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Photo: Taylor Swift via Ethan Miller//Getty Images Taylor Swift is a singer, a director, a performer, a cat mom. But the multi-talented artist is first and foremost a songwriter; she considers herself this above all other titles. Through her incredible songwriting, she uses poetic storytelling to convey detailed narratives. Alongside these stories, she has illustrated impeccable imagery through her creative music videos. In her nearly two decades long career, the multi-talented artist has released over 60 music videos that define her artistry. These videos have movie-level production and are left carved into the minds of her fans, from the most recent releases to her very first single. After 17 years as a Swiftie first, human second, I have created a detailed list of what I consider the Top 13 Best Taylor Swift Music videos. 13. "Picture to Burn" (2009) “Picture to Burn” walked so the Reputation era could run. The music video perfectly encapsulates exacting revenge on a former boyfriend by utilizing fiery imagery and crazy ex-girlfriend antics. It is the first video that Swift includes her real-life best friend, Abigail Anderson. The video begins with the two sitting in a parked Mustang with Anderson looking through binoculars. She spots Swift’s ex-boyfriend with a new girl, who is driving the truck. This is homage to the line in the chorus, “I hate that stupid old pick-up truck you never let me drive.” From there, the revenge commences. Swift and her band are seen wearing all-black and breaking into her ex’s house, while Anderson stands watch. They begin completely wrecking his house, while Taylor sits on the couch with her trademark smirk. In the separate shots where she and the band are performing, the setting is filled with pyrotechnics to emphasize that he is “just another Picture to Burn.” In the end, the entire scene was only a mere fantasy she dreamt up in the car with Anderson, and no ex-boyfriend’s homes were harmed in the making of this video. Overall, it turns out to be a well-rounded video with mesmerizing imagery and an exciting narrative, cementing its place as the most iconic video from the debut era. 12. "White Horse" (2009) In my personal opinion, this music video is entirely underrated and deserves more appreciation. “White Horse” was my favorite track from Fearless for years and this music video played on repeat in my house. Swift tells a heart-wrenching story that includes dialogue spoken throughout, to make this one of the first examples of her movie-esque videos. The video begins with her boyfriend telling her, “All I want is you. Do you love me?” Swift tells him she does, so he takes the opportunity to ask her, “Will you give me another chance?” Before Swift can answer, the music begins and the video takes off. This immediately draws in the audience, making them want to know what led up to this moment. Throughout the video, the scenes switch between a dark, gloomy scene with Swift crying, to the couple cuddling, playing cards, and being completely in love. Between the first chorus and the second verse, the music takes a back seat as the video draws focus on the scene where Swift’s friend tells her the wicked truth about her boyfriend. The audience, however, has to wait for the answer. It is not until the bridge that it is revealed that her boyfriend has been cheating on her. From here, Taylor is back in the gloomy scene sobbing, bringing chills to the viewers as they feel her pain. In the outro, the initial conversation is replayed, but Swift finally gives her answer. She tells her ex-boyfriend that she will not give him another chance and hangs up the phone. The music video is emotionally charged, enhancing an already heartbreaking song. It perfectly exemplifies the narrative that Swift was conveying and it remains as one of her best acting moments. 11. "Anti-Hero" (2022) “Anti-Hero” is a fun song to sing-along to, but the lyrics are utterly depressing. Swift conveys the emotions of not feeling good enough and battling imposter syndrome while maintaining a catchy beat. And if that is not the most Taylor Swift thing to do, then I do not know what is. The music video is filled with clever imagery that articulates her experience of being in the limelight and not being seen as human. The two most impactful imageries used are, when Swift is depicted as bleeding midnight blue glitter and her being a giant among her peers. The former highlights the media outlook viewing her as not a regular person. They paint her as this god-like entity that is above everyone else, thus she cannot bleed red like us mere mortals. Of course, this is not what Swift wants the world to see her as, and yet, she cannot get control of this unrealistic point of view. Furthermore, the latter emphasizes Swift’s struggle to feel seen as simply just Taylor, the person; not Taylor Swift, the superstar. She is seen towering over her peers. Although she is excited to socialize, they are petrified to communicate with her because she is an enigma. Nothing more than a famous singer. A living legend. Swift describes her battle with being the “anti-hero” through cheeky humor, with the peak during the hilarious funeral scene in the bridge. After watching the video, even the most casual fans have a deeper insight on Swift’s mental health and her internal battle with self-image. 10. "The Story of Us" (2011) Similar to “White Horse,” this track has been severely underrated to the point that too many fans forget “The Story of Us” was ever a single, let alone that it has its own music video. However, this track was my stan song for nearly a decade and this video has been etched into my mind forever. The dark academia aesthetic is everything that a bookworm Swiftie could ever dream of. The video was filmed in the beautiful library at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. With the song being heavy with book references, including her saying “Next Chapter” before the second verse, and ending the track with “The end,” the video being set in a library was a genius move by Swift. In the video, she plays the part of a college student trying to avoid her ex-boyfriend, only to run into him at the school’s library. The entire time, the audience is rooting for a happy ending that includes the two falling back into love. However, in classic Swift fashion, she keeps the audience on their toes by ending the video with a twist. Amid the chaos that ensues within the library, Swift and her love interest are reunited in the center. Just when the viewer thinks they will kiss and make up, the two only comically shrug and walk away. In a separate scene, Swift dramatically closes a book while saying “the end,” concluding both the track and the love story. “The Story of Us” was the beginning of wildly unpredictable music videos by Swift, making it one of her most iconic visualizers to date. 9. "I Bet You Think About Me" ft. Chris Stapleton (2021) Despite being released in 2021 as a vault track on Red (Taylor’s Version), the video for “I Bet You Think About Me” is a classic country Taylor Swift video in every way possible. The storyline. The acting. The costumes. Everything screams Country Taylor, making it a no brainer for her best music videos list. The video consists of an all-star team, with actress and best friend of Swift, Blake Lively as the director, and actor, Miles Teller and his wife, Keleigh Sperry, as the bride and groom. Swift is shown in all-red crashing the wedding of her ex-boyfriend, committing crazy antics such as tasting the cake before it is cut and teaching the children present to flip off the groom. Teller’s character seen throughout the video in distress as he recalls this failed relationship, painting the picture that even at his wedding, he still thinks about her. This video is the crazy ex-girlfriend version of Swift’s song “Speak Now,” off of the album of the same name. While “Speak Now” is a sweet ode to the one she once loved, fantasizing about running away with the groom at his wedding, this one is a humorous twist on this idea. Instead, she dreams of crashing the wedding to ruin his night and remind him of the pain he caused. It is the “Speak Now” video that the fans always wanted, but never thought we would ever get. Swift’s re-recordings are not only a noble method of reclaiming her art, but a perfect way for old Swifties to relive the nostalgia of her old music while new Swifties are able to experience these eras for the first time. 8. "Delicate" (2018) Similar to “Anti-Hero,” Swift tells her side of the story within the “Delicate” music video. However, it is less what the media sees her as, and more of who she is behind closed doors. In the midst of the chaotic red carpet, Swift is slipped a note, which contents are hinted at later. Inside the glamorous hotel, she poses for photos with fans, only to be attacked from behind by a crazy stalker. This is a reference to the handful of home invasions and attempted attacks by stalkers at her concerts, something that has caused deep anxiety within Swift. The scene pans to Swift sitting in front of a mirror, making funny faces at herself, until she realizes no one can see her. She takes this opportunity to be her true, authentic self. She no longer has to seem prim and proper, but can dance like nobody is watching. Each dance move is more ridiculous than the one before, making the video lighthearted and comedic. Swift ends the video with her dancing in the rain, ending it in true Swift fashion with her trademark love for dancing in the middle of a storm. When the song begins to fade out, Swift enters a dive bar and everyone turns to look at her, indicating she is no longer invisible. However, she looks over all of them and smiles. She has found the one she was there to meet: The one that passed her the note. In the end, she does not care that everyone is staring at her again because she has now found the one she loves. The video is a fan-favorite due to Swift being able to show off her adorable, dorky self that we have all fallen in love with. However, for me, I may be a little more biased than the rest, because this music video is what gave me my very first ‘like’ by Swift on Twitter. This simple act by her has made the song and video more special to me in a way that words cannot describe. 7. "Bad Blood" ft. Kendrick Lamar (2015) The “Bad Blood” music video was not just a video, but a cultural reset. Everyone was talking about the video for weeks after its premiere. It was all anyone was anticipating before it was released, especially with the Kendrick Lamar remix that differed from the 1989 album. The days leading up to the video, Swift announced new cast members everyday as if the video was the next blockbuster film of the century. The video stars a long list of iconic celebrities such as Swift’s real-life friends Martha Hunt, Gigi Hadid, and Lily Aldridge, and the actresses that play her cats’ namesakes, Mariska Hargitay and Ellen Pompeo. Of course, the most iconic cast member is Swift’s best friend, Selena Gomez, who played the villain of the story. The video contains special effects and unique costumes that makes it less of a music video, and more of a full production movie. After Gomez’s character, Arsyn, betrays Swift’s character, Catastrophe, Swift and her badass team of fighters gear up and train to go to war against Arsyn. In the end, the two finally meet for battle and the video cuts before the audience can see who wins, leaving it up for interpretation. Despite all of Swift’s videos that came before, this was truly the first one she released that made her fans want a full feature action film that shows the entire story, from beginning to end. With her inevitable re-recording of 1989, it would be interesting to see if she would do a sequel video that follows up with the unforgettable plot. 6. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" (2012) The music video for “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is iconic for multiple reasons. The squirrel pajamas, Swift’s overdramatic expressions, and her band in full animal costumes are just some of the simple examples that come to mind. But perhaps the most unique aspect of the video that landed it on this list is the videography behind it. The video was recorded in one take, with no special effects or multiple cuts to create it. Instead, Swift and the entire cast and crew worked diligently to make sure the entire video could be made in only one take. Through quick costume changes and clever moving sets, the video maintains an easy-to-follow storyline, while not once switching cameras. This videography technique is something that any film buff would swoon over. It places a bigger importance on the role of the entire crew, rather than only recognizing Swift and any of her on-screen co-stars. Furthermore, Swift includes what may be her first of many easter eggs in the bridge of the song. This is when her on-again off-again boyfriend places a scarf around her neck, which she then dramatically takes off and leaves with him. This may be a nod to the scarf referenced in fellow Red track, “All Too Well,” which allegedly shares the same subject. References to this scarf made a significant comeback with the re-release of Red (Taylor’s Version), so it comes as no surprise that the lead single from the original release would include this meticulous detail. Overall, the music video has a lively atmosphere that perfectly matches the catchy track and Swift’s fun-loving attitude. 5. "Wildest Dreams" (2015) “Wildest Dreams” is largely considered Swift’s most aesthetically pleasing videos with its old Hollywood visuals and African safari scenery. The video follows the storyline of Swift as a 1950s actress filming a romantic movie while trying not to fall in love with her co-star, played by Scott Eastwood. Her character, Marjorie Finn, is a reference to her grandmother, Marjorie Finlay. Meanwhile, Eastwood’s character, Robert Kingsley, is a reference to her grandfather’s first name and her father’s middle name, respectively. Inevitably, Marjorie and Robert have secret rendezvous that lead up to a dramatic fight that blows up the love affair. At the end of the video, they attend the movie premiere in the United States, where it is revealed that Robert is married. Marjorie is deeply hurt by this and eventually ditches the theater in an effort to protect her broken heart. Robert chases her out, but is left in the middle of the road while Marjorie is driven away in a classic car. Similar to “Bad Blood,” this music video plays like a full-production movie and leaves viewers wanting more. Additionally, Swift donated all the proceeds from the video to African Parks Foundation of America in support of wild animal conservation efforts. 4. "You Belong With Me" (2009) "You Belong With Me” is without a doubt the most memorable video for not only fans, but also for the general public and the entire music industry. The video went on to win a handful of awards and solidified Swift’s place as the world's next big superstar. The track follows Swift’s hopeless romantic plea to the one she loves, telling him that he is with the wrong person and should be with her instead. The corresponding video flawlessly captures this storyline from beginning to end, resembling a picture-perfect film. Swift plays both of the female parts: the nerdy girl-next-door and the mean cheerleader girlfriend. To this day, new fans still discover that the popular mean girl is Swift in a brunette wig, proving the video has stood the test of time and continues to be watched 14 years later. The video starts with Swift being in her bedroom and seeing the love interest in his room next door arguing with his girlfriend. This directly parallels the lyrics, “You’re on the phone with your girlfriend// She’s upset.” Instantly, the audience knows that this video is not a vague representation of the lyrics, but an exact replica of the story within the track. The visuals in the video are still considered iconic outfits from Swift’s career, especially the “Junior Jewels” band camp t-shirt she is seen wearing in the first scene. It is perhaps the most iconic look from the original Fearless era, as fans still replicate the look at Swift’s concerts and other related events. The video is cute and lighthearted and ends on a happy note where Swift finally gets the boy. 3. "Out Of The Woods" (2015) Once again, Swift hits the mark with an aesthetically pleasing video that is largely favored by the majority of fans. The video contains a great amount of clever imagery that soft launches Swift’s introduction into using her videos to communicate with fans through secret messages and easter eggs. Although the first blatant use of easter eggs is truly found in the “Look What You Made Me Do” video, she uses imagery in the same way—to tell her fans what she is really thinking. “Out Of The Woods” is an incredibly vulnerable track that expresses her deep anxiety within relationships and the fear that they will inevitably end. No matter how hard she tries to protect herself and the one she loves, the media and those around her will find a way to ruin it. In the video, Swift is seen walking barefoot in the woods, surrounded by wolves that are hunting her. All around her are thick thorny vines that attempt to trip her and stop her from escaping. At the end of the first chorus, she falls into a new scene where she lands in fluffy white snow. As she trudges through the frozen landscape, the wolves find her again and slowly follow her to a ragged cliff. There, Swift yanks off the paper airplane necklace mentioned in the second verse, and seen worn in previous projects. She then dives off the cliff and lands into a barren desert, before the scenes begin to chaotically switch, representing her unpredictable anxiety. The constant changes represent her feeling safe from the media slander, only for her to find herself in danger again. Additionally, Swift is seen with sharp ice spikes growing up her arm. This visualizes Swift’s inability to touch anything, or anyone, without them getting hurt. As the video progresses, she is seen fighting back against the danger and breaking free. The video ends with her finding another version of herself at the calm, serene beach. The scene fades into the dark screen that reads the message “She lost him, but she found herself and somehow that was everything.” This is a secret message hidden in the lyric book for “Clean,” the last track off of 1989. This video ties together every song on the album, which spreads the message of hope and happiness after a breakup. Swift proves that finding herself is the true happy ending in this story. 2. "Blank Space" (2014) Once again, a classic 1989 single has made the list, proving that this album should have been a visual album all along. “Blank Space” is a satirical track where Swift plays the part of the boy-crazy, heartless woman who only dates men so she can write a song about them. After years of being hit with ridiculous rumors of her love life and the media paying more attention to who she is dating than her success, Swift decided to write a song from the perspective of this character they conjured up. The corresponding video perfectly encapsulates this imagery with Swift playing a fancy, rich woman who switches sides against the men she dates and becomes erratic and violent. The video is just as comical as the lyrics themselves, once again showing off Swift’s brilliant creative storytelling. The critical reception from the general public and music industry tastemakers were astonishing. “Blank Space” went on to win Best Pop Video and Best Female Video at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, and was placed on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 100 Greatest Music Videos of All Time list. Furthermore, Swift and her team included a unique experience for fans with the interactive app, American Express Unstaged: Taylor Swift Experience. This consisted of a 360° video version of the video where fans can follow Swift through the video, or explore other parts of the mansion with hidden easter eggs throughout. This made the video more sentimental to fans and made them experience the video in a brand-new way. This app went on to earn the Original Interactive Program at the 67th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards. Through the detailed imagery, the iconic costumes, and Swift’s crazy antics, “Blank Space” serves as one of the most iconic music videos of all time. 1. "Look What You Made Me Do" (2017) If you ask any Swiftie where they were when Swift blacked out all her socials, posted a cryptic snake video, then announced “Look What You Made Me Do,” you would get a detailed account about the beginning of the iconic Reputation era. For me, I was stopped at a Starbucks Coffee in Palm Springs, California on the way to my third year of college. The music video was a defining moment in Swift’s career. It is the first video where easter eggs became a prominent part of Swift’s videography. The singer has even said it will be years before fans catch on to some of the easter eggs, as we are still finding some today in 2023. With this single, Swift chose to take back the narrative and embrace the negativity thrown her way. After being called a snake by vicious haters online, she decided to become one. The music video consists of dark imagery that includes snakes, bank robbery, and death to the “old Taylor.” In the iconic bridge, the “new” Taylor is seen standing over past versions of herself, as they are fighting each other for the throne. Yet no one but the new Swift prevails. This was Swift’s way of rebranding herself and proving that she can rise like a phoenix from the ashes. In the last scene, all the different Taylors, some from the past and some that made their appearance in the video for the first time,are lined up in a row. Swift has a cheeky conversation with herself that references past feuds and societal outlooks about her that have been blown out of proportion. This makes light of the drama and the hatred that led to Reputation, making “Look What You Made Me Do” the most iconic lead single from her entire career and proving that Swift truly always gets the last word. Honorary Mention-- All Too Well: The Short Film (2021) When Swift announced that she would re-record her first six albums to take back what was rightfully hers, we never thought in our wildest dreams that “All Too Well” would become a single. Let alone that we would finally get the mythical ten-minute version and a music video to accompany it. Written and directed by Swift herself and starring Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink, it is more than just a video but a short film. This is why I chose to omit it from the list of music videos. With a greater budget and a different approach to the production, it does not feel fair to compare a cinematic release that was eligible for an Oscar and released in theaters to the music videos listed above. With that being said, this video beautifully encapsulates Swift’s heartbreak that she sings about in “All Too Well” and leaves not one dry eye in the audience. With the number of creative videos that Swift has released, there is no doubt that some of your favorites did not make the cut. Visit our Instagram below and let us know which videos you wish made the list and which ones are your favorites! Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

When you’ve experienced so much helplessness and defeat in love, it’s understandable to decide to close yourself off to it. Why allow yourself to be this vulnerable with others when it continuously ends in heartache? I and Anna Pancaldi, can certainly sympathize with this notion because we used to harbor it. But closing yourself off to love robs a person of the ability to emotionally grow and mature. Or as Pancaldi eloquently puts it, “if I don’t let the leaves fall then how will I / How can I grow”? Old habits die hard, especially if they were created to protect ourselves. But Anna Pancaldi’s “Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left” encourages listeners to uncover and share the love hiding within ourselves with the rest of the world. Listen to "Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left" by Anna Pancaldi here. “Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left” centers on being vulnerable enough to seek out love after closing it out of our lives for a period. The contemporary piano ballad sees Pancaldi rediscovering her own desire to know love again – to both love another and be loved. The single opens with mature piano notes as our artist provides listeners with an admission in the first verse. Within it, she divulges that closing herself off to relationships served her confirmation bias. The experience of living through insurmountable loss made self-isolation appealing. You can protect yourself while controlling others' interactions with you to minimize any pain (or the potential for pain). In the second verse, Pancaldi details how “keeping [our] heart closed” holds us back “from life”. We prevent ourselves from experiencing the most wonderful moments in life when we make the past the centerpieces of our own tables. This all builds towards a powerful chorus where Pancaldi gives listeners the most vulnerable admission yet. As the emotion rises in her voice, she informs listeners how “frightened” she is to open herself up to allow the love that still resides within a chance to be explored and shared. The following verse sees our artist openly embrace this adventure, even loaning herself and others in a similar emotional state reassurance by stating in our attempts “to make space for life”, being anxious is a natural part of this process. It’s a tell-tale sign of how much we’ve grown. Ultimately, “Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left” shows solidarity to those who have endured great losses while simultaneously encouraging them to keep themselves open to receive and share their love once again. London-based singer and songwriter, Anna Pancaldi, has had an exciting 2023. Pancaldi is an established artist with three Top Ten’s in the singer-songwriter iTunes charts; toured in Europe, the U.K., and the U.S.; and has gained the support of Radio 1, 2, BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing alongside amassing over 2.5 million streams on Spotify. And this makes her decision to reinvent herself and open a new chapter in her musical career even more exciting to see! “Where Do I Lay All The Love I Have Left” marks the beginning of a chapter filled with emotional vulnerability and visibility. To celebrate the latest release and her reinvention, Pancaldi will be performing live this Thursday, May 18th, at Folklore Hoxton. The sold-out performance begins at 7:30 P.M. - but for fans still interested in tickets, they can be placed on a waitlist here. If you’ve enjoyed Anna Pancaldi’s soulful disclosure as much as I have, show her some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW ANNA PANCALDI:

A breakup track that allows you to dance as you contemplate your previous relationship and try to keep your hopes up. This is what Florio gives us with his latest single “The One.” While hopefulness may not be what you want during heartbreak, it is what you need, so why not do it to “The One” which serves as not just a great breakup song, but as a fun summer track as well. The song’s sound is very lively and shows off not just Florio’s talent as an artist, but as a producer as well. He has a unique voice that matches the song's sound perfectly and additionally lights up the lyrical content of the song. It’s a song that sticks in your head as it is incredibly catchy and should be the next song you play on full blast. The use of the synth throughout the song gives it that 80s influence that most people enjoy from this genre of music. However, this influence does not get in the way of the song feeling very modern and fresh. The song stays very bright, especially in comparison to the lyrical content. The lyrics are very honest about how much damage was done by the other person and how much the speaker wants them to apologize. Additionally, the song is very open about how hopeful the speaker was about this relationship being long-lasting. But there is still an acceptance of self-worth that comes from the song, and that is what makes the track an uplifting piece. As the song progresses, we hear how it begins to build up on itself which shows a change in how the speaker has been able to grow from the relationship enough, and it makes the song end in a more positive way than where it started. Overall, “The One” allows Florio to shine as an artist and show off what he can do. Florio is an artist based in Brooklyn, New York who has been working as a musician for over 15 years. He not only is an artist/songwriter, but he is also a producer, mixing engineer, and mastering engineer. He has a multitude of artists that he has worked with and is additionally a part of the creative collective Antisocial Producers Club. Florio’s versatility comes through in his craft as there is a clear attention to detail in his work. He focuses on making sure his songwriting is direct and honest with his audience. There is a clear dedication to his craft when you listen to Florio, and it proves that he will continue to flourish as he more music later on. Florio is definitely the artist you should check out next. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW FLORIO: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

iamnotshane releases “Take Me Out” to rewrite the narrative on societal expectations. In life, there can be a suffocating pressure to follow the roadmap of the “perfect” life. In the olden days, everyone had seemed to figure it out pretty young; but were they trading true happiness for keeping up with the Jones’? There is no ideal path to happiness because each human being is different with unique dreams and circumstances. If you’re not married by 25 with the white picket fence on a cul de sac, 2 kids, one boy and one girl, and the high-powered corporate job, you’re unjustly considered a failure. What those people don’t tell you is that behind the exquisitely mowed, bright green lawn is an unhappy home with much more broken than the back window. You’re damned if you do, and you’re damned if you don’t, so you might as well live the life you want to without any regard for hypocritical judgment and coercion to follow the status quo. No matter what you do, someone is going to have an opinion on it. The happiest people are the ones who pay no regard to the opinion of sheep. The world will chew you up and spit you out if you let it, so stand strong by your convictions, be unapologetic in your life choices, and stop caring what others think because you will never please everyone; the only person you should worry about pleasing is the one in the the mirror, and the relationship you should prioritize on bettering is the one with yourself. “Take Me Out” addresses the pressure to conform to a certain timeline for achieving milestone like getting married, finding the perfect job, and buying a house. iamnotshane is using his platform to challenge the narrative, and encourage his listeners to live an authentic life without conforming to society. He wants to break free from the mold and create his own life path. Instead of losing yourself and obeying expectations, iamnothshane wants you to know it’s okay to just do you. Settle down when, and if ever, it’s the right time. Get the job that fulfills you. Live happily in a studio apartment as you hustle to follow your dreams. Never apologize and never atone for exploring all that life has to offer beyond the confines of societal norms. iamnotshane is a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles with over 130M Global Streams of his music. His cult fanbase was built off bedroom demos on his debut Sad EP and his highly visual, original music videos. In 2021, he released his debut album One Less Year Alive which contained global sensation breakout single “Maybe My Soulmate Died” that charted #1 on Apple Music’s Breaking Pop. After his headline 2022 tour and self-directed music videos that garnered over 40 million views on YouTube, he has taken the industry by storm with paramount messages and fanatic supporters. “Take Me Out” is the second release from his highly awaited forthcoming album. With his distinct voice, infectious melodies, unusual dance moves, and dry humor, iamnotshane has created a dynamic brand for himself with a passionate following, and he's just getting started! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW IAMNOTSHANE:

Young ABRY has created another energetic, yet relatable pop song. “Bring Me Back” is a track that ABRY says “explores the complexities of relationships and the emotional journey of healing after a breakup, as well as the nostalgia we all feel about our past relationships”. This song is motivating in a way that we can all relate to this feeling of wanting to go back to the good in a relationship, while also seeing the damage that it has caused and lets us reflect on the person that is no longer in our life, and the person we have become. “Bring Me Back” goes through the different stages of heartbreak, whether it is the emotional pain, or the new chapter of healing, ABRY guides us by singing through the feelings. This song starts off with a euphoric tone that ARBY's voice appears though. As the tempo picks up a layer of beats are added that introduce this strong sense of emotion. With each added layer of sound it can feel like we are learning more about the emotions of the past, present and future of a relationship. Within the breaks of the beat we are able to hear ABRY at full force, and by the middle of the song she showcases her range when the chorus hits. Hearing the pain turning into healing throughout “Bring Me Back” is what lets us relate to ABRY and know this familiar cycle of heartbreak. Young and talented ABRY has given her fans another relatable pop single. Along with “Bring Me Back”, ABRY has 4 other singles to feed the fire of her alternative pop anthemic music. Taking what she knows and loves, ABRY uses her passion of compiling different songs and beats to learn more about her own musical style. By creating a new and unique sound for herself, she has earned the ears of her fans to wait to see what she does next. Make sure you don't miss out on what ABRY will create next, so follow her down below to stay up to date, and don't forget to listen to “Bring Me Back”. Written By Cate Schnoebelen FOLLOW ABRY: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Realizing you let something truly special slip through your fingers isn’t the best feeling. It can now at you and make you think. Everyone knows second chances are rare but that doesn’t stop Tom Grennan from trying. On his new track, How Does It Feel Tom is asking his ex for a second chance. Knowing you can have a second chance isn’t something you can take for granted. When you get that opportunity to rebuild it's a moment of rejoicing. A time to believe in love and try it again. How Does It Feel is a pop-rock anthem that explores the excitement and lighter-than-air feeling of getting that second chance at romance. Something so rare. The track opens with muffled vocals that explode into a poppy instrumental. Immediately, it's up-tempo and fast setting the tone. This is a danceable song through and through meant to wake up your senses and have you celebrate his second chance with him. The track features heavy bass with light-footed guitar and drums. The Upbeat instrumentals mesh beautifully with the flirty lyrics. These lyrics bring Tom's cheeky side. You can’t help but shimmy and shake to this pop-rock bop. The British powerhouse didn’t come to play with rockstar vocals that show off his range as an artist. How does it feel is a single off of Tom Grennan's upcoming album What Ifs & Maybes. Tom Grennan is a popular British artist who has a knack for creativity. Tackling all different types of subject matters in his music. He has garnered success rather quickly. This upcoming album is a celebration of his new success and the journey that got him there. It’s a fun album meant for dancing and enjoying at any time you choose. Tom wants his audience to have fun with his music and learn to love his creativity in a positive light. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW TOM GRENNAN:

I almost wrote that Sam Tompkins' latest single, "See Me," was "confessional." This is not an invalid description for the highly-revealing, heart-on-your-sleeve writing he decorates its walls with. I mean, the very first line ("I've never been confident,") sounds an awful lot like a confession. Yet, I find myself a little unsatisfied with that interpretation—as though it's selling the song short of its nuance and consideration. Instead, I'd say there is something more expressive about the way the UK-based artist presents insecurity, shame, and fear. You can hear it in the sound: an acoustic pop ballad with subtle shifts and additions that bring drastic impact. Two minutes into the track, gorgeous strings slowly emerge to lift Tompkins exquisite vocals into the clouds. The emotion comes across most clearly, however, through Tompkins delivery. He cleverly builds from a restrained start until he's practically spitting out the words, like they hurt to say more than they did on the page. When "See Me" ends on a sparse, lofi rendition of the chorus, isolation is the loudest instrument. Tompkins' lyricism is like a flurry of swift punches to the gut. His most arresting lines are concise ("I hate myself, but I do it in private"), knocking the wind out of you before you've even processed them. "See Me" is like a tell-all memoir for the guilt-ridden insecurity we hold deep inside ourselves. Tompkins wilts on the chorus: "what if you see me the way that I see me?" It sounds less like a question and more of an explanation; he expresses the self-consciousness that contextualizes his reservedness. These nuances elevate "See Me" from a merely diaristic ballad. In place of platitudes, Tompkins inserts a humanity and consideration. "I owe an apology to the kid that I was when I was young," he laments. He carries a heavy burden, one that "See Me" does not attempt to overcome. Instead, Tompkins invites us into the deepest shadows with no reprieve in sight. It's a bold move—one that, in the hands of a lesser artist, might devolve into slog. But the alt pop singer/songwriter lightens these strains by opening up about them; it's an unspoken hope to be seen with depth and clarity. Sam Tompkins is a UK-based artist capturing lightning in a bottle with his expressionist alt pop. He gained traction for his 2021 collaboration with Jnr Choi, "To The Moon" (which has accumulated over 200 million streams on Spotify. Tompkins EP, who do you pray to , landed in the top 10 of the UK album charts upon release last year. Garnering cosigns from the likes of Fred Again, Sam Smith, Bebe Rexha, and Drake, as well as being sampled by Nicki Minaj, there's an undeniable energy behind Tompkins' rising stardom. "See Me" follows a series of singles teasing towards the artist's debut album, set to be released later this year. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Sam Tompkins:

Photo Credits: Melissa Mares When you’re a person who is so passionate about love and loves so deeply, it’s hard to find a partner that is the exact same way. This passion for love leaves you a little exposed and prone to hurt because you aren’t being loved the way you deserve to be loved. But that’s okay because it shows a level of self-respect for yourself. After all, you know what you’re worth. This is the message Maijah fills in our heads with her latest single, “Love Goddess,” a beautiful ballad on the topic of love and what it is like to love so much, that it’s hard to find someone that gives you that same kind of love. The track serves as a comfort for those who feel the same level of desire for love in such an intense way. The song shows the level of talent that Maijah has, from the transparency and honesty of her songwriting to the ethereal vocal performance. “Love Goddess” truly shows the beauty of being someone who loves with so much, and it’s a song that you’ll want to have on repeat as you immerse yourself in the true beauty of Maijah’s music. An interesting aspect of the song is the use of the water sounds throughout the track. It’s the first thing we hear in the beginning and it’s the perfect way to set the scene. It also makes the audience feel as if they are sitting next to Maijah on the beach as she sings the song. The makes sure not to overcomplicate the song with too many add-ons, and it works well because it allows the acoustic guitar to stand out more and create a cozier ambiance that makes the song feel much more intimate. The lyrics are very poetic and really help the audience get into Maijah’s head and understand how she feels. The lyrics paint just how much Maijah is able to bend herself just so someone can feel loved, only for them not the give her that same effort. Her voice contributes to the magic of the song as it is smooth yet delicate enough to make you feel the love she gives someone. The harmonies as well help perfect the experience of this song and make the track feel very warm. Overall, the presentation of the song works so well and it’s the perfect song for hopeless romantics who dream of finding someone who gives them the love they deserve. Maijah is an artist who has been making music her whole life but has been releasing music since 2021. She works hard on her craft as she focuses on making sure her songwriting helps her listeners really get into the role of the songs and help them in any way they can. As she likes to say, she makes “main character music” and it’s a trait that really shines through in her work. While her music is more on the pop side, her work also carries strong influences of jazz and R&B and it’s what really brings the magic of her music to life. Maijah's craft truly does reflect the love she has for creativity and the service she is able to give her fans through her music. She’s also an artist that shows a lot of talent and dedication. Maijah is definitely the pop artist you want to look out for because, with a talent like hers, she’s definitely here to stay. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW MAIJAH: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

It can be really hard to put all the feelings and self-reflection done after a failed relationship into words, but Cate Tomlinson has undertaken this task and done a fantastic job. Dubbed by Cate as her best lyrical single to date in her career, “Damage Control” is an extremely powerful and mature song that explores all the layers of complicated emotions that come with heartbreak. While still sick to her stomach over the entirety of the situation, she still wants love. While getting into these emotions, she also makes it clear that despite the situation ending, Cate is able to maintain control of herself no matter how out of control this situation may feel, which is a powerful thing for anybody undertaking a heartbreak to remember. A very rock-vibed guitar rhythm brings us into the chorus, where Cate’s crisp and clear voice begins to take over the first verse. The guitar rhythm remains steady throughout the first half of this verse and is layered with a higher harmony as her voice begins to echo as the verse goes on. All of this comes to a head in the chorus, where all the sounds Cate has created combine into a beautiful melody that will make you feel like you are floating. The second verse introduces the drums and a higher guitar chord, adding another fantastic layer to this intricate song. With the voice layering in this verse and another fantastic chorus, this song is one that you will want to listen to over and over again. Originally from San Francisco, Cate Tomlinson at twenty years old has accomplished a lot in her career. Her debut EP, "Missing” released in August of 2020, has accumulated over one hundred thousand streams. In February of 2022 came the release of two singles titled “notes app apology” and “hurt you,” both of which have been transformative for Cate’s style in Pop. The alternative pop and rock nodes of her music became extremely evident in these two singles, as this is a theme that has been lucrative in Cate’s music to date. “Damage Control” emulates all of these things, and given how amazing all of Cate’s songs have been, we are excited to see what’s next for her. Written By Molly Schiff FOLLOW CATE:

When it comes to love, my expertise unfortunately lies in heartache and grief. Timing just never seems to be in my favor when it comes to matters of the heart. I either enter people’s lives too early - when they don’t really know how to nurture a growing love and are a little careless with it. Or I enter way too late – when they’re so jaded by romance that they’ve lost all hope and believe love won’t find them in this lifetime. Thankfully, my taste in music keeps me optimistic for love. And Alex Goupil’s “The First Time” makes even the most skeptical, hopeful and yearning for love. Listen to "The First Time" by Alex Goupil here. “The First Time” is a pop-rock song that perfectly encapsulates what falling in love looks and feels like. The single opens with acoustic strings that are heavily reminiscent of late 90’s soft-rock love ballads. It makes me think of the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Name” and Hootie & the Blowfish’s “Hold My Hand”. The first verse embodies our eagerness to know everything about the person we’re falling in love with. From wanting to know “where [their] from” to “all the things that cross [their] mind”. This eagerness even makes us want to “slow down time” just so we can spend more of it with them. This swells to a whimsical chorus where Goupil captivates listeners with his voice and descriptions of the emotions that are experienced when falling in love. It’s exhilarating, especially when Goupil dreamily delivers the line “You make me feel alive for the very first time in a while”. It’s bound to melt any listener’s heart and make them a little giddy, too. The second verse sees to the expansion of the song’s instrumental ensemble, symbolically demonstrating how a love like this rapidly grows. But the third verse is where I think fans might be falling over themselves to become Goupil’s muse. It centers on the notion that when falling in love with someone comes with so much ease, it often feels like a dream. To which Goupil replies “I don’t want to know” if it is a dream – a sentiment lovers and love skeptics alike can get behind. Even if it is a dream, why ruin it by waking up? After living in London, singer-songwriter Alex Goupil has made his way back home to Ottawa, Canada. The artist’s discography offers listeners a varied blend of emotional sentiments within alternative pop. Ranging from the upbeat twangs of 2019’s “Crazy”, to the matured strings of 2021’s “Letting Go”. But the one constant within Goupil’s music is his inventive writing and its infectious nature. These are catchy songs determined to stay on the mind. If you’ve enjoyed Goupil’s ballad about falling in love as much as I have, show them some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW ALEX GOUPIL:

When we first meet someone, we want them to like us and do everything we can to make a good first impression. Of course, they will like you when you put on your best smile and tell your funniest jokes. As the relationship progresses and trust is established, this resolve will start to fade. You may confide in them or feel comfortable showing deeper emotions. You may fear that this change will scare them away. Your true friends will stick around through hard times and be your shoulder to cry on. In her powerful bop ballad, “Ugly Tears,” Emme is very vulnerable with listeners and reflects on the fear of not being accepted by the people she loves. The instrumentation of “Ugly Tears,” is very slow and somber as Emme unpacks heavy emotions. The calm electric guitar in the verses is a great backdrop to powerful lyrics such as “I ain’t a prize, no, I’m a package.” The end of the first verse ends with the question, “are you prepared for everything that I dish out?” This is a great lead up to the chorus where Emme is very forthcoming about her flaws. The chorus ends with the words, “I can’t be perfect all the time.” This is also where the music becomes more intense as drums come in behind the electric guitar. Another aspect of the song that I liked was the ending. It was unique because it is the only time where the full title is said. Emme sings “I hope you know there’s no else I trust to help dry these ugly tears tonight.” When deciding who your real friends are, remember this: If they won’t comfort you during your failure, they don’t deserve to celebrate your success.” Emily Dakin (AKA Emme) is a singer/songwriter and producer from Edmonton, Canada. “Ugly Tears” is her first release of 2023. If you want to hear more of her, check out her 2022 debut album, Avalanche. Similar to “Ugly Tears,” this group of songs is very emotional. Emme uses music to tell listeners stories in her life, both good and bad. For instance, the album’s title track is about finding yourself in the midst of hard times. Going along with the same theme, “Whiteout,” is another song on the album that tells of removing toxic people from your life. I really enjoyed listening to Emme’s music and I can’t wait to hear what she comes up with next! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW EMME

PAENDA never disappoints with her explosive dance-pop tracks. Every song has a sassy undertone while keeping the inspirational aspects alive and well. The confidence PAENDA exudes on each track is remarkable and irresistible. This confident vibe is the driving force behind her new track Lovin Myself. Lovin Myself is the Self-love anthem. The track is written for those of us who have a hard time feeling good about ourselves. PAENDA says to throw all those thoughts away and love who you are unconditional. Dance with yourself all summer long with this instant hit. Abandon societal pressure to look a certain way and just be yourself. That is the theme of this track. PAENDA combines what she knows best in this song to bring you a speculative dance-pop bop. She is ultimately speaking from her own experience with self-depreciation but it is something that resonates with many of it. PAENDA’s main goal of this track is to remind herself and others to love the body the skin they are in and be comfortable with who they are. This powerful notion is accompanied by a combination of 808s and 80’s inspired synths. The track is a high-energy party that will boost your confidence and leaves you on cloud nine. The track will have you falling in love with yourself every listen. PAENDA is a Viennese producer, musician, and singer. She began her journey in the underground electro-pop scene but eventually grew toward stardom. In 2017, she made waves by showcasing her new sound. She brought the classic EDM soundscapes of her underground era to the main stage but with a twist. She tweaked it a bit to give it her flair by adding a more carefree and light-hearted aspect to her tracks. This change made her stand out among the rest. This year she is releasing CALL ME CAT her first LP in four years which will feature Lovin Myself among other amazing tracks. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW PAENDA: