There is something potently vivid and sensory about the scene singer/songwriter Maya sets on her latest single, "Designated Driver." The 24-year-old artist is blanketed in the night's atmosphere, but her voice is close and clear. It really does evoke the feelings of driving at night alone — or with someone who makes you feel alone. The first half of "Designated Driver" is powerfully quiet. Maya's silky vocals are richly detailed against the atmospheric synths and acoustic guitar. Drums and layers of vocals bring the song to its mighty crescendo. At its peak, the rumbling bass underscores a flurry of vocal harmonies and percussion. It sounds like speeding down the highway in a snowstorm. As she comes out of the other side, "Designated Driver" ends in the stark quiet where it began. Tying together these contrasting elements is the indelible sense of disconnect. Losing your connection with someone is one of the most heartbreaking subject matters. "We used to go everywhere," Maya winces on the second verse, "now you only call me up if there's something in your cup." It's universally relatable: only being useful to someone instead of cherished ("went from someone you love, to someone you needed"). The specificity of Maya's lyricism, however, elevates "Designated Driver" to both authentic expression and storytelling. "In the morning I'll forget that I swore I would let go of you for good," she admits. It's a story where the protagonist knows how it needs to end, but recognizes that it never will as long as she remains locked into the cycle. Pop singer/songwriter Maya began writing and recording original music at the age of sixteen. She first gained traction for her viral hit "Bittersweet," which released as the LA-based artist's third single. Maya's discography is wide-ranging, pulling from many corners of pop music, but cohesive in her captivating vocal melodies. In 2021, Maya released her debut EP, 21 Years to Realize, which has since accumulated over 750,000 streams on spotify. "Designated Driver" is released as her second single of 2023, following "Award Season." The official music video for her latest single is beautifully shot as a perfect companion to the sound and lyrics. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Maya:

I think one of the biggest shames of pop culture are the stereotypes it developed for the LGBTQIA* community for the sake of public palatability. It’s robbed members’ ability to express emotions beyond the confines of these stereotypes; simply put, it’s robbed us of any humanity. It also reinforces an unspoken expectation, too. By consistently portraying community members in the same confining caricatures, there’s then an expectation for us to uphold these caricatures in both public and private spaces. But thankfully, we have artists like Miki Ratsula who defy these expectations and reclaim our humanity. In their latest single, “blue balloons (featuring Semler)”, Ratsula takes listeners through the disheartening experience of being misgendered by a close friend. The indie-pop single “blue balloons (feat. Semler)” showcases how unintentional and accidental errors still leave a sizable impact. Most importantly, it reflects the cornucopia of hurt and questioning that occurs in the aftermath of this event. The single opens with folksy guitar plucking that leads into the first verse. Within this verse, listeners learn that Ratsula was misgendered at their own birthday party. Being misgendered is already an indescribable blow, but to have it occur on a day celebrating you and come from a friend – it has the ability to send you into a downward spiral of emotions. When a friend has known you for so long, there’s a history that’s been established. To forget something as simple yet crucial as pronouns feels like a betrayal of the time the two of you spent together. And it makes a person (whether consciously or unconsciously) reevaluate this time together. The reevaluation raises important questions regarding the legitimacy and depth of the connection; if the friend cares as deeply about you as they’ve made it appear - or if it’s even remotely close to matching the adoration you have for them. Questioning the friendship then evolves into self-questioning that downplays the accomplishments that were made to get to this version of yourself, which listeners hear in the second verse. Ratsula sings in the latter half of this verse: "What I’d give for one more wish / Not to see me as I was / But someone different". This takes listeners into the melancholy chorus sung with Semler that’s a rewording of Lesley Gore’s hit, “It’s My Party”; and there’s great irony behind this inclusion. Gore was a proud lesbian whose queerness was absentmindedly forgotten in the bulk of their obituaries after their passing. The reworded chorus serves a greater purpose than being catchy – it highlights the importance of identity and how little things like pronouns help fortify your identity. Then, to find out how excited Ratsula was in the lullaby-like bridge for their own party, to only have this excitement turn into grave disappointment – it makes my heart ache over the carelessness. Yet in the face of this event, Ratsula shows nothing but resilience throughout it all alongside Semler. Which is all we really can do in moments like this. And to Ratsula: I hope at the next birthday party you’re surrounded by people that understand the importance of being recognized as yourself in the present, and not as you once were. Finnish-American singer and songwriter, Miki Ratsula, has independently been releasing music since they were 16. Amassing a large community of fans that adore their transparency and honesty about their personal life before the release of their 2022 debut album, i owe it to myself. Ratsula is also no stranger to Pop Passion. In early May, we briefly covered their memorable feature in the review for Jules Paymer’s piano ballad, “The Daughter That My Mother Wanted”. Since the single, the Southern California based artist has been working on their sophomore album i’ll be fine if i want to, that’s set to release on October 6th. With "blue balloons (feat. Semler)" being a little taste of what's to come from the album. But if you can’t wait that long, Ratsula has live performances scheduled: they’ll be performing today at Los Angeles Pride, and Nashville Pride later this month on June 24th. Tickets for both pride events can be found here, on their website. Semler is a queer Christian artist with a mission to make religion more inclusive and welcoming of LGBTQIA* members. In 2021, their sophomore album, Preacher’s Kid, reached the top of the Christian music charts - becoming the No. 1 album. An achievement that both shocked and surprised the music industry. But the album resonated with masses of believers whose identities was never welcomed nor acknowledged by religious institutions because of their queerness. Semler’s music has sought to create meaningful discussions around an institution that preaches inclusivity, but only willingly offers it to some. Other singles to check out form the artist are their latest release “Faith”, and “Same Lover”. And as always, show the iconic voices of the queer community some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW MIKI RATSULA: FOLLOW SEMLER:

Familiarity is a concept, often, conflated with “safety” and “rightness”. Yet, what’s comfortable isn’t always good for us. Haiden’s new single “Pretty Little Addict”, addresses this non-intuitive emotion, feeling used as medicine, absent real friendship. He goes on to say “You only called when you needed to be saved”, a sentiment many (of us) have experienced or perpetuated ourselves. Thus, many people can likely relate to medicating using other people (some we may not even like), avoiding our own uncomfortable feelings. The song raises a critical yet important distinction—one between “comfortable” and “healthy”—challenging us to rewind old patterns, shattering through the familiar. Starting with groovy guitar plucking, the track reminds me of a dive bar—late night karaoke turning into a chill yet vibey concert. While the production primarily uses guitar hits and Haiden’s subdued voice (similar to a voice memo), the song surges during the chorus, using slow-but-steady drum beats (+ high hats) and vocal doubles. He repeats the main hook “You know I’ve had shitty exes but damn” throughout the song, an earworm that is extremely catchy. I really enjoyed the song‘s production trasnitions, a quick pause before launching into a villain-origin-story guitar riff, reminding me of something that’d triumphantly play in guitar hero. Haiden’s reverbed voice further fills up the soundscape while a glitchy production moment finishes the track. Having amassed 275K Spotify listeners, Haiden released his first single “Unless” (2021), which featured latinx-flavored production and cleanly delivered falsettos. From the punk-rock “Sorry To Your Next Ex” to the upbeat, Shawn Mendes-inspired "Can't Hurt Me”, Haiden packages the mainstream pop sound super well, adding elements of hispanic music and classical guitar. Reminiscent of popular artists (e.g. Troye Sivan), his recent single “Pretty Little Addict” foreshadows his upcoming EP, accounting stories of addiction and heartbreak. Having released his debut album “Good Grief” in 2022 and the somber, guitar ballad “Flight Attendant” earlier this year, I appreciate his experimentation with more emotional lyrics— songs that feel subtle yet resonant. I hope he continues creating, clearing seeing his songs playing on the radio in coming years! Written By: Conner Pettit FOLLOW HAIDEN:

In moments of deep stress, all you need is a warm mug filled with your favorite drink to unwind. These small and simple moments often go overlooked, but we need these simple joys to keep us motivated. The latest single by artist Lucie Glang, “Coffee” is a sweet folk-pop track that serves as a reminder of the small, yet beautiful moments in life through the form of someone bringing you coffee in bed. The song comes in with a lot of positive energy, as it creates a warm and sunny atmosphere that should provide comfort to anyone who listens to it. The positive atmosphere is enhanced by Lucie Glang’s vocal performance, as her voice is soft and sweet. The song is in collaboration with Joe Pope as he is the producer for this track. The song may be a simple acoustic track, but that’s all it needs to achieve its goal of reminding people of the small joys in life. “Coffee” is the next song to listen to, as it serves as a warm hug through the form of music. As previously mentioned, the song keeps it simple, as the primary instruments we hear in the track are a ukulele and an acoustic guitar, with Lucie Glang’s soft voice over it. The lyrics are very vivid as they paint the small moments when a person is receiving a mug of coffee. The song likes to have fun with the coffee theme, particularly with the lyrics “espressos sudden kicks” and “you add oat milk sometimes sugar.” The lines are silly in a good way as they add to the comforting nature of the song. Additionally, it’s always nice for listeners to see artists having fun with their work. What’s refreshing about the track is it doesn’t follow the usual simple structure we usually see, and it follows the beat of its own drum. While the song stays positive throughout, it also has times when it brings up those moments of sadness and anxiety, but it does this to provide evidence of how simple gestures are able to change the mood from dark to light. “Coffee” by Lucie Glang is a sweet summertime song to play when you’re trying to find peace in your life and is the next song you should add to your playlist. Lucie Glang is a musician from northern Germany who began releasing music in 2020 after writing music for over a decade. Releasing music for the public was a fear of hers at first, but she was eventually able to burst out of her bubble. She has worked with many producers from around the world online. Her style is centered around that classic folk-pop sound that works so well with her voice. In her writing, Lucie Glang likes to have different moments in her life and bring them to life as they have the ability to provide some comfort for her listeners. While her work does have a wide range of moments she portrays, her music remains warm and soft and it’s what adds to her charm as an artist. As she plans to release more music soon, she is definitely an artist you want to start listening to now. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW LUCIE GLANG: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Dutch Dj, Bingo Players, teams up with Swedish pop artist, Marlene, to present the banger of the summer, “Static Body,” that’s sure to get you up on your feet. When you meet someone who you instantly vibe with, you can’t help but fantasize about connecting more than just your minds. You can both try and fight it, but there’s a magnetic pull in the air that keeps brining you closer and closer. Energy is palpable, and the more you run away from your destiny, the harder it draws you in to tiptoe the line of pleasure. Your mind becomes your favorite movie because there you are superhuman, and you have the courage to make a move and act on your desires. You spend idle time creating fantasies of the moment you finally connect because you both can’t wait another second to get your hands on one another. As the summer heats up, and your relationship builds, the fantasy starts to seem like it could be a reality. Take a chance on love, and you might just end up with a euphoric experience that lasts much longer than the summer solstice. “Static Body” is the song of the summer, and after you hit play, your body will be anything but static. Chart-topper Bingo Players releases “Static body” just in time for summer. The sun-soaked, Italo Disco inspired song captures the essence of a beach club on a hot day. Swedish pop sensation Marlene takes it to the next level with her vibrant vocals. This feel-good dance/electro-pop anthem blends Marlene’s unique vocals with funky keys and bassline. From the producers of the platinum hit “Rattle,” this promises to be the go-to summer anthem. Bingo Players has been road-testing this banger in sets this year, and he will be playing across EU festivals all summer. “Static Body” is an irresistible dance floor heater that is sure to warm up any vacation. Bingo Players is a Dutch electro house and dance musical project created by DJ and producer Maarten Hoogstraten. Maarten knew from a very young age that music was his passion, and as his friends spent money on toys, he was breaking the piggy bank for every vinyl and CD he could get his hands on. The producer behind the hit EDM act, Bingo Players, got hooked on electronic music when he was a kid, listening to The Prodigy’s “Out of Space,” and wishing he could make the kind of tunes that were being played on Dutch radio. When he was a teenager, he met Paul Baümer. Paul would become his musical partner for the better part of the next 15 years until he suddenly passed away from cancer in 2013. Maarten and Paul discovered they were both making similar sounding music with the same program, and their partnership was kismet. Though they didn’t start out as DJs, once the demand grew for them to play out live, they learned how to mix. Overnight, they became regulars in the EDM circuit, playing massive festivals, like Electric Daily Carnival, Tomorrowland, and Coachella. In 2013, their track, “Rattle,” became an instant hit, and it charted in the Top Ten around the world. When Paul passed away in December 2013, there was an outpouring of support from the EDM community with peers like Hardwell, Steve Aoki, Kaskade, Skrillex and Armin Van Buuren paying tribute on social media, at shows, and in the press. As per Paul’s last wish, his best friend and musical partner continued making the music that brought joy and life to everyone who listened. Maarten now continues the name and continues Paul’s legacy. People use music to escape, and Bingo Players carries on creating music that makes people come together and have the time of their lives. Listen to “Static Body” and let the music transcend you to an Ibiza beach club in the heat of the summer where everything is possible! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW BINGO PLAYERS:

Abigail Fierce should be applauded for her cute and clever new addition to the pop-rock/pop-punk world. "Daphne" is an immersive track many of us can relate to, narrating the tale of having a crush on a stranger. It's an LGBTQ+ love song that depicts Fierce pining after an adorable barista with cat-eye eyeliner and a black beanie at her local coffee shop. Fierce would go to this coffee shop every Tuesday, seeing this barista who never wore a name tag, so the mystery barista soon became "Daphne." Initially, the track tells the story of 2 girls in love, but the bridge later reveals that Fierce has just been dreaming of her local barista the whole time. The fun new song comes in time to be the summer anthem we have playing on repeat. Abigail Fierce's "Daphne" is packed full of that exciting angst characteristic of the pop-punk and pop-rock genres. The track features face-melting guitar licks, creating a loud and aggressive soundscape. Embodying a nostalgic pop-punk/pop-rock sound, Fierce's edgy vocals deliver the song's charming lyrics. Her voice has a spoken singing quality about it, and the assertive timbre is reminiscent of LP and Avril Lavigne. Drawing inspiration from early 2000's pop-rock, "Daphne" is perfect for any enthusiast of that era and would fit well in a playlist with pop-punk/pop-rock icons like Paramore, Avril Lavigne, and Good Charlotte. Based in LA, Abigail Fierce is an LGBTQ+ alternative pop-rockstar. She's a talented multi-instrumentalist, playing all the instruments on her tracks (except drums). An impressive singer-songwriter, Fierce loves writing her own songs at 4 a.m. when she's alone. She has several endorsements, including PRS Guitars, Elixir Strings, and Ultimate Ears in-ear monitors. Fierce is also a guitar and bass model for Guitar Center. Aside from her music career, Fierce is an actor. Some of her notable appearances have been on Hulu's Love, Victor, NBC's This Is Us, Netflix's American Vandal, Paramount+'s Fantasy Football. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW ABIGAIL FIERCE:

“Numb”, a recent release from Cally Rhodes, opens with an upbeat soundscape and pop vibe, and quickly tumbles into lyrics depicting a story that starts post breakup. Rhodes briefly describes the relationship, saying they had “put a lot of time in”, and been through a lot together. However, this love-based stage of the song - as well as in the relationship - does not last very long, and the audience is brought into Rhodes' mindset. She states how she watched her ex move on with his life, completely forgetting about her, and how it hurt to see this relationship come to an end. However, her ex tried to sneak back into her life with a late night text, which Rhodes calls out and states that she “saw your name on my phone in the night”, but it was too late to recover from their sour ending. Rhodes had been left numb to his love, hence the name of this track. She begs him to cut her loose, as she is “done with loving you” and “would rather be numb than feel for you”. Clearly, Rhodes has strong feelings about this ending, which is assisted by her clever lyrics as well as the instrumental in the song. Filled with a bright ambiance, it is clear that she is not in tears about this breakup. The quick pulsation in the background seems to help move her story along, convincing the audience that this breakup is not something to waste time over. She spends no seconds on an emotional intro either, with the song opening right away to her fast paced electronic beats that continue on to the rest of the track. Similarly, the song ends with a sharp cutoff, allowing Rhodes to have the last word and adding a sense of finality to the breakup. Cally Rhodes has over 70,000 monthly Spotify listeners, has been streamed more than 20 million times online, and has had her music used in British reality TV show, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Originally from the United Kingdom, she has taken over BBC radio, and won multiple British accolades, including ‘Best Introducing Artist of the Year’ by BBC Introducing in Shropshire in 2018. She recently performed with UK boy band ‘Here At Last’ at 3 of their shows, and played multiple festivals last summer. She has almost 20 singles released on Spotify, and her career is only on a steep incline. We can’t wait to hear what the next drop entails. Check out the links below to hear the rest of her talented discography, and make sure to keep an eye out for more performances. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW CALLY RHODES:

It's hard to make decisions when it comes to life-changing situations, and sometimes it can seem as though it is impossible to make a good choice. In “Haunting Sounds of Love”, Neve Bowen contemplates the struggle of not knowing which decision is the right one. The artist continues showing her emotions by singing about feeling stuck in a toxic relationship. The talented lyricist details being manipulated and the loneliness that comes with making hard choices on your own. Although most love songs lead you into believing that love is a cathartic experience, Neve illustrates how love with an abusive person can be a cage. These raw lyrics are complemented by a soft instrumental that will leave you playing this single on repeat. This single has a beautiful and subtle acoustic sound. Throughout the track, there is this soft guitar riff that is joined by a gorgeous piano. The combination of these instruments gives off a stripped-down feeling that allows the singer to show her range and shine. “Haunting Sounds of Love“ is a combination of stunning instrumental, vulnerable lyrics, and an outstanding voice. The vocal performance by Neve Bowen in this song is fantastic and transports the listener when she harmonizes layered vocals. This track is peaceful, honest, and thoughtful and will have you trying to sing as breathtakingly as the artist, Neve Bowen. Neve Bowen is a 19-year singer-songwriter from London, United Kingdom. She released her hit debut track in February 2023 titled, ”Song for Anna”, quickly followed by her second song, “Deep Blue Ocean”, making her latest release her third single which she recorded in Sticky Studios in Surrey. In her music, the singer is beyond honest with her mental health struggles and serious topics. Neve finds inspiration from alternative music and her favorite artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush, and Pheobe Bridgers. Make sure to show this new artist some love by giving her song a listen and clicking the links below! Written By Stephanie Berning Revised By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW NEVE BOWEN: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Traffic”, Maryjo’s latest release, is a heartfelt ballad offering an expression of emotion concerning the lack of such feelings. It’s about a jam up, a pause, interrupting the usual flow of emotion, communication, etc. The song describes the feeling of being in a relationship where, no you're not the ones who have crashed, but you're also not going anywhere. Of course, this comes with frustration which Maryjo expresses beautifully through her passionately strong voice featured near the beginning and end of the piece; but, there is also a feeling of loss amidst these situations which can be found in the slower portions, the majority, of the song. This combination allows for the perfect representation of claustrophobia within a relationship, a feeling that is not often expressed with such ease. The song begins with Maryjo belting out her initial emotions. “I wanna love you so bad”, you can hear her passion, not even for the relationship necessarily, but for passion itself. She screams this as if it’s the first time she’s been able to. For the majority of the ballad, she sings as if she is actively breaking up with this partner. Beginning with a build up of aggravation, and then softening into an empathetic and grieving explanation. The piano featured in the background is careful not to interrupt her, keeping the pace and offering a saddened tone without being the focal point of the piece. Maryjo’s timing, the speed in which she goes through her lyrics and her loud silences after certain phrases, make the song a devastating and realistic listen into her thought process. As she sings about going down a rabbit hole, she speeds up and words spill out, but after each impactful description of the relationship, every admission that it should end, she grants a moment to take it in. The piece ends with a moment like this occurring after the last line “It’s like we’re stuck in traffic”. Maryjo was born in Knoxville, Tennessee as an immediate musical prodigy. She began writing songs as a young girl, and studying piano in only fourth grade, her stage fright being her only limitation. But even this would be quickly overcome with her appearance on a stage many would find more intimidating than any, the stage of American Idol. Her appearance in season nineteen of the show would serve as a form of “breakthrough”, opening the door for her to gain a record deal and release her debut single, “Love Fools”. Now, that single has over 400,000 streams on Spotify, following releases boast over a million, she holds over 1.2 million followers on Tiktok, and she has amassed fans across the country; all due to her pure authenticity and talent. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW MARYJO:

Brian Roettinger / Kesha: Gag Order, photography by Vincent Haycock (Copyright © Kesha, 2023) Something To Believe In Eat The Acid Living In My Head Fine Line Only Love Can Save Us Now All I Need Is You The Drama Ram Dass Interlude Too Far Gone Peace & Quiet Only Love Reprise Hate Me Harder Happy Originally Kesha Rose Sebert, the thirty-six year old is now a veteran in the music industry, releasing anthemic, digitally-inspired hits, like “We R Who We R” and “TikTok” , as early as nineteen. Signed under Kemosabe Records, Kesha has recorded countless successful singles, with songs like “Cannibal” resurging on TikTok earlier this year. As of late, she has been involved in a legal battle with former producer, Dr. Luke, detailing her ongoing journey through the albums “Rainbow”, “High Road”, and now, “Gag Order.” Along with producer Rick Rubin, they have paved a new road in dark-pop, expressing nuance and complexity rarely seen in modern music. 1. Something To Believe In “Something To Believe In” starts with soft, ambient piano (giving the image of a hospital waiting room), tension slowly building—serene yet terrifyingly silent. As the piano becomes increasingly louder, the song introduces these hard-hitting synths and resonant bass, repeating the song’s central hook “You never know that you need something to believe in.” Thereafter, the production surges in energy, incorporating punchy synths and spacey distortions that feel, almost, apocalyptic. I really appreciate how the song foreshadows the whole album (forecasting themes of complexity and ambivalence) with lyrics like “greatness is just a shade of madness” and “ego is just a phase of sadness”, breaking down the traditional structure of a song and reshaping it into something even better. 2. Eat The Acid Kesha’s debut single “Eat The Acid” begins with somber synths and haunting piano, akin to funeral horns, commemorating the loss of something important. She has said in interviews that the song took inspiration from a mom-and-daughter conversation, telling her to never “eat acid.” However, the lyrics feel open for interpretation, everything from grief, regret, to the everlasting effects of trauma. The song progresses with banjo plucking (uncommon in pop music yet super effective), becoming grungier as the song grows. Many lyrics contain religious connotations, like “hate has no place in the divine”, helped by the bright, almost celestial, backing harmonies. Her voice also contains a minor filter, making the message sound even more personal (like she is singing directly through the speakers). The track climaxes towards the end, surging with these bubbling arpeggios and interlacing melody lines, expressing a unique frustration and anger that you can feel immediately. 3. Living In My Head Carried by melodic humming and folksy guitar, the song feels stripped-back, containing a rawness unseen in her entire discography—perfectly capturing how tortured and overwhelming our thoughts can be. The track feels oddly healing, akin to being in nature, distancing ourselves from our inner thoughts. Some would argue that the vocals aren’t “polished” yet the style proves extremely effective (at one point, using a direct voice memo in the bridge). She says “I don’t want to be scared anymore, so scared of myself”, a feeling we all have likely experienced, fighting against a loss of control. This is the first (but not the last) song to make me cry— truly for anyone who feels trapped inside their head. 4. Fine Line Beginning with retro piano, Kesha provides a thoughtful reflection on the complexities of life. She says there’s a fine line between “genius and crazy”, “selling out and being bought”, and “hope and delusion”, referencing her ongoing legal battle with former producer, Dr. Luke. She expresses an important point—adversity doesn’t make you necessarily stronger. In fact, constant struggle can do the opposite, making you feel simply exhausted and burnt out. She states “Don’t call me a fighter; don’t call me a joke”, saying that she doesn’t need either label; she wants the battle to end. The song truly makes you reflect: am I actually living or just surviving? Am I hopeful or just delusional? Am I “letting go” or just giving up? 5. Only Love Can Save Us Now This song echoes “OG” Kesha (Ke$ha), reminding people why she became famous in the first place—writing addictive, dancey lyrics against fun, explorative productions. The chorus transitions into a gospel-sounding hook “only love can save us now”, reminding me of “Raising Hell” from the album High Road. The song is about letting go, embracing the good emotions over the negative ones (embarrassment, guilt, shame, etc.)— catered towards those who mainly listen to Kesha with a dollar sign, hopefully, warming them up to the new sound. 6. All I Need Is You The song progresses with organ-like chords, akin to sitting in the front row during a church sermon— a disembodied voice saying, “authentic love is beyond your control”. The track introduces these somber “ooooohs”, reminding me of Lord Huron, specifically, from the 13 Reasons Why movie. By far, this is the cutest (and maybe the first love) song I’ve heard from Kesha, making me smile while listening (knowing she has someone fully committed to her). She likens this person to “the sun”, saying she couldn’t imagine losing them. This is truly an ode to those who know us better than anyone else—and the ones willing to try. 7. Too Far Gone Starting with twinkling piano and soft drum kicks, the track feels heavy yet light, saying “Love comes with pain, I don’t know why”. The song leans into fuzzy-warm synths and gospel-like singing, creating a cozy space for reflection throughout. She poses the question “am I missing you or am I missing who I used to be”, nudging listeners to search for their own answers, sharing a common grief over losing who we once were. 8. Hate Me Harder This revolutionary and vulnerable song seems to be the most unfettered version of Kesha many have seen, answering common questions and fleshing out her ongoing legal battle. She says “I graduated from caring about your opinion”, directly speaking to her former team and producer. The track encourages listeners to stop caring about others‘ perceptions of you, bravely asking the haters to hate her more. The pre-chorus says “You say that I’m over, you say that I’m a has-been, you say I look older”, creating powerful yet freeing lyrical moment. She lets loose, vocally, as the song evolves, proving to be gut-wrenchingly effective. The song encourages everyone to be completely themselves—knowing authenticity will, inevitably, come with hate. 9. Happy This song has been my favorite from the album, acknowledging painful wounds yet providing messages of hope. I think many can relate to (wanting to) fix the past, wondering how things could be different if things happened differently. Throughout the album, Kesha references her career (“wildest dreams”) and communicates how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. The song, as a whole, speaks to how profound yet fleeting happiness truly is, feeding our universal desire to, simply, be happy. My favorite line being “I remember when I was little, before I knew anyone could be evil, these egos, some people '', expressing an innocence many of us long for. The song challenges listeners to refuse indifference and continue fighting for our own happiness. Reflections: This album has been my favorite body of work from Kesha, despite enjoying most songs she has put out. I think some people have a limited understanding of Kesha’s music (thinking of the older “party girl” aesthetic) yet she has continued to evolve since Rainbow and Highroad, which were amazing as well. I think the dark-pop sound is needed today, one stemming from true pain and genuine reflection. The album has been thought-provoking, comforting even, knowing that life can be difficult for everyone, often in unpredictable and brutal ways. I’m so proud of her, how far she’s come, everything! Written By: Conner Pettit Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | Tiktok | YouTube *copyright not intended. 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Madison Beer has released yet another impeccable track that gives fans a taste of what to expect from her upcoming album. “Home To Another One” is an energetic pop song that utilizes clever lyrics to describe the somber nostalgia felt after a break-up. Throughout the track, she recalls a failed relationship and wonders if they think about her like she thinks about them. The heartbreaking lyrics reveal that not only does she see her former partner in everything and struggles to let them go, but that they have moved on with a new girl. Now, Beer is stuck reminiscing on the lost relationship all alone and wondering if they ever miss her. In the chorus, she sings, “Call me, ‘baby’// I know you go home to another one// Say you hate me// It’s okay, boy, you’re not the only one// Another year, we’re still here// Call me, ‘baby’// I know you go home to another one.” She spends these few lines fantasizing about what it would be like to still be with them, but reality sits in as she remembers that he goes “home to another one.” However, the second verse contains bold lyrics that convey greater confidence that her former lover does, in fact, still think about her. Beer sings the cheeky lyrics, “Do you talk about me?// Like I still belong to you?// Do you? Do you?// Now you hold her gently// Don’t you wish you saw us through?// ‘Cause I do, I do.” These few lines are a stark contrast from the lyrics found in the remainder of the song, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster that Beer’s broken heart is enduring. She ingeniously portrays every stage of grief through the song, highlighting her clever songwriting. “Home To Another One” tells a detailed narrative about the yearning after a break-up through its insightful lyrics. “Home To Another One” consists of melancholic lyrics that are masked by the upbeat, infectious production. The track kicks off with a fast-paced harp playing elegant notes that create an ethereal atmosphere. A reverb effect increases as the song inches closer to the first verse, which is signified by a resounding boom. The harp continues into the first half of the verse, paired with only Beer’s angelic vocals, before a beat and a subtle bass are introduced in the second half. Throughout the verse, light airy vocals are heard in the background, and they become more prominent in the pre-chorus. Then in the chorus, the bass increases as a drum holds the beat for the first half while the harp decreases to the background. In the second half, the full production ignites as the drum strengthens, and a guitar plays a melody with heavy distorted effects. Then, a bass plays an individual note on repeat as the track transitions into the second verse. The harp returns to the forefront as the catchy beat guides the listener through the verse. An electric guitar is added to the later half, providing an additional dynamic to the unique production. As the second chorus enters, the track holds up the high-energy full production found in the first chorus. The transition into the outro contains only the guitar and drum beat before the vocals pick back up. Gradually, the instrumentation muffles and the track ends with only Beer’s soft voice singing the last line, “I know you go home to another one.” This beautifully closes the track by pulling emphasis on her heavenly vocals and wrapping up the song with the unforgettable hook. Madison Beer is a singer, songwriter, producer, and author from New York. In 2018, she independently released her debut EP, As She Pleases. The song included her hit song, “Home With You,” which peaked at #22 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart and earned her the title of the only independent solo female artist on the chart. After the massive independent success that proved her undeniable talent, she signed with Epic Records in 2019. Then in 2021, she released her debut full-length album, Life Support. Beer has seen immense support from top tastemakers in the music industry, such as Billboard, V Magazine, Nylon, and NME. “Home To Another One” is the fourth release from Beer’s upcoming sophomore album, Silence Between Songs. The album is set for release on September 15, 2023 and consists of 14 tracks. Beer has over 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify with over 3.5 billion streams across all platforms. She continues to grow her dedicated fanbase as she releases more relatable and passionate music for listeners to fall in love with. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW MADISON:

Some music feels locked in memories — like it was written, shoved into a time capsule, and the weight of time's passing aged into its sound. "Where You Are," the latest single from singer/songwriter Holly Blair, explores the past as it ages and frays. The translucent soundscape of synths provides a moody and murky atmosphere, like a lake blanketed in fog. Blair's vocals match the ethereal vibe perfectly, layering each syllable in breathy melancholy. The only textured surface to cling to is the gentle acoustic strumming. It's like frosty waves carrying you away as you shiver against a dock post. As Blair lifts into the chorus, her stunning voice carries a tidal wave's impact in its softness. As the final chorus pulls together its most solid-bodied sound, the clarity of Blair's words shift into focus. It's the realization that you aren't as lost as you thought you were. "Am I saying it all wrong?" Blair questions in her silky croon. She doesn't find any defining thesis on growing up, returning home, or the passing of time; instead, the alt-pop artist creates a vivid world through storytelling. "Grew up walking down your street, I don't know how we managed to never meet," she opens with. That feeling, being so close yet not connecting, carries into the reflective tone. "I was only fifteen, ten years later you mean everything." Distance—literal and abstract—is the underlying theme. Even the EP, One Step Away Is Too Far, is titled around it (which comes from a lyric in "Where You Are"). Distance seems to have given Blair a deeper understanding of the song's subject. "Ten years later, we are everything." It's not mere reflection she seeks, it's catharsis. "Where You Are" has released alongside Holly Blair's debut EP, ' One Step Away Is Too Far .' The four-track release, featuring previously released singles "See This Through," "Make It On My Own," and "Friday The 13th," was produced by Tim Carr (drummer for Perfume Genius). The EP revolves around self-reflection, fitting in, and creating peace. After teaching herself the guitar, Blair pursued music full-time until she had lost the ability to speak or sing for a year. After recovering and reflecting, she's dedicated herself to music without fear or hesitation. "Where You Are" released alongside a music video, filmed with her older brother in their hometown of Santa Barbara. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Holly Blair: