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Album Cover From Rock Sound Magazine Australian pop band, 5 Seconds of Summer, has released their sixth studio album. Their new album, Everyone's A Star!, is a reflection of the beginning of their careers as a boyband told through a satirical lense. Everyone's A Star! Not OK Telephone Busy Boyband No. 1 Obsession I'm Scared I'll Never Sleep Again Istillfeelthesame Ghost Sick of Myself Evolve The Rocks Jawbreaker Start Over Wishful Dreaming Chest I'll Find You Cool Dad 5 Seconds of Summer, also referred to as 5sos, is a pop rock band hailing from Sydney, Australia, consisting of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Luke Hemmings, lead guitarist Michael Clifford, bassist Calum Hood, and drummer Ashton Irwin. They left their normal lives to tour with One Direction for two consecutive years and released their debut single, “She Looks So Perfect” in 2014. They are also known for their 2018 hit, “Youngblood”. Having built up a strong fanbase and six albums since their inception in 2011, each member has also managed to release at least one solo album in that time frame. This has helped them become better musicians and songwriters for the band itself which is evident in their new release. Let’s dive in. Everyone’s A Star! is the their best album opener. Powerful vocal delivery. Immaculate vibes. The initial culture shock of Not OK has officially worn off. This is the most unique song they’ve ever made. The experimental fun continues with Telephone Busy, Boyband, and No.1 Obsession. Let’s take a moment to praise Ashton. Only he could pull off the nonchalant attitude matched with deep, sexy vocals needed to make Telephone Busy pure ecstasy. We’re at the halfway point, I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again, istillfeelthesame, Ghost, and Sick of Myself, where the songs are mostly vibes. Most notably, Ghost is a haunting, yet beautiful ballad and Sick of Myself is an outlier that sounds like Christmas meets the Jonas Brothers with an everso slight twang. Back to the upbeat funkiness I love about this album, Evolve is about needing to mature from boys to men. The Rocks is a return to their origins with a punchy pop punk beat that has the perfect blend of guitar, bass, and drums. It ends on a light note with short, but sweet Jawbreaker. The bonus songs (aka the Fully Evolved version) are personal to each member. Start Over is Luke’s deluxe song. Wishful Dreaming is Michael’s deluxe song. Chest is Ashton’s deluxe song. I’ll Find You is Calum’s deluxe song. Start Over is the perfect pop ballad and should've been the closer. Wishful Dreaming is reminiscent of the old days because they each have their own solos. The upbeat and experimental Chest featured my favorite members, Ashton and Calum, teaming up on the best deluxe song. I'll Find You is yet another heartfelt ballad sung excelusively by Calum this time. As I’m writing this, they dropped yet another bonus song, Cool Dad, that’s very 80s, silly, and actually pretty cool! Additional Album Cover From Rock Sound Magazine The entire album is what I would describe as pop rock with electro and funk influences rooted in 2000s nostalgia with a major emphasis on production. Its hands down their best produced album. I love the plethora of guitar solos, songs where Ashton and Calum dominate whether that’s vocally or instrumentally, and every upbeat moment. 5sos don’t curse or make sexually explicit music so songs like I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again, Evolve, and a couple others genuinely shocked me. I’ve always wanted them to do this (and more) like every other artist I listen to. My only other wish for this band musically is to make a full blown rock album and I have a feeling they'll get there soon. Like I said earlier, it’s pop rock, but experimental. When I say experimental, I’m referring to usage of synths and sound effects, unique song structures, and exploration of uncharted territory with various subgenres within rock. You can hear some of their old pop punk selves in certain songs like Boyband and The Rocks as well. What’s most impressive is the album sounds like their solo albums came together and had a baby. I can hear each of their influences and personalities individually, but I wish they had went full force with the boyband theme. What I mean is… I wish Boyband had a music video where they did a break dance. I wish each member got more equal singing parts like boybands do. Nonetheless, this is the most fun, eclectic music they’ve ever made. I’ve been a fan since Heartbreak Girl and I’ve enjoyed this era and album more than some of their recent releases. I need more time to determine if it’s my definitive favorite album of theirs. For now, I’ll give it an 8 out of 10. For months to come, I will obsessively listen to my top three: Telephone Busy, Everyone’s A Star, and Evolve. Written By Jazz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

SALLIE has released their new single, “SLIDE.” As part of their debut album, “SLIDE” details a relationship forming while being with other partners. From eyeing each other down during “Friday nights at MJQ” to yearning to be with each other “since [they] can’t be with [each other],” the duo finds themselves “sliding” to meet each other, knowing that “[their partner’s] would never find out.” Not knowing “what to do to make [each other their’s],” they do know that they could be together without their partners finding out. “SLIDE” is upbeat, perfect for late-night drives, and finds SALLIE in their groove while producing their latest hits. “SLIDE,” while ultimately finding the duo at a crossroads on how to balance both developing feelings for someone and having someone else as their partner, makes for a perfect summer night song. Something SALLIE does consistently throughout their debut album is nail the production of their songs, and “SLIDE” is no different. With both fast-tempo and slow-tempo parts throughout “SLIDE,” each verse and chorus finds listeners dancing to the beat. SALLIE also consistently delivers on both vocal harmonies and lyrics as well, with different perspectives taking shape as the song goes on and creating a cohesive story for listeners to enjoy and sing-along to. “SLIDE,” while being a part of the duo’s first venture into the music world, shows consistency and talent that leaves listeners waiting for more from the duo.  SALLIE is a R&B-alternative duo consisting of Jay-Mo Dejon (also known as Jahmori Simmons) and Zaria Hall. Blending R&B, alternative, and modern soul, SALLIE captures these genres throughout their discography while blending Dejon's and Hall’s vocals for a united and strong front. Dejon, a world-renowned producer, has produced for RAYE and Skepta while accumulating multiple platinum certifications; meanwhile, Hall, a powerhouse singer-songwriter, creates melodies that feel fresh in an industry that feels already so full. Fresh off of releasing their debut album, “ASK ME IF I’M OKAY,” SALLIE’s impact on the music industry is only growing as they add more and more music to their spectacular discography. If listeners like to keep up with SALLIE’s new releases and concert dates, they can on SALLIE’s social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW SALLIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

New single "I LOVE U LEAVE" by artist Flynn Adamson is an alternative pop song about the pain of losing someone you care for. The song takes emotional pain and combines it with infectious pop sounds to create a balanced product that fits a multitude of emotional situations. Even if "I LOVE U LEAVE" portrays a tragedy, the song is enjoyable enough that it can be played at all times. What works with the song is that it combines both past and present musical trends to make the song feel fresh and comforting at the same time. As "I LOVE U LEAVE" begins to play, there's something nostalgic about the guitar's tone, and your brain makes the connection to early 2000s pop. However, the production elements on this track are very modern. It's interesting that the story that is followed on "I LOVE U LEAVE" delves deep into what it's like to lose a friend, and yet the instrumentals feel more bubbly than that. You almost feel guilty for having fun for a song that's so sad. The enjoyment to experience doesn't take away from the emotional vulnerability. The lyrics provide a well-rounded look into what Adamson is experiencing and how repetitive this emotional situation has become. What also works for this track is it's a song about heartbreak, but the heartbreak itself is not too specified that this song can be adapted into any situation. The song allows for listeners to take "I LOVE U LEAVE" and apply it to their own lives. Flynn Adamson is a young artist based in Auckland, New Zealand. With the work he creates, Adamson fully involves himself by doing the writing, singing, production, mixing, and mastering all himself. Growing up, he was inspired by the music around him, whether it was 70s pop or 90s grunge. He first began to release music at age 14 with his single "Pretend" which gained over 12,000 streams. In the past he has competed in multiple music competitions and this year he achieved third place in the Smoke Free Rock Quest National Final. Flynn Adamson does a great job of taking the classic pop-rock sound and making it sound brand new and makes sure audiences can see how wholehearted his music can be. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW FLYNN ADAMSON: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

Pressley is all in to her melancholic pop star moment in “almost love.” In the age of online dating, the word love seems to lose meaning. Efforts become superficial and people rely on the bare minimum: the occasional date and a grocery store bought bouquet. Pressley won’t let casual dating replace the definition of love. She sings, “Almost isn’t enough.” She wants to have long talks on the beach, hold hands in the car, and show up for one another. She lifts the expectations from physical affection to truly listening to each other. "almost love" is the anthem for all the romantics holding onto hope. “almost love” is the track to sing all the heartbreak away. The 2000’s beat resembles the same 2000’s revival that plays in Tate McRae’s music. You’ll be dancing on your bed or strutting down the hallway as if they’re stages. The keyboard rings with a twinkle like a star lighting up the empty sky. Just like the song’s message: you deserve better! Pressley strips back the volume of the other layers in the chorus, and all the focus goes to the vocals. The harmonies fill the space, and it frees the stress that comes with casual dating. The melancholic melody digs into the heartbreak but it pulls the weight off your chest. Pressley Hosbach, known as pressley, shows her passion for music through her singing, songwriting, and dancing. She starred on the final season of the show Dance Moms, becoming a trained dancer. From there, her talents soared into acting on Nickelodeon. On the network, she signed a record label deal with Nickelodeon Music. Beyond entertainment, she has launched clothing collaborations and supported charities. Keep up with pressley’s ongoing journey on Instagram, where she has over ten million followers. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW pressley: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

*HAYLA Fall 25 Tour Poster via HAYLA Electro-pop artist HAYLA kicked off her highly anticipated fall 25 tour this past weekend in San Diego. I had the honor of attending opening night, witnessing the dance-pop phenomenon in person. The singer is known for her infectious beats and stunning vocals, and her live performance lived up to the hype. The crowd instantly lit up the moment she took the stage, highlighting her massive influence. During her set, she takes her listeners through a journey of romance, heartache, and empowerment. This is an artist that you don't want to miss. Between the moody atmosphere and her fantastic vocals, she is a natural-born performer. The artist kicked off the night with an eerie intro that reels the listener in. The stage filled with smoke before she appeared, and the audience erupted. She opened the night with “Freefall,” with everyone singing along with her. Her incredible vocal control and flawless falsettos complemented the heavy bass and catchy synth. The intro perfectly captured her style and set the tone for the night. HAYLA’s energy was unmatched and spread to everyone in the crowd. Her effervescent stage presence invigorated the crowd and brought them to life. From the first song, she encouraged everyone to sing and jump along. She consistently checked in with the crowd, ensuring everyone was having fun. She even treated the audience to an unreleased song that explored a darker side of HAYLA. She knew how to keep everyone on their toes and anticipate her next move. Her crowd work made the show even more special, entertaining everyone in the room.  HAYLA’s vocals are insanely powerful, some of the best I have ever heard in person. There were moments when the crowd would stop singing to step back and admire her high notes. Her voice commands the attention of every ear they grace. While her electric sound is half the appeal, HAYLA would be just as entertaining stripped back to just her and a guitar. Her live vocals are exactly what her studio recordings show. But in person, they are even more impressive, leaving full-body chills that will keep the listener craving more.  HAYLA’s innate talent shone throughout her performance, showcasing everything from her voice to her stage presence. She is a must-see in the electro-pop scene, taking the world by storm. Recently, she released her song “FADED” with Nelly Furtado and continues to make waves in the industry. Buy tickets to HAYLA’s Fall ‘25 tour now to jump in on this incredible event. And follow her on all socials to stay up to date with any new announcements and releases.  Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

As the seasons change, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year, on memories, both good and bad. Reflection often leads to some of the most impactful songwriting imaginable. Artists write about their loves, losses, struggles, and wins. And sometimes, when we’re at home with a warm drink, we just need one of those chill albums and a good book or a craft. So, in no particular order, here are 10 of those cozy, reflective albums to remind us to take a breath amidst our busy schedules. 10. Taylor Swift - Folklore (2020) “Folklore” is more or less the poster child of folksy, winter vibes. It’s arguably one of Taylor’s most narrative albums, telling the story of a fictional love triangle. While the perspective isn’t that of the artist, it still makes us look back on the events in our own lives. Each song portrays a touch of regret, as each character divulges more information to the listener. It’s the type of story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to unravel more of the mystery. 9. Lizzy McAlpine - Give Me a Minute (2020) Lizzy McAlpine’s 2020 album, “Give Me a Minute” brings a moodier energy to the table. It reflects on tiny details and self-discovery. It’s about finding yourself when you thought for so long that you needed someone else. Lizzy describes the ups and downs of finding and ultimately leaving love behind, and then her hesitation moving forward. The entire album is so vulnerable, leaving our artist’s mind open like the most important page of a book. “Give Me a Minute” is a precious reminder that we all have rough times sometimes, but we always figure it out in the end. 8. Cat Burns - How to be Human (2025) The next entry is a very personal one. Cat Burns’ “How to be Human” describes Cat’s personal journey of self-acceptance. It tackles her struggles with grief, anxiety, and recent diagnoses of autism and ADHD. This album really speaks to us directly, as it pushes the very important concept that we don’t need to be perfect all the time. It’s okay to not be perfect. Take the time to grieve, but you will get through this. This message resonates so heavily in the music, a beautiful motivator for a dreary, winter day. 7. Jensen McRae - I Don't Know How but They Found Me! (2025) Jensen McRae’s “I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!” is another deeply introspective album, telling captivating stories of life’s most emotional moments. Jensen dives into those truly niche thoughts and feelings that we bury in our minds. It talks about the divide between our head and our heart in those relationships that we know are a bad idea but try to justify regardless. Of course, the album isn’t naïve. Jensen spares none of her fiery opinions on the places she’s been. The songwriting is exquisitely intentional. It calls out the negative subjects in riveting detail. You truly do feel alongside the artist, and that’s a sure sign of exceptional lyricism. 6. Isabel Pless - Workhorse (2025) This somewhat sad-in-a-good-way album describes emotional maturity from beginning to end. Isabel Pless’s “Workhorse” is a testament to finding your own independence and stopping the cycles of abuse from others. It mentions those moments where you feel like you can’t change a bad situation, but you can. It describes the lonely feeling of stepping out on your own and taking charge of your own life. Everyone loves to praise independence, but they don’t always see how hard it is. This is an album that builds courage while acknowledging struggle, and we’re so here for that. 5. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2008) Now for something a little older. It wouldn’t be winter without a Fleet Foxes mention. Specifically for their very popular and frequently covered track, “White Winter Hymnal”. The eerie but cheery tune has turned many ears to the band’s discography, their namesake debut album being no exception. “Fleet Foxes” features unconventional, folksy song structures and addictive rhythms that keep you zen and fixated on the sound. The songwriting within focuses largely on nature, nostalgia, and growing up. It’s a bittersweet album that takes you back to your childhood while also helping you appreciate the little things around you. It’s definitely worth a listen. 4. The Postal Serve - Give Up (2003) The Postal Service’s “Give Up” became popular due to the notable single, “Such Great Heights” in 2003. However, you’d be surprised how many people haven’t listened to the entire album, and it’s a great album! The mellow, synthetic sound was uniquely groundbreaking at the time of release. It’s captivating in a way, or as some would say, it makes your brain happy. The lyrical theme across the album is love. More specifically, it’s about feeling safe to speak openly about love. Despite the groovy beat of “Give Up”, it holds a lot of emotion. While the album went platinum, it’s still the only album released by the band, which is a side project conjured by Death Cab for Cutie singer, Ben Gibbard. Regardless, the album’s staying power is strong, with its unique instrumental choices now delighting listeners for over 20 years. 3. Michael Clifford - SIDEQUEST (2025) Here’s a great one for the alternative fans in the room. 5SoS singer, Michael Clifford released a new solo project this year, titled “SIDEQUEST”. And we are pleased to report that this is very different from most of the music 5SoS has released. It’s a personal project, with many sections shedding light on the difficult social situations that come with being a well-known musician. It talks about relationships and how some people will just pretend to us for selfish reasons. The pressure of performing and making public appearances doesn’t help when you’re juggling your personal life at the same time. This album is a great eye opener to parents as well, describing Michael’s maturing and growth as a person after having a child. It’s a great reminder that even those we idolize are just people with the same struggles as all of us. 2. Leanna Firestone - Forward / Slash (2022) Leanna Firestone’s “Forward/Slash” is a thoughtful journey of the ups and downs of life. Leanna’s songwriting style feels as though you’re just having a cozy conversation with her. The stories in the music grab us as listeners and keep us there by being just so relatable. If there is any one word to describe this album it is “honest”, and I think that’s what makes it so charming. There’s no image here that Leanna is trying to project. She’s just telling the true stories of her life in song, and that just feels so cozy and beautiful. From falling in love to losing it, to thinking about the regrets of unrequited love, but still recognizing its inescapable draw. It touches on family struggles, mental health, and uncertainty. This is an album that tugs so tightly on your heartstrings that you can’t help but insert yourself into the narrative somehow. For an even deeper look into the mind of Leanna Firestone, her new EP, “An Evening With Leanna Firestone” is a soft, acoustic session of some of her most thoughtful songs. Definitely give both a listen! 1. Jonas Conner - Chattanooga Tapes (2025) Finally, we’ve reached our final album. This one’s for the country fans out there. While it’s technically an EP, I felt it needed to be mentioned. Jonas Conner’s “Chattanooga Tapes”, is a storytelling EP deeply rooted in Appalachian culture. It touches on the struggles of growing up, loss, addiction, and nostalgia. Despite the dark theming, the music is hauntingly beautiful. It’s the perfect thing to play on a chilly winter day when you’re stuck inside. The lyrics in each song feel healing, like a warm drink when you come in from the cold. It’s refreshingly personal and deeply reminiscent of traditional Appalachian artists. Bravo to Jonas on his debut EP! Go check it out! Sadly, we’ve reached the end, but hopefully we’ve given you a little inspiration for your next album. Remember that despite the dreary weather now, the sun always returns. In the mean time, we can always put on a record and reflect. Did any of these albums resonate with you? Feel free to tell us on any of our socials below. Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Pop-punk band Haunter is back with their second single, “Strangers,” off their brand new EP GAME BOY. “Strangers” is a big pop anthem about falling in love and wanting to get to know your partner more. With glitzy synthesizers and an undeniably earworm chorus, the track is pure unabashed pop. Even more so, “Strangers” is just fun. It is a joyous celebration of those beginning stages of a relationship. It’s hard not to want to immediately start jumping up and dancing when you hear it. “Strangers” is an instant mood booster that showcases Haunter’s ability to craft great pop music. Haunter states they are “dedicated to creating substantial, thoughtful, uncompromising Pop Music,” and no better can that be heard than on “Strangers.” The track encompasses everything great about pop music. The vocals from singer Lucy LeNoir are confident and dynamic, and the production is pristine. The song just sounds grand. The band’s instrumentalists, Enoma Asowata, Mark Schroeder, and Mike Ray, are exceptionally talented performers who make “Strangers” sound as lively as it does. Haunter is making timeless pop music. “Strangers” takes inspiration from a myriad of times and places, from 80s synth wave to the modern-day electronic scene, and what results is an example of superb pop. Haunter is a four-person alternative pop band. The band officially started releasing music in 2020 and has since released a steady number of EPs and singles. In just five years, the band has garnered mass critical and commercial acclaim. On Spotify, they have over 13.8 thousand monthly listeners. Likewise, tracks like “Paralyze” and “Risk It All,” have amassed well over 500,000 streams. It’s clear the band is just getting started, and based on all their output so far, it will be very exciting to see where they go next. You can listen to “Strangers,” alongside the rest of Haunter’s discography, on all major streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW HAUNTER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Colby!'s latest single "Rich Neighborhood" speaks to all women who have found themselves being treated as someone's fantasy. Its normal to have feelings for people. Some feelings will be more intense than others. Sometimes without realizing it, those feelings get misplaced. Rather than having someone fall in love with how you actually are, they fall in love with the idea of you they created in their head. For women experiencing this, it can cause a lot of different emotions from confusion, to sadness, and maybe even bitterness. Knowing that someone has assigned you specific roles in their head that appeals to them can be hard to come to terms with. What they want from you, see in you, and love you for, is all based on their own mind and not reality. With lyrics like "You push and push for false reality / Need me to play the part of who you want me to be" and "Trust me it's for the better that we're not together / All for the better" shows what it feels like to be treated as someone's mental fantasy rather than your own person. The song opens with beautiful instrumentals that has an almost whimsical vibe. When colby!'s vocals are introduced to the mix, it creates a layered and fun listening experience with the background music. The song's tempo slowly builds throughout the song and reaches its peak at the chorus. The sound of drums adds an additional energized beat that maintains the song's rhythm. Colby!'s vocals are a perfect mix of emotional notes and strong notes. She has a voice that lingers once the song slows and draws to an eventual close. After listening, the song leaves you with a mix of feelings similar to the ones in Colby's! voice. It takes the vulnerability of the song's lyrics and meaning and twists it into something that can be used as a strength. Colby! is a singer-songwriter who grew up in Fort Worth, TX, surrounded by live music. She spent her time exploring creative passions like singing, writing, baking, painting, and performing. Diagnosed with severe dyslexia at age 8, she spent three years in intensive therapy to learn how to slow her brain down enough to try to read. Creative arts helped er cope, and she started singing and writing at a young age. At 14, she began co-writing with her producer and brother, RJ Johnson, a Berklee College of Music grad. When not writing, she loves driving while singing at the top of her lungs. Her most immediate goal is to continue to create songs with her brother that people will want to scream in their car to, thereby possibly escaping from situations they do not find encouraging. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW COLBY!!: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

"Ego Boost" by S øftbleach captures the stuck-in-your-head emotion of having an infatuating crush and wishing desperately to get up the nerve to confess your feelings. This invigorating track tells the tale of romantic tension and uses tantalizing rhetorical questions like "my cheeks are burning up/ did you do it on purpose?" A plea from the speaker for the confidence to make a move, this song stands in solidarity with all the dreamers who are stuck in the fear of the object of their affections not liking them back. Not a story of romantic resolution, this bold message remains perpetually in that lovestruck stage of longing. High distorted electric guitar strumming opens the track, twangy and high before percussion and high, airy vocals wash over the verse. The pace of the lyrics fluctuates from fast to slow and back again, switching off between lines and evoking the butterfly-like sentiments of the words in their speed. A pulse of bass electronic instrumentals punctuates the pre-chorus as the vocals descend in an alternating stress pattern that captures a feeling of movement in its sound. The instrumentals throughout the chorus feel busy, an homage to the speaker's fluctuation of emotion, with layered highs and lows while Darla Jade's vocals offer a grounding simplicity through the sound. This electropop song takes on the pulsing, bright, and somewhat frantic nature of human emotion in its sound. Søftbleach is an indie pop trio that embraces an alt-pop energy in their sound. The group performed their first ever headline show one year ago in December 2024, and has since played several supporting shows and a headline show in the wake of their new EP. Darla Jade fronts the band, bringing an energetic stage presence and experience in performances supporting artists like Ashnikko and Lucy Spraggan. Dustin Dooley, a multi-instrumentalist and producer, unlocks a transcendent sound with immersive melodies, and Jan Simson infusing their tracks with dynamic beats. Check out the links below to keep up to date with their music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW S ØF TBLEACH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook

“Hurt Me Sooner” is the newest single from Jordan Anthony , a song about a relationship that ended poorly and still has a long-lasting effect on the singer even though it’s now over. Anthony wants to get back together with his ex, but he knows he shouldn’t because there would be too much tension due to how they feel about each other now. It wouldn’t be right, which is why Anthony is longing for the relationship, because it’s something he can’t have, and why he understands why, but he still thinks it isn’t fair. He would have preferred the relationship ended earlier than it did so that he didn’t fall in love as much and have to push down all of these feelings. “Hurt Me Sooner” has gradual buildup of its instruments that make the song all the more powerful than it already is. Starting with reverberated guitar chords that sound like piano notes, Anthony’s incredible vocals come in, where he switches octaves from the first verse, to the chorus, to the second verse, and back to the chorus again. As the song progresses, more elements are added in regards to the production, such as drums and more harmonies with Anthony’s singing voice. Listening to “Hurt Me Sooner” sounds like you’re running through an open field, and the way Anthony sings the lyrics along with the production style truly adds great emphasis to the meaning of the lyrics. Jordan Anthony is a music artist from Australia and is based in Los Angeles, California. He grew up with a passion for music before releasing his debut album ONE Word  in 2018. In 2019, he went on season 8 of The Voice Australia , where he was coached by Delta Goodrem . In the same year, he represented his home country in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest . He has released more music since then, including the singles “Broken Love”, “Higher”, and “Nights Like These”. Anthony has great talent and a magnificent stage presence, and is a captivating musician, whether it be through his songwriting or his performing skills. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW JORDAN ANTHONY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

“every universe” is the newest single from vera, a song about a love so strong it transcends dimensions and the test of time; sibling love. vera sings about her bond with her sisters and brother being so strong she knows they are meant to be siblings in every lifetime, and as she puts it, in “every universe”. no matter where they are or who they are, they’ll always find each other. When your family makes you feel that you are loved, accepted, and safe, and happy overall, you make your family the most important thing in your life over everyone else. vera accurately describes the experiences and emotions tied to that with her impeccable and talented songwriting skills. Like the title of the song, “every universe” sounds otherworldly. It’s sci-fi-esque synths that also are softly mixed together as part of the production really help emphasize the meaning of the lyrics. A song about metaphorically traveling to different dimensions, listening to “every universe” makes you feel like you’re doing just that. All of the elements of the production and instrumentation are ethereal, and create a beautiful musical masterpiece as they’re all combined. vera also has amazing vocals, and her octave switches supplement that feeling that you’re floating through space and time when listening to this single. vera is an extraordinary singer and songwriter from Canada. She began her music career in July 2023 with her debut single “summer insomniacs”. In addition to this and “every universe”, working with Kristen Ronning, she has released other amazing songs such as “wrong place, wrong timing”, “jar of pennies”, “hot & unbothered”, and “rose garden”. She has also published several music covers to her social media accounts, including ones of “Decode” by Sabrina Carpenter , “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” by Ariana Grande , and “Be My Mistake” by The 1975 . vera is an amazing and very talented music artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW VERA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Apple Music  | YouTube

If you're looking for a calming palette cleanser, look no further than Bre Kennedy's new single, "Looking For." The song has a hint of contemporary with a sliver of country, making it feel akin to songs by Carrie Underwood. Its slow start allows listeners to feel the music before the vocals take center stage. I was instantly struck by the deadpan tone in the starting lyrics, " I took a pill to make me feel like I’m alive, it always will." The lyrics hooked me, and the song started to pick up from then on. The music video has a simple, slow zoom in to her face, creating a calming viewing experience. It also helps to show that the song is about finding love within herself. There is an overall tone of self-empowerment throughout the song. It feels like a love letter to herself, and the chorus effectively drives that point home. "Running through an open door, it was me I was looking for. I was chasing that high Beggin for love that no one could find." I found it interesting that after the first chorus, the song maintains its consistent, hopeful instrumental. Kennedy does an effective job of conveying that positive message. It truly felt like one of those feel-good early 2000s songs on the radio. We all need a light, bright light in our day, and this song was definitely mine. Kennedy is based in Nashville and acclaimed for her storytelling and evocative performances. She has been featured for her work by Billboard and featured on key Spotify playlists, including New Music Friday and Today’s Singer-Songwriters. She has headlined sold-out performances at Nashville staples like Exit/In and The Basement East, and supported artists such as The Paper Kites. Kennedy is currently on tour with the rock band NEEDTOBREATHE. Her album, "The Alchemist," is scheduled for release on January 30, 2026. Listen to "Looking For" wherever you stream your music! Written By Deanna Moody FOLLOW BRE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube