let in, a team member came out and asked if we wanted passes. Of course, my friend and I said yes, and the four people we befriended in line did as well. Due to the paid VIP opportunity, I had assumed that we would only get a small group photo-op moment. Instead, we each got to meet and talk to GAYLE one-on-one. After we snapped our photo, the fans were allowed to wander the venue to partake in the special fan project. Once everyone in line had their individual moment with GAYLE, she began walking around the talk to each group. It was such a cool experience to be able to have casual conversations with this singer I have supported for so long and watched blossom into complete stardom. Furthermore, one of the first well-known and recognizable names I got to work with through Pop Passion Blog was with GAYLE. So, being able to see her headlining show and meet her was such a surreal, full circle moment that I could not be more grateful for. If you get the chance to see GAYLE, whether on her own headlining tour or opening for other artists on any future tours, I highly recommend it. Her vocal control and range are outstanding, leaving the audience stunned by the amount of sheer natural talent the singer has. There is never one dull moment in her show, from her mesmerizing performance to her cheeky remarks. She is almost done with the scared but trying tour, with only a handful of dates left. Check out her website linked below to check out if she has any dates near you! And stream her music to prepare yourself for the inevitable world domination tour that GAYLE will one day embark on! Icon and images: GAYLE via gayleofficial.com Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

If you want to hear a reflective song with deep, naturalistic metaphors and an emotional perspective about struggling with mental health, “Ocean Inside of Me” is worth listening to. In the title track of her upcoming sophomore album, Luna Keller sings about the moment she finally came to terms with her depression. Her notable songwriting skills shine in a song about going through such a dark time. Writing and singing about depression can be a difficult task, but Luna Keller shares her experiences through beautifully crafted metaphors using the ocean, river, forest, and more. Although the meaning of the song is heartbreaking, admitting you have depression, channeling that pain into art, and choosing to share it with the world takes bravery and strength. “Ocean Inside of Me” is a gentle reminder that there is hope, and you will find your way out of the darkness. If you’re feeling alone, “Ocean Inside of Me” is there to comfort you like a hug from a friend. “Ocean Inside of Me” soothes the soul. The song’s overall sound creates a relaxing atmosphere. Not only are the lyrics poetic, but the harmonies evoke strong emotions like poetry can. The harmonies make the song exceptional because of the added depth and richness. Luna Keller’s unique vocals pair perfectly with the acoustic guitar to create an intimate listening experience. It feels as if she is performing in the room with you. "Ocean Inside of Me” is an indie folk masterpiece. You can tell how important the lyrics are to her because of her intense vocals. Her vulnerability and passion strengthen an already golden track. The soft drums and additional percussion create a comforting aura that remains present throughout the entire song. Her ability to tell her story in such a captivating way solidifies the integrity of her artistry. She tells the truth and sounds heavenly doing so. Luna Keller is a passionate singer-songwriter who grew up in a musical family. Her musician father helped her improve her guitar skills, and her mother, a singer and piano player, taught her how to sing correctly. She started recording music with her father while still in school and released her first song in 2017. Luna, who moved to Germany from Spain when she was six months old, has a unique musical perspective because she grew up between both cultures. Her music is a mix of singer-songwriter, folk, and pop. She is an independent artist with two EPs and a full-length debut album, “Prophecies And Silver Linings,” released in 2022. Luna Keller uses music as a coping mechanism and even refers to her songs as her friends because of the support they bring her. She hopes her music provides comfort to her listeners as well. Her next album, “Ocean Inside of Me,” is a personal project about her mental health journey and finding herself again. Written By Victoria James FOLLOW LUNA KELLER:

There is a certain standard that every man is expected to meet. Don’t cry, don’t show emotion, don’t complain. But this expectation of what a man should be and do can be seriously damaging to one’s mental state. “To Be A Man” is the newest collaborative single by musical artists Dax and Darius Rucker. It delves into the topic of the expectations set upon men by society, and how these expectations can negatively alter how someone thinks and acts. “I can’t hide myself / I don’t expect you to understand / I just hope I can explain / What it’s like to be a man,” is a painfully raw chorus that made me view the situation from a man’s perspective. And being that I’m a woman, it’s extremely hard for me to fully understand just how important this issue is. But, I empathize. And now, thanks to this song, I’m more aware. This song is moody, raw, emotional, and hits you right in the feels. I want to discuss each unique element, but I want to first discuss the collaboration between Darius Rucker and Dax. I’m a new listener to Dax’s music, and I’m a fan! On the other hand, I’m a HUGE fan of Darius Rucker. So, getting to hear a collaboration between the two was a real treat. Rucker has an incredibly deep and experienced sounding voice, and it really shows during the song. And Dax stunned with his quiet growls and emotion-packed voice. I think if this song were done by anyone else, I would not have enjoyed it this thoroughly. The lyrics and their voices blended in perfect unison, I have nothing but high regards. Dax is a 29-year-old singer and songwriter from Canada. He began releasing music back in 2017, with his debut single, “Be Your Fucking Self.” Since the start of his career, he has surpassed over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify! Darius Rucker, better known as a member of the popular 80s band, Hootie and the Blowfish. Aside from his involvement in his band, he has been releasing his own music since 2002. Currently, Rucker gets almost 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify. This was a collaboration that I think worked very well. I hope these two release a song together again someday, and “To Be A Man” is definitely a song that I will be playing on repeat for the next few days. Loved it! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW DAX: FOLLOW DARIUS RUCKER:

In her song "Change Your Mind," Dani Sylvia perfectly encapsulates the feeling of deep longing and obsession with someone who is emotionally and physically distant. She describes how she watches the person from afar, in a way that is not reciprocated, but is captivated by their hold on her. Despite the separation, Sylvia’s feelings are strong and untempered, as she is convinced that this person is the only cure for her loneliness. The lyrics delve into themes of unchanging love, with a plea for the person to reconsider their feelings. There's a mix of vulnerability, yearning, and a sense of resignation, acknowledging the impossibility of changing the situation but still holding onto hope and love, all of which is fused with an upbeat electro-pop production. This creates a rich contrast, adding a layer of complexity that makes it a compelling and versatile piece that can resonate both on an emotional and danceable level. The song starts out with angelic vocalization, after which a synth-fueled production kicks in, with Sylvia expressing the intensity of her emotions and how she’s embarrassed by how strongly she feels, saying she feels like a “goddamn creep” seeing the subject of the song everywhere she looks, and is constantly thinking about them. Waking up “lonely one more time” is breaking her heart because she loves them so much she’d wait for them “til the birds don’t move and the mountains fly.” She'd do anything for this person, but they don’t feel the same about her. The production eases in the pre-chorus, letting Sylvia’s vocals shine while also creating a sense of vulnerability and tension before the chorus that explodes in a dynamic, pulsating synth-heavy chorus that emphasizes her pleading questions: “Why do you always never change your mind?” The bass drops make the song exciting and energetic, and a lengthy electric guitar solo at the end creates a sense of catharsis as well as passion that pairs well with the emotional intensity of the lyrics. "Change Your Mind" effectively toes the line between hope and the inevitability of circumstance, creating a visceral emotional reaction in the listener with a high-powered electronic music-inspired beat. Dani Sylvia, the award-winning alt-pop artist from Windsor, captivates audiences with her soulful voice that echoes the raw essence of heartbreak within the expansive realm of anthemic misery-pop. Her music serves as a cathartic dance for outsiders, offering a space to scream-cry. Since the explosive launch of her TikTok in April 2022, amassing 164k followers and 22m+ views, Dani has garnered attention from major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and BBC, where she was named 'Artist in Residence' for BBC Introducing in November 2022. Supported by industry heavyweights like Linda Perry and mentored by Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, Dani's distinct and poignant lyrics earned her the title of 'Best Songwriter' at The Unsigned Music Awards. With sold-out shows and notable performances, including Kew Gardens and supporting Billy Lockett, Dani Sylvia is set to release eleven new tracks in 2023, leading up to her album "1:11," anticipated to make waves with high-profile supporters. Written By Rachael Bach FOLLOW DANI SYLVIA: