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At the beginning of most new relationships, your partner seems extremely nice, caring, and very devoted to you. However, in some cases, the initial kindness is a mask for all the future wrongdoings this person will accomplish. As Belot puts it, “spontaneous flowers could also be red flags,” and she really drives this point home in her new single “Cool Whip.” Throughout her explosive new single, her colorful “awkward pop” style is emulated. Belot has always had a love for this genre, and she is not afraid to shout that from the rooftops. “Cool Whip” is everything you think of when you hear the word “pop”: upbeat, catchy, and explosive. It’s the type of song you want blasting in your car with the windows down on a sunny day. The intro to this song sets the scene for Belot’s well-cultivated bright and pop aesthetic that will take center stage in this song. Her voice immediately captures our attention in the first verse, backed by a consistent drum rhythm that gives the song its catchy nature. It is a voice perfectly suited for pop, and the song itself is similar to something you would hear from Dua Lipa. The beat in the chorus will make you want to get up and start dancing immediately, as it is accompanied by a mirage of instruments that you can’t help but move along to. A few new instruments are introduced in the second verse, giving this song an almost groovy pop feel. The tune is unique, and it will definitely be stuck in your head. Maya Belot is based in London, where she is making a name for herself as an “awkward pop” pioneer. By the age of eight, Belot was teaching herself guitar and by the time she was twelve, she was using a laptop to record her songs. She released her ep “Harmless Fun” in 2022, and it has done extraordinarily well. Songs from the ep were featured on BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders and the Spotify Indie Pop playlist (that has a whopping 1.6 million followers!). Also in 2022, Belot performed on many stages, most notably a sold-out headline show at London’s Paper Dress Vintage. Now in 2023, Belot is back with her single, bound to make some noise. We are excited to see how well this song does! Written By Molly Schiff FOLLOW BELOT:

Photo Credits: Berklee College of Music // Performance Center Thinking about going to college for music? Whether it's for performing, songwriting, or even non-artist related fields like music business, this list of schools are the best of the best when it comes to modern and contemporary music studies. 10. New York University It's no secret that NYU has incredible music and songwriting programs. Though they are definitely one of the top schools in the nation for performing arts, they are at number 10 for me because they are also very picky about who they choose to let into their school. Not only that, but they are one of the most expensive schools to choose from as well. They hold their students to a very high academic standard; and their degrees are considered prestigious. They are one of the most sought out schools for art. To apply for the Tisch School of the Arts and the Steinhardt School of Culture , you have to go through an extensive artistic review and / or provide a portfolio of your artistic work. Programs of Study: Music, Songwriting, Music Business, Recorded Music (Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music), Performance Arts, Music Composition, Music Technology, Music Education, Vocal Performance and Music Therapy Pros: High Standards, Prestigious Degrees, Exposure to New York City Cons: Extreme Acceptance Process, Low Acceptance Rate, High Tuition Acceptance Rate: NYU as a whole- 13% ; Tisch - 26%. On the bright-side if you're going into songwriting, the school of Steinhardt is 42%. Average Tuition: $60,438 per year (before aid) 9. Anderson University Anderson University is based in South Carolina. Their school of arts is known for it's prestigious and award-winning professors. When it comes to modern music, they're one of the few university's that offer a "Commercial Music" degree that focuses on contemporary music styles - including studies of the music industry and music technology, as well as songwriting and performing. It's a degree that is structured to help you succeed in today's business. Programs of Study: Music, Commercial Music, Music Performance Pros: Classes are more modernized, High Acceptance Rate, More Affordable Cons: Smaller Town, Not Religiously Diverse Acceptance Rate: 59% Average Tuition: $31,720 per year (before aid) 8. California Institute of the Arts CalArts is a private university in Santa Clarita, California. It was founded by Walt Disney (yes, the Walt Disney) in 1961. They are the first college to offer degrees for only art related fields, with over 70 degree programs focusing on visual, performing, media and literary arts. They have a unique degree called 'Experimental Pop' that allows their music students to have more creative freedom in their music studies. Programs of Study: Composition and Experimental Sound Practices, Experimental Pop, Music Technology, Voice Pros: Classes focus on your field of study, exposure to the industry Cons: Admission is competitive, No interdisciplinary options if your specific field of study doesn't work out, Expensive Tuition. Acceptance Rate: 27% Average Tuition: $53,466 per year (before aid) 7. University of Colorado (Denver) Graduates from the University of Colorado Denver's College of Arts & Media have a high success rate in finding jobs. They've got graduates who've been hired at large, house-hold name companies like Rolling Stone, Disney, Apple, HBO and Google. The bustling city and culture allows for a great experience in performing. Their musical areas of study are more specific and detailed than most colleges. Programs of Study: Music Business, Singer/Songwriter, Recording Arts, and Music Performance Pros: Modernized Degrees, Affordable, High Acceptance Rate Cons: N/A Acceptance Rate: 72% Average Tuition: $30,934 per year (before aid) 6. Columbia College Chicago Columbia College Chicago is another college that focuses on Media and Arts degrees; except they have a lot more diversity to their areas of study - including radio, public relations and advertising. They are extremely affordable, especially for being in a major city. The music culture in Chicago is very alive, and can provide you many opportunities. Programs of Study: Music, Music Business, Audio Arts, Musical Theatre, Music Composition, [Contemporary, Jazz and Popular Music], Music Technology, Radio Pros: Specific Degrees, Affordable, High Acceptance Rate, Exposure to culture and performance in the city of Chicago Cons: N/A Acceptance Rate: 87% Average Tuition: $27,786 per year (before aid) 5. University of Miami (Frost School of Music) University of Miami has one of the most unique and innovative music curriculums in the game. They teach 'The Frost Method' which allows their music students to explore all areas of the music business and a wide range of genres. Their university gives music students access for world-class recording studios, rehearsal spaces, recital halls and more. Their way of teaching is clearly working, as about 91% of their graduate students find a career in their field within 6 months of graduating. Programs of Study: Music, Music Engineering Technology, Vocal Performance, Music Industry, Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship, Media Scoring and Production, Music Education, Music Therapy Pros: Wide Variety of Degree Choices, High Success Rate After Graduation, Modernized Curriculum Cons: Low Acceptance Rate, High Tuition Acceptance Rate: 28.5% Average Tuition: $54,760 per year (before aid) 4. Full Sail University Full Sail is another Media and Arts focused University based in Florida. They're one of the only schools that offer online programs for music related fields as well. They're known for their modern and high-tech way of learning. They have graduates in the Hall of Fame, Grammy Winners, Oscar Winners, as well as alumni who work for Disney, HBO, MTV, Universal Studios, Nickelodeon, and many other large companies. Programs of Study: Audio Production, Music Business, Music Production, Recording Arts, Show Production Online Degrees: Audio Production and Music Production Pros: Extremely Easy to be Accepted, Cost of Tuition is Average Cons: Low Graduation Rate (30%), Difficult Curriculums, No Performance Degrees Acceptance Rate: 100% Average Tuition: $41,537 per year (before aid) 3. Belmont University Belmont University is based in Nashville, Tennessee. It's been recognized as one of the United States' best colleges for music; especially for their songwriting program. They've been highly accredited for their distinctive music related curriculums. They have a graduation rate of 72% and a large sum of alumni have found success in the industry after attending Belmont University. Programs of Study: Songwriting, Music Business, Audio Engineering Technology, Creative and Entertainment Industries Pros: High Success Rate After Graduation, High Acceptance Rate, Average Tuition Cost, Exposure to performing and music culture in Nashville Cons: Not Religiously Diverse Acceptance Rate: 88% Average Tuition: $38,430 per year (before aid) 2. University of Southern California (Thornton School of Music) The Thornton School of Music, of the University of California is internationally recognized as one of the top music colleges. They're one of the oldest, continuous college programs in Los Angeles, starting in 1884. They're known for their blended curriculum of both traditional studies of music with modernized training for the cities upcoming musicians. They're also one of the first ever colleges to offer a degree in the Music Industry. Programs of Study: Music Industry, Music Technology, Popular Music, Vocal Arts & Opera Pros: Exposure to Los Angeles, High Success Rate After Graduation, Tight Community Cons: Very Low Acceptance Rate, Competitive Admissions, High Tuition Acceptance Rate: 12.5% Average Tuition: $61,503 per year (before aid) 1. Berklee College of Music (and Berklee Online) Berklee College of Music is based in Boston, Massachusetts but they have campuses online, in Spain and in New York City. They only offer music related degrees, and are known as one of the best music schools in the world, right under Julliard. Their alumni have a high success rate after graduating. They have many Grammy Award winning graduates. Some names you may recognize that attended Berklee are Charlie Puth, John Mayer, Lizzy McAlpine, Eric Andre, Melissa Etheridge, Quincy Jones, Betty Who, and St. Vincent. They are also the first successful college to have a full music program online, allowing anyone in the world to attend Berklee at an affordable price. Programs of Study: Professional Music, Songwriting, Performance, Music Production and Engineering, Music Business/Management, Electronic Production and Design, Contemporary Writing and Production, Independent Recording and Production, Music Therapy, and Music Education Online Degrees: Music Production, Music Business, Electronic Music Production and Sound Design, Songwriting, Songwriting and Producing Music, Voice Performance Pros: High Success Rate After Graduation, Interdisciplinary Options, Go to College Online for Cheaper, Gain Connections with other Like-Minded Artists Cons: N/A Acceptance Rate: 52% Average Tuition: $46,800 per year (before aid) Online: $21,210 per year (before aid) What college are you thinking about attending? Follow us below and let us know! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Have you ever felt like your drifting away from your partner? Where the feelings just aren't there anymore, and you don’t know how to tell them? You feel bad because you don’t want to hurt them, but you can’t continue to lie. This puts you in a tough position because of the responsibilities that come with it. Rejhan’s single, “It Isn’t True” is about those struggling with leaving someone and telling the other person things they’d want to hear so you don't hurt their feelings. They’ll feel heartbroken after the news which will make you feel horrible, but you can’t continue to lead them on. In the end, it’s better to be honest instead of faking it because of the problems it can cause. Rejhan starts the song off with a gentle and soft tempo with his deep vocals. The control in his voice creates a mellow sensation which gives off a soulful vibe. He delivers a smooth sound element that enhances the message overall. Despite the lyrics being about the downsides of a struggling relationship, Rejhan still carries out with his passionate vocals. The track is heartfelt, and Rejhan sounds torn through his lyrics which will make the listener feel sympathetic. The bridge takes a turn with the beat along with Rejhan’s additional ad libs leading back to the chorus. The sudden change will give you goosebumps because of how powerful he showcases his vocals and emotions. Rejhan grew up playing the piano, guitar, along with singing when he was 4-5 years old. He can sing in Albanian, Bosnian, English, and Swedish with his roots being in Kosovo and Bosnia. After making a big success in Sweden’s Got Talent in 2021 where he made it to the finals, Rejhan debuted two years later with his single, “Haunted” as an artist in the Swedish Melodifestivalen. The song is the first single from his upcoming album following with “It Isn’t True.” He has parallels to Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran for conveying emotions through his music. Some of his inspirations are Bruno Mars, Daniel Caesar, and Frank Ocean. He has found a soulful tone in his voice at just 16 years old! Make sure to check Rejhan out and look forward to his upcoming debut album! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW REJHAN:

“Players” has already taken the world by storm, with its infectious beats and memorable lyrics. Coi Leray follows listeners everywhere—in the car, on the radio, on TikTok. Just when fans thought the track could not get any catchier, Leray teamed up with prolific DJ, David Guetta in the track’s latest remix. The unforgettable dance song takes the traditional masculine “player” roles, and twists it into a female empowerment anthem. Throughout the track, the lyrics describe the narrative of a woman who knows what she wants and does not settle for anything less. The song kicks off with the chorus depicting this independent woman. Leray sings, “Yeah, bout to catch another flight// Yeah, the apple bottom make him wanna bite// Yeah, I just wanna have a good night// I just wanna have a good night// If he broke, than you gotta let him go// You could have anybody, eeny, miny, moe// ‘Cause when you a boss, you could do what you want.” Leray is telling the listener that she knows her worth and that she does not have to lower her standards to feel wanted. She knows she can have anyone she wants and that men are always at her beck and call. Then, the pre-chorus reveals the hook: “Yeah, ‘cause girls is players too// Uh, yeah, yeah, ‘cause girls is players too.” She is rewriting the narrative that only men can fly around the world and pick up partners just for fun. Instead, she encourages women to enjoy their single life and embrace their independence. In the verse, she continues to illustrate this narrative with vivid details of this one-sided relationship. It is rare to find songs where the woman flips the script, and acts in a manner that is only seen as acceptable for men. With “Players”, Leray accomplishes this in a unique and memorable way that keeps listeners wanting more from the creative musician. Prior to Guetta’s addition to the track, “Players” was already a highly energetic and infectious song for listeners to play on repeat. Leray opting to add the legendary producer only strengthens the song and provides an additional dynamic to the track. The first verse stays close to the original production, with a heavy synth bass. However, it utilizes a faster tempo to fit its new EDM genre. As the song continues, Guetta inserts an electronica twist that stays true to his individual sound. The synth instrumentation enhances the production and creates the perfect dance song for a night out on the town. When the pre-chorus hits, the track begins to intensify as the listener anticipates the inevitably satisfying beat drop. At this point, the production provides an EDM solo that allows Guetta to show off his unparalleled talent. The fast-paced song has the innate ability to compel listeners to dance along to every note and want to play the track on an endless loop. “Players” was already a viral song that needed no assistance on the charts and was already thriving on its own. Collaborating with Guetta only further highlighted the strengths of Leray and her unmistakable ability to create hit pop anthems. Coi Leray is a rapper and singer from New Jersey, now based in Los Angeles. She debuted in 2018 with her independent mixtape, Everythingcoz. From there, she released several more mixtapes and two EPs. In 2022, she released her debut full-length album, Trendsetter. The album includes hit collaborations with artists such as Nicki Minaj, H.E.R., and Pooh Shiesty. Her biggest song to date is “Players”, which quickly hit viral status on social media. Prior to the David Guetta remix, the track already had a couple other remixes and earned over 7 billion views on TikTok. Throughout her entire discography, she has over 124 million streams and continues to earn more fans every day. David Guetta is an internationally known DJ and music producer, with over 10 billion streams. He has produced hit songs with a handful of artists, including “Titanium” with Sia, “I’m Good (Blue)” with Bebe Rexha, and “When Love Takes Over” with Kelly Rowland. The latter earned him his first Grammy award. Over his career, he has earned two Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and a Billboard Music Award. Through his hard work and catchy productions, Guetta has earned his rightful place as a household name in the music industry. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW COI: FOLLOW DAVID:

Photo Credits: Rysia Rhys “2 Miles High” is a sultry and energetic funk that seamlessly blends together organic and electronic elements to produce a one-of-a-kind sound, standing out from releases that rely so heavily on midi or loops. Instead, the muted guitars, jazzy bass, and atmospheric soundscapes, alongside Kat Harrison’s seductive mezzo-soprano, allow a strong opening number for all the surprises that are yet to come. Beginning in March 2023, Bambussy intends to release one single per month for ten consecutive months, a result of creative innovation and collaboration with Bristolian vocalist Kat Harrison. And with their first official single together, it’s clear that this duo is perhaps a match that’s made in heaven. Click here to listen to "2 Miles High"! The song’s emphasis on natural music, such as claps and shakers, gives a unique texture to the song. Too long does music sound too perfect, every note the same, but with these authentic sounds, the song reaches an air of genuineness. The warm brass tones of the trumpet give the song that authentic jazzy touch, a refined edge that adds yet another interesting layer of texture. This makes it quite the achievement for vocalist Harrison, as finding a way to complement the song while giving emphasis to all of its production achievements is a harrowing feat, but she does it beautifully. Her voice ebbs and flows, one minute an accompaniment and the next the main standout on the track. Wuzy Bambussy is the alter ego of producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Nikolai Jones, who is already a decorated dabbler. Based in England’s West Country, Jones and his many accomplices steadily combine a seemingly eclectic but actually complementary soundtrack of world sounds, folk, funk, indie, and electronica. Looking to bring the beautiful and culturally significant tonnes of people to the forefront of the industry, Bambussy and Harrison are a breath of fresh air in this increasingly synthesized world. Mark your calendars, because his single is only days away: “Flux” releases on April 18th. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW WUZY:

"Fever Dreams" really feels like it belongs on the soundtrack for an 80s horror flick, it's amazing! What inspired this sound? SEGANA: SEGANA for us encapsulates the essence of 80s style music and aesthetic. So when we decided to write Fever Dreams, our minds were automatically drawn to that mindset. Also, the horror and eerie feel of the song started to become the tone of the track the further we dived into it, which worked out perfectly for us. If "Fever Dreams" had a music video, what would it look like? SEGANA: We thought about this idea for a while now. We definitely grasped towards the idea showcasing a series of horror costume montages of famous scary characters. For example, Ghostface from Scream, Michael Myers’ Halloween costume, even Michael Jackson’s iconic ‘Thriller’ outfit. Having fun portraying these ideas with an interesting twist at the end is how we would love to do it. How does your songwriting process come together as a duo? Is there anything new you learned when working together on "Fever Dreams" ? SEGANA: We both have written together for years now but I think we still find ways to amaze ourselves with how well we can work together. We learn more techniques and knowledge about collaborating the more time we spend in the studio. Also, given how we’ve had experience writing in styles of Electronic music, R&B, Pop and with retro sounds of the 80s, show that we can really have fun pushing our professional boundaries as songwriters in different genres of music. Being from Sydney, Australia, how do you feel the local music scene has influenced your own music? Do you take inspiration from international artists as well? SEGANA: The music scene is wild here. We have so many talented artists around us that elevate what Australian music can offer to the world. Learning from them as well is definitely how better ourselves musically as Australian-born artists. We are inspired by many International artists as well, both past and present. Being able to acknowledge all songwriters and respect all genres and styles has definitely shown us how we have become more diverse over the years with our music. If you could collaborate on a musical project with any artist, who would it be and what would you like to do? SEGANA: It would be super fun to collaborate with an artist like Dua Lipa or The Weeknd one day. To be able to combine our retro styles together creating a super catchy, energetic song would be a dream come true. Maybe if we’re lucky enough, share the stage with them one day as well. What can listeners look forward to from you in the future? SEGANA: Honestly, just originality. We make it known to ourselves as much as possible that we don’t want to make music that will just fit the market. It’s inspiring that we can go to our roots of musical influences, creating a vintage sound that only we can make. That is something as well we take pride in sharing with our fans not just in Australia but around the world too. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW SEGANA:

At some point in our lives, we all fall in love and begin the journey of a wonderful partnership. What comes with love, however, is the sadness resulting from a breakup: heartbreak. Heartbreak can be complicated to describe as we feel we have a range of emotions. Beth Morgan's new Pop Rock single "Kissing Strangers" perfectly captures those emotions. Beth Morgans' new single is about the moment she knew the person she loved had fallen out of love with her. "I'm crying in the bathroom, and I'm afraid to ask you if she's funnier than me." tells of her trying to keep her heartbreak hidden as she watches her love leave her. When she sings, "you said my glasses looked great, but you forgot you picked them out," she is referring to herself. Shows how he begins to forget about her as he pays more attention to another woman—despite the smooth, soft piano and gorgeous vocals, this emotionally charged song delivers a hard-hitting impact with the raw emotion that shows how much time and care Beth spent creating such an amazing song. "Kissing Strangers" is an indie pop song with numerous elements that help contribute to its success. The song starts off with soft, delicate piano and vocals. The incorporation of reverb, in the beginning, results in this effect. The song then receives a downbeat with the use of synths, giving it a lower tone to contrast with the high feathery notes. The raw emotions, passion, and love are all present in the powerful vocals. "Kissing Strangers" illustrates how a song can be powerful without the use of loud, hard-hitting instruments. Beth Morgan has produced a song that can be considered truly a work of art. Beth Morgan hopes to make their debut in her forthcoming single "Kissing Strangers." She participated in local talent shows in her hometown. Beth has always had a gift for the arts. She discovered her devotion to music and studied it throughout high school and university. "I wanted "Kissing Strangers" to use the key moments of heartbreak that everyone has experienced," she indicates of her new single. These lyrics, simple yet brutally honest, describe "the moment you realize the person you love has fallen out of love with you." Beth Morgan is a phenomenally talented artist with a burning passion for music that is not going to be suppressed anytime soon. While he may forget, Beth will never be forgotten and will live on in the hearts of the people who love her and her listeners who she assisted in mending their broken hearts. Written By ShatteredSoul FOLLOW Beth Morgan

Melanie Martinez is not only an immensely talented singer, but also a creative storyteller that uses her art to express a range of different emotions and narratives. She is known for her spooky aesthetics and gloomy lyrics, so it comes as no surprise that her latest single is entitled, “DEATH”. In the track, Martinez explores the delicate intricacies of life and the inevitable end to it. The song follows a “spirit who has returned from the dead and is struggling to connect with the living.” This spirit is meant to represent her alter-ego, Crybaby, who has been found throughout her previous projects. She even posted a cryptic photo in early February 2023 of a mushroom stem with the words “RIP CRYBABY” carved into it, which was later featured in the corresponding music video. The song kicks off with Martinez speaking with a spine-chilling voice effect: “Death is life, is death, is life, is death, is life, is.” This is meant to symbolize that death is a constant loop that no one can escape—we are all born and we are all destined to die. From here, Martinez starts the first verse with the lyrics. “They’re carvin’ my name in the grave again// The flowers are fresh and their faces wet// My body has died, but I’m alive// Look over your shoulder, I’m back from the dead.” These lyrics allude to her alter-ego’s death, while her fans continue to mourn the loss of the Crybaby era. In the chorus, she continually repeats the statement: “I’m back from the dead.” She is telling her fans that, after her three-year hiatus, she is now reborn but as this new persona. Then in the pre-chorus, she sings the clever lines: “Immortal by design//I’ll be meetin’ you here every time.” With these lyrics, she is reassuring her loyal fans that regardless of the many years that pass and the different characters she adopts, she will always come back for them. Throughout the track, she uses hauntingly poetic lyrics to depict this unique metaphor that describes her new era of music. “DEATH” is a brilliantly written track that is the perfect introduction to her upcoming album and any subsequent projects. “DEATH” upholds Martinez’s characteristic, mysterious, aesthetic, utilizing morbid themes and otherworldly imagery. The song begins with an eerie background track that consists of subtle wind and nature sounds, with Martinez talking while using a voice effect. The voice mimics the sound of a young girl, relating back to her former persona, Crybaby. The song then transitions into a heartbeat, that speeds up and then goes out of sync, signifying the end of a life. Once Martinez begins singing the verse, the production transitions into the guitar that guides the listener through the dark lyrics. There is a slow modulating synth sound in the background, making the production hit the listener in waves. This effect is used regularly throughout the track. When the pre-chorus hits, the production introduces the violin and cello, providing an additional component to the track. Furthermore, the tempo begins to pick up and the emotion behind the vocals intensifies. When the chorus hits, the listener is blown away by the sudden change in the track. The beat drops, providing a catchy synth production that contradicts the soothing verse. Before the second verse, there is an intense synth solo that utilizes unique vocal sound effects that provide an agonizing element to the emotions. This further enhances the powerful meaning behind the song, and showcases Martinez’s unmistakable ability to stand out amongst her peers. When the second verse appears, the guitar is gone and replaced by the bass and drum beat. Additionally, there is a very subtle synth heard in the background. In the second pre-chorus, the production provides a unique dynamic to the track. It is based in layered vocals with significant sound effects. At first, the music is muted, drawing focus on the vocals before switching to the electric guitar and bass that strengthens the anticipation of the beat drop. The synth production is reintroduced with the violin and cello, before the track explodes into the drum powered chorus. When the bridge hits, the chorus is still playing in the background, providing a unique layer to the production. The song ends with the haunting vocals whispering “I’m back,” and the background of the track providing ominous sounds of Martinez, perhaps even Crybaby, running away while out of breath. With “DEATH”, Martinez fully encapsulates her message of rebranding her beloved persona into a new character that fans will adore even more. The ethereal imagery utilized throughout “DEATH” is exemplified immaculately within the corresponding music video. The visual begins with the camera slowly rising from the grave, showing five animalistic characters overlooking it. Once the eerie intro finishes and the heartbeat begins, the video switches to the five characters placing flowers around the grave, as the camera focuses on the mushroom stem that has “RIP CRYBABY” engraved in it. This sets the unsettling atmosphere that remains constant throughout the video. When Martinez begins singing, she is shown as her Crybaby persona, buried six-feet under in the dirt. As the camera pans out, the audience notices she is wearing a dress worn multiple times throughout her previous eras. Furthermore, there is a gaping hole in her chest where her heart should be. This indicates that Crybaby is dead, and her heart is no longer with her. After a couple shots, Martinez’s new character, found on the album art, is seen slowly emerging from this hole. The two personas are seen attached to each other with an umbilical cord. This imagery continues periodically throughout the video, representing the rebirth from one persona to another. Toward the end of the video, the “cord” that is tying the two characters together finally rips apart, allowing the new persona to entirely break free and be its own person. As the video continues, her new character is shown surrounded by the five animal characters that were mourning her. This perhaps represents the fans that miss Crybaby, but are now fully supporting Martinez’s new persona. Later in the video, the new character is seen standing over Crybaby’s body with several swords pierced into her chest, implying that she is the one who killed Crybaby and is now taking over her role. At the end, the grave is shown to be completely filled, finally completing Crybaby’s burial. The new character erupts from the dirt, signifying that Crybaby is now laid to rest, but Martinez is free from the grave—she is “back from the dead.” The music video is filled with an abundance of easter eggs and meticulous details that require audiences to watch it multiple times to fully process everything in it. “DEATH” is a complex track between the lyrics, production, and visuals, further showcasing Martinez’s unmistakable creative talent. Melanie Martinez is an American singer-songwriter from Queens. Her music career kicked off in 2012 when she competed on the third season of the singing competition, The Voice. After the show ended, Martinez began focusing on her independent music career. In February 2013, she released her debut single, “Dollhouse”. Later that year, she signed with Atlantic Records and released her debut EP, Dollhouse. Over the years, her following grew steadily as more listeners became intrigued by her eerie aesthetics and mesmerizing vocals. In 2015, she released her debut full album, Cry Baby. The album became an instant fan favorite and later garnered massive attention from the general public in 2020. The album re-entered the Billboard 200 after the track, “Play Date”, blew up on TikTok and earned a 2x RIAA Platinum certification. The album has over 3.5 billion streams worldwide and every track earned a Gold certification or higher. In 2019, she released her sophomore album, K-12, which debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 Chart, #1 on the Billboard Alternative Album Chart, #1 on the Billboard Soundtrack Chart, and a nomination for “Top Soundtrack” at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards. Along with the album, Martinez wrote, directed, and co-wardrobe designed a 90-minute movie that encompasses the album’s themes. On the day of release, it was the sixth highest grossing film in the United States. In fall 2020, she released her EP, After School. Her third full length album, Portals, is set for release on March 31, 2023. Martinez has shared teasers on all social media platforms that now have 115 Million views, proving the loyalty and patience of her millions of fans. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW MELANIE:

Kaitlin Stark’s “The Boy I Love” is a quintessential self-love anthem about acknowledging your flaws and understanding they make you who you are. Our flaws make us unique, and that’s what makes us lovable. The person we choose to love also chooses to love us, and our quirks and imperfections become our most endearing qualities to them. Being with someone who loves you, despite the deficiencies we see in the mirror, makes you so confident in who you are and what you offer to the world. “The Boy I Love” is a beautiful love song to a significant other, but it’s really about loving yourself, letting our weaknesses make us strong, and being proud of every piece of who you are. When we love ourself, we allow the most magical, sought-after kind of love from someone else. Love starts from within, but when someone not only allows, but encourages, you to be your most-authentic self and loves you more because of that, walls come down, hearts heal, and you get a real chance at forever as your best self with your biggest supporter. “The Boy I Love” is a dreamy track about acceptance and love. Kaitlin Stark pours her heart and soul into every word. Kaitlin uses introspection as a key influence in her music. She dives into her most-inner thoughts, and she beautifully sings the secrets we might keep to ourselves. She gives a safe space where people learn being flawed makes them uniquely charming. Her melody is like a warm blanket that wraps us in comfort, and her lyrics are equally delicate and powerful. Kaitlin uses raw honesty and vulnerability to tell a beautiful story, and she encourages her audience to gain confidence and be proud of who they are. Kaitlin Stark is a singer/songwriter who combines her small-town Georgia roots with her bright-lights Nashville residency to create music for every ear. There isn’t anything Kaitlin Stark won’t touch on in her music. She wants to create something that doesn’t already exist in the music scene, and she yearns to do it with deep thought and emotion. She uses passing comments or greetings from a stranger as jumping-off points for her next hit tracks. She successfully strives to create music that contains sonic savviness but is seeped with real emotion. Kaitlin has been writing since she was a teenager and playing instruments even longer, and she will continue to explore big questions and poke at the existential ideas of the world. She wants her music to create a space where her listeners can experience a release and feel seen. Follow Kaitlin Stark below, and become a part of her journey to answering all of life’s questions with her alluring voice and captivating lyrics. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW KAITLIN STARK:

Almost everybody who’s experienced a heartbreak or two has the one that got away. Imagine being with someone you love and knowing that they will one day come to be this person to you. That is exactly what Sean Doherty is singing about in his newest single “Before You’re Gone.” Sean refers to this single as “a queer love note to the one you know is gonna get away.” The lyrics are heavily focused on missing somebody before they’re even gone, and can place you right back into that mindset with impeccable accuracy if you’ve ever been in that position. It is an extremely relatable song with heartbreaking lyrics that you’re bound to listen to again and again. A lovely guitar melody and an almost echoy sound cue us listeners into the intro, which is then followed by Sean’s voice hitting a vast range of notes in the first verse. As this verse continues, a soft clap is introduced in the background, becoming slowly more prominent until the break right before the chorus, where the song has a big shift. Here, the song really homes in on Sean’s voice, which is absolutely breathtaking. He hits a vast range of notes with what feels like ease, but we all know is actually quite difficult. It was all a remarkable buildup to the chorus, where the beat begins to pick up as Sean begins to sing to the person this song is about with increasing passion. We are taken out of this song the same way Sean brought us into the chorus– his powerful voice. Sean Doherty is an aspiring singer, actor, and songwriter. He has written the lyrics to every song he’s released. Originally from the midwest, Sean is now living in New York City, and has been there for around eight years now following his passion for music and acting. A self-proclaimed “sad gay tenor for hire,” one of the pillars of Sean’s beliefs–which is reflected in his music–is positive queer representation. Currently, Sean is working as a swing on the Jagged Little Pill tour. He was also just in the grand premiere of Eighty-Sixed, a new musical released in San Diego. With such a promising start, we at Pop Passion are looking forward to seeing Sean’s career continue to grow. Written By Molly Schiff FOLLOW SEAN:

There are always two sides to every story and sometimes those sides are more similar than you'd imagine. Disease is a track that exhibits this concept perfectly. The song is a heartbreaking ballad about a breakup and two people coming to terms with it in the aftermath. Gabby Donnelly and Kingsley Priester play two sides of the same coin in this tune. Both come to each other with a better understanding of their roles in the failed relationship. They both were wrong in many ways and these wrongs lead to the ultimate demise of their love. Disease goes to show you; letting go of someone who you love is never easy but sometimes it’s necessary. Disease is a poignant track with its simple yet masterful instrumental; it creates a cinematic atmosphere. This song paints the image of two lovers losing each other so vividly in its lyrics. The vocals are no different, Donnelly and Priester have breathtaking performances on the track. Their voices mesh so perfectly and blend with the instrumental in a seamless way. Disease lends itself to a tragic story with its raw and brutally honest lyrics. These lyrical elements paint the picture of two parts of a failed relationship. Two individuals who, post-self-reflection, come together to find closure in their final statements to each other. A heart-wrenching feat as Donnelly and Priester build their way up to the conclusion the instrumental follows suit. Beginning with gentle twinkles and building into powerful chords as the vocals of both singers increase steadily. It’s haunting yet inspirational. Everything is arranged so beautifully and perfectly it’s hard to deny the talent both singers hold. Gabby Donnelly is an emerging singer/songwriter based in South Carolina. Her specialty is writing songs for those going through heartache. She says she’s most comfortable writing songs that speak to people in this way. Though not everyone will relate to the content of these lyrics, everyone will enjoy some aspect of Donnelly’s work. Her voice is magnificent, providing a hauntingly beautiful tone to her work. She hasn’t put out much, in fact, Disease is only her second release, but her talent is evident. As she releases more music her fan base will surely grow. She has talent beyond many and it shows in this track. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW GABBY

Photo Credits: Karen Gouaïda A danceable dark ballad with distinct vocals, this is what we see in the latest single by artist Imelda Gabs. The song “Thieves” creates a surreal ambiance that gets listeners moving and nodding along to the catchy beat. The track is a fun electronic dance ballad that really gets across what kind of artist Gabs is. Imelda Gabs’ voice contributes to the ethereal experience, having a voice so smooth and unique. Along with Gabs' vocals, the lyrics of the song create some nice imagery that contributes to transporting listeners into this futuristic world Imelda Gabs has created. With all these elements combined into one song, it shows the power and freshness Imelda Gabs brings as a new up-and-coming artist everyone should be listening to. The song begins with Gabs singing over a simple piano chord progression. Her voice comes in strong and powerful, standing out during the line “maybe it was all a mistake.” Following this line, the track begins to speed up as the song is beginning to build up with the use of the beat and electronic additions. The buildup works well with the bass drop shortly after in the song as it really brings the song to life and creates an alternative emotional perspective than which the song began with. The chorus of the song is fun, and the rhythm of the track works perfectly in creating that dance-pop feel we all gravitate towards. However, even as the style of the song transforms from where it began, that addictive darkness remains in the ambiance of the song. The bridge of the song is quick and short, and this fits well because it makes sure the listeners aren’t taken too out of the song. The song ends with a nice bang, supported by Gabs’ phenomenal vocal performance towards the end. The song, “Thieves,” should be the latest addition to your playlist as it’s an exciting experience you don’t want to miss. Imelda Gabs is a Belgian and Congolese musician who grew up in Switzerland. She was musically inclined at a young age, studying piano, violin, and singing. Her first performance was at 14 when she performed with her father, Doctor Gabs, at the Palais des Beaux-Arts. She joined the Montreux Jazz Academy in 2017 where she began to write her own songs and even got invited to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival. In terms of style, Gabs teds to experiment with an electric dark pop sound. She creates an immersive experience with her music. Her debut album, “Synopsis,” which features the song “Thieves” will be released on April 14th and is available for pre-save now. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW IMELDA GABS: