LÉON ushers in a new era with her latest single, “Pretty Boy”, off of her upcoming fourth album. After not releasing new music since October of 2022, LÉON is back and better than ever. LÉON shares that “Pretty Boy” is about, “making up for the time you’ve lost and what kind of future you’re hoping for,” and, “choosing to be happy, in a way, and how you can remain connected to certain people and places without seeing them for the longest time.” Her first verse delves into those themes, and describes a past partner that told her “what are you waiting for?”, but left her waiting forever. She reminisces for a time that they were together, and says she would’ve done anything and gone anywhere to “stay drunk on that face.” But now, they’re strangers at a bar, and LÉON is asking herself who is going to leave first because of the awkward tension between them. She recognizes that she’s gotten older, but her memories are still fresh in her mind. In the chorus, LÉON ties her lyrics back to the first verse, asking her ex “where he’s been for all of this time.” She thought that she had lost him, but she knew that he would live “forever in [her] mind… for all [her] life.” In her second verse, she tells him that he can’t escape growing old and that the sacred place where hope lies is the last to leave. LÉON also says that when nostalgia comes in, you open up your past, and she would never say no to reignite their romance. She repeats the chorus once again, and she takes the bridge back to the first verse again by asking him what he is waiting for. LÉON strikes again with “Pretty Boy” with hard-hitting yet beautiful lyrics. LÉON, alongside her friend and collaborator Henrik Michelsen, produced a beautiful and grand track for “Pretty Boy”. The song starts with an isolated, reverbed electric guitar. From there, celestial synths fill the backing track, different from most synths seen in pop music. There is a hint of rock influence, specifically from the 1960s and 1980s, with a distorted or crushed electric guitar in the pre-chorus and chorus. But mainly, the song can be described as contemporary or indie pop. Throughout the track, LÉON’s distinct voice fills the space, with a deep instrumentation behind her. Overall, the track is wonderfully produced, which will leave a great impression on new listeners and LÉON fans alike. LÉON, a Stockholm native and a daughter of musicians, first got her start in fronting a band as a teenager. LÉON first made waves in 2015 with her debut release, “Treasure”. Her two singles from that EP, “Tired of Talking” and “Nobody Cares”, show off her vast versatility in both her lyrics and her sound. However, her first breakout hit was in 2019 with “You and I” after a series of EP releases. Currently, “You and I” has 70 million streams on Spotify alone. Following that release, she embarked on a tour of Europe and North America. Then in 2020, she released her second LP, “Apart”, which showed her growth in her melodic, pop sound. Her third album, “Circles”, showcased more of her vulnerability in her lyrics, accompanied by a synth-laden space. With over 2.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify to date, it’s clear that LÉON will continue to impress listeners over and over again. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW LÉON:

“Feels Like” by Ryan Clark seems an incomplete title, as is his intention. A song reflecting the feeling of dedication whilst being first and foremost dedicated to improving upon oneself. Love, but refusing to come to full terms with it, and a subtle confusion on what exactly this does “feel like”. He perfectly encapsulates the overwhelming sense of connection to another person within these feelings by framing the song to hold his sensual descriptions of their interactions at the forefront in a catchy, flashy chorus. But it is what he says in between these bursts that seem to reflect his true thoughts. “Feels Like” is a challenge to discover just that, to read in between the lines and find a sense of feeling within the music. The song begins with scattered techno beats that introduce the upbeat pop theme carried throughout it. “Lost in the garden of desire” Clark sings to set the scene for his affections, and the confusion around them. He quickly introduces the chorus, a memorable one that compels the listener to sing along after the first listen and a beat that’s sure to be repeating in your head long after the song has finished. As he offers more emotional lyricism and descriptive scenarios, the music slows and sounds nearly acoustic, but in keeping with his theme this lasts only a moment before the song becomes active again. When he comes to his final rendition of these more heartfelt, slower paced confessions, a woman's voice accompanies him in the background, seemingly the woman he sings of. The song comes to a close with the echo of both their voices. Ryan Clark was born adjacent to a city of celebrity, hailing from Albany originally, but was the first of his family to pursue it, at least musically. He instead found his inspiration in iconic artists he listened to throughout his youth such as Charlie Puth and John Mayer. Now, he’s performing among artists reaching those statuses, most recently opening for O.A.R. and David Nail whilst living in the city of live music, Nashville. He’s following this affinity for live performance on tour right now, traveling from Florida to Michigan. His crowd is sure to be an impressive one with his online presence alone growing daily, he currently boasts over 23k on Instagram and 11k on Spotify with over 400k streams on his most popular release. Join this amassing fanbase now by following Ryan Clark below and streaming “Feels Like”. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW RYAN CLARK:

When life gets tough, we deserve a break. One way that people like to let loose is by going dancing and partying. Have your favorite drinks, dance to your favorite songs, and meet cool people along the way. We want to avoid our struggles for as long as we can, so it is no surprise that this lifestyle is addictive. Believe it or not, it is very possible to have too much of a good thing. Kayden McCarthy knows this and he writes about his experience in his new upbeat single, “Domino Effect.” He has become absorbed into the party lifestyle and it is carrying over into his everyday life. Rather than be upset, McCarthy decides to view everything in a more positive light and be grateful for all the fun he’s had. To me, the instrumentation of this song is really defiant. Kayden McCarthy has hit a rough patch in life and he wants to let loose. The first verse starts out with a tight guitar and drums as he sings, “I’ve been at a crossroads, it’s been tough tough to swallow.” As it nears the chorus, this music slows and starts building. When it gets to the chorus, McCarthy sings, “you knocked me down like I’m a domino. Instead of it being a bad thing, he goes on to say, “off the top, they ain’t gon’ stop us you know.” McCarthy is embracing all the wild times because they allow him to forget about the rough patch mentioned in the beginning. Born off the coast of New Jersey, Kayden McCarthy spent most of his childhood in the Netherlands and then moved to Chicago. He began making music in his bedroom on Garageband with a $100 microphone. Lots of hard work and determination has earned McCarthy a budding musical career. He draws his musical inspiration from a mix of late 90’s rock n’ roll, early 2000’s hip hop, and modern day electro pop music. If you want to hear more of Kayden McCarthy, I recommend his other song “I’ve Looked Better.” It was a single released in late July 2023. Similar to “Domino Effect,” the lyrics talk about getting through hard times. I enjoyed reviewing McCarthy’s music and can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next. Follow all of his socials down below to learn more about him and be the first to hear of any new releases! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW KAYDEN MCCARTHY

Juxtaposing a catchy dance hook with darker lyrics has been a tradition in house and pop music for ages. From Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" to Lady Gaga's "Just Dance," the contrast creates a dynamic listening experience. These songs are effortlessly fun yet emotionally resonant when paid closer attention to. In her newest single, "Nightmare," singer-songwriter Jane Bell follows in the footsteps of these tracks before her. "Nightmare" tells the all-too-relatable story of being unable to move on from an ex and the range of emotions that follow. Bell explores the disillusionment of losing someone who felt like the one. She croons lines like, "You were my future, this can't be the end." Everywhere she goes, she feels this missing presence. Always hearing their voice or seeing their face, she cannot stop thinking about what could have been, as the echoey refrain asks, "Are you somewhere in the crowd?" She feels haunted, and the song mirrors this sonically. "Nightmare" is a moody blend of pop and house. The track's best quality is its ability to capture a strong visual atmosphere. Its thumping beat and high-pitched EDM-inspired background vocals complement Bell's soft, hazy performance to create a singular narrative. The song sounds like she is searching for this ex in a packed, loud nightclub, making the chorus' "Are you somewhere in the crowd?" feel like a scene straight from a movie. "Nightmare" is an intricate track. For instance, the line "There's nowhere to run" is punctuated with several vocal layers of "run" to add to its eerieness. It's details like these that make the song come alive. Bell manages to balance a dark aesthetic with vibrant pop elements. In her Instagram and Spotify descriptions, Jane Bell describes how "Pop is dying. I'm the medic." This love of classic upbeat pop music translates throughout her discography. "Nightmare" is Bell's fourth released single, following previous releases, "REM," "Where Did You Go?," and "Dusk 'Til Dawn." Her songs all have a club music sound that is sonically reminiscent of early Lady Gaga and Madonna's "Vogue." Catchiness, danceability, and fast, pumping beats are at the forefront of these pop-house fusions. Keep an eye out for her upcoming releases on Bell’s social media accounts linked below. “Nightmare" is available to stream now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW JANE:

ZELA releases bisexuality-flooded single, “I Really Like Her.” This track tells the age-old story about falling for someone unavailable. We all fall for people we shouldn’t, but the heart wants what it wants. There’s no heartbreak quite as devastating as losing someone who was never fully yours. The friends-lovers-strangers trope continues to leave unwilling parties devastated in its wake. It’s easy to fall for someone in dark bars with strong drinks and music that makes you want to move a little closer, but when the sun comes up, the party seems to end as quickly as it started. Even if you know this whirlwind romance is going to end tragically, there’s a reason people say “it’s better to have loved and lost than never loved at all.” Life is full of lessons to be learned, and some of us will learn them over and over because when you really like someone… there’s not much you can do to change your heart’s destiny. “I Really Like Her” was inspired by front-woman Liv Griff’s turbulent romance between herself and a girl unavailable. It’s silhouetted against the dirty dancefloors and cigarette-tinged kisses of the Northern Indie music scene. Liv Griff maintains her signature bratty approach to songwriting, but this time, she infused lyrics guaranteed to immerse you in the British cinematic heartache of friends-to-lovers-to-strangers. The painfully emotive melodies meld seamlessly with an explosive performance from brother, Max Griff, on drums. The song is reminiscent of E4’s Skins, features lyrics akin to those of early Arctic Monkeys and explores Liv’s first queer experiences. The pop vocal hooks and embodiment of themes from youthful British culture reminiscent come together to create a striking LGBTQ+ anthem the world needs. ZELA is made up of two siblings, Liz and Max Griff, from the North-East England. The duo has created a dark and imaginative brand of attitude-laced alt-pop. Described as Charlie XCX meets Wolf Alice, with a hint of Blondie and Yungblud, they are in a league of their own in the industry. The pair have become known for their signature bratty approach to lyricism and songwriting. After bursting onto the scene in 2020, ZELA has delivered a string of singles, each exploring complex topics and their own brand of unique Brat-Pop. They have quickly established themselves as an act not to be missed on a line-up. ZELA has big plans to continue making 2023 their own, and “I Really Like Her” is just a taste of their outrageous genius and total takeover. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW ZELA:

Devon Cole is well-known for her cheeky and relatable lyrics, so a single entitled “Dickhead” comes as no surprise to her devoted listeners. The infectious new song explores her personal experiences dating subpar men with terrible personalities and awful habits. Throughout the track, Cole sings lyrics that eloquently describe the feeling of dating men in your 20s, such as “I probably should have run// When I saw your three-in-one shampoo,” in the first verse, or the entire sassy bridge. However, the most iconic lines are in the second verse, referencing a universal experience for women. She sings, “Showed me your guitar, started strumming in the dark// And you said I was your Wonderwall.” Although Cole wrote this track over a year ago, this peculiar phenomenon has recently gained traction due to a popular scene in the new Greta Gerwig film, Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. In the film, Ken (Gosling) is seen playing the guitar while singing “Push” by Matchbox Twenty while Barbie (Robbie) is forced to listen for hours. Since the movie’s release, women across the world have shared their own experience of “being sung at” by men. Cole divulging her own experience in a song written prior to the film’s debut then releasing it during the hype is either a clever marketing tactic or a happy coincidence. Additionally, “Wonderwall” by Oasis being the song she references makes these lines even more amusing as the song is widely-known for being the one and only song that amateur guitarists know how to play. Every woman listening to “Dickhead” comes away from the track laughing while thinking about their own awful dating experiences. With the cheeky hook about being “addicted” to a “dickhead,” Cole once again blows it out of the water and proves she is one of the industry’s most creative songwriters. “Dickhead” contains a fresh new sound from Cole, adding a new southern twang to her voice and a classic rock flare to the instrumentation. With the unique genre-bending pop production, the singer ingeniously gives listeners a taste of her upcoming music. The song kicks off with an electric guitar riff that is reminiscent of the throaty crisp sound of rock legend, Stevie Ray Vaughan. The guitar continues into the verse while Cole’s distinct vocals make their entrance. A short guitar lick and the introduction of the bass drums signifies the pre-chorus. The production picks up the bass guitar right before the infectious chorus takes off. The drums intensify and the bass becomes more prominent, while the electrifying guitar riff continues. In the background, hand claps and layered vocals are added to bring out the full, sassy energy of Cole’s lyrics. The second verse begins with only her vocals before a resonator guitar with a slide is introduced. While the original guitar riff provides a more classic rock vibe, this new addition creates a country music element to the production. The second pre-chorus reintroduces the initial guitar riff and bass, while maintaining this new instrumentation. This continues throughout the full production of the chorus and into the mesmerizing guitar solo before the bridge. The bridge starts with the hand claps, bass, and original guitar riff with added harmonizing vocals in the background. The vocals gradually pick-up high notes, subtly leading to Cole’s impressive vocal performance that signifies the final chorus. Then, the outro utilizes the original riff while her flawless vocalizations close out the track. “Dickhead” is a dynamic track that showcases Cole’s outstanding vocals, cheeky lyricism, and overall remarkable talent. Devon Cole is a singer-songwriter from Calgary, Canada. She made her debut in 2020 with her single, “July for the Whole Year.” The following year, she released four subsequent sequels which were all featured on her debut EP, Party For One. The project has garnered millions of streams and massive support from several industry tastemakers. In 2022, Cole was signed with Arista Records and released her first single under the label, “W.I.T.C.H.” Prior to officially releasing the song, she performed a snippet of the track on TikTok, where the video earned over 40 million views and became a viral sound on the platform. Recently, Cole received a 2023 Juno Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. The talented artist strives to make music that lifts the spirits of listeners and provides them comfort through her lyrics. With her extensive discography of relatable and reflective songs, Cole has already succeeded this goal and continues to release unforgettable tracks. Check out her social media for her newly announced tour dates as the supporting act for Charlotte Cardin! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW DEVON:

On her debut single, Imogen Valentine begins with a relatively empty space. Lone synth plucks slowly build against her reverb-soaked vocals as she reams the other party in a toxic situationship. The sound flips from atmospheric melancholy to dancefloor fervor as the chorus fires away. "Bad Friends With Benefits" strips the pop structure to its bare essentials, allowing the simmering verses and striking chorus to contrast each other unadorned with overwrought elements. Each production flourish serves only to highlight the emotional core of the single, rather than obscure or mediate it. Where the chorus positions club-ready percussion at the very front, the first verse keeps time solely through subtle snaps. It sounds like walking down an empty corridor only to enter a raging party. A messy, undefined relationship can seem fun in the moment, but the emotional whiplash of feeling used afterwards is never worth it. Finally deciding to call it quits on an unhealthy friends with benefits situation, Valentine is ready to air every last grievance. "Well isn't that fantastic," she bites sarcastically to the realization that this other person hadn't cared about her to begin with. Being in the center of a toxic situationship can blind you to even the most direct advice. "Should've listened to my friends," she laments, "every one of them said this would be a train wreck." But ultimately, Valentine finds clarity in cutting this person off entirely. "You can keep racing all the way to the bottom; I'm just gonna disappear." Finding something to salvage in a toxic situation is pointless when you know your worth. "I know that you're pissed, but I'm burning your bridge," she sings. It's distinctly not about slashing tires or keying cars, but it has the same sense of vindication. "Bad Friends With Benefits" is the very first single for the up-and-coming indie popster Imogen Valentine. Upon release, she described the track as the perfect anthem for "unhinged girl summer." The track was produced by co-writer Paul Visser and released independently. She posts updates and teases future music on her instagram, linked below. While she has not officially announced any future music releases, several posts indicate that "Bad Friends With Benefits" is only the start of an ambitious project. Valentine's pure-pop banger is a sound entirely her own, but will likely appeal to fans of Lana Del Rey, Olivia Rodrigo, and Dua Lipa. Written By Andy M. FOLLOW Imogen Valentine:

In the wake of any breakup, you might find yourself thinking, “Where do I go from here?” HOKO’s “Ephemera” asks that exact question with the same amount of longing and wistful dreaminess that comes with pondering such a query. Surrounded by a bright tempo and twinkling keys, “Ephemera” is a lighthearted song about moving on from a relationship and figuring out what to do with the leftover pieces. It’s a much more upbeat and fun take on a breakup song– so much so that you can’t help but bob your head and sing along to its excellent lyrics. “Ephemera” reminds me of the synth-heavy dance-pop of the 2010s, which is arguably one of the best eras of dance-pop. With an upbeat tempo in the midst of strings and synth, “Ephemera” is one of those songs that you need to move your body to as your lips form around HOKO’s amazing songwriting, catchy and addictive. The chorus goes, “How do you do it?/How do you forget?” simple yet packed with meaning; this song captures exactly what everyone thinks post-breakup, when they feel like they're floating around, just existing but not living. “We’re just wasting into nothing/Are you living?”: it’s that dead zone between remembering and forgetting, when your memory still clings (“Incessant replication/Can’t seem to get away”) to everything and anything that happened in the relationship, from the small things, like their home city, to the years you spent together. HOKO uses repetition to hammer home how these things swirl in your head, the cyclical “Only ephemera/Only ephemera” in the chorus being the central point of the song. When things end, we are ephemera, existing only for a short time before we fizzle out. The duo HOKO, comprised of Nathaniel Hoho on vocals and Jesse Kotansky on guitar, are experimental pop incarnate. Reaching far past defined genre labels, HOKO has their very own style of music that encapsulates alternative, psychedelia, and rock; it’s an undefinable sound, but undeniably compelling. Inspired by David Bowie, Queen, and The Beatles, HOKO traces their footsteps by paving their very own musical path with a singular soundscape. Their 2020 single “Candy Eyes” has over 5.5 million plays on Spotify, and their other 2020 singles “OK OK” and “Hellogoodbye” also have over 4 million plays, respectively. They’ve played at Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, and have supported artists such as Milky Chance and Young The Giant. HOKO truly is one-of-a-kind, and “Ephemera” is another tune to add to the list of songs that transcends genres. They're also currently touring, so if you'd like to pick up some tickets, you can visit their website here to grab them before the tour ends. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW HOKO:

" 17 " by the indie-pop duo Son of Cabe is a song about grief and its effect on relationships. Grief can alter the dynamics of relationships, an example being that it can lead to emotional distance or a lack of communication as one struggles with their pain. This experience can either bring people closer or put a strain on a connection due to different coping mechanisms, including some that your partner might not understand. The song discusses the struggle with grief, the process of healing from it, and the loss of hope for finding the light in life again. The meaning behind this song makes it highly relatable, and I'm confident that listeners will value the vulnerability and emotional expression on a sensitive topic. While grief is a sensitive and sad subject, this song has a vibrant energy with the noticeable use of drums, piano, and guitar, creating a lively and upbeat pop vibe. In the first verse, they mention how hard the experience of grief has been on them and their relationships, but they’re struggling to see the path of moving forward: “ I was told that life would come and grow around, but I can’t see the wood through all the trees that still surround me. But I’m trying to change and find the space, hope I’m healing .” Grief is tough as it strikes unexpectedly and coping with a loss is challenging. In relationships, it alters communication, thinking, and interaction. They emphasize their efforts to move closer to acceptance and growth despite these hurdles, while trying not to scare their partner away at the same time: “ One step closer to you. Tried so hard to move, it’s the best I can do. Can’t find words to prove. Upside down dreaming I’m constantly running, hope I can find you .” Son of Cabe is an indie pop duo that met in Guildford, England. They have performed at pubs in and around London, as well as at festivals such as "The Great Escape" in Brighton, UK. " 17 ” marks their initial release of this year, following their debut EP " Numb ," which was released in 2022. They’ve been featured on “BBC Introducing: The South” multiple times, as well as receiving a review from BBC radio airplay for their most popular single “ Let Go ” which has surpassed 300,000 streams. “ 17 ” was released a week ago today and is now available for streaming on all platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW SON OF CABE:

Maty Noyes releases “Idea” about taking the rose colored glasses off and finally facing the music about memories with an ex. When you’re in the pink cloud of love, you tend to tolerate a lot of things that would normally be dealbreakers. We put up with horrible things because they become so normalized in the vacuum that is love. When you’re finally out and free, the rearview can be a scary place to look because you see someone that looks a lot like you, but you can’t recognize them at all. This is not a song about missing an ex or reminiscing, but in fact, just the opposite. Moving on is rarely easy, but in these situations, you can’t help but celebrate your freedom and be excited about the future. Self-reflection and retrospection is important for growth and not repeating patterns, so now when you meet someone new, red flags won’t be so easily ignored and tolerated. Maty poignantly says, “It’s a song for the ones who got away, and we’re so good with that.” “Idea” is a self-reflective song about being so glad you were able to walk away from someone who did not deserve you. This song, and every song written for Rainbow Syndrome , is based on a true story. Maty can’t move on from something in her life until she’s written a song about it, and we’re so glad she freed herself with this electro pop banger. “Idea” is a breakup song with a unique twist. It’s a hate song for the exes, and every person needs a song like this to scream in the car or at a pregame with the girls. There is no love lost with this track. It’s not a sentimental walk down memory lane; it’s a celebratory sprint into your new future where you left the boy and the baggage in the past. Maty Noyes is changing the game and unapologetically saying the things we all think after a bad breakup. Maty Noyes continues to make noise and refuses to be defined by one genre. She is a dynamic, songwriting powerhouse who consistently, and brilliantly, takes her fiercely loyal fans on a musical journey to the depths of her soul. Maty is a true free spirit who can transcend any style or genre. She committed her life to music at just 12 years old which eventually led her to leave her small hometown of Corinth, Mississippi. She knew she was meant for big dreams that were going to come to fruition somewhere else. At 16, Maty hit the road and moved to Nashville, quickly garnering attention from all the right people, and landing a record deal with Lava Records. Maty soon found herself working with some of the biggest names in music and getting recognized by all the right people and publications. Now based in LA, Maty is gearing up for the release of her newest record, Rainbow Syndrome . “idea” is a prime example of Maty’s creativity, fiesty free-spirit, and compelling takes that bring her listeners into her world! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW MATY NOYES:

A Story Told is a three-piece band that just released a new single called "My Place." Here, they show their ability to craft a fun, pop rock sound. The chorus features lyrics about feeling that too many people are in their house, while the verses discuss the concept of a 'mundane magic show,' regret, and superstition. The track comes as one of the lead singles for their upcoming album Mundane Magic and serves as almost a thesis for the project. It is about creating your place by removing all the things that are not adding meaning to it and focusing on positivity. I am excited to see how this theme continues when their album releases. "My Place" is a pop rock track about removing what does not add value to your life. Here, the chorus features the lyrics, "There's too many people hanging in my house / So say your goodbyes and get the hell out / It's my place." The band uses a house as a symbol for the idea that you can create a place of inner well-being. You can decide to remove the people and things in your life that are not uplifting you. Like removing people from an overcrowded house, removing the overwhelming things in your life can help you create a place within that allows for new opportunities and mindsets. It's a sentiment that the musical trio delivers well between strong vocals, lyrics, and upbeat instrumentation. A Story Told is a three-member band that formed in 2013 in Charleston, West Virginia with members Alex Chaney, Josh Allen, and Jason Lieser. Chaney leads on the vocals, while Allen and Lieser serve as the guitarists. Their discography consists of three albums with a fourth one set to release on October 20, 2023. Their first album released in 2016, and it is no wonder that over the years, they have accumulated over 200,000 monthly listeners and millions of streams on Spotify. If you're a fan of bands like Bad Suns and The Band CAMINO, A Story Told has a similar sound that you should check out. Make sure to click the social media links below to follow the band and keep up with their music. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW A STORY TOLD:

I’m a perpetual busy gal; most people know that if they want or need to see me, an appointment needs to be made well in advance. None of that last minute stuff – I need two weeks’ notice at bare minimum. You can either get with the program or leave me in peace if you can’t keep up. But even when I’m blunt (and serving nothing but sass) about how busy-bodied I am, there’s still people who find the audacity to waste my precious time. But thankfully Maya Malkin’s latest single, “Busy Girl”, comes in clutch as my new anthem to blare on my speakers – penetrating even the thickest of skulls out there to comprehend how jam-packed my life is. “Busy Girl” is not just an anthem; it’s a state of mind for those who consistently find their schedules full, and their calendars filled. The song begins with faraway synths that turn into a bouncy bass to let listeners know this track means a little business and a whole lotta fun. The opening lyrics make it clear that busy girl life entails “running a mile a minute”. But even the fastest of us sometimes get sidetracked by an obstacle and must slow down the pace. “Smack dabbed in the middle” of this endless race, our obstacle comes into view as the shape of another person – and they’ve caught our eye for the moment. With charmingly assertive vocals in the pre-chorus, Malkin brings us out of our reverie and gets our minds back in the race. In a chorus filled with vibrancy, listeners are reminded that they’re that girl on top of a busy girl. Unless this person of interest is willing to keep up, they might as well “hold [our] bag” while we pursue our goals. This is followed up by a realization and gratifying self-assurance in the second verse; busy girls should not feel bad for prioritizing their goals and dropping “dead weight” when this very same weight is refusing to ditch their “training wheels”. Maybe in due time the obstacle-turned-dead weight will eventually catch up. For now, though, we won’t be “breaking a sweat” over that. Because “Busy Girl” is such an absolute mood, that means it defies the gender binary. In plain English, “Busy Girl” is not just for busy women – it’s for busy theys, zies, zirs, and men, too. And we love empowering singles that are gender inclusive. When Maya Malkin isn’t creating purposeful pop tracks, fans might recognize the artist’s voice from other projects. The Montreal transplant and current Toronto resident initially blew listeners away in Motel Raphaël; an indie-pop band she led alongside Clara Legault. Malkin’s also written jingles and loaned her voice for a handful of commercials. In 2020, the songstress decided to launch her solo project with her debut track, “Hostage”. Since then, Malkin has continued to expand her discography with singles that feature experimental sounds and honest lyrics that evolve into musical therapy – her debut album, Congratulations, being direct proof of this. For fans based in and nearby Toronto, there’s an opportunity to see the artist perform live this Saturday, August 19th at The Drake Underground. Malkin is one of the acts performing for Goodnight Sunrise's ongoing tour. Doors open at 7:00 P.M. and tickets for 19+ attendees can be found here. And as always, if you’ve enjoyed Malkin’s power-tripping single as much as I have, show the artist some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW MAYA MALKIN: