One of the most fascinating aspects of retro-pop revival is how classic sounds blend and morph in combination with new ideas. Take the latest single from electro-pop artist, Darla Jade, for example. "All For Nothing" carries the slick pop-funk of 80's-revival. But where those songs seal themselves shut with fervor and flashiness, "All For Nothing" lets light seep through the cracks. It's still club-ready dancepop, but the heat is brought to a simmer. Even the thick bassline—the single's most canny embrace of 80's pop-funk—softens under the fluttering synth pads and gossamer vocal harmonies. The synth drums have the hefty reverb and delay of 80's synthpop, but forgo the same mix-swallowing volume. The sound, which blurs the edges of retro and contemporary, cleverly reinforces the lyrical expressions. "I've been bending over backwards just to make ends meet / It's the same old cycle still stuck on repeat," she bristles. Jade is trapped between holding this cycle together and desiring to break free. "So I bite my tongue just to keep the peace." The fear of wasted time and energy outweighs the stress of maintaining the endless cycle. "There's nothing that I won't do to keep you," Jade pleads. "I don't want this to be all for nothing." But like the transformations she makes to 80's synthpop, time has inescapably moved forward. Darla Jade is measuring up to top her exceptional 2022 this year, with more releases and exciting performances. In the span of last year, the upcoming electro-pop force released her sophomore EP, "Only The Paranoid Survive," received top praise and support from BBC Radio 1, performed in multiple well-known shows (such as Independent Venue Week), and won Amazon's "Breakthrough Booth" competition at The Great Escape 2022. In the same year she featured on "Hold Tight" with BLOND:ISH and Nico De Andrea. 2023 has only continued Jade's electro-pop dominance, with more features, singles, shows, etc. In March, she released a live version of her sophomore EP, recorded at Metropolis Studios. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Darla Jade:

“Doom and Gloom” is a somber anthem of the ups and downs of therapy and the emotions that come with it. Upon first listen, this song appears as an interesting juxtaposition with its somber lyrics and upbeat melody. However, there is much more here than these wonderful juxtaposing elements. Therapy can be a rewarding experience for many, but the constant need to lay out your feelings could leave you feeling enwrapped in a constant rollercoaster of emotions. As you sit in the chair and pour your heart out for an hour, you can’t help but wish your feelings didn’t make you constantly feel like the “sad girl”. Blue Walker makes this deep message very personalized, sprinkling in “Blue” when posing questions by the therapist. One can’t help but feel enwrapped in this story that clearly stems from Walker’s own experiences with therapy and emotional waves. Click here to listen to "Doom and Gloom"! Blue Walker’s latest single is an ambient, somber anthem intertwined with an upbeat nostalgic instrumentation. What really makes this song stand out is how much juxtaposition is occurring. With a song about someone’s personal experiences with therapy, you would expect the instrumentation and melody to match. It begins with an ambient sound that seemingly matches Walker’s somber lyrics. However, the outstandingly upbeat instrumentation is soon paired with a lovely snapping rhythm, drumbeat, and other elements that are not gloomy. One of the most standout aspects of this song is the unexpected yet welcomed backing vocals that almost sound like a choir. Another intriguing aspect of this song is Walker’s lovely and powerful voice. With every new lyric, you are greeted with Walker accompanying her music with the occasional powerful belt and soft vocals. Her vocal range is fully on display and, accompanied with the juxtaposing lyrics and beat, makes this song absolute ear candy. Blue Walker is a Scottish singer/songwriter currently living in the North West of England. After realizing her life passion and talent for writing music, she dived head first into the life of an independent artist. Walker grew up with much influence and love from her loved ones. She is inspired by musical artists such as Dusty Springfield, Eva Cassidy, Adele, and Freddie Mercury. “Blue Walker” is the stage name she uses and releases all her music through. She really immerses herself in her music and takes time to make and release everything. Her song writing abilities shine through when she takes inspiration from her real life experiences. Her life has had difficulties and music has always been the perfect outlet for her emotionally and creatively. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “Doom and Gloom” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW BLUE WALKER: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Tana is wearing her heart on her sleeve in her new track ‘Kiss Me Like We’re Gonna Die.’ A dark cinematic ballad detailing the need for affection from a partner and the relief it could bring. Taking her raw emotion and letting it flow onto paper is what has always drawn me to Tana’s work. She always has a way of tackling relatable topics and compellingly talking about them. Tana continues to bring the world impressive lyrics and stunning vocals. She somehow manages to outdo herself time and time again. Releasing remarkable work like Kiss Me Like We’re Gonna Die sets Tana up for superstardom. This track is vulnerable and shows a softer side of Tana. The yearning and desire that drips from each lyric are enchanting. The track is a powerful showcase of Tana’s vocal capabilities and lyricism. It came to life through a dark moment in Tana’s relationship. While dealing with the difficulties in the relationships she found much-needed solace in the thought of physical connection. Kissing and touching her partner was the only thing keeping her from falling apart. The track features a full piano that creates a haunting atmosphere. The instrumental is then filled with subtle synths and bass. Tana intended this song to feel cinematic and she accomplished that. Kiss Me Like We’re Gonna Die is a pop ballad with a dreamy cinematic edge that would be perfect for the big screen. Tana is a London-based artist that makes a career out of flipping genre ideals on their head. Her involvement in music is influenced as much by her Nigerian and Italian roots as it is by her queer identity. Her experiences as a queer person contextualize her music. Giving a platform for queer love and identity is an important aspect of her artistry. Tana is a unique force in the industry. Her music is unapologetic, and raw in her art and her personhood, and that has gained her a massive fan base. As she releases music I become more and more of a fan. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW TANA:

“Adulting” is complicated. If you’ve never heard this term before, it encompasses all the tasks associated with being a grown-up, such as getting a full-time job. Often we struggle to maintain a work/life balance. We want to excel at our jobs while also living a rich and fulfilling life outside of that. It is hard enough on ourselves, but it becomes even tricker when our loved ones are involved. Rebecca McBride knows this and tells her story in her new single, “Hours.” In this reflective ballad, she sings about how tough it’s proving to be to juggle both a job and a long-term romantic relationship. McBride fears that she does not have enough time for her relationship because of her job and this will cause the once stable bond to crumble. I believe that love conquers all and it is worth fighting for. Click here to listen to "Hours" One thing I enjoyed about this song was the story of the lyrics. In the first verse, McBride talks about getting home from work and being exhausted. The second verse is a look into the future, for it talks about “unopened chapters.” If the relationship can survive this one rough patch, they will be happy. In the bridge, the story is back to the present as McBride says “tell me if you feel like we’re on the back burner.” As for the chorus, I think it pulls all of these instances together when it begs the question, “would you still feel the same as you do if I can’t spend all of my hours with you?” We don’t know anything about the resolution, but I hope this story has a happy ending. Rebecca McBride is a U.S based singer/songwriter from Delaware. Her love for music blossomed from a young age, as she started playing violin at age two. Later, she studied Songwriting and Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music. She then began writing songs with other artists. Her work has been featured in popular shows, such as “Love is Blind” and “Selling Sunset.” Released on her 25th birthday, “Hours” is McBride’s debut single. It was a great way to begin her journey as a solo artist, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Follow all of her socials down below to stay up-to-date on new music and upcoming L.A tour dates! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW REBECCA MCBRIDE

Photo: Nita Strauss via Instagram Nita Strauss' Summer Storm tour touched down in Nashville on June 14th, winding down and finally dispersing in New Orleans on July 14th. Featuring supporting acts Zack Adkins and Lions At The Gate, this tour followed a grueling schedule, packing a staggering twenty-six shows into a scant thirty-day window. And on June 26th, I was among a group of individuals fortunate enough to witness a natural phenomenon that is unheard of in land-locked Nebraska - Hurricane Nita. The artist graced Omaha with her presence at the Waiting Room Lounge. Nestled in Omaha's Benson neighborhood, the venue draws touring bands of every genre imaginable and showcases local talent. The Waiting Room is a modestly-sized venue, accommodating around 500 people. Despite the venue's seemingly diminutive capacity, it has boasted artists ranging from Bad Flower, Marissa Nadler, Imagine Dragons, Meg Myers, and Wiz Khalifa. Photo: Section of a wall in The Waiting Room (author's collection). The show kicked off as hometown shredder and music instructor Zachary Adkins took to the stage, setting the tone for the evening. Adkins delivered intense offerings such as a cover of Satriani's 'Crushing Day' and his own tune 'Eyes of the Mockingbird.' Next up was the incredibly versatile Los Angeles-based band Lions at the Gate. Musical chameleons in terms of stylistic approach both musically and vocally, this high-energy band did NOT disappoint. Effortlessly engaging with and amping up the crowd, Lions at the Gate gifted the audience with selections like 'Drain' from their new album, The Excuses We Cannot Make, and previous fan favorites such as 'Find My Way.' By the conclusion of Lions at the Gate's set, the crowd was absolutely psyched to witness the Hurricane Herself. Video: Nita Strauss Summer Storm Tour 6.26.23 (author's footage). At long last, the Summer Storm prepared to unleash itself on the eager crowd as Nita and her live band Christoper Dean (bass), Johnny Young (rhythm guitar), Josh Villalta (drums), and Katt Scarlett (keys) ascended the stage. The excitement was palpable as instrumental tunes, including 'Summer Storm,' 'Our Most Desperate Hour,' and 'Mariana Trench,' thundered and crescendoed throughout the venue. Deadlands' Kasey Karlsen joined around halfway through the set, adding her vocal talents to 'Dead Inside,' Victorious,' The Wolf You Feed,' and 'Through the Noise.' With its face-melting guitars and growling vocal performances, the magnitude of this Summer Storm's power indelibly etched itself into the audience's collective memory. Video: Nita Strauss Summer Storm Tour 6.26.23 (author's footage). Despite the grueling tour schedule, the artists were more than accommodating, taking the time to do a quick meet and greet, sign merch, and even take selfies. I was impressed with everyone's friendliness and willingness to give even more of themselves to the fans after such intense performances. If ever you want to witness a Goddess of Guitar in action, I highly recommend seeing Nita in action if at all possible. Fear not if you somehow found yourself outside of the Summer Storm's projected path. Nita is launching an autumn North America tour with the band Mammoth, fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen. The first show of this new tour is set for Milwaukee, WI, on 11.4.23. Written By Vanessa Siebrass Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Felicia Lu redefines what it means to be a “bitch” in her empowering new single. In our society, women are often criticized and mocked for things than men are largely celebrated for. A man can sleep with multiple women and be called a hero or a god. If a woman does that, she is called a slut, a whore, or a bitch. Lu recognizes that this mentality is outdated and sexist, so in response, she decided to do what she does best—write an ingenious song about it. In “Bitch,” she turns the offensive word into a positive term that she proudly owns, and she encourages other women to follow suit. The first verse introduces the listener to this backwards, misogynistic thinking that inspired Lu to write the track, before switching to lyrics that showcase her frustration and exhaustion. In the pre-chorus, she sings: “‘Cause I’m a man-eater, I’m a bitch// Cast a spell, like I’m a witch// They change it until it fits// ‘Cause I’m a man eater, that they say// A woman just can’t be that way// We’re just supposed to sit and stay.” The song then breaks out into the empowering chorus where Lu proudly reclaims the narrative with the lyrics: “If that’s the way that they insist// Then I will gladly be a bitch// To live the life I choose to live// Then I will gladly be// Never what they wanted me// Say it loud, I’m proud to be that bitch.” With these lines, Lu accepts the title she is given, if that is what it means to be happy with who you are and do what you like. She no longer takes offense to the word and cherishes the connotations that it comes with. It means she fights for what she wants, and she does not let anyone tell her what to do. She encourages women to do the same and fight the patriarchal system that tells us to sit down and be quiet. Lu not only redefines “bitch,” but she also spells out exactly what it means to her in the bridge. She sings “Babe, I’m Thankful, Call me Honest// But I’ll Tolerate Calm, Harmonic.” Similar to an acrostic poem, Lu has taken each letter of “bitch” and turned it into a message that shares her definition of the word. This clever detail makes the bridge my favorite part of the track. Lu never fails to write unforgettable and relatable infectious pop tracks, making “Bitch” another song from the singer that is on the top of my personal playlists. “Bitch” is a high-energy pop anthem that encapsulates Lu’s signature dark-pop production and cheeky lyrics, making it an instant fan-favorite. The song kicks-off with a subtle synth intro and jazzy chords on the keyboard. After a few measures, Lu’s captivating vocals signify the beginning of the verse while a smooth bass picks up in the background. Immediately, this compelling soundscape piques the listener’s attention with the controversial lyrics and Lu’s fiery attitude. In the second half of the verse, the beat picks up briefly, before muting in the pre-chorus. This brings an emphasis to the powerful lyrics, allowing the listener to focus on the message. Then, the beat returns softly in the background, preparing the song for the electrifying chorus. The full production consists of the original synth intro, the beat, the bass, and additional synth sound effects. Lu’s voice has a layered effect on them, providing an additional dynamic to the whimsical atmosphere. Each time she sings the title word, “bitch,” background vocals are heard echoing the lead vocals. This provides a unique effect on the listener, making it feel as if there are a choir of women singing alongside Lu as she reclaims this narrative. The highly anticipated bridge consists of a unique production and satisfying vocal effects. The first half of the bridge has a muted production to match the muted vocals, ensuring that the listener catches every single cheeky lyric. The second time around, the soft beat from the pre-chorus comes back, leading to the final energetic chorus. The production stays the same, however the background vocals while Lu says “bitch” are more prominent. This further enhances the effect that an army of empowered women are backing the singer during this critical storyline. “Bitch” is a brilliantly written track that once again proves Lu is a cut above the rest and deserves to be the music industry’s next top pop queen. Felicia Lu is an indie-pop singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Germany, currently based in Vienna, Austria. In 2014, she made it to the finals of the RTL Talent Show, “Rising Star”. Then in 2017, she was a contestant for the Eurovision Song Contest. She returned to the world-famous contest in 2022 with her song “Anxiety” and placed fourth for Germany. With both “Anxiety” and her next biggest single, “Pay,” the two tracks amount to over 3 million streams on Spotify. Furthermore, Lu has a total of over 14 million streams for her entire discography on the platform. She has 2 extended play albums and several stand-alone singles. Her debut full-length album is set for release on September 29, 2023. Watch the music video for “Bitch” to look for an easter egg that reveals the album’s title. And for those who are local to Vienna, she will be hosting an album release party on September 30th, so check out her socials for more details and tickets! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW FELICIA:

A platonic friendship is one of the most valuable relationships in the world. You gain a pillar of support filled with inside jokes, quality time, and a love so fierce it rivals that of true love. The only downside to this wonderful feat of life is when the line between platonic and romantic blurs. Even worse - when only one of the parties’ lines blurs. PEPTALK’s recent release “Close Friend” details this circumstance through a buoyant background track coupled with intricate lyrics. The entire song is fast paced, but this is spotlighted when the chorus explodes in a cacophony of drum beats and intense vocals. This highlights the frustrated feeling this situation brings out, and the hightenting of the background beats ties with this. All of the elements of this track come together to create a potential song of the summer - real life experiences with a beat you can dance to. The background beats of this song are crucial to the bright vibe it gives off, but the lyrics are what truly progress the story. Without listening, it seems like a typical upbeat song, but upon closer review the quick beats aren’t depicting happiness - rather exasperation. The chorus sings, “Oh you're not even trying / Oh and I'm dying”. This is such a feeling that listeners can relate to in the context of unrequited love in a friendship. It is so easy to develop feelings for that one special person, even if they’re not trying. The chorus continues into “I know I'm never gonna be an option / The closest thing I can be is a close friend”. The singer has given up the idea that they could ever be more, hence the title of the track. A close friend is all they will ever be to their love. PEPTALK is an all-female and self produced band from Australia. It stars Jay-Lee Kwan on the keys, Lara Frew on the bass, and Phoebe Sinclair as lead vocals. Their songs center around their pop sound and skillful songwriting, as all three have written for various artists around the world and their own solo careers. The group also prides themselves on being representative of minorities in the music industry, a goal that they set after growing up without this representation themselves. The group is two thirds queer and two thirds POC, along with all three being female. These simple facts have led the group to a large following of people thankful to see artists that depict them on stage. Make sure to follow the social media below to stay up to date with PEPTALK and any new music. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW PEPTALK:

Sometimes you know that one, simple question could tear down everything holding you together. You can hide your emotions temporarily, but they will find their way out of you. "How i'm feeling," the latest single from Ben Dolic, harnesses colorful folk pop to express this concept precisely. The acoustic guitar is positioned so close in the mix, its as though the tender fingerpicking is whispering secrets. Atmospheric synth pads and reverb-soaked piano add to the naturalistic feel of the sound. As the second chorus picks up steam with steady drums and gradual crescendo, his vulnerable lyricism feels empowered and hopeful. He doesn't offer a solution, but the vivid expression feels like enough conclusion. The song is the walls coming down to reveal the feelings Dolic feared to express. The titular phrase of "how i'm feeling" is subverted in the chorus, as Dolic expresses his discomfort with emotional disclosure. "Talk about all that's happened lately, just don't ask me how I'm feeling," he wilts. It's easier to cover up his emotions in a broader context, but the facade might crumble if conversation narrows to a more personal degree. Hiding what he was going through may have been easy at the start, but it gets exhausting "trying to be brave, like every day." "How i'm feeling" is the fear that one question might tear down all the emotional armor you've put up. It's a Jenga tower at its absolute limit: one microscopic twitch might send it into collapse. But it's Dolic's sky-scraping belt in the song's final minute that exorcizes these internalizations, making what was once locked deep inside burst out like fireworks. It lands somewhere between hope and despair, taking the first step towards emotional acceptance. Slovenian singer/songwriter, Ben Dolic became a breakout success with the release of his viral single "Violent Thing." Accumulating over 15 million streams worldwide, the major hit brought Dolic to the attention of the industry legends behind Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and Trevor Daniel. The 26-year-old artist has performed with the likes of Zara Larsson, Rita Ora, and Olly Murs. His experience as a self-taught pianist and guitarist allows for Dolic to collaborate on all facets of his artistry. Dolic performed "how i'm feeling" at his festival debut on July 15th. He remarks on the release, stating that Jeremy Zucker and Dominic Fike provided significant influences to the song. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Ben Dolic:

Have you ever met someone who just completely changed your life for the better? And now that you have them, you couldn't imagine your life without them? We're often told not to get too attached to the ones we love, because if we lose them then you also feel like you're losing a part of yourself. But when you meet that perfect person, you can feel it in your soul that it's right. So rather than push them away, you welcome their kindness, love, and positive change into your life. Before them, you felt lost in the darkness; but then when they found you, they pulled you into the light. You're a better person because of them, and you wouldn't want it any other way. This is exactly what "Any Other Way" by Clarissa Diokno is about. Clarissa has a talent of taking elements from multiple genres and turning it into a banger pop hit. "Any Other Way" in particular has tones of RnB, Soul, Funk, and Nostalgic Synthpop all wrapped up into one pop song. This makes the song very loveable and diverse so that no matter what your personal style is, you will be captivated by it. The rhythm and groove are so catchy that you can't help but move to the beat. Clarissa's rich and strong voice fits into the vibe in the most flawless way, which is paired with a melody that is easy to sing along with. And we can't forget about that funky bass, which I believe really tops it all off. Clarissa Diokno is a Filipino Canadian pop singer/songwriter based in Kitchener, Ontario. She's loved music since a very young age, singing since the age of 3 years old and also taking piano lessons as a child. While attending the University of Waterloo, she formed a band with four other students who she met online. They went onto win a battle of the bands competition, recorded an EP, and played gigs locally. After the band split, Clarissa went on to be the lead singer in a cover band who she performed with for three years. She released her debut single as a solo artist, "Confusion", in 2021. Since then, every track she's released has had a completely different and unique sound - from RnB to dark pop, from pop punk to pop ballads and more. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW CLARISSA:

"Blue Eyed Boy" comes as the latest release and second single of 2023 by pop singer, AVIV. The dream pop production and gentle vocals tell the story of the 'blue eyed boy' that she fell for and then watched fade away. The music kept me engaged from the start. If you like songs that draw you in, that resonate with you, that feel like reading pages of a diary, then "Blue Eyed Boy" is one that you should give a listen. It was my first glimpse into the work of AVIV, and her talent shown through the whole song. The lyrics, vocals, and production worked together to create a track that truly felt ethereal. The track sharply begins, and then, AVIV's voice softly comes in as she sings about meeting this 'blue eyed boy,' being taken to his garden, and feeling something different between them. In the first chorus, she sings "Dear mister blue eyed boy / Who runs in the rain like it's summer / And never gets cold / But simply won't run home." After, the track takes a turn as AVIV recalls the boy fading away, leaving her frozen, and their bond being broken. The second version of the chorus, she sings about he would rather kiss her than talk "Cause it feels like a chore / With our clothes on the floor." The dynamic instrumentation that built across the song fit perfectly with the feeling of falling in and out love, of fading in and out of a relationship, of starting and losing their potential. Toronto-born singer-songwriter, AVIV, takes inspiration from artists like Elliott Smith, Lorde and Radiohead. Her lyricism is focused on relatability and authenticity. She grew up surrounded by music and got her start with learning piano and guitar. She is signed to Photo Finish Records in the United States and Dine Alone Records in Canada. If you're a fan of indie pop artists like beabadoobee, Clairo, Gracie Abrams, or Ashe, I highly recommend taking a listen to "Blue Eyed Boy" and other releases by AVIV. You can keep up with all the latest news surrounding her music by clicking the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW AVIV:

Connor Nelson’s “Out of a Dream” captures the essence of a troubled relationship, but reflects on the growth and the touch changes that come along with it. In the first verse, Connor talks about how something is missing in his relationship, and how one-sided the relationship feels. His partner has been distant and said that they would change, but that didn’t happen. But, Connor comes to the conclusion and makes up his mind, and realizes that he thought his partner was “out of a dream”, but they actually weren’t. In the chorus, he talks about how he lost his partner but didn’t lose himself, and how leaving the relationship was easy. He recognizes that he was constantly taking the sidelines for his partner and was constantly being put down. In the second verse, Connor says that he used to think things could work out, and he remembers all the good memories he had. But, he now wishes he left earlier than he did because everything in the relationship was faked and his partner lied about wanting to change again. The backing track of “Out of a Dream” is a perfect example of an addicting pop sound, aligned with the likes of Conan Gray, Troye Sivan, and MUNA. It is a perfect blend of indie pop, dark pop, and electro-pop, which Connor refers to as “Midnight Pop”. With rich influences of vintage music and R&B, Connor clearly has honed in on his sound. The verses feature a fast bass pedal point in the synth, driving the song into its chorus. In the chorus, Connor’s vocals are harmonized together, making the lyrics have a digitized sound. Throughout the song, there is a prominent hi-hat alongside a smooth guitar line, making the song easy to dance along to. His raw and honest lyrics paint a clear picture in the listener's mind to create a catchy yet creative “song of the summer”. The producer on this track, Nathan Chiu, who in Connor’s words on Instagram, “brought the song to life” with a sonically sound backing track for Connor’s lyrics to build off of. The overall track has a strong dream-like vibe, adding to the overall meaning of “Out of a Dream”. Connor Nelson is a 21-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer from Vancouver BC. From an early age, Connor was a distinguished singer and performer. He won the Youth Talent Search BC in Port Moody in 2014. In the fifth season of The Shot Canada, he was the runner-up. Connor received the coveted “Maestro Award” twice, in both 2018 and 2019 at the Worldstrides Heritage Festival. Upon his graduation from high school in 2019, Connor’s debut single “Psychic” had amassed over 100k streams in less than a year. Connor also has a degree in music production, which he received his diploma for in 2020. Since then, he has released six singles, alongside live performances on YouTube. Currently, his YouTube channel has over 200k views. In addition, Connor has multiple upcoming performances across Canada in August of this year. Connor’s creativity with both his lyricism and his music proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW Connor Nelson:

Photo Credit: Anna Azarov Growing up and getting to know ourselves as a person and individual is not an easy task, but it's a very important task in order to find true happiness within ourselves. We go through phases that don't quite work out, and sometimes we pretend to be someone we're really not in the desperate hopes that others will accept you more that way. Sometimes we come across feelings of confusion and sadness when we are struggling to learn our own identity and unique purpose in this world; but once we do find it, it's the most peaceful and joyful feeling when you're able to confidently know who you are. "Into the Blue" by Gal Musette is the happy end-credit song to your story of self-discovery. Gal Musette takes a very classic type of style, and turns in into her own modernized sound in "Into the Blue". It's a very Power-Pop forward groove and instrumentation, with it's choice of percussion, strings, and the unique use of a church bell and the theramin (which is played by Via Mardot throughout the duration of the song, along with the violin). It's rhythm and melody remind me of a classic Beach Boys song. Gal's soft and angelic vocals fit right into this style and it creates such a beautiful and euphoric type of experience while listening. It's an empowering song, but in a very peaceful type of way. Gal Musette is an indie singer/songwriter from Southern California. "Into the Blue" is the third single off of her upcoming new album, "Pendulum", which set to release later this year. The other two singles for this album are "Plateau" and "Moment" which were released earlier this year. "Pendulum" is her second album, her debut album being "Backwards Lullaby" which released in 2021. She has been the opening act for various artists, starting when she was 14 with the band 'The Magnetic Fields'. She's also performed at the NXNE and SXSW festivals for multiple years. Some of her favorite artists include Joni Mitchell, Bjork, and The Cure. Gal Musette takes inspiration from 1900's French Chansons for her sound; mixing it with modern pop instrumentation and soft indie folk, Gal has a unique style that you won't find anywhere else. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW GAL: