Sadye’s recent release “Keep It To Myself” is a secret relationship’s anthem. Filled with electric pops and dark synths throughout the background, this track emulates the heart-pounding sensation of being tied up with the one person who has to be kept secret. The feelings of thrill and sneaking around complied with the shame and ignorance in public is scattered throughout this track and throughout Sadye’s lyrics to give listeners a direct insight into her current situation. The song is addicting and impossible to not have on constant repeat, just like the relationship itself. The title of this track is repeated in the chorus and throughout the theme of the song. ‘Keep it to myself’ refers to how Sadye knows that this relationship is not one for the public viewing, and that she has no doubt that she can keep it that way. Despite how much they enjoy their clandestine rendezvous, they are strictly confidential. Sadye goes as far as stating “I’ll pretend that I don’t know you / If and when I see you out”. A direct denial of the time and intimacy shared and an acknowledgment of this feat. The faced paced and upbeat soundscape complete the song, and make it truly a top hit. Sadye is a Los Angeles based pop artist, and has amassed over 66,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Her first single “Biblical” was released in May of 2023, and is about the same relationship as “Keep It To Myself” follows. Her songs are dark-pop anthems, similar to those of Kim Petras and the Weeknd. Her songs deal with real life experiences and heartbreak, as well as her personal struggle with cancer and self-worth. She worked with Slush Puppy to help produce this song, and the two certainly created a masterpiece of a track. Make sure to follow her social medias below and stay tuned for more fantastic music from Sadye. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW SADYE:

Astrology fans out there are aware that mercury retrograde is on the horizon. But for those who aren’t as into planetary alignment and their emblematic meanings, I’ll catch you up to speed. Literally, mercury retrograde is an optical illusion where the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards from Earth. Symbolically, however, mercury retrograde is usually interpreted to be a time of communication disruption: misunderstandings are plentiful, conflicts are likely to occur, and connections tend to sour all within this period. But I don’t necessarily agree with this interpretation. Instead, I think mercury retrograde beckons us to reflect on connections that suffered a breakdown in communication. And as luck would have it, Kacey Fifield’s latest single, “Self Sabotage”, provides a moment for listeners to look inwards and review how they contributed to the miscommunication in a relationship. “Self Sabotage” is an alt-pop single inspired by the artist’s best friend and their relationship with a self-sabotaging ex. The song gives insight as to why one might have hindered or "severed" past connections. The single opens with guitar strumming as Fifield assumes the role of saboteur and delivers the first verse. Within this verse, listeners learn that this saboteur has a fear of commitment. There are two separate admissions that lead to this conclusion. The first admission: they felt “a spark” between themselves and the person they hurt. The second admission: they jumped the gun on ending the relationship. They never allowed this spark to evolve into a flame, or as they put it; “Knew it wouldn’t last forever / But I didn’t let it start”. Rather than communicating these admissions to the former partner, they’re instead framing their sudden exit from the relationship as “a favor” to the former partner in the pre-chorus. Here slow bass notes appear before they ramp up and transform into a cool melody that turns the chorus into a dance single to work your frustrations out to. Reframing the relationship’s end is the saboteur’s way to prevent any potential hurt their former partner might have experienced if the two would have committed to a deeper connection. However, the saboteur fails to realize that by ending the relationship in the fashion they did - with no communication and “block[ing]” their former partner – they’ve created the hurt they were attempting to spare them from. Yet, in the mist of all this confusion the saboteur has unintentionally caused, the saboteur is still carrying a torch for their former partner. Despite “showing their true colors” in the song’s powerful bridge, I think a little communication about their commitment anxieties could have saved this relationship. We only get this hindsight after concentrated reflection, though. Kacey Fifield is an independent singer and songwriter currently based in Los Angeles. With a confessional-styled discography, Fifield’s music centers on sharing intimate details of their own life that stir up a sense of familiarity and recognition within listeners. The artist released their debut album Between The Lines, last September. The album features 12 tracks that showcase Fifield’s ability to experiment and go beyond the confinements of the pop genre; keeping listeners interested by fluctuating between dance, electronica, and bedroom pop. Fans bound to and nearby Hollywood have the chance to see Fifield perform live this Saturday, August 5th at the Whiskey A Go Go. The performance is available to all, and tickets can be found here. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with Fifield’s set beginning at 9:00 PM. If you’ve enjoyed Fifield’s latest single as much as I have, show them some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW KACEY FIFIELD:

Working for others can be frustrating when you have to deal with demands and rules that either don’t make sense, are unfair, or leave you with no input. It can affect your mood showing up to that job everyday and leave you feeling angry working for people like this. However, the necessity to support yourself financially may force you to deal with these situations despite feeling powerless to change them. " I Don't Work For You " by Julian Guba is a powerful song coming from his frustration with the limitations and control of working for others and having to comply with disagreeable demands. The lyrics serve as an outlet for expressing his emotions and will definitely resonate with many who share similar experiences in their own workplaces. This song is based on a true story from Julian's previous job. His job required him to work with another company once a month, but one day, there was a communication error and he wasn't properly informed of the time he was supposed to show up. After leaving his first office, intending to take a break and eat before showing up to the next job, the other company unexpectedly called, demanding his immediate presence, even though Julian wasn't scheduled to be there yet. This situation left him jumping from one office to the next without a break or time to eat, resulting in his anger and frustration. Despite expressing his frustration in the song, Julian transforms it into a summer hit, infusing it with a catchy beat that will have you bobbing your head. The lyrics convey Julian's strong desire to break free from the job due to its unprofessionalism and disrespect for his personal time, as indicated by the line, " Cannot keep in a cage what you cannot tame ." He emphasizes that he could easily leave the company that only requires his presence once a month, and never return, by stating, " Before you try to tell me what to do, hey baby, I don't work for you. And I got work to do. You really dare to come at me again?" Julian Guba is a 22 year-old singer-songwriter and producer based in Vienna, Austria. His sound is unique and stands out due to his blending of Electronic Dance and Pop music, as well as being relatable due to showcasing his personal experiences and emotions. He writes, produces, creates his own cover arts, directs and edits his own music videos, and mixes and masters his own music. This is impressive, and it’s very clear how extremely involved and devoted he is to his craft. Keep up with Julian Guba by clicking on the links below, and check out his newest single, “ I Don’t Work For You ” out now on all streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW JULIAN GUBA:

Estella Dawn releases sensual single “Locked In” about meeting your mating match, and just the thought of them is an aphrodisiac. Some romantic connections transcend your body to another dimension, and it’s a feeling you’re not willing to give up easily. This saucy track instantly takes you back to the best you ever had. There’s a certain sexual synergy between two people that makes all of your fantasies become a reality. When you find the one who gets your heart racing as much as your body shaking, you want to lock them down. A magnetic pull between two ferocious lovers can be an unbreakable bond. A natural chemistry where your deepest desires come to fruition is not one to walk away from. As long as you’re both locked in, it’s going to be a very long, enjoyable ride. Estella Dawn’s passionately provocative new song “Locked In” is sure to get you feeling some type of way and coming back for more. “Locked in” is a refreshingly sexy track that devotes itself to romantic intimacy and the confident seduction of a significant other. It offers gentle yet immersive audio nuances with humble production and vocal unity. Her quietly mixed vocals meet warmer keys and Lo-fi creation. Estella takes a distinctly fresh approach with her multi-layered fusion of synths and melodic notes. “Locked in” draws influence from R&B, hip hop, and pop with it’s electro-pop blends and dreamy vocals. Estella's transparency and courageous conviction is reminiscent of modern creative leaders Doja Cat, Tove Lo, Dua Lipa and Fletcher. “Locked In” is just one more example of the ever-expanding skillset of Estella Dawn. Estella Dawn is quickly becoming known for her boldly passionate delivery and unwavering confidence. Born and raised in New Zealand, but residing in the US, the singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist brings a depth of talent and ability to the new pop scene. She is truly a force to be reckoned with. Her style knows no bounds, and her growing global audience is living for it. She’s a fearlessly creative powerhouse who continues to raise the bar for modern pop music. With over 250k followers online, her listeners gravitate towards her refreshing and deeply personal expression. Estella devotes her life to her music, and she writes, records, and coproduces every one of her releases. Toeing the line of softly revealing and outright ferocity, she’s created an unparalleled edge that allows her to transcend any genre. “Locked In” is daringly declarative, and it’s just a taste of Estella Dawn’s vocal strength, veracity, and versatility! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW ESTELLA DAWN:

You might miss the subtle shift in Nashville-artist Bre Kennedy's writing in her exquisite, new single, "Keep Going Back." Her trademark storytelling remains as potent as ever, extracting a universe of feeling from tiny memories. But where the singer/songwriter/producer once buried herself in memories, haunting their vivid images of past life, she now finds them haunting her like apparitions. Working with producer David Naish, "Keep Going Back" showcases Kennedy's most polished and detailed sound yet. Kennedy's vocals tie together the folk-pop instrumentation, blanketing the acoustic verses in her delicate croon. The faint rasp to her voice as the singer/songwriter slips from thick low-register to gossamer falsetto frays at the edges of each word. The verses are built like a worn sweater: loose strands and torn seams adding to its charm. The arresting chorus capsizes the gentle foundation in a breath-taking explosion of distortion-heavy guitars. Bright piano keys and sweet vocals maintain the song's pastel hues, but the colossal heights Kennedy soars to fashion strength out of this softness. It's the sound of an artist taking control over the ghosts in her attic. "I found an old t-shirt that felt like you," Kennedy near-whispers as the song opens with gentle strumming. The distressed fabric calls to mind the worn-in comfort this person once represented. "And here I go again, pulling on a thread, / Leading me straight to the memory you left." "Keep Going Back" remains present in how it studies Kennedy's habit of being trapped in the past. As she repeats the titular phrase, the cyclical nature of her remembrance feels like a permanent afterimage. "You're still a part of me," she sings, resolving that the past never truly is left out of the present. Truly going back is impossible, but trying to leave the memories behind is just as futile. Nashville artist Bre Kennedy released her debut album in 2021. The thirteen-track LP, titled "Note To Self," brought the singer/songwriter to new heights with highlights such as "Nothing Compares." Since, she's toured, collaborated, and continued releasing confessional folk-pop. "Keep Going Back" released as a part of the EP "Scream Over Everything (side A)," featuring the first half of her upcoming full-length album of the same name. The complete album will officially release on November 10th via Nettwerk. Kennedy describes the record as her most visceral and alive work yet, writing from a distinctly present voice. "Keep Going Back" released alongside an official music video, filmed by Hannah Gray Hall. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Bre Kennedy:

Sharing her latest single, "Hard To Please," Rachel Bochner criticizes societal pressures with a fresh alt-pop track. "Hard To Please" tackles the unfairness society shows women and the struggle of breaking free from the internalized standards we're held to. Bochner explains: “I started writing ‘Hard To Please’ at a time where the pressure of looking and being perceived a certain way felt consuming. As a woman - in general and in the music industry - I felt like I kept getting caught in the push and pull of knowing deep down that I don't need to look a certain way or weigh a certain amount to be worthy of love and success, but not being able to fully let go of internalized, superficial beauty standards. This song was an outlet for me to voice that frustration and help me realize I deserve some grace.” Matching the pent up frustrations expressed in the lyrics, "Hard To Please" is an aggressive, gritty number that will catch anyone's attention. The track is propelled forward by driving, unyielding drums and vigorous, edgy guitar riffs. Bochner's smooth, sweet vocals float over the spirited and energetic soundscape, delivering passionate melodies and punchy choruses. With lyrics like "I’m getting sick of it/Targets I’ll never hit/How can I reach the end of it/When there’s no finish line," it's clear that Bochner is fed up with society's standards, something she reflects well in the hard-hitting way she sings those lines. A New York City-based singer-songwriter, Rachel Bochner is making waves in the music industry. She began her journey with an A&R internship at a record label, realizing her true passion was for creating and sharing her own music. Bochner went on to release several singles in 2019 and 2020, later releasing her first EP, 2 AM, in 2021. She's currently gearing up for the release of her second EP, It's Not Me, It's U, which is set to release on August 11th. Through her music, Bochner shows herself to be authentic and fearless, refusing to shy away from the thoughts, mistakes, and emotions others tend to. Some of Bochner's popular tracks include "ghosted my therapist," "Drunk Crier," "Purple," and "Sucker Punch." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW RACHEL BOCHNER:

Chris James, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer, just released his single, "Thrill of the Chase." This quirky, fun pop track about a messy relationship and breakup with someone had me engaged and dancing from the start. Reminiscent of artists like Jeremy Zucker, Lauv, and Alexander 23, James is certainly an artist to check out. Writing, mixing, and recording his own tracks, he has crafted a distinct sound that feels chill and fun. He brings vulnerability into his lyricism by touching on homesickness, taking accountability for his role in the ending, and admitting that he was stuck on false hope. In "Thrill Of The Chase," James brings about self-reflection. He opens up with relatable, authentic lyricism about his feelings. He recognizes that he is sad over a relationship with someone that won't work out, he has been blaming someone else for some problems, and he feels like overstayed in pursuing someone. He recognizes the flaws and mistakes, and he wonders if it was about love or the 'thrill of the chase.' These moments of self-reflection and honesty are backed by an experimental, alt pop production. The infectious pop hooks, relatable lyricism, and crisp vocals worked to make this an enjoyable track. Originally from America, James moved to Germany when he was just a child and lives in Berlin presently. He has an impressive music career already, co-writing the 2020 Billboard Hot 100 single "Life Goes On" and amassing 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. He has three albums released in the last three years: The Art of Overthinking, The Fear of Missing Out, and The Weight of Nostalgia. It seems he has no plans to slow down in making music, as "The Thrill of the Chase" comes as his fifth single of 2023. If you're looking for a new pop artist to give a listen, you need to check out Chris James. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW CHRIS JAMES:

In a perfect mix of heartfelt lyrics and a beat to dance to, Vicetone’s recent release “Voices In My Head” is truly a top hit. In collaboration with Chelsea Collins for lyrics and vocals, this track feels like you’re in the middle of a club despite your spiraling mind. The electronic soundscape sets the scene of your early twenties, full of partying and lively nights with friends. The lyrics, however, show the constant struggle that so many young adults face - trying to push the dark thoughts away and force yourself to have an enjoyable time. The thoughts always find a way to trickle back in, forcing into an endless cycle. The beat is no doubt perfectly crafted, with electronic pops and fast paced instruments. In the chorus, Vicetone sings “The voices in my hеad, in my head / I keep drowning 'em, drowning 'em, drowning 'em out / Until they're getting, getting, getting too loud”. This is a common theme in those who struggle with mental health. You can constantly tell the negative voices to get lost, and try your hardest to make this feat happen, but something just makes them unbeatable. They keep creeping their way back in, getting louder and louder. The pre-chorus continues this idea, going into feelings of insecurity. In this, Vicetone sings, “No-one really likes you, you're a joke / And everyone who loves you's gonna go”. This feeling is so natural, and yet somehow so debilitating. Vicetone is an electronic music duo from Groningen, Netherlands. The partnership is made up of Ruben den Boer and Victor Pool, and have been making music together since 2012, and have now amassed over 4 million monthly Spotify listeners. They have performed all around the world, and now work out of their home production studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Chelsea Collins crafted the lyrics on this track, and is also featured as a singer. Born in San Francisco, she is signed with Universal Music Publishing Group, and writes songs as well as produces them. Make sure to follow along the social media below to see any new music from both parties. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW VICETONE: FOLLOW CHELSEA COLLINS:

David Correy’s newest single “Sun Up” is the perfect summer song to get up and dance to, no matter where you are or how you’re feeling. With classic, summery vibes and a feel-good beat, this song is bound to be stuck in your head. David starts the song out by talking about a girl that he loves, saying “lately [her] voice’s been sounding like a masterpiece.” He brings in the pre-chorus by saying “imma light it up like Vegas/feel like mama I made it,” and introduces the main hook and chorus of the song: “I ain’t gonna stop until the sun goes up.” After the chorus, David talks about how this girl makes him feel. He says that she’s breathtaking and he’s “out of this world,” and says this girl is “worth more than diamonds and pearls.” And as David brings back the chorus again, you’re out of your seat and having fun. The backing track of this song has a perfect blend of chill vibes and celebrations. This song isn’t a full-on dance track, but it does take influence from it. “Sun Up” has clear summer inspirations, and is a perfect song for laying by the pool or at the beach. Right as the song starts, listeners are introduced to a groovy guitar, instantly catching their attention. David also uses layered vocals and ad-libs that give it a stereotypical 2000s pop feel. Because David has a strong R&B background, those influences are also felt in this track. The best way to describe the sound of “Sun Up” is vintage elements dressed up for 2023. You have the groovy guitar, the classic kick and snare, and basslines with a digitized feel. Although David Correy was born off the northern coast of Brazil, he accredits his hometown in Maryland, along with nearby cities Baltimore and D.C, as his musical influences. David released his first EP titled “Urban Rock Odyssey” in 2009 and created his own record label, “Urban Rock Records”, in 2010. Then in 2011, he was noticed by The X Factor team. He was featured in the second season of the show and became a fan favorite. Two years after The X Factor, David was noticed by the Global Head of Music of Coca-Cola to be the voice behind the 2014 FIFA World Cup Anthem, alongside Aloe Blacc. Since then, he has been putting out consistent releases of singles and put out his first album, “The Renaissance”, in 2017. Now, David has over 100k monthly listeners and well over 30 million streams on Spotify alone. It’s clear from David’s previous successes that he will continue to put out quality releases for everyone. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW David Correy:

There’s really nothing out there that feels more forlorn than the winding end of summer, when the days become shorter and the nights suddenly have a biting chill as August gently creeps into September. Cate Tomlinson captures these subtle seasonal changes in the context of a slowly dying relationship in her latest single “Blueberry Season.” It’s somber and soft, transformative, both sonically and lyrically; it encapsulates that melancholy we all feel near the end of summer (or the end of a relationship) as the world slowly shifts its balance from one season to another. Click here to listen to "Blueberry Season"! “Blueberry Season” is all softness; its soundscape is made of a collection of piano, strings, synth and percussion, as well as Tomlinson’s graceful vocals, to form a delicate song with a strong backbone. There is a distinct ebb and flow to each chorus and verse, meant to simulate the changing of seasons: as summer slows and blueberry season ends and wilts, autumn grows on the horizon with each chorus. “Blueberry Season” personifies seasonal changes not only through the song’s instrumentals but also through its lyrics. Tomlinson sings, “I wanna leave him/But I’m gonna stay until the end,” in reference to a partner who had treated the narrator poorly; the usage of “blueberry season” is a signifier for this partner being unchangeable and constant, as Tomlinson also sings that “Yeah, I can fix myself/But you’ll go on to ruin someone else.” “Blueberry Season” is both rebirth and stagnation; a new season also means the death of the last, captured through a dying relationship and the strength to move on, but some things will always remain the same and come every year, like blueberry season. Cate Tomlinson is a self-made 22-year-old singer-songwriter from San Francisco, though she is now based out of Los Angeles. Inspired by genres such as pop, soul, and rock and roll, Tomlinson’s inspiration is reflected back in the music she produces, as her songs are a blend of electronic and rock, as well as alternative pop. Her first single, “Muse” was released back in 2020, as well as her first EP, “Missing.” Her 2022 singles “notes app apology” and “hurt you” earned her producing credits and laid the baseline for her current music style. “Blueberry Season” is Tomlinson’s most recent single and is the title track for her upcoming EP, releasing August 25th. I’d encourage everyone to listen to "Blueberry Season" with a big bowl of blueberries, or something equally as sweet as they are sour, and marvel at Tomlinson’s excellent songwriting. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW CATE TOMLINSON:

No one chooses who they fall in love with. Sometimes it just happens unexpectedly. Falling in love with your best friend is always a stressful situation but it can’t be controlled. When you realize the feelings aren’t mutual it only makes it worse. You can't fight the feelings you have but you also want to keep up the friendship. That need to do anything for this person won’t go away but you don’t want it to you just don’t want to be her runner-up. Ben Ellis wrote his new track Runner Up after taking his close friend to a psychic and waiting for her outside. A simple task that felt intense to him, at the time. The record was written in a short burst over Zoom. Ben is well known for his heartfelt lyricism and Runner Up is no different. The track features pop elements with its use of upbeat guitar and playful basslines. The subject matter of the record is relatable and led to massive engagement on streaming platforms. The feeling of unrequited love is a common one and many of Ben’s fans felt a connection with the track because of this. Runner Up is an anthem for those of us who have love to give but nowhere to put it. This dancey tune is light-hearted but bittersweet and worth the listen. Ben Ellis is a singer-songwriter hailing from Wales. He has been singing his entire life but his career began during quarantine. During the beginning of the pandemic, Ben focused his time on writing countless songs. These songs were often written with fellow songwriters over Zoom. Runner Up is one of the many songs Ben has written over the video chat site. Once he dropped his debut single Not This Time in March he began performing in his hometown and London. Playing both his original work and covers. His goal is to get his name out there and with a deep understanding of a media presence he is surely accomplishing that. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW BEN ELLIS:

The nostalgia of "Drug Store (Waste My Time)" is not evident through any inherent reference, but instilled through bittersweet melody and wistful yearning. The latest single from Syndey-based band, Jet City Sports Club, is a syrupy reminder to take pleasure in falling for someone. It's not without stakes or anxieties—in fact, it's built upon them—but the levity they instill the lyrics and sound with paints these moments in a soft warmth. The distortion-heavy bass of the four-piece's previous songs are still present, but they're softened and sweetened by vocalist Lilla Obradovic's feather-light melody. The jangly guitar feels playful as it ascends over the chorus. It could easily soundtrack a summery coming-of-age film. "Can you pull me back down?" Obradovic asks the object of her longing. "Drug Store (Waste My Time)" revolves around intimacy like the vortex of a whirlpool; pulling towards closeness knowing it could sink them. The sweetness and simplicity of yearning ("I think you're really cute") pairs with distance like a bitter aftertaste. "I see you waiting by your front door and I look to the ground," she sings listlessly. Like the title suggests, it could wind up being a waste of her time, but Jet City Sports Club position this prospect as a welcome possibility. "[I] got so much time, more than I need," Obradovic shrugs playfully. If you spend your life fearing the time you'll waste on people, you'll waste your time running from them. In the world of "Drug Store (Waste My Time)," the price of time is as cheap as drug store trinkets. Sydney-based indie outfit, Jet City Sports Club burst onto the scene in 2021 with their indelible debut EP, "September Sun." Making their name in the indie-rock scene for their authentic blend of 90's indie sounds. 2022 saw the group level up with punchier hooks and polished production, such as in the exquisite "Feeling It All." This year sees the four-piece once again expanding their horizons, starting with "Drug Store (Waste My Time)." Recorded with production and engineering from Fletcher Matthews, the latest single calls to mind the indie pop of Soccer Mommy, The Beths, and Middle Kids. While no official details have been revealed, Jet City Sports Club have stated that more music is soon to follow. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Jet City Sports Club: