Timing is a big factor when it comes to starting a romantic relationship. You may not be ready to do so because you enjoy the freedom that comes with being single. You might also not feel emotionally ready to support another person. Whatever the reason is, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. After all, you want to be at your very best when starting a new relationship. Even so, it does complicate things when you meet your “soulmate” during this time. You can’t begin a romantic relationship when you’re not ready and screw things up with your perfect person. Amelie Jat knows this harsh truth all too well and writes about it in her upbeat and optimistic new single, “2028.” The title is a time that’s far into the future because there is hope that Jat and her perfect person will meet again and be able to be together. The track embodies the hopeful age-old saying, “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, then it’s yours.” As I said before, the mood of the song is very optimistic, and it really comes out in the instrumentation. Despite being about lost love, the music is very light and upbeat. Influenced by sounds of the 80’s, it is a mix of a triumphant piano and a dreamlike synth. Jat’s vocals have a nostalgic 2000’s sound to them, almost like Hilary Duff. As for the lyrics, they alternate between 2 different moods. She is obviously sad about lost love with lines like “Say you just can’t right now because the city’s too loud.” On the other hand, Jat is still optimistic that all hope is not lost as she asks but if I called you up in 2028, would you pick me up and take me on a date?” She also says “we both know wrong time and place.” She goes back and forth between the two sides, but the latter wins over. After all, love is worth fighting for. Amelie Jat is a singer/songwriter who was born and raised in Hong Kong. She developed a love for music when she received a drum set at just 3 years old. Influenced by members of pop royalty, such as Avril Lavigne and Maggie Lindemann, Jat later began writing pop/punk songs. What started in her bedroom is now a budding musical career. She released 3 singles in 2022, one of which is “Electric Butterflies.” It has a gritty punk sound and the lyrics reflect on the nervous feelings that come with having a crush. Jat is currently hard at work on an upcoming album to be released this fall. If these two songs are any indication of it, I can’t wait to hear the rest! Follow all of Amelie Jat’s socials down below to learn more about her and stay up-to-date on new music! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW AMELIE JAT

After nine albums and 16 years together as a band, Arizona pop-punk legends, The Maine, still have yet to release an album that disappoints. As a born and raised Arizonan, I love to support a band like The Maine who pour their hearts into their work and proudly call Arizona home. Like me, The Maine puts their roots into everything they do, and their ninth album is no exception. Despite traveling the world and playing to crowds of thousands for nearly two decades, this self-titled album is reflective of the band’s journey since their humble beginnings as teenagers. Track List: dose. no 2 how to exit a room blame leave in five the mood i'm in/jsyk i think about you all the time thoughts i have while lying in bed funny how? cars & caution signs spiraling The Maine are a self-described "Arizona emo group" out of Tempe, Arizona. Since 2007, the band has been making a name for themselves in the pop-punk world. As teenagers, the group (comprised of lead singer John O'Callaghan, drummer Pat Kirch, lead guitarist Jared Monaco, bass player Garret Nickelsen, and rhythm guitarist Kennedy Brock) would hang out in a parking garage on Hardy Drive in Tempe. According to legend, the highest story of this garage overlooked a business with the number "8123" on the side. Since then, The Maine have featured this number in work throughout their career ever since. Under their record label, aptly named 8123 Records, their self-titled album was released on August 1, 2023 (8/1/23), at a once-in-a-century event in Dever, Colorado to fans screaming "8123 means everything to me!" Photo Credit: Guadalupe Bustos dose no. 2 The album begins with “dose no. 2”, an electrifying track that describes the rush in your veins as you chase the high of falling in love with someone new. This song is filled with pulsing drum beats and invigorating guitars, complemented by John O's captivating vocals. This song is the perfect intro to the album, fit with the signature “The Maine sound,” of upbeat instrumentals and rich vocal work. For fans (or future fans!) of The Maine, this song is somewhat reminiscent of “Don’t Come Down” from their 2017 album Lovely Little Lonely, referencing the song in part of the chorus. how to exit a room As the lead single from The Maine, “how to exit a room” describes the ache of an imperfect night out. Without losing any of the energy from the first track, this song is filled with a thrumming baseline from the very start that pulls the listener in. John O’ describes the anxiety that comes from feeling forced to fake a smile and the quelling relief of finding someone to share it with. As the song progresses, we hear John O' struggling to accept his fame and his desire to live a life unwasted. Relatable and catchy, this song is the perfect antidote for anyone feeling uneasy about their place in the world. blame The second single from The Maine, “blame” is a frenetic, synth-driven track that describes being given blame by someone refusing to take accountability. Starting out fast and strong, the song feels artfully messy until its hits the more polished chorus. John O’ relates to the person blaming him for a situation beyond his control, understanding their struggles and that “it’s easier if I’m the one you blame.” Additionally, he gives voice to those who have been forced to confront an issue they have no control over. Overall, this track is both fun and cathartic for anyone who listens. leave In five “leave in five” is a funky pop-rock anthem complete with a groovy baseline and steel guitars. This song sounds like a track straight off the dance floor of a house party, mirrorballs and all. This track invites listeners to get “lost in the lights,” and takes me back to dancing alone in a crowded room during the after-party of The Maine’s biennial 8123 Festival back in 2022. Despite going by myself, I never felt alone, and “leave in five” is the perfect track to have a “main character moment” to while surrounded by other fans doing the same. the mood i’m in/jsyk The album slows down with “the mood i’m in/jsyk,” a brooding, reflective ballad that describes the daily struggles that keep us up at night. John O's fears and anxieties are put on full display in this track. With the introspective lyrics, “If I’ve been unapproachable, or I seem too emotional / Life has been a roller coaster … / I’ve been avoiding bullshit confrontational conversations / So if I forgot to say hello / It’s just the mood I’m in.” For anyone in a state of heavy transition or personal struggles, this track speaks volumes. i think about you all the time Beginning the back half of the album, “i think about you all the time” picks up the pace once again. Lamenting about the sweet torture of thinking about someone a little too much, this song is perfect for anyone pining over a potential lover or ex-lover. The rambling drums and desperate guitars perfectly encapsulate the restless, dizzying experience of unrequited love, felt by someone addicted to the pain. thoughts i have while lying in bed “thoughts i have while lying in bed” follows the same formula. Describing his lover’s presence as a drug, John O’ explores the joy and anxieties of finding true love. We have all stayed up and analyzed every interaction we’ve had with a new lover trying to find the trap door that must inevitably exist, only to find that there is none. After having your guard up for so long, the thought of letting it down is terrifying, but so worth it. We are forced to look at ourselves and be brave enough to accept everything we’ve ever wanted, even if it seems too good to be true. This is perfectly encapsulated in the lyrics, “Starin’ at the ceiling and I’m burnin’ up / I’m lookin’ for a reason you ain’t good enough / Now I’m in a feelin’ and it’s like a drug / Oh, I’m high off your love… / You’re the missing pieces I’ve been dreamin’ of.” funny how? “funny how?” is a nostalgia-fueled anthem penned by John O' to his daughter. Featuring her heartbeat at the end of the track, he promises her that he will always be there for her. This song also reflects John O’s journey from a teenager to an adult and how incredible it has been so far. He looks back on how quickly time has gone by and how it cannot last forever. With his softened vocals paired with a tender instrumental section, this song is sure to tug at the heartstrings. cars & caution signs “cars & caution signs” is an 80s synth-pop classic perfect for a night drive. This song is thrumming with the feeling that anything is possible. This song ties a rope to the listener’s chest and pulls them forward into the moment, encouraging them to “forget the future, forget the past.” With simple lyrics and compelling instrumentals, this song leads perfectly into the end of the album as it repeats the question, “Are we there yet?” spiraling As the closing track of the album, “spiraling” is sultry in a way that is similar to “leave in five.” Beginning immediately with John O’s smooth vocals, the song progresses into a dreamy pop-rock anthem. Following the album's overarching theme of being intoxicated by love, this song feels like the slow head rush after a night of drinking with friends. This track perfectly bookends the album while leaving the listener hungry for more. Deviating from the band’s typical sound, “spiraling” is the prime example of the band’s maturity and fearlessness. As they have evolved, they have been able to take more and more risks with their work. With “spiraling,” it is clear that they have paid off. The Maine is a moody, seductive album that has a track for every situation. It feels like a walk home from a night out with friends and a drive through your hometown. It is the perfect blend of future possibilities and chilling nostalgia that The Maine is known for. Even with nine albums under their belt, The Maine continues to raise the bar for themselves, sailing over it every time. They have come a long way since the parking garage they started in, but it’s obvious why 8123 means everything to me. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Dani Stocksdale has kicked off her music career with an impressive bang after releasing her debut single, “Swimming Pools.” The vulnerable track explores the difficulties in finding a relationship in the modern age of online dating. Stocksdale wrote the song after a conversation with her therapist where she disclosed feeling lonely and lacking the confidence to put herself out there. After following her therapist’s advice to go to a bar alone, she learned quickly that putting herself out there is not enough. After being approached by a man who showed her interest, like she had been wanting for so long, she immediately shut him down. She used this experience as inspiration for her single, using swimming pools as a metaphor: they look very inviting, but given the chance, she does not allow herself to dive in. This clever comparison perfectly encapsulates these feelings of overwhelming loneliness while simultaneously being hesitant to accept any advances. In the chorus, she sings, “Swimming pools, I dip my toes in// I get cold and// Maybe I’ll come back another day// Another day// Swimming pools, they look so good// I never could but// Maybe I’ll jump in another day.” These lyrics illustrate the internal battle going on inside her head. She tries to convince herself that she is not ready today, but the next time someone approaches her, she will be. However, in the back of her mind, she knows she will still not be ready to jump in. The poetic lyricism and ingenious imagery of “Swimming Pools” showcase Stocksdale’s unmistakable songwriting skills, making this single a perfect debut for the talented newcomer. Click here to listen to "Swimming Pools"! Stocksdale never thought she would have the confidence to release this vulnerable track for the whole world to listen. Now with this incredible track under her belt, she has found her voice and proven her incomparable talent. “Swimming Pools” contains a unique production and structure that immediately draws in the listener from the very first note. The song kicks off with a brief intro that consists of the drum beat and the guitar power chord progression that is heard throughout the track. These power chords are strummed like regular chords, providing a more acoustic sound to the production. Stocksdale’s angelic vocals introduce the verse with the instrumentation continuing in the background, enhancing the chill atmosphere of the song. When the pre-chorus hits, there is a complete production change that is only heard this time in the track. A bass utilizing the same progression as the chords is added while the drums use rim clicks on the snare to provide a more subtle effect on the beat. This brings a significant focus on the layered vocals to emphasize the vulnerable lyrics. The chorus is introduced by a production pause that keeps only the drums before erupting, for the first time, into the full production. The instrumentation from the beginning is reintroduced with the addition of echoing vocals and an electric guitar playing a soft melody in the background. Stocksdale’s compelling vocals guide the listener through the lyrics, mesmerizing them with her astonishing vocals and clever lyricism. Then, a slight chord change in the progression signifies the transition into the second verse. A mellow version of the guitar from the first verse with the drums from the first pre-chorus play while layered vocals are heard in the background. These vocals continue into the second chorus which brings back the full production. A similar transition is used to introduce the second pre-chorus, which is uniquely added between the last two choruses, rather than after the second verse. This provides a distinctive song structure that is not often found in pop songs, helping the track stand out for its individuality. This pre-chorus plays a muted version of the original chords and vocals, before exploding into the final chorus. The song ends with feedback from the delay effect on the guitar, leaving the listener wishing the song would continue as they hang on to the last bit of the production. Dani Stocksdale is a 22-year-old independent pop artist based in New York City. She aspires to create music that is authentic to who she is and tells a relatable story for listeners. With her insightful lyricism and honest vulnerability, she utilizes her personal experiences, from relationships to self-discovery, to connect with audiences. Stocksdale has performed at prominent New York City venues, such as Mercury Lounge, Baby’s Alright, Rockwood Music Hall, The Cutting Room, and Arlene’s Grocery. Listeners are sitting in anticipation awaiting upcoming releases from the new artist. Follow her on all socials to keep up with future projects! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW DANI:

Have you ever experienced the feeling of needing an escape from your reality for a while? Well, you’ll have to give a listen to this song. “City Limits” is Allegra Miles’s latest song, and serves as a testament to how far she has come as an artist! The song, which Miles said she wrote in around 30 minutes, was apparently her easiest song to write! “I wasn't overthinking or judging anything,” Miles said. “Which was really freeing.” She described the song as embodying the same vibe as when you’re running around the city at night. I think I can easily agree with that statement. This is probably one of the most unique songs I’ve listened to in a while. First, I want to talk about Miles’s voice. She has an almost ethereal sound in her tone, and it drew me in almost immediately. Throughout the course of the song, Miles sings various different runs, and while it sounds angelic in a way, it really helped to add an extra layer of depth to this short but sweet song. The tempo is faster than what I first expected it to be, but it really does work. Miles says she already had the chords planned in her head, and after a few minutes at the piano, she let the lyrics flow. Every element of this song works together exceptionally well, and it made the experience of listening to it for the first time even more enjoyable. Allegra Miles is a 20-year-old singer and songwriter based in Palm Beach, Florida. She has been involved with music since she was around four years old. However, she really began to branch out in the industry when she started getting involved in various musical competitions. First, Miles competed on The Voice for season 18 in 2020, where she made it to the semifinals. Then, Miles competed on the 20th season of American Idol in 2022. There, she made it to the Top 14. Since competing in these shows, Miles has focused her attention not only on her education, but in her performances. She regularly performs at restaurants and festivals, and has even gone on nationwide tours with artists such as BabyJake and Fritz Hager. Allegra Miles is going to go really far in her career. I remember watching her on The Voice , and I told myself the same thing back then. I genuinely cannot wait to hear what she releases next. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW ALLEGRA MILES:

Music isn't simply meant to be heard; it can be felt. Every choice that an artist makes is intentional to convey a message, an emotion, an experience. Here, as the first drum-based beats of "Nineteen" began, I could feel the depth and power of Ruthie Craft's latest single. Her voice is a powerhouse -- it is soulful and full of emotion. As she sings about wishing to go back and change the past, to back when she still knew what she wanted, to when nineteen wasn't picking up the pieces of a broken heart, we feel every word. Blending pop and soul sounds in the music, Craft has truly created a bold track. "Nineteen" seems to be about falling in love and then falling apart. Feeling everything for someone when you were so young, and after, not being sure what you want anymore or how to move forward. For the refrain, Craft sings "Take me back to the time when / Nineteen wasn't such a bad number / Before I went under / Rewrite the memories and / Undo how you messed with my head." It's a simple sentiment: you can't miss what you never had. If she could go back to before everything fell apart, she would feel younger. She wouldn't be struggling with the pain and disappointment and failings in their relationship. She wouldn't be watching this person leave. She wouldn't be mourning what they had and mourning what it caused. These lyrics are backed by drum and guitar sounds that kept building and keeping me engaged through the track. Her voice also shines through the entire song with its poignancy, clarity, and vibrancy. Ruthie Craft, a Seattle-born but Austin-based singer-songwriter, has made a mark in the music industry with her performance with Keith Urban at the Washington State Fair, time on the second season of American Idol, and the few singles uploaded to Spotify. Her voice is rich and emotive, and her lyrics are also quite impassioned. "Nineteen" is her first single of 2023 and just one of the few planned for this year, all in anticipation of her debut EP that she is currently working on. If you're looking to keep up with Ruthie Craft as she releases new music, make sure to check out the social media links listed below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW RUTHIE CRAFT:

The hopelessness of codependency is a significant pain. Investing so much time into a relationship just to discover it was all built on that need for each other is just as painful. When listening to Jess Hayward's track Hopeless Not Romantic those feelings are perfectly illustrated. What it truly feels like to feel trapped in a hopeless relationship. She describes wanting to leave the relationship so badly but the worry of how she will be perceived is eating away at her. Hopeless Not Romantic is a song about letting go. Attempting to let go of a relationship that just isn't healthy anymore. Hopeless Not Romantic is at its core an alt-pop track. The moodiness of the track lends itself to the sounds of Olivia Rodrigo. Jess Hayward showcases raw emotion in a way that is rarely heard in modern music. The record has tinges of neo-soul embedded as well that add to the overall atmosphere. The subject matter of the track fits the instrumental perfectly. Its provocative soundscapes match the yearning effect the lyrics create. It all reinforced Jess's need to leave the relationship. The fact is no one is holding her back, she could easily end the relationship, but the effort it takes to make that leap is out of her reach and she’d rather pick fights than end the coupling herself. These feelings she presents are extremely relatable as everyone has felt this at a time before. It’s impactful and truly a hauntingly beautiful track. Jess Hayward is a rather new musician that is already showcasing her massive talent. Hopeless Not Romantic is her sophomore track and could not be better. Her debut single Dear Diary was released last year and set the stage for what Jess’s sound would be. Her sound is complex, it uses aspects of neo soul, pop, and alternative to curate the perfect listening experience. she does an impeccable job at blending this complex mixture of genres with her sultry vocals and thoughtful lyrics. Jess Hayward is a star in the making and we are witnessing the beginning of her journey. Music is her passion and she is using it to make her dreams come true. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW JESS:

All the relationships in your life should make it better. You should surround yourself with people who support you and push you to be your best. With that being said, being around toxic people can be very physically and emotionally taxing. JACKLYN knows this, and she shares her experiences in her new single, “No Saint.” In her situation, the person she was in a relationship with berated her and said JACKLYN will be nothing without them. She has believed the lies before. Now, she is ready to rise above it and take the power back. I know that this track will inspire listeners with toxic people in their lives to do the same. This song is defiant, and every aspect of it contributes to this mood. The instrumentation begins with a creeping guitar behind the words, “staying with you is like torture.” It sounds as if there is something building. The music picks it up with the words, “don’t say you’ll save me, you ain’t no saint.” The guitar continues and there are claps added behind it. At the end of the chorus, JACKLYN sings, “you know, I know, you’re the one to blame.” I particularly liked this line because it shows that she is shedding the burden of this toxic relationship and moving on with her life. It is the same with a line in the last verse when she says, “think you’ve gone and left a scar, you know you’re wrong. JACKLYN went through a lot with this ordeal. It is worth it, though, because the grass will definitely be greener on the other side. JACKLYN is a singer/songwriter who was born in West London. Her musical influences are a mix of soul and R&B and contemporary pop. Her work has made waves in London as well as internationally. JACKLYN had two sell-out shows there last year and has been featured on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist. “No Saint” is her second release of 2023. Her first was another single called “Insane.” The verses have a chill, jazzy vibe that picks up on the chorus. The lyrics talk about the struggle of trying to navigate love. I really enjoyed reviewing JACKLYN’s music and can’t wait to hear what she comes up with next. Follow all of her socials down below to stay up-to-date on new releases! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW JACKLYN

In the digital age, ridicule is unfortunately a common occurrence on social networks. When so much of our lives revolve around having something of a social media presence, it’s almost guaranteed that someone is patiently waiting for us to make a blunder or two to exploit for a few laughs. And I’m not saying we shouldn’t be able to laugh at ourselves - however, l do think hiding behind a screen has allowed some of us to take a joke too far. But there’s no jokes to be made about Alexa Valentino’s “punchline”. Instead of letting ridicule get the best of her, she’s developed thick skin and a quick wit; only delivering knockout blows to those attempting to bring her down through aspersions and disparagement. In the violin-laden tactile takedown that is “punchline”, Valentino empowers listeners who have found themselves to be the butt of the joke at one time or another. The single opens with determinant violin stings and layered synths featuring finger snaps that immediately draw attention. The opening verse makes it clear that Valentino has dealt with this “a hundred times” over – the belittlement game has no real effect on them now. It’s difficult to diminish someone’s sense of self-worth when the attacks are being made on old “battle wounds”; it’s similar to throwing a right hook when the recipient of this hook has a reputation for blocking them with their left forearm. These wounds are more than just for show or manipulation, they showcase our artist’s resilience in the face of derogation. As the song’s swelling pre-chorus ends, listeners are thrusted into a profound chorus that sends chills throughout their body. With every emphasis Valentino makes here, they’re forever changing and reversing the game attackers play – now subsequently making attackers the punchline for even thinking their pathetic attempts at bringing her down would work. The confidence built in the chorus radiates throughout the rest of the song. Valentino even remarks in the second verse that “there’s got to be [a] much better use of your time”. A devastating blow to anyone that’s made it their life’s mission to invest time in ridiculing others when they could be investing that time in themselves – figuring out why they feel so insecure to do something like this to begin with. Quadruple threat, Alexa Valentino, just seems to keep on pumping out success after success. Big congratulations are in order for the artist and their co-writer, Dave Quirk, for winning the 2022 John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the pop division and for overall “Song of the Year”! Their winning song, “Dear Love”, is a soft pop ballad centered on the desire for a second-chance romance. “Dear Love” is the final song on Valentino’s recent 13-track album, the meaning of forever. Also featured on the vulnerable confidential-confessional styled album are “punchline”, and “borderline” which was previously covered on the blog. For fans residing in Long Island, NY (and surrounding areas) there’s an opportunity to see Valentino perform live at the Northport Art in the Park this Sunday, August 13th. Tickets are not needed since it’s a free event open to the public. And as always, if you’ve enjoyed Valentino’s resilient front as much as I have, show her some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW ALEXA VALENTINO:

Photo credits: Spotify Releasing vulnerable, scaled-back music seems to be a trend in 2023. We’ve already had Ed Sheeran reveal a transparent look into his life with his primarily acoustic album, Subtract, but now Post Malone has followed in a similar vein with AUSTIN. The album deviates from the artist’s usual hip-hop style, embodying elements of pop-rock and commercial pop that create a softer approach than his previous albums. Matching the vulnerability of the album’s sound, Post Malone intertwines feelings of self-loathing, struggles with substance abuse, and relationship troubles throughout the album. We're on a journey of self-discovery with the artist as he takes us through his darkest thoughts, questioning if there's anything worthwhile about him and then laughing it off in the end. Track List: Don't Understand Something Real Chemical Novacandy Mourning Too Cool To Die Sign Me Up Socialite Overdrive Speedometer Hold My Breath Enough Is Enough Texas Tea Buyer Beware Landmine Green Thumb Laugh It Off Ever since his music industry debut, American rapper and singer-songwriter Post Malone has been steadily on the rise. After the release of "White Iverson" from his debut album, Stoney, he has continually reached the top of charts and has enjoyed much success over the years. He has been known for his hybrid style, tastefully combining genres like hip-hop, pop, R&B, and trap. Post Malone has had many notable collaborations on his previous albums, including Fleet Foxes, SZA, The Weeknd, and Ozzy Osbourne. His tradition of having guest artists on his albums is another aspect he strays from on AUSTIN, making it his first project without any guest appearances. From the artist moving in a new direction sonically to him playing guitar on every track, AUSTIN is a unique approach to Post Malone's evolving style and makes for a captivating listening experience. Starting off moody and broody, the opening tracks, "Don't Understand" and "Something Real," show the album's darker side. "Don't Understand" sets the tone for the album, beginning with a bare instrumentation of acoustic guitar riffs and Post Malone's raw vocals. It's a slow, soft track that expresses the artist's self-loathing with lyrics like "I don't understand how you like me so much/'Cause I don't like myself." It's one of the more sad songs on AUSTIN, giving listeners a glimpse into Post Malone's vulnerable side. Contrasting with something a little more loud and aggressive, "Something Real" features a heavier instrumentation that draws on darker synth-pop and is reminiscent to the artist's previous work on Twelve Carat Toothache. This song has a big sound with a passionate choir backing Post Malone's emotional vocals. Lightening the album's mood up a bit, Post Malone throws in some peppy commercial pop-rock tracks with "Chemical," "Novacandy," and "Mourning." While some of the lyrics in these songs aren't always the most pleasant, the music is. "Chemical" features energetic pop beats and guitar strums, accompanying the song's memorable melodies. The track was the first single released off the album, getting listeners pumped for the new album with a sound similar to Post Malone's hit, "Circles." Coming up next on the album, "Novacandy" has a similar catchy vibe to it, making it one of the tracks listeners will have on repeat. "Novacandy" mixes elements of synth-pop and commercial pop together, creating infectious beats and irresistible melodies. Slowing things down a bit but not too much, "Mourning" comes in as a mid-tempo ballad. The track was another one released as a single prior to the album's debut. "Mourning" sounds pleasant and like a commercial hit, but the lyrics are bittersweet. Throughout the track, Post Malone mourns the end of a party, not wanting it to be over or sober up. Slightly more melancholic than the previous three tracks on the album, "Too Cool To Die" comes up next and is another mid-tempo ballad. The song is full on synth-pop, seeming to draw some inspiration from the 80s. "Too Cool To Die" features captivating, heavy-hearted melodies that are accompanied by chugging guitar riffs, shuffling beats, and a synth-laden soundscape. "Sign Me Up" picks the pace up on AUSTIN, featuring driving beats and energetic melodies. The track seems to outline a toxic mindset in a relationship, using lyrics like "I couldn't see it coming/There ain't no point in running/I'll even cut off all my hair and change my clothes/Ain't even call my mother/For love, you gotta suffer." It's a problematic sounding relationship, but the music telling the story is pure bliss. As soon as "Sign Me Up" picked up the pace, "Socialite" slowed it back down. It's another mid-tempo ballad, featuring a scaled-back instrumentation that relies heavily on guitar, piano, and shuffling percussion. Though it's one of the slower songs on the album, it's definitely not dull by any means. The vocals and melodies on "Socialite" are euphonious, and the lyrics are entertaining to say the least. "Socialite" has one of the most hilarious lines with the lyrics, "I'm callin' her Shrek 'cause she got a donkey." Keeping things slow and mellow, "Overdrive" comes up next on AUSTIN. "Overdrive" is one of the shortest tracks on the album and is a pleasant ballad. It was the third and final song on the album to be released as a single, dripping with a commercial appeal that is sure to make the song a hit. "Speedometer" keeps the commercial pop energy going, featuring a synth-laden soundscape and infectious melodies. The track has a driving beat, keeping things upbeat and animated. It's one of the many enjoyable tracks on the album listeners can revisit time and time again. Being one of the rawest tracks on AUSTIN, "Hold My Breath" is a ballad steeped in pain and agony. It starts off with Post Malone's exposed vocals and guitar, later adding some layers with instruments like piano and drums. The vocals on the track are vulnerable and hurt as the artist begs someone not to leave. Giving us some relief from the pain in "Hold My Breath," "Enough Is Enough" comes in with the commercial pop energy present through most of the album. The track is full of lively beats and memorable melodies, putting the song up there with "Chemical" and "Novacandy" when it comes to songs listeners will have on repeat. Giving another nod to his usual style, "Texas Tea" sounds reminiscent of Post Malone's previous work. The track is a fun, heavier synth-pop song that focuses on themes of partying, self-indulgence, and the lifestyle that has come with the artist's fame. Keeping the party going, "Buyer Beware" is a peppy pop-rock/commercial pop track featuring upbeat melodies and bouncy beats. The song has a guitar-laden soundscape with some synth interjections, keeping things light and airy despite the lyrics being on the darker side. "Landmine" has a similar energy to "Buyer Beware," prominently featuring acoustic guitar licks. The song feels like a temporary relief to the demons Post Malone has been struggling with throughout AUSTIN, featuring uplifting harmonies and hopeful melodies. Giving depth to the song's composition, a choir comes in to support Post Malone's vocals throughout the track. Slowing things down again, "Green Thumb" prepares us for the end of the album. The acoustic track is one of the barer entries on the album, having a simple instrumentation featuring light guitar strums and Post Malone's exposed vocals. It's a sadder song on AUSTIN and brings us to the final song on the album, "Laugh It Off." The way the album ends is haunting, leaving us on a bittersweet note with a powerful ballad about laughing off the pain. "Laugh It Off" is a pensive track, intertwining a gloomy soundscape with dejected lyrics. It brings our journey to a close, taking us from Post Malone's struggles with self-loathing in "Don't Understand" to feeling a numbness and indifference to this pain in "Laugh It Off." Though AUSTIN has received mixed reviews, we shouldn't count the album out. Many of the complaints seem to revolve around the change in style and accuse Post Malone of buying into the commercial pop formula—something critics have found to be boring on this album. While the departure from his usual style might be disappointing for longtime fans, it's important to remember the genre experimentation is intentional and expected as Post Malone hinted at the album's different artistic approach on social media. The lyrical content featured on the album is on par with the artist's previous releases, showing that Post Malone isn't completely abandoning his established songwriting style. Instead, he's just appealing to a broader audience by gearing his sound towards something more pop-influenced. Some critics have complained the commercially oriented music makes the album tiring to listen to more than once, but many of the songs have an appeal that will keep listeners coming back to AUSTIN. There are plenty of catchy hooks and compelling melodies that make certain entries on the album addictive. AUSTIN might not be an album listeners can have on loop, but there is something for everyone to enjoy on it. Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

“Catch Me” is an infectiously catchy synth pop anthem that perfectly encapsulates the repetitive cycle of getting caught up in a bad relationship. When you first meet someone, it is easy to overlook the off-putting ways they may treat you. However as time goes on, you begin to notice some disheartening behaviors. You wonder why others seem to coast by in their relationships but you seem to latch onto someone who plays you cruelly. You know how much it hurts you and takes over your emotions, but you can’t break free from your feelings. Over time you understand how bad this cycle is of getting disrespected, but you always get caught in your feelings again. You know you’re falling for it again but you continue to get wrapped up in it. Click here to listen to "Catch Me"! Glowstate’s latest single is a soothing alternative pop synthesized anthem with an addictive vocal pairing. The first stand-out aspect of this song is how straightforward yet infectious the beat and instrumentation are. The male and female vocals are perfectly blended and compliment each other well. The vocals seemingly twist around each other so much that they blend especially when the male voice goes into a higher pitch. The synthesized, indie pop instrumental compliments the vocals well. The relatable and lowly nature of the lyrics offers a cool juxtaposition which makes an already candidly unique song just that much more of an ear candy anthem. An addictive atmosphere has been created from the intertwining vocals and instrumentation which are the cherry on top to the contemplative and mellow lyrics. Glowstate is a newly formed alternative synth-pop duo based in San Diego, California. The talented pair have been creating music together for a long time and put love and time into each single they release. They have built and maintained a strong and lovingly dedicated fan-base through social media. Their music typically focuses on relevant issues such as mental health awareness and has established them as a relatable presence in music today. They regularly make posts showing them crafting their infectious alternative pop music and make it apparent how dedicated they are to their craft. They have over a thousand listeners across all music platforms and hundreds of plays on each of their singles. Make sure to follow them on social media and give “Catch Me” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW GLOWSTATE: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

It’s always interesting to hear songs from perspectives we hardly see, such as the perspective of the destructive side of a past relationship. “Let Me Go” by artist, ARO, and it’s a song about the speaker understanding the damage they cause to the other person in the relationship and how dangerous they can be. The track is a calm electric pop experience with a clean production style. ARO has a unique singing voice that matches the energy of the song very well and ties the whole song together. What really makes the song stand out is the main character of the song being so open about the relationship and the harm they did to the other person, that level of self-awareness is not seen as often, and it makes the song so refreshing. Overall, ARO has done an excellent job with this track and it’s a song you definitely want to tune into. The sound at the beginning of the track is captivating and it does a good job at capturing listeners attention. The lyrical content of the song really builds this dark setting that paints a clear picture of the nature of the relationship being discussed. The beat throughout the song gets stuck in your head in a good way and its versatility means this song is perfect to listen to in different situations. The chorus is catchy as well and creates a nice energy. As mentioned before, ARO has a captivating voice that is very unique and enhances the listening experience. The line “I’m a natural disaster” really gets the point across that the speaker understands how difficult she can be and it’s a very hard thing to admit and that amount of transparency makes the speaker much more likable. The story behind “Let Me Go” is one you find yourself so attracted to and the pairing with the dark electro-pop sound makes the perfect combination you want to keep listening to. ARO is an artist based in LA who uses her songwriting to uncover parts of herself and grow as a person. She is very open about her own experiences in her music as she hopes that it has the opportunity to help people who are willing to listen. ARO herself has spoken up about how she enjoys portraying the darkest parts of herself instead of hiding them away, and it’s what makes her such a unique artist. She enjoys combining different elements from different genres such as alternative, electronic, pop, R&B, and more. With all this exploration, she is able to find her unique sound and aesthetic that perfectly captures who she is as an artist and a person. ARO is definitely a stand-out artist that deserves more attention and will keep listeners interested. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW ARO: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“trigger” is a hidden gem focusing on the raw numbness of anger, shedding light on such intense feelings of rage that someone would instead feel nothing at all. Painting a seamless picture of rage, regret, and numbness in her lyrics, Ysabel has a personal connection towards this perspective that so many can relate to yet so few discuss so openly. Her willingness to depict the nasty side of others with raw honesty about complex emotions and conflicting perspectives sets her apart as someone who’s genuine and stark about themselves. Collaborating with electronic pop artist Megan Lara Mae and accomplished producer Ben Loveland, Ysabel demonstrates her unique blend of sweet melodies amongst punchy lyrics. Ysabel’s intention with this masterpiece goes beyond simply highlighting an emotion or perspective; instead, she intends to engage in honest conversations that acknowledge her own vulnerability and compassion, reminding her listeners that genuine connections are built through shared experiences and inspiring each other to improve. Ysabel's music uplights and resonates with anyone and everyone, paying much-needed attention to recognizing and deconditioning someone's triggers. Just entering her new rebrand, Ysabel’s focus on her growth and resilience as a singer, songwriter, and creator is a testament to her mental fortitude and determination. As a black woman in the UK, she recognizes the stigmas of mental health, which is what her upcoming album focuses on. Built on her personal experiences from being diagnosed with depression a decade ago to being diagnosed with ADHD and GAD two years ago, Ysabel reflects on her past decade and the lens that mental battles shape her perspective and worldview. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW YSABEL: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator