It's a strange, yet common struggle fighting with the challenge of moving on from someone who mistreats us. We know we shouldn't accept their hurtful behavior or settle for less because we deserve better. The lies and inconsistencies are red flags and clear warnings that it's time to let them go. When we finally take that step, it's tough, and our feelings linger. Nevertheless, the wisest choice now is to prioritize self-care, where you care for them from a distance. “ Sidelines ” by Jada Facer expresses her thoughts and experience on struggling with loving someone that wasn’t meant for her. And because of this, the only choice she felt like she had was to now love them from the sidelines. Everyone deserves a healthy relationship characterized by equality, consistency, and great communication. However, Jada found herself in one that was quite the opposite. Later, she came to the realization that she could no longer continue dealing with the toxicity and constant back-and-forth because she deserves better. While still having love and affection for this person as well as for herself, she made the decision to put herself first while maintaining her love for them from a distance. One example of an unhealthy moment between them is the high amount of chances she gave her partner for them to do better, just for them to not do better: “ Go to leave to turn back again on your 20th second chance. I need you so I don’t give a damn if you give a damn .” Jada beautifully wraps up the song with the empowering decision that she's choosing self-love and walking away from a relationship where she was treated unfairly: “ Distant conversation. Overthink and analyze. Try to read between your lies. Constant inconsistent. And I’ve grown to love goodbyes and love from sidelines .” Jada Facer is a 22 year-old singer-songwriter and actress from St George, Utah. She has an impressive discography, both as a solo artist and a feature on tracks, many of which have gained millions of streams. Currently, her most popular song is " Be Alright ( Sped Up Version )," which has over 14 million streams. On her youtube channel, she posts a mix of original songs and covers. She covered Bruno Mars’ “ When I was Your Man ,” which nearly has 1 million views. As for her acting career, Jada was seen on many TV shows and movies such as Melissa & Joey , The Mick , The Thundermans , Henry Danger , Nina del Tango , and more. Check out Jada Facer’s latest single “ Sidelines ” out now on all streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW JADA FACER:

“Don’t Know About The World” is Emei’s latest release, offering perspective into what it is to be in love without understanding it. Being lost in the world and finding a destination and a partner for the road in one person. The first line of the song “Don’t know about the world but I know that I love you” perfectly explains the security found in this sort of relationship. The sense of safety and perfect clarity only available when one is comfortably in love. However, whilst displaying the relaxation found in a relationship like this, Emei manages to subtly touch on the danger of it as well. Speaking of how she may never leave the house, merely stare out their small window, hating thinking of and meeting new people. It’s a stagnant state, whether it’s desirable or not is up to the listener. Her first lines of the song are stated with simplicity, a key behind each one as if trying to explain the situation with emphasis on each word. The theme of not knowing is especially pushed here with this one fact, “I know that I love you”, being so straightforward compared to the rest of the lyrics. There’s a slow build behind these statements that explodes when Emei begins explaining her past, showing off the first of the audio editing talent displayed within the piece. It is a mystical and intense echo that leaves its mark on the remainder of the song, coming back again and again. Throughout, Emei doesn’t repeat much, besides that very first line. The only thing she knows. The alt-pop sound of the music reflects Emei’s own voice, with both intensifying up until the last moment of the song when she reverts back to her original tone of simplicity in stating “Don’t know about the world but I know that I love you”. Emei was born to immigrant parents in New Jersey, she didn’t have connections to the industry, not even someone within it she looked up to. But by nine years old she was already beginning her work in it, singing constantly. When she was fifteen, she traveled to China to participate in Chinese Idol, and she did fantastically, perfecting her ability to perform to a large audience and placing third. She then went on to attend and graduate from Yale, where she wrote her first hit song “Late to the Party”. After it went viral, first on Tiktok, her popularity skyrocketed and she began releasing song after song. Each of which now hold millions of streams from her 1.2 million listeners on Spotify. Emei is an incredibly impressive success story, learn more about it below by following her and streaming “Don’t Know About The World”. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW EMEI:

Summer has come to an end, and now we're headed for fall. Summer flings and unforgettable moments are wrapping up, leaving people with nothing but cherished memories. While some may rejoice over the change in seasons, others are left feeling a little melancholic, trying to hold on to the last bit of summer lingering about. Matisse Jones captures these bittersweet feelings perfectly in his new single, "Suns Collide." The track tells the story of a summer relationship ending as fall approaches, featuring lyrics like, "one week ago we were calling every night, two days ago you kissed me for the last time." "Suns Collide" makes it clear it's sad the relationship and season are coming to an end, but there's so much good to look back on. Though the end of summer might have some of us bummed out, Matisse Jones' "Suns Collide" is an excellent pick-me-up. The track is an energetic pop ballad, drawing inspiration from Sia's "Dusk Till Dawn" and "Chandelier." Tastefully accompanying Jones' deep, soulful vocals, "Suns Collide" features a synth-laden soundscape, captivating harmonies, and infectious pop beats. The artist masterfully delivers the song's lyrics with addictive melodies, showing off his vocal prowess through belted lines and flawless undulations. "Suns Collide" is the perfect song to play on repeat and relive your summer days to, reminiscing over amazing times that have come and gone. Matisse Jones is a young pop star on the rise. The 16-year-old artist recently competed on The Voice Kids France, auditioning with the song "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd. The performance resulted in all 4 judges turning around and Jones joining Patrick Fiori's team. Making his industry debut in 2022, Jones has released 5 singles so far, including "Souvenirs," "Fall For U," "Home," "Summer Skies," and "Suns Collide." His sound is comparable to acts like Sia, Imagine Dragons, ZAYN, Bruno Mars, and Maroon 5. It's clear Jones is just getting warmed up, and he's definitely an artist to keep on your radar. We're excited to see where he goes next! Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW MATISSE JONES:

Relationships are different for everyone. Monogamy is valued by many, but so are open relationships. However, this does not necessarily mean all participating parties in an open relationship are happy. Singer and songwriter Ashlynn Malia recently released “Cool Girl,” a vibey anthem dedicated to those unhappy in an open relationship. In “Cool Girl,” Malia sings about her thoughts and feelings toward her partner as they try to navigate an open relationship, and the painful emotions that she began to feel over time. “I'm not the jealous type but I've been feeling cheated / When you say you miss me while you're meeting / Someone else, can't wait to take her home with you.” She sings about wanting to go and meet new people since her partner was doing the same, but it’s immediately clear that she would rather solely be with her partner and no one else. This song is so raw and beautiful. The instrumentals are simple, but they shine as they gently back up Malia’s stunning vocals. She sings in a low voice for the majority of the song, and it made it pretty easy to sense the emotion in her tone. You can clearly sense that she went through a lot as she sings each lyric, letting her feelings and emotions pour out in each word. The song has a moody and chill vibe to it, which makes it the perfect easy-listening song. I’m sure many people can relate to the message behind the song, and that they can simply relax and reflect as they listen. Ashlynn Malia, a 22-year-old singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, started her career in 2021 with the release of her debut single, “open.” Over the last couple of years, Malia has released lots of new music to various different platforms. And she’s doing pretty well for herself, as on Spotify, she has reached an average of 34,000 monthly listeners. Here’s a fun fact about Malia: her most recent EP - Navigating Galaxies - was recorded entirely through voice memos Malia made while she was recovering from a foot injury, leaving her unable to walk for months. If that isn’t dedication, I’m not sure what is. Ashlynn Malia is bound to be a big name in the industry. Based on her current successes, I have no doubt in my mind that her career is going to skyrocket. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW ASHLYNN MALIA:

Isn't it funny how society teaches us that being honest is a bad thing? That if it's going to hurt someone's feelings, it's best not to say it at all? And if you are a brutally honest person, that makes you a horrible person who does care about other people's feelings. In Dansy's latest single, "Bad Actress", she is unapologetic about being true and real. She refuses to put on the fake nice persona that we're taught to do, and chucks it all up to being a "Bad Actress". She's not going to hide how she feels and lie to people just to prevent a confrontation. Truth hurts, but sometimes you just have to learn to deal with it. And usually in the end after you swallow your pride, you realize its better to know the truth about something than to be lied to. From the second you start listening to "Bad Actress", the guitar catches your ear and you just know this is going to be a great song. Then, Dansy draws you in even further with her charming and confident vocals and infectious energy. The song keeps your attention with it's progressive dynamics, surprising you with new guitar effects, new rhythm and beats, and killer vocals as the song goes on. It's a groove that'll have you feeling like a bad bitch. The 90s / Early 2000's Pop Rock sound is coming back, and if you love artists like No Doubt and The Veronicas, you'll love Dansy's sound. She's taking that style we all know and love, and putting her own modern twist on it. If you liked Olivia Rodrigo's new album, GUTS, then you'll LOVE "Bad Actress" by Dansy. Dansy is an alt. pop Filipino-Australian artist from Melbourne! She describes herself as "a strong, thick, queer woman of color, making loud and unapologetic alt-pop". Using mixtures of nostalgic pop rock and punk tones within her style, her goal is to be every rock music fan's favorite pop artist, and every pop music fan's favorite rock artist. She is someone who is very true to herself, and she loves to stay connected to her roots. She purposely doesn't hide her incredible Australian accent in her music, and wants to represent both women of color and women with different body types within the rock music industry. Dansy's other single released this year, "Love Lonely" is another fantastic song with more of a mainstream pop vibe that you should check out to see how diverse Dansy is with her sound and as an artist. Dansy plans to release her debut EP in early 2024, so make sure to follow her below to keep up with her journey! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW DANSY:

Second chances are always tricky to navigate. But the complexity of this navigation multiples by tenfold when the second chance revolves around romance. There are many (sometimes too many) factors to consider before the wronged commits to giving their transgressor another chance. Some factors to consider would be what the underlining circumstances were that led to needing and desiring another opportunity. Whether or not the situation is forgivable. And if there has been any emotional growth from the transgressor since this event transpired. With “What Are The Chances”, Man Alive asks an intriguing question: can second chances be given if the transgressor has accepted the responsibility of their actions? “What Are The Chances” is an impassioned plea for a second chance at romance from the transgressor to the wronged. This plea is unique - this isn’t the stereotypical begging for forgiveness that only considers our own selfish desires. Instead, it’s a matured appeal that demonstrates the transgressor’s emotional awareness. The single opens with sonorous guitar strings as Man Alive sings from the perspective of the transgressor deep in reflection. The transgressor is “high and dry”; stuck in the difficult position of longing to reignite a former romance while understanding that may not be the case for the wronged party. How the transgressor wronged their former love is never explicitly stated. But Man Alive uses intense imagery to convey the depth of the devastation caused to give us an idea: the transgressor “burnt [their] neighborhood down to the ground”. Regardless of what in particular was burnt, the baseline is that it destroyed an aspect of the wronged party. Restoration after destruction is already difficult; to restore with the person that caused said destruction - that requires the forgiveness of a saint. And I think our transgressor is quite aware of how much they’re asking for with this second chance. That’s why it’s made clear that rejection from the wronged party is okay: “if you don’t want me back / I understand it”. It’s not the outcome the transgressor hopes for but acknowledging that it’s a possible outcome indicates a great deal of emotional development. Even though the song ends on this somber note, the music video doesn’t. Instead, watching audiences observe a small, shining light before the video fades into a black screen. It’s the sliver of hope that lingers in the recess of our minds for a second chance romance despite the reality at hand suggesting otherwise. And while we can’t change reality, we can certainly reminisce about the moments of bliss we shared with a former love in spaces we once occupied with them like their favorite “café”. Man Alive is Mark Prendergast’s passionate, solo project that allows listeners to know the artist much more intimately. Our troubadour is one-fourth of the Irish indie-rock band Kodaline where they’re the lead guitarist. But Prendergast occasionally lends his voice for vocals and fingers for keyboards. Currently, Kodaline is on tour with its final performance scheduled for today in Japan – and maybe fans there can convince the lead guitarist to play some of his solo discography at the show. Under Man Alive, Prendergast just released his debut EP, Colours; a stunning introspection of various feelings that highly encourages listeners to unbottle and explore some of their own restrained emotions. “What Are The Chances” is the third song featured on the five-track EP beside the opener “Be Someone” and the closer “Five Minute Drive”. If you’ve enjoyed Man Alive as much as I have, show Prendergast some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW MAN ALIVE:

The 90s and early 2000s were a time scattered with boy bands full of pop punk vibes. Since then, the music scene has turned more towards electronic pop and rap, and the angst seems to have drifted away. RISK has plans to change this. Their new release “Closer2U” could be easily mistaken for a Paramore or Green Day song, despite the high quality production levels that land it in this era of music. The song is about wanting a girl, even though she is in a relationship, a premise very reminiscent of the song “Scotty Doesn’t Know” by the rock band Lustra, released in 2004. The narrator feels like she is more suited for him, and he is going to make sure that she and her boyfriend both know it. A touch of pop and a whole lot of teenage angst, this track is a must listen. The lyrics of this track show a guy head over heels for this girl, regardless of her relationship status. He wants her, and knows he can get her. The chorus sings “So get out of my head, you should be here instead / I've been trying to get closer, closer to you”. The last three words are shouted in a chant-like tone, solidifying the pop rock sound. The bridge repeats the phrase “I just wanted you to know” over and over again, with an effect placed on the vocal track that makes it sound like the words are coming through a telephone, a very 2000s trend. The bridge ends with an emphatic “that I hate your boyfriend”, which then breaks into an intense electric guitar riff and rock-reminiscent drums. RISK is a pop duo from Chicago, who recently started releasing music on Spotify. Matt LeGrand and Jeremiah De La Peña joined together on this band with the intention of bringing back the 90s and 2000s vibe of music- electric guitars and drums and snarky lyrics. Their vibe is similar to that of All American Rejects, 5 Seconds of Summer, and All Time Low. They recently played a set of shows in their home state of Illinois, as well as a couple in Indiana. Their career is only on the up, so make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from RISK. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW RISK:

Emerging pop singer-songwriter, Marcus Mackey, just released his debut single "S.E.L. (Someone Else's Lover)" on September 15, 2023. The electro pop track is a candid look into Mackey's experience with the modern dating scene. He blends danceable production with vulnerable lyrics into a track that is not meant to relieve our problems in dating, but simply to help us dance our way through them. If you are a fan of artists like Harry Styles, Troye Sivan, or Charlie Puth, his EDM-influenced pop sound is worth checking out. After this release, I am excited to see where he will go next as he enters his music career. Mackey's crisp vocals shine through on the track as he opens up about his insecurities, frustrations, and struggles when it comes to dating. He poses questions like "When do the red flags show" and "Why do I begin to try and hide my pride." He is honest in the poignant chorus as he admits in rich lyricism, "I feel like you just wanna be / Someone else's lover / But you don't wanna give, give up / Am I right? Up at night." The heartfelt lyrics are backed by a groovy, dance synth production. Many of us can relate to Mackey's experience of being with someone that you feel would rather be with someone else, but still holding on. It is a sentiment that he delivers in between infectious pop hooks so that the song and its message never quite take itself too seriously. Pop newcomer Marcus Mackey grew up in Bakersfield, California, where he developed a love for music with his twin brother, Anthony. At just 7 years old, the two of them recorded tracks and captivated audiences of friends and family with their innate musical talent. He discovered his passion for performance in high school through their musical theatre and performance group. Now, he is ready to dive into the music industry with his electro pop sound. His debut single, "S.E.L.," has proven that he will be one to watch as his career continues. If you enjoyed this release, make sure to keep up with all his future music by clicking the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW MARCUS MACKEY:

We all experience anxiety from time to time; whether it's because you have a big test coming up, or it's your first day of work. Some of us, unfortunately, experience this type of feeling 24/7. The constant pain in your chest and the racing thoughts in your head that cause the permanent emotion of worry; it can be exhausting. "What if this happens? What if that happens?". Somehow, we learn to live with it. However, there are worse days than others that it just becomes so unbearable that we completely shut down, mentally and physically. "Anxiety" by Claudy is a relatable song for those who struggle with anxiety disorders. Whenever you feel like your over-thinking is getting the best of you, listen to this song as a reminder that you are not alone. "Anxiety" by Claudy has a nice and chill beat with an RnB / Reggaetón type of groove to it. The instrumentation has a minimalistic, relaxing vibe that makes you wanna take a deep breath and just listen to Claudy's beautifully soothing voice. The lyrics are a perfect reminder that your anxiety does not define who you are. Don't let it take over your life. You're already strong for making it this far, and you can learn how to live life happily. Sure, there will be really hard days and set backs, but like Claudy sings, "Good things take time / bettering my soul as days go by / weeding out all the bad vibes". Claudy is a Swiss indie artist currently based in London, United Kingdom. She debuted as an artist in 2019 by posting covers on her YouTube Channel, her first video being a cover of "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi. Her videos started to gain thousands of views, and in 2021 she officially released a collaboration project with the DJ / Producers Mesto and Dastic, titled "Don't Wait" which has almost reached 2 million streams on Spotify. This same year, she released her highest viewed cover so far, gaining 62,000 views on the her "Jealousy, Jealousy" video by Olivia Rodrigo, and released her first original single, "Roller Coaster". Since then, she's released two more singles, "Fight Me" and "Anxiety". Claudy is only getting started, and I can't wait to hear what she does next. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW CLAUDY:

Letting go of the past and choosing to grow from your experiences is a tough process. It's more tempting to hold on to old ways of thinking than to embrace change, holding you back from your true potential. Zoe Ko tackles this in her new single, "Baby Teeth." Reflecting on the song's meaning, Ko states, "This is an introspective song on which I call myself out for holding onto bad habits, past traumas and deep-seated insecurities. I went through so many changes in my life in the past year and a half and finally stepped into the person I was supposed to be. Growth and transformation can be terrifying because it means you must let go of a lot of stuff from your past that made you who you are." Giving us a taste of what's to come, "Baby Teeth" is a fiery number ripped from Ko's upcoming EP. Filled with plenty of edge and angst, "Baby Teeth" is an explosive new addition to the alt pop-rock world. The track has a Paramore-esque sound, drawing inspiration from Hayley Williams' vocals. Providing insight into the song's composition, Ko explains, "I experimented more with my vocals in this song than any other song off the EP. I wanted the listener to perceive the exhilaration that comes with the act of letting go when you are becoming your truest self. I screamed, I moaned, I reenacted all the mean things I heard people saying about me in high school. I also had a bit of fun with the bridge." Creating the perfect alt pop-rock soundscape, Ko's spicy vocals are backed by driving drums and playfully aggressive guitar riffs. With infectious melodies and relatable lines, "Baby Teeth" is sure to be a track you play on repeat. Hailing from New York City, Zoe Ko is a young, 22-year-old alt pop-rock artist on the rise. So far the impressive vocalist has garnered over 2.5 million streams across all platforms. Making an impactful debut, Ko's first single, "Line" has reached over 850,000 streams on Spotify and has landed on many editorial playlists, including Young & Free, Fresh Finds: Class of 2022, and Fresh Finds: Pop, Good Vibes. Recently, Ko has released several singles alongside "Baby Teeth," including "Rib Cage," "Petri Dish," and "Fire Escape." Adding to the powerful women in the alt pop-rock world, Ko's sound is comparable to acts like Paramore, Olivia Rodrigo, Hayley Williams, PVRIS, and Gwen Stefani. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ZOE KO:

This song, “older” by Isabel LaRosa, perfectly encapsulates what it can be like to feel older than you are and to want others to treat you that way too. Coming-of-age stories are popular for a reason, because every single one of us has gone through that phase of discovering who you are and what your place among your peers is. In this song, LaRosa puts into music how your first experiences with heartbreak and infatuation can feel, and how you can crave someone who you think is more on your level than guys your own age. As she sings - “guys my age just aren’t the same.” But this song also illustrates the vulnerability of those years, and how despite being told that you’re “wise beyond my years,” as LaRosa sings, you’re still young and you have growing up to do. “Older” is an addictive alt-pop song that draws you in with its sultry sound and heavy instrumentals. Simple but poignant lyrics pair with the track perfectly, tying in the meaning of the song with its danceability and its passion. Right from the beginning, you’re hit with a thick electronic sound, hitting deep into your bones as LaRosa croons out the name of the song with the lyric “Think I need someone older, just a little bit colder.” This intro leads into this first verse, with a hard hitting beat taking the backseat to LaRosa’s alluring voice, demonstrating her signature sound. This pattern repeats as we come to the first chorus, with the melody coming to the forefront again before slowing down for the second verse. This back and forth creates the perfect balance for the song, building a brilliant lead up to the explosive bridge. And then the song cleverly falls back down to a sultry quiet right after the bridge, you’re left hanging on the edge of your seat before LaRose goes back into the chorus one more time. Altogether, "older" is pieced together effortlessly, drawing you in and making you immediately press play again! Isabel LaRosa is a pop musician from Annapolis, Maryland. Having grown up surrounded by music, with her dad taking her to mic nights and jazz clubs, playing the saxophone while her brother played the guitar, LaRosa took up her own place in the musical family by starting to write songs starting all the way back in elementary school. Her sound covers lots of areas of pop music, from bedroom electro-pop to hyper-pop to indie pop and beyond. She continues to collaborate solely with her brother, the producer Thomas LaRosa, and they love to make music that encapsulates scenes and atmospheres, with visuals inspired by horror films and tv shows such as Stranger Things and Get Out. With several breakout hits and hundreds of thousands of streams, she was recently selected to be one of the first ever members of TikTok’s Elevate program and will be touring with artist Tom Odell in the upcoming months. Check out the links below to hear more of her amazing music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW ARTIST:

You have to be thick-skinned to embark on a journey that will lead to a long distance. Long distance relationships are incredibly hard and some just aren't able to make it work. When it comes to having that knowledge going into the relationship it can make things a bit complicated. You want to spend every waking second with your partner just to make up for the time you'll inevitably lose while apart. You start preparing for the end well before the end arrives and you realize this is no way to enjoy your relationship. While It Lasts is a song determined to get the listener into the mindset of embracing impermanence and just living in the moment. You will never win against the inevitable so you might as well enjoy it while it lasts. The track starts with a whistling sound that repeats to mimic a bit of an alarm clock. This alarm clock motif is a recurring one as Adam sings about getting out of bed, waking up next to his partner, and sleeping next to her. The lyrics go through the seemingly boring parts of a relationship. The ones Adam cherishes the most with his partner because every second counts. He wants to make the most of the time he has with her and it shows. The record then bursts into a magnetic chorus that utilizes the pop genre in a fun and chill way. You can’t help but smile while listening to this infectious love song. Adam Fadi is a Lebanese American singer songwriter. His love for music was ignited when he began piano lessons at age 4. Like many of us, the pandemic left us with time to be creative. Adam used his time wisely and began recording his music. He released each track one by one and has since created over 100 songs. His sound is similar to the Kid LAROI or Dominic Fike with its infectious lyricism and diverse soundscapes. Adam Fadi is coming into his own with each track he releases. He is dropping banger after banger and we can’t wait to see what's in store for him next. Written By *Kaiana Lee FOLLOW ADAM FADI: