Louis William Tomlinson. That’s it, that’s the concert review. I go back and forth on who my favorite member of One Direction is, but Louis has always taken my breath away and held a special place in my heart. His sparkling vocals, stellar lyricism, and captivating stage presence have made him stand out to me since the very beginning. I grew up with One Direction and have been an active member of the fandom on Tumblr for nearly 10 years. Through this experience, I've met some of my closest friends and learned to be true to myself. In high school, I wrote a 20-page paper and gave a 30-minute presentation about One Direction for my senior capstone project, and it’s still one of my proudest accomplishments. I’m a fangirl, and I’m proud of it. I was lucky enough to get tickets to the Phoenix, Arizona date of the Faith in the Future Tour with my dad. To make things even better, my friend Val was going as well. I saw Louis with our mutual friend, Hope, on his last tour in 2022, so I was excited to see what changes he had made to his live performance and how his newer songs sounded live. He played at the Arizona Financial Theater to a sold-out show. I had been there the previous night to see a different band, and I’ve been to countless shows at this venue over the years. It was where I first saw Louis’s former bandmates, Harry Styles and Niall Horan, during their debut solo tours. I was excited to get down to the pit and sing my heart out to the musician I love. When the lights went down, the crowd came alive with excitement. Starting off with The Greatest, the opening track to his 2022 album Faith in the Future, Louis truly lived up to that title with his raw talent. He stated that he was feeling a bit under the weather, but I wouldn't have known had he not said so. He commanded the stage with a rock-star power I’ve always known him to hold. He then played his pop-punk anthem, Kill My Mind. I have always felt that Louis’s true identity as a pop-punk king has been criminally downplayed. He has always stated that some of his biggest musical inspirations include the Killers, Oasis, and Green Day. I grew up going to punk and hardcore shows. I spent multiple summers in high school attending the Vans Warped Tour, and as a seasoned emo kid, I always felt that Louis’s natural sound would have been incredible on one of those stages. Louis then played 505, one of my favorite Arctic Monkeys’ songs of all time. His crisp vocals allowed him to make an iconic song sound like one of his own. This energy continued as he played an unreleased track (and fan favorite), Copy of a Copy of a Copy. He also played Back to You, one of his very first singles as a solo artist. This song was originally a duet with Bebe Rexha and fans like me have wanted to hear it live again for ages. I didn’t look at the setlist before the show, so this truly took me by surprise. Some critics have commented on how the boys should try to distance themselves from their former boy band status in order to reach greater levels of success, but they have all proven that they don’t need to. Louis is no exception, paying his respects to his former band by playing Night Changes and Where Do Broken Hearts Go with his own flair. When I saw him on his last tour, Louis played Drag Me Down, Through The Dark, and Little Black Dress, to which I completely lost my mind. I was excited to see which One Direction songs he would put on the setlist for this tour, and I was definitely not disappointed. Louis’s weariness from being sick didn’t begin to show until the last song, Out of My System. The fans gladly made it easy on him by making their own voices heard. Louis quickly went off stage with a crowd of thousands chanting his name. He came out after a few minutes and hopped down to the barricade to be up close and personal with his fans for the last three songs. With flashing lights, powerful vocals, and a killer backup band, Louis once again gave an exhilarating live show. There is nothing more fun than dancing with a close friend at a concert, and Louis has always made his shows a safe place for fans to be whoever they want to be. His message of hope and keeping “faith in the future” radiates through everything he does. I am so proud to be a fan of Louis and I will absolutely be at more shows in the future. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

You don’t have to take History 101 to know that women have had it rough since the dawn of time; for a long, long time, women were seen as lesser than men and occasionally still are. It’s an ongoing fight, and while things have definitely improved over the last century, women are still far from having the same social standing as men do. Kel Adore seeks to rectify this with her aptly titled song “Women Are People” as a part of her newest EP “All That’s Left.” “Women Are People,” even as a broad statement, has a lot of power behind it; the implications are sobering. For all the expectations and labels and rules that are piled and packed onto the backs of women, they are still considered lesser, lower, and unworthy of respect. Yet, “Women Are People” sheds a light through the murky clouds, a shining hope that a woman’s existence is more than just what her gender represents, but her as a person. The song begins, very interestingly, with a western whistle, as if two cowboys are preparing themselves for a duel; the vocals then slide in and the song truly kicks off. The percussion beats rhythmically in the background as Kel Adore’s voice begins to swell and grow in strength. She sings of being unable to keep up with the growing expectations women face, saying, “I’ve been ashamed of myself/all this time I’ve blamed myself” as her voice is overlaid atop the song’s primary vocals, creating an echo-y effect. Each time the chorus cycles “women are people/women are people,” it leaves in its wake a gentle reminder that, yes: women are people and people deserve respect. Tying it all together is Kel Adore’s voice; in tandem with honest and heartfelt lyrics, her smooth vocals lace the song up in a neat bow. “Women Are People” is immensely relatable to those who have experienced the heavy pressures of being a woman; but it also serves as a nudge, a prompt, to tell its listeners of the wide spectrum of experiences that women face. It is a vulnerable story that is completed with naked lyricism and undertones of electronica and an energetic pop beat. Kel Adore is an emerging artist who produces music for the soul; it is full of understanding, like a hand on the shoulder or a tight hug. Being a singer-songwriter, Kel Adore aims to produce songs that are bare, frank, and tell fervently truthful stories that people can reflect and see themselves in. Released in 2021, her first single “Fool for the Pain” is about the dichotomy of subjecting the self to things and those that only cause pain, rather than good. She released two more singles in 2022, “Happy Again” and “Still A Child,” but it wasn’t until 2023 did her debut EP, “All That’s Left,” release. Kel Adore seeks to pull back the veil and tell people that they are seen with her music. Listening to her lyrics makes you feel like you have a constant witness, a validating voice on your shoulder– they certainly have that effect on me! I’m looking forward to what else Kel Adore has in store for her current and future listeners! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW KEL ADORE:

“Strawberry Skittles” offers a delectable experience through its music as well as a simple yet engaging story. A young woman in love is very confused as to how she got such a good, sweet, and handsome man in her life. She imagines all the sweet things he makes her feel and grows more and more in love with him. What she wants most is to show him an outward proclamation of love. Her imagination runs wild with a simple yet sickly sweet wedding for the two of them. As the sparkly beat plays in the background, she imagines simple paper plates and pink cowboy hats. Their love and what she wants to save for him is what truly matters, not just the imaginary wedding. What she wants to offer, of course, is the last cup of coffee, breakfast in bed, and strawberry skittles. Noelle Carroll’s newest single is a sweet blend of upbeat instrumentation and lyrical professions of admiration. What really makes this single stand out is how well Carroll’s breathy voice mixes with the music. Every poppy beat is accompanied by a loving voice gushing over the boy that she admires deeply. Just the first second tells us exactly what sublime journey we are going to experience. Her very welcome voice slightly punches through, accompanied by a simple yet tangy guitar note. The guitar continues and is gradually intertwined with new instruments that are sprinkled in throughout the intro. Her voice really solidifies this song as a delectable anthem of simple yet all-encompassing love through rosé glasses. Noelle Carroll is an upcoming singer-songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. Her primary music inspirations and role models growing up were artists such as Billy Joel and Joni Mitchell. She regularly goes to concerts for artists such as The 1975, Taylor Swift, and Phoebe Bridgers. She is a completely solo artist, proudly relying on her own talents and rocket her career skyward. One of her first introductions to musical success was when one of her singles was first played on BBC radio in January of this year, which is a notable accomplishment for any UK based artist. She has built a respectable following on social media sites and through her interviews. “Strawberry Skittles” is her newest single following the release of her first album “Beautiful Things”. It offers a different side to the multi-talented artist’s repertoire by being sweet and upbeat as opposed to her usual musical approach. Make sure to follow her social media and give “Strawberry Skittles” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW NOELLE CARROLL: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Rhythm 0 was Marina Abramović’s 1974 art performance that lasted for six hours; watchers of the performance were invited to utilize any of the 72 objects laid out before them on the artist’s still-standing body. The objects ranged from having a pleasurable to painful impact. Rhythm 0 began with delicateness, but quickly dissolved into violence as watchers became increasingly aggressive with Abramović’s body until it reached a boiling point where one of the watchers placed a revolver in the artist's hand and forced her to hold it to her temple. Before any further actions could transpire, a protective group suddenly emerged within the audience of watchers to stop the scene from unfolding any further. The spectacle of Rhythm 0 demonstrates women’s exploitation in power dynamics; a sentiment Majeska’s latest single, “Please Wait, Saving…” expands on while providing additional social commentary. “Please Wait, Saving…” highlights the influence of the digital era – noting the cultural shift of getting lost in and manipulating the moment witnessed in Rhythm 0, to being emotionally removed from the moment altogether. The single begins with a haunting piano melody that invokes images of an old music box winding up and coming to life as swelling synths steadily bring the song to the first verse. This opening brilliantly connects the past to the present, showcasing how the former helps shape the latter. Simultaneously in the music video directed by Talia Stewart, spectators rush into a room to behold our artist in a glass box for public consumption. While they cannot physically interact with Majeska like the watchers with Abramović in Rhythm 0, they possess objects - modern technology - with the capability to leave similar mental and emotional scars on our artist. Through hushed and layered whispers that grow into a palpable rage, Majeska’s astounding vocals capture the range of heightened emotions being experienced from within the glass box. The glass box much like modern technology is perceived as a barrier – when in actuality its’ made the exploitation of women more readily accessible for ‘spectators’ to engage in with little to no remorse. In the midst of Majeska's rage and helplessness, the synths finally explode into an electronic trance as the spectators within the video relentlessly taunt our artist with no signs of stopping. There is no one to stop or save women from exploitation at the last minute like there was in Rhythm 0, and this is why the music video ends with a lifeless Majeska in the glass box. It symbolizes the lack of humanity and agency loaned to women of modernity. As much as we like to pretend the mistreatment of women is behind us, it’s still very much alive but now can be carried out with speed, shared repeatedly, and saved forever within the confines of a cell phone. This is why responsible media consumption is essential in fighting against the exploitation of women while ensuring a life beyond the glass box. Majeska is a singer and songwriter currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. The artist was raised by their mother and the musical influences of art-pop icons like Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks. Her mother quickly placed her in piano lessons only to find that Majeska wasn’t in love with instruments – but with the process of songwriting. In 2015, the artist moved to Nashville to join and front the rock band, Damsel and Distress. After four years with the band, Majeska went solo to breathe life into the pop songs she had written in her spare time. Now, the artist’s discography is filled with singles that relay heavy emotions, compelling lyrics, and melodies that help listeners engage with abstract ideas to further explore the collective human experience. Other songs to check out from Majeska are her debut single “Wishing Away”, and their reimagining of Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel”. If you’ve enjoyed “Please Wait, Saving…” as much as I have, show the artist some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW MAJESKA:

It is a good feeling to be liked by the people around us. Even so, we need to remember that we can’t please everyone. There is a wide variety of personalities out there. Some of them may not gel well together, and that’s okay! Trying to please everyone you meet is simply exhausting. Even worse, it can cause you to lose sight of who you really are. SACARIAS knows this, and he tells his story in his new funk-infused pop single, “People Pleaser.” If you’re in his position, remember to surround yourself with people who allow you to be 1000% authentic. Those who can’t accept the “real you” shouldn’t be in your life. I liked how the instrumentation of this track was light and upbeat. This first verse starts out with a smooth bass guitar as SACARIAS sings, “I did it again, I spread myself thin.” As the chorus nears, the music speeds up. It seems as if there is a burst of energy on the words “I’m stressed.” The bass guitar is then layered with a keyboard. This is where the funk element really takes shape. We see that SACARIAS is done trying to please everyone and lets go of all his anxiety. He even sings the words, “ I’m holding on to something wrong for me.” This is a freeing feeling. I hope this song and story inspires listeners to love themselves and not care so much about what others think! Sakarias N. Lundstad (AKA SACARIAS) is a singer/songwriter and producer from Norway. He discovered his love for producing music by experimenting with the GarageBand computer program. In 2017, SACARIAS started adding his own vocals. He has come a long way since working in his bedroom studio, receiving praise on both the Norwegian music scene and internationally. “People Pleaser” is SACARIAS’s second release of 2023. His first single “Therapy,” is an upbeat song about being in a relationship with a toxic person and wanting them to change their ways. I really enjoyed listening to SACARIAS’s music and can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW SACARIAS

Seeing your ex pop back up is honestly annoying on its own, but when you’ve healed and moved onto someone new, it's disruptive. It feels as if they’re trying to intrude on your newfound happiness with the person you’ve moved on with. However, in Lyncs’ latest single, “ How To: Cure A Heart Attack ,” she lets her ex know that she's healed from everything that they’ve put her through, that she has found someone better and that this stage of her life has cured her from a heart attack - the one that he gave her during their time together. In this catchy summer smash, the listeners will find themselves relating to Lyncs’ annoyance with her ex’s presence and the confidence in expressing how much better off she is without them. The healing stage, as well as moving onto someone new, will overtime cause you to let those negative memories from that terrible ex go and make you experience immense happiness. In the beginning of the song, Lyncs shows this by telling her ex: “ It's been years, I hardly know ya, Proud that I forgot your birthday .” With letting them and the memories of each other disappear off into space, she got to learn, “ What it feels like to be without you. It's refreshing like your favorite afternoon .” I would feel more fab if I ended up getting amnesia of my ex’s existence too. Lyncs is so upfront and blunt about her disgust in her ex that she finds it entertaining to see their reaction when she tells them all about how much happier she is without them: “ Tell me how does it feel watching me undo all the little things that you put me through ,” as well as other funny yet powerful lines like: “ It's amazing what heartbreak can do ”, and, “ I found somebody new, I don't want you back. Guess I found the cure to a heart attack .” Ouch. Lyncs, whose real name is Jacqueline Hynes, is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She later moved to NYC and has performed at historic venues like Rockwood Music Hall, Pianos and more, as well as collaborating with GOLDHOUSE, a DJ known for his remix of Billie Eilish’s song, “ Ocean Eyes .” Lyncs has also released numerous singles this year, such as “ Toolbox ,” “ Ashes ,” “ Quarter After ,” and “ Confusing .” Check out Lyncs’ latest single, “ How To: Cure A Heart Attack ,” out now on all streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW LYNCS:

Estella Dawn takes a unique approach on a break-up in her latest single, “California.” Rather than being filled with rage and bitter resentment, the singer tells her ex-partner that she hopes the best for them. It is a sweet sentiment that sometimes relationships can end, yet things can remain amicable. In a world filled with anger-fueled break-up anthems and melancholic heartache ballads, “California” is a refreshing take on break-up songs. In the chorus, Dawn sings: “I hope you find everything you need// Out in California// That the surf’s good// Blue skies// Got someone who adores ya// Remember to breathe darling// The worst ain’t always coming// I hope you find everything you need// Out in California// Out in California.” With these lines, she tells her former partner that regardless of what led to their break-up, she is supportive of their decisions, and she wishes them well. The subsequent verse indicates that her partner moving across the country to the Golden State is what caused their relationship to end. She sings, “If you asked, I would have crossed the country// Fuck, guess that’s not what you wanted// You’ve gotta do what’s best for you// I’ve always got your back// Know that’s the truth.” These lyrics reveal that Dawn has every right to hold bitterness toward her ex-partner and wish for their failure. Them leaving to pursue their dreams in another state is the reason she is now left drying her eyes and mending her broken heart. But instead, she shows that she truly does love them if she is willing to set them free. The message of “California” is incredibly profound as it showcases Dawn’s admirable emotional maturity and ability to convey real, honest human emotions. Estella Dawn is an unstoppable pop princess with an extensive discography compiled of unforgettable pop hits. As a triple-threat through her singing, songwriting, and producing, “California” is another incredible addition to her portfolio. The song immediately kicks off with her distinct voice paired with an acoustic guitar to introduce the chill-pop vibe. The guitar plays a fingerstyle riff that remains consistent throughout the entire track, ebbing and flowing from the background to create a dynamic soundscape. In the pre-chorus, the beat primarily focuses on the high-hat cymbals while an electric guitar subtly plays a melody in the background. When the chorus hits, the bass is introduced while the electric guitar starts playing bright chords. Layered vocals are added to Dawn’s impeccable voice, enhancing the dynamic production. At the end of the chorus, a bright melody is played on the guitar, creating a sparkling, ethereal element to the song, before transitioning into the second verse. The original production of the first verse returns with the addition of the drumbeat. The track picks up a muted electric guitar playing the melody with additional layered vocals. The pre-chorus consists of the bass and bright guitar chords, before a synth wave transitions the song back into the full production of the chorus. In the bridge, the song focuses on the acoustic guitar and layered vocals, with the bright melody on the electric guitar in the background. Dawn’s angelic voice leads the transition into the full-production chorus. In the classic Estella Dawn style, the final chorus draws focus on her phenomenal vocal range, with impeccable high-notes and falsettos. The song closes out with just Dawn’s layered vocals singing the hook: “Out in California.” Once again, the singer has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with and she deserves to hold the number one spot on every single pop chart. Estella Dawn is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from New Zealand, now based in San Diego, California. Her music does not stick to one style, but rather mixes the sounds of multiple genres to create her own unique sound. In 2018, she made her debut with her first single, “Feet". She released several singles leading up to the onset of the global pandemic. During quarantine, she took the time to hone in on her sound and capture her true essence within her music. That year she released 10 original singles every six weeks, defining her impeccable ability to keep audiences engaged with anticipation of her next masterpiece. Since then, Dawn has released several more incredible singles and she continues to release music that reels in hundreds of thousands of listeners. Her creativity shines through every single one of her releases and she shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW ESTELLA:

Glenn DeVar has dropped a perfect new single for summer with his track, "Sunset Serotonin." The song is filled with a romantic energy, comparing feelings for a lover to feelings of nostalgic sunsets. Lyrically, "Sunset Serotonin" focuses on the good mood that warmer weather brings and likens it to how a perfect lover makes you feel. DeVar sings about missing sunsets on a beach when the weather is colder, but a special someone remedies that. Some of the lyrics are so romantic they'd make anyone melt, giving us lines like, "You got a sun-kissed spirit in the wintertime/I'm falling in love with the way that you shine." "Sunset Serotonin" is the second of two singles DeVar has released so far and gives us a promising look into his bright future. "Sunset Serotonin" is an independently-made masterpiece, being recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Glenn DeVar himself. The track exudes a dream pop, commercial pop, and bedroom/lo-fi pop vibe, giving it a more chill and happy sound. "Sunset Serotonin" is euphoric, brimming with memorable melodies and blissful pop beats. DeVar's masterful vocals float over a dreamy soundscape, featuring an exuberant instrumentation and captivating harmonies. The breezy nature of the music pairs nicely with the lyrics, creating an optimistic feeling that often comes with falling hard for someone. Emanating an uplifting and feel-good energy, "Sunset Serotonin" is the quintessential summer track of 2023 that everyone should have on their playlists right now. Music producer and artist, Glenn DeVar is just getting started with his solo career. He has been amassing a strong social media presence on Instagram and is continuing to grow. DeVar's two releases include "Sunset Serotonin" and "Chaos Energy" so far, starting off his solo industry debut strong. Previous to his recent releases, DeVar has worked with Redlight Drive—a hip-hop infused EDM songwriting duo from Astoria, Queens. DeVar began this project with his former roommate, Colly C, writing and releasing several songs together. This experience provided DeVar with the opportunity to grow his knowledge of production and mixing—impressive skills that are evident in the production of "Sunset Serotonin." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW GLENN DEVAR:

Niall Horan is the Irish Born virtuoso we all know and love from One Direction. His blond hair and silky, smooth vocals stole our hearts in 2011 and he continues to captivate audiences in 2023. With his third studio album, released in June, he enters a new stage in his career. With the rawest songs we have heard from the songwriter and breathtaking production, Niall presents his heart on his sleeve with each track. He explores love, loss, and desperation on his much-anticipated album, The Show. After six years with one of the biggest boy bands in the world, Niall Horan took his talents solo. His warmth and creativity transferred beautifully to his first solo project, Flicker, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. Niall hit the ground running and has dropped nothing but instrumentally complex work with heartwarming lyricism and charisma dripping from each track. If Niall was your favorite of the boys in One Direction, you knew he would be great but many doubted him. Niall has shown time and time again he is a force in the music industry and will continue to climb the charts and steal hearts. Heaven The first single released by Horan is a standout track filled with romantic lyrics and a robust instrumental that grows from subdued to downright paradisiacal. Heaven was the first single released before the album dropped. Heaven is the definition of being obsessed with your partner. The first moments where you realize you're in love and there's nothing you can do to stop it. Those intense feelings of admiration and desire are gifts wrapped in surreal harmonies. If You Leave Me The album makes a slight tonal shift in ‘If You Leave Me’. The track features a similar heavenly soundscape by Horan's silky tenor register. This track however, features a lot more oomph in its instrumental. A slick bassline and accompanying rhythm guitar back the flirtatious track. The vibe of the record may come off as funky and fun but the lyrics are filled with desperation. Horan details his need for his partner to stay with him. Connecting back to the obsessive admiration of ‘Heaven’ the second track ‘If You Leave Me’ showcases the outcome of this sort of intensity. Horan needs his partner and isn’t ashamed to admit it for better or worse. Meltdown Keeping up with the same energy from ‘If You Leave Me’ Horan brings us to the high-speed rhythmic anthem 'Meltdown'. 'Meltdown' has a similar feel sonically to the previous song but we’ve stepped on the gas a bit more. Leaving behind the dreamy aspects of the first two songs and adding more percussion and rhythm with an 80s inspired synth buried in the background. These elements add a whole new level of intrigue and excitement to the track. ‘Meltdown’ instrumental is purposeful as it connects to the frenzied feeling of anxiety. The song isn’t about giving up because of anxiety; it's a triumphant tale of overcoming the anxiety that makes you want to give it. At the end of it all everything will work out. Photo Credit: Zachery Michael Never Grow Up One of the more beautiful songs on the record ‘Never Grow Up’ paints the image of wanting to grow old with the one you love but still holding onto the youth that seemingly brought you together. Horan sounded his best on the intimate tune. The way his vocals dance atop the piano during the verses is captivating. ‘Never Grow Up’ is a relatable track that speaks volumes to the anxiety of losing your youth and what that means for your relationship. Hoping everything will stay the same as we get older but deep down understand things will never be the same as they were. The Show Following up the bittersweet romanticism of 'Never Grow Up’ comes the title track ‘The Show'. The track sits right in Horan's comfort zone. Ballad-style songwriting and instrumentals are where Niall shines. His voice thrives in this atmosphere and his pen writes some of his best lyrics for it. The track features a haunting piano that creeps into a grander scape with strings and percussion as the track moves forward. The Show cuts deep into how Horan breaks down the pain of pretending to be ok. How hard life can get even when you have to fake a smile and power through. You could start a cult Niall Horan is a true instrumentalist. In this track, he takes clear influences from the likes of Bob Dylan as he strums and plucks at his guitar and softly sings a loving tribute to his beloved. The person who is so beautiful and the muse for the track is described to be able to start any form of destruction due to their personality and beauty alone. Niall Horan is more than in love at this point in the album. His admiration has grown beyond that and he is simply in awe of this person and all they can do in his eyes. The track builds on itself as it progresses adding harmonica, percussion, and piano to the mix but Horan’s voice shines through and delivers an astounding performance. Save my life Another one of my absolute favorites ‘Save My Life’ picks the album back up with an 80s-inspired pop track that is full of energy and love. The track features a new attitude and a few new instruments. ‘Save My Life’ has a more positive outlook on life around Horan. The use of a lively saxophone solo catapults this track to the top of my list undoubtedly. On a Night Like Tonight He carries this same mood into the following track “On a Night Like Tonight’ which is the first track to remind me of his previous work. This track is similar sonically to his previous album Heartbreak Weather. The difference in my eyes is the difference in character. This track feels cleaner and more thought out. ‘On a Night Like Tonight’ showcases a flirtatious but heavily in love Horan in a way Heartbreak Weather just couldn’t manage. Photo Credit: Zachery Michael Science ‘Science’ is sonically similar to the rest of the slower tracks. Horan shows off his songwriting skills with each ballad he has written on the album. However, ‘Science' isn't quite a love song. The track is sentimental in its way as Horan reaches out to a person struggling with depression. Though the subject of depression is a tough one Niall was able to add a slight hopeful tinge to the track. As he reaches out to the subject of the song he expresses that these feelings are a natural part of life just like everything else. The track is uplifting and anthemic as we approach the climax. ‘Science’ is a song for those of us who all need a little hope. Must be love Finally, we reach the closing track. ‘Must Be Love’ is where Horan does some self-reflection. He begins to realize his true desire is to escape himself and run toward love. Love may not answer all of his questions but it will give him solace from his self-imposed prison, something the singer is desperate for. He knows the road to falling in love is rocky and he's terrified of what that means but ‘Must Be Love’ shows he is willing to leap. This is the perfect song to close out the album because The Show at its core is an album dedicated to love and self-discovery during a relationship. Every track leads us to this point in Niall’s journey. Horan comes to terms with his insecurities and faces his desire for love head-on in this beautifully poignant track. Final Thoughts Niall took some pretty big risks when making this album. His choice to make his personal emotions and struggle with love could have been underwhelming. He managed to bring to life each song with his impressive lyricism and instrumentation. Many have made the mistake of loading the top half of their album with singles to captivate the listener with familiarity only to fall short on the B side. Though ‘The Show’ is loaded up with its singles at the beginning of the record the album doesn't lose steam once the familiarity fades. The enchantment of the tracks grew stronger as the new songs faded in and out. It almost became a reflex to press replay as the album cycled to its closing song. The album is a theatrical experience. With each track, we are led deeper and deeper into Niall Horan’s understanding of love and himself. The album tells the tale of love and acceptance in an incredibly concise way. 'The Show' shows incredible growth in Niall’s songwriting abilities and his confidence in his music. From start to finish it is a treat and truly my favorite album he has put out thus far. Written By Kaiana Lee Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

When it comes to meeting new people, it can be seriously intimidating! You don’t know how any form of initial interaction will go, or if the other party will be open to meeting you as well. Thankfully, musical artist Electric Neon Clouds has a song that is not only relatable, but catchy! Known also as Jeremy Cornellier, “What You’re All About” is a simple anthem that allows us to really think of how we go about meeting new people, and the possible anxiety that may arise from it. I think this song has some pretty catchy lyrics! “I’m tired of looking back to find out I missed out,” and “Maybe I’m not brave… I’m always holding back” are both great examples of some thoughts that we may have when experiencing this kind of situation. Click here to listen to "What You're All About" “What You’re All About” is short but sweet, which I think works best in this case! I really do feel that the artist was able to properly convey his feelings in this work without making it feel too rushed or drawn out, which can sometimes be a difficult thing to do! The instrumentals are simple and complimented by the use of the guitar and the synth. The style of the song is a nice blend of both Nashville and UK Indie Pop, something I don’t really hear much of these days, so it was nice to get to experience a song that sounded like this again. I think sometimes, artists try to add too many elements to their songs. However, I feel like Neon Electric Clouds did a great job of avoiding this. I was able to understand the message, but also enjoy the beat and instrumentals at the same time. Electric Neon Clouds was formed in 2018, and is made up of brothers Jeremy, Tommy, and Alex Cornellier. They are an ever-growing band, who in the last few years, has performed over 350 shows. Electric Neon Clouds has also released four EP’s, and many more singles. They describe themselves as being both eccentric and highly polished, which I think was easy to tell based on the style of this song. And with a style like music from the 80s, they are likely going to get a lot of attention from even more people who love music like this! I think it’s easy to tell this group is going to go far. I have nothing but high hopes for Electric Neon Clouds, and I can’t wait to hear what they release next. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW ELECTRIC NEON CLOUDS:

The end of a relationship includes the end of many things - love shared, talks of a future, and joint memories with the one you once held close to your heart. However the most obvious and perhaps the most hurtful loss is the void of that person in your life as a whole. Someone you used to know inside and out, their hopes and their dreams, their strengths and their flaws. Kendruh’s latest release “Alien” dives into this feeling, with the idea that the person she once knew is now an alien to her. This metaphor is weaved throughout the song, comparing the distance she now feels to the gap between Earth and space, and speed in which he left to the speed of a spaceship shuttling away. Kendruh’s lyricism and mournful voice shine through in this track. Simplistic piano chords and pulsating drums throughout the background allow the listener to feel her emotions clearly without any distractions. This highlights Kendruh’s metaphors and comparisons included in this song. The chorus spotlights her feelings, as she sings “What would he do with just a human like me / What could I bring him now that he has the universe / An alien, now / He's an alien now”. She feels the disconnect between her and her once love, and explains how they are now completely different people in completely different worlds. Kendruh is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Mississauga, a city in Ontario. She has gained a following of over 3,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and has been releasing singles since late 2021, with her first release titled “Nightmares”. She was named ‘Best New Solo Artist’ of 2022 at Canadian Music Week, a music conference that takes place at the Music Awards Gala in her hometown. Her music and social media profiles share the same dystopian and edgy vibe, showing that her style and aura are consistent through her media. Make sure to follow along through the social media below as Kendruh dives into her journey. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW KENDRUH:

"I Need an Adult" is sleek, modern pop for 20-somethings who feel like they lost their way on the path to adulthood. The electric guitar and melodic songwriting are reminiscent of contemporary indie pop, while glossy electropop elements push the malaise into throbbing ache. Elements shift and fuse in puzzlebox fashion to reveal layers of bittersweetness. In the prechorus, the rhythm section falls away to Nette's vocals floating over warm synths. Contrasting movements, like when sparser moments burst into lush arrangements, give "I Need an Adult" a nonlinear energy. At any moment the floor could drop from beneath you, but its the free fall after that gives the single its thrilling charm. The emotional core of "I Need An Adult" opens itself gradually. The first verse is disarmingly humor, instilling a levity that keeps the sorrowful confessions from souring the upbeat sound. "I've been calling my mom like seven days a week. Now I think she's ghosting me." The self-deprecating smile flips into a urgent plea for stability in the chorus. "I'm in crisis mode," she sings with fervor. From there, Nette threads between fatigue and implosion. She relatably counters each positive with a caveat ("I'm in therapy working on it, but still waiting for something to click"). I find myself especially stricken by and relating to her feelings that everyone else has it figured out. "I Need An Adult" works like a much-needed vent with your friend. You're both a little tipsy and either about to laugh or cry, but there's catharsis in its messiness. Singer/songwriter/producer, Nette, began sharing her musical talents last year with debut single, "Feelings." Since, she's played shows across Vancouver, gaining notoriety for her captivating storytelling and fresh sound. Simultaneously, Nette has blossomed a dedicated fanbase of over 200 thousand on Tiktok. The immediacy of her sound and depth of her songwriting have given Nette a wide-ranging audience through touring and internet sharing. "I Need an Adult" was written and produced alongside Brandon Unis and Bradley Simmons of Velveteen music. It follows "Karma" as the Vancouver artist's second single of 2023. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Nette: