Some people are the cause of all our problems. Some people just aren't who they seem to be. Every problem seems to come back to one person and you learn the truth about your partner. At what point do you call it quits? When you’ve had enough what do you say? Big Bad Mess is a pretty good place to start. The track by Jason Myles says everything one would want to say to that constant pain in your side. Big Bad Mess gets it all off your chest and then some. The track begins with a bang. The vocals come in abruptly accompanied by the steady pace of the instrumental. The pressure builds in the background as we gain momentum for the chorus. The chorus breaks and Myles's vocals have a power behind them that is enhanced by the intensity of the upbeat instrumental. The lyrics feature a collection of similes that describe the partner Jason Myles is gearing up to leave. The record is upbeat and utilizes a melodic EDM instrumental that ties together the emotions of the song. It's all impactful and gives the sense that Jason is fed up with his lying partner. Big Bad Mess is a breakup track that places power in the hands of the person who was hurt. Jason was the one being hurt by his partner and instead of being in pain he stands strong and leaves this person with nothing but the understanding that they are the problem. Jason Myles is an Australian-born singer-songwriter. At a young age, he discovered a love for music and quickly began writing songs. By age 13 Jason was in his garage writing and recording songs constantly developing his sound. Today Jason has shared his talent with the world and we thank him for it. Each track has a different taste of a genre you wouldn't expect. He draws inspiration from many different areas of music. Crossing paths with anyone from NF to Elvis Presley in his library no one sound can define what Jason Myles does as an artist. He is unique in his sound and continues to be himself with both lyrics and instrumentals. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW JASON MYLES:

Redefining masculinity has been a constant and ongoing goal of society. The less constricted people are by the expectations of "femininity" and "masculinity," the freer they are to express their true self without the burden of shame and judgement. It's on this subject that upcoming Danish singer/songwriter ENGEL writes his latest single, "New Masculine." The fingerpicking provides a somber undercurrent to the indie-pop sound, reminiscent of Ed Sheeran and John Mayer. As ENGEL's husky vocals remark on personal and broad experiences with masculinity, the pristine productions opens up to shimmering effect. Soft distortion and hazy synth pads heighten the intensity without losing the sense of melancholy. In the excellent bridge, ENGEL's reverb-soaked vocals sing alone over quiet echoes of synth tones. While approaching the topic from a deeply personal level, "New Masculine" has a broad scope in its engagement with toxic masculinity. To fit in, ENGEL had felt the need to conform to what was expected of men. "I tried to hide the feminine," he admits on the rousing chorus. The constricting nature of gendered expectations is expressed vividly. "Don't speak up, be one of the guys, no one asked you," he rattles off like a mantra. But he's come to the realization that he won't be truly happy unless he breaks away from these principles. "I hope before I turn 27 there'll be more men that cry." The freedom to express emotions must be a shared experience. Growing up in Denmark, USA, and Australia, singer/songwriter ENGEL was constantly reintroducing himself to a new crowd. This inspired the themes of hiding one's true self to fit into the crowd in his latest single "New Masculine." Influenced by the likes of John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, James Bay, and Lauv, ENGEL leans into the most vulnerable and revealing aspects of songwriting. Since the release of his debut single "Ready For Healing (blame)" last year, the Danish artist has been preparing for the release of his debut EP by playing various venues. The project, titled "The Man Inside," will release this September. His intensely personal music combines pop and rock sounds with guitar-driven storytelling. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW ENGEL:

Katie Thorne sings “easy” for whoever is in their twenties, trying their best, or just figuring out who they are in this big, wide world. “easy” calls for love and adventure, to make space for that part of yourself that wants to take risks in spite of the consequences; being young– being a person– is about trying new things, saying “yes” even if those things may not go the way you expected them to. Backed by groovy strings and a chill beat, Thorne shows that taking the easy route is sometimes worth a shot, whether or not it's just for the experience. After all, you’re only twenty once! I think my favorite part of “easy” is just how smooth it is. It’s hard to understate the immaculately chill vibes that resonate off of every verse; coupled with Thorne’s oscillating vocals that’ll send shivers down your spine, “easy” is a sensual cocktail of soft jazz influences and indie-pop. In between each chorus and verse are soft breaths and twangy strings, really emphasizing the core message of "easy": youthful hedonism, feeling good, and having a good time– repercussions and ramifications being only a second thought. At one point, the narrator's friend acknowledges that some risks aren’t worth it, singing, “Girl, that boy got no potential/He just wanna hit and leave you in the dust and make you cry,” but that’s what being in your twenties is all about, as the narrator replies, “I’m about to risk it all for a physical high.” “easy” is a collection of experiences and freedoms and fun that you can have as a young person in a big city, alone and independent for the first time in your life, replete with a complex soundscape and tactile lyrics that pull you deep into Thorne's music. Sydney-based Australian singer-songwriter Katie Thorne is the jazziest pop powerhouse you’ll ever hear. With soft strings and a melodic voice, Thorne manages to thread the needle between indie-pop and soft, groovy jazz. In 2021 her debut single “In My Room” was released, which was followed by her 2022 single “I Hate Your Girlfriend”; both singles are also part of her 2022 debut EP “Wine Drunk.” Thorne’s music touches all the benchmarks of what it means to be young in the modern day; whether she’s singing about embracing youthful risks, online dating, or jealousy, her music is immensely relatable to everyone. “easy” is Thorne’s latest release and is a perfect August song for those warm summer nights in the city. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW KATIE THORNE:

Issy Winstanley is ready to take the world by storm with her highly anticipated debut EP, not done yet. On August 25th, the singer released the 4-track project that plays like a musical diary about her life. She aspires to create music that resonates with listeners and provides them comfort and validation. Written during the summer of 2021, the EP highlights the highs and lows in Winstanley’s life at the time, capturing her raw, authentic emotion. not done yet is the perfect soundtrack to the lives of listeners experiencing life, love, and heartache during their 20-something years. TRACKLIST for you black leather boots never have i ever shit like that Issy Winstanley is a Folk-Pop singer-songwriter from the UK. Her musical style mixes the best of country, folk, and modern-pop to create her signature sound. She takes inspiration from soft-pop artists such as Maise Peters, Lizzy McAlpine, and Griff. The artist has been creating music from a young age and began performing live when she was 13-years-old. She has performed at large festivals such as Cornbury, Lakefest, and Witcombe, as well as at well-known venues such as The Sunflower Lounge, The Hare and Hounds, and The Castle and Falcon. Now, she can be found performing throughout London at legendary spots such as Peter Jones, 26 Leake Street, and The Lucky Pig. Additionally, she has been supported by industry tastemakers such as BBC Introducing, CLOUT, Viviplay, and the South West. Prior to not done yet, Winstanley released a live cover album in 2020 entitled Lockdown: Live and three standalone singles, garnering her an impressive following before her first official project. "for you" With “for you,” Winstanley kicks off the EP with a heart-wrenching ballad about the inevitable end to a relationship. The melancholic song kicks off with an acoustic guitar riff that sets the somber atmosphere. Immediately, the listener is transported into the singer’s shoes as she paints the scene of an unfaithful partner with the opening line: “I remember waiting up for you// Came home smelling of perfume// Tell me what the hell to do.” As Winstanley's angelic vocals continue through the song, she shares the heartbreaking story of this doomed relationship that was hanging on by a thread. Throughout the track, she utilizes the title phrase, “for you.” However, the most crucial usage of the hook is at the end of the chorus when Winstanley reveals her true feelings about this broken relationship. She tells her lover that “it’s only working for you.” Through the emotional lyrics and the haunting melodies, the singer eloquently shares the heartbreaking truth and the reason she could no longer fight for this relationship. "black leather boots" “black leather boots” explores the complex feelings after a break-up and the irrevocable damage caused by their partner. While the track is an acoustic guitar-led ballad, Winstanley passionately sings anger-fueled lyrics that exposes her former partner for their toxic behavior and her candid feelings about them now. In the first verse, she sings the heart-wrenching line: “do you still hate the things that I like?” With this one sentence, she instantly reveals exactly who they were—a self-centered jerk who went out of their way to put down Winstanley for the things that she loved. The singer proclaims her disdain for her ex-lover in the chorus as she sings, “I fucking hate you// And all of the things that you said// And you should be grateful// That you ever slept in my bed.” She recognizes that she deserved much better than how she was treated and that she was taken for granted. Despite the heartbreaking message sung throughout the song, the listener is provided a happy ending. Winstanley ends the song with one simple line: “Now I’m sleeping at his place instead.” These lyrics reveal that she has moved on with someone new and is happier than ever. "never have i ever" “never have i ever” changes the pace of the EP with the track’s upbeat, carefree atmosphere. The energetic production flawlessly represents the relatable message behind the lyrics. The song explores dating in your 20s and not taking life so seriously. Winstanley implores the listener to let go a little and allow themselves to have fun and make mistakes. In the chorus she sings, “I can waste my twenties if I want to// Kinda funny that you thought that I need you// But you can come with me if you want to// Cause I’m not done yet.” Not only do these lyrics have a cheeky and jovial mindset, but the audience has a moment of realization when they hear the EP name. not done yet does not have a title track, so hearing it for the first time catches the listener off guard. Additionally, “never have i ever” is the only joyful song on the project, perhaps representing Winstanley’s current state of emotions. She has since moved on from the heartache and is now celebrating the fact that she is still young and has her entire life ahead of her. "shit like that" “shit like that” strips down the EP once more with a melancholic ballad reminiscent of Holly Humberstone’s piano synth productions. Winstanley breaks the hearts of listeners one final time as she explores the permanent harm done to her by her former partner. In the first verse, Winstanley beautifully summarizes the theme of the track with the lyrics: “Loving you was my darkest habit// Hooked on, never giving you up.” With these lines, she expresses that even while she was still in this toxic relationship, she knew that it was harmful. And yet, she was unable to give it up. After the first verse, she loops the hook, “Shit like that don’t leave you.” The repetition of the hook emphasizes the anxiety and depression left behind by the trauma she endured. Throughout the track, gut-wrenching lyrics leave the audience empathizing with the singer as she divulges the extent of the foul treatment she experienced. In the final chorus, the hook is repeated subtly in the background before transitioning to the forefront, as Winstanley closes out the song. “shit like that” wraps up the project perfectly, demonstrating that even though she has moved on from the relationship, the trauma will always be there lurking in the back of her mind. Issy Winstanley boldly wears her heart on her sleeve through each track on not done yet. Her reflective lyricism and haunting vocals beautifully work together to share the comprehensive storyline about personal love, loss, and heartache. The four tracks take the listener through her emotional journey in a cohesive manner, tying each song together. From the retrospective insight of a doomed relationship in “for you” to the nonchalant lighthearted attitude of “never have i ever,” Winstanley ingeniously shares a detailed narrative. Through her heartfelt songwriting, she has crafted a flawless EP that is not only a cathartic experience for herself, but also a relatable record for listeners that resonate with her candid lyrics. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW ISSY: Instagram | Website | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

Anni’s highly anticipated new single, “Fix Your Fears”, is finally here. She blesses us with her message of realizing you can’t “fix” someone if they don’t want to “fix” themselves. It’s a common theme in people’s lives, and “Fix Your Fears” perfectly exemplifies that experience. Anni starts off the song by saying her friends compare her life to an actress, saying that she’s “in the movie” until she “walks off set”. Her life with this partner feels scripted, and she says that she’s been learning lines since they first met. In the pre-chorus, she says that she doesn’t think he’ll ever change, so their relationship is stuck in a cycle. Then, the electric chorus comes in, where she comes to the realization that she can’t “fix [his] fears” because he’s reckless and impulsive. She’s tired of this cycle, and she feels “the lights went out” on their relationship. Anni dives more into his impulsivity in the second verse, saying that he’s been “running from what [he] can’t control.” Anni then repeats the pre-chorus and chorus with more intensity, and finishes the song by saying “I can’t fix someone who doesn’t want fixing.” “Fix Your Fears” is a perfectly constructed track from a production standpoint. Beautiful, rushing piano synths introduce listeners to the song. When the lyrics start, only some piano chords and the piano synths are behind Anni's voice. Yet, the sound is full and complex, complimenting Anni’s vocals. Her voice is distinct and beautiful, and the shaky breath in the first verse shows Anni’s true emotions pouring through the song. The song builds up to the upbeat chorus, where the drums make an entrance. The drums are wonderfully complex and different from most mainstream pop songs. The drumming is fantastic and rhythmically complex, adding a distinct element to the song that you never knew you wanted. The harmonies in the second verse and second verse help build into the outro, and they are immaculate and rich. There’s a sense of urgency and panic throughout the whole track because of the piano synths and drums, adding even more to the emotions of the song. Anni did a wonderful job matching the theme of the lyrics to the vibe of the song, and this track raises the bar in pop music. Anni, formerly known as Annika Grace, is a singer-songwriter native of Venice Beach, California. She had been releasing music under Annika Grace since 2016, but she made the switch in 2022. Anni had split her time growing up in three cities: Venice Beach, Chicago, and New York, and she says that those cities have all had influences on her music. She is also a poet and is releasing a poetry book named “Remedies” later this year. Her love of music not only impacts her listeners but also the community of Venice Beach. Anni runs a showcase called “Saturdays at Seven” for up-and-coming artists. She created the showcase to connect with artists and creatives, and it started out with her friends just playing in her backyard. Anni hosts shows, curates Spotify playlists, hosts a YouTube series, and writes a music blog for “Saturdays at Seven.” Anni’s hard work shines through all she does, and she will continue to raise the bar for all artists. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW ANNI:

TRACKLIST All In My Head Change Your Mind Somebody to Love What You Want In Your Feelings Alena Ciera is a pop singer/songwriter and guitarist from Washington D.C. She is a highly skilled guitar player and has worked with recognizable artists like Yolanda Adams and Cee Lo Green, and has performed on big stages like the St. James theater on Broadway, The National Stadium, the Eagle Arena and many others. She posts videos of her live performances as well as some guitar covers on her YouTube Channel. She released her debut single as a solo artist in 2020, titled "Invincible" which was about reminding people that they aren't alone in this world. Since then, she has released 3 more singles and her debut EP, "All In My Head" which features the 3 singles "Change Your Mind", "What You Want" and "All In My Head" as well as two other tracks that we will be talking about, for a total of 5 songs within this brand new release! Lets get started. All In My Head Serving as the title track for the EP and the first song on the track list, "All In My Head" is about questioning someone why they would want to leave you. You find yourself reminiscing on the good times you had and the way that they would make you feel. So how could they just pretend like none of that was real? In this song, Alena refuses to act like this kind of bond was just all in her head. The style of this one mixes RnB, Dream Pop, a little bit of Soul and a little bit of Funk. It takes elements from both mainstream and classic styles of music, creating an experience for your ears that sounds raw and real. Change Your Mind Have you ever been with someone who just couldn't decide if they wanted to be with you or not? It's so frustrating when you get left so suddenly, without knowing what went wrong. It's a very similar theme to "All In My Head", but now Alena is wondering if she could change this person's mind to make them stay. "Change Your Mind" is my personal favorite track on this EP. It's giving 80s pop rock, in a style that is similar to the band HAIM. The classic beat and use of reverb transports you back in time, creating a nostalgic feeling which is another reoccurring theme within the songs on this EP. Somebody to Love As human beings, all we ever want is to feel loved and cared about by someone. "Somebody to Love" highlights these lonely feelings that a lot of us know all too well. It's a relatable song, especially for those who have someone in mind that they wish would love you back. It's the slowest song the EP, perfectly placed in the middle to help the collection flow smooth. This song has really stunning harmonies, and production that is reminiscent of an early 2000's mainstream pop song. What You Want This song is the second single off of the EP and was released late last year in 2022. It's the only song so far to have a music video, which you can watch below! Have you ever given somebody everything you had, and it still never seemed to be enough? "What You Want" is about asking a person who just takes and takes and takes but never gives back, "can you tell me what you want?". The song has a nostalgic pop groove and a production style that has you wanting to get up and dance. It's a vibe that screams Summertime, making you want to grab your favorite drink and relax by the pool. In Your Feelings "In Your Feelings" is about somebody who only knows how to complain and start drama. We definitely all know somebody like that, and Alena is calling them out in this song. It's a groovy track that reminds me of Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake; keeping that mainstream pop vibe, but using undertones of RnB and Soul. Final Thoughts After listening to this entire EP, I think it's the perfect collection of songs for a pick-me-up after a breakup. The lyrics touch on heartbreak and disappointment, but the instrumentations are the complete opposite! These songs collectively make you want to get up and dance while screaming along with the words. The funky rhythms and beats just can't keep you down. It's definitely what I like to call feel good music. Each song has a completely different sound and style, creating a diverse work of art that anyone can listen and relate to. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ALENA: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | TikTok | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

This song, “Cycle” by Daniel Arci, balances a smooth electronic track with hard hitting lyrics that perfectly encapsulate how it feels to be constantly fighting against the hard parts of life. Life is a constant series of battles, whether it’s relationships, or friendships, or other problems like work or school. Sometimes you may feel like you’ll never get out of that cycle, where everything seems impossible, but it’s better to keep pushing instead of letting the waves overtake you. As Arci puts it, we’re all “just disciples to the ebbs and the flows,” but it’s better to keep trying and trying so “we can fight to live another day.” Everyone can relate to this feeling where it seems like nothing will ever change or ever go your way, but whenever life seems hopeless, remember that there’s always something better on the horizon! Click Here to Listen to "Cycle"! “Cycle” is a modern, electropop song that creates and holds a beat perfect for a club or a party scene. Opening with a smooth instrumental, you slide right into the song easily, vibing to the music before Daniel Arci’s velvety voice sings the simple first verse. You’re hooked into the song immediately, and then find yourself bopping your head as the beat joins in on the way to the first chorus. That same beat then picks up pace, with a compelling rhythm and melody taking over to create an addictingly catchy refrain. Arci’s vocals fade into the background after the chorus to leave space for that bright electronic instrumental, but pick up again for the second verse. The song as a whole feels very much like its own fluid cycle, bringing the pace up and down with an intense beat that captivates you and urges you to get up and dance! Daniel Arci is a rising pop musician originally from Costa Rica. He studied several aspects of music and music development at the University of Miami, and now works and records music in Nashville, Tennessee. With over 10,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Arci is growing a strong fanbase with his characteristic smooth beats and compelling lyrics that make you want to get up and dance. He released his first single, “Skirts & Sneakers,” on February 8, 2019 and has recorded and released several more songs since then, including the hit “Relax, Take It Easy,” released on February 2 of this year. Follow him with the links below to listen to his music and to stay up to date on future releases! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW DANIEL ARCI: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

We all know what it’s like when summer comes to an end. Realization hits that the fun has to come to an end at some point! Thankfully, Jessica Woodlee recently released a new single titled “Skinny Dipping” that will for sure help serve as a reminder to live your life to the fullest before summer ends! “Skinny Dipping” is an upbeat song that will no doubt have you wanting to roll the windows in your car all the way down as you belt out each lyric. While I enjoyed the entire song, there were a few lyrics that I really connected with. “And now I’m home for the first time in a year, it doesn’t feel the same without them here.” It’s a lyric that really hit hard with me for big reasons! I moved from Rhode Island to Texas for college, leaving behind practically everything and everyone I knew. So when I go back once or twice a year, it’s a little weird at first. But, I have a small group of friends from high school that always know how to make sure I spend my summer doing nostalgic things that I grew to love over the years! Listen to "Skinny Dipping" here!! There are so many fun elements to this song! First, I absolutely love how upbeat it is! “Skinny Dipping” is what I would call the perfect summer song! Though, as much as I love the beat of this song, the real star of the show is Woodlee’s stunning vocals. I can’t even really compare her voice to anyone else, it’s so unique and perfect for this style of song. Woodlee utilizes her head voice for a good majority of the song. It made for some strong runs, and a captivating belt at the end of the final chorus. Jessica Woodlee is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in New Jersey! Growing up, Woodlee was exposed to artists like Carol King and Ella Fitzgerald, and soon after began learning to play different instruments! Woodlee released her first EP, Karma , in 2017. Since then, she has gone on to release nine singles on Spotify, where she has amassed around 3,000 monthly listeners! Currently, Woodlee is a student at the Berklee College of Music, where she is working to further improve her already impressive skills. She also plans to release loads more singles over this next year! I can’t wait to hear what she releases next! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW JESSICA WOODLEE:

“b-day” is an introspective glance at the two dichotomy of birthdays - on one hand, ecstatic at all the support and well wishes, yet also maybe disappointed at the passing of another year. Growth isn’t linear, and as a year passes, the lessons that you can pick up from countless mistakes once you have the clarity to reflect upon it. No matter the party, the dress, or the drinks, it won’t hide the disappointment or unfulfillment you may feel year after year, stuck in a rut. Owusu brings an interesting twist on the standard pop party song, offering a different perspective on why birthdays are a celebration yet also can be a mark of disappointment. Owusu fuses a variety of genres, from future pop to R&B to present a song with an eclectic group of music styles. The production by Aria Wood is soulful, full of lush guitar plucks, shimmering synths, and unstoppable drum grooves, beautifully layered with melodies and harmonies. Owusu's voice cuts through the noise as she delivers an emotionally charged performance, melancholic yet happy. Growing older isn’t always a happy thing for everyone, and Owusu’s beautiful voice emotionally shines a light on being okay with where you are as you learn to be less hard on yourself and celebrate the small victories. Jewel Owusu is a half-Filipino and half-Ghanaian singer-songwriter born in the city of Hong Kong and raised in New Zealand and Perth. Her unique upbringing offers a valuable perspective on all things, and she’s been steadily on the rise in recent months, amassing more than 100k catalog streams on Spotify. Supported by national media outlets like Triple J, Acclaim, Vice, and Purple Sneakers, Owusu is determined to captivate her listeners with “Jool Wave”, scheduled for late 2023 to early 2024. Representing her meticulously crafted sounds, the album embraces Owusu’s authentic self-expression and focuses on the beauty of simple moments of imperfection. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW JEWEL: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

I work as a night auditor outside of the world of writing. Night auditors, for those in the unknown, are essentially diet accountants for hotels. I make sure the daily transactions are correct and guests are billed accordingly. In other words, I have one of the most boring adult jobs out there. So, I definitely need pick-me-ups to make life a little more bearable and just overall more exciting. That’s why I go out of my way to experience new things whenever possible; and it seems Meredith Rounsley is of the same mindset. In Rounsley’s latest single, “Something New”, she’s upfront and personal about her own inclinations for unique and novel escapades. “Something New” details the desire for fresh experiences when everyday life has become a little too mundane and repetitive. This craving then sends us on an unbridled search for these new experiences. The indie-pop song opens with Rounsley confessing they’ve taken “mushrooms in L.A.” as thumping guitar and drum notes carry out a melody that passes no judgment - only the best vibes. This leads to more confessions with vices that ultimately sum up to one major question: “what do I have to do to feel something new when I’m sober?” Precisely hitting on the fact that reality can be so jarring to face without the occasional aide. But even aides only go so far in helping us achieve “kaleidoscope eyes”, or capturing the joy of experiencing something for the first time. In the soft rock-studded bridge, Rounsley gives listeners a taste of her vocal range with sonant hymns that faintly remind me of Karen Carpenter. Hinting at the idea that the desire to feel something new is timeless, while simultaneously pointing out that aides eventually lose their ability to make us feel anything at all. Or as our songstress puts it, we get “so used to the buzz now / That [we] barely feel it”. Overall, Rounsley’s charming personality glitters in “Something New” because of how easily relatable the sentiment is. And I think that makes her a great candidate to become your latest vice. Or better yet, the substitute for your current vice. Meredith Rounsley is an indie-pop singer, songwriter, and the self-proclaimed “cool aunt’s therapist”. The artist is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee but frequently travels up and down the states to share her candid stories with listening audiences. Music stole Rounsley’s heart at a young age and led her to study it in Australia. Upon returning to the states, she began creating music and performing at local hotspots before her second love, Nashville, prompted the artist to move. Now, she gets to collaborate with various co-writers to bring listeners the engaging vulnerability that’s become her songwriting. “Something New” will be the second single on Rounsley’s upcoming EP, Soft Animals, Strong Chemicals. Rounsley will be wrapping up The Something New Tour tonight in Philadelphia. If you missed out on seeing her perform live, you can always show your latest obsession some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW MEREDITH ROUNSLEY:

“Best Friend (Never Let Me Down)” is Bolier’s latest release, a cover of the classic by Depeche Mode. It’s a song about living in the moment, a memory, so bringing it into the future is more than appropriate. The moment described in the song is one of euphoria and being truly present, “watching the world pass us by” the lyrics echo, presenting the idea of being alone when you’re with a particular person. A “best friend”, a partner, someone whose victories and greatest moments, such as this, feel as your own. However, there is a note of something off in the atmosphere with lines calling out the perfection of “tonight” seeming to notice there is a lack of such perfection otherwise as well as fears of this moment ending being repeated. It is when you share these moments that this risk comes into play, this is displayed with the more anxious lines being fears of the “best friend”. “I hope he never lets me down”, the key words used in the original title, express this obsessive fear and yet, maintain the adrenaline of the moment. Those thoughts are what make the song, the moment, and the presence of another within it noteworthy. The song begins with an electronic, fast paced, beat which continues as the first lyrics “I’m taking a ride with my best friend” echo over it. This line sets the scene, and makes the listener feel as if they’re in a speeding car right beside them. The music slows slightly beyond these words, allowing the next, more emotional segment space. That is, the infamous “I hope he never lets me down again”. Bolier has modernized the song, bringing in layering of the singer's voice and adding an even greater psychedelic effect to the song. After the first admission of anxieties, the pace picks up again and loops you back into the moment. The chorus repeats before the song comes to a close with a resonating silence after a final “I hope he never lets me down again”. “Best Friend (Never Let Me Down)” was a prime example of Boliers work, being known for his electronic pop sound. He’s been in the industry for a while, gaining his first notability back in 2014 in a collaboration with Redondo for “Sunshine”. They worked together several more times including work on singles “Forever and a Day” and “Every Single Piece”, a song which remains one of Bolier’s top streamed today with over 12 million listens. In 2016 he found himself working with Bob Marley & The Wailers on a new release of “Is This Love”, the single which holds the number one streamed spot on his Spotify today with over 150 million streams. In more recent years, he’s been on tour, been recognized as one of the top 101 producers of 2022, and received awards as well as a massive fan base with over 13k followers on Instagram and 800k on Spotify. Follow these accounts below and stream “Best Friend (Never Let Me Down)”. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW BOLIER:

"Lighthouse" is a gentle, folk pop track in collaboration with Loryn Taggart and Joe Moralez. The song features soft, emotional instrumentation and rich vocals. Here, Taggart and Moralez convey the experience of losing yourself and trying to find hope through the metaphor of a lighthouse. Lighthouses are beacons of light in the dark -- for Taggart, they are the epitome of what it means to find yourself. To go through a dark journey and find the light that guides you back home. Inspired by Jadea Kelly's track "Happy" and written by Kelly, Moralez, and Taggart between Zoom calls, this latest release came together to be a beautiful, cinematic pop ballad. In "Lighthouse," Moralez and Taggart's vocals blend together in a folk and pop-influenced track about losing yourself, losing hope, losing trust as you move through life. Ships require guidance to move through the night. They look to lighthouses to cut through the darkness and navigate them. In a similar manner, people often find themselves lost. We need a beacon of light to come into our journey through darkness and navigate us. The duo express this sentiment with a refrain of "Drifting without a lighthouse in the middle of the night / Happy but then I lose myself in someone else sometimes." This imagery continues into the verses with lyrics like "Are you clawing at the shore / Or are you in the ocean / What are you searching for." The cinematic pop production and folk-based vocals create an emotional experience as you listen to it. Loryn Taggart is a Montreal-based singer-songwriter that released her first single, "In My Company," in 2019. Over the years, she has been working to craft her folk pop sound. She has been nominated for the Canadian Folk Music Awards, played David Bowie on a national tribute tour, and toured with Canadian Folk Musician Donovan Woods. "Lighthouse" with Joe Moralez comes as the fifth song Taggart released in 2023. Later this year, she plans to come out with her debut album. Joe Moralez is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles, California. If you want to keep up with their future projects, make sure to click on the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW LORYN TAGGART: FOLLOW JOE MORALEZ: