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Finding love is a difficult journey, and sometimes you get it wrong. You end up falling for the wrong person, even if you thought you had it right. Elvira Alfaro takes a deep dive into this and the feelings that come with a relationship destined for a painful ending. "Season 8" is a heartfelt tribute to those struggling with difficult relationships. Illustrating the metaphor of a sinking boat, Alfaro paints the story of two people knowing they'll have to leave each other at some point. It's a heartbreaking, relatable story of falling for the wrong person and making the excruciating decision to move on. With lyrics like "I'm sorry for the pain, I could have spared you if I'd just left," Alfaro explores the bittersweet feelings of letting go of someone you love, knowing it's for the best. Though the premise of "Season 8" is melancholy and heavy, the track features a chill pop rock sound reminiscent of the 2000s. Alfaro twists haunting lyrics and melodies with seductive, dreamy synth sounds, creating an intoxicating listening experience. Her light, soulful vocals are captivating, sounding like a combination of Taylor Swift, Zella Day, and Birdy. Giving listeners something to remember, Alfaro builds up to impactful choruses throughout "Season 8," showcasing memorable melodies and pounding drums. For a song with so much heartache, "Season 8" makes falling out of love sound sweet and relaxing—a beautiful release for anyone going through that pain. Hailing from Sweden, Elvira Alfaro is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter. The young pop artist is an active social media user, often sharing unreleased music and moments from her everyday life to Instagram and TikTok. Caring about staying connected with her fans, she encourages those who love her music to follow her on her socials. Alfaro made her music industry debut with the track, "space" in 2022. Some of her current popular releases include "vending machine," "Antarctica," "little things," and "space." Those who listen to Alfaro also like acts such as BENN, Jonahh, Samuel Nimoson Jr., and Vettche. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ELVIRA ALFARO:

Mental Health is a hot topic in musical spaces. Creating music that speaks to people is a lot of the time musician's goal and Mashville is no different. Dropping their track OK during mental health awareness month was a perfect way to show their stance on the issue. This track covers some hard topics. It understands something a lot of pop tracks don’t. That sometimes it's ok to not be OK. Instead of trying to fix them the best thing to do sometimes is just offer support. Nova Chez offers her sweet vocals in this pertinent song. Nova Chez is one of five in the collective that is known as Mashville. Her vocals are sweet and maintain the poignant yet hopeful soundscape the instrumental pushes forward. This track seeks to reduce the stigma around mental health. Something extremely important to the group. Nova urges on this track that it is perfectly fine to be ok and to check in with your loved ones when you're ready to talk about it. Mental health is a constant battle but it can be fought better with support from loved ones. The instrumental adds to this with its gentle guitar and pulsing bass. Bold and hopeful production and Nova’s impressive lead vocal performance make for an impactful and hopeful track. Mashville is an artist collective that features five amazingly talented vocalists. Each vocalist brings something unique to the group that challenges the collective's understanding of music. Mashville allows them to stand out on their own amongst the collective with featured songs. Their goal is to explore new sounds and reinvent what it means to create music with a group. Having each vocalist showcase their voice in a new track creates a supportive space. Mashville writes songs that speak to each member and their fans. They have been releasing music since 2022 and don’t plan on stopping with music coming out this year. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW MASHVILLE:

Jenna Carlie’s latest single is an infectious track that consists of relatable lyrics and an unforgettable melody. The song details the surreal moment when you realize that you have caught feelings for someone you were merely “just friends” with. Carlie explains that the track was born out of a handful of different emotions—the “ache, anxiety, adrenaline, and excitement” of wondering if these feelings are reciprocated. She begins the track by setting the scene with the lyrics: “Here at your apartment again// Talking ‘til 3am// Laughing like little kids at nothing.” She paints the picture of herself with the guy she secretly loves having the time of their lives together, despite the otherwise mundane moment. They feel naturally comfortable with each other, and Carlie knows she can be herself around him. She then continues to reveal little details that indicate how they both feel. She sings, “You always tell me to let you know// When I make it safely home// But tonight I’m tryna gain my composure// On the side of the road// I really thought that we could be just friends// But honestly what was I thinking.” Although it could be a friendly gesture, Carlie wonders if his concern for her safety could imply a deeper meaning. He cares for her in a way that her other friends do not, leaving her thoughts to overwhelm her mind on her drive home. These lyrics are the perfect build up into the chorus where the hook is revealed. She sings, “You got me in a headspace lately// Hope you can’t hear my heartbeat racing// ‘Cause boy I swear you drive me crazy// Going over 80// In the left lane.” These lines connect to the lyrics about her crush’s concern for her safe arrival home. Her mind is too preoccupied with replaying interactions and questioning his feelings toward her that she is now driving recklessly without meaning to. At the end of the chorus, she switches the perspective by asking him, “Do you feel the same way?// Are you going over 80 in the left lane?” This change emphasizes the hopeful thoughts that are running through her mind. The lyrics are sweet, inquisitive, and fun, making “left lane” a flawless summer anthem for the hopeless romantic. “left lane” contains an upbeat melody with optimistic lyrics that lifts the spirits of listeners and makes them want to sing along. The song kicks off with a muffled synth sound effect that resembles a car door opening and closing with Carlie harmonizing the melody in the background. After a few measures, the verse begins with her prominent vocals no longer muffled. The synth instrumentation remains slightly muffled with light tapping to keep the beat. When Carlie sings, “laughing like little kids at nothing,” she closes out the line with soft laughs in the background, making the lyrics more personable to the listener. When the pre-chorus begins, a keyboard is heard playing muffled chords that lead into the chorus. Throughout the first half of the chorus, the production pauses between lines, providing an emphasis on the vulnerable yet sweet lyrics. The background vocals are harmonizing with higher notes that further enhances the charming atmosphere. In the second half of the chorus, the muffled effect and production pauses disappear, while some of the synth sounds continue to cut out periodically. In the second verse, fast synth beats and muffled echoing vocals are added that provide an additional dynamic to the song. Then, guitar chords are picked up in the pre-chorus, further enhancing this new dynamic. When the chorus returns, the guitar remains but plays only a single note like a bass line, before it begins harmonizing with itself. The full production continues into the bridge while Carlie’s angelic vocals guide the listener through the song. After the bridge, the production cuts to only the vocals and soft synth production that slowly builds on the instrumentation, before exploding back into the final chorus. Carlie showcases her phenomenal vocals and her impeccable songwriting talent with “left lane,” making the song an unforgettable addition to her discography. Jenna Carlie is a singer-songwriter from Philadelphia, now based in Nashville. In 2019, she began working with her friend and producer, Steven Alexander Chen, better known as STVN. In November of that year, they released their first joint single, “Heartstrings.” The single has over 500,000 streams on Spotify alone. Carlie released her first solo single, “Little Things” in 2020 and her follow up single, “Homeland” with Searching for Light in 2021. In 2023, she was featured on WLDHRT’s EP, Welcome to the Wild. Carlie’s sound derives from a mix of indie and pop to create catchy melodies that highlight her relatable and honest lyrics. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW JENNA:

EDM has become synonymous with the night's intensity. Alternatively, "Every Thought of You" sounds bathed in warm, California rays. The synths are plucky and spry, yet their edges have been softened to a gentle pulse, allowing for the dance beat to hold control of the pace. Words aside, the vocals have a similar quality and role as the song's synths. The cherubic falsetto is nearly whispered throughout the entirety of the single, lending it a serene vibe. While indisputably an EDM track—carrying genre trademarks, such as its crescendoing risers and vocal sampling—there's the two artists' characteristic charm and happiness breathing space into the mix. While genre peers have a tendency to dampen electronic music's color in sweaty fervor, GT_Ofice and ALWZ SNNY remind us that the dancefloor is meant to spark joy. Lyrically, "Every Thought Of You" is earnest and saccharine. Many of the lines sound like text messages to a significant other—trying to find the right words to express affection. "Been dreaming about you every night" is later intensified with "want you to hold me every night." These simple, yet personal confessions feel right at home in the warm bed of the synth soundscape. That they weave and blend into a cohesive mosaic allows "Every Thought Of You" to capture its insular vibe for the sustained three minutes. It's like snapping the perfect photograph—the morning sun's halo effect creating the most captivating glow—and then living in that moment for as long as your smile can last. GT_Ofice has made a big splash in the EDM space since his debut in 2019. A frequent collaborator, the Billboard-charting artist has brought a consistently positive quality to each project he embarks on. Prior to the release of "Every Thought Of You," GT_Ofice's single "Never Together" remained on the Billboard Dance/Mixshow airplay charts for seven weeks. ALWZ SNNY is an American DJ/Producer/creator with an iconic sun-faced mask. The artist likens his blend of EDM and upbeat sound to "happy house." As an internationally recognized producer, ALWZ SNNY has also gained major traction through festival appearances and fantastic collaborations. He has a persistent positivity and empathy that shines through in his music, combining synths and live instruments. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW GT_Ofice: FOLLOW ALWZ SNNY:

Love isn’t always concrete. It moves, changes, molds, transforms, sometimes, in painful ways. Róisin’s new song “Loop”, speaks to this apparent ambiguity, with a partner who’s only half-committed and half-invested. She says “I‘m all in, but I’ll never win”, a feeling which many can resonate with, trying "too hard" and abandoning yourself or playing “hard-to-get” and compromising your true feelings. She likens the situation to leaving “the door half-closed” and “pouring salt on love”, a great metaphor for how even slight hesitation can sour the entire experience. Beginning with energetic, country guitar, the song is punctuated by smooth drum beats and muted-guitar rhythms. As Róisin sings, the track utilizes a rounded, oscillating synth that feels trippy while also contemplative. Similar to well-known artists (notably, Clairo) her voice feels softly pure, playing with vocal layering/harmonies, which provides a comforting warmth to the whole track. Throughout the bridge, the production uses a wavy, ascending guitar riff, pierced by Róisin’s airy, digitally-flavored vocals—a sound which feels akin to being deep-in-thought, surrounded by nature. Although the song doesn't reach a typical climax, the production speaks to the intangible heaviness in even smaller, simpler moments. Towards the end, I really appreciated the breathy vocals and melodic piano, which, as the song replays, creates, in essence, a loop. Originally raised in New York, Róisin began songwriting (for other artists) before releasing her first single “I Won’t Love” this year. Inspired by Phoebe Bridgers and The Cranberries, her music embraces a playful yet warm energy, using chiller drum beats, beachy production, and relaxing, introspective vocals. Having generated 2,500 monthly Spotify listeners, Róisin’s dreamy, relaxing sound has already clicked with future fans, helped, in part, by her producer Devan Skaggs and Róisin’s natural ear for melody. She released three demos on SoundCloud this year, further showcasing the potential breadth of her music, some digital, some electronic, all maintaining a unique clarity unseen with other artists (my favorite being “Love Song”). Although she has just begun, her talent and precision is evident; I have quickly added her music to my “Spotify liked”— perfect for the next road trip and/or a long night spent contemplating life. I’m excited to see what else she releases! Written By: Conner Pettit FOLLOW RÓISIN:

Sometimes things feel too good to be true. It's almost like you're dreaming, and you have to pinch yourself to make sure you're awake. Stacey Kelleher illustrates this in her new single, "UFO." The track takes a deep dive into the intoxicating feeling of what it's like to be in a relationship that seems too good to be true. It's easy to fall fast in a relationship that seems perfect, but in this age of modern dating, that can be scary. Speaking volumes about what modern dating is like, Kelleher incorporates lyrics like "Can I trust you?" It's hard trusting in new relationships considering the state of dating today, something Kelleher tackles with a heart-warming honesty that anyone can connect with. Soft and light, Stacey Kelleher gingerly delivers feelings of uncertainty in an almost too perfect relationship that's full of bliss. "UFO" features an ethereal soundscape, showcasing pedal steel guitar interjections and lush vocal harmonies. The track's soundscape is reminiscent of the atmosphere you'd hear in a Kacey Musgraves or Lennon Stella song. "UFO" is a more laid-back track, having a slower tempo and delicate melodic material. Kelleher's sweet, whispered vocals are perfect for conveying the uncertainty of falling in love in the modern dating scene—a sound so sweet it'll be love at first listen when you hear it. An impressive Nashville-based indie pop artist, Stacey Kelleher is a force to be reckoned with. The rising star is a talented singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her honest and vulnerable music. Serving as an outlet for her, Kelleher uses songwriting as a way to navigate the highs and lows of life. She is inspired by artists like Holly Humberstone, Halsey, Dua Lipa, LANY, Lennon Stella, and Phoebe Bridges. Giving an authentic look into her life, Kelleher writes about her haunting relationships. Some of her popular releases include "Thing of the Past," "ILY & I Can't Say It," "Worst Case Scenario," and "Overcommitted." Kelleher's latest releases layer electro-pop beats, dreamy melodies, and shameless lyrics together to create an unforgettable listening experience. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW STACEY KELLEHER:

As the closing track on the EP, Sweet Spot , "Who Am I To Say (08:50)" charts the uncertain path forward from the end of a relationship. Combining soaring vocals and high-impact dance pop, BENN reaches beyond ambivalence towards a true, dancefloor catharsis. The percussion evolves from booming impacts in the verses to 80's pop drums in the lifting chorus. The contrast is startling, from arresting and overwhelming to emboldening and galvanizing. BENN's vocals are double-tracked for maximum texture and clarity—not a word is lost in the lush soundscape—giving the sense that he is in complete control of the movement of "Who Am I To Say (08:50)." When he soars into rousing falsetto, or slides into a honeyed croon, the power of the song follows. For an EP that begins with BENN setting a soured relationship aflame, it's not surprising that it's conclusion finds ambivalence for whatever is next. Despite his insistence on "Light It Up (23:50)" that the two "go and start new," the actual prospect of starting new is no small task. "Who Am I To Say (08:50)" shows BENN with a myriad of doubts and questions. "What if your body's holding me just because you think that you know me?" He asks in the first verse, undeniably contextualized by what failed in the previous relationship. But these questions can only be answered through experience. "How could I know?" With this simple question, BENN finds peace with the past and strength to venture into the unknown. BENN, a Finland-based artist, is breathing fresh air into the European music scene through his soul/RnB influenced pop music. Centering his projects around lyrical vulnerability and sonic creativity, the sound of BENN's music feels both familiar and fresh in all the right ways. "Who Am I To Say (08:50)" released alongside four other tracks as a part of the artist's debut EP. The project charts a relationship's ending and the search for personal growth and beginning anew. BENN first appeared in the duet "Doubt" with fellow artist, Elisabeth Ehrnrooth. His first solo release arrived in 2019, entitled "Put Up With Me." Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW BENN:

Alright, I gotta’ tread carefully here… What comes to mind for you when I say ‘country’ music? Cowboys? Beer? Beer-drinking cowboys? Sure, for a great deal of its history, the genre was marked by the blues/folk-leaning ‘outlaw country’ of 19th Century icons like Hank Williams; but soon, as life and liberty swept America into a modern age, the blue-collar anthems of everyday citizens began take hold on the national stage. Legendary , timeless names, like Dolly Parton, Elvis–began to blend these tales with the explosive energy of a fledgling ‘rock n’ roll,’ and ‘popular’ styles at large! With no signs of slowing down, this lineage continued to thrive, producing household names such as Garth Brooks, Kid Rock, Shania Twain, the queen herself, Taylor Swift! Now, this all begs the question: what is ‘country’ music? Is it a sound? An attitude? Well, honestly… I have no clue, but my gut tells me this bold tradition is alive and well, and Livi Jacobs is the proof! Shining bright on her debut release, “Goodbye,” Jacobs brims with the bittersweet, taking the audience on one hell of an emotional ride! Listen to "Goodbye" by Livi Jacobs Fusing the husky lilt of contemporary ‘pop-country’ with gentle folk, Livi Jacobs wastes no time jumping into this stellar cut! “Goodbye” calmly drifts in and out of focus, cresting and dipping in wavy fashion. Jacobs’ beautiful voice hangs in the mid-range, rarely wandering from its tessitura; buckling down with a whispery, ethereal approach, subtle harmonies and sleek production help flush out the tune, lending necessary contour that allows the straight-forward instrumental to sparkle! The singers’ storytelling is phenomenal, and in my opinion, possibly the crown jewel of an already royal release! Whereas it seems that many of her singer-songwriter peers focus on lyrical/aural motif(s) to capture listeners, Jacobs keeps herself in focus; “Goodbye” is a message from the heart, a eulogy to past pain, and an ode to our own resilience. The tune is plot-driven, a portrait of life painted with melancholic blues and heartfelt hues… a study in balance and composure. While quite mysterious aside from a growing social media presence (and her marriage to rising Florida star, Steven James), Livi Jacobs is a contemporary pop artist holding the world in her hands. Born in Austria, Jacobs’ passion has unfolded into a life-long journey, leading her to America--where stents in Florida, Nashville, and L.A. have helped polish this precocious artist! Chasing her childhood dream for all it’s worth, “Goodbye” is Jacobs laying her cards on the table. Boasting beauty, intention, and a nostalgia that strikes all the right chords, it’s clear that this young artist is primed for success! Written By Thomas Hiscock FOLLOW LIVI: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

CARDAMONE releases new single, “Killer,” that paints a detailed picture of control and longing in an unsatisfying relationship. There is an enamoring thrill that comes along with yearning for something better when you’ve finally realized what you deserve. It’s not selfish to understand you have needs and desires that should be met by your partner. We fear looking like the bad guy in our story, but the real hero is the one who fights for themself to the bitter end. It’s incredibly healing and courageous to know your worth, act accordingly, and not settle for mediocrity. Being a killer in love is something to be proud of because it means you’re in tune with your heart and emotions. “Killer” mirrors the feelings of growing strong and finally being able to vocalize your wants and needs. “Killer” is a prime example of CARDAMONE’s vocal talent and visionary storytelling as an artist. Her instrumentals are ethereal and her voice is chilling. The intensity patiently builds alongside the mounting orchestration. The lyrics beckon to title songs of Bond movies of the recent past. “Killer” seamlessly swings from fragile intimacy to boldfaced dominance leaving her listeners empowered. This song is a seemingly effortless display of artistic talent and expression. Dive deeper into the allure of CARDAMONE’S “Killer” through her sickening new video that defies all boundaries and expectations. Australian pop singer/songwriter CARDAMONE is much more than meets the eye. Her mellow, moody vibes are drawn from her hometown of Melbourne. Known for her somber storytelling and sultry voice, she has a fresh perspective of the industry from her global career in performing arts. She moved to Los Angeles as a young dancer and landed gigs behind mega-stars like Justin Bieber and Flo Rida. She then further scratched her performing itch and dove into intensive vocal training where she honed her craft and once again proved hard work and passion can create astounding results. Her unique stories and experiences led to sonic masterpieces and notoriety in LA. CARDAMONE landed back in Australia to deepen her solo work, and she is crafting an EP of songs to show off her full range and growth as an artist! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW CARDAMONE:

Overcoming addiction is a tough battle many face. Ryan Mitchell tackles that battle in his latest single, "Ruin My Life." The track began as a toxic love song to his addiction, outlining his struggles with alcohol. Mitchell is 2 years sober, but still has days he has to fight picking up a drink. "Ruin My Life" is an ode to those fighting addiction, as Mitchell states, "I am grateful to be a part of a community of people who share my experience. I hope to in part give a voice to this community and help people." Mitchell also hopes to push genre boundaries with this song, fusing pop-punk and pop/hip-hop together, feeling that the narrative of "Ruin My Life" translates well across both genres. "Ruin My Life" is a quirky, playful track you're bound to have on repeat. Heavy with an infectious commercial pop energy, this song creatively intertwines an essence of rock with a hint of pop-punk. Showing off his impressive songwriting abilities, Mitchell infuses "Ruin My Life" with memorable melodies and drives the track forward with upbeat percussive hits. Mitchell gives us one of the most unforgettable choruses, infusing it with captivating melodic material that allows his voice to soar. The pop-punk/alt-pop vibe "Ruin My Life" radiates harkens back to some of Mitchell's influences like My Chemical Romance, Post Malone, and Blackbear. LA-based alternative pop artist, Ryan Mitchell, has been gaining attention over TikTok ever since his debut single, "Russian Roulette." From the attention, he has been steadily amassing a cult following comprised of Emos, outcasts, and music lovers around the world. Mitchell has developed a unique sound and writing style from singing and writing for a series of punk/rock bands around LA. He uses powerful hooks, smooth vocals, and stacked harmonies to explore difficult topics like mental health, toxic romance, and addiction. Through his music, he hopes to share his experiences with his audience and to give voices to those struggling. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW RYAN MITCHELL:

There is no bond stronger than that between mother and child. She carried you in the womb for nine long months and has always loved you. Mothers are the backbone of our society; without them, we wouldn't be here. But not all of us have a stable relationship with our mothers. Some of us find ourselves fighting day and night with them. Hearing awful things spewed toward you and saying similar things in retaliation can all be overwhelming. Rachel Graes' track Daughter reflects these feelings. Daughter delves deep into the instability of a mother-daughter relationship and the insecurities that can cause rifts. Having a relationship with your mother can come with serious challenges. But fighting those battles together brings you closer together. The track is an acoustic ballad featuring rich piano and a powerful orchestral underlayer. The track lends itself to Rachel's voice well. Her vocals are soft and emotional. Her Tones are the driving force behind the epic soundscape and the moody atmosphere. The lyrics mimic a diary entry. Featuring deep insecurities and fears that come from simply being a daughter. The track is emotional and heartwarming. It is meaningful because Rachel features her fan's mothers in the music video. The video flips through clips and images of various mothers and daughters. Showing the collective emotional rollercoaster of loving a mother so deeply. Rachel Grae is a singer-songwriter from New York. She has always had an intense fascination with music. Starting at a young age she would dissect melodies of popular tracks to find how they tick. This fascination morphed over time into her songwriting expertise. Her abilities stem from this profound knowledge and love for her craft. And she uses her emotions to showcase them so beautifully. Her music is meant to make you feel emotional and gush over whatever feelings you may have. Her goal is to make music that moves people and she is achieving that goal with each track she releases. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW RACHEL GRAE:

“I Won’t” is an emotional testament to the love, loyalty, and sacrifice that two partners put into a relationship. Etham writes about the core commitment that lovers make to each other through thick and thin. Etham’s matter-of-fact honesty paints a complete picture of a relationship that’s going through the motions, working through issues together, and feeling out whether or not their partner is a good fit. The delicate piano melody highlights the raw emotions that pour from Etham’s bold voice, trust and power behind it. Etham’s honest narrative stands out among millions of others, showcasing the often harsh truth of what relationships come to. It tells the story of two partners that aren’t holding onto their bond simply because they’re afraid to let go, but actually have the trust and love to work out their issue together. Relationships aren’t always depicted with the communication or boundaries that real-life needs, so Etham’s stark retelling works to educate his audience on the language and practices they made need to maintain a serious relationship. Etham is a singer-songwriter based in Reading. "I Won't" is only the beginning of his extensive release campaign. Within a couple of short years, Etham has dazzled his contemporaries with his consistently awesome performances alongside musical superstars like John Newman, JP Cooper, Tori Kelly, and Justin Bieber. Putting together a series of amazing shows, Etham is opening for Sabrina Claudio in May. He’s even slated to go international later this year, with shows from London to Korea. From posting covers on YouTube to performing on the big stage, Etham has risen far and only keeps on coming. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ETHAM: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator