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Top: Daisy Gill Cred @paul_wills_photo, Jemzel via Instagram; Bottom: Piwa Cred - @graciehammondphotography, Elle Baez Cred - @savannarruedy The way I gasped when I saw the trailer for Greta Gerwig’s Barbie would have shattered the world three times over. Barbie lovers have been waiting for a live-action movie for decades, and I can’t tell you how overjoyed I am that it’s finally been produced. But it made me think about what makes Barbie Barbie™. What qualities does this doll possess that’s made her a beloved, household name? Or better yet, what qualities have we collectively attributed to the doll over the years? And I think the best way to explore this question is to of course talk about songs that capture the essence of Barbie. The criteria I abided by for my selections: the song is a recent release (approximately within the last three years), the song must be from an independent artist or group, and it must fall within the pop genre or sub-genre of pop. Now, onto the songs! 10. "Nothing Out Of Me" - Daisy Gill “Nothing Out Of Me” by Daisy Gill is a powerful retro-pop anthem with a touch of blues to symbolize how the message it delivers holds up over time. The message: the necessity of setting boundaries to take back your control in an unfavorable situation. It’s an ode to lover girls who struggle with putting themselves first. Gill’s vocals are sultry and alluring – embodying both the feel and intent of Mattel’s first Barbie doll, the side-eyed diva. Barbie was created as an opposition to the baby dolls that lined the shelves at the time and challenged the notion that girls' toys had to reflect the motherhood that was awaiting them. The first Barbie doll gave little girls the power to envision a different future for themselves; a future that centered on their own ambitions. 9. "7FIGURESUPERMODEL" - Snow Wife "7FIGURESUPERMODEL" by Snow Wife is a pop single with heavy elements of R&B. It's a certified club banger that's unapologetic about being the it girl. The utilization of the synthesizers are a direct callback to 2000s R&B chart-toppers, while Snow Wife's blunt delivery transfixes any listener. It's the perfect example of how Barbie has transcended her physical form as a doll and evolved into a mindset. The mindset of the it girl. This mindset entails knowing and remembering that you are an it girl. And it girls deserve the world and then some - even if it entails breaking some unsuspecting hearts. 8. "in my mind" - Rijah The beat of "in my mind" by Rijah is funk-pop at its finest and immediately catches a listener's attention. The opening harmony mimics a hymn and has me ready to praise whatever Rijah tells me to. And the musical arrangements are so rich and elaborate - I'm taken back by how dazzling it is. Rijah makes me feel like I can do whatever I set my mind to much like Barbie. The atmosphere the single creates reminds me of how Barbie expanded the limitations of girls imagination, especially when playing with the doll (or dolls if you had multiple). 7. "Feel Free" - Piwa "Feel Free" by Piwa is soul-pop and lives up to it's name-sake. It's a heavy-hitting single about both feeling free within yourself and feeling free to be authentically you with the rest of the world. The raw emotion Piwa can convey with her voice brings me to tears, while the smoothness of it wipes them away and tells me everything will be okay. Barbie has changed a lot over the years, but one of the constants with the doll has been the freedom she's extended to girls via self exploration. Barbie has never confined herself to one box, and neither should you. 6. "The Night Is A Place" - Alicee "The Night Is A Place" by Alicee is a dream-pop single that doubles as abstract poetry. The piano melody perfectly accompanies the world the artist builds up for listeners to engage with. Alicee's voice has a sweet gentleness to it while the song builds up to a swelling bridge filled with mesmerizing instrumentals. If night truly is a place, I want to visit it sometime. The song is dedicated to making any listener feel like a main character exactly like Barbie. Since listeners cannot star in their own movies or books like Barbie, this is the closest we can get to that feeling - and I'll take it without a second thought. 5. "Pretty Insecurities" - Elle Baez "Pretty Insecurities" by Elle Baez is a contemporary pop song about embracing what makes you different from others. It serves as a vulnerable reminder that we don't need to make modifications to our bodies to experience love and adoration. Baez's vocal range and delivery is on full-show within the single. For all of the positive changes Barbie has initiated for girls and women alike, we also need to acknowledge the role she's had in upholding unrealistic beauty standards. The doll's drastic proportions have been the envy of women, the dream body of little girls, and a source of insecurity for both groups since her inception. However, in the last decade, the doll has made leaps and bounds in promoting body positivity. Going out of her way to make sure all body types are reflected on the shelves that carry her name. 4. "They Don't See Us" - The Tiarras "They Don't See Us" by The Tiarras is a disco-pop single about the sisters and bandmates formidable staying-power and existence in the music scene. It's an upbeat song that details the group's experience with rebranding themselves. The acoustic and electric guitars alongside the groovy keyboard synths brings the 70s into modernity. While the sonorous vocals reflect the moments of devaluation that was experienced because of who they are and what they were offering to share with the music industry. But I think it also serves as a double entendre for how the world saw women for quite sometime; as expendable and replaceable. The introduction of Barbie and her many careers - over 200 in her lifetime - showcased how invaluable women's contributions to the world were, are, and continue to be. 3. "Habits" - BLENDA "Habits" by BLENDA is a electro-pop song about breaking out of a repetitive routine. BLENDA's vocals transcend time and space, giving us a futuristic sound that's bound to make you drift away in the continuum of the single. The song's underlying rhythm makes listeners feel like they're inside a 8-bit video game, while the steady beat of the drums and guitar loans itself to slowed R&B. It's unique and encapsulates a timeless quality much like Barbie. And she's all about breaking bad habits. The doll has quite the transformative nature, too; just when we think the doll is beginning to lose its adaptability and become somewhat monotonous, she manages to change and defy our expectations. 2. "Tell Nobody" - Jemzel "Tell Nobody" by Jemzel is a bedroom-pop single about the internal struggle revolved around coming out. The melody is a sweet lullaby that's matured for an older audience. It reflects the innocence nature of having a crush, while embracing the difficulty of figuring out whether or not this is a part of yourself that you're ready to share with others. Barbie has always been a girl's girl. She's had multiple slogans over the years, but the most memorable and iconic is: "You can be anything". And I think the silent addition to this slogan has always been: and love anyone, too. Simply put, Barbie is an ally and supports all of girls decisions, including the ones that revolve around identity and matters of the heart. 1. "My Future" - Glori Wilder "My Future" by Glori Wilder is a blues-pop single about looking forward. We get so hung up on the past that it feels impossible to live in the moment, let alone think about the future. Wilder exposes her anxieties for the future while acknowledging that fixating on the past robs her of being present. So, she makes a pact with herself to commit to being present. Ultimately, Wilder's stunning, soulful voice set to the piano laden ballad makes listeners hopeful for whatever may come next. Barbie has had some notable stumbles throughout her legacy. But her main goal has remained the same: to get girls to be inspired by the possibilities of what the future holds for them. Barbie is a cultural symbol and I think that's the biggest part of her appeal. Cultural symbols are physical manifestations of a given culture's ideology and values. But what is so fascinating about Barbie is how she has managed to symbolize different sentiments to various groups in numerous locations and over time. That's typically not the case with most cultural symbols; once they've been attributed a meaning they're usually universally bound to that meaning. Not Barbie, though. Barbie has become a transformative cultural symbol: Barbie is an agent of social change. And I'm eager to see the social changes the upcoming film will attempt to implement. Written by Giavanna Gradaille Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

In the second act of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the audience sees the infamous letter addressed to 'the unknown beloved'. The vague letter was intended as a practical joke for one of the characters, and highlights how people can create fantastical scenarios that validate their own beliefs from indirect communication. However, there needs to be a bigger discussion around the abstract question it proposes: what is it like to be adored while unrecognized? This is a unique experience Kelli-Leigh is all too familiar with. The artist’s iconic voice is heard in well-known summer hits like Duke Dumont’s “I Got U” and Secondcity’s “I Wanna Feel” amongst others – but you can only find accreditation for her work through the deepest of internet searches. Now, as an independent artist, Kelli-Leigh is getting some rightfully deserved recognition with her newest single, “Never Dance Again”. “Never Dance Again” is a gripping dance-pop single that transports listeners back to the height of house anthems from the late 90s. The single opens with a hypnotizing melody before the first verse drops. The opening verses verify that this is going to be an auditory experience that explores the rollercoaster of emotions we have after a break-up. Listeners can easily identify the emotional fluctuation between the sweet moments of nostalgia that are seen in the accompanying music video (that was also directed and edited by Kelli-Leigh), and the fits of anger that lead to “tearing up old letters”. But the real spectacle to behold is the chorus where our artist’s vocal range and prowess is showcased. As the beat drops, listeners are treated to Kelli-Leigh’s powerful delivery that hits inflection, intonation, pitch, and timbre. It's stunning - it's very clear why this is the voice people go to to make summer hits. The chorus also acknowledges how difficult it is to engage in the experiences and hobbies we once shared with our partner. Engaging in these activities post break-up not only conjures up the memories of this partner, but simultaneously taints these memories, too. Which further demonstrates how emotionally turbulent this period is. It’s necessary, though; by allowing ourselves to embrace the weight of these big, extensive feelings we can begin healing and eventually move on. And I can’t imagine a better way to get over someone than by losing yourself in “Never Dance Again”. Kelli-Leigh is a singer and songwriter from South London. After being involved in a bulk of the U.K. dance chart toppers of the 2010s, the artist was ready to tackle more of the music industry with her original creations. In 2018, Kelli-Leigh established her self-funded record label, Music Core to release solo projects and all of her upcoming music. "Never Dance Again" is set to be the artist's first track on an upcoming four-track EP - so, be on the lookout! The artist’s legendary pipes and writing have garnered her three U.K. Top 10 Records, two U.K. Number 1’s, two Billboard Dance Chart Number 1’s, and two Grammy nominated records. More recently, Kelli-Leigh received a writer’s credit on Diplo’s album Nite Version for Aluna’s tropical themed dance-pop single, “Forget About Me”, this past January. If you've enjoyed Kelli-Leigh's powerhouse hit as much as I have, show her some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW KELLI-LEIGH:

Sometimes the best way to deal with difficult situations is to acknowledge them and move on, rather than dwelling on them or letting them define us. Joost Laméris's new single, “It Is What It Is” perfectly captures this common challenge of overcoming negativity and rejection. The electropop track contains upbeat instrumentation, powerful vocals and compelling lyricism. For instance, the line, “Overthrown, you keep hitting, I refuse to fight. Empty oaths, I can’t remember what I’ve lost and what I need to find” communicate how continual pessimism and hatred from others only detracts from your life and how that behavior is not worth your time or effort. The track highlights the importance of self-respect and knowing when to ignore hurtful comments or accept inevitable hardships. “It Is What It Is” contains themes of isolation, conflict, betrayal, insecurity, acceptance and growth. Joost Lameris combines spectacular instrumentation, expressive vocals and honest lyrics to create an electropop anthem that reminds audiences to maintain confidence in the face of negativity, uncertainty and self-doubt. “It Is What It Is” is an electropop track composed of synthesizers, drums, bass and guitar. The single has upbeat attributes and a fast-pace and rhythm despite its deep and meaningful lyrics. Repeated synth riffs create the single’s catchy hook. The powerful and steady drumming drives the song forward and really adds to the track's memorability. In terms of percussion, the single contains beats such as snare rolls and claps to make a more energetic groove. The song uses other sound effects, such as vocal samples, synth pads, and noise sweeps, to create some ambience and transitions between different sections of the song. Joost’s voice has a wide vocal range, hitting high-pitched notes and vocal runs and deep harmonies. His voice is distorted at times to create a unique and complex sound. Likewise, the frequent vocal layering allows for many vocalizations that showcase his talented singing abilities. The instrumentation and vocals present in “It Is What It Is” are a well-crafted and well-produced combination of different sounds and styles that complement the singer’s storytelling abilities. Dutch singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, Joost Laméris is a rising artist with great potential in the music industry. His discography offers tastes from the indie, pop and electronica genres. Joost's musical storytelling touches on topics such as love, mental health and self-discovery as a queer man. He cultivated his love for music at a young age, as he grew up playing the violin, piano and guitar. In 2021 Joost released his debut single, “Dream Away” which reached over 4k streams on Spotify. His second single, “One More Time” proved to be highly successful, hitting 18.8k streams on Spotify which allowed for the release of an acoustic rendition which preformed even better, accumulating over 28.8k streams on Spotify. Since then, Joost has released various singles such as, “Unframed”, “Never Feels Real” and “Falling Apart” which alone amassed over 26.4k streams. In February 2023, Joost released his single, “Remember” and its accompanying music video which contained excellent video production, artistic direction, interesting scenes, creative camera movement and use of color as a storytelling tool. In addition to “Remember”, “It Is What It Is” is the second single from Joost Laméris's upcoming debut EP. The EP will feature various songs ranging from emotional ballads to feel-good, atmospheric, indie songs. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW JOOST:

Mmmm… Why is ‘slow’ just unbelievably sexy? Right? I mean, wooo! What is it about a deep, hard-hitting pocket that is so effective at conveying mood, capturing a mindset? Does a slower tempo help the audience experience a musical moment with more clarity? Connect more effectively? Maybe it’s the space afforded to us as listeners that… well, ‘makes room’ for so much more! Hips start to swing, feet are tapping, fingers are snapping?! Okay, time to relax and settle in… Bringing down the pace but picking up the energy, Chris Bloom has returned, appropriately flowering into bold, beautiful territory with the introspective new cut, “Frames.” Boasting precocious production and a multi-instrumental approach, the LA-based singers’ newest offering is the epitome of ‘sexy!’ Instilling resilience and radiance in his listeners, this number has not only an attractive form, but fearless function! With silken delivery, this powerful single is sure to put Chris Bloom on your listening radar! Listen to 'Frames' by Chris Bloom Drawing from the watered-down emo of the 2010’s, Chris Bloom incorporates strained, breathy vocals, minimalist production, and the contrast of ‘orchestral’ textures with ‘cathartic’ delivery–to piece together an anthem that inspires awe… as much as angst… Diving into “Frames,” my immediate reaction was “blackbear!” The sensitive crooning, velvet vocals, and painful feeling that Bloom was hurting even while trying to help [the audience], felt familiar, yet refreshing in its own right. The singer’s quick delivery and hip hop ethos was fun, fresh , yet always balanced by a strong sense of identity… His flexible approach and tendency to paint with different colors reminded me of other R&B luminaries such as The Weeknd or Frank Ocean… While stripped down and sensitive, there’s a certain edge that makes this track so tangible for the listener; crying out to ‘backroads’ and ‘Backwoods,’ there’s even a rebellious aura surrounding “Frames!” Bloom makes his intentions clear, standing with the audience, holding space for serenity and suffering… As the track comes to a close, the production choice to put the vocals ‘behind the curtain’ [so-to-speak], is critical, a choice that hammers home this sense of disconnect and all the words still waiting to be said… all that we are… and all that we can be! Having relocated from his birthplace of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Los Angeles in 2015, Chris Bloom is someone who, like his music, isn’t bound by dogma or destination… With an innate gift for music and the passion to match, this young artist (b. 1997) has flowered as a singer, instrumentalist, and producer–a lethal set of skills that has him positioned to soar sky high into the future! Tour-tested around North America and even beyond, Chris Bloom is someone to certainly watch as time unfolds! With boundless talent and burning energy, it’s certainly a challenge to fit this young artist in a single frame! Written By Thomas Hiscock FOLLOW Chris: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Aiida releases new, upbeat track about overanalyzing a new relationship, “Stupid Perfect.” As much as we try to avoid it, our past has a way of defining our future. When you start dating a new person who’s incredible, you can look for negative qualities or red flags with a magnifying glass because it has to be too good to be true. Past heartbreaks leave us with scars that we put bandaids over instead of trying to heal them completely, and when our heart starts beating a little faster than normal for a new special someone, those scars can still bleed. It’s eyeopening when you start to consider yourself the toxic one because you can’t fully let someone love you. You want to be your old self but you’re dealing with battle wounds you didn’t ask for and a heart you didn’t break. We can expect the worst or look for the "exit stage left" sign because all is going a little too well, or we can be vulnerable, be ourselves, and jump in with two feet. The scary, and exciting, thing about a new relationship is that you never know how it’s going to end. Yes, they could break your heart, but you could also break theirs. Maybe they'll be the one, and every past heartbreak has lead you to the person on this earth that was made to complete you. The truth is, you will never know unless you try. Instead of looking for ways out, be your authentic self and ride the rollercoaster of love. Trust your gut but let your heart fall for someone new. Do not give your past the power to ruin your future. Let yourself be happy, and give yourself a chance at the love you’ve always dreamed of and the relationship you actually deserve. “Stupid Perfect” is a very fun, happy tack that also exposes a real vulnerability we all face when entering a new relationship after some past heartbreak trauma. Aiida wrote this song based on her past experience, and she knows a lot of us feel the exact same way about new relationships. She gives her audience a safe space to air out their fears and grievances about giving our heart to someone new when it still has some cracks from the past. Sometimes you have to get in your car, roll down the windows, and just drive as you scream your worries and trepidations to get it out of your system, and “Stupid Perfect” is the perfect accompaniment to your overanalyzing. Sometimes, someone really is just that great, and you’ll never know if you don’t give it a real chance. It’s okay to be scared, but turn this song up as loud as it goes, dance in your kitchen, and leave all your self-doubt there. The lyrics are all too relatable and the melody is electrifying. It’s impossible to not get up and move when you hear “Stupid Perfect,” and Aiida is helping us release our deepest fears so we can be our best selves with this catchy, bright banger. Aiida is a Norwegian singer/songwriter who knows how to leave a crowd craving more. She is a powerhouse in every sense of the word. Her striking vocals accompany her energetic arrangements seamlessly. This queer pop/R&B artist makes heartbreak sound enticing, but she is multi-faceted. Aiida lets us see her vulnerable, anxious side with her latest single, “Stupid Perfect.” With a dynamic sound similar to FLETCHER and Tove Lo, Aiida is surely one to watch out for. Follow Aiida on all her socials below, and leave her some love about how stupid perfect her new song is! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW AIIDA:

With the release of his new single, "Inner Child," Savaya has given us a raw, gorgeous track with a positive message. Through this song, Savaya hopes more people can learn self-love and can grow and heal from their traumas. He hopes that those who are hurting can grow into a better version of themselves and heal their inner child. Savaya believes from this kind of healing, a stronger, braver person can emerge. The song is a reminder that we all have an inner child within us lurking beneath the surface, waiting to become whole. Savaya encourages us to give attention to our inner selves and practice self-love, so we can be the best we can be. "Inner Child" is a sweet, emotional ballad featuring raw, authentic lyrics. The track has a scaled-back instrumentation, showcasing Savaya's beautiful vocals over a contemplative piano. "Inner Child" has a vulnerable feel to it, exposing Savaya's emotive voice and the song's sensitive, moving message. Savaya effortlessly delivers the song's tender melodies, smoothly transitioning between powerful vocal lines and delicate high notes. This touching track is perfect for any pop fan looking to delve into the genre's softer side. Between the heartwarming message and the mellifluous tones, "Inner Child" is sure to linger in your mind and find a spot in your playlist. Michigan native, Savaya, was born and raised in Detroit, the place his parents migrated to in the '80s from Baghdad, Iraq. From a young age, he has been inspired by R&B and soul, listening to artists like Babyface, All 4 One, Tevin Campbell, TLC, Tamia, and Mariah Carey, among others. Savaya dedicated himself to mastering piano and experimenting with his voice, becoming an artist and songwriter. He chooses to use his music and platform to spread positive messages and to make a difference for good in this world. Some of his previous releases include "Awake," "Taboo," and "Soul Fire." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SAVAYA:

The temperature is not the only thing that heats up in the summer. Love is a great feeling to experience year-round, but it seems to be even more so in the summer. That’s why everyone wants a summer fling. It’s sad that they can be fleeting, for we want them to be around us all the time. That way, when the temperature cools and the leaves change, you can still have that “Summer High.” Jordyn Sugar’s bright and energetic pop tune is not only about love. It is also about the great feelings that come with warmer weather. Even if romance is not in your summer plans, this song will make you daydream about tanning by the pool or laying out on the beach. Make sure you wear sunscreen! One aspect of “Summer High” that I really enjoyed was the instrumentation. The drums made it energetic all the way through which really fit the title of the song. They are calm on the verses as Sugar sings “last night forgot to tell you how I feel.” You can hear the build-up on the chorus when she says, “oh baby, no don’t go…” The drums speed up and are combined with a piping keyboard. This is also when Sugar works up the nerve to tell her crush how she feels with the words, “you’re my summer high.” After this, I liked the repetition of the word, “summer.” I think it gives the song a great pop sound. Needless to say, every element of this song plays a role in creating the perfect summer jam. Jordyn Sugar was born in Toronto, Ontario and currently resides in Quebec. Her passion for music began at an early age when she started playing the drums. When she took up singing in 2019, she learned how to play the guitar and drums as well. Sugar posted a singing video on TikTok in May 2020 and started to build up her fanbase. Since then, she has continued to work hard on her music, releasing “Summer High” in 2022. If you want to hear more of her, I recommend her other 2022 single, “Good in My Shoes,” an inspirational pop track about not comparing yourself to others. Sugar’s most recent release is “Stranger,” a song about getting over a breakup. Make sure you follow all of her socials down below to be the first to hear of any new releases! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW JORDYN SUGAR

"Wasted It On You" sounds like the song of the summer! How does it feel to have it out into the world for people to listen and relate to? Erin: It feels great to have it out in the world, it’s definitely got an upbeat vibe for summer and I just dropped the music video today so that’s been a lot of fun. I’m playing it live as part of my set for a big show in the summer, more details on that to follow, I can’t wait to share the info very soon. Also, one of my best friends is the telephone voice on the track and she is also in the video, we shot it in London so it made it a really enjoyable shared experience. What advice would you give listeners who feel like they've wasted their time on someone who didn't deserve it? Erin: I would say that it’s part of being human to make mistakes, so don’t beat yourself up about it and it’s important to remember it takes two people to form a relationship so sometimes things just don’t work out. Surround yourself with positivity, family and friends who support you, pick yourself up and listen to ‘Wasted It On You! Do you have any funny or interesting stories from filming the music video for this song? Erin: Well, the telephones at the start of the video belong to a friend of a friend, we needed 80s style phones so we put out a request on socials and ended up with 7, but the 2 in the video are my faves, I kinda wanted to keep the pink fluffy one! You grew up in the country side of East Sussex. How do you feel that growing up there influenced your sound or your musical goals? Erin: Living in a rural setting does provide peace and tranquillity so my early music feels quite acoustic and calm and there’s also a connection to nature which is comforting. I’ve now moved to London and the pace is definitely more upbeat but I dip in and out of both worlds, especially because we have 3 cats at our family home and I miss them a lot! My goals remain the same though, I want to connect with people through music, enjoy time with close supportive friends and making my living from music is my dream come true. If you could collaborate with any musician, dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you like to create? Erin: Ah, that would be working and performing with Freddie Mercury, my dad loves Queen so I’ve grown up hearing most of their albums on car journeys since I was six. I think Freddie Mercury was such a great performer and musician, so to have been able to write an album with him would have been out of this world, in fact just to have met him would have been bloody awesome! You write straight from the heart. How do you feel that song writing is empowering or therapeutic for you? Erin: I’ve always written about real things or experiences that have happened, based on my own or my friend’s experiences. My first EP was written when I was at school studying A-levels and each song represents a drama or situation that one of my friends was going through at the time. I like to write songs that make my friends feel better and because they are real situations I think that resonates with lots of other people too. F U & F Her Too is a case in point, I had sooooooo many messages from people who had been through something similar and the song ended up going viral on TikTok because of that! Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW ERIN BLOOMER:

“Can’t Stop” is a motivational anthem to remind all those listening to conquer the world and to never doubt your own potential. Sometimes, we’re faced with challenges that keep us down, in a dark place where we have little hope of getting out ourselves. But Rix reminds us that others, herself included, have trudged out of this hole. Rix’s inspirational narrative reminds us that as long as we get ourselves started, nothing can stop us from facing our problems head-on. Rix’s own vulnerability towards her troubles and insecurities reminds us that we are not alone in our woes, and together, we can find the strength to rely on each other and become motivated. With strong vocals and an upbeat background, Rix’s soundscapes are beautifully managed to complement one another. Most notably, her matter-of-fact manner of singing paints the facts clear as day for listeners, reminding them that all hope is not lost and that strength is cultivated with the people around us. Rix spins a beautiful narrative that matches the song’s own gentle climb up toward the climax, Rix’s gentle yet firm voice belting out how “You can’t stop me”. The song’s polished sound is expertly crafted to highlight the strengths of the music and vocals, with different elements blending together seamlessly, creating a cohesive and dynamic soundscape that’s both immersive and engaging. Liloe Rix is an advocate for mental health, seeking to expose her own insecurities with exceptionally intimate songs that play on her honest songwriting and warm sounds. Influenced by Maggie Rogers, Jade Bird, and HAIM, her talented guitar playing is the perfect background as she probes to find her own limits as a young adult looking to make a mark on the world. After releasing previous singles “Let Go”, “The Limit”, and “Wander”, “Can’t Stop” is her fourth release from her first EP “Imperfections”, which will be coming soon in May 2023. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW LILOE: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

You weren’t kidding when you said your debut single “Ryan” would have people dancing in no time, I love it!!! Can you share with us the story behind “Ryan” and the message you hope your listeners will take away from giving it a listen? Eden: thank you so much! the story behind my song “Ryan” is about teenage romance and falling to head over heels for someone that doesn’t care to even notice. This song expresses that crushing on someone this hard can leave to sadness, self-destruction, and 'sleepless nights’. It’s about seeing the one you want in front of you look at another person the way you look at them. What I want my listeners to take away from this song is that if someone doesn’t give you what you give them and what you deserve then they are definitely not worth any of your time. When did your love for music begin? Eden: i’ve always loved music! as a kid i loved taylor swift, katy perry, and all those early 2000s pop artists. i loved making music with pots and pans pretending i was a drummer. my dad being a pianist definitely started that love for music as a child. and as i grew up it, music became something i don't go a day without. You are such a talented songwriter, do you have any tips for anyone who wants to start writing their own music but doesn’t know where to start? Eden: thank you so much. basically what i do whenever i have something i think would make a good song, i sit with those feelings and grab my guitar or piano and play chords to begin with and sing along to those then i transform it into something more. and for those who just want to write i pull out my notes app or journal and jot down even just words then turn it into a set of sentences that create a song. If you could have dinner with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? And what is the first thing you would ask them? Eden: Dang there is so many artists that i would love to have dinner with but I think if i could choose anyone in the world i would choose freddie mercury. he is my inspiration for music and had such a cool persona. freddie had a fun and carefree personality and one thing i love about him is that he made every moment count meaning he acted if was his last day every day and he never made anything boring. the first thing i would ask him is how did he keep going and not care what people thought of him because this world is very harsh and he definitely went through a lot. Besides music, is there any other creative field you hope to explore professionally one day? Eden: I’ve always liked the idea of being an actress on film or broadway. if i choose to go into that i feel like it would be really fun. Congratulations on this incredible new release, it’s no secret you have a bright future ahead of you! So, what can we expect next? Eden: thank you! I'm planning on hopefully releasing an album soon. i am really excited for everyone to hear it! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW EDEN:

It's no secret that social media is addictive and often toxic to mental health. But the scene Jesse Merineau paints on his excellent, latest single, "Temporary Dopamine," is one of more pervasive conditions. Catchy melody and pristine production take the lead, storing the complexity behind the song's lyrics. "Temporary Dopamine" sounds paradoxically both sharp and smooth — barbed yet unhurried. The instrumentation is an indie-rock masterclass, never settling in one particular place. Merineau's vocals may be mistaken as syrupy: comfortable to slide from a husky whisper into a playful falsetto. Listen closer to the way he twists on words and phrases and you'll get the sense that he is slipping into your bloodstream. For a catchy indie-rock banger, Merineau finds a way to unsettle as much as he delights. The addiction to screens, social media, and a culture of convenience all take a new shape in the lyricism of "Temporary Dopamine." Listening to his lyrics, I felt compelled by my own memory of a friend glued to their phone. "You're somewhere else, or so it seems," he sings, though not unsympathetic. Of course, that's what social media is designed to do to our brain chemistry. "It's not your fault, it's by design." It's these startling moments of clarity when we realize how technology has shaped our habits and behaviors. There's the wasted time and opportunity that many can relate to, with social media being such an accessible form of "entertainment." Merineau additionally remarks on the tendency to take in very little information about a whole lot ("Too busy reading just the headlines, / as the truth flies by you"). Ultimately, there's a lack of presence that comes with this vice. It's dangerous to have everything and everyone at your fingertips. Canadian singer/songwriter Jesse Merineau is an ever-evolving force of indie pop-rock talent in the Toronto scene. Working full time as a bartender, Merineau brings a relatable experience and contagious drive for music. "Temporary Dopamine" shortly follows a March release of his first song since the pandemic hit, "This Spark." His recent collaborations with award-winning songwriters and indie label singing have bolstered Merineau's efforts to express his artistic vision. Marrying catchy, pop melody with contemporary indie-rock, Merineau's music stands in affinity with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Cage the Elephant, and Young the Giant. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Jesse Merineau:

Have you ever struggled with moving on from a relationship? The track "Someone Else" by Joe Bygraves explores wanting someone or anyone else to fill the whole of an ex. The song is incredibly vulnerable and raw as the lyrics dissect the heartbreak of ending a relationship. The loneliness described is a painful yet relatable experience for any person who has gone through a breakup. Joe's songwriting is beautiful and emotional as the vocalist details feeling grounded and anchored by a partner. The moving message is complemented by the spectacular instrumental. Overall, “Someone Else” stunning pop hit that you have to give a listen to. Beautifully harmonized vocals, dramatic drums, and catchy guitars create this amazing single. The faster melody emphasizes the singer's deep emotions. The track has similar gorgeous and heart-wrenching lyrics of Ed Sheeran's first album "+". The song has the same vibe instrumentally as Joe's friend and fellow Bedfordshire musician Tom Grennan's as well as Coldplay with the pop soundscape with hints of alternative. "Someone Else" is the angsty track to listen to as you look back on a relationship. As the final lines are sung, this hit will have you playing this bop on repeat and adding this single to your next playlist. Joe Bygraves is a 27-year-old singer/songwriter based in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. The singer, released his debut song in December 2017, titled, "Childhood Sweetheart". Joe has since released multiple projects and has opened for artists such as Paloma Faith, Jools Holland, and Ronan Keating. In 2022, the musician sold out his first headlining show in Milton Keynes', Craufurd Arms. Another major accomplishment for the vocalist was performing at the BBC Introducing Live show. Joe's performances are stellar and have helped him gain a ton of listeners on Spotify. To support this talented star, click the links below and give him a follow! Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW JOE BYGRAVES: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator