It's evident, from the belting chorus to the all-caps stylization of the title, that Bentley Robles and LEXXE not only desire dance-floor liberation on their collaborative, latest single — they demand it. "I JUST WANNA DANCE!" is truly lightning in a bottle, finding the two artists reaching new heights. Immediately notable is the exquisite blending of Robles and LEXXE's voices; together, their thick vocals over impish melody make for an irresistible, sweet-and-sour combination. At times, it sounds as though they're the singular voice of ecstasy. The strength of their performances is only amplified by the exquisite dance pop production. Producer Florio provides the duo a springboard of glossy synths to soar off of. Hints of disco and 80's-pop course through the veins of "I JUST WANNA DANCE," lending it the vivifying glory of Cher, Sky Ferreira, and Kylie Minogue. All tied together with a music video as colorful and high-energy as the music? Yes please! "Can't chain me, I've made up my mind," Robles smirks in the pulsing first verse. The club is rendered as an altar for freedom, fun, and authenticity. By releasing their inhibitions and reservations, the two discover their truest selves in the strobing lights, booming speakers, and intoxicating drinks. It's true dance-floor worship (even referring to "heaven in a Saturday night") in the tradition of disco classics. They playfully capture the way dancing can make one feel like the center of everything. "Pop star at the party, I'm a dancing queen; can't you hear the way that they scream?" Through the sweaty bliss of "I JUST WANNA DANCE!" Robles and LEXXE exemplify why nightlife remains a powerful epicenter for queer joy. It's the place where one might feel truly free. With a sophomore EP on the way, Bentley Robles is preparing to once again attain career heights in 2023. The project, set to release later this fall, features prior singles "HOPE U CRY" and "SIDE EFFECTS." The New York artist has been constantly shattering expectations since his debut in 2019. With "I JUST WANNA DANCE!" Robles and LEXXE sought to highlight the queer euphoria at the heart of both their music through anthemic dance-pop. In her solo music, LEXXE is a master of dance-pop both dazzling and dark. With experience in Long Island's artistic underground, from dance to punk, she imbues her music with the diverse and refreshing layers to her experience. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW Bentley Robles: FOLLOW LEXXE:

I try to avoid talking about myself whenever possible. Biographies usually stay unwritten, I’m somehow always “sick” for introductions, and I tend to seek out work that lets me discuss or review other people. It’s difficult to talk about myself sometimes because I unfortunately have more burdens to bear than pleasantries to revel in. Over time, I’ve gotten better about discussing some of those burdens. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be ready to openly discuss the burden Scharliina shares with listeners in her latest single. In “Pieces of me”, Scharliina concentrates on recovering from and surviving child sexual abuse - transforming this burden into an empowering art-form. “Pieces of me” is an anthem of solidarity for those who have survived child sexual abuse and exploitation. The contemporary single is a source of artistic healing that serves as support for survivors through a shared effort with the organization, Protect Children. Scharliina opens the song by disclosing that she is a fellow survivor; and understands how “parts of” you can feel lost years after such a traumatic experience has taken place. In particular, these “distant pieces” of your identity can feel “lost at sea”. Lost at sea is a common idiom and in this context it’s also meant to be a double entendre. While these pieces of ourselves can quite literally feel adrift, the absence of them can also leave us confused about how to move forward. Especially when the opportunity to know and become familiar with these aspects of ourselves was stolen from us. Or as Scharliina so eloquently phrases it in the chorus, we never “learned to love” these very aspects. It’s difficult to love ourselves fully and unconditionally when we feel so incomplete. This is why we still “seek” out these missing pieces in our separate journeys of healing. But healing is never linear: healing from trauma feels more akin to an upward spiral. Scharliina remarks in the third verse that she’s “still up some nights thinking back to all those times [she] felt weak”, and this is because traumatic events tend to be processed cyclically. In other words, we’re continuously revisiting these upsetting experiences as we’re healing. And I know that sounds terrifying, but this process allows us to be more empathetic and kind to ourselves. By doing so, we’re building up our resilience - we're “reaching out” to our inner-self to rightfully reclaim the pieces of our identity that “belong to” us. If you find yourself in the same boat as me, though, “Pieces of me” will be waiting to help us persevere when we’re ready to talk about our shared burden. Scharliina Eräpuro, known creatively as Scharliina, possesses many talents and a heart of gold. The Finnish-Swedish singer-songwriter also produces, acts, models, and even plays the piano. Before becoming an independent artist in 2021 with her debut single “Running”, Eräpuro was one half of the Swedish pop-duo Lightworkers. Fans might recognize Scharliina from various commercials, shows, and films, too. The most recent being The Miss Soumi (2023); the national beauty pageant to determine who will be the next Miss Finland. Eräpuro was a fan favorite and nabbed a spot for herself as one of the pageant’s finalists. Outside of the world of entertainment, Eräpuro is an inspiring activist devoted to raising awareness about child abuse. The artist founded the Little Girl Project: a non-profit organization that campaigns for positive change and support for children who have survived sexual violence. Eräpuro has also become the first ambassador for Protect Children: an Helsinki-based nonprofit that advocates for sexually abused and exploited children internationally. Half of the royalties made from “Pieces of me” will go towards Protect Children’s initiative to fund different projects that directly aid survivors. The best way to support Scharliina and her goals is to stream the recent single in addition to showing her some virtual love through likes and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW SCHARLIINA:

Eva Snyder's "voldemort" comes as the third single off her debut album, seventeen. The title of the song is a direct reference to the main antagonist in the Harry Potter franchise: Lord Voldemort. The track was entirely created by women, which was important to Snyder based on the context of it. The song is about having such a traumatic experience with someone that you do not say their name anymore. It holds too much power, too much pain. In a similar manner, everyone in the Harry Potter franchise refused to say Voldemort's name after he caused mass destruction. It is a poignant, vulnerable track that will resonate deeply if you have ever experienced trauma at the hands of another. Here in "voldemort," Snyder's soft vocals dive deep into the aftermath of her traumatic experience with a boy. She starts the track with, "Stuck in the summer / Right where you left me," as she showcases her powerful ability to tell a story in her music. She tackles feelings of hurt, crossed boundaries, and helplessness. These emotions are brought out with lyrics like "I don't know what hurts more / The thought of me or my clothes on your floor" and "But I can't regret it / I didn't want it in the first place." These lyrics allude to a serious traumatic experience, even more depicted with the lines, "You left me without a pulse / I take a breath but only by force." With each heartfelt lyric, Snyder captures her experiences, but also gives listeners a space to consider their own trauma. The main message of refusing to say this person's name anymore because of what they've done is both heart-wrenching and empowering -- she refuses to let them occupy more space in her thoughts and in her life. It is a track that everyone should give a listen to. Eva Snyder is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter that takes influence from her ties to both Massachusetts and San Francisco in crafting her indie pop sound. Her debut album, seventeen, is one of the rare few projects that have been created entirely by a group of women. Perhaps one of the most vulnerable tracks I've heard lately, "voldemort" is an honest account of the aftermath of a traumatic experience. If you have ever been assaulted, traumatized, or so deeply hurt by someone that just their name brings back all those memories and pain, Snyder has put into words those feelings in her latest single. If this song caught your interest, make sure to check out her social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW EVA SNYDER:

Long-distance relationships can be challenging and awkward. It is being with someone while not physically being with them. The issues that arise from these relationships are explored in Maria Lane's newest single, "35 days;" a solemn, stripped-back indie-folk song exploring the complications of dating someone whose presence is only through a phone. Lane illustrates a range of emotions: neediness, guilt, isolation, longing--all of which come with having a partner so far away. Lines like "I'll admit I've been a little codependent / so I pull away cause I don't need you to see / that I need you" exemplify the relatably contradictory feelings and actions love can bring out of us. Yet the refrain, "It's just 35 days," brings a hopefulness to the track. The verses represent the worst fears, while the chorus is a soothing reminder for oneself. "35 days" is a gentle track that demonstrates Maria Lane's singer-songwriter capabilities. In a letter posted to Instagram, Lane writes about the making of "35 days." "I wanted it to feel like a summer song," she remarks, "my guitar sad but upbeat summer song." The track certainly captures this "sad-but-upbeat" sound. For as melancholy as "35 days" is, there is also a pacifying warmness. It feels reminiscent of a Jack Johnson cut--maintaining a gentle mellowness that still evokes the fiery emotions Lane writes of. The simple acoustic guitar-heavy instrumental allows for Lane's vocals to shine. She sings with a soft, powerful inflection. Her quiet performance emotes the track's narrative while maintaining its comforting sound. "35 days" is a song made for a Sunday morning drive, that also hits close to home for those who can relate. Maria Lane is a Brooklyn-based indie singer-songwriter. Her debut album, "maybe i'll feel better," was released in November of 2022. The LP's seventh track, "crying in a cvs," has currently amassed over 6000 streams on Spotify. Her TikTok and Twitter handle "sadbrunettegirl" characterizes the type of music Lane makes: expressive, universal ballads on themes of heartbreak, romance, and sadness. Like, come on, she has a song called "crying in a cvs"--Who hasn't been there? Her music is akin to the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Olivia Rodrigo. "35 days," along with the rest of her discography is available to listen to on streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW MARIA:

The dating streets are cold and lonely. To put it simply; there’s too many Kens and not enough Allans. For those out of the Barbie loop: in modern dating, Ken embodies pseudo-daters while Allan embodies the daters willing to jump feet first into a connection. Ken wants all the perks of a romantic relationship without the responsibility or commitment. Whereas Allan is deliberate with his actions and intentions - especially when it comes to the people he cares about regardless of the connection’s nature. Allan is the ideal package, but Ken is unfortunately what’s being delivered nowadays. In Estella Dawn’s latest single, “Funny Bones”, the songstress perfectly encapsulates the disappointment with opening up a Ken-sized parcel when you were hoping for an Allan. “Funny Bones” is the unsuccessful dater’s anthem because it vents the universal frustrations with the current state of dating. Long-term, long-distance, low-commitment casual dating is the norm when it shouldn’t be. Dawn knows this is a tender subject for most and that’s why she eases listeners into the opening verses with delicate piano notes. These verses summarize how romantic connections tend to unfold and repeat in modern dating: we’re lured in with a sense of cosmic familiarity only to find it was a facade to “get [us] naked”. Even though we promise ourselves that this’ll be the “last cigarette”, another always appears in the pack to burn us like the last. After getting burnt so many times, we start to become “Mrs. Funny Bones” - numb and desensitized to the overall experience of dating. But this numbness never dulls the anguish experienced with the next inevitable burn - a sentiment Dawn fervently expresses in the chorus. It feels as though the only consistency we can expect from the world of dating is disappointment and a plethora of excuses. Dawn even notes some of the common excuses we’ve all heard at some point; from “it’s not you, it’s me” to my personal favorite, “I met somebody else”. Her vocal prowess beams in the song’s bridge, though. Here our artist showcases the resilient spirit we all project despite the ever-mounting letdowns; forever wishing the person before us is the one until they prove otherwise. Estella Dawn never ceases to handle unspoken matters of the heart with the utmost care and emotional awareness, with “Funny Bones” being a prime example of this. My unsolicited advice: let Dawn’s music be your nicotine patch until an Allan is delivered to your doorstep. Estella Dawn‘s talents are no stranger to Pop Passion. The native New Zealander is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist currently residing in San Diego, California. But most importantly, Dawn is taking music to new heights. With her genre-flexibility and lyricism that pinpoints the undercurrents of life that most stay tight-lipped about - it’s no surprise the artist is steadily rising to become pop’s latest and newest icon. Not to mention her undying compassion to churn out singles with incredible speed for listeners to get wrapped up in. This year alone, Dawn’s released seven singles and three remixes. Other songs to check out from the songstress are “Cotton Candy”, “Easy To Fall”, and “Vixen”. Ultimately, this is an artist determined to establish a timeless connection with listeners, and her efforts are not going unnoticed. If you’ve enjoyed Dawn’s anthem as much as I have, show the artist some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW ESTELLA DAWN:

3…2…1… Blast off with Alexa Perez's new single "Rocketship". After making a name for herself, Alexa has fans over the moon again for "Rocketship". Taking us on a journey, Alexa guides the song by exploring how the world will keep moving, but it is hard to continue to move forward. Her lyrics, "Something brought us together, I say it’s fate, You say it might be true. As the world keeps on turning. I'll keep on turning back to you" speaks to this sense of motion that we can see in any relationship. Going in circles and trying to see the pattern. She tells this story of what-ifs and how fate can really be there for you someday. This song starts off with a countdown to set the scene, immediately followed by a powerful beat leading into Alexa's voice. "Rocketship" balances a steady beat with her alluring vocals and stunning synths. As we enter orbit, the chorus, it seems as if we are melting into the sound of her voice with each word. Just as Alexa is entering the indie pop sphere, we are able to follow her on this journey through "Rocketship". Each second of this song adds to this story, building off of one another. By the end of the song, we can begin to hear this lovely layer build up in Alexa's voice. Alexa Perez started her career as a songwriter in Huntsville, Alabama. Since then, she has changed her direction more towards the indie pop sphere. She crafts her songs with a diary-entry approach that her fans can relate to. "Rocketship," her fourth release, shows Alexa is making a name for herself, by staying in tune with herself as well as her fans. With her impeccable songwriting skills, Alexa will continue to grow her fanbase and discography; you won’t want to miss what she releases next! Stream "Rocketship" today and remember not to get lost in space listening to her voice. Written By Cate Schnoebelen FOLLOW ALEXA PEREZ: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

There tends to be an overarching theme in high school movies, and sometimes just generally in life. The nerd falls for the popular girl, knowing the chances he can have her are low. That’s the basic premise behind “Prom Queen,” a song created under the collaboration of artists Mykyl and Gabe Issac. Honestly, this song is awesome. It has a lot of really cool elements to it. I think one of its strongest components, though, are the lyrics. “I see you in the hallway/But I'm too shy to say hello/Left flowers by your driveway/It sucks that you might never know.” It’s relatable, but it’s also catchy! I could talk for hours about my love for songs that use a synth. “Prom Queen” definitely did not disappoint with its use of it. It gave the song an 80s vibe, and I think it’s what really pushed it over the edge for me. As much as the drums and guitar sound great in this song, it's the synth that really gets to shine. Another thing I loved was, to put it bluntly, the vocals. It echoed often, which I feel gave the song a strong edge. I’m obsessed with everything about this song. Mykyl is a songwriter and producer from Nashville, Tennessee. He has been making music since 2020, and has even interned and collaborated with bands such as The Killers and Imagine Dragons! Gabe Issac is an independent pop artist from Seattle, Washington. His debut single, “Wait!”, released in 2020. Issac says that with his music, he wants to “make people’s day brighter.” Well, I can 100 percent say that my day has been brightened listening to “Prom Queen.” Go give the song a listen, I promise you’re going to really enjoy it. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW MYKYL: FOLLOW GABE ISSAC:

This song, “LA’s Not Home” by Cole Redding, highlights perfectly how it feels when you feel like you don’t belong. That isolating sense of being the one who’s left out, trying so hard to fit in but not reaching the mark. Written while hiding in a bathroom at his first LA party, Redding wrote this song as a metaphor for life, trying to tell people to stop worrying so much about what others think about you and to just live your life and be who you are. Everyone has been through something like this, whether it was back in school or somewhere in your life now, when you try to turn yourself into something you’re not so you can feel accepted by the world around you. People who try to change you don’t deserve you in the first place, but don’t forget that someone out there will love you for exactly who you are, and you should love yourself too! “LA’s Not Home” is an alternative/pop rock track, meshing strumming guitar, an upbeat melody, and poignant lyrics to create a song you immediately want to put on repeat. The song starts with that strumming guitar, pulling you in with the soft rhythm and the lyrics that catch your attention with their simplicity and their depth, with lines such as “What if I’m not good enough” and “I was just another one.” The emotions draw you further into the song, and by the time the beat picks up, you’re hooked. The melody in the chorus picks up speed and intensity, keeping a bouncy backing for the more intense vocals and lyrics, with Redding emotionally belting out lines like “We all know that all of us are really just surviving.” The song repeats the pattern for the next verse and chorus, before dropping down to keep the tension in the bridge and exploding for one last chorus before wrapping it all up. Cole Redding perfectly balances the vocals and the melody to keep the pace running smooth and to create a song that compels you to sing along! Cole Redding is an Indie and Pop Rock singer/songwriter, who’s ready to take the pop world by storm. He has a unique, upbeat sound with compelling melodies and lyrics that can be compared to other artists such as Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Taylor Swift. Perfect for if you’re in a mood to chill or if you’re in a mood to dance, his music will make you want to relax and sing your heart out at the same time! He released his first single, “Dying 4 Love”, earlier this year on May 19th, and is continuing his journey into the music world with this newest single, “LA’s Not Home.” We can’t wait to see where he goes from here! Follow him with the links below to see what his music takes you next! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW COLE REDDING:

Because we’re human beings, there will always be moments when we need someone to watch out for and make sure no harm comes our way. In Eva Westphal’s latest single, “Adult,” she provides an anthem for standing tall and protecting those who can’t protect themselves. Her deeply moving song paints vivid images and makes listeners feel warm and safe. Westphal expresses that she wrote this song as a way to go back to her younger self and protect her from what she knows now as an adult. The song is beautiful, and it does excel in creating a safe ambiance for listeners to feel safe and protected. “Adult” by Eva Westphal is certainly a spectacular artist as she is a true talent who deserves to be heard. The song keeps it simple with the instruments. The lyrics may not be complex, but they work better this way as they allow for crystal-clear images of the speaker caring for the person they are singing to. All the images presented in the song are sweet, such as making them breakfast or walking them to the bus. They may not seem like serious situations but that’s the point. We all need some level of support even if it’s for the most insignificant situations. Westphal has such a warm voice, and it really sells the song. Her voice, along with the background harmonies makes perfect the experience of the song and it makes you want to listen forever. Overall, “Adult” really shows off the level of Talent Eva Westphal has and how much love and devotion she puts into her work. Eva Westphal is an artist currently based in New York. She began writing music at the young age of 13 and has been writing ever since. She has many big-name influences, such as Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, Boygenius, and more, yet she is able to take that influence and make it her own unique musical style. She shows a strong passion for helping people through her art, she especially hopes her music can resonate with the LGBT+ community to find the safe space they need. Through her music, we can see how wonderful of a character Eva Westphal is and how dedicated she is to her craft. If you want someone real and special, check out more of Eva Westphal. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW EVA WESTPHAL: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Rising pop star Lo Lauren just released her latest single, “Only One on Earth.” The song has a captivating presence with an uplifting sound and has a glittery music video to pair. “Only One on Earth” has an overarching theme of being faced with rejection when you share your feelings with someone. She starts off the song by saying she lost a guy but he wasn’t even hers, since he left after she confessed her feelings. Lo says that she wouldn’t call it love, but she wants to be cared about and thought of. In the chorus of the song, she sings about how she feels that everyone is in a relationship like they’re in a fairytale. She knows that she’s not the only person out there who’s single, but she wants to know “when’s it gonna be [her] turn?” Lo wants to know about all the aspects of being in love, and says she can be their “only one on Earth.” In the second verse, she goes back to the situation with the guy, saying she thought he was a good one when he gave her his coat. Lo thought that was a sign, so she’s criticizing herself for confessing her feelings. She asks herself “why did I mess it up”, and she says that she’s embarrassed. Then in the bridge, she says “I’m a fool waiting for love,” but she says love will come if she could keep it cool. But she wants to know how she can do that and brings it back to the catchy chorus one more time. The production on “Only One on Earth” is best described as modernly elegant. With classic synths and an upbeat feel, this is an incredibly catchy pop song. This song is filled with synths, such as a piano synth and a bass synth, it adds a modern and fun vibe. “Only One on Earth” is that perfect song to grab your hairbrush microphone and dance around in your room. Lo’s vocals are what makes this song truly elegant. She has an incredible voice that perfectly fits the vibe and the lyrics. Speaking of her lyrics, they’re introspective and vivid, and Lo’s songwriting skills are showcased in this song. Her lyrics also have a great cadence, which makes the song addicting to listen to. Breaking down the production, there isn’t too much complication in the tracks. But, the quantity of tracks doesn’t always mean a quality production. “Only One on Earth” is certainly a pop anthem that is wonderfully unique. Although it may seem like Lo Lauren is a seasoned pop star, she only has two releases to her name. Lo became a BBC Radio 1 tipped artist with her debut release, “Never The One''. Another BBC presenter also gave her the honor of “Track of the Week,” and was called “Pop perfection.” She’s already amassed over 150k streams on her two releases. Lo cites her inspirations to be Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Gwen Stefani. “Only One on Earth” was written by Lauren Miles, Chris Chordz, and Andreas Hedegaard Mikkelsen and was produced by Andysocialclub and Slwmo. The music video for this song was filmed by Sam Sure and takes place on a deserted Oxford Street in Soho, London. The video perfectly matches the isolated vibe of this song. It’s easy to see that Lo Lauren will continue to raise the bar in pop music. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW Lo Lauren:

“The List'' is Grace Gachot’s latest release and it is an impactful one. A breakup anthem, “The List '' offers a screamable soundtrack to moving on. Improvement in herself, especially in relation to the ex partner she sings to is its main focus. In the way someone may write out a to-do list, she writes out rules for healing beyond the relationship. And she follows them. In simplifying her own recovery in such a way, she simplifies the impulse to self destruct and the relationship, ex partner, etc. as well. Whether it be out of spite, as her resentments towards her unfaithful ex are made clear, or out of a need to move past her old ways, she expresses a positive change. The catchy, relatable piece is exactly the positive twist needed in breakup songs. The music matches extremely well with the words, with a strong beat that lands behind each letter of the lyrics. Simple, but expertly crafted to be. But, beyond the instrumentals, there is extraordinary range offered in Grace Gachot’s voice. She starts at a base high note, using this when singing items in the list and the sentences coordinated to be straightforward. But, when there is a moment of an extended note or words, a piece of the song which continues beyond the concrete groundwork of the rest, her voice shines. She trails into high and low notes and expresses her talent beautifully. As the song goes on, it becomes more and more electric, featuring advanced audio effects that make it stand out. Over these effects, Gachot sings another rendition of her list quickly and the piece ends. Grace Gachot grew up in Spain and is now London based, focusing on creating music as she has been for years. Her songs focus mainly on her own life and experiences, finding value in vulnerability, and usually relating to fans once she offers it. This is most often in the form of love songs, but not the typical sort. One of her most popular songs for instance, “Beast & His Beauties” released in 2022, offers a twist on the usual romantic story, in which the prince truly was just a beast. The moral to her stories is often to love yourself, even amidst love for another. She’s continued this theme in “The List” which is available now on her Spotify, stream it and follow Grace Gachot below. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW GRACE GACHOT:

Garrett Kato is known for his distinctive singer-songwriter vocals and his soothing melodies, so it comes as no surprise to listeners that is latest project fully embodies the indie-folk style. Nighthawks is a six-track EP containing deep, meaningful tracks about love and loss. Kato not only sings on this project, but he also wrote and produce each track, showcasing his multi-level talent. The EP plays like a musical diary, sharing his personal experiences with the listener and giving them something to cling to when they are experiencing similar moments in their own lives, whether it be love, heartache, anxiety, or depression. With each individual track, he has created a timeless record that fans will be listening to for years. TRACKLIST Slow Motion Losing Touch Changing Never Alone feat. Elina Dumb Nowhere Garrett Kato is a Canadian-Born, Australia-based singer, songwriter, and platinum award winning producer. Since his 2018 debut, he has built an impressive discography, including three LP albums and several standalone singles. During this time, he has garnered a significant fanbase with nearly 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 106 million streams across all platforms worldwide. The singer has performed at sold-out shows with Damien Rice and Ziggy Alberts. He has also worked with several iconic Australian artists including Tones and I, Julia Stone, Riley Pearce, and more. His individual sound is a mix of indie, folk, soft-rock, and alternative, utilizing meaningful moments in his life to craft relatable lyrics. “Slow Motion” Kato kicks off the project with the melancholic track, “Slow Motion.” A soft, acoustic guitar riff introduces the song before the singer’s compelling vocals pick up, signifying the first verse. The lyrics illustrate the inevitable end of a relationship while reminiscing on the good times. Kato confesses that while he knows they are drifting apart and this will only end in a break-up, he wants to hold on as long as he can. There is no bitterness behind his voice or within the words he sings. Nevertheless, this heartache is even more painful because he sees it unfolding in real-time. In the chorus, he sings the poetic hook: “Slow motion heartache// Hate to feel like this// When it feels like this, darling.” With these lines, he reveals the unrelenting sorrow he is experiencing as he watches their love slowly slip away. “Slow Motion” is the perfect track to start the EP with, as it sets the tone for the entire project. Losing Touch” Continuing with the somber atmosphere of the EP, “Losing Touch” explores the reality of growing up and struggling with mental health. The song instantly kicks off with a delicate piano and Kato’s soothing vocals singing the opening line: “Is it just me or am I losing it.” With this simple statement, the audience is introduced to the gloomy tone of the track. As the song progresses, the production introduces additional instruments and becomes more synth-infused, tying together his iconic folk-pop sound. Throughout the track, Kato reminisces on when he was younger and life was simpler, and compares it to the hardships he faces now. The singer confesses that he is not sure who he is supposed to be and he no longer feels like himself. He is experiencing an identity crisis that is making him ponder his life decisions and everything that has brought him to this moment. In the chorus, he sings: “We were just kids out having fun// Cause it’s a lot// Ready or not// Why do we keep losing touch.” These lyrics convey a crucial message through brilliant word play. He utilizes the phrase, “ready or not,” which is commonly used by kids while playing hide-n-seek. Now as an adult, despite feeling like he has lost himself, he needs to make these important decisions—whether he is ready or not. “Losing Touch” is an ingeniously written track that showcases Kato’s infectious vocals and clever songwriting. “Changing” With “Changing,” Kato continues with the narrative about life and his purpose. However, this track has a more positive outlook on the subject. Even the production contains a more lively, optimistic energy while maintaining a classic indie-folk sound. Throughout the song, Kato explores the idea that people are not made to remain stagnant. Instead, regardless of age, people are meant to grow and learn. He accepts the fact that nobody knows exactly what they are supposed to be doing, and most people are just winging it. But that is what makes life so exciting. Change is inevitable. Change is good. With lyrics such as, “Not looking for forgiveness// But I know one day I’ll find my own” and “Feel like there’s something that’s changing in me// Don’t know exactly who I’m supposed to be,” Kato acknowledges that, while he is not perfect and he may never truly find his purpose, this is only a natural part of life. In the end, everything will work out in the way that it is supposed to and he will embrace the changes. With a beautifully composed production, “Changing” is an outstanding track that epitomizes the complexity of humanity—from the good, the bad, and the ugly. “Never Alone feat. Elina” Swedish singer-songwriter, Elina, joins Kato for the touching love song, “Never Alone.” The tender track shares the narrative of a wonderous romance filled with love, comfort, and warmth. Through sweet lyrics, the narrator reassures their partner that through the good times and the bad ones, they will always be there for them. The last line of the chorus reveals the hook: “Know that you will never be alone in the dark.” This wholesome sentiment illustrates the feeling of falling in love with someone who effortlessly makes you feel safe and loved, making “Never Alone” a flawless love song. Furthermore, the soft fingerstyle of the guitar provides an airy, romantic element that fits perfectly on any wedding playlist. Throughout the track, the artists harmonize with one another in a manner that proves their voices were made to collaborate. From the beginning of the first verse, Kato’s vocals lead the song until the end of the chorus, where Elina’s angelic vocals pick up in the background. This introduces her solo in the second verse, before the two artists are heard singing together through the remainder of the song. “Never Alone” is a beautiful track that accentuates the two artists’ individual talents and brings them together for one incredible collaboration. “Dumb” The production throughout “Dumb” has an upbeat, lively energy that fully encapsulates the feeling of summer and sunshine. With the very first note, the listener feels transported to a sunny beach with the warm breeze in their hair. The bouncy energy of the guitar is an instant mood changer, differing from the poignant lyrics from the first three tracks or the delicate production in the previous one. However, the lyrics still convey a more serious message. While keeping it lighthearted, Kato paints the picture of a sincere apology. In the first verse, he alludes to an argument with the one he loves from the night before. One where he said some things he regrets and wishes he could take back. The sentiment of the track is sweet as he continues to put in the effort to make things right by his partner. Additionally, Kato does not take himself too seriously with the cheeky music video. The video contains an amusing plotline and stars fellow artist, Kyle Lionhart. Check out the video below! “Nowhere” Kato ends the EP on a thought-provoking note with the final song, “Nowhere.” The track was written with three brothers, Joseph, Nicholas, and Timothy de la Hoyde, after they had a conversation about the effects of overconsumption of the media. The lyrics are the result of taking a step back from the complex, ever-changing world and being grateful for what you have. “Nowhere” is the perfect reminder for listeners that it is healthy to turn your phone off and be in the present. In the bridge, Kato sings, “Everything all the time// It doesn’t have to be like this// Everyone all the time// Is that why you feel like this?” These lyrics hold a vital message. With the internet always being at our fingertips, something still new to society, it makes it harder for us to disconnect. We constantly feel like we have to be online, staying up to date with the current news and trends. We constantly feel like we have to be available to everyone via text, email, or phone call. Day or night, we feel this constant tug to be on our devices, or else we will be perceived as ignorant and rude. However, Kato tells his listeners that just because this is “the norm” does not make it normal. He urges the audience to purge this need for constant consumption and to take a break from the media. With a production that teeters more on the side of soft rock than folk, “Nowhere” closes out the EP on a unique note, making the track my personal favorite from the project. Through poetic lyricism and indie-folk rock productions, Kato shares his personal experiences with immense candor. From the deep heartache in “Slow Motions” to the self-acceptance in “Changing,” Nighthawks details a vast range of different emotions and thoughts. Furthermore, his duet with Elina highlights the versatility of his vocals and ability to share the spotlight as if they were made for each other. Every track on the project was brilliantly crafted to showcase Kato’s ingenious songwriting and accentuate his outstanding vocals. Within each song, he conveys a level of truth and authenticity that audiences crave, while soothing listeners with his heavenly vocals. Overall, Nighthawks is not only a cathartic release for the artist, but also a platform in which listeners can resonate with each candid lyric, making it a flawless addition to Kato’s remarkable discography. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW GARRETT: Instagram | Website | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.