With everything happening in politics and the world right now, I think Jordan Hart’s “The End” has been released at the best possible time when negativity seems to be taking over. A song about hope and letting bygones be bygones, “The End” is a big, full-bodied, folky pop song with a choir meant to bridge the gaps between our differences. Inspired by the rift caused by family and friends having differing political views, Hart simply wants "The End" to be a song for everyone; it shows that the best music brings together people of all differences under an umbrella of good tunes. “The End” is folky, twangy, and a real blast to listen to. Like an anthem, it is uplifting in all the best ways; it reminds me of the 2010-era pop songs that were about self-empowerment and loving yourself, but with “The End” the goal is more about keeping your eyes on the horizon. The instrumentals are fantastic– the strings are quintessential folk and the growing choir is everything that I could’ve wished for from a song such as this one. As Hart’s voice twines with the song, it becomes inextricably clear that his vocals were made for lyrics such as these; the chorus is a glowing beacon of hope, singing, “Hallelujah, I’ll get to ya/In the end.” “The End” is the kind of song that grows as it runs; the tune fills your chest, the vocals hum in your ears, and all you can feel is a quiet optimism that everything will be alright in the end. Jordan Hart is a gold-certified producer and singer-songwriter based in Toronto. His debut single, “I Don’t Want to Let You Go,” released in 2020 to massive success, garnering over 4.4 million plays on Spotify. His music has also gained notable placements on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol, and Manifest. Often categorized as contemporary with a soul influence, Hart’s style is the type that moves hearts with his passionate vocals and expressive songwriting. While “The End” is Hart’s most recent release, he is also working on his first full-length album, which is slated to release sometime in 2023. “The End” is worth every listen, as Hart highlights the need to maintain optimism in today’s world, which is best done through good music. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW JORDAN HART:

Singer-songwriter Chloé Sautereau's artist mantra is "if you're feeling it, someone else is feeling it too." It's her bio on her YouTube and Spotify pages. This phrase encapsulates Sautereau's newest single, "Somebody Who's Not Me," an earnest, relatable cut about struggling with self-doubt and confidence. When discussing the thought process behind the track, Sautereau says it poured out of her. "'Somebody Who's Not Me' came to me in a moment of true vulnerability, questioning, and introspection. A moment where I felt stuck, unsure where to look, where to go, or if I was capable of what I was after." It's a universal sentiment that the track perfectly captures. That confusing and troublesome time in young adults' lives when they are too young to know who they are yet old enough to be expected to--all the while still facing issues of self-questioning, social anxiety, and body image. "Somebody Who's Not Me," balances these complex and multi-faceted sentiments to create an honest and cathartic ballad. Where Chloé shines as an artist is in her lyricism. "Somebody Who's Not Me" is a delicate acoustic cut that allows her words to take center stage. She is a heartfelt writer with a willingness to be open. Sautereau stated that the track "has the kind of honesty that I think I had never dared to have with myself." This openness gave way to lines like "Some nights I love myself in the mirror / forget I'd wish I was thinner / or less hairy / or more curvy." It is refreshing to hear such a directly candid sentiment expressed. The singer unleashes feelings that so many deal with in a deeply personal yet accessible way. Combining sharp lyricism with a gentle, pillowy voice makes "Somebody Who's Not Me" a reassuring track. Sautereau has a strong writer's voice that comforts listeners into knowing they are not alone. Chloé Sautereau is a Swiss-born singer-songwriter who currently resides in New York. An avid guitar player since she was only eight, Sautereau now focuses on making acoustic guitar-based ballads. She focuses on narrative lyricism, which touches on ubiquitous human experiences, like emotional turmoil, relationship issues, and not knowing how to navigate life's confusing ups and downs. Under the name "Cee," her first EP, "As I Keep on Dreaming," debuted in 2019. This was before the singer went by her last name, Sautereau, in 2021, where she released singles "What If" and "Conversation Hearts." The two tracks have amassed a combined total of over 13,000 streams on Spotify. Currently going by her real name, Chloé Sautereau has put out two other ballads this year, "Get to Know You Game" and "Ten Thousand Stories," and she plans on releasing more. Her entire discography is available to listen to on streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW CHLOÉ :

Have you ever tried to date someone that was the complete opposite of you, and you felt like they were way too good to be with someone like you? We've all heard that saying, "they're out of my league". It's like the cheesy romantic movies where the rich, straight - A student popular girl falls in love with the bad-boy outcast. This is exactly what "Ivy League" by Anthony Ortiz is about. In this song, Anthony expresses that he has feelings for this picture perfect person, but he feels like he'd ruin their squeaky clean life if they got too close. With lyrics like "I got tattoos and holes in my jeans and you got money and such big dreams" and "I'm way too bad and you're way too sweet", this song easily catches anybody's attention. "Ivy League" is a groovy pop song with not only relatable lyrics but a catchy vibe that will have you putting it on repeat. The production is top tier and the rhythm is pop perfection. It sounds like the perfect feel-good song to top off the end of Summer. Anthony has a certain charm to him with a voice that is pleasing to the ear and a star quality that is undeniable. I especially enjoyed the harmonies during the chorus, it just brings the song to life - however, I'd say my favorite part of the song as a whole is the bridge. The way it starts soft and slowly builds is so well done. Anthony Ortiz is an artist from Tampa, Florida who is currently based in Los Angeles, California. He describes his sound as "alt. pop" with influences from various pop and rap artists. Anthony debuted as an artist in 2019 with his first single release, "Watch My Fire". He's been continuously releasing music since then, gaining over 20,000 listeners on Spotify as an independent artist. "Ivy League" is his second song of this year, the first being "Fall For You" which I recommend listening to as well. Anthony isn't planning on stopping anytime soon, and has plans to release a lot more projects soon! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ANTHONY:

“Libra” Danica Bryant’s latest release is purely feminine. A girl pop anthem on the pre-existing signs that a relationship will go poorly, specifically, zodiac signs. She attributes her misfortune to the stars, something inevitable and predictable, calling out the expected consequences of her interactions with this person. The song is fiery and memorable, featuring detailed descriptions and rants of the sign’s habits. But beyond the impossible to ignore chorus, her lyricism is relatable and humorous, offering commonly encountered lines such as “I’ll tell you mine if you can tell me yours”. The implication throughout the song is that the person she sings of thinks nothing of astrology while she thinks highly of it, and she is proven right. It’s upbeat and unique yet relatable, a song for all (except Libras) who need something to blame. The song begins with its thesis “‘Cause you’re a Libra” Bryant shouts passionately. This goes on for a few notes before they begin to fade into a modern techno beat, and eventually smooth into a calmer tone. She delivers her lyrics as if saying them directly to the subject of her song, giving yet another layer of connection to the listener. There are bits of audio editing in the instrumentals added in between each slower segment, perfectly manipulated to slow down the pace and get the listener ready to sing along again. She manages to seamlessly combine alternative and pop themes, creating a sound similar to early 2000s anthems. And in true anthem fashion, the piece ends on a high note with another rendition of the already iconic chorus. Danica Bryant is a singer and songwriter who has spent her career pushing the bounds of genre. She writes edgy, alternative songs yet does so with a familiar tone, the recipe for a refreshing and memorable star. She first began releasing music in 2019 with the single “Down In Times Square”, following it shortly after with her first EP “Cider” in 2020. This EP would grant her placement in APRA’s Songhubs course. Her later songs would then bring her to the NZ Hot Singles Chart. Growing popularity such as this naturally comes with recognition, in Bryant’s case from both Play It Strange and Smokefree Rockquest. Find out more about her story and stream “Libra” below. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW DANICA BRYANT:

Last year, Norwegian singer/songwriter bby ivy detached herself from the intimacy of the world. "I'm in my UFO, escaping all I know," she sang on the trip-pop single "UFO." You can hear the sting in her voice as she yanked away the wires connecting her to others. With her first single of 2023, "Die For," bby ivy comes back down to earth ready to reignite the flame. The song continues the dark electro-pop she's been known for, but her voice is more commanding and impassioned than ever. The pop artist slides through a hypnotic melody, winding around words of devotion like she's casting a spell. In the bridge, love's intensity is rendered by a deliciously gritty guitar solo. Taken in whole, "Die For" is cinematic in quality, squeezing out every drop of passion through atmospheric synths and a pounding drum machine. The cover of "Die For" pictures bby ivy in a state of contemplation. While her face is obstructed, the stormy backdrop imbued a sense of reflection and searching. In the lyrics, the subject of her rumination comes into sharp relief. "I don't know how to explain my love for you." The emotions are intense and stirring, like rumbling clouds and waves rolling onto a rocky beach, but they escape a fitting description. For what it's worth, bby ivy writes indelibly of dedication and love's passion, bridging any gaps with her vocal performance. "You're the fire and the spark," she calls into the night. After removing herself from the toils of connection, the singer/songwriter has found the fire relit, brighter and hotter than ever. Brought up in a musical family, bby ivy always had music within her. The 23-year-old singer/songwriter entered the pop scene in 2020 with a bold and polished introduction. She debuted with the experience of an industry veteran, having already toured and featured on broadcast stations across Europe. Her notable feature on DJ Mangoo's, "Happi" has garnered over four million streams on spotify alone. "Die For" was written alongside Nova Blue, who also produced the track. No release date has been set, but she has stated that "Die For" is only the first in a new set of songs to be released. What remains clear is that bby ivy is a true rising star in the global pop scene. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW bby ivy:

Breakups are never easy and people have different ways of handling them. Some people may go out and enjoy their newfound freedom while others mourn the end of an era. It sucks to be going through the latter and feel like the other person is taking the breakup better than you. If you’re in this situation, remember that it is good to let your emotions out. You shouldn’t keep them bottled up, as it could lead to an explosion later. One very healthy way to deal with negative emotions is through music. OAKLND has been through the type of breakup mentioned above. He lets all his negative emotions loose in his new single, “you found it easy.” Click here to listen to "you found it easy!" The instrumentation of this song is really upbeat despite being about a breakup. It is a mix of guitar, drums and occasional dreamlike synths. One of OAKLND’s musical inspirations is British pop band, The 1975. All of these elements do a good job of emulating their sound. As for the lyrics, they illustrate a great war of emotions. On the one hand, OAKLND wants to be okay with the breakup with lines like “cause we both know that this was never perfect.” On the other hand, he’s obviously sad as he says “cause I still see your pictures, I know that I’ll miss it.” Ultimately, the latter wins with the words “hate that your friends say you’re finding it easy.” In other words, it’s going to take a little more time for him to get over the breakup, and that’s okay! It’s a testament to the phrase: “time heals all wounds.” OAKLND is a singer/songwriter from the United Kingdom. His first single of 2023, “you found it easy,” has garnered praise from many outlets. It was featured on Spotify’s “New Music Friday UK” and “Fresh Finds” playlists. The song was also BBC’s Introducing Track of the Week. OAKLND’s craft consists of creating dreamy West Coast pop. If you want to hear more of him, I recommend his 2022 single, “guess ur doing fine.” It has a more relaxed vibe than “you found it easy.” The instrumentation embodies his dreamy sound. The lyrics also talk about trying to get past a breakup. I enjoyed reviewing OAKLND’s music! Follow all his socials down below to learn more about him and stay up-to-date on new music! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW OAKLND

Photo: Reneé Rapp via reneerapp.com Last month, Reneé Rapp released her debut album, Snow Angel, and this record is perhaps one of the best pop projects of 2023. It took me a few weeks to find time to sit down and listen to the album, but it was definitely worth the wait. After seeing people post about it on social media, the album art caught my eye and I had heard snippets of the third single, “Pretty Girls.” I had never engaged in any of Rapp’s previous work, whether television, Broadway, or her 2022 EP, so I went into this album completely blind. After listening to it two times through, I decided I needed to get my thoughts out on this remarkable, skipless album. The 12-track record takes listeners on a journey of heartache, sorrow, and life as a young woman in her 20s. Through melancholic ballads and high-energy anthems, Snow Angel exceeds expectations as absolute pop perfection. TRACKLIST— Talk Too Much I Hate Boston Poison Poison Gemini Moon Snow Angel So What Now The Wedding Song Pretty Girls Tummy Hurts I Wish Willow 23 Reneé Rapp is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Prior to her music debut in 2022, Rapp was well-recognized for her role as Regina George on the Broadway musical production of Mean Girls, as well as her role as Leighton Murray in the Max series, The Sex Lives of College Girls. The singer was already making waves in the theater world before even graduating high school, winning prestigious awards at regional and national award shows. This captured the attention of musical theater tastemakers, leading to her being cast as one of the lead roles in Mean Girls on Broadway. Due to the pandemic, the show was shut down and it was later announced that it will not be reopening. However, Rapp will be reprising her role in the movie adaption, Mean Girls: The Musical. After releasing her debut EP, Everything to Everyone, the artist went on a sold-out U.S. tour that required her to add additional dates to cities and upgrade venues. She recently kicked off the Snow Hard Feelings tour, supported by Snow Angel producer, Alexander 23, and Towa Bird. Tour dates are attached at the bottom of this page. “Talk Too Much” Rapp kicked off her debut album in the most perfect way. From the very first note of “Talk Too Much,” I instantly knew this was going to be an incredible record. The deep bassline and the pop-rock elements is not only the perfect album opener, but I could also easily imagine the track as a captivating concert starter. With the catchy earworm melody that has been playing in my head since my very first listen, Rapp proves that she knows exactly how to capture the listeners attention. With lyrics such as “I’m here again talking myself out of my own happiness// I’ll make it up till I quit” and the infectious hook “I think I talk too much,” Rapp immediately this the listener with a highly relatable track, introducing them to the theme of Snow Angel. Furthermore, the talking bit in the background during the bridge is best heard through headphones as the singer divulges her inner thoughts. The words explode out of her mouth as she is literally talking herself out of her own happiness. “Talk Too Much” is an ingenious track that perfectly sets up the entire album. “I Hate Boston” The second track slows down the album to a melancholic heartbreak ballad. “I Hate Boston'' explores the aftermath of a relationship, when a particular place reminds you of your former partner. For Rapp, the entire city of Boston brings up these painful memories. Through her detailed lyricism, the singer eloquently describes her daunting experience. Boston is a big city, full of historic places and tourist traps. And yet, it only evokes memories from her relationship. In the chorus, Rapp sings: “How’d you make me hate Boston?// It’s not its fault// That you don’t love me// Had its charm but it lost it//It’s not its fault.” This then leads to my favorite line of the song: “Just a casualty// And casual’s the way you chose to leave.” This line is a clever play-on-words that shows just what she meant to her partner, and just how devastating this heartbreak is. As a lover of sad-girl pop, Rapp immediately knocks it out of the park with her first slow ballad of the project. “Poison Poison” Rapp turns the energy back up for the lighthearted, yet cynical track “Poison Poison.” The singer exposes a toxic person and their terrible behavior through sarcastic lyrics and infectious melodies. With the clever hook, Rapp tells this person that they are so toxic that they have the ability to “poison poison.” Their personality is so awful, that they could make something lethal even that much worse. Paired with the bouncy, light production, the track is an instant mood booster despite the bitter lyrics. At the end of the song, Rapp has talking bits where she giggles while cursing out this toxic person, ending the song on a humorous note. Rapp does not take herself too seriously with this track, proving that the artist can go from serious topics like those found in upcoming tracks “Snow Angel” and “I Wish,” to cheeky subjects found in this one. “Gemini Moon” “Gemini Moon” flips the script from Rapp being the heartbroken to the heartbreaker. After falling out from a relationship, the singer wrote the track as a way to express her guilt. She knew she did not treat her partner in the way they deserved. While still mourning this lost love, Rapp realized that the moon was in Gemini. This led to the brilliant astrology ballad we have now. She describes the inconsistent lover she was, from being head-over-heels one day to being completely unattached the next. In the chorus she sings, “I bet you’re sick of it// I could blame the Gemini moon// But really I should just be better to you.” Rapp knows that she has an out by blaming the sun, the stars, and the moon. But instead, she admits that in the end astrology cannot be at fault and that she needed to be a better partner. This heart-wrenching ballad paints Rapp in a unique light that many artists avoid— that sometimes they are the problem. We aren’t perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Rapp recognizes this in herself and admits when she is wrong, making “Gemini Moon” one of her best written tracks. “Snow Angel” “Snow Angel” is Rapp’s most vulnerable track on the album, written about a deeply traumatic event from her past. The singer has discussed this experience in previous interviews, so for the sake of respect and not wanting to tell the story wrong, I will not go into further detail. Overall, the song discusses the betrayal of her so-called friends and a deep metaphor for cocaine addiction. It is hauntingly beautiful, with grim lyrics that showcase this dark place the singer was once in. The song immediately kicks off with one of my favorite lines from the album: “First to arrive, last time leave// What’s misery without company?” This line indicates that she puts more effort and time into her friendships and relationships than they do. As she continues through the song, she alludes to these friends leaving her lonely while she needed someone the most. Addiction is scary and it’s an impossible battle with one’s self. Rapp eloquently describes this internal struggle with deep, poignant lyrics, utilizing winter and snow imagery to articulate it. The singer brings this battle to life with not only the lyrics, but the production as well. The song starts off slow with a delicate piano riff and soft harmonies but by the end the instrumentation is booming, nearly blowing out the speakers, personifying Rapp’s fight to break free. As the lead single for the album, “Snow Angel” is perhaps the best written track on the album due to its ability to navigate through complex human thoughts and experiences. “So What Now” “So What Now” contains a soothing, nearly soulful production that beautifully complements the wistful lyrics. The acoustic guitar led track guides the listener through the aftermath of a lost romance, in which Rapp wonders what would happen if she ran into her ex-partner. The song kicks off with Rapp softly singing: “If I’m missing calls I’m gonna cry” twice, before a high register “cry!” signifies the first verse. She then begins the story by revealing that she knows her ex is back in town. Throughout the track, she asks herself what she should do now– Call them? Hope they call her? What if she runs into them on the street? Should she say hello or ignore them? These questions haunt her mind as she ponders what she should do. The relationship ended and now she is unsure how to handle living in the same social circle. She closes out the song the same way she began in, with additional cheeky ad-libbed lyrics such as: “You dumb crusty ass bitch but I think I love you” and “I might kiss you but I also might fight you.” This outro showcases the convoluted situation and emotions Rapp feels, unsure what her feelings are about the subject, making it a relatable song for her millions of listeners. “The Wedding Song” Do not let the romantic name fool you. “The Wedding Song” is a gut-wrenching ballad about what could have been. Rapp pours out her heart in the verses about a love gone wrong. One where she once thought she would get the happy ending she always dreamed of. The type of love that sweeps her off her feet and stays with her until death do them part. In the chorus, the melody and lyrics are the ingredients for a first dance song at a magical wedding. But the song could not be further from this happily ever after. The first verse immediately propels the listener into the narrative that Rapp wrote a song while she was happy in love—a song that was “timeless” like the relationship. She describes the song’s structure and tells the one she loves that it “went like this,” before bursting into the romantic chorus. In the verses, she alludes to the fact that this relationship is far gone, speaking in past tenses. It is not until the bridge that Rapp fully tears down the wall and reveals the full picture. Her partner left her all alone, mourning the loss of their love. She tells them that they have ruined this perfect love song that she will never get to play, now that they have burned it all away. This track is a clever take on a break-up song, proving once again that Rapp’s songwriting is on a whole other level. “Pretty Girls” “Pretty Girls” is Rapp’s gay-girl anthem that describes the “universal gay-girl experience.” As a proudly-out bisexual, the singer shares her personal encounters with straight girls using her for their own experiments. They claim to be straight, but with drinks in their system and the night on their side, “they got to have a taste of a pretty girl.” But come morning, they “act like it never happened.” It is a very tongue-in-cheek track about Rapp’s frustration with these girls’ nonchalant treatment towards her. However, she admits that despite this, she enjoys the attention and finds it fun. She finds that “it’s a blessing and it’s a curse.” Furthermore, Rapp goes on to imply that these girls are “just pretending” to be straight, and the reason they act this way is because they are secretly gay. In the second verse, she sings: "I like a straight-jacket// But it feels like it's a little too tight." This clever lyric is another brilliant play on words by the singer, articulating that the label "straight" is too restrictive, and sexuality is fluid. This is a plot twist that may explain their behavior and why they are wanting to experiment. It may not be true, and they may just be using Rapp, but in the end, she is just happy to get attention from a Pretty Girl. The song contains an earworm melody that plays on a loop in the audience’s mind, making it the perfect song for the third single from Snow Angel. “Tummy Hurts” Once again, Rapp slows down the album with the gut-wrenching, brutally honest track, “Tummy Hurts.” While showcasing her phenomenal vocal control, the singer exposes her ex-boyfriend and his new girl. He treated her poorly, broke her heart, and left him for another woman. In the chorus, she predicts the awful future for this new couple. The sassy, yet solemn lyrics read: “Now my tummy hurts, he’s in love with her// But for what it’s worth, they’d make beautiful babies// And raise ‘em up to be a couple of// Fucking monsters, like their mother and their father.” She ruthlessly calls them out, holding nothing back and putting them on blast. She continues with the most heart-wrenching lyric: “Eventually, 2043// Someone's gonna hurt their little girl like their daddy hurt me.” In 20 years' time, when their daughter is around Rapp’s age, she will undergo the same heartbreak that the singer was put through. Karma will come hit her ex-boyfriend, as he is left to pick up the pieces of his own daughter’s heart. The track provides a unique perspective into heartbreak, something I have never heard before in a pop song. When I heard the lyrics the first time, I was shocked and had to replay the song to ensure I heard it right. With "Tummy Hurts," Rapp once again blew it out of the park with her story-like songwriting. “I Wish” As someone who has not only lost several loved ones in their short life on this earth, but also lost their grandfather this month, “I Wish” hit a little too close to home. The song is about losing all child-like wonder and innocence when they are given the reality that death is real and it is inevitable. This song brought tears to my eyes while chills ran through my body. The very first line was like a sucker punch to the gut with the lyrics: “I was ten years old when I realized some goodbyes are forever.” When I heard this, I instantly knew what this song was going to be about. After doing research to see Rapp’s backstory, I discovered that this track was about the idea of losing her parents, who are alive and healthy. This made the track even more gut-wrenching as a woman with anxiety who constantly thinks about how she will handle losing her parents when the day finally comes. Rapp conveys these feelings eloquently with the lyrics: “How can the person who taught me to breathe take their last breath right in front of me?” This line is by far my favorite quote from the album, as it conveys such raw and vulnerable emotions. Although “I Wish” cut through me deep, it is my personal top track on Snow Angel. “Willow” Inspired by Frank Ocean and the weeping willow tree, Rapp conveys a beautiful story in “Willow.” The song is about taking someone’s pain away and wanting them to be okay. Regarding the track, Rapp revealed the song was her way of “personifying the tree” as her younger self. Although the track can be interpreted to whomever the listener prefers, the artist is singing to her younger self. In the chorus, she is telling the subject to not cry, and instead she will cry for them. The second verse shares a beautiful message with the lyrics: “Don’t have to use your own tears// Just to grow your own roots// Just keep your passion for flowers// And it’ll patch up your youth.” She encourages them to hold onto their hopes and dreams and not to rely on their past traumas. In the end, their passion will thrive and their inner child will heal. It is a sweet sentiment matched with an even sweeter production, making “Willow” the most endearing track on Snow Angel. “23” Rapp ends the melancholic, emotional rollercoaster of an album in the most flawless manner. “23” was written the day before her birthday while she was reminiscing on her previous year of life. She explores the heartache, traumas, and disappointments she has endured. She wished that by now she could play it cool and act nonchalant. But in the chorus, she sings: “So, how old do you have to be// To live so young and careless? My wish is that I cared less// At twenty-three.” She hopes she has finally hit the age of no-drama and feeling unbothered. Every year this is her wish, and she hopes that 23 is finally that year. Rapp also sneaks in a very clever reference in the first two lines of the chorus: “But tomorrow I turn twenty-three// And it feels like everyone hates me.” This is a nod to Blink-182 song, “What’s My Age Again,” where the infamous lyric, “nobody likes you when you’re 23,” is sung. It is a brilliant tribute to another great artist and perfectly fits on the self-deprecating track. Overall, Rapp ending Snow Angel with this track was an ingenious move. It wraps up the project on the note that the singer has accepted her experiences and recognizes that they are all in the past and it is time to move on. It is a new year and she has a bright future ahead of her. It is time to leave the bitterness and heartbreak behind. With “23,” Rapp closes out the track on a bittersweet note that will leave listeners waiting on edge for music from this new lease on life. As a listener that came into the album completely blind, I truly did not know what to expect. My hopes were high but due to my tendency to not always like what the general public enjoys, my expectations were low. However, Rapp completely blew it out of the park with Snow Angel. I truly believe there is not one skip on this album, which is a rare belief for me. Even the tracks that are not at the immediate top of my list are still high up there on my overall ranking from all songs released in modern years. From the high-energy, infectious tracks such as “Talk Too Much” and “Pretty Girls,” to the melancholic ballads like “I Wish” and “23,” Rapp created a sonically pleasing album that eloquently tells a cohesive story. Through heartbreak, death, and addiction, the singer shares the complex feelings of a young adult. If you have not listened yet, I implore you to sit down and listen to each track on Snow Angel in the order Rapp intended. You will not regret it. Photo: Reneé Rapp via reneerapp.com Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

We all have a dream. We all have a major goal that we want to accomplish at some point in our lives. But the journey to achieve that dream usually is a tough road to travel. “Even If It Kills Me” is the latest song by singer and songwriter, LVRBOY. It goes into the emotions that many of us experience as we work hard to make our dreams a reality. This song is raw, real, and so incredibly catchy. The message is one that I for one can strongly relate to, as I have some big dreams that right now, seem like they will never happen. The lyrics spoke true to me, and I think it’s what made me enjoy this song even more. “Even if I burnout / And it doesn’t work out / Never get the streams or the sales or the crowd to turnout.” As someone who wants to pursue a career in writing and entertainment marketing, I experience creative burnout on a regular basis. So, I could really resonate with these lyrics. Listen to "Even If It Kills Me" here! Despite the raw message behind the song, it was actually very catchy! First, I want to talk about the instrumentals, the pacing, the beat, everything. It starts off with an almost robotic and electric type of sound, but it soon evolves into something much more intense! It’s simple, and the two major sounds that I picked up on were the drums and I believe a synth or some kind of electric piano! The vocals are on point as well! LVRBOY has a very breathy and hushed voice as he sings the lyrics, but as he gets to the chorus, he lets loose an intense energy that got me excited to hear more! He has a sound very reminiscent of artists like Ed Sheeran, and I think it fits the vibe of the song well. As he likes to refer to himself, LVRBOY is a “lover, not a fighter.” Based in Nashville, Tennessee, LVRBOY began to break into the pop scene in 2019 with his song “Now That I’m Leaving.” Prior to releasing music under the name LVRBOY, he was releasing music as a country artist. Now, he writes pop songs with a deeper meaning. With lyrics that resonate with so many, LVRBOY has created shockwaves in so many. All of his songs hit hard, get me in the feels, and have me wanting more. I can’t wait to hear what he releases next. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW LVRBOY:

A picture-perfect melody is what I would use to describe the latest single by artist, Elina, as it beautifully captures that cosmic feeling of running through the countryside in the late afternoon. “Sweet Night” by Elina is a charming tune that encapsulates the unique feeling of being out in nature and understanding the harmony of it all. The song itself is in the style of a motivational anthem with a combination of passionate lyricism and Elina’s gentle voice. Her vocal performance throughout the track is consistent and emotional which makes the song much more genuine. “Sweet Night” gets stuck in your head and quickly becomes the tune you play on repeat during those long late-night drives. In the beginning, the song starts off as a simple acoustic track with just a gentle guitar and Elina’s singing. From the start, the lyrics capture the attention of listeners as they create a cinematic atmosphere. A wonderful thing about the song is that it builds up to perfectly display the emotional growth within the lyrics. What’s nice about this buildup is it feels very organic and not forced at all. The chorus is where we get to hear Elina’s singing shine the most and she truly does have a beautiful voice that matches the aesthetic of the “Sweet Night.” I particularly enjoyed the background harmonies in the post-chorus as they create a nice transition into verse two. The bridge really makes you want to sing along loudly as it has a powerful energy to it. Overall, Elina has done an excellent job with “Sweet Night” as it is a gorgeous track that feels like it belongs in any movie soundtrack. Elina is an artist from Sweden who has started off working in the industry as a songwriter, working on songs for big-name artists. Her songwriting has earned her recognition as she has been nominated and won awards in songwriting competitions. She is heavily influenced by artists from the 60s and 70s such as Joni Mitchell and The Mamas & The Papas, but she still has a lot of unique and personal style in her work. Her song “Sweet Night” is the third single she has released for her upcoming debut album, “Whatever Happens Now,” which is set to be released October 27th. Elina is an artist who stands out and inspires with her work, and she is definitely an artist you should give a listen to. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW ELINA: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Everyone strives to hold onto cherished memories, but inevitably, our minds tend to remove the details from our memories overtime, leaving us frustrated. Happy memories bring us joy when we revisit them, but once they start to fade and eventually vanish, we feel a sense of emptiness. " Memories " by Liam Barrack expresses his desire to remember the joyful moments of a relationship, to find that joyful feeling again, and his frustration with the memory slowly fading from his mind. This song also dives into some of his mistakes and regrets, while revealing his realizations and ways he's working on them. All relationships have their highs and lows, but with Liam's relationship, he's cherishing the good memories while acknowledging what could've been done better. In this catchy pop tune that’ll have you grooving along, Liam expresses his desire to recapture the feeling of happiness that he once had in a relationship. This nostalgic feeling is one he wants to cherish forever - a feeling that brings him back to his favorite memories of a certain time in his life. However, he finds it a little challenging to hold onto this memory, which then prompts him to try and make every effort to cling onto it: “ Fuck my brain cause it fails to hold all the memories of you .” He wants to find this feeling again and asks, “ Where do I get happy. Show me where the line starts and I’ll stand .” The thought of this person brings him comfort: “ All the warmth I need is from your hands .” Along with this, he acknowledges his past mistakes in this relationship, as well as some regrets. Now, he’s reflecting on ways he’s trying to improve himself, with one being that he should have changed the course of his life for this person. He now sees that if he took better care of himself, then this would have allowed him to be a better partner for them too: “ It’s time I changed the path I’m on, cause I will for you. ” Liam Barrack is a Canadian indie-pop singer and songwriter. “ Memories ” is 1 of 4 songs from his new EP “ Sines and Symptoms ”, which was just released a week ago on September 13th. The other 3 songs included are “ Sick Kisses ,” “ Bulletproof ,” and “ Tryin’ .” He has graduated from Bishop’s University in Quebec, and during his time there, he majored in Music and Computer Science. He currently has 7,979 monthly Spotify listeners, with his top track being “ Sick Kisses ” that has surpassed 100,000 streams. Follow Liam on his journey with the links below, and check out “ Memories ” out now on all streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW LIAM BARRACK:

Aliana Lohan once again has proven that she is a remarkable artist with a keen ability to capture real, authentic human emotions. With her latest single, “Armor,” the singer shares her journey of breaking away from toxicity and empowering herself to move on. Throughout the song, the lyrics disclose a one-sided relationship where Lohan opens her heart to her partner. Meanwhile, they could not care less about her and take advantage of her love. With the very first verse, Lohan dives into this heartbreaking notion with the lines: “All I wanted was to be taken// All I wanted was to feel something more// All I wanted was to hear you say, 'I’m the one.'” In the pre-chorus, she continues to illustrate her sorrow before she tells them she has finally accepted the only option left—she must leave them. Her empowering chorus reveals that despite this grief, she knows that she will make it out alive and that this is for the best. She wears her “jacket as her armor” to guard her heart and protect her from the emotional demons. The second verse divulges further into the grim plot, where not only was her partner not fully committed, but that they were in lust—not love. Lohan sings, “In your eyes you’re full of desire// But that isn’t love.” This further emphasizes that leaving this person was in her best interest and regardless of her deep love for them, it was not returned in the way she deserves. “Armor” lifts the spirits of listeners and encourages them to break free from the toxic cycles they are stuck in and to wear their armor proudly. With only a handful of singles under her belt, Lohan has already perfected her craft. “Armor” is absolute pop-perfection with a high-energy production paired with the empowering lyrics. The song kicks off with a clean muted guitar that utilizes heavy reverb. The notes are played staccato, revealing the punchy rhythm found through the rest of the track. Lohan’s compelling vocals introduce the first verse with a slight echo while the beat makes its entrance. The production continues to build in the pre-chorus where the synth bass and significant percussion are heard, preparing the listener for the explosion into the chorus. The production then takes a unique spin by enhancing the upbeat energy with an electronica vibe. While the bass and percussion remain, the keyboard becomes more prominent as it guides the background. This energetic atmosphere is made to get listeners dancing and having a great time. The production maintains a steady structure throughout the next verse and pre-chorus. While the second chorus overall remains the same, additional vocal effects are added to bring a new dynamic to the song. When the listener reaches the bridge, they are propelled into the song’s climax with volume swells that make them float away with the production. A subtle build guides them back into the final energetic chorus. Lohan’s vocals close out the song with intense effects that pierce through the listener’s soul, leaving them with a lasting scar to remind them of this infectious pop anthem. Aliana Lohan is a singer, songwriter, model, and actress. She has been in the music industry for over a decade but has recently rebranded her music and sound to match her current style. In 2021, she released the first of her new era of music with her single, “Without You.” Then on her birthday in 2022, she released the follow-up single, “Already Home.” “Armor” marks her second single of 2023 and fourth overall, following her previous release, “All Around Me.” Her musical inspiration ranges between artists such as Pat Benatar, Celine Dion, and Cyndi Lauper with a mix of influences from Taylor Swift and Pink. With a combination of “catchy rhythms and soulful sounds,” Lohan’s style has often deemed her as an “old soul,” making her music timeless and unforgettable. Aside from her music career, Lohan also has acting credits to her name. Most recently, she starred alongside her sister, Lindsay Lohan, in the 2022 Netflix Original Holiday Rom-Com, Falling for Christmas. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW ALIANA:

It’s a special kind of torture being a girl. Natasha Hunt Lee wants everyone to know this in her latest single “UGLY” which is all about the multiple viewpoints that women are consumed through. Within the spaces that they exist, they are sexualized, platonified, worshipped, and neglected; in what Lee describes as a “female hell square,” “UGLY” captures the struggle of what it means to float in the middle of these definitions. You’ll stare at yourself in the mirror and just want to break it, set her free, but somehow always be beholden to how other people picture you. “UGLY” is just that: being trapped, and feeling ugly because of it, even though you know you’re not. “UGLY” begins with a chorus of hums as they slowly fade into Lee’s vibrant vocals. The song is fun and upbeat, with the chorus being my favorite part as the synth bobs up-and-down along with Lee’s beautifully swaying voice; there’s something about the way she sings with this electrifying voice that seems to spark the entire song with personality. She remains sprightly yet loathing, as it’s a pop song, but the lyrics are rather heavy and angry. As the chorus goes, “I’m stuck in the mirror,” which remains a repeating motif throughout the song; there’s a level of frustration that exists within "UGLY", emphasizing how confined women feel inside the neatly packed boxes that society has shoved them into. No matter how they’re consumed, and how it affects them, they’ll always be left with the feeling of being small, ugly, and trapped. It’s extremely commendable what Lee is revealing with her music in such an industry that is notorious for commodifying women– and with such a catchy song, too! Natasha Hunt Lee is a rising singer-songwriter whose music is moody, personable, and super relatable. While she had always loved music as a child, that love became a real passion when she was attending New York University; now, that love for music has become her career. Her debut single released in 2021, entitled “Fancy Night,” and her debut album “The End of the World!” dropped in 2022. Lee’s music is a culmination of all things pop– energetic beats with poetic songwriting that connects people together. “UGLY” is her latest release– a perfect representation of what it feels like to be a woman in that terrible, horrible liminal space in between everyone’s point of view. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW NATASHA HUNT LEE: