Ella Collier inspires self-confidence and personal growth in her latest single, “HOLD PLEASE.” The insightful track details fighting for what you want and not letting anyone get in your way. Collier wrote this track from a vital moment of realization that people in her past were emotional vultures that preyed on her kindness and good nature for their own selfish gain. The candid lyrics explore her letting go of those that weighed her down and focusing on what is best for her. In the verses, she illustrates this with lyrics such as, “I’d rather keep my hood up, walk the world alone// And make it on my own// Than you claim that you’re the reason that I got where I’m going” and “Why should I listen to someone without a vision// Who has no backbone and isn’t here for me at all// Yeah, they just praying and waiting on the downfall.” These toxic people that she used to surround herself with never truly supported her or thought she would make it in the industry. They hoped for her failure but stuck around just in case she did make it, so they could take credit for her accomplishments. However, in letting them go, she represents her strength and ability to make it on her own. The chorus has Collier singing directly to those who held her back, telling them she no longer needs them, nor does she have time for them. She tells them, “Wait, you got in my way// Think I finally got it figured out// You can take a seat// Hold please, I’m busy.” With these lyrics, she reclaims her power and does not allow others to dictate her life anymore. “HOLD PLEASE” is an empowering track that highlights Collier’s personal strength and encourages listeners to take control of their own lives. “HOLD PLEASE” consists of a dynamic production that emphasizes the empowering lyrics and Collier’s compelling vocals. The song kicks off immediately with the verse, consisting of only the lead vocals and an ethereal piano. The production remains this way until the second half of the verse, where additional vocals and synth notes are added to the background to further enhance the track. When the chorus hits, the production takes a sudden turn into a synth heavy, electrifying soundscape. A muted bass and powerful beats replace the piano to create an angsty vibe. In the middle of the chorus, a strong beat drop brings a pause in the lyrics to focus on the heavily distorted bass, before Collier’s captivating vocals sing over this new production. When the second verse begins, the synth instrumentation continues with the distortion muted. The song slowly builds with additional synth sound effects before erupting back into the energizing final chorus. Collier passionately sings the empowering lyrics, showcasing her impeccable range and the strong emotions behind each word. The distortion becomes more intense, further enhancing the fiery atmosphere. “HOLD PLEASE” is a flawless dark-pop track that utilizes a fierce production to highlight Collier’s unmistakable singing and songwriting talent. Ella Collier is a singer-songwriter from Atlanta, now based in Los Angeles. Her music blends the sounds of Pop, EDM, R&B, and Hyperpop. She thrives to make relatable music that encapsulates “the human experience of love and loss.” With her vulnerable lyrics, her music makes listeners feel less alone. In 2019, she made her official debut with her single, “Talk.” The following two years she released four additional singles, all of which were featured on her debut EP, MOOD SWINGS. “HOLD PLEASE” is the second single off of Collier’s upcoming sophomore EP. Two more singles are set for release, so check out her social media to follow along for updates! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW ELLA:

If you've ever had to deal with toxic, manipulative behavior from anyone, whether it be a romantic partner, family member or friend, this song is for you. "Nothing Has Changed" by Nikita Lev touches on the subject of gaining the bravery and confidence you needed to walk away from someone who wasn't doing your own mental health any favors. You're not responsible for someone else's unhappiness with life, and it's not fair for them to take it out on you. Living in constant fear of saying or doing the wrong thing to avoid conflict with someone is not okay, and just know that you don't have to stand for it! "Nothing Has Changed" is such a carefully and beautifully crafted pop-ballad. Nikita puts the lyrics at the forefront of this song, letting the intense and emotional words take over your ears. Her voice is soft-spoken and raw, yet strong as she tells us this gut-wrenching story that many could relate to. The instrumentation is minimalistic but in such a perfect way. The soundscape is lined with stunning piano, strings and hauntingly gorgeous harmonies. The song gradually builds as it goes on, dynamically and emotionally becoming stronger and louder until your own feelings just take over. Nikita Lev is a New York City native artist who just recently moved to Los Angeles, California. Although she sets no boundaries for the type of music she makes, she best describes her sound as indie folk/rock with a voice compared to artists like Lana Del Rey and Phoebe Bridgers. She grew up in a family of music lovers and classical performers, learning how to play the flute and piano at a very young age. By the age of ten, she was also playing the guitar and writing songs. To date, Nikita has written over 200 original songs that we've yet to hear. "Nothing Has Changed" is her third officially released single, her debut single being "Elegance" that released earlier this year. Nikita also just released her fourth single, "Nowhere Bar" as her final single to her upcoming EP. Check out our review of Nikita Lev's second single, "Like I Care" Here. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW NIKITA:

Francis On My Mind embraces the complexity of human emotions and the search for joy in her latest release “Are You Happy?” Francis reflects on a past relationship and her partner’s new girlfriend. She poses a series of questions for him surrounding his new girl, all taking inspiration from the words “are you happy…?” Francis starts the song off by saying “[he’s] killing her slowly” by being with his new girl, but “[she’ll] be fine.” She says that the spark that the two had was electric, and the things that he said made her feel high. To set up the chorus, Francis says that it’s hard for her to feel the pain, and she likes it when they drift away and fall apart. Then, listeners are introduced to the chorus, where she asks her ex demanding questions, like “do you like it when you’re lying (to my face)?” and “do you feel me when I’m crying (out your name)?” Francis builds off her anger and disappointment in the second verse, telling listeners that “[he] still thinks [she] wants to kiss [his] mouth,” but she finds it comical that he thinks that way. “Are You Happy?” paints a detailed picture of events that almost anyone can relate to, giving the song strong replayability. Francis On My Mind has taken the classic vibe of pop in the 21st century and supplemented it with a dose of electro-pop. Francis’s sound is aligned with the likes of RAYE, Freya Ridings, Birdy, and more. In the verses, an acoustic guitar with a unique rhythm fills the space in the backing track. More specifically with the first verse, there is a delayed entrance of the kick and snare beat, which is quite common with pop music. From the verse to the chorus, there is a large swell in volume that allows the chorus to land very satisfyingly. Throughout the entire song, vocals are layered to create an intricate sound that sounds like a chorus. It’s a popular technique, but it completes the song nonetheless. The most interesting thing about the song is the contrast between the vibe of the lyrics and the production. The production is characteristically upbeat, while the lyrics are much more moody. If someone was passively listening, they wouldn’t be able to tell how reflective, honest, and relatable the lyrics are from the production alone. Francis On My Mind is an up-and-coming Romanian singer and songwriter. Across all of her music, her style is blending classic pop with 80s influences and electronic pop. With her debut single “On My Mind”, she caught the attention of international eyes in 2020. Francis followed up with her second single “Never Be The Same”, which featured light production with powerful vocals, acting like a breath of fresh air in the music scene. After multiple releases in 2020 and 2021, her single “Swimming Pools” was featured in the hit show The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video. From there, her fame only grew. Francis released her first EP in 2023, titled “Circle of Love”, which shared the name of one of her previous singles. Another one of her 2023 releases, “I’m Alright” was featured in the HBO Max North American advertisement campaign. It’s clear that Francis On My Mind will continue to release quality music for years to come. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW Francis On My Mind:

Let me set the scene for you: it’s summer, blazing– the heat has never been worse than this. You’re sitting in your bedroom with the window open wide and a fan that blows hot air on to your face as you quietly seethe about human greed and its effect on the earth, resulting in these devastatingly burning summers. There isn’t any song that better captures the environmentalist consequences of materialism’s lusty allure than MISSY’s “Black Gold,” where she takes the role of an oil baron who just wants all that the earth can give. Baroque and gothic, “Black Gold” is the embodiment of gluttony– that ever-present hunger for power from those in already-powerful positions. Being worth billions of dollars and exploiting the world apparently isn’t enough for them: they just want– no, need– more. And more. And more. Click here to listen to "Black Gold"! MISSY has a real way with words; the lyrics of “Black Gold” are imagery-inducing, vivid, and delightfully dark. In spite of these shadowy words, MISSY’s vocals are light and buttery smooth; being splayed overtop of the song’s instrumentals, it creates an interesting dichotomy between the actual words being said and the song’s general soundscape. That being said, “Black Gold” has a delightfully complicated and complex soundscape; from MISSY’s hums to the strings to the deep synth, it all comes together to form one very, very compelling sound. As you listen to the song, you may find that each beat seemingly drags out, almost giving the effect of thick, oil-like sludge in the midst of MISSY’s airy vocals. As she hums, “but it’s not mine to take/and it’s not yours to give” that theme of covetous greed bubbles to the top, each verse being only more vehement about want it wants: “diamonds in my hair/…money everywhere.” MISSY (whose real name is Abigail Knudson) is a dark blend of alt-pop, gothic, and baroque. This persona, MISSY, is described by Knudson as a “Frankenstein monster”; she is an Art Project, cracked yet reglued in gold– better after she was broken, like the art of Kintsugi porcelain. Her first single “Missy” was released back in 2018; in its wake was single after single, until 2019, when her first album, “Strange,” was released. There really isn’t any other voice out there like MISSY’s, whose eclectic stylings transport you to her world. Enthralling, mesmerizing, and unique, she has been described as if “Kate Bush and Brian Eno had a baby,” to which I wholeheartedly agree with. MISSY’s most recent work includes her 2023 single entitled, “Butterflies,” and a 2022 album called “Total Nightmare.” As a lover of all things strange and gothic, MISSY caters to my tastes like no other; if you enjoy the weird and spooky– or are looking to branch out into the wonders of alt-pop– then MISSY is the perfect artist for your next playlist. Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW MISSY:

Not Waving but Drowning is a poem written by Stevie Smith, and was published in 1957. The poem details the event of a drowning man whose erratic arm movements are mistaken as enthusiastic waving by observers occupying the same space. The poem is told through a shifting first and third-person perspective. Symbolically, Not Waving but Drowning is a testament of one’s identity in double perspective: the stark contrast of outward appearance and the inner self. In their latest single, “You Look Like You Can’t Swim”, Matilda Mann explores this contrast from an opposing stance. “You Look Like You Can’t Swim” is a parable of how public perception and input breeds a self-esteem soaked in self-doubt. “You Look Like You Can't Swim” centers on being your own worst critic; to the extent that we unconsciously force ourselves to live in uncertainty and indecision. The song opens with inviting acoustic strings as our artist delivers the first verse, while viewers of the music video see Mann anxiously staring out at the vast ocean before them. This music video is also our artist's formalistic, debut directorial. Within this opening verse, Mann provides rich imagery that loans insight on the effects of harsh self-criticism. The first two lines are: “I used to be the fish that lives inside a tank. These days I seem to be a morsel made of sand.” When living within a tank, you’re put on public display and left to internalize the external remarks made about you. Eventually, the weight of this grinds your self-worth down into grains of sand. This not only distorts our self-perception but makes us dependent on the reassurance of others even when we find ourselves beyond the fish tank with plenty of “space” – an idea our artist touches on in the second verse. In the music video, the lullaby sung chorus sees to this imagery’s manifestation. As sweeping violin strings join the acoustic melody, Mann jumps into a pool with a lifeguard nearby. While the weight of the water sinks our artist to the bottom of the pool, they have visions of the ocean floor with fish surrounding them before being pulled out by the lifeguard. This marks a change in attitude, though: they’ve been “a fish … who can’t swim” for "too long". What ensues henceforth in the symmetrical-focused, vibrant music video (that makes one wonder if Mann was ever Wes Anderson’s protégé), is the determination to "swim". Our artist admits in the third verse that this new-found determination makes them feel like they’re “running on a moving pavement in reverse”, but instead of putting themselves down they rationalize it as “overthinking”. Showcasing that with conscious effort, we can distance ourselves from self-doubt. And in time, we’ll not only “swim away” confidently but won’t rely on others reassurance in moments of uncertainty. Matilda Mann is a London-based singer and songwriter with a very bright future in music. With continual support from popular radio stations and magazines (domestically and abroad), it’s not hard to see that the artist possesses a talent that needs to be shared. Mann’s discography is a collection of genre-bending, acoustic-driven songs that make listeners envision themselves in movies like Asteroid City and The Darjeeling Limited. “You Look Like You Can’t Swim” is the last single featured on their third EP that shares the same title. Mann’s recent EP sees the sweet embrace of tranquility and vulnerability in the same breath – reflecting the astounding inner peace we all strive for. Fans attending the sold-out Kendall Calling festival in Penrith, U.K. next week on July 27th, will have the opportunity to see our artist live in the Calling Out tent. But if you're missing out, you’ve got a second chance to see Mann perform for Live At Leeds In The City: 2023 on October 14th. In the meantime, the best way to support the inspiring artist's build-up to their first album is through virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW MATILDA MANN:

Corzine takes listeners on an upbeat, relatable journey of self-realization with new track, “it’s nothing you did (it’s everything).” There comes a time after a relationship when you start to finally understand everything you gave up to make it work, most of all parts of yourself. We never like to be the villain of our own story, so it’s extremely gratifying when you can walk away and know you were not the problem. You can love someone so deeply and still understand you have to walk away for your own sanity and well being. A lot of toxic partners only show they care after you’ve already walked out the door, and as they beg for you back, you must remember how they treated you when they thought you’d never run. Starting over is not easy, but it’s never the wrong decision to choose yourself and not settle for anything less than what you deserve. When your head hits the pillow, you can sleep soundly knowing you gave it all you had, and take some comfort in knowing that your ex will be up all night long with the sinking feeling that it’s nothing he did… it’s everything. This song is the first single from Corzine since their debut album. Their first release in 3 years brings us a reflection of the life experiences since she’s been gone. She explores the nuances of all different kinds of relationships: romantic, platonic, familial, and dances around the possibilities of alternate endings - what if this went a different way? Their writing is full of what if’s — a reflection of their own uncertainties and anxieties. She plays with acute metaphors to capture much bigger concepts about trying to find your place in the world. Their favorite part of “it’s nothing you did (it’s everything)” is at 1:25 when the music builds with a funky breakdown underneath her euphoric, powerhouse vocals. Corzine believes in the power of healing through shared connection, and their music is sure to bring people together. Corzine, also known as Hayley Lewis, is an independent alt-rock singer/songwriter with pop, indie, and dream pop flares. Listening to a Corzine song is like getting a peek at the page of someone’s diary, or being a fly on the wall for their therapy session. She released their debut album “Look What We Made” in 2020. Their track “The Coffee Shop” accumulated over 17,000 streams on Spotify. As a former theatre and choir kid, their music takes you on an emotive journey. Follow Corzine below, and stream “it’s nothing you did (it’s everything)” now! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW CORZINE:

Experiencing negative thoughts in your mind can turn into an ongoing battle, gradually complicating your daily life. These persistent thoughts have the power to influence your beliefs, leading to self-doubt. Naturally, you want these thoughts to just disappear and leave you alone, allowing your life to feel normal again. However, you then start to question when this struggle will end and how long you will endure this state of mind. It’s like your mind just never stops racing. For some, this comes from being stuck on your past and the decisions you’ve made, which you now may regret. But doing this prevents you from looking towards the future, as well as enjoying the present moment. This struggle, as well as “waiting” for it to go away will keep you stagnant. You have to be strong, fight against these thoughts, and believe that what’s best for you lies ahead of you because that is where your happiness lies. In Noah Pearce's latest single, " Dancing On My Grave ," he delves into the deeply personal subject of mental battles and the difficult fight to overcome them. We’ve all had our times where we let our negative thoughts get to us, and maybe even stop us from growing. In this personal anthem, Noah gets specific and dives into how these negative thoughts feel. He kicks off the song by stating how badly he wants these thoughts to release their hold on him: “ I’ve been dreaming of the day that dusk and dawn go back to normal, but it’s taking so much longer than I need it to .” As the song goes on, we see Noah working on his breath, and using that as a method to release the unwelcome thoughts: “ Inhale. Exhale all my worst thoughts. Empty out my lungs .” Using breathing techniques and viewing that as releasing the negative thoughts from him is a healthy habit towards becoming his best self again. All in all, this song revealed a personal struggle that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Negative thoughts can feel like they’re eating you alive, especially if you’re dwelling on your past and forgetting about your present or future, which contains growth and happiness. However, by fighting it, releasing those thoughts and believing that you can feel normal again, you’ll come back stronger, healthier and happier than before. Noah Pearce is a 21 year-old trans singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Johannesburg. “ Dancing On My Grave ” is 1 of 5 songs from his upcoming EP, “ Domicile ”, which is set to release on August 17th! This EP is his second, with the first being released a year ago called “ Monster .” Domicile contains and shares his experiences of heartbreak, emptiness and sadness. “ Ballet Dancer ” is another song from this EP that was released a month ago. This song is about his last relationship that ended because of their two different dreams in life heading in different directions from one another. Check out Noah Pearce’s newest single “ Dancing On My Grave ” out now on all streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW NOAH PEARCE:

Alt-pop artist laye released her latest single “unhappier” on July 14, 2021. The darker soundscape backed poignant lyrics that created feelings of bitterness, heartbreak, and love. At its core, “unhappier” is a breakup anthem about seeing the person you loved move on. But it stands out with live instrumentation, laye’s sultry vocals, and strong pop hooks. She dives into the darker sides of pop music to showcase the darker emotions around her heartbreak: jealousy, spite, and pain. It’s a track that feels raw and honest. If you’re a fan of pop and alternative music, laye’s newest single is worth giving a listen. The track starts with a guitar-heavy introduction that leads into the first verse, where laye’s emotional vocals shine through. Then, she channels her feelings of jealousy and heartbreak into a chorus about wanting the person that she loved to not be as happy with the new person they found. She describes this with punchy lyrics like “When sparks fly, I hope it burns / I hope you are unhappier.” Here, laye does not hold back on expressing her emotions. She aims to shows listeners the universality of unhappiness after a breakup. We are not alone in these emotions. We are valid in these emotions. Singer-songwriter, laye, was born and raised in Montreal. She has crafted a pop and gothic aesthetic and delves into the darker aspects of indie pop music. She released her debut album “lonesome” in 2019. On Spotify, she has reached over 130,000 monthly listeners and over 3 million streams across her songs. "unhappier" is her third single of 2023, following "touching myself" and "blue." Her music is vibrant, honest, and well-crafted. I cannot wait to see what she releases next. You can also keep up with laye and her music by clicking on the links to her social media accounts below and following her. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW LAYE:

Sometimes you lose those sentimental feelings you had for a place, and it's bittersweet. The spot you had all those cherished memories of suddenly fades to being just another place you've been. Relationships and the memories you hold close constantly change, letting feelings of nostalgia slip away. That's what Summerdrive captures in their new single, "Shimmer." The band states, "The overarching idea of the song is chasing a feeling that has faded, whether you like it or not. Visiting the places that you’ve been with someone, whether it be a friend or partner, and those places not holding the same meaning as they once did. Ultimately realizing that sometimes it’s out of our control how these things end up." Featuring the band's one-of-a-kind sound, Summerdrive's "Shimmer" tastefully blends together elements of alt-rock, indie-pop, and 80s synthpop. The single is an upbeat banger, being driven by exciting percussion that creates the ultimate summer dance track. "Shimmer" is full of infectious melodies and pleasant vocals, pairing nicely with the electronic interjections and synth-laden soundscape. Giving listeners energetic, memorable moments, Summerdrive shows off their ability to deliver unforgettable music. "Shimmer" is a fresh new find perfect for summer playlists and reminiscing over nostalgic moments. Formerly known as Friends At The Falls, Summerdrive made their debut in 2018 with their first EP, Wild In Our Ways. They followed up in 2021 with their sophomore project, Be The Change, netting the band over 4 million cumulative streams. Summerdrive is a New York based group, comprised of members Jake Stam, Matt Montgomery, and Tim Coakley. They have been heavily influenced by their time in New York and Los Angeles, as well as by acts like Walk The Moon, The Killers, Coldplay, and The 1975. Some of Summerdrive's popular releases include "Sunkissed Dreamland," "It's Alright, Let Me Go," and "You Don't Have To Be Alone." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SUMMERDRIVE:

Most of us have found ourselves doing a lot of crazy stuff after 2 A.M. To quote the artists behind the song, “Nothing good happens after 2 A.M.” A product of a collaboration between artists Haunter and MYTH, “Bad Ideas” is an anthem to all of the wild shenanigans we get to late a night while we’re with our friends and a few drinks in. This song is really fun and has such an upbeat vibe to it. When I first listened to this song, it felt like I was in a club. It’s extremely catchy, and a great song to dance to. The lyrics are also very well written. One that I really enjoyed was “After all this time, these Bad Ideas of mine got me dreamin’ ‘bout I wanna feel you and how I’m gonna steal you from her.” Though, being honest, every lyric was a vibe. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it! As I said before, “Bad Ideas” made me feel like I wanted to go dancing at a club. The beat is so upbeat and lively. There are so many different instrumentals being used, and the beat pumps through the lyrics, but doesn’t overpower them. It’s the perfect accompaniment to perfectly written lyrics. These stunning instrumentals were all mashed together by MYTH. It’s definitely got an EDM feel to it, which is what MYTH specializes in! I think the lyrics and instrumentals all worked together perfectly, and it’s really what made the song such a hit. Haunter is a pop group that debuted back in 2020 with their single “Love You Better.” Since their debut, Haunter has released numerous singles and amassed around 20 thousand monthly streams on Spotify! Tyler Smyth, better known as MYTH, is an EDM-focused artist and producer that has been releasing music since 2019. Like Haunter, MYTH has released lots of songs on Spotify, and has an average of 36 thousand monthly streams on Spotify. Both artists have things they are amazing at, but it was still so fun to get to listen to their collaboration. I can see myself listening to this song more and more, which is a pretty good indicator of how much I enjoyed it. I can’t wait to hear what they release next! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW HAUNTER: FOLLOW MYTH:

Rita Ora has crafted an incredible love song that flawlessly encapsulates the feelings of falling in love and finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. “You & I” was written by the singer the morning after she got married, making the track even more special and intimate. The song begins with the lyric: “I used to listen to love songs on repeat// Tryna figure out how they would work for me// I just wanna dance with somebody// Somebody who loved me.” After this legendary Whitney Houston reference, Ora switches scenes to the sweet moment that she met the “somebody who loves” her. Throughout the song, she references iconic love songs that parallel the first two lines. Prior to meeting her husband, she was unable to relate to these love songs—and she wondered if she ever would. Now she is dancing in his arms to “Eternal Flame” and singing all the words to “Sweet Caroline.” She is head over heels for her partner and knows that they will be together forever. He treats her like a queen and makes her feel safe and supported. This is the type of love that everyone dreams of finding one day. Now that Ora has found it, she will never let it go. This sentimental track will be remembered as a timeless classic and known as the perfect first dance song for every wedding. The sweet lyrics are beautifully complemented by the soothing production, making “You & I” the perfect romantic pop ballad. A unique synth beat leads the intro before Ora’s voice kicks off the verse with synth notes in the background. The production continues through the verse as the listener is guided through the vulnerable lyrics. Once the lyrics switch to the moment Ora met her partner, a subtle piano and airy synth sounds begin, making the atmosphere light and dreamy. In the pre-chorus, her powerful voice becomes more evident as she passionately sings her devotion to her husband. When the chorus begins, the beat mutes while the piano and light airy waves take the forefront of the production. In the second half of the chorus, the full production is introduced as the beat returns to the track. Ora’s strong vocals sing the lyrics with a level of conviction that only those who truly relate to the lyrics can provide. The production maintains a steady structure throughout the remainder of the track, with angelic background vocals that harmonize with Ora’s lead vocals. This provides an additional dynamic to the track that enhances the sweet, emotional soundscape. With the mesmerizing production and sentimental lyrics, “You & I” is a beautiful ode to her lover that will forever have a special place in the hearts of listeners. Rita Ora is one of the UK’s most successful modern pop singer-songwriters. Her debut album, Ora, was released in 2012. This album topped the UK charts and included two #1 UK singles. She has a total of 4 #1 UK singles and holds the record for the most Top 10 singles for a British female artist in the history of the UK. She was recently awarded the “Entertainer Award” at the 2022 UK Glamour Women of the Year awards. She has collaborations with artists such as Cardi B, Bebe Rexha, Charli XCX, Kygo, and Iggy Azalea. She has also dabbled in acting, taking on projects such as Fast & Furious 6, the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, and Southpaw. She has made a huge name for herself in both the music and film industries. On July 14, 2023, Ora released her 12-track album, You & I, with each song co-written by the singer. This is her first album under her partnership with BMG, which provides her ownership over all her future master recordings and allow her artistic control in a way she was not allowed before. This makes her new era of music even more meaningful and intimate than anything she has ever released before. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW RITA:

Emei’s “Cynical” pushes the boundaries of pop with daring sounds and a unique finesse and flair. The third single released to promote her sophomore EP “Cynical”, the title track is a creative yet innovative embrace of chaos. The song delves into self-destruction and finding comfort in stressful situations. In the first verse, Emei talks about how good she is on her own: she’s making good decisions, doing good things, and overall feeling great. But then, just as she is at peace, she gets bored. Then in the chorus, she asks herself why she loves the chaos and “why [does she] feel at peace when it's difficult?” Following the chorus, Emei talks about an unfortunate series of events, and she questions “what the hell [she’s] doin’.” As the song ends, the sound completely shifts and takes a more somber tone. As she sings “I'm unhappy ever after/and destined for disaster”, the song chaotically rewinds and ends with Emei whispering “cynical.” The music video, directed by Aser Santos Jr., perfectly pairs with “Cynical, and is quite the visual epic.” The video features psychedelic rooms, intriguing camera angles, and cuts to a rave for each chorus. “Cynical” is defined by dark, alternative pop with a heavy grungy and gritty feel. The intro melody with “la-la-la” sounds haunting and almost circus-like, which is repeated multiple times after every chorus. In the verses, the instrumentation is thinner while the chorus has a more dense and fuller production. At the final word of every phrase, Emei takes the melodic line up an octave, creating a sing-song feel to contrast the heavier chorus. The interlude after the chorus features the intro melody and a whispered “cynical.” The vast contrast in sound and style creates an emphasis on the word “cynical.” Throughout the entire track, there’s a driving bass synth along with eclectic sounds to complement, such as a tongue-clicking sound. At the end of the song, the production takes a step back, with a lighter and more somber sound. The rewind at the end is shocking to the listener, but it encompasses the overall feel of “Cynical.” Emei is a viral Chinese-American alternative pop singer and songwriter. Emei, who is only 23 years old, has already achieved great success. With almost 12 million likes on TikTok and over 1 million listeners on Spotify, Emei is charting her own path with her music. She competed on Chinese Idol at 15 and has over a decade of stage experience under her belt. Emei amassed great success on Chinese music platforms and even competed in Dancing with the Stars in China. In terms of American music releases, Emei has been making and releasing singles since 2021 with her debut single “Distracted.” Since then, she has released 10 singles on American music platforms and an EP titled “End of an Era” in 2022. Her first two singles released in 2023, “Irresponsible” and “Scatterbrain” have garnered over 16 million streams on Spotify alone. Most recently, Emei sold out a performance in London on July 21 of this year. Ahead of the release of her sophomore EP "Cynical", Emei is set to release two more singles and will go on her first headline tour for the EP later this year. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW Emei: