There’s something about The Trusted that perfectly captures the nostalgic feeling of listening to Britpop for the first time. It’s a style that’s so reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s British alt-rock that has been heavily influential to the modern-day music scene. The Trusted’s latest single, “Marrow,” is a take on the kind of love that is insatiable, and makes a person go crazy with obsession. Even with lyrics of strong pining, the song is high energy and entertaining enough to be the opening track of a film. "Marrow" is certainly addictive and creates an atmospheric feeling of being both pained and joyous over love. It’s that strange and universal feeling of having a crush where you feel excited over a new prospect, but still feel silly and distressed over the situation. It’s the complex array of emotions that come with love and The Trusted have perfectly captured it in the form of song. “Marrow” by The Trusted is very deserving of your attention as listening to it is such a wonderful experience. The opening piano riff has a Beatles appeal to it and it’s a great way to introduce listeners to the song. The melody quickly gets stuck in your head and produces a warm energy that enjoyably contrasts the lyrical content. The lead singer’s vocals are smooth and carry a lot of the emotional weight in this track. While the chorus is a quick experience, it still is very catchy and fun, all while making sure to display the emotional disarray in the lyrics. The production on “Marrow” is what really shapes the brightness that gushes out of the song, particularly during the chorus. Credit should also be given to percussion on this track as it stays consistent and engaging throughout the song. Interestingly, the band doesn’t specialize in love songs however they captured completely devoted desire so well on “Marrow” and it makes me wonder what will come next from the band. “Marrow” is worth the listen and is the perfect gateway into the musical world of The Trusted. The Trusted is a band from Southend-On-Sea, England that formed while the members were still in secondary school. The band took inspiration from other influential British bands to build their unique style that holds a lot of personality and passion. While listening to The Trusted you can identify the artistic fusion of different genres. The band has received praise from multiple music outlets, including being featured on BBC’s Radio 1, as well as performing on the BBC Introducing live show. The band has also received a lot of traction on TikTok with their song “Millennium” reaching 397,000 plays on the platform. While “Marrow” is a little different from their other songs, it’s still the perfect addition to their catalog that still carries that same passion and artistry you hear in their discography. If you’re looking for a new artist to build the soundtrack to your life, look no further because the Trusted is definitely the band for the job. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW THE TRUSTED: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Michal Leah effortlessly tugs on the heartstrings of listeners with the touching message found in her latest single, “Let Me Have It All.” The song explores the overwhelming desire to take all the pain and sorrow felt by a loved one. Everyone has felt this at least once in their life. Whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend, or a family member, it is heartbreaking to see them go through trying times. Especially when there is nothing you can do to make it stop. In these hard moments, all you want to do is take their pain away and make it yours to bear. Throughout the track, Leah describes the darkness that her loved one is stuck in and empathizes with their suffering. The song begins with the line: “I know you don’t want anyone to see, cause growing up that’s how you learned to be.” This simple lyric reveals the bitter reality that many people experience—that they were taught to hide their emotions and leave their problems for them to endure alone. Leah continues through the song with reassuring lyrics that she will always be there for them when they need her and that they will never be alone. She emphasizes that if she could, she would take all their pain and “throw it at the wall.” She would cry their tears and carry their burden, if only life worked that way. Nevertheless, she will always be there to help lighten the load that is weighing them down. Throughout the track, Leah eloquently describes this relatable need to take away all grief and sorrow from loved ones. Unfortunately, this is an impossible feat and all we can truly do is be there for the ones we love while we help them navigate through these difficult times. With “Let Me Have It All,” Leah showcases her impeccable songwriting and innate ability to convey authentic human emotions. “Let Me Have It All” is a beautiful piano ballad the perfectly complements Leah's angelic vocals and accentuates the poignant lyrics. The song begins with a soft riff on the piano before Leah’s voice picks up, signifying the beginning of the first verse. In the background, a subtle vocal reverb is utilized, providing an intimate element to the track. When the chorus hits, the production intensifies with a single beat hit while Leah’s voice powerfully sings the sentimental lyrics. A guitar is played in the background with subtle synth effects, creating an additional layer to the track. The beat is heard again between each stanza in the chorus. In the transition before the second verse, the production briefly reverts to only the piano, before a steady beat is introduced. Harmonizing vocal effects are heard throughout that provide a dreamy element to the song. Then, the full production returns for the second chorus that effortlessly transitions into the bridge. The energy increases while Leah’s powerful voice showcases its phenomenal range. The production mellows to the soft piano and vocal reverb for one line, before the final explosion back into the chorus. The song slowly fades out with the piano and one final rendition of the hook, before only a couple keys close the track. “Let Me Have It All” is an emotional ballad that utilizes a haunting production to highlight the bittersweet lyrics. Michal Leah is a soul-pop singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Chicago. She grew up surrounded by a musical family, providing her a wide range in music. From classic to modern, Leah is a fan of artists such as, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Daniel Caesar, and Billie Eilish. She made her debut in 2021 with her single, “For Me.” After two more singles, the artist was signed to her current label, Nettwerk. In 2022, she released her first single under the company, “The Way I Love You.” The song went viral with over 190 million listens on TikTok and charted on Spotify’s Viral 50 chart in 11 countries. In early 2023, Leah released her 5-track EP, part one, which features the hit song. Recently, she has been on tour as the supporting act for Eloise and is currently working on two more studio projects. Keep an eye out on her socials for updates on these projects! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW MICHAL:

Mental health isn’t something that can be wiped away by other people. It takes a lot of effort to get to a point where you feel okay sometimes and that's ok. But with a strong support system, they can soften the blow. Having a group of people there for you who only want the best for you can make you feel strong enough to brave the storm. Gwyn Love knows this from experience and wrote Die a Little Less as an ode to those who support them the most. Die a Little Less is for their family and friends who love and support them through the good and the bad. The ones who help them feel a little better about staying alive. The track opens with a simple bassline and drum kit. Gwyn’s vocals then enter the song with a bit of distortion over them, adding to the gritty pop-punk sound. The lyrics are relatable and detail the pain Gwyn feels and how their support system is helping them live with it. There's a bit of a pop-punk element to the record that is interesting. Considering Gwyn’s past work Die a Little Less has a more edgy, raw vibe to it that is exciting. The vibe change shows immense growth from the artist and how the direction of their music is shifting to fit the growth they experienced. Gwyn’s music has always been fun, mixing a punk attitude with the electropop soundscape is unique but Gwyn does an amazing job integrating these elements. The genre-defying artist worked with composer and producer La+ch for Die a Little Less and what was created was a fun, heartfelt ode to loving family and friends. One I cannot get enough of. Gwyn Love is an artist who is already known for their bold personality. With a recent move from Oklahoma to Los Angeles under their belt they're ready for anything. They have plans to release tons of new music over the next few months and we can expect to see a lot of their greatness. They may not have plans to switch genres just yet but with a second EP in the works and the masterful use of the pop-punk genre in their arsenal, anything is possible. Gwyn Love is an artist that gets under your skin. You may not know much of their music but before you know it their sound is filling your Spotify playlists. I'm fully here for everything Gwyn Love has made and Die a Little Less is just the beginning. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW GWYN LOVE:

Comparison is truly the thief of joy. There will always be someone who seems to be doing better than you, making more money, is better liked. Most of the time however, it is one’s own insecurities that feed into this notion, not actual facts. Dorothy Marie’s latest release “Six Strings” details this very feeling. She sees everyone else in the world and compares herself to them, wondering why she feels like she is not their equal. In a similar vein, she talks about the feelings of self-sabotage, and the internal struggle of wanting to feel better but getting stuck in this toxic loop. The song itself is an alternative and indie track, with Marie’s wistful voice and catchy beat. Marie’s lyrics waste no time getting into the thick of the plot line. In the chorus, she sings “Six strings is still not enough, this guitar don’t count unless you play it right / and I can’t believe that after all this time, I’m still bleeding on the inside”. This is an ode to the way that she feels as an artist- as if her skills aren’t enough to match everyone else’s, as if she isn’t good enough. The bridge repeats this notion, as she sings “You don't even want this, you don't even need this / You don't even see this, You can’t even be this”. The last lyric hits hard, and seems to be a direct thought from every listener’s own head. The feeling that you will never be what you dream to be, that you don’t have the talent or skills, pervades everyone’s minds, certainly my own. Marie knows how to get in touch with her audience, and her lyrics are a raw and real testament to this skill. Dorothy Marie is an indie pop singer from Colorado. She has been releasing music since 2014, and has garnered a large following on social media through posting snippets of her music. She now lives in Los Angeles chasing the indie singer’s dream, as she releases music that is beyond real and heartbreaking. Her vibe is a bit of pop-rock, a bit of electronic soundscapes, and a whole lot of emotional plotlines. With her clear tone and relatable lyrics, it is no doubt that Marie is going to go far in this industry. Make sure to follow the social media accounts below to stay tuned for more releases. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW DOROTHY MARIE:

Upbeat, peppy, and oh-so fun, The Kites’ newest single “Drunk in Japan” is a high-powered pop song that’ll make you want to drop everything and dance. It’s got everything you’d ever want from a good pop song: lyrics about love and freedom, a twangy, energetic guitar, and the thrum of a steady drum threading itself throughout the track. For those of you who feel like you need a change of scenery, this song is for you; reminiscent of a season long gone, and nights spent wandering a city with good company in a drunken haze, "Drunk in Japan" is the perfect song to remind you of those distant days. Click here to listen to "Drunk in Japan"! Everyone knows the best kind of dance-pop has to be energetic, fast-paced, and have lyrics that roll off the tongue– “Drunk in Japan” has all these staples and more. If there were ever a song to sing along to, you’d be doing it to this one; with Joseph Staniforth on vocals, you just get the urge to join in with his smooth singing. The instrumentals, too, keep the good vibes going; The Kites have truly outdone themselves with just how dynamically sonic the song is, a fantastic blend of strings and percussion. All together, there is a harmonious balance that results in the vibrant soundscape of “Drunk in Japan.” Instrumentals aside, the lyrics are exactly what should be in a song like this: easily singable, cyclical, and catchier than any other earworm. The chorus is fantastic, repeating, “Out there, drunk in Japan” over and over again, feeling just like a night out after drinks, spinning around in a fuzzy spiral. The Kites are a Leeds-based band composed of four teenagers: Joseph Staniforth on vocals and guitar, Jake McBrinn on guitar, Elodie Parsons on bass, and Oliver Staniforth on drums. Brothers Joseph and Oliver first met Jake in secondary school, and then eventually met Elodie at a songwriter camp, after which The Kites were born. Inspired by artists such as Twenty-One Pilots and Stevie Wonder, The Kites are an indie-pop band with uniquely punchy and high-octane sounds. 2022 marked the year of their debut single “Jaded” which has gained over 550,000 plays on Spotify, and 2023 welcomed their debut EP “POSTCODE” to great success and popularity. The Kites’ most recent release is “Drunk in Japan”, but they’re not stopping there; with the band having over 87,000 listeners and counting on Spotify, The Kites are a non-stop force of pure indie-pop. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW THE KITES:

“Slot Machines” is a contemporary and indie pop anthem that explores the complex feelings behind realizing that what you once saw as familiar no longer falls into place within your life. Imagine you return one day to a life all too familiar. The smells, sounds, and energy of this situation are apart of a life you once lived, but an unwelcome feeling creeps in. Although you know this all and have lived through it, your mind and spirit can not help but reject it. You constantly pull the levers and wait for the rapid flashing lights to bring you the comfort and familiarity you once felt, but no dice. But you’ve grown since your last walk down these roads, and the happiness you once felt among these slots has dissolved into disillusionment. The air has turned stagnant, and you run into the realization that you could never bring yourself to battle for this again as though it were a locked door. Click here to listen to "Slot Machines"! Anna Elyse’s latest single is a contemporary alternative anthem that leans heavily into the vocal perfectionism of Elyse as well as the simple yet captivating instrumentation. As she lays out each new lyric detailing the complex emotions being felt, Elyse’s relaxed yet engaging vocal performance pulls you in. The melancholy nature of this single is emphasized through each heartfelt note. The consistently somber instrumentation also encapsulates the introspective lyrics. Each beat and piano chord reveals the wistful remembrance the speaker has for the life they once revolved around. Picking up only around the chorus, the song has no need to become upbeat. The lyrics, vocal performance, and beats intertwine to tell a story that is as engaging as it is melancholy. Anna Elyse is a singer-songwriter producer from Orange County, California. She went to school for both creative writing (poetry) as well as going to Audio Engineering School where her jumpstart into the music industry began. Stepping into the industry was simple for her and even led to collaborating with artists such as Logic on his albums Under Pressure, The Incredible True Story, and No Pressure. She has worked closely with artists such as Logic which allowed her to perfect and fine-tune her craft. She began working on, producing, and mixing her own music in 2020 and has since released a few well-received singles and EPs. In the near future, she plans to expand into a strong online and stage-presence as her career grows. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “Slot Machines” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW WILLOW GRAY: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

It's the moment we've all been waiting for. Late 90's / Early 2000's babies, our favorite Demi Lovato songs have been revived. Not only have they been brought back to life, but they've been completely revamped. The pop hits that we grew up with and love have entered a completely new era; an era that takes these already incredible songs to a whole new level that we didn't even know existed. If you haven't already heard these new rock versions of Demi Lovato favorites, I'm warning you now. Brace yourself; because you're not gonna know what hit you. TRACKLIST Heart Attack (Rock Version) Confident (Rock Version) Sorry Not Sorry feat. Slash (Rock Version) Cool For The Summer (Rock Version) Tell Me You Love Me (Rock Version) Neon Lights feat. The Maine (Rock Version) Skyscraper (Rock Version) La La Land feat. Nita Strauss (Rock Version) Give Your Heart a Break feat. Bert McCracken (Rock Version) Don't Forget (Rock Version) **TRIGGER WARNING** Talks of mental illness, addiction, and overdose. Our ears have been blessed by Demi Lovato's voice since 2008 when she starred in the Disney Channel movie, Camp Rock. However, Demi isn't just one of those ordinary Disney star actress turns independent singer types. Demi was always raw and real with her struggles as a person in the limelight, and teenagers who struggled with depression were able to relate and connect to her music in a really special way. Demi's career has taken a lot of twist and turns since 2008, but I think she has finally found herself, her sound, and is happy with where she's at. We all know that Demi almost lost her life to an overdose in 2018, which caused her to go partially blind, partially deaf, and have permeant brain damage. The fact that she is still here and sings stronger than ever is proof that she is a pure survivor. If you haven't seen her "Dancing With the Devil" documentary series, I highly recommend watching it. Now lets get to the album! Heart Attack (Rock Version) Heart Attack was our first taste of this collection of rock re-recordings when Demi released it out of nowhere earlier this year. We had no idea that we'd end up getting 9 other songs later on. I already loved this song before, but this version is just beyond incredible. If you obsessively used to listen to the original like I did, then you'll be able to hear how Demi's voice sounds so mature and effortless here. She even changes up the melody a bit with some extra added ornamentations and even higher notes than before, and it feels like exactly what the song needed to be complete. This whole album is a whole new level of sound I never thought my ears could possibly experience, and starting with Heart Attack makes you realize exactly what else is about to happen. Confident (Rock Version) Get ready, because you're probably not ready. This version of Confident is going to make your jaw drop to the floor. Just when you thought this song couldn't go harder, well here you go. The production on this one is perfection, and if it wasn't the perfect hype song before, it is now. Don't feel ashamed to unleash your inner beast when dancing around your room to this one. Sorry Not Sorry feat. Slash (Rock Version) The original Sorry Not Sorry is one of Demi's most streamed songs of all time. It has over 1 BILLION streams on Spotify alone. Now what happens when you take a banger song, turn it rock, AND invite the legendary Slash to play guitar on it?! If you somehow don't know who Slash is, he was the lead guitarist for the 90s rock band "Guns N Roses" and is considered one of the best guitarists of all time. The rock instrumentation gives this song a new feel; one that is more real. Slash has a guitar solo after the bridge of the song, which leads into the biggest banger of a final chorus I've ever heard. Cool For The Summer (Rock Version) Although all the songs on this album are top tier, I've got to admit that this version of Cool For The Summer is in my top 3 favorites. It had no right to GO. THIS. HARD. The interlude right after each chorus is insane; and I can just imagine jumping around in a sweaty pit of people with strobe lights going crazy to this one. Like all the other songs, the final chorus goes absolutely nuts and you just can't believe what you're hearing. Demi's range is god-like and there's no denying it. Tell Me You Love Me (Rock Version) Tell Me You Love Me is one of the more emotional songs within Demi's discography, however, this rock version turns it into a whole new experience. The original song has more of a soulful, RnB groove and is softer than what happens within the rock version. Demi really brings the energy in this one, and it hits harder than you'd expect. Neon Lights feat. The Maine (Rock Version) Like Cool For The Summer, this song already went pretty hard with it's incredibly catchy melody and upbeat rhythm. Just when you think a song can't get any better, it does. This song has drums that just go absolutely wild and it's one of songs that lets go of it's pop vibe the most; but even if you're not a big fan of heavy rock, it's pretty much impossible not the still vibe to this song. I was a bit reserved at first about hearing vocals other than Demi's on the song, which I'm sure a lot of people felt as well. However, when John O'Callaghan (lead singer of The Maine) came in, my doubts quickly faded. His voice is perfect for this song and pairs with Demi's very well. If you don't know who The Maine is, they're a small rock band from Arizona. They've been around since 2007, and are highly underrated! If you love rock music, I suggest checking out more of them. Click here to read our album review of The Maine! Skyscraper (Rock Version) When I saw Skyscraper on this tracklist, I couldn't wait to hear it. How could such a soft, sad and emotional song become rock? It was the one song I didn't have a clue what it could sound like, but it turns out that it is even more emotional than the original. This genre shift is exactly what this song needed to reach its full potential. The song is immediately different when you start play; because instead of piano, it's an organ. The song builds in the most incredible way. From the bridge all the way to the end, you start to really feel it. You can hear the passion and pain in Demi's voice, but at the same time you can hear how proud she is of herself. The runs and changes to the melody are just so natural and you can feel how important this song is to her. Knowing everything that she has gone through, if this song doesn't make you cry, I don't know what will. La La Land feat. Nita Strauss (Rock Version) When people saw La La Land was on this album, they said, "Wait, but La La Land is already a rock song?". Sure, it's a rock song - but it's one one Demi's first ever songs as a solo artist. The original song was released 14 years ago. In this re-recording, we can hear the incredible evolution that Demi's voice has gone through since then. Her tone is more mature which brings a whole new feel to this song. And you know that incredible long high note near the end of the song? Well, it's even higher and even more impressive than ever. Nita Strauss is a phenomenal rock guitarist who played for Alice Cooper, and has since joined Demi Lovato's band when Demi released her first official rock album last year titled "Holy Fvck". Read our concert review on Nita Strauss! Give Your Heart a Break feat. Bert McCracken (Rock Version) Out of all the songs on this album, I think Give Your Heart a Break is the closest to the original despite it's major instrumentation change. The melody and mood is pretty much the exact same, except there's also a featured vocalist like with Neon Lights. Although I would've really liked to hear just Demi on this one, Bert McCracken (from The Used) had an amazing supportive voice for Demi and gave the song a bit of a punk tone. My favorite change would have to be the guitar they used to replace some of the violin, as well as the superior high notes that Demi hits during the bridge and final chorus. Don't Forget (Rock Version) This is the second oldest song on this album, coming from the same year and album as La La Land, Demi's debut album also titled "Don't Forget". It's the perfect song to close out "Revamped", but disappointingly, it's the least streamed song on the whole album. That is a really big shame, because it is by far the best re-recording out of them all. This song is full circle for Demi; a reminder to not forget who you were, but to also be proud of how far you've come. The emotion is pouring out heavier and heavier as the song goes on, and Demi gives us everything she's got. Listening to this song is like a out-of-body, spiritual experience and you cannot skip it if you want to get an idea of what this whole "Revamped" album was supposed to be about! This album is overwhelming, but in the best possible way. You can feel the emotion and energy that was put into every song in your soul. It's enough to just completely take your breath away. These re-recorded songs are so nostalgic, but the genre switch gives it a fresh, brand new type of feeling. I'd absolutely do anything to hear these versions live and scream my head off, cry, and dance around like it's my last day on Earth. It not only shows Demi's vocal maturity, but her growth as a person as well. Her range, power, and soul are unlike any other singer in our generation. Her voice was made to be heard, and the harder pop/rock genre that she turned these songs into gives her more opportunity to show us what she's got beyond the commercial pop world. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Adulthood is scary; but feeling and looking like an adult is petrifying. For example, I’m prematurely greying at 25, and not gracefully mind you. No sleek silver streak like Maxwell Sheffield from The Nanny or Rogue from X-Men. Instead, mine comes in random strands that are littered across the hairline of my dark brunette hair. It’s become a source of great anxiety because it reminds me that life is approaching fast - whether or not I’m ready for it. But Lunar June’s latest single has given me a different perspective. In “heart scream summer”, June acknowledges the uneasiness of emerging adulthood while also encouraging listeners to openly accept change. The hyper-pop single “heart scream summer” doubles as an ode to young adulthood by recognizing the flood of emotions that come with this chapter. Through lyrical dissonance, June highlights how such a perceived exciting time of life can also fill one with immense dread. The single opens with upbeat, energetic synths that invoke euphoria in any listener. This is what your twenties should feel like, right? However, the opening verse paints a different picture. Our artist is experiencing a “tidal wave”: they’re overwhelmed with the surplus of changes occurring all around them. And these changes are making them feel disconnected from both themselves and their friends. The latter especially when they see their friends making this transition into adulthood effortlessly in the chorus. In layered vocals, June expertly encapsulates the state of panic we find ourselves in when feeling adrift at sea while everyone else has managed to to set sail for land. It makes one believe they’re “fall[ing] by the wayside”. Instead of letting the fear of being left behind and ultimately the future keep her stagnant, though, our artist fully embraces it. She’s not only giving herself the space to thoroughly feel these emotions, but coming to terms with the fact that a great deal of adulthood revolves around moments that challenge our sense of familiarity. June pulls this off by personifying this fear into a charming, red monster in the song’s accompanying music video. This monster - this fear - is the “you” being addressed in the song’s later verses. While change is always intimidating at first, it does get easier to adapt to when we confront the part of ourselves shrouded in fear and embrace it with open arms. Olivia Judd, better known as Lunar June, is the ultimate one-woman show from West London. June is not only a singer and songwriter, but also the arranger and producer for her own music - serving originality and authenticity from top to bottom. The artist’s youth was filled with performing in orchestras and bands; finally experimenting with electronica in her late teens. Eventually creating the riveting soundscapes of what listeners now know as Lunar June’s music. Earlier this year, June released their debut EP jaded/faded. The EP’s four tracks take listeners through a period of the artist's, dazzling them with resonating lyrics and dreamy electronic-pop. If you’ve enjoyed June’s embrace of young adulthood as much as I have, show the artist some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW LUNAR JUNE:

Meeting someone new can be both thrilling and utterly terrifying. It's hard to face your fears and to step into the unknown, feeling uncertain about the future. The Thing With Feathers tackle this in their new single, "Something Wrong." Lead singer David Welcsh elaborates on the song's relatable narrative, stating, "The song is about the way up. It’s about meeting someone new and exciting. It’s about the fear and the thrill of pushing down what hurts your heart and stepping out on shaky ground." Keeping the momentum going from the release of their sophomore EP, "Something Wrong" comes on the heels of Waste My Revenge with an electrifying energy that'll have listeners hooked. With an exhilarating alt-rock/indie-pop soundscape, "Something Wrong" is an absolute banger bound to get some blood pumping. The infectious track features driving drum beats and dynamic guitar riffs, giving the song plenty of edge. Having a compelling pop sensibility, "Something Wrong" is filled with unforgettable melodies delivered by Welcsh's sultry vocals. The impressive sound present in this song is reminiscent of The 1975, COIN, Kings of Leon, The Fray, and The Band CAMINO, making this track perfect for any alt-rock/indie-pop playlist. A truly addictive single, "Something Wrong" is short and sweet, leaving listeners begging for more. Based in Nashville, The Thing With Feathers is an up-and-coming alt-rock/indie-pop band making waves in the music industry. The group consists of David Welcsh (vocals), Alex Hendricks (lead guitar), and Chris Roussell (drums). Drawing inspiration from many amazing artists, The Thing With Feathers cites acts like Coldplay, The 1975, and The Strokes as their primary influences. The distinct sound they have created has led the group to success, garnering over a million streams on their single "Figure It Out" since its 2019 release. Two EPs and several singles later, The Thing With Feathers has created quite the following, giving the group animated crowds to match their energetic live performances. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW THE THING WITH FEATHERS:

* Former Broadway actress Ava Della Pietra released her first single for her new era, “ego.” The song is all about a guy who’s a player, and all the troubles and whirlwind emotions that come with it. Ava starts the song off by saying she’s thrilled to finally have a boyfriend to do all the fun, relationship things with. Now, there’s “no more table for one,” but she still feels like there’s a catch. Everything is so perfect that it feels calculated to her, and Ava says “you put out your hand/it’s all part of your plan.” Ava can tell this guy has played this game many times before, and knows that their relationship will never work out. In the chorus, she asks the guy “am I the type of girl who’s just boosting your ego?” She knows that deep down he knows it’s unfair, but he will continue to play the game he always does just because it boosts his ego. After the chorus, Ava delves into exactly how she knows she’s getting played. She says that he knew all the things she liked after one night, and how it’s creepy that they work so well together. Ava wants to know if she’s overthinking this relationship, but if she is, she wants to stay together “cause [she’s] already in love.” But, she “can’t help but think [he’s] using [her]” and says “[she’s] a pawn in misery.” The lyrics in “ego” are incredibly insightful, and Ava looks past the surface of the problems in her relationship and dives deeper. The music video perfectly matches the overarching vibe of the song, featuring her dancing in a mostly abandoned subway in New York City with her band. “ego” is an incredibly infectious pop track, filled with beautiful vocals and energizing synths. This song is much more mature and bolder than her previous works, which were defined by “girl-next-door” and “family-friendly” persona. The verses are defined by haunting harmonies, over an otherwise bare-bones production. In the pre-chorus, the production builds with the utilization of a smooth electric guitar and piano to accompany Ava’s dream-like voice. Then in the chorus, there’s a massive shift in vibe, which feels like a classic dance-pop track. The synth bassline especially sticks out, and it contributes heavily to the groovy and dance-y feel. Overall, this song has some big contemporary influences, especially with the use of some non-traditional electronic instruments. Even though those electronic instruments usually make the song sound flat and unappealing, “ego” is anything but that. In collaboration with producer Jon Levine, they took an abstract sound and gave it a mainstream pop flair. Ava Della Pietra has extensive experience in the music industry, especially for someone who’s only 18 years old. Ava Della Pietra first started off as an actress, performing in works such as the national tours of Les Miserables and Irving Bellings White Christmas. Most notably, she was in the original cast of School of Rock on Broadway from 2015-2019. Not only is she an amazing vocalist, she’s also a talented multi-instrumentalist; she plays piano, guitar, bass, violin, and ukulele. Ava says she’s always been writing songs, and released her first original song at the age of 10. Since then, she’s written over a hundred songs and released dozens, amassing well over 3 million streams in the process. Will Hicks, a producer whom she worked with on hits like “Optimist,” landed her the 50th spot on the Top 40 radio charts. Ava has had multiple tracks since then reach the charts, such as “happy for you” and “i’ve been thinking.” Her debut EP, “truth or truth,” shows off Ava’s sheer musical prowess, and it gained her much attention in the music industry. Currently, Ava is enrolled in Harvard University’s prestigious joint studies program with Berklee School of Music, where she’ll be equipped to take the music industry by storm. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW AVA:

Nashville-based, indie pop singer-songwriter Eliza Harrison Smith just released her single, "Back Of My Mind." The upbeat, confessional song chronicles her experience with a former romance who keeps returning to the back of her mind. The vulnerability in the lyricism coupled with the nostalgia of the production made it feel like the cinematic experience of growing up, falling in love, and trying to move on from it. Smith has taken inspiration from a range of artists, from the Dixie Chicks to Phoebe Bridgers, which has inspired her detailed songwriting and captivating indie pop sound. If you're looking for a song that feels like the fade from end of summer to start of autumn, this track is for you. Smith's "Back Of My Mind" starts off with an introduction that made me want to dance around in circles, before she dives into storytelling lyricism about the distance that has grown between her and her former love interest. The chorus is a high-energy rush of confessions as she admits "Sometimes I think about you in the middle of the night" and "I still remember every kiss and every little fight." The production is upbeat and breezy, with guitar strings and drum beats laden throughout. The titular refrain "You always seem to find / Your way back / Into the back of my mind" encapsulates her feelings of healing from the end of their relationship, but still thinking about what they once had. Eliza Harrison Smith is an indie pop singer-songwriter from Washington, D.C. who relocated to Nashville in 2019 to work on her songwriting. She was inspired to make music at 13 years old, after she witnessed Taylor Swift in concert. Since moving to Nashville, she has collaborated with several artists, been recognized as one of the Nashville Songwriter Association International's (NSAI) "Ones to Watch," and received an honorable mention with NSAI's 2020 Song Contest. Her ability to piece together authentic lyrics with compelling pop hooks and production will continue to propel her in her career. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW ELIZA HARRISON SMITH:

"These aren't tears, it's just my allergens," Erica Manzoli insists on the second verse of her latest single, "Good Guys Gone." The humor functions less as a deflection from her emotions and more as a winking hint that they aren't that serious. Through breezy pop and bittersweet melody, the singer-songwriter vents out the frustrations of trying to find love in all the wrong places. Manzoli's honeyed falsetto makes for a dreamy topping on the disco-tinged chorus, like a longing sigh in the heart of Valentine's Day. "Good Guys Gone" remains light and airy, swaying to the ebb and flow of its synths, guitars, and drum machine. On the bridge, however, Manzoli twists at the syrupy melody with dissonantly layered vocals. She doesn't totally stomp out the heart-shaped balloons and boxes of chocolates, but she evocatively sets them under a gloomy cloud of rain. Manzoli writes with both a sincere commitment and a wry humor on "Good Guys Gone." The closest she gets to overt jokiness arrives on the bridge, when she humorously asks if she has "to steal a man for goodness sake," lest she die alone. Even then, though, there's no sense of self-mockery in her delivery. It's the nuanced presentation of negative feelings that neither dramatizes nor invalidates their impact. So, yes, we smile and chuckle alongside her, relating to the woes of searching for love, but the sting is all too real when she sings of feeling "always so alone in love." That's the fuel that will keep "Good Guys Gone" fresh and fun upon further replays; it retains the strength of simplicity while baking a great depth into its confection. The radical honesty Erica Manzoli writes with has established her as a rising singer-songwriter to watch for. From the release of her debut EP, I'm Okay, I Promise , the British artist proved a willingness to showcase vulnerability through its four, somber songs. The closing track, "Rock Bottom," continued the introspective melancholia of prior tracks, but suggested at her potential for more kinetic pop with its morphing, electronic drumbeat. Manzoli returned in May of this year with "Body Double," another stunning single which would be selected as the BBC Introducing Song of the Week by Radio 1. Now, with the release of "Good Guys Gone," the singer-songwriter has shown another, dynamic side to her excellent pop artistry. Accompanied with an excellent and conceptual music video, there's no doubt that Manzoli has a clear and exciting vision for what is sure to be a promising career. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Erica Manzoli: