If you’re known for being the friend who goes back to their ex despite how horribly they’ve treated you, you need to hear “Whisper All My Secrets” by Ella Lockert. Even if you haven’t experienced a toxic relationship, this song is a good example of why lousy partners don’t deserve a second chance and aren’t worth the heartbreak. In “Whisper All My Secrets,” Ella declares an important truth: someone who mistreats her does not deserve her love. Sometimes you can’t help who you fall for, but it’s always good to reflect on your bad decisions to avoid making the same mistake again. Ella reminds herself and her listeners that she’s strong enough to choose herself in the end. Although walking away from a relationship can be challenging, hearing that you deserve better is the remedy to heal a broken heart. The song is titled “Whisper All My Secrets,” but Ella Lockert is doing none of the sort on this electrifying track. She bears her soul as soon as the song starts, drawing listeners to connect with her vulnerability. The piano creates an emotional atmosphere, and we cling to every word she sings. This song feels like all the best parts of a rollercoaster, and the exhilaration stays with you after it’s over. Similarly to an amusement park ride, the song starts slow but has an incredible, exciting build-up. It’s unpredictable and catches you off guard because of the switch from the ballad-like verse to the punchy, retro chorus. The electronic-infused pop song is an ear-worm, mixing both piano and electric guitar to create an unforgettable banger that will stick in your head all day. The powerful vocals match the equally empowering meaning behind the song. She sings like she has found her strength and won’t let anyone take it away. Ella Lockert is an 18-year-old Norwegian artist ready to take the music industry by storm. Ella made it to the Junior Eurovision in Norway at 12 years old and decided to make music her career. She joined Magnus Winjum, released twelve songs as a duo, and performed at concerts around Norway. Now, Ella is working on solo material under her own label. She loves writing music and finding new ways to connect with fans. She writes music to process and reflect, getting inspiration from friends, love, heartbreak, and other parts of the human experience that people can relate to. Two of her musical influences are Tate McRae and Astrid S, a fellow Norwegian artist. She released her debut EP, “Confusing,” in 2021, but this indie pop artist has more music up her sleeve. Ella Lockert is also an actress, premiering in two new TV series. Written By Victoria James FOLLOW ELLA LOCKERT: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

I tend to have a preferred genre of music that I listen to. Sad indie songs, opera, and Broadway classics. However, I had no idea that there was an indie-horror genre. And honestly, I’m obsessed with it. Andie Mechanic, an up-and-coming singer and songwriter, recently released the second single off her new EP, In This State . The song is titled “Lucy,” and as Mechanic herself described it, “visually and sonically, it's my interpretation of a horror movie.” The song, as you would imagine, has a pretty dark message. You can promise to love someone your whole life, but if you ever abandon them (or ghost them), you could be filled with negativity and a sense of evil. Like I said before, this song is filled with different horror elements. I think Mechanic has an almost ethereal sound to her voice, which made listening to the lyrics addicting in a way. She utilizes her head voice for a good majority of the song. But as it progresses, she begins to transition to her chest voice, releasing an immense amount of emotion and energy into every word she sings. I think the instrumentals were also perfect for this style of song. Most of the time, you hear Mechanic simply strumming on a guitar. But over time, you get a bit of a static synth sound that I think pairs nicely with the vocals and the guitar! All the elements came together, and I love it. Andie Mechanic is a singer and songwriter from Boston, Massachusetts. She started releasing music back in 2022, after COVID-19 forced her to return home from college, where she was attending Hamilton College. Not long after quarantine let up, Mechanic transferred to Berklee College of Music to pursue songwriting. Since then, she has released five singles, and she has her debut EP, In This State , releasing soon! Andie Mechanic is bound to be a unique and shining star in the industry. She pushes boundaries, and has a style of music that I’ve never heard before, so I can’t wait for everyone else to experience it. Give “Lucy” a listen! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW ANDIE MECHANIC:

After stomping and belting through fiery country pop between 2018 and 2020, Kristin Carter spent the past three years quietly pouring her heart into songwriting. Now, the Vancouver artist returns with her first offering of new material. "I'm Still Here" is a delicate rebirth, yet resists ephemeral haziness with her transfixing voice. Ironically, Carter's pop ode to resilience in the face of struggle forged its style from tribulation. After realizing the original instrumental for "I'm Still Here" was unusable, the Canadian singer/songwriter recorded layers of vocal instrumentation in her bedroom. The purely acapella track finds its strength squarely from within, proving Carter's indomitable spirit. The background vocals swell like a church organ in the opening verse, guided by a ringing falsetto. As the contemporary pop artist wields her powerful, choir-trained voice with passionate control, "I'm Still Here" transcends the presumed limitations of an acapella track. Even when you have to throw out everything you've worked on, the act of persevering means you've lost nothing. The universal appeal of Carter's writing evoke an anthemic quality. "A phoenix from the fire, flying higher and higher," she sings with enough passion to match the mythical iconography of resilience. The declarative force behind the titular phrase could easily be imagined as a roaring cry over booming drums and guitars. But over gentle beds of vocal harmonies, Carter lets the power radiate from her words rather than squeezing it out. "I'm enough on my own!" Each line practically glows with reverence, a quality not possible with conventional instrumentation. "I didn't think that I could reappear," she sings. Her voice glows with a quiet pride, knowing she'll never doubt her own endurance again. "Full Bloom" is the title of Kristin Carter's upcoming, debut album, reflecting the artistic blossoming she has undergone over the span of her life. The 12-track project arrives in the spring of 2024, featuring an ambitious spread of contemporary pop-leaning songs. Growing up in a choir, Carter trained her voice to be the powerful and versatile instrument it is today. After she began writing music of her own, the Vancouver-based artist made a name for herself in country music through Sirius XM's Top of the Country contest. After her second year ranking as a semi-finalist, Carter released her debut single, "Karma," to fast success. "I'm Still Here" represents a revitalized spirit, ready to showcase her wide-ranging talent on her most ambitious project yet. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW Kristin Carter:

For those who have been lucky enough to experience teenage love, you know how intoxicating it is. Nothing tainted by the world yet, no responsibilities or hardships, just you, your lover and the whole bright shiny future up for grabs. No matter how perfect it sounds, this never lasts, and something has to break along the way (most likely your heart). You eventually grow up and this feeling slips away, along with the person you once called yours, but the memories creep back in every once in a while. You remember driving down the highway, you remember the warmth and the love, you remember all the summer nights spent together. SANNIA’s most recent release ‘august’ puts this feeling into words, as she describes herself now looking back at her teenage love and missing what they shared (albeit with rose colored glasses). It is a song about nostalgia and infatuation, and the pace is just as fast and upbeat as the quick heart flutters of a kid in love. SANNIA demonstrates her knack for writing in this track, as she impeccably describes her thoughts. She sings lines like, “But we were love drunk, we were flying 
/ We had it planned out, we'd never be like our parents” and “That you were the best thing in my life or going around”. With these words, she clearly describes the fire and passion of a first love. You believe you will be the ones that make it, that last forever, that defies all odds. The song soars and crashes like this very feeling, with a melodic pop backing and synth beats that make it almost as addicting as love itself. SANNIA closes out the song with a vow to her old lover, as she sings, “Baby I still see you in summer nights 
/ Maybe we'll meet in another life 
/ I hope you know no one ever came close”. No one could ever touch what they had, and she proclaims this proudly for her audience. SANNIA is an up and coming artist from Melbourne, who is still collecting fans from her debut single ‘Go and Get Over’, released in 2018. She has amassed over 3,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and is set to release her first album sometime this year. Her musical vibe is similar to Olivia Rodrigo, Bleachers, and Taylor Swift, and her music is a cohesive mix of electronic, pop, and indie styles. She became a finalist in Nashville’s International Songwriting Competition, highlighting her skill for lyricism as an artist. She writes about real life experiences, and truly puts her whole heart into her work. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from SANNIA. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW SANNIA:

Serving as the final track on his latest EP, Chris Bates has released heartache incarnate with the song "Two Hearts." The moving track reflects on the aftermath of a breakup and lost love, capturing the emotions that come with realizing when "two hearts just don't beat the same." Bates shines light on missing an old flame, expressing the heartbreaking late night thoughts and inevitable reminiscing that comes with a former love's absence. Feeling vulnerable and real, "Two Hearts" gives listeners a poignant narrative they can easily relate to and provides a cathartic escape for anyone going through some post-breakup blues. Strikingly beautiful, Chris Bates has put together a soft, lush soundscape to perfectly accompany his melancholic ballad. "Two Hearts" plunges us into the depths of sorrow in the most peaceful way, leaving our ears surrounded by gentle guitar lines and mellifluous vocals. Bates delivers lyrics featuring his tormented thoughts through delicate melodies, charging each note with passionate feeling. The acoustic nature of the track and Bates' commercial pop sound makes the song reminiscent of something one might hear from Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, or Charlie Puth. Though "Two Hearts" is sad and full of despair, the track has an essence of closure, accepting that relationships end, and life goes on. Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Chris Bates released his debut EP, they don't know a thing about me, in 2020. Following on the heels of that release, Bates released the EP's sequel, they don't know a thing about me 2.0 in 2021. "November (No Hard Feelings)" served as the EP's standout single, garnering 150,000 streams and hitting Spotify's New Music Friday AU/NZ and Peaceful Pop. Receiving widespread attention, Bates' recent single, "Edinburgh," hit playlists like New Music Friday AU/NZ, Peaceful Pop, and Pop n' Fresh. After releasing the singles "Takeaway Cup" and "Trust Nobody," Chris Bates has revealed his third EP, forgive me if I lose my mind. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW CHRIS BATES:

Lauren Presley's latest pop track "Nice Guy" chronicles her experiences with men that initially seemed to be "nice" and supportive, but later, would turn out to be manipulative and disingenuous. She grapples with self-blame, resentment and pain from falling for people that did not actually turn out to be different from the rest of her former lovers. If you have also dealt with a string of terrible exes that tried to portray themselves in a better light until you got together, this song will hit deeply. Between infectious pop hooks and storytelling lyricism, Presley brings you along on her journey of heartbreak and realization. Presley starts off the song "Nice Guy" with describing how this guy would push her to the side and ignore his phone when out with his friends. In the pre-chorus, she gets vulnerable with the lyrics, "I still blame myself for falling / Held on way too long for nothing." Sometimes, even when we know we deserve to be treated better, we hold onto the relationship. In the engaging chorus, Presley expresses the regret she has for the relationship and the anger that she has for him to faking that "nice guy" persona. This message is communicated through upbeat pop production and emotive vocals. Lauren Presley is a contemporary, electro-pop singer and songwriter from Redwater, Texas. She aims to delve deep into her lyricism to connect with listeners and pushes past the bounds of traditional pop music by bridging together elements of other genres. Her music has received attention from Wonderland Music and EARMILK. If you enjoyed this latest release, make sure to click the social media links below so that you can keep up with all the latest information on Lauren Presley and her music. I was hooked from the start of "Nice Guy," and I am so excited to see what new songs she will release next. Written By SYDNEY GRAY FOLLOW LAUREN PRESLEY:

Begging for love has never sounded so good. Piece of Your Heart finds Hunter Falls confronting his lost love and begging for another chance. He feels so deeply for his partner and losing them is the last thing he wants. He wants love and he's laying it all out on the line so he can get some. The subject of the song sounds emotional and it is but the lyrical content and instrumental paint a different picture. The energy that the track exudes feels less like yearning and more like a playful pining. Almost like a game of cat and mouse. Piece of Your Heart is like a time machine sending the listener back to the 1980s. Big hair and synths rule this time and this track is no different. With the power of 1000 hairspray cans and the energy of any 80s pop track, Hunter Falls has captured the essence of synthpop. The brightness of the synths complements Hunter Falls's vocals perfectly and sets up a delicate foreground for the kick drum to play in. These sounds meld beautifully together and give way to the classic electronic energy we love from the genre. The track builds on itself with a driving bass guitar and sticky syncopations. Anyone would want to stand up and dance when this track comes on. The fun keeps on coming as the song progresses and we hear the story of Hunter's lost love and his need to get them back. The track is exciting and energetic, perfect for those who want to dance like no tomorrow. Hunter Falls is a musician from Belgium. He’s been singing since he was six and learned from a young age that blending cultures makes amazing art. Hunter took his love for the beauty of the world and its many sounds to new heights when he began writing his music. He blends R&B with pop and soul to create something truly special. He uses these multicultural lenses to explore his meaning. Diving deep into what it means to love and live. With this, he also explores different genres he had never thought to touch before. Hunter Falls is a true musician in the way he makes something from everything. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW HUNTER FALLS:

With the death of Vans Warped Tour in 2019, there has been competition as to what would be the next big event that could attain the same popularity and evoke the same wave of emotion for alternative music fans. When We Were Young Fest is still brand new as 2022 was the first year it was done, yet it has already become a highly adored event for its unmatched lineups. The beauty of this festival is that it includes both artists who are older and well-loved, as well as artists who are still fresh in the scene. The feeling of watching all of these legendary bands in one day is unmatched and reminds everyone of the community that comes from music. The festival takes place in Las Vegas, on the Las Vegas festival grounds near the Circus Circus Hotel & Resort. It’s a two-day event with the same lineup for both dates. I attended day two on Saturday 22nd. The grounds are very large as they have two large stages on one end side by side, and two smaller ones on the other side of the grounds. They also have multiple tents throughout that have food vendors, merch tables, and other activities. There was a wide variety of food vendors at the event to meet whatever cravings you were feeling. They also had a few drink locations that had specialty cocktails in theme with the event. What was especially nice was they had multiple free water stations, which not a lot of festivals do. It shows that they were really looking out for guests. There were many activities and events you could participate in when you weren’t watching bands perform. One that we did enjoy a lot was the X Games skating demonstration. I’m not well-versed in the world of skating but it was still incredible to watch. Magnolia Park was the first band we watched. It was the second time I’ve seen them live and since then, they’ve certainly gotten better. I had a great time jamming out to their song “Liar.” Motion City Soundtrack is one of those legendary bands from the earlier years I was so intrigued to see. It was fun to experience one of their most popular songs “Everything is Alright” live as it was one of those songs, I remember blasting while walking the halls of high school, even though they were from before my time. Pierce the Veil, well what can I say, true showstoppers are what they are. The band knows how to bring the fire and make everyone feel like a young angry kid in their room again, truly bringing meaning to the name “When We Were Young.” Opening with their track, “Pass the Nirvana,” everyone was immediately enamored by the energy the band brings. Pierce the Veil are true artists, from the throwing and catching of guitars like a trained circus act, to them bringing a folklórico dancer on stage, front and center. As a Latina, I feel very overjoyed to see a band so proud of their Mexican-American heritage and feel honored enough to include it in their performance. While emotions were raging throughout the performance, they hit their peak during “Hold on Till May” when lead singer Vic Fuentes brought a fan on stage, serenaded them, then gifted the fan his guitar. It was truly an unforgettable moment. 5 Seconds of Summer are always a treat to see live. Just by watching them perform together, you can see how, at the end of the day, they’re four best friends who get to have fun playing music together. The band started their performance with their hit single, “She Looks So Perfect,” and it certainly got everyone excited. During “Amnesia” the band brought out Joel Madden of Good Charlotte to sing with them, and watching two generations of artists perform on stage together certainly explored the beauty of the meaning behind the When We Were Young Festival. The band used a few of the elements of their recently completed 5SOS Show Headline Tour, this includes using their large inflatable song dice and throwing it into the crowd to pick a surprise song. In the end, they let the dice keep bouncing in the crowd and just decided to play “Voodoo Doll” instead of letting the dice decide. The band ended with the famous, “Youngblood,” and as the band left the stage, fans were left with heavy emotion as this is the band’s last performance for a while. Every time I see Waterparks perform, this was my eighth time seeing Waterparks live, I am always left highly impressed by the band. The band opened with their song “Numb” and it’s such a phenomenal track and keeps audiences bursting with energy. The band also performed their newest song “Sneaking out of Heaven” and it certainly met the expectations to become another fan-favorite live track. Waterparks finished their set with “Turbulent” and the track is a definite showstopper, allowing fans to go absolutely insane as the band finished their performance. With band set times being so close to one another, we had to run fast across the festival grounds to get to the other stage in time from Blink-182. The band knows how to keep audiences entertained, even in between songs. The banter between band members is filled with immature jokes that keep fans overjoyed with humor. Notable song performances include “The Rock Show,” “Up All Night,” “Always,” and many more. My personal favorite, “Bored to Death,” was one that left me moved with emotion. The crowd went wild when they played their most recognizable song “All the Small Things” and it certainly was incredible to see multiple generations of fans all sing along. The last song in the band's set was from their recent album, “One More Time.” There’s a reason why so many artists would have never existed without the influence of Green Day, and it’s because they truly are legendary. Opening with their famous, “American Idiot,” ignited a wave of passion throughout the crowd. Green Day has always been such an insanely talented live band, and it’s wonderful to see they haven’t lost an ounce of talent after all these years. “Know Your Enemy” is always a great performance, as they brought a young fan on stage to sing with them. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” had fans screaming with emotion, a feeling unmatched. We also got the live debut of a new song, “Look Ma, No Brains!” Unfortunately, we did have to leave halfway through the set to try and beat traffic, but from what I did get to see was a memory permanently engraved into my head. A few more notable performances we had the pleasure of seeing include Yellowcard, Sum 41, Good Charlotte, Hot Mulligan, and more. The selection of bands this year was truly incredible. What was great was you had major bands, like Green Day and Blink-182, who were influential for so many younger artists and who shaped a part of the music scene, as well as other bands who are newer yet still very established, such as 5 Seconds of Summer or Pierce the Veil. While this festival primarily includes rock or pop punk bands, it's an event that surpasses genres, because what it really is an exploration of music history. There's beauty in seeing multiple generations of fans singing along to the same lyrics and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of it. Written By Chantal Charles Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

In his debut single, "Late Nights," singer-songwriter Jake Stone has crafted a catchy, low-key, relatable indie-pop anthem about the trials of heartaches and the need to "win" post-breakup. Stone and fellow producer Josh King have an innate ability to write a straightforward narrative. The detailed lyricism truly makes the song come to life. Stone tells the story of an ex who makes the singer sound worse after their relationship. Lines like "Did you really mean what you told our friends? / Cause I really never thought that I'd be the bad guy," and "I remember the way that you framed it / You as the victim when we both know it's blameless," are candid portraits into the feelings of betrayal and confusion that arise in this type of scenario. Stone's vocals also pack a conviction and emotiveness that pair perfectly with the story-telling-based lyricism he achieves. "Late Nights" is an expertly structured pop song. For as painful and honest as the track is lyrically, "Late Nights" is a melodic earworm sonically. The track employs a dynamic and distinctive framework. A personal favorite detail is the cyclical nature of the tune; "Late Nights" begins and ends with the same wavy guitar riff. These guitar lines not only set up the track's sonic melancholic groove but also coincide with the central story Stone writes of, with the repeated, unwanted feelings one experiences after a relationship ends. Likewise, production from Blake Malone and mastering from Leon Zervos take the song to anthemic heights. With its 80s-inspired drum line and background sparkling synths, "Late Nights" is a robust cut. Its strength aided even more so by Stone's massive chanting vocals in the bridge. It is impressive to hear how thoughtfully detailed Jake Stone is as a songwriter, especially in his debut. Jake Stone is a 21-year-old Australian singer-songwriter from Melbourne. Even as a child, Stone recalls that music has always been his passion. "Late Nights" is the artist's debut, and Stone plans to continue creating more songs in the indie-pop sphere. His sound so far is reminiscent of musicians like Bastille and Still Woozy. Despite just releasing, "Late Nights" has already amassed over 12,000 streams on Spotify and gained the singer-songwriter nearly 800 monthly listeners. The track has landed on Apple Music's official "Sad Face :(" playlist, as well. "Late Nights" is an excellent debut from Jake Stone that makes me excited to hear what he has coming next. The track is now available to listen on all major streaming platforms. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW JAKE: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Maggie Andrew takes every 90s baby on a nostalgic journey with her latest single. “Come Clean” is a clever interpolation of Hilary Duff’s 2003 song of the same name. While Duff’s track tells the melancholic story about confessing the truth in a relationship even if it leads to a break-up, Andrew’s song is an angsty anger-fueled anthem that lets out her rage. Moreover, this song details the ending of a friendship, rather than a romantic relationship, which is often times even more damaging. The two songs contain a number of lyrical parallels that feed the comforting nostalgia while maintaining Andrew’s individual style and her personal storyline. The two songs start with the lyrics: “Let’s go back, let’s go back to the beginning.” However, the two songs diverge here as Andrew begins to detail the hurt and anger she is feeling in the verse. For the remainder of the song, the similarities and differences ebb and flow to provide the perfect amount of inspiration from Duff and unique lyricism from Andrew. “Come Clean” is a brilliantly written track that pays homage to one of our generation’s most iconic popstars while showcasing Andrew’s ingenious songwriting. Although Andrew respectfully nods to Duff’s original track, she still ensures her song contains significant originality to call it her own. While Andrew’s “Come Clean” maintains the singer’s characteristic pop-rock sound, she interpolates the melody throughout the song. In Duff’s original track, she used G-sharp minor to create the gloomy atmosphere. Meanwhile, Andrew utilizes A-sharp minor to emphasize the intense and grim mood raging within her, embodied by the powerful storm found in the intro. Although the two melodies play similarly, Andrew’s twist on the song holds a heavy focus on the beat and more prominence on the bass, emphasizing the stark difference between the two tracks. Furthermore, in the chorus, she utilizes heavily distorted power chords to build a crescendo between each line. Her passionate, aggressive energy differs from Duff’s and unless you were an avid listener to her in the early 2000s, the interpolation may have gone unnoticed. Andrew’s version enhances her distinct sound with the pop-rock production and fiery vocal range. Each meticulous detail within “Come Clean” stands out, showcasing Andrew’s remarkable individuality and immense talent. Maggie Andrew is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her sound is an innovative blend of punk, rap, R&B, and indie rock, making her music a style that is completely her own. In 2019, she released her debut single, “Sleep 4Ever.” Andrew released several remixes and collaborations, including her 2021 feature with blackbear. This version currently has over 4 million streams on Spotify alone, making it her most popular track. She has over 6 million streams globally across all platforms and has been recognized by industry tastemakers, such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, and AltPress. Additionally, she was awarded the SOCAN x Sirius XM Young Canadian Songwriters Award in 2021 and was nominated for the 2022 MNS Music Video of the Year Award, the 2023 African Canadian Artist of the Year ECMA, and was honored as a 2023 CBC Searchlight Top 10 Finalist. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW MAGGIE:

Jessie Chambers’ latest release “Clean,” part of her newly released project “songs for an identity crisis,” is an homage to the aftermath of an anxiety attack, the wave of calm after that moment when you’re sitting by yourself, wondering if you’ll ever be free of these times. Being such a vulnerable subject, Chambers manages to handle the topic with care, delving deep into the feeling of being trapped in anxiety, never feeling clean of its grip. The lyrics are evocative and compellingly relatable, and, coupled with a dreamy beat, “Clean” is that special brand of personal and raw that makes you feel for those who have to suffer through those terrible attacks– and, if you’re someone who has to muscle through them, you’ll be comforted by such a true account. “Clean” begins with a static buzz and a big “yuck!” which is honestly the best way to start a song about sudden, stricken anxiety. I love the instrumentals here– with a constant, climbing synth, it feels almost poetic as it slowly inches throughout each verse until it falls flat at the chorus’ end with Chambers singing, “Will I ever feel clean?” It’s simple and sparse, but it adds so much to the song’s message; the song does an excellent job of emulating the feeling of being overwhelmed. With overlaid vocals and that consistent beat hanging in the background, it simulates that moment before everything comes crashing down, and, as the song slowly winds down and ends, with Chambers’ breathy “ah”s, you’ll be reminded of times when your emotions finally dwindle down and you’re left feeling spent and empty. I love the language that Chambers has used throughout “Clean,” too; the instrumentals definitely create a soundscape that recounts the come down from an anxiety attack, but all the lyrics about feeling unclean and needing to jump into a pool of water really hammer home just how rough those times are. Chambers has done an excellent job in weaving these themes throughout the entire song, creating not just a musical experience, but a simulated moment in time. Hailing from Hollywood, FL, indie-pop singer-songwriter Jessie Chambers is making waves in the indie scene with her honest songwriting and hooky beats. Since her debut in collaboration with Nurko and Last Heroes’ hit 2018 single “Promise Me,” Chambers has garnered over 700,000 plays on Spotify with her standout 2020 single “Guess U Suck” and was featured on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds Pop” editorial playlist with her 2021 single “Fever Dream.” She dropped her debut EP "Emerald Hills" in 2022, named after her neighborhood, and extended her musical reach. Her latest release is "song for an identity crisis," of which "Clean" is part of, which tackle the unerringly uncomfortable truths that come with growing up. I'm sure everyone can find something to relate to in "Clean" and can be comforted by the fact that you're not alone in those feelings. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW JESSIE CHAMBERS:

Photo: Taylor Swift via Beth Garrabrant// taylorswift.com Taylor Swift is the music industry. With her record-breaking Eras Tour, her international influence, and her commitment to consistently provide new music and content for her fans, she is currently on top of the world. One of the most admirable acts of the singer is her reclaiming her stolen masters through her legendary re-recordings. She stands by her belief that all artists should have the rights to their own work. Following the success of Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Red (Taylor’s Version), and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), Swift re-released her fifth album and first pop record, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) on October 27, 2023, exactly nine years after the original. Filled with massive hits such as “Blank Space,” “Style,” and “Shake It Off,” this album is one of the artist’s greatest critical acclaimed projects. Beloved by devoted fans, casual listeners, and industry tastemakers, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) may just be the most anticipated re-recordings. With five additional vault songs, the extra deluxe track "Bad Blood featuring Kendrick Lamar (Taylor's Version)", and the exclusive Target version including Sweeter Than Fiction (Taylor’s Version), originally found on the One Chance movie soundtrack, Swift once again has released an unforgettable re-recording that proves every single one of her releases are a timeless classic. TRACKLIST Photo: Taylor Swift via Beth Garrabrant// taylorswift.com Re-recordings Every re-recording blows the original version out of the park and proves that Swift has only gotten better with time. Although many people were worried that they would take away from the charm of the originals, Taylor’s Version only enhances the already impeccable records. Every re-release is so incredibly crisp and clear, and yet maintains the integrity of the original. However, Taylor’s Version just stirs something in the listener that is impossible to bring to words. Swift outdoes herself with each release, and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) upholds this tradition. Fans got their first taste of the album in 2021, when Swift released “Wildest Dreams (TV)” and again in 2022 when she released “This Love (TV)”. Despite already hearing them, I chose to listen to the album in order as Swift intended. From beginning to end with no skipping. While some songs, such as “Welcome To New York (TV)”, “I Wish You Would (TV)”, and “You Are In Love (TV)” sound nearly identical, with the exception of more mature vocals, other tracks somehow became stronger and more powerful. As my husband put it, Swift knew when not to mess with perfection and where she could make things even more outstanding. From the pen click in “Blank Space (TV)” to the speaking bridge in “Shake It Off (TV)”, Swift ensured these fan-favorite, memorable parts were only enhanced, not lessened. While the crisp guitar riff in “Style (TV)” gave me goosebumps, my first tears of the night were not until “Out of the Woods (TV)”, where the bridge was even more emotional. Additionally, I felt the production was much stronger and had heightened the feeling of anxiety that Swift and producer, Jack Antonoff, were wanting to convey in the song. The tears continued into the emotionally vulnerable track five, “All You Had To Do Was Stay (TV)”. As my second favorite song on the album, and the most underrated track, I was beyond excited for this one. The high “stay” was stronger and clearer, highlighting Swift’s vocal maturity over the past decade. Her strong vocals were present through other songs, such as “Bad Blood (TV)”, “New Romantics (TV)” and “Wonderland (TV)”. Furthermore, the production of “Bad Blood (TV)” was so much more powerful and intense, bringing the fiery live version to the studio. Additionally, the way the word “ghosts” reverberated in the bridge felt like an out of body experience. Then, in the classic Taylor Swift fashion, the singer surprised her fans several hours after release with the deluxe addition of the album. This version includes the highly-anticipated “Bad Blood featuring Kendrick Lamar (TV)”. Swifties everywhere were nervous that we were not going to get this version but were still hoping for a surprise drop, especially because the two artists had been seen hanging out earlier this year. Naturally, this re-recording brought out the boldness of the track and highlighted the two musicians' individual talents for one flawless collaboration. As the album continued, Swift even made sure that underrated track, “How You Get The Girl (TV)” had its time to shine and enhanced the production to be more prominent. Of all the tracks, I felt this song was more nostalgic than the others and it brought back many fond memories of the original era. As my number one favorite song on the album, I was awaiting to hear “Clean (TV)”. I was unsure if collaborator and producer, Imogen Heap, was going to return for the re-recording. But I was pleasantly surprised as I heard the talented artist’s background vocals on the track and the distinctive production she provided on the original. This made the track even more special and powerful. I Know Places (Taylor’s Version) For years, “I Know Places” was tied with “Out Of The Woods” as my third favorite track from 1989. I could never choose between the two. And while listening to Taylor’s Version did not settle this debate, I did have a clear favorite of all re-recorded tracks on the album. The power that “I Know Places (TV)” holds gave me whiplash and made me pause the album when it ended to debrief with my husband. I have always loved that the song about wanting to keep a relationship hidden from the public, starts and ends with the sound of a tape recorder. This indicates that while Swift thought she was safe, telling her lover of the places they can go to hide, they were being recorded the entire time. Not surprisingly, Swift left this production piece in the re-recording. However, the vocalizations in both the intro and outro emphasize this in a way that the original had not. Her vocals have an effect on them that sounds slightly muffled and altered, as if they are being heard from a recording. While the remainder of the track does not maintain this effect, keeping it at the beginning and end emphasizes the notion that the singer was being recorded. Furthermore, I had become even more obsessed with this song after I heard the 1989 World Tour version, where the rasp and angst came out during the line “we run,” specifically in the second pre-chorus. Swift made sure that her version would stress this fiery vocal style, and strengthen the passion of the lyrics. Similar to the rest of the album, improved vocals are heard throughout the entire track, bringing an emphasis to Swift’s incredible vocal range and ability to captivate audiences with her raw, authentic emotion. While my ranking still puts “I Know Places (TV)” tied in third place with “Out of the Woods (TV)”, this new version definitely highlights the strengths of the song more than the original, making it one of my favorite re-recordings of all re-released albums. Vault Tracks “Slut!” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) When it came to predicting what a song would be about based on the title alone, I have never been more wrong in my entire life. And I know I am not the only Swiftie thinking this. While many of us theorized that the song would be an angry-fueled, “The Man” coded anthem about sexism, or a melancholic, wistful ballad about the scrutiny Swift has faced, the singer completely shocked fans with “Slut!” The first vault track is about the misogynistic judgment she has faced in every relationship prior to the current one in the song. In the chorus, she sings the heart-wrenching line: “And if they call me a slut, you know it might be worth it for once.” The moment that line hit me, the floodgates opened and the tears began rolling out. After the years of unrelenting, undeserving slut-shaming, the singer has determined that this new man may just be worth the inevitable public condemnation she will face. Furthermore, she prefaces the chorus with the lyrics: “I’ll pay the price, you won’t.” This was a deep cut that exposes the double standards in society—that a man will be praised for their extensive dating history while a woman will be crucified. As a woman, this line was nauseating to hear as it is an undeniable truth to the harsh judgment we face. And as a fan that has defended Swift for years, it was an extra twist of the knife knowing how much this has impacted her over time. It may have taken nine years, but I am grateful that “Slut!” has finally seen the light of day as it provides the listener a deeper insight on Swift’s perspective of this offensive label given to her by society. Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) From my very first listen, I instantly thought “Say Don’t Go (TV)” was the sister track to “All You Had To Do Was Stay (TV)”. The two songs parallel each other with very similar themes. Both tracks detail the end of a relationship and what Swift wish would have happened. In “Say Don’t Go (TV)”, she confesses that she wished her ex-boyfriend would have said “don’t go” as she was walking out for the last time. She wishes he would have fought for them. When she told him she loved him and he said nothing back, she felt her whole world shatter. While “All You Had To Do Was Stay (TV)” explores the moment her ex tries to return, and she recalls that fateful night. In my mind, I hear Swift saying, “I wanted you to say, 'don’t go,’ but you didn’t. And now you want it back and it’s too late, but all you had to do was stay.” Furthermore, the production in this new vault song contains a nod to the fifth track. In “All You Had To Do Was Stay (TV),” Swift sings "stay" in a higher register that echoes itself, emphasizing how choked up she feels and just how difficult it is to admit that this is truly over. In the new track, the hook has a similar effect after Swift sings “say don’t go” in the post-chorus. The background vocals have her urgently quiet-screaming “say! say! say! say!” When I heard this, my thoughts took me back to the former track. The desperation behind her voice as she says both “stay” and “say” is intentional as she expresses the emotional turmoil she experienced in this relationship. When listening to this song, I came to the realization that we were going down a rabbit hole of some of Swift’s most heart-wrenching vault songs. Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) Swift is the queen of making absolute bops that are drenched in the most devastating lyrics. “Now That We Don’t Talk (TV)” tricked me with its infectious melody and even the first few lines. I thought it was going to be a bittersweet song about looking back on the good times and being grateful for what you once had, while moving on and knowing it was for the best. Instead, Swift decided to throw in some of the most painful lyrics. The song details two exes living their separate lives and reeling from the fact that they will never know what the other is doing or how they are feeling. She knows that everything has changed and they are different now than when they were together. Swift confesses that moving on and accepting that they no longer talk has been a difficult pill to swallow. However, the outro of the song changes the tune to a more empowering outlook as she no longer has to pretend to be someone she is not or to like things she doesn’t. Instead, she is free to be whoever she wants to be and she has finally accepted that this was all for the best. Not only does the song have an unforgettable storyline that matches the theme of the entire album, but it also contains a dream-pop production reminiscent of the decade the album is named after. “Now That We Don’t Talk” fully encapsulates everything that is 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) The production of “Suburban Legends (TV)” is very reminiscent of her tenth studio album, Midnights. While listening to this vault track, I felt the sound was a perfect combination of “Bejeweled”, “Labyrinth”, and “Mastermind”, while still maintaining the cohesive soundscape of 1989 (TV). The song follows the theme of the nostalgia from a past relationship and thinking of what could have been. The majority of the song contains lyrics that paint the picture of this power couple that were “born to be national treasures.” However, the outro completely rips the listener’s heart with the deeply tragic message of this love falling apart. Swift’s words pierced my soul when she sang: “I broke my own heart ‘cause you were too polite to do it.” This paints the desolate scene of Swift coming to the realization that her boyfriend no longer wanted to be with her, but he did not have the heart to break up with her. So, she had to take the step for him and end the relationship herself, despite wanting to stay. With a song of such high energy and passion, this somber outro caught me off guard and broke my heart all over again. Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) Swift truly did not give her fans a break with these vault songs and decided every single one would be heartbreaking. She ends the five-track run with the devastating song about wondering if it is permanently over, or if they will fall back in love. As a very heavy theme of this album, found in songs like “Out of the Woods (TV)”, “Style (TV)”, and “This Love (TV)”, it is no surprise that this subject was touched on again in the vault. However, “Is It Over Now? (TV)” goes into even more detail, as Swift explores the rebounds and distractions that both her and her muse utilize to forget the other person. Swift calls out her ex-boyfriend for the copycat girls he dates that look just like her and exposes him for his infidelity while they were still together. Then in the bridge, she drops the bombshell “Oh, Lord, I think about jumping// Off of very tall somethings// Just to see you come running// And say the one thing I've been wanting, but no.” Swift confesses her desperation to capture the attention of the one she loves, resorting to the act of jumping off a cliff just so they will run and save her. She holds out hope that they will relieve her of this aching pain in her heart and tell her they want her. But they won’t. And she will be left disappointed, broken hearted, and love scorned. The song is perfectly dramatic and passionate, in the only way Swift knows how. With this final track, she officially closes this chapter of her life while giving her fans a deeper insight of this era. Photo: Taylor Swift via Beth Garrabrant// taylorswift.com Once again, Swift has proven her undeniable skill and her powerful influence over the industry. The same day 1989 (Taylor’s Version) was released, the singer’s net worth reached billionaire status. She has done this based solely on her music alone—no make-up lines, fashion lines, or perfume lines. She has built her name and reputation from the ground up. Of course, money is not everything and it does not truly matter in the end. But the fact that this woman at the young age of 33-years-old has accomplished so much in the 17 years of her career, without sacrificing her morals and personality, is admirable. Swift is an advocate for her peers in the industry and a voice for smaller, independent artists. She knows that music is an art. And musicians deserve to earn their life’s work. Once Swift came forward about the despicable hostage situation her first six albums were forced into, many more artists became more aware of just how important their masters are. Now, I see artists celebrating their new record deals and partnerships with labels that allow them to own their masters. Swift’s re-recording process is not only an empowering effort to take back what is rightfully hers, but it is also a power move that influences musicians everywhere. With 1989 (Taylor’s Version) being the latest re-recording, Swift only has two more records to reclaim—her reputation and her name. Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.