Alibii, the indie rock pop duo, released their new bedroom pop single "Figure 8." While just being released, "Figure 8" has been in the making for over two years. There were also many times where Alibii would even rewrite the song within the two years. Spending this quality time with the track, really shows Alibii's commitment, dedication, and passion for creating great art. This can also be seen through the tracks elements which are very dynamic and unique. Both the lyrics and instrumentals display careful and purposeful arranging. Both the dedication to making the song, and the song's character, makes "Figure 8" a must listen. "Figure 8" is a single that sounds like the perfect song to dance along to in your bedroom. The single while having infectious and dynamic instrumentals, tells the story of being in lockdown. The song explores both the overall experience and the consequent emotions that arose from living during the time of the COVID-19 lockdown. The single also really highlights the musical range Alibii has. There are various different musical styles within the song that references other genres. While referencing other musical styling and genres, Alibii makes these elements their own, and creates an authentic track. Alibii is an indie rock pop duo. The duo is comprised of the vocals of both Will and Court. The duo uses various different sonic references to create their sound. In there music references to bedroom pop sound, early 2000s guitar style, and synth styling can all be heard. While the duo now a full collaboration Alibii was once a producer/vocalist project between Will and Court. Together the pair explores various different musical genres and styles to create an authentic sound representative of them as artists. "Figure 8" is the newest release from the pair, which is the follow up to singles, "Just Another Minute" and "But I." With their unique sound and musical talent Alibii is definitely worth checking out. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW ALIBII: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Since the pandemic, society has had a shift in mentality. Many of us have come to believe things are pointless and at any point everything can be shut down again. Gen Z has coined this mentality as Floating Rock Mentality. The sentiment is why do these silly tasks because they are all meaningless in the grand scheme of things. We’re all just standing on a floating rock hurtling through space. Might as well just live life and forget about the rest. Easha has this same mentality in her track, Floating Rock. Floating Rock is a track birthed out of greatness. Its roots are in Liz Rose Publishing, the grammy winning publishing house that houses tracks such as All Too Well and You Belong With Me. The record features an upbeat groove that follows a disco-type rhythm and solid use of funky guitars. The guitars shimmer through the background while Easha’s harmonies season the foreground. Floating Rock toys with the idea of liberation from life’s responsibilities and does it with a smile. Creating a Lofi pop space that resonates with everyone with similar thoughts to Easha. The track, despite its nihilist approach to life, has a happy tone. The lyrics influence the soundscape, the way they pop and bounce against the bassline. Floating Rock takes the listener on a journey of self-discovery worth a lifetime. Reminding everyone life is worth living and to stay in the moment rather than focus on the mundane of what the world offers. Easha is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter with immense talent. She began her journey with music at a young age, learning Indian classical music from her mother. Later, she began writing her music following a binge of Norah Jones records. Outside of singing her passion lies in the pen. Her writing has been featured in many large publications including The Atlantic and Music Inc. Magazine. It truly shows her raw talent for writing and how her passion for English and her background in music mesh beautifully to create the songs she has. Her EP Leave a Message, I’m Not Here is a testament to her ability and features Floating Rock. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW EASHA:

Ava Della Pietra releases heartfelt anthem, “worst of times.” The song encapsulates what it truly means to be a good friend. In life, there can be Mt. Everest highs and depths on the ocean lows, and it’s important to have people by your side who will celebrate those wins, and cradle you when you lose. There is no more meaningful gesture than standing by someone during their darkest moments. When someone is struggling with mental health, they may not want you around them, but they do need you. Loving someone is loving them always, through the good times, the bad times, and the worst times. There is an indescribable comfort in knowing your people will not abandon you, even when you don’t feel like the person you were when you met. When you’re in a valley, your peak may be just around the corner, and even if it takes a while, hold on to the people who make you feel seen, heard, loved, and safe. If it’s your worst times, that means only better times are ahead. Never apologize for your state of mind or where you are on your journey. Healing is not linear. The low lows only make the high highs that much more euphoric, and never forget the friends who helped you along the way. “worst of times” is a deeply emotional track about undying support for someone who needs it the most. This song showcases Ava’s versatility and ability to craft music. She creates art that deeply resonates with her listeners. Ava captures your attention immediately with her thoughtful melodies and poignant lyrics. Ava wrote “worst of times” for one of her dear friends who was struggling with her mental health. Ava wants her listeners to know, “it’s about being there for one another, no matter what.” With her beautiful vocals and cardinal message of helping thy neighbor, Ava Della Pietra is changing the music industry one track at a time. Ava Della Pietra is a singer/songwriter from Long Island. The release of “worst of times” follows a whirlwind few years for Ava. She has written over 130 songs, 32 of which she wrote while quarantined with her family in New York. While pursuing careers as a Broadway actress and pop songwriter, she was accepted into the prestigious Harvard University - Berklee College of Music dual degree program. Not only is Ava an accomplished singer and songwriter, she is also a multi-instrumentalist proficient in piano, guitar, bass, violin, and ukulele. Music is her passion and her mind’s journal. Her wish is for her music to inspire others and help them discover more about themselves and their emotions, just as it has helped her find herself. Catch Ava’s vibrant energy and raw talent firsthand as she embarks on a tour across New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania this summer, and with her doting energy and breathtaking delivery, you’re sure to have nothing but the best of times! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW AVA DELLA PIETRA:

Rebecca Lappa beautifully expresses her authentic emotions, from love to loss, in her latest EP, Tales of a Taurus. The six-track project contains personal songs that demonstrate her creative and honest storytelling through vivid lyrics and infectious melodies. Rather than sticking to one sound to define her artistry, Lappa allows her current conditions to guide her artistic flow. Previously classified as an indie-folk artist, the singer is currently inspired by pop and alternative music. Tales of a Taurus was produced by artist and Lillix band member, Louise Burns, and was recorded between The Audio Department in Edmonton and 604 Studios in Vancouver. Through the collaboration with Burns, the addition of live instrumentals by Alex Glafford, Flavio Cirillo, and Max Cunningham, and being mixed by Chris Perry, Lappa was surrounded by a talented team dedicated to bringing her art to life. With each individual track, Tales of a Taurus forms a vivid story about life in Lappa’s eyes. Your One Blue Lips Forecast Lolita Witch's Way Brick by Brick Rebecca Lappa has been in love with music from a young age. The San Franscisco born, Canadian raised singer-songwriter has been singing since childhood and wrote her first song at age nine. She is a multi-instrumentalist skilled on the piano, the guitar, the banjo, and “a bit of ukulele.” She was winning awards at age twelve and began playing shows by age thirteen. It was not until her parents took her to see Taylor Swift on tour with Brad Paisley that she decided a career in music and performing is what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Prior to signing with Tonic/Fontana Records and releasing Tales of a Taurus as her debut with the label, Lappa was an independent artist. She had three full length albums and two EPs already under her belt before joining the team. Her hard-work and dedication as an indie artist garnered her a number of awards and nominations, catching the attention of music industry tastemakers and her new home label. With Tales of a Taurus, the genre-bending singer is bound to gain even more dedicated fans. Lappa kicks off the EP with the highly energetic track and third single from the project, “Your One.” The song consists of a whimsical production that blends the sounds of modern pop, indie-folk, and the retro 80s style to create a genre that is completely her own. The song explores a relationship where Lappa is “all-in” while her partner is hesitant. It is not that the feelings are not reciprocated, but that they are worried about falling only to get hurt. Lappa reassures them that she only has eyes for them and that she wants to be their one and only. The song is a lighthearted and optimistic track that hypes the audience up for the EP and introduces them to Lappa’s new sound. Following “Your One” is the EP’s infectious lead single, “Blue Lips.” The song immediately catches the listener’s attention with the brief bass notes that switch to a catchy guitar riff. Lappa’s voice perfectly matches the jazzy vibe throughout the song as she guides the listener through the melancholic storyline. The song tells the story of a “friends with benefits” situation that Lappa’s friend experienced. While her friend was hoping for something more, the other person could not care less about them. Lappa uses ice cold imagery to represent the coldhearted carelessness of the other person. The lyrics are brilliantly written to paint this dark story and transport the listener into the headspace of the broken-hearted protagonist. The combination of the gloomy lyrics and the catchy bassline makes “Blue Lips” my personal favorite song from the EP. “Forecast” takes a break from the energetic production by switching to a soothing melody with indie-folk elements. The song’s clever metaphor about the weather is a unique take on a doomed relationship. Lappa sings about never knowing what to expect from her partner and the relationship. She knows that in the end, they will not make it through the storm. The second verse holds my favorite lines: “Sun stalker, alley walker// Demons around every corner// Clear to me, you can’t be// Something sturdy, something stable.” With just these four lines, Lappa stuns the listener with these poetic lines that perfectly sum up her despondent message. The EP’s second single, “Lolita,” brings back the lively atmosphere of the EP with an alternative rock guitar riff to kickstart the track. The song is inspired by the 1955 novel of the same name, written by Vladimir Nabokov. Lappa details the forbidden relationship between a young girl and an older man that is found in the book. The sinister storyline and the disturbing dynamic provide a darker tone than the rest of the project. The instrumentation reflects this atmosphere with the muted guitars and the anxiety of the kick drum. Between both the grim lyrics and the dark production, “Lolita” is the most cleverly crafted track on the EP. “Witch’s Way” beautifully nods to Lappa’s previous indie-folk sound while maintaining her current pop influence. The song immediately stands out from the rest of the project with the ethereal fingerstyle guitar riff and Lappa’s angelic voice. With the witchy imagery and the detailed storytelling, the singer effortlessly transports the listener into the haunting tales of Salem, Massachusetts. In just over three minutes, she conveys this dark and gloomy narrative as if it were a full-length novel, making her vivid songwriting one that cannot be replicated. Lappa closes out the well-rounded EP with the light and airy track, “Brick by Brick.” The sweet track is about tearing down walls in relationships and building trust. Backed by a modern country sound, Lappa’s heavenly vocals guide the listener through the sentimental lyrics. Regardless of if the song is about a romantic or platonic relationship, anyone who listens to the track can resonate with the meaningful lyrics. Lappa has the innate ability to craft songs that are entirely relatable to her listeners while maintaining her authenticity. “Brick by Brick” is the most profound track on the project, making it the perfect note to end on. It leaves the listeners with something to think about once the EP ends, pondering their own walls and questioning if they are ready to tear them down. After listening to Tales of a Taurus, if you were not already a fan, you are guaranteed to be one now. Lappa moves the listener with her candid lyrics and her unforgettable melodies, making the EP one to remember. She knows how to captivate her audience and keep them wanting more. Her vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation bring out her individualistic sound and unmistakable talent. Each song has a completely different sound, from rock to 80s pop to country, making this EP one of the most versatile projects I have ever heard. It is made to be played on repeat and blasted on late-night car rides with best friends. Tales of a Taurus is a phenomenal addition to Lappa’s discography and the perfect way to reintroduce her as a signed artist. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW REBECCA: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.

‘Apricot.’ Such a simple, understated fruit… but delicious, juicy, and bursting with flavor! And that’s exactly how emerging European artist, Apricot, introduces herself on the unforgettable new number, ‘Enemy.’ Cutting her own sugary sweetness with a lick of sour, this young superstar–raised in Rome, now based in Berlin–is the confident collision of worlds, a heroine of the Old Guard chasing untold horizons! Weaving the soul and sounds of American R&B into a contemporary quilt of global music, Apricot has managed to walk two paths once, not sacrificing musical merit in the pursuit of radio-ready crooning. In fact, boldly drawing on German house and EDM, Apricot has managed to break a stalemate of ‘stale,’ stressing the importance of feeling music in our bodies, not just our brains; putting meaning into movement, and not just melody! Listen to "Enemy" by Apricot : ‘Enemy’ marks quite the pivot for Apricot, whose 2022 debut, ‘sue me,’ was washed in a somber, dreamcatcher haze–quite a contrast to the floor-shaking 808’s and Aphex Twin stylings of her most recent opus! When I discuss the somatic nature of art–music in particular–it seems almost undeniable that our current [Western] connection to composition, songwriting, listening, is so reliant upon messages and melody; ours ears take the reigns, intellectualizing any sounds that greet them, so often ignoring rhythm, feeling –in favor of lyrical loopholes and catchy choruses. Don’t get me wrong, these components are vital to a complex and connected musical body, but words and woes only go so far on their own. Key musical frameworks, like feel, syncopation–undergird any melody, and are necessary to share even the strongest of messages. Today’s preeminent genres, from rap, pop, indie, and beyond, are unfailingly fortified with witty lyrics and hooks that could catch a fish! But do you feel that music in your bones? Are your hips moving and you’re not sure why? Filled with crystal confidence, Apricot pairs charm and vocal chops, turning to Berlin’s brash subculture for influence and intrigue. “ The song is about the desire to stop playing games with your crush and give in to the sexual tension ,” she remarks. Grounded in “ groove and powerful basslines ,” this track is “sure to get listeners moving! ” Nothing but a LOUD set of speakers will do this song justice, so turn up–don’t be your own enemy! Raised in the historical Italian metropolis of Rome, Apricot–born Susanna Helena Steinfeld–experienced austerity and insularity, growing up in a self-described ‘bourgeois environment.’ Relocating to Berlin in 2018 to dive into the music industry, Steinfeld has since gone from manager to musician, evolving into a deadly songwriter, producer, and singer. Telling the tales of her unique life experience, turning to both pleasure and pain, Apricot has flowered early! Exploring personal trauma, femininity, and struggle, her fearless and funky take on popular music calls to alternative icons across genres–from the queer, countercultural anthems of COBRAH, to the experimental edge of Ghostemane. Featuring death-metal font and dance-club fun, ‘Enemy’ is proof that Apricot’s roots are ready to run deep and true! Written By Thomas Hiscock FOLLOW APRICOT: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

I love trying to figure out what events unfolded to inspire songs. And if I can’t figure it out (or if I want to see an abstract connection), that’s when I let my imagination run wild – I theorize about the endless possible incidents that could have sparked the inception of a song. For example, what’s the offense the offending party committed that led to John Newman’s “Love Me Again”? The offense had to be deeply intimate if the offending party is begging the unfortunate recipient to take a chance on loving them once again. During my theorizing, I’ll occasionally stumble upon a song that both answers and satisfies my burning question of what happened for another song. Lily Moore's latest single, "Summer", meets this criteria. Bear with me, now: I think “Summer” depicts the event that inspired Newman’s “Love Me Again”. “Summer” is a soul-pop single that depicts a conscious party’s regret in a one-sided fling. A one-sided fling involves one of the participating parties being unaware of the connection’s status. This results in the unaware party investing deeper emotions into the connection with the conscious party. “Summer” begins with an infectious drum-driven rhythm that features catchy piano notes as Moore delivers the opening verses. In these verses, it’s established that Moore is singing from the perspective of the conscious party. While they had fun with the unaware party during the hot season – winter is approaching and it’s “time to go”. This is news to the unaware party, though. They were under the assumption that this connection ran much deeper than a fling. Instead of apologizing for the misunderstanding, the conscious party flips the script on the unaware party in the chorus. Moore’s vocals reach a dreamy high here while laying out examples that should have tipped off the unaware party about this connection’s status being a simple fling. From not calling them to kissing them with their “eyes open” – this forces the misunderstanding to become the sole responsibility of the unaware party when this misunderstanding was fostered by both parties. For anyone that’s ever found themselves to be the unaware party within a similar situation, you know how easy it is to put on rose-colored glasses and dismiss these examples as ‘quirks’. To discover that these examples are not 'quirks' while also being made to feel foolish for thinking they were, deals a considerable amount of pain to the unaware party. In the following third and fourth verses, listeners hear an apology for this misunderstanding, but it’s to alleviate the guilt the conscious party feels – not to acknowledge the hurt they unintentionally caused the unaware party. It’s not until the song reaches its bridge that listeners finally hear the conscious party’s regret, encapsulated with soft piano notes as Moore’s voice matches the solemn nature of the situation. The conscious party has come to the full realization of what they’ve done. “Summer” showcases the breakdown in communication within a relationship; highlighting the necessity of directly communicating what each party hopes to get out of the connection instead of relying on gestures that can take on multiple meanings or be misinterpreted. So, how does Moore's “Summer” relate to Newman’s “Love Me Again”? “Summer” has the capacity to operate as a prequel to “Love Me Again”. When we focus on musical production and the context of the lyrics (while pushing aside the fact that “Love Me Again” is ten years older), there’s similarities and a heartbreaking story to be told by connecting the two songs. The melody of “Summer” features elements that are emphasized and expanded on in “Love Me Again”. The horns within both immediately come to mind. Listeners hear a faint, yet distinct horn note throughout “Summer”. This is similar to the opening note of the horn section within the chorus of “Love Me Again” – the difference is that the first part of this note gets drawn out further. Symbolically, it accentuates the regret that’s felt within the two songs. This is where the overarching story comes into play. Whereas the regret in “Summer” centers on the conscious party’s realization of how indelicate they were with the unaware party’s feelings, the regret in “Love Me Again” centers on realizing that the connection ran much deeper than a simple fling for both parties. The conscious party has transformed into the offending party that’s seeking to reconnect and revitalize the connection. And the unaware party is now our unfortunate recipient faced with the decision of giving the connection a second chance. It becomes a story of not appreciating the relationships we have until they’re gone. But in the end, this is just the imaginings of someone that likes to theorize. Lily Moore is a singer and songwriter based in London, and graced listeners with their latest EP Before I Change My Mind, Again… earlier this month. The EP marks Moore’s determination and passion for songwriting; doubling as their return to music after enduring unsavory experiences within the music industry. The EP gives listeners’ a glimpse into Moore’s relationships and the lessons learned from them, with “Summer” being one of the six songs to be featured. For fans based in the U.K. there’s multiple opportunities to see Moore perform live this fall. In early September, they’ll be going on The Bookies Favourite Tour. Locations and tickets for the tour can be found here. Then, for all fans’ enjoyment, Moore recently launched their podcast, The Moore The Merrier with Lily Moore. The podcast is set to include multiple friends of the artist throughout the series discussing life with stories of the highs, lows, and everything in-between. And as always, if you've enjoyed Lily Moore's single as much as I have, show them some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW LILY MOORE:

Breakups take time. The initial act can leave an ache in both parties, and a loss of a pillar of support and love. For a very long time after, one’s feelings will stay stuck in their heart, giving the pain a place to latch onto. Vilhelm Buchaus’s recent release “Nothing At All” depicts this very feeling. The title alludes to the lyric repeated in the chorus and throughout the song, “You’re a part of my heart can’t pretend like we’re nothing at all”. In this song, Buchaus explains the feeling of how the person, relationship, and feelings don’t simply disappear after the lovers call it quits. He talks about how the memories are all of his finest, and how he “thinks about our [their] past as evergreen”. This comparison hints at the beauty and pureness of their relationship, and how it is nearly impossible to get it out of his head. The song itself is beautifully simple, which accentuates Buchaus’ soulful and emotional voice. The beginning is simply Buchaus’ heartfelt lyrics with an accompanying piano chord. Its naturalness allows the listener to really feel his emotions and understand the premise of the song. It slowly builds with guitar chords and background tracks of harmonies, but overall keeps the simplistic ideal. As the bridge starts, the background sounds fade away and you are left again with just Buchaus’ heartbreakingly sorrowful voice. However, as quickly as it faded the background returns, proving how his emotions eb and flow without warning through this trying time. Vilhelm Buchaus is a 21 year old singer-songwriter from Stockholm, Sweden. He has amassed over 1,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and has 3 singles released in 2023. He has been infatuated with making music since he was a child, and is self taught in multiple instruments. He signed with TEN Music Group in June of 2022, under whom he has released all of his music. Founded by Ola Håkansson, TEN is a Swedish based recording and production company that aims to sign talented and growing Swedish artists and introduce them to the world. Make sure to help along Buchaus on this journey, and follow below for more of his music. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW VILHELM BUCHAUS:

Bertie Newman has released a chilling and relatable song, "Home". Speaking of a past relationship, this song is meant to look into a window into the past. He speaks about going back “home” to the way things were before. The elegant piece softly delivers its lyrics to make you feel what it is like to almost drift away from a person while you are still together. Bertie explains that his song ‘‘Home’ is really a throwback to how I felt really anxious about my current relationship when it first started to manifest. I felt as if a mirror had been placed directly in front of me and everything that was good and bad about myself was being revealed". This song could be described as a soft ballad, pulling together various details of the past to create a story of truth. With gentle instrumentals, Berties voice is the focal point, guiding us through his story. Added vocal layering begins to stack upon itself. This tale echoes as it reaches the chorus, making us feel like we are following him through an ocean of emotion. Blending all of the notes to create this perfectly calculated song that paints a picture of love and pain, Bertie has offered us something truly raw and genuine. The ending of this song really speaks, finishing off with an overflowing, yet not controlling sound, and chilling vocals that allow you to truly think about what you have heard. This 22-year-old artist has found his inspiration in singing and songwriting. Releasing even more new music since the last time we heard him, this London native has grown quite a following. His true talents are blended together through powerful storytelling accompanied by exquisite sound, which has made him an unstoppable artist. Diving deep into topics such as mental health, and relationships Bertie has found his voice. He is authentic with his craft, learning more about himself with every song he creates. Stream "Home" now along with the rest of his EP, "Thoughts so Loud", and don’t forget to follow him down below! Written By Cate Schnoebelen FOLLOW ARTIST: BERTIE NEWMAN *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Just four tracks into Tom Grennan's third album and the pop singer-songwriter has already showcased the range of most artist's full albums. But he's still got 13 tracks left, and the fifth, "Before You," takes the Bedfordshire singer's earworm melody and daring maximalism to a whole new level. The album highlight shares the qualities of Grennan's best songs: indelible vocal melody, high-impact chorus, and colorful soundscape. It's the distinct emotional edge in his vocal performance, clashing brilliantly against the bright instrumentation, that transforms "Before You" into a masterclass in dynamic pop. As Grennan soars into the skyscraping chorus, he delivers each euphoric word with a daring abandon. Layered into the devotion and adoration is the sense that the singer is throwing his whole self into those feelings for the very first time. "Guess I thought that I was moving way too fast to fall in love." For Grennan, love never meant sticking your neck out and accepting the potential of getting hurt. He feels a little self-deprecating in regards to this ("Clueless, stupid, I didn't know what I was doing"), but that doesn't dampen the exhilarating promise of the future. "I never had someone to fight for, but now I do." The realization that he is all in with this relationship comes with the euphoria of understanding love on a deeper level. This is a love that brings out a new side of him, emboldening him to dive headfirst. "I used to only play to win, now darling I've got everything to lose." It brings the album's broader themes of rebuilding and starting new into full clarity. On "Before You," the start of positive experience is understood by its absence up until that point. "What Ifs & Maybes" is the third album from Tom Grennan, containing 17 tracks including "Before You." The album follows Grennan's breakthrough sophomore album, "Evering Road," which hit UK #1 on the charts. His latest album features hit singles, such as last year's "Lionheart (Fearless)" with Joel Corry. The Alternative Rock Act nominee is riding high off an arena tour, sharing his new LP's title, which sold over 180,000 tickets across Europe. His inspiring positivity is evident in his music as much as his actions (he ensured ticket prices remained affordable and accessible by forgoing VIP/platinum options). With each new release and creative endeavor, Grennan solidifies his place at the vanguard of alt pop. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Tom Grennan:

Why is everything more desirable when it’s forbidden? The answer is simple. We love the rush of adrenaline we get from hiding and not getting caught. The feeling is much like being on a rollercoaster. One such thing is a hidden love affair, for it heightens the passion when a couple is forced to keep their relationship hidden. Those who have never been in this situation can experience all these emotions by reading tales of star-crossed lovers, such as Romeo and Juliet. They can also listen to David Vandelay’s new single, “Hot Pursuit.” Every element of this track mixes to create a musical rush of adrenaline. The first thing I noticed about this song was the instrumentation. In the verses, the music is slow with drums and a smooth bass line. When it gets to the chorus, the drums speed up and the vocals become faster. There is also the added sound of violins. They were a subtle detail, but I liked it because it reminded me of James Bond. There were definitely plenty of “hot pursuits” in those movies. There are also lyrics to match, one of which is “I'll keep you alive, leavin' purple and blue.” Another aspect of the song that I liked was the ending. This last lyric asks the question, “Is it cheatin’ if you keep her in mind?” This line is not entirely new. In the chorus it says, “you’re not a cheater if you keep her in mind.” Still, this was an interesting way to end the track. The whole song talks about the excitement of a love affair, while the last line is considering all the people that could get hurt because of it. With that being said, I think the lyrics do a good job of representing every emotion involved, the good and the bad. David Vandelay is a U.S based singer/songwriter from Columbia, South Carolina. “Hot Pursuit” is his first release of 2023 and debut single! He definitely hit the ground running with this great upbeat pop song. If you want to hear more of him though, you won’t have long to wait! His next single, “Hindsight,” drops on June 30th! After listening to his first track, I know it’s going to be great. He is also working hard on his debut EP titled “All Fun..All the Time.” I really enjoyed reviewing Vandelay’s music. Follow all of his socials down below to learn more about him and stay up-to-date on new releases! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW DAVID VANDELAY

“Indigo” is a piece made in appreciation of beauty, life, and love. Through its lyrics actually describing the phenomenon and its magnetizing sound, Elvira Alfaro recreates the feeling of gravitational connection found between individuals. Whether this be a long lasting love, or a new sense of a relationship as she implies in the song, the euphoric sense of belonging she creates is purely based on chemistry. This is of course a love song, but Alfaro offers a unique approach not often seen when someone experiences such passion. That is, an appreciation for the passion and the wonder of the relationship itself rather than for the person found within it. In her description of her surroundings and the lack of one for the subject of her affection, she creates a song meant to be felt by everyone. It is personalized in its detailed layout of private emotions but obscure enough to be applicable to any sense of love, and here lies the mastery of it, the listener has no idea who she sings to when she says “you” and yet every listener has a clear image in their mind of who the song is about due to the intimacy of the feelings she’s so openly displayed. The song begins with the sound of a tape clicking into place and starting to play, an echoing electric beat being the song it holds. This fades into a more classic sound of acoustic as Alfaro begins singing. She describes her surroundings at first which quickly translates to her emotions. Her voice is soft and makes every note feel as if she’s confessing it. She’s a conversational singer, offering each line to her listeners as if she’s telling them a story, and her voice which begins so quietly and grows stronger as she sings offers the perfect tool for this. As personal as the lyrics may feel, Alfaro’s honesty to her very tone manages to create an even more emotive listen. Around the middle of the song, she starkly conflicts the sweetness that seemed to develop from the beginning with a surprising but tastefully unique twist into a faster electric guitar. This lasts only a moment before she begins singing with the acoustic again, admiring her surroundings and radiating peace. The electric guitar makes a few appearances in the instrumentals following, but sounding more at ease and even matching the tranquility of her general theme. She leaves the piece with the line “Everything is you”, attributing the power of this relationship and the marvel of the space around them to her partner. Elvira Alfaro is a Sweden based artist currently building up her discography as well as an extremely connected fan base. Her first release was only last year with the single “Space” which set the tone for her token indie sound comparable to that of artists such as Phoebe Bridgers. Since that first song, she’s created and released seven others, each an expression of genuine emotion and offering an example of her skill set vocally and instrumentally. Despite being such a new artist, her name has already been echoing through several articles and her music through tens of thousands of ears around the world. Join her growing audience by streaming “Indigo” now and follow Elvira below. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW ELVIRA ALFARO:

"Trust Fund Baby" is the first of four tracks featured on FLEUR ROUGE's upcoming EP. The fresh new single is a quirky and cheeky new addition to the electropop world. It follows FLEUR's usual songwriting style, drawing inspiration from her personal life and experiences. In a fun, playful way, "Trust Fund Baby" explores FLEUR's life growing up alongside more privileged people. The song's narrative takes a hard look at the advantages that come with higher social statuses and wealth, while the music keeps things more lighthearted and lively. A solid mix of catchy and bold, "Trust Fund Baby" is the perfect beginning to FLEUR's future EP. FLEUR ROUGE deviates a bit from her previous work, trading in her characteristic gritty beats and intense melodies for a more chill commercial pop vibe. The track is filled with prominent beats and edgy sounds, giving "Trust Fund Baby" an edgy, infectious soundscape. FLEUR's vocals range from dark and sultry to light and whispy, delivering unforgettable melodies. In her lower register, her voice is on par with artists like Banks or Billie Eilish, but when she crosses into her upper register, her voice takes on a quality comparable to Halsey. The nuanced sound created in "Trust Fund Baby" is reminiscent of many BANKS tracks, including "Lovesick," "Trainwreck," and "Gimme." FLEUR ROUGE, a half English and half French singer-songwriter, has made a fiery entrance into the music industry. Her first release was "Growing Pains," gracing our ears at the end of Feburary 2020. She has gained support from the likes of BBC's Music Introducing in Manchester and Spotify's editorial team, placing "Growing Pains" on Spotify's New Pop UK playlist. After her debut, FLEUR released a number of singles between 2020 and now, including "SHE," "Hype," "Gameboy," "What Makes You Think I Care?," and "Wasteland." FLEUR has cited several artists that serve as her creative inspiration. Some of those include Christine and the Queens, Lorde, Billie Eilish, and BANKS. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW FLEUR ROUGE: