Search Results

Lucius Arthur releases chaotic, upbeat alt-pop song “Humans.” It can be hard to not care about what others think, but Lucius is taking a stand on societal hypocrites. In order to take the power back in your life, you have to simply do what’s best for you and not let outside voices sway your intentions. People are going to judge you regardless, so you might as well go out swinging. Being unapologetically yourself is immensely brave, and as terrifying as it can seem, it is the only way to set yourself free from naysayers and self-doubt. A lot of humans judge you outwardly for the same things they hold internally. Projection is a dime a dozen these days, so instead of letting someone else’s judgment taint your self-introspection, take it with a grain of salt, and continue living your life the way it fulfills you. Growing up, it can seem like a competition for who can have the most people at their birthday parties, but as you get older and wiser, a shrinking circle is a sign of maturity and realizing quantity is overrated, and quality is something to hold tight. You’re never going to please everybody, and someone will always have something to say, so you might as well give them something to talk about. “Humans” is the first single off of Lucius Arthur’s debut album, A Violent Dichotomy. This labor of love is infused with high energy and chaotic ethos of the screams and emo music reminiscent of the San Diego music scene from Lucius’ adolescence. A Violent Dichotomy combines his mother’s love of American R&B, his father’s affinity for British pop and rock music, and his unrestricted access to every genre of music at his fingertips with YouTube and online streaming. This project has aesthetic ties to sci-fi films and anime. His music is self-proclaimed "progressive alien deathcore.” The most meaningful part of creating music is using his talent to enable a path to self-discovery for his listeners and the global awareness of our world that comes with that. Lucius Arthur uses his music to address the themes of identity, free will, and truth, and “Humans” questions those social constructs and age-old philosophies. Lucius Arthur is a musician in a league of his own from Inglewood, CA. Besides performing, he is an immaculate songwriter and producer. From has Inglewood studio, he has written and produced tracks for some of LA’s most influential underground artists. He uses his craft to tackle some of life’s toughest questions about self-identity and what it means to be human. His New single “The Dream Hotel” from his latest project, The Dream Hotel, is available on all streaming platforms May 25th. He will continue to push buttons, open up the minds of his listeners, and be an example of authenticity. Follow Lucius Arthur on social media below, and let him know how you defy social norms and what you think it means to be human! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW LUCIUS ARTHUR:

Ughhh... You know? Do ya’ feel me? Running in circles, bumping into walls... Sometimes you just find yourself in a rut... Tracing the same lines, you eventually get overwhelmed by feeling overwhelmed! We soul-search in mirrors, people, partners... yet, so often–forget to simply look inside. It’s like the more ‘caught up’ in something we become, the less we want to be entangled in it at all... but we are... Sucks, right? Maybe... Life is tricky... but if it wasn’t? What kind of music would you be listening to? What kind of music would I be writing about? Balancing a somber subject with levity and a dash of wit, Jack Pavlina taps in an acoustic approach on the excellent new cut, “END.” Whereas the young artist’s energy has burned loud and large at other times, he takes a decidedly understated approach–a choice that reveals new colors in an already dazzling palette. “END” does a fantastic job in bringing a sense of emo recognition to the table, using sadness to leverage energy. Laying a concrete foundation with some seriously top-notch production, Pavlina presents a numbing narrative to the audience, blending college campus vocals and acoustic finesse to striking effect. Pavlina interestingly spotlights a split-consciousness, singing of his yearning to win back a lover, while also claiming that she’s better off with another man... This track has a distinct flavor of campfire story, Andy Grammer, and maybe some sneaky “party on the roof-top, top of the world” energy! The constant thread of guitar helps bridge the fairly polar aesthetics of ‘stripped’ and ‘produced,’ soothing a tension that could have otherwise led to some problems. Welding melody and motif, a charming Jack Pavlina delivers a Spring fling of serious substance! Demonstrating that ‘learned’ doesn’t have to be ‘lifeless,’ Campbell native and precocious talent Jack Pavlina shows off the goods with the sleek new number, “END.” This track is alive, filled with life and lessons from a very young artist! Combining various influences, Pavlina strives to capture his feelings for music in song: an enduring sense of curiosity and intoxication that so many may resonate with... Boasting a mature voice and firm command of vision, Jack Pavlina is poised to make some serious moves as this young artist spreads his wings! Written By Thomas Hiscock FOLLOW JACK: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Flora Summers has kicked off her solo career with an unforgettable bang. “Obsessions” details her addictive personality and her innate ability to become overwhelmingly obsessed. Whether it’s with a new partner, a catchy new song, or a favorite book, Summers cannot be a casual fan of something. Instead, she becomes completely enthralled by the subject and unable to let it go. Although the lyrics illustrate a romantic relationship, these words can be applied to multiple things in her life. Summers immediately introduces her obsessive tendencies with the first lines of the track: “I get obsessed with things// I’m so obsessed with you// You are the cigarette to my lungs// Heroin in my blood// All I know// Is that it’s gone too far// For my addict heart// You’re all I want.” These lines not only introduce this idea but are also the only lines in the song where “obsess” and “addict” are utilized. For the remainder of the track, Summers uses poetic metaphors and detailed imagery to describe this obsession, without once uttering the word. This showcases her immaculate songwriting ability to tell a vivid narrative through her insightful storytelling. In the chorus, she explains how deep her addiction is when she sings, “So when you leave// There’s nothing left of me// I’m loving you with all I’ve got// All I’ve got// All I’ve got.” Without her daily fix of this person, she enters severe withdrawal and is unable to be herself without them. She cannot go on with her life and constantly needs them like an addict needs their drugs. She knows its toxic—that this behavior is slowly killing her—and yet she cannot give it up. “Obsessions” beautifully encapsulates the feeling of being completely head over heels infatuated with someone, to the point of hopeless devotion and admiration, through the poetic lyrics and ethereal production. Click here to listen to "Obsessions"! “Obsessions” perfectly captures the carefree energy of Fleetwood Mac and the whimsical lyricism of Lana Del Rey. The complex, yet soothing production radiates bright like the sun, creating the perfect summertime track. Summers introduces the track by counting the beat in French, before starting the song with the melodic “oohs” that are paired with the bass. The bassline is reminiscent of classic rock, establishing the laidback vibe to the track. In the background, an electric guitar and synth sound effects can be heard, paired with the drums playing the rhythm. While the beat is mainly derived from the snare drum, the guitar plays the chords slowly, strumming to make each individual note prominent. Another guitar sneaks into the background, subtly including an additional riff to the production. The combination of each instrument enhances the classic style of Stevie Nicks while emphasizing Summer’s individualistic sound. Throughout the song, her sweet vocals reel the listener in like a siren, enchanting them with her unique talent. The audience cannot help but want to hear more of her infectious voice and relaxing vibe. “Obsessions” may be Summers’s debut single as a solo artist, yet it flawlessly proves to be a classic that will stand the test of time. Flora Summers is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Sweden. “Obsessions” is the first release from her upcoming solo debut EP. She is currently working on the EP, which is set to be released later this year. Summers is one-half of the electro pop duo, Isle of You. The duo was nominated for Artist of the Future in Swedish Radio for the P3 Guld Awards. While Summers creates her own solo music under her pseudonym, she continues to release music with Isle of You as Ida Johansson. Through her art, she aspires to create music that is honest and personal—something that is authentically her. Her sound is a beautiful blend of indie-folk and pop, drawing inspiration from other artists from the genre, such as Lana Del Rey, Florence + The Machine, and Angel Olsen. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW FLORA:

Whether it's swaying in the kitchen, watching the sun rise or set, or laying on the dew-soaked lawn, "Drag Me Down" makes a great companion to the soft joys in life. The tranquil indie-pop single from Daniel McMillan glimmers in spite of (and in remarkable contrast to) the emotional weight contextualizing each hopeful lyric. Like a radiant gem in a harsh, rocky terrain, "Drag Me Down" brings a sublime warmth to the acoustic pop formula. From the opening guitars and airy vocals, it sounds as though McMillan is setting the tone for a chillier mood. As the synth-pop drum machine kicks in, however, the sunny warmth thaws the environment into a soft yet buoyant indie-pop soundscape. Kasper Juul provides an excellent companion to the vibe: his huskier croon filling out the sound as the two sing the chorus. Where McMillan's performance brings a dynamic blend of hope and anxiety, Juul blankets his verse with a stable coziness. When the two come together in the serene chorus, you can feel them exhale. "Got a million mistakes to my name," McMillan expresses in the opening verse—and that's just from the last two days, according to him. But "Drag Me Down" does not spin its tires in the mud; the song hops out and makes it up the hill on foot. "Even if I'm falling, won't let it take over me." It's not a song for the invulnerable. Instead, the two artists sing exquisitely of fragility and strength as compatible forces. Pretending nothing hurts you is an easy road to being hurt. The real path to peace is by giving yourself grace. There's no denial of regrets or mistakes, but rather a reckoning with the fact that they "don't need to take up space in my chest." It's a productive healing that centers personal wellbeing. The pleasant warmth radiating from "Drag Me Down" is an invitation to bask in the rays of self-forgiveness. Though Daniel McMillan has been collaborating with other artists since 2021, he considers "Drag Me Down" to be the launch of his career as a pop artist. Australian-born and Denmark-raised, the singer/songwriter has previously made a name in the Electronic Dance scene. Now, the artist is directing his songwriting and performing experience towards crafting immaculate pop. Among his prior collaborations are two covers of Ed Sheeran's "Shivers" and "Bad Habits." With "Drag Me Down," McMillan is planning to release more pop singles in the future. It also marks the artist's first collaboration with Kasper Juul. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Daniel McMillan:

Have you ever wanted to talk to someone but felt too self-conscious to do it? “Hello” describes this feeling perfectly. In the song, the lyrics show raw vulnerability that is endearing and relatable. As the songwriter details fantasizing about a crush, he also details the anxiety that comes with talking to someone you like. The fear of rejection keeps the singer from approaching his crush as well as feeling as though it isn’t “the right time”. The track discusses how it is never ”the right time” and that sometimes you just got to take a leap of faith, which leads to him having a moment of courage when he finally speaks to the girl he likes. The single’s sensitive lyrics are balanced with a chill and folk-pop instrumental. Gorgeous vocals, beautiful lyricism, and a relaxing melody create this track. In this song, the artist encapsulates the best songwriting and instrumental of Ed Sheeran with the amazing vocals of Shawn Mendes. This phenomenal storytelling is backed up by wonderful guitars that add a raw acoustic vibe to this single. This soundscape creates an atmosphere that has you getting lost in the music with the relaxed drums and harmonized vocals. "Hello" is the perfect mix of pop with elements of folk, making it a song that will stay on your mind. Overall, this is a fantastic track that is relatable, catchy, and deserves a listen. ISHAN is a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Melbourne. The singer is of Indian, Swiss, and Catalan descent and was born in France before moving to Australia as a kid. Due to his multicultural identity as well as moving to a new country, the musician credits his exposure to many different cultures and languages as an influence and inspiration in his songwriting. ISHAN’s musical journey began at 7 years old when he began playing the guitar, however, it became a passion that he wanted to pursue when he was 15 years old while in rehabilitation for spinal fusion surgery. This led to him releasing his first single in August 2022, titled, “Go”. Make sure to show this songwriter some love by clicking the links below and giving him a follow! Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW ISHAN: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Although ZZ Ward isn’t throwing eggs at someone’s house or launching a past lover under a moving bus (we’ve all been there), she’s defending one person: her partner-in-crime. As shown in the music video for ZZ’s new song “Ride or Die” (ft. Vic Mensa), she’ll do anything for this person, even fight through a sketchy ring of kidnappers and (artfully, I may add) engage in hand-to-fist combat to earn his loyalty. Many of us can likely relate, wanting to give everything to someone special, standing by their side because they stood by ours. She aptly says, “when I’m looking into your eyes it’s like looking in lightning”, reminiscent of those in our lives who ignite us, spark meaning, and provide that electricity which makes us all go a little stir-crazy. Beginning with relaxed guitar strumming and catchy vocal ad libs (“yeahs”), the track is punctuated by Zsuzsanna’s distinct, powerhouse vocals, reminding me of singers like Amy Winehouse and Bishop Briggs. Carried forward by superhero-sounding violin riffs, the music maintains a slow-but-steady, groovy quality, making the listener feel powerful yet engaged. During the pre-chorus, Zsuzsanna begins imitating the sound of police sirens (singing “Whoop Woo”), a cool vocal touch, further painting the romantic-duo image (Bonnie and Clyde) running away from law enforcement. Structurally, the song replaces the chorus section with Vic Mensa’s rap verse, adding a super interesting yet punchy flavor to the song. I genuinely enjoyed his rapping style and lyrics (fluid and strong), maintaining momentum with a simple drum beat and the occasional synthy swell. I also really liked the song’s bridge, adding another unrestrained dimension to the music, with Zsuzsanna letting loose and singing from a place of desperation and angst! Born in Pennsylvania, later raised in Oregon, ZZ Ward (originally Zsuzsanna Eva Ward) began playing in her first band at age 12. Now, at age thirty-six, she has undoubtedly created waves in the music industry, releasing two successful studio albums and countless acclaimed singles. Her first album “Til the Casket Drops'' (2012), set the stage for her career, featuring interesting sound fusions, from Country to R&B, and the popular song “Put the Gun Down” (2013)—which earned a top 10 spot on AAA radio and further reached top 40 on the Billboard Alternative Chart. Zsuzsanna’s second album “The Storm'' (2017), peaked at #1 on the Billboard Blues Album chart, further solidifying a place in the country-blues scene and embracing the gritty, country sound she represents today. ZZ has also released many hard-hitting singles under Hollywood and Dirty Shine Records (my favorite being “Tin Cups” in 2022) and even the jazz-inspired single “The Deep” in 2017. As a listener, I deeply appreciate how she's never afraid of taking risks—creating a country song with cinematic elements, starting with a ballad yet ending with country-rock production, and in the case of Ride or Die, adding a rap verse to a bluesy-western song! Personally, I have been playing her single “Move Like You Stole It” on repeat for the last week and am excited to continue hearing more music from her! Written by: Conner Pettit FOLLOW ZZ Ward: FOLLOW VIC MENSA:

Fran Lusty has created an impactful folk song that can let us feel the pain of a long distance relationship. “Oceans Apart” takes on an enchanting sense of vulnerability and allows us to feel the pain of being away from someone you love. We first feel this pain when Fran tells about their mother and father saying to waste time on someone. The tension builds throughout the song, but the love continues to grow. By the end Fran sings “Oceans, I know that this is hard. Oceans but we can make this work”. We can all feel this sense of hurt, but also within this tender pain there is also a feeling of growth in knowing that they are going to do everything they can to make it work. The beautiful song has an engaging sense of fluidity, letting us float through each line like we are in an ocean. Feeling the pain within the notes, but softly letting us melt and drift along with Fran as she sings. The gentle strum of the guitar builds in a fast way, making you feel like you are sitting in a car looking through the window as you drive. Getting faster with each strum and picking up with the ongoing build up of added instruments, this song has a full and warm sound. As we approach the middle Frans voice grows, allowing us to follow her sound with every word. By the end you are captivated, still along for the drive but feeling like you have pulled into your destination. Far away, but the love and the beauty of this sound still sends a chill down your spine. Young Fran Lusty is a folk singer/songwriter who is based in London. Creating charming and melodic music that was originally intended for close friends and family to hear. Fran is inspired by mystery, found in nature in particular. Finding such inspirations at her grandmother's cabin in Norway, Fran is able to harness this and use her wonderful storytelling abilities to create soft and magical music. This young artist has just begun, with a handful of songs to her name she won’t stop here. We cannot wait to see what Fran will bring us next, so be on the lookout for more new music just as dazzling as “Oceans Apart”! Written By Cate Schnoebelen FOLLOW FRAN LUSTY: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Photo credits: Lucas Troadec “I’d Rather Fall”, Maddie Ashman’s latest release, is the story of love at first sight. Her reluctance to the relationship is initially heard through the lyrics but her true feelings echo through the pace and rhythm of the song throughout it. She’s wary but not afraid of falling in love. And it is this person who she writes to that changes even that. A song written from the heart, “I’d Rather Fall” explores just that, following one's emotion over logic on occasion. To risk heartbreak, to risk letting your emotions take control is a scary concept for most, but Ashman molds it into something beautiful. Her almost secret penchant for love is admitted and the song feels as freeing as Ashman implies she feels. “When I was sixteen I set my boundaries” Ashman begins, the prologue to her upcoming rejection of them. Her voice is gentle, and paired with the soft strumming behind it, makes her sound perfect for the fairy tale she wishes to tell. She goes on to explain her rules, her logic for relationships with a familiar and steady beat ongoing. But, when she introduces the love interest, and her true motivator: her emotion, the music synchronizes and flutters like the butterflies she speaks of. “I’d rather fall than feel nothing at all” the chorus explains her central theme. The music picks up the pace as she continues to walk the listener through the relationship, intensifying with her own affection. As the relationship becomes less fantastical, “I’d rather fall” takes on a new meaning, to fall in love of course, but also to accept falling and failing rather than “nothing at all”. Maddie Ashman, a South East London based artist, began surrounding herself with music at an extremely young age. She began playing guitar at 7 years old and exploring her skill with other instruments, eventually finding her way to the cello which she now famously plays in her own songs and for Tom Rosenthal. Though she’s been in the industry for a while, her popularity skyrocketed with the release of her 2022 EP “Apparently”. She’s since been chosen as 6Music's BBC introducing Track of the Week, earned 3rd place in the international microtonal guitar competition, was named as a runner up in the BBC 1 live lounge competition, and released five singles in addition to her existing eight, the earliest of which dates back to only 2019. Follow Maddie below and stream “I’d Rather Fall” to stay up to date on her ever continuing success. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW MADDIE ASHMAN:

Photo Credits: Asylum/Atlantic Records Following on the heels of his recent lawsuit victory, Ed Sheeran has released his newest album, Subtract. The album brings an era of Sheeran’s career to a close, being the last of his albums to don a mathematical symbol in its name. It was released May 5, 2023 by Asylum and Atlantic Records, being the fifth album to be a part of Sheeran's mathematical series. Contrasting the artist’s previous installments, Subtract is steeped in pain, sorrow, and heartache as Sheeran takes us on a journey through his recent hardships. Boat Salt Water Eyes Closed Life Goes On Dusty End of Youth Colourblind Curtains Borderline Spark Vega Sycamore No Strings The Hills of Aberfeldy Sheeran has enjoyed much success since his music industry debut. The 32-year-old singer-songwriter has made waves in the pop world with tracks like "Thinking Out Loud," "Shape of You," and "Bad Habits." He has a charming, folk-pop sound that is both humble and brilliant, singing tracks with a simple, charismatic voice that you might hear belting tunes in your local bar. While Sheeran's previous albums all feature tracks destined for commercial success, Subtract seems to be going in a different direction with the artist focusing on writing songs for himself rather than others. He recently lost one of his closest friends, Jamal Edwards, and faced a cancer scare with his wife, Cherry Seaborn, during her second pregnancy. On top of these life-altering events, Sheeran had been under scrutiny, battling another lawsuit involving his track "Thinking Out Loud" and alleged copyright infringement of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." Stressors like these are enough to make anyone break, leaving Sheeran to turn to music as an outlet and giving us a vulnerable look into his life with Subtract. Subtract hits home for many of us, articulating the highs and lows that come with battling depression. We feel the pain Sheeran has intertwined in songs throughout the album, almost drowning in it with him. Despite the feeling of fighting an uphill battle, Sheeran reminds us that "there's beauty when it's bleak," a line used in Subtract's opening track, "Boat." Being a primarily acoustic, ballad-driven album, the first few songs are slow and scaled back. "Boat," "Salt Water," and "Eyes Closed" all feature soft, beautiful melodic material. Though a lighter track, "Eyes Closed" is filled with catchy melodies and an upbeat rhythm similar to some of Sheeran's more commercial pop hits. Emphasizing the pain Sheeran has been going through, tracks like "Life Goes On" and "End of Youth" depict anguish in their heart-wrenching melodies. "Life Goes On" beautifully outlines the frustration and hurt he feels from losing his friend, Jamal. Sheeran's voice is raw and raspy as he belts out his grief in the chorus of "Life Goes On," making this a cathartic listen for anyone feeling a pain like this. This intense emotion is one of the highlights of the album, breaking away from some of the calmer tracks. Though the album is comprised of many melancholy songs, there are moments on the album where things don't seem so bleak. Sheeran's pain seems to plateau on tracks like "Dusty." "Dusty" is a chill, laid-back entry on Subtract, giving us a break from some of the heavier emotions Sheeran displays. Other tracks like "Spark" and "Curtains" give us a break from the bleak, intertwining hope into the album. Both tracks feel like a light flickering in the dark, showcasing more optimistic melodies and lyrics. Sheeran quickly brings us back to the more mellow, acoustic vibe of the album with the songs "Borderline," "Vega," "Sycamore," "No Strings," and "The Hills of Aberfeldy." Each of these tracks are lovely, showing off Sheeran's ability to give us a never-ending supply of quality ballads. These tracks feature pleasing, beautiful melodies and harmonies, great for those searching for calmer tracks or those wanting to add to their acoustic playlists. "The Hills of Aberfeldy" gives a classic Sheeran folk twist on the album, standing out amongst the many ballads on Subtract. The one track that stood out to me the most was "Colourblind." This is one of the most beautiful entries on the album, reminiscent of some of Sheeran's previous hit ballads. The track instantly reminded me of "Perfect," utilizing luscious harmonies and a rhythm that's meant for slow dancing. Feeling like love incarnate, I wouldn't be surprised if "Colourblind" is the next song to be used in many weddings to come. Though Subtract seems to be getting mixed reviews and are leaving some unimpressed, I feel this album is a brilliant addition to Sheeran's catalog, and his vulnerability on the album is something to be admired. Each track is stunning in its own way, and the album has something for everyone to love. As many of us have battled with depression and grief before, Subtract gives us an outlet and something we can relate to. Not including a clear hit on the album was a bold move, but this album feels like a perfect conclusion to Sheeran's mathematical albums and has an essence of closure. Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

“Close To You” is an irresistible electro-pop jam about getting “close to” a possible love interest. It’s easy to dance and spend the night away with someone, but it’s different when you’re looking to pursue this possible relationship into a possible flame. Though the beat insistently pounds, again and again, ANTi determines it all fair as long as it gets him close to you. ANTi determines anything is necessary, as long as it gets you close to your lover. ANTi’s newest bump makes you forget about your past woes to focus on the now, the honest vulnerability twined with bold risks shines for the audience to fully see and understand ANTi down to the depths of his soul. As the song progresses, the instrumentation slowly builds and becomes more layered, adding complexity and depth to the already mesmerizing melody. The rich and soulful voice delivers poignant lyrics with heartfelt sincerity, striking a consistent sense of upbeat pop among genuine-led lyrics. The light-hearted, immersive single possesses a stunning artistry that showcases ANTi’s considerable talent as a songwriter and performer, highly recommended for fans of indie-folk genres. A breath of fresh air in the industry, ANTi’s polished and confident charisma is the perfect calm before the storm. Inspired by the world-building songcraft and sci-fi synth of The Weeknd, instead of the current wave of minimalism. ANTi is a maximalist at heart. Determined to fill every aspect of empty sound with crazy synths and startling melodies, ANTI’s music draws parallels to the likes of Charlie Puth, Nick Jonas, and Olly Murs. ANTi remains one of the most up-and-coming producers in Nashville’s pop scene, after graduating early from an elite music university, he gained valuable experience as an engineer and a one-man band. Now, his legacy remains his own. After releasing singles “Back 4 U” and “Love Somebody”, he’s enforced his refined sound and identity, constantly hinting at a potential new album in late 2023 and early 2024, so keep your ears peeled! Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ANTi: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Erika Karina releases heartbreaking new song, “Work To Do,” about the aftermath of a toxic relationship and how it rewires your head and heart. Just because you escape the reins of a toxic person, the trauma and tribulation does not dissipate with their presence. Moving on is never easy, especially when you were once so naïve to how much pain love could create in your past. “Work To Do” is about finally putting yourself out there when dealing with a heart you did not break and a future you did not foresee. A negative relationship causes internal wounds that turn to deep scars we might never completely heal, and so we proceed with extra caution when our heart begins to flutter for someone new because you can’t trust your judgment or others the way you used to. Being able to trust a new person will not happen overnight, but the right person will take that journey with you and patiently wait until you can let your guard down again. Don’t rush your healing process; don’t apologize for trepidation or vigilance; trust your gut, and give yourself a fighting chance to rewrite the narrative someone else created for your perception of how love has to be. The ultimate love story after a toxic relationship is the one you have with yourself. Never apologize for taking the time to fall back in love with yourself, and fight for yourself. “Work To Do” is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Erika Karina’s exceptional vocal talent. The ballad begins with gentle guitar strumming that instantly puts you in your feelings, and you know you’re in for a gut wrenching tale. Erika lets down her walls and allows us to see her vulnerability. Her lyrics are raw and honest as she eloquently recounts the struggles of navigating life after a toxic relationship. As the song progresses, Erika’s vocals build, and her increased passion conveys the pain and frustration of trying to mend your heart and mind after being so betrayed by someone you loved. Her emotional depth is unmatched, and the lyrics are straight out of the lengthy paragraph in our notes that we wish we had the courage to send. Her minimalistic production allows the voice to shine, and her words cut deep. This introspective track will resonate with anyone who is burdened with moving on and rediscovering yourself in the wake of toxicity and heartbreak. Erika Karina is an up-and-coming LA based singer/songwriter. Her debut album, i’m okay , was released in February and tells the story of Erika’s turbulent 2022. Erika took a life-altering chance and moved to LA to pursue her passion for music. Along with a new life and a new hunger to hone her craft, Erika entered into a toxic relationship. Through personal growth and development, she learned how to accept healthy love and found someone new to share it with, and she wants to let her audience know it’s possible to not only bounce back, but come back stronger than ever only accepting what you deserve. Erika Karina is a powerhouse, and she is using her talent and tumultuous past to help heal others and let them know they are not alone. Erika may have “Work To Do,” but she is already well on her way to inspiring people and making a name for herself in the industry! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW ERIKA KARINA:

Jasi Bella is an alt. pop singer-songwriter from Sweden. She has gained lots of recognition for her previous single "Claim Me" where she displayed her talents as a musician and songwriter. In her new song, "Breakup Honeymoon", Jasi brings all this talent and energy making it an empowering and electrifying track. In the song Jasi writes about all the elements that come with a toxic relationship and the breakup that eventually ensues. Jasi also goes into the happiness and "honeymoon" period that comes following a much needed breakup. Jasi empowers listeners through showing the confidence one can gain from ending a toxic relationship and situation. This is the perfect song to blast fresh off a breakup. "Breakup Honeymoon", does an extraordinary job at applying modern music style to the style of early 2000's pop music. She is able to capture this y2k sound while also modernizing it and putting her own spin on it. What makes it truly unique is the perspective and vocal styling she brings to the track. The track also does a great job at capturing the empowerment of women, and the confidence that comes with taking action in your life, and ending toxic situations. "Breakup Honeymoon" sounds like the perfect song to blast in the car with all your girlfriends, on a hot summer day. Just a little over seven years ago, Jasi moved to London in order to pursue her dreams of being a musician. When first settled in London Jasi worked on her songwriting and collaborations until she was ready to full come out as an artist. She would prove successful from her single "Claim Me" which garnered lots of attention and recognition from the press and social media. The song was even supported by BBC Radio! Jasi shows her talent and love for music on the track, "Breakup Honeymoon", just as she did in her previous single "Claim Me". Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW JASI BELLA: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator