Healing from the past is an incredible, yet difficult journey. It takes time and effort to prioritize yourself and grow from what was once causing you emotional despair. For lots of people, this phase of life may be lonely and quiet. And for others, a special someone might come in and help you, making it feel like they’ve come at the perfect time. For Sam, he was facing some hardships and trying to break free from the past. Now, he's discovering how to enjoy and live in the present moment, while also working on becoming the best version of himself. However, a special person unexpectedly came along during his journey to join and support him. Along with this companionship, she brought a sense of belonging and security. By feeling secure, loved, and supported by someone who uplifted him at every step of the way, Sam began to realize that he found home. “ Home ” serves as a dedication and thank you to this person - the one who provided comfort and love in a world of his imperfections and tribulations. She is the embodiment of home to him. The majority of “ Home ” consists of Sam singing to his partner. During this, we hear him projecting his voice, accompanied by a rasp. This expression shows Sam’s passion for the person he's addressing and how grateful he is for her efforts during the challenges he faced as he worked on bettering himself. He begins the song by bringing attention to the significance of the present moment. He has learned to embrace it, while also breaking free from the past. It's important to adopt this mindset because attaching yourself to your past negative experiences can stop you from appreciating the positive things right in front of you, or noticing the opportunities that lie ahead of you. It’ll weigh you down and pause your progress. He makes this learning moment known by starting the song with: “ Life is good right now, but it doesn't mean it always was. I had to try so hard to be the man I knew I was.” Multiple times throughout the song, Sam shares that his partner coming into his life has taught him what it feels to be at home - to feel warm, to feel a sense of belonging, and that everything currently happening is meant to be: “ You bring me home and home is a place where the heart is never cold,” and, “Cause I don't ever wanna feel the way it did without you here. Never sleeping in this bed alone. You brought me home. You showed me a place where the heart is never cold.” The constant recognition and appreciation for his other half for basically the entirety of the song is absolutely adorable. A person who keeps one that they love in high spirits and standing by their side while they’re bettering their mental health and emotional well-being is a blessing. I’m sure the listeners will appreciate the vulnerability, honesty, and special connection that Sam is showcasing to the world. Sam Heselwood is a pop singer and songwriter who grew up in Darfield, New Zealand. The stigma of “ men don’t cry ” is essentially thrown out the window when it comes to Sam’s discography because he explores themes of love, mental health, and family. This is done intentionally to share his feelings and in order to help others learn that its okay to express yourself, or to relate from his words. Sharing your emotions, especially as a singer who shares stories and music with the world, can reach the type of audience who’s struggling with that. Fun fact! Sam used to be a rugby player and music wasn’t his intention until he was encouraged by his primary school teacher to try, and eventually found himself captivated by it. He wrote his first song at the age of 19, and at 21, he entered the Golden Guitar Awards in New Zealand and landed as a finalist for his song, “ High Off Love .” Check out Sam Heselwood’s latest single, “ Home ”, out now on all streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW SAM HESELWOOD:

“Pretty Boy” reflects on misconceptions commonly found within relationships. She describes the pain found in her experience and the cruelty found in this boy but always with a description of it as “pretty”. This is a song for those who can feel the “rose colored glasses” resting atop the bridge of their nose but won’t take them off. The romantic tone of the piece loops the listener into the false beauty found in this heartache, as the subject she describes does with his own loving words. This is a love song, so full of admiration that even amidst the turmoil he seems to put her through, Tomlinson manages to make this boy sound like a dream. The piece reflects her own admirable dedication and caring nature even in the harshest of environments. The song begins with a soft piano which is quickly edited into a higher pitched and more haunting sound after only a few seconds. Her own voice matches this theme, carrying the words “pretty boy” as a siren song past the music. She describes several instances of wrong doing on the boy’s part, followed immediately by an excuse or an example of love for him on her part. This goes on until the music intensifies and we reach the chorus. Here, the song sounds nothing short of magical, with Cate’s echoing voice swallowing everything else. She again describes instances of heartbreak but with that key word before it, “pretty”. “Pretty” is the boy that leaves her and the hands that hurt her. Cate Tomlinson began exploring her talents in music as a young girl by playing the piano, an instrument still predominately used in her current work. She would perform for family and friends at first, but by the end of high school, she was working on building a genuine music career. She collaborated with established artists and by 2020, had released her first single “Muse”. Since, she’s released nine singles and an EP, with her most popular song “Favorite Boy” gaining over 100,000 streams on Spotify. She continues to make and study music to this day, now majoring in Music Industry at Northeastern University. Follow her below and stream “Pretty Boy” to stay updated. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW CATE TOMLINSON:

Abby Carey, a newer artist in the music scene, has combined subtle pop sounds with intense rock instrumentation in her latest track, "On Your Own." It begins with soft, sadder music, but it builds into loud, angry sounds. It starts with lyrics "Take your shit and leave now" as she expresses her frustration, disappointment, and hurt over a breakup. Cutting someone off can be difficult, and in this track, she sings about how the other person is selfish and did this to themself; she will not be answering their calls or give them more chances. The emotion in the vocals, lyrics, and production made it a standout track. When the track begins, Abby Carey expresses her sadness and disappointment with lyrics asking someone to leave, saying she does not want to see them, and "a friend would never say the things you did." This builds into a section where she is reflecting on the relationship and wondering if there is anything left. Just over two minutes into the song, it shifts from the subtle, electro-pop into an angrier rock wall of sound as she sings about her frustration and pain. The song is jam-packed with powerful lyricism like "But I know you better than you know me" and "Begging for a chance / But I'm not gonna answer / You're on your own." She paints the picture of just feeling done with someone. Abby Carey is a rising pop singer-songwriter based in LA. She focuses on writing lyrics based on anecdotes of her life and others. She aims to combine her vivid storytelling with catchy pop hooks, which can be seen in this track, "On Your Own." Her pop and rock sound could be compared to other young women in the pop industry like Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish. If you enjoyed this track, make sure to check out the other singles that she has on her streaming platforms. You can also keep up with all the latest information on her music by checking out her social media accounts that are linked down below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW ABBY CAREY:

Just in time for pride month Laila drops an endearing track that celebrates love and accepting yourself. I Like Girls is a track that every queer girl can appreciate this pride month. This record is smooth and easy to listen to. Calling on bubblegum pop with its shimmering instrumentals and sprinkles of country. I Like Girls is a pride anthem that opens the door for queer representation from the female perspective. Discovering who you are later in life is never a bad thing and can lead to new adventures. The innocence of a crush is wrapped up in a tale of self-expression and identity. After being asked on a date by a superstar, Leila was sent on a journey of self-discovery. She began questioning her sexuality and ultimately discovered she likes girls. This track was the product of her journey. The record shows off the sweetness of Laila's vocals as well as the immaculate production quality of Jon Pike and Brandon Pero. The record is an earworm for sure. With its infectious chorus, you can't help but sing and bop along after just one listen. We're treated to lively pop country-influenced instrumentals that match perfectly with the playful lyrics that seem to help with the bounciness of the track. I Like Girls is a playful and easy record with all the makings to be a summertime pride anthem. Laila is a Canadian singer/songwriter and actress. She began her musical journey with the pop Duo Your Paris. The duo was featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist and CTV’s Your Morning. Her music since going solo has always been authentically hers. With undeniable vulnerability and irresistible sweetness, her sound is unmatched. She has been compared to icons such as Carly Rae Jepsen with her glittery pop anthems. Laila is in a league all her own on the nose lyricism and bubble gum soundscape she is on the verge of becoming a massive star. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW LAILA:

Estella Dawn never fails to create unforgettable pop masterpieces that prove her undeniable superstar-level talent. Her latest single, “Didn’t Occur To You,” is another addition to her flawless genre-blending discography, complete with clever lyrics and phenomenal vocals. The track is a vulnerable break-up song about yearning for a lost love and hoping they will return. Through insightful lyrics, Dawn brilliantly conveys the hopeful thoughts racing through her mind and the unrelenting heartache she is enduring. While she is stuck in this never-ending cycle of wishful thinking, she cannot help but wonder if her former partner is thinking the same thing. But in the end, the clever hook is revealed in the chorus that this may not be the case. Dawn sings, “I bet it didn’t occur to you// That I still sit here wondering// Didn’t occur to you// That I still reach out for what might have been// Every time I go to call ya, call ya// Out of the blue, never do// ‘Cuz maybe you don’t remember it like I do.” These heartbreaking lyrics suggest that unlike Dawn, her former lover does not think back on their relationship and wonder what might have been. They do not experience the same nostalgic feelings that she does, and in the end, she will never get the reunion that she wants. She daydreams about the moment they will call her up or show up unannounced at her front door, but they never do. With each second passing where they do not return, Dawn’s hope slowly fades away as she realizes the reality of the situation. The lyrics paint this despondent picture vividly, further demonstrating Dawn’s impeccable songwriting talent and adding “Didn’t Occur To You” as another incredible track to her remarkable discography. Estella Dawn is an underrated pop superstar that not only writes her own music, but she also produces every one of her flawless tracks. With “Didn’t Occur To You,” Dawn highlights her unmistakable talent through her outstanding vocals and the infectious production. The song begins with a brief synth build up that is cut short by Dawn’s voice, signifying the beginning of the first verse. The powerful vocals lead the verse, with a keyboard playing the melody in the background. The second half of the verse introduces a synth beat as the song inches closer to the energetic chorus. The production mutes for a brief moment before the track explodes, bringing an emphasis on the clever hook. The high-energy instrumentation paired with Dawn’s phenomenal vocal range showcases the desperation and emotions behind the lyrics, making the audience feel the pain and heartache the singer is experiencing. The song maintains a steady structure between the choruses and verses. Then in the post-chorus before the bridge, the production takes a unique turn. A high-end guitar riff is introduced, providing an additional layer to the track. The bridge slows down to only a synth bass and Dawn’s strong vocals. Soft, reverb effects can be heard on her voice that creates an ethereal ambiance to the song. The instrumentation pauses for the last line of the bridge, pulling attention to Dawn’s voice right before she hits a phenomenal high note that leads into the outro. The full production returns while Dawn closes out the track by singing the hook. In the iconic Dawn fashion, she ends a song with outstanding vocal harmonies and riffs that prove that she is not only an ordinary singer, but that she is a legendary superstar in the making. 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:

Losing a loved one can be an extremely difficult thing to go through. Whether they were family or a friend, death is tragic. And sometimes, given the situation, it can be hard to come to terms with everything going on. Luckily, Neon Dreams understands this pain and released their newest song “Stardust” with the hopes to help other people grieve when dealing with loss. The duo, made up of vocalist Frank Kadillak and drummer Adrian Morris, described the process of creating this song, where after hearing various stories from fans of how they lost someone close in their life. The lyrics are so well thought out and beautiful. “You’re the air that fills my lungs when we turn to stardust,” is a reference to something the duo was once told by a friend. She described how we are all made up of the same materials as stars, thus, we are stardust. It’s a beautiful thought, and in a way, makes the idea of death easier to process. I’m very glad that Neon Dreams opted to base a whole song around this, as we could all use a little bit of comfort when grieving. This is genuinely such a unique song. I haven’t found myself getting emotional just off the instrumentals in a song in a while, but the guitar in the song was so simple. Paired with the stunning vocals from Kadillak and the heartfelt lyrics, it’s no surprise that this song was quickly added to my “Favorites” playlist. Neon Dreams has a style of music VERY similar to Coldplay, and honestly, I’d say that’s a good thing. This duo is refreshing, with songs that pull on your heartstrings and a sound that sounds so familiar… yet so new. I first listened to this song with my eyes closed, wanting to simply enjoy the song. But I soon found myself in a dream-like state, more relaxed than I had been in a long time. It’s not often a song that is able to put me so at ease. When the duo described the song as “feeling like a warm hug,” they really weren’t kidding. Kadillak and Morris first started Neon Dreams back in 2015, and they released their debut album Sweet Dreams till Sunbeams in 2019. Since then, the band has experimented with making different styles of music, trying to find what would stick. This really opened the eyes of the people around them, and they quickly became a success. However, when Kadillak discussed how the band needed to change, he and Morris decided to start writing music that would help people, make them feel good, cheer them up, and help get them out of hard times and dark places. This change only boosted the duo further, and now, they rank in over 222 thousand monthly streams on Spotify. Furthermore, in 2020, the duo won the JUNO award for Breakthrough Group of the Year. These guys have so much success awaiting them in the future, more so than they’ve already received. And I’m glad I have a new favorite song to help me through the difficult period of loss. Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW NEON DREAMS:

A simple acoustic guitar chord can go a long way, and for some songs, it is all that is needed to aid the talented storytelling accompanying it. This is beyond true for TAYLR’s new release, ‘the Blue’. The song begins quietly, with the heartbreaking lyric, “I used to think the cells in my body would sink / as all of my love overflowed and I wondered / ‘were we ever meant to be?’” This idea of lost love and attempts to find yourself weave throughout the song, and pair with TAYLR’s clear and expressive voice to take an artistic approach to depicting the heartbreaking end of a relationship. Dubbed ‘the thinking person’s songwriter’ on Spotify, it is clear that TAYLR’s music is unadulterated thoughts with a musicality woven through to drive home their heartbreaking lyrics. TAYLR’s TikTok reveals that they wrote the song in hopes to reach “anyone who’s ever fallen out of love so hard that they fell into themselves' ”, and it seems to have done just that. The bridge begins quiet, with simply a repeating guitar chord and the phrase “Find my way back home”. Slowly, ambiance is added and the singing becomes more intense as the phrase continues to loop. This then grows in a swell that is almost cinematic - you can almost see TAYLR finding themself in the rubble of the relationship, turning the love they once shared into a love that is brought back into themselves. However, as independent as they can be, the song ends with TAYLR wondering if they will be able to see them one last time while wandering the streets they used to walk together. This is a true representation of healing from a relationship gone wrong. You can be completely healed and better off this way, and a small piece of you will still look for them in every place they once were. TAYLR is a singer-songwriter based in Calgary who only has three singles released on Spotify, but has quickly accumulated almost 1000 monthly streams. Each of these three singles are full of TAYLR’s clear voice and raw guitar acoustics, demonstrating a recurring style and immense talent for story-telling. Their Instagram (@officialtaylr) is scattered with handwritten notes, voice memos, and performance photos, emitting a vibe that correlates to their singles: purely human. They recently performed twice at Toronto’s North by Northeast Festival, and before that started a series called “Tea Time with TAYLR” at the Residence Inn in downtown Calgary, where they sat and played music with other artists, and simply connected with fans. Make sure to follow along with TAYLR’s through their social media below, and stay tuned for more heart wrenching tunes. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW TAYLR:

Faye Fantarrow via Instagram. Sometimes, I just don’t have the motivation to do any work. Sometimes, I’m so unmotivated to do any work that I have to trick myself into doing it. I like to split up the time: I have five days of work ahead of me, that’s 50 hours in total. But if my co-workers are late – and they’re always late – I’m realistically looking at 58 hours a week. That’s about 11.5 hours of work a day, and I usually take a break in the middle of that shift. So, for every (approximately) six hours of work, I get to look forward to some momentary relaxation. Splitting up the time doesn’t always give me the motivation I need, though. That’s when I must fantasize about the weekend – and I know I’m certainly not alone in this. Faye Fantarrow’s “The Weekend” captures the zeal we have for the upcoming weekend after just barely making it through a grueling work week. “The Weekend” highlights Fantarrow’s unique vocal style and the growing dissatisfaction with the current, universal work-life imbalance. The single opens with Fantarrow delivering the first verse and pre-chorus; hitting listeners with spoken-word lyrics as echoing piano notes fade in. Within the opening lines, our artist gives us a clear-cut picture of the work-life balance that the people of modernity face: they aren’t working to live – they’re living to work. Our lives shouldn’t center around the workplace, but they unfortunately do and as of right now, there’s not much being done to change this unhealthy dynamic. In such a miserable situation, the only glimmering hope working people can look forward to is the weekend. An ensemble of orchestral thumping suddenly uplifts the mood of the song and turns this bleak circumstance right on its’ head, signaling that the weekend has finally arrived. The second and third verses encapsulate how the work-life imbalance makes us decide to do things that aren’t in the best interest of our “health, but [we] ain’t got nothin’ else” - so, we might as well enjoy these little luxuries while we can before returning to work. This all builds towards a swelling revenge synth-inspired bridge that makes listeners think about weaponizing their competence in the workplace; a rightful punishment I think for imposing and upholding this work-life imbalance to begin with. The accompanying music video for “The Weekend” was shot in the artist’s hometown of Sutherland, U.K.; and is the fourth single to be featured on their debut EP AWOL. The EP showcases Faye Fantarrow’s engaging storytelling and their soul driven delivery topped with striking signature vocals. The alt-pop artist signed to Dave Stewart’s (of the Eurythmics) Bay Street Records in 2021. Fantarrow also received the Alan Hull Award the same year for their impressive songwriting in addition to becoming one of BBC Introducing’s standout artists for the following year. In the mist of recording their EP, Fantarrow was unfortunately diagnosed with a possibly fatal glioma brain tumor. The tumor is believed to be the result of battling and overcoming leukemia twice since their childhood, but Fantarrow is determined to beat this as well. While the crowdfunding campaign to raise the £450,000 needed for their life-saving treatment has ended, fans can still support Fantarrow by streaming their EP and earlier singles to keep the formidable musical force with us for as long as we can. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW FAYE FANTARROW:

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing on a past relationship that just felt too good to be real? Sometimes when we lose something so amazing with someone, it's hard to find anything like it with anyone else. Your standards are high because of the experiences you've had, and nothing else can compare to that feeling you once knew. It takes everything in you not to pick up the phone just to hear your past love's voice again. It can be bittersweet because you are glad you were able to have something so special, but it hurts that even after a longtime, you haven't been able to find anything better. This is the feeling that RABEA touches on in her new single, "BY NOW". "BY NOW" is an emotional, cenematic experience that takes on a journey to a dreamy, ethereal, spiritual type of place. A cellist first and foremost, RABEA orchestrates a soundscape that will have you lost within each second of this song. With high reverb, synthesized harmonies, and lyrics that tug at your heart strings, "BY NOW" is a perfect song to listen to if you need a good cry; and you don't have to be sad. The beauty of the instrumentation in this song is enough to bring a happy tear to your eye. RABEA's stunning and soft vocals ring through the melodic stratosphere of this perfectly crafted masterpiece. It's almost like you can, literally, feel the sounds flowing through your soul. RABEA is a European cellist and alt-pop artist from a small village in Germany. The cello was her natural calling, but she decided to take her music to a whole new level. Infusing classical features with modern alternative pop, meaningful lyrics and electronic production, RABEA has discovered a whole new wonderland of experimental sounds and euphoric melodies. She has created a style that is uniquely hers, and that everyone is bound to relate to and fall in love with. If you enjoyed "BY NOW", make sure to check out her other recent single, "Kingdom". Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW RABEA:

Many people yearn for romance but miscalculate how uncomfortable closeness can feel—an endless push and pull. In Noak Hellsing’s new single “Die Without Letting You Know”, he details genuine commitment struggles, describing how his fear blocked a developing relationship. He says “It was always you I’ve been searching for so long” and “I was too scared of getting too close”, a universal yet rarely discussed topic in modern pop. Many can likely relate to dodging vulnerability in order to avoid painful emotions, no matter how small. Thus, the song encourages everyone to express their true feelings, knowing that the truth, even hard truths, can set you free. Starting with acoustic guitar, Noak’s brightly smooth voice sets the stage for his indie-pop sound, reminding me of artists like Alexander 23 and Jeremy Zucker. As the song flows, the production introduces warmly deep bass guitar and melodic knocks (similar to a marimba), adding to the vintage and heartfelt atmosphere. The song jumps into a vibey chorus, using prominent drums and celestial, almost airy, vocal harmonies, underlining the track with a relaxing quality. The energy continues into the second verse, climaxing at the chorus, using somber piano and psychedelic guitar plucks while Noak’s voice concludes with a sweet sounding, oceanic filter. While listening, I could clearly imagine an evening drive, all windows down, wind blowing, and one hand riding against the wind. The 20-year-old Swedish singer/musician began playing guitar at an early age, inspired by his family’s musical tastes and leanings. Since then, Noak has quickly amassed 28 million streams (across platforms) all within a four year span, releasing his first single “Lost” in 2019. Writing everything from heartfelt ballads (e.g. “Good Enough”) to the dancey, head-bumpy “Desire” (2021), his music details new relationships, wrought with nuance and insight that‘s often lost upon up-and-coming artists. Currently signed to TEN Music Group, Noak is soon to release his debut EP “YESTERYEAR”, expanding upon his classic indie-pop sound. I am excited to see what he releases next, having already added the song “Die Without Letting You Know” to my playlist! Written By: Conner Pettit FOLLOW NOAK:

It can be very difficult to be in a relationship where it feels as if you’re being underappreciated, and your needs come after others. When you love someone so much, it can lead to you caring for their every need and neglecting your own. It’s one of the risks you take when you fall in love and leaves you needing reassurance from your significant other. “Nobody Loves You Like I Do” by artist Rachel Newnham is a beautifully vulnerable track that discusses these complications in a relationship. The song explores emotional complexity in a deeply moving way and it is clear that Rachel Newnham is a true writing talent. Her vocal performance as well stands out in the song, as it is sweet and smooth. “Nobody Loves You Like I Do,” tells an interesting story that is musically executed in the best way. The song starts off as a simple piano ballad that eventually begins to build upon itself. The beat added during the pre-chorus gives the song I little more kick and changes the direction we think the song is going in. The transition into the chorus is quick and it doesn’t steer too far off from the song's pace or sound. The lyrical content in the track paints detailed images of different moments in the relationship where the speaker looks back on times when they are completely devoted to their partner. The song builds up more toward the end and does well in wrapping up everything to create a nice ending to this story. Overall, “Nobody Loves You Like I Do” is a great track and it shows the level of talent Rachel Newnham has. Rachel Newnham is a singer-songwriter from London. After trying to get into the drama scene, she eventually ended up on the BBC 1 gameshow, “I Can See Your Voice.” She gained a lot of attention from the show, additionally, she got up to the top 10 in a Tate McRae songwriting competition. She has gained quite a bit of popularity on TikTok, having 1.2 million likes on the site. It is clear that she is very proud of how far she has been able to come from where she began. “Nobody Loves You Like I Do” is Rachel Newnham’s debut single so we’re getting to see her at the start of something big. She definitely is an artist you want to look out for due to her incredible talent. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW RACHEL NEWNHAM: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Photo: Kelsea Ballerini via Twitter Kelsea Ballerini commands a stage in a special way that makes her show seem like the most magical place on earth while simultaneously feeling like an intimate hangout with an old friend. With the HEARTFIRST tour, Ballerini puts on a performance that will be remembered by fans for decades. I had the honor and privilege of attending the Highland, California date for the third and final leg of the tour. Additionally, I also had the opportunity to attend the Los Angeles show during the first leg of the tour back in October 2022. Attending both shows at different venues, along with slightly altered setlists, allowed me to experience the tour in a unique way and fall in love with Ballerini all over again. Being a fan since 2015, I have lost count on the number of times I have seen her live. I have seen her as the headliner at multiple shows, an opener for artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, and the Jonas Brothers, and even at a private event in 2017 for the ACM Sessions series. After all these years and all these shows, I will never tire of seeing Ballerini perform. Her dedication and passion are what make her one of my top favorite artists to see live. She consistently puts on an energetic performance while engaging with the crowd and showcasing her humorous and lighthearted personality. At every single show, she emphasizes to her fans that her concerts are a safe space for them, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, or race. She makes every single person in the crowd feel love and accepted, even if they never even met her. As she wears her heart on her sleeve, she invites the audience to do the same and she emits a ray of sunshine so bright that you cannot help but feel joy in her presence. If you have never seen Ballerini live, this is your formal invitation to seek out tickets so you can finally see what you have been missing! Although Ballerini is primarily country, she blends the sounds of pop, rock, and R&B. There is a song for everyone, no matter what their taste is. Earlier this year, she released a six-track EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, that perfectly showcases her genre-blending style. Four out of six of these songs made it on the permanent setlist, which made the difference between the first leg and the third leg. “Interlude” and “Blindside” are her two most pop and R&B influenced tracks and my favorite performances of the show. Perhaps that may be biased because they are also my favorite songs on the EP, but I was so excited to hear these songs live. Each track on the EP brings an insight into her once private divorce that has since become a public spectacle. After baseless rumors and petty gossip, Ballerini decided to take matters into her own hands and tell her side of the story, making this her most vulnerable project to date. Going into the show, I knew these songs were going to be tear-jerkers and I came prepared to cry. You could feel Ballerini’s gratitude and love when the audience would scream these delicate words back at her, letting the singer know that we love her and support her. After Ballerini “ended” the show with “I GUESS IT CALL IT FALLIN’”, she returned for an encore that took fans on the most heart-wrenching, emotional journey of the entire show. Even after singing “Interlude,” “Blindside,” and “Mountain With a View,” all which are from her emotional EP, Ballerini really hit us in the feels when she came back to sing “Penthouse.” The vulnerable song, much like the others on the project, cut deep and reveal what led up to the ending of her marriage and the immense pain she has endured. But similar to how Ballerini’s songs support her fans through their hardships, the audience returns the favor by giving her the reassurance that we love her no matter what. One crucial line in the song goes: “But now I don’t know where you’re sleeping, baby.” However, Ballerini has taken this line and twisted it into what is called "the healed version." Instead, she sings, “And I don’t care where you’re sleeping, baby!” bringing emphasis to her mended heart. Now, fans take this line and scream it back as loud as possible, showing the singer that we are proud of how strong she is and that we have her back. It is a sweet moment that is bound to give every single audience member, especially myself, full body chills and uncontrollable tears. Ballerini was made for the stage. Not only does she have a compelling stage presence that mesmerizes every single person in the room, she has the voice of an angel and the stamina of a marathon runner. She hits each note flawlessly and has an unbelievable breath control that can top even some of the most famous superstars. Her voice sounds exactly the same as it does recorded, yet she includes new vocal riffs and key changes that showcase her unique range and her undeniable talent. Not only does she sing and dance, but she interacts with fans and even ran through the crowd to sing on a B-Stage. At this show, she allowed a random fan to come on stage and sing with her, signed her name for two fans so they can get it tattooed on themselves, and read aloud many signs. With multiple outfit changes and beautiful background images, the show has a captivating aesthetic that makes it impossible to look away. She makes the show unique each night and turns the stage into a casual hangout spot. Her relationship with her fans is a special kind of love. It is obvious that we mean as much to her, as she does to us. Ballerini deserves more recognition by the country music community and the music industry as a whole. Hopefully after her nearly completely sold-out tour, she will finally get the recognition and praise that she deserves. She only just started the final leg of this tour, so check out her socials and website to see if she is stopping at a city near you! Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.