The nagging feeling of solitude is one that is hard to escape. When we see everyone around us enjoying life so easily, it becomes difficult to avoid comparing ourselves to them and therefore, break ourselves down. But it’s always important to remind ourselves of everything we have in our lives that is good. In her latest single, Talia Grace provides us with an honest letter of what it is like to look around us to feel alone, and how it is important to try to find positivity in our lives to keep us up. The song “Soliloquy” is a beautiful ballad that shows off Grace’s incredible talent, not just as a performer, but as a writer as well. Talia Grace is able to be fully transparent in her art, which is always a very difficult thing to do, but she executes it so well. Her song serves as a reminder to other people who feel the same way she does and are in need of someone to remind them to find the joyous things in life. “Soliloquy” is a classic ballad, with a simple piano being one of the driving forces in the song. Grace’s voice is full and smooth, and it is able to carry the emotion of the lyrics so well. Her vocal performance shows her transparency in what she is singing, and it only enhances her message. “I feel like I’ve wasted all the love that I’ve given,” is a line that stands out, because it presents the regret the speaker feels. The regret of loving people who didn’t stay with her and are now enjoying life without her. While the song provides the problem, it also provides the solution. The song develops by presenting all the positives in the speaker’s life, such as a family who still loves them. As the song finishes off on a hopeful note, the story is complete with a happy ending that shows how the speaker has been able to grow and learn from their past. The song encourages everyone to fight and search hard for the sunlight on those dark days where everything feels awful. The song “Soliloquy” truly does show off the talent of Talia Grace as a storyteller. Talia Grace is an artist originally from LA but is now based in Austin, TX. She has been musically inclined since she was a young girl and began to write and record music at age 12. In 2020, she released her debut single “Melancholy.” Talia Grace likes to write music that can resonate with a variety of individuals and help them find a sense of comfort. She takes moments from her personal life that she believes everyone can relate to and puts them into her music. Grace wants to help people through her art, and this determination is well expressed in her work. As an independent artist, her work is all done by her which shows off what a hard-working artist she is. Talia Grace is a true talent and she is an artist you want to continue to look out for. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW TALIA GRACE: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Bad Boyfriend and Jamie Deraz team up once again to set the summer on fire with “Blinded By Love.” This song is a reflection of the intense passion that ensues with a summer love. Connections ebb and flow, but a summer love stays with you like a permanent tan. With powerful desire comes reckless abandonment as the sun sets. A fleeting romance is a double-edged sword because time flies but the connection feels never-ending. “Blinded By Love” reminds us of the carefree bliss that follows falling deep when more than the summer heats up. It’s okay to protect yourself with SPF and big sunglasses, but sometimes when everything falls into place, it’s okay to look directly into the sun. “Blinded By Love” is an uptempo pop/dance track that perfectly mirrors the highs and lows of summer love. The lyrics dive deep into the reverie of a fleeting romance that commenced under the beating sun. The production firmly drives the message home as the music builds just like the longing for someone you left in the dark. The vocals replicate the yearning tone of missing someone you never fully had. Jamie Deraz and Bad Boyfriend collaborated on this new summer track that is featured on “New Music Friday Deutshland.” “Blinded By Love” is sure to get you on your feet, dancing in the wind, and as the waves crash, and the beaches close down, don’t forget to smile when you start reminiscing about an old summer flame. Jamie Deraz is a singer/songwriter who crafts her lyrics based on real life experiences and raw emotion. She captures each moment through picturesque language and sorrowful cadence. The Long Island native’s blissful nature pairs with her melancholy vocal to create a distinct emotional ambivalence. Bad Boyfriend is an Electronic Pop/Dance artist. Bad Boyfriend’s discography exclusively includes collaborations with Jamie Deraz. Jamie Deraz and Bad Boyfriend have worked on many projects in the past. Their single, “In & Out,” was featured on Spotify’s Pop Brandneu for 4 weeks straight. Jamie has released over 150 tracks since she first made her debut in in 2019, amassing over 17 million total streams through her originals and collabs. As an avid influence in the music industry, she hopes that her music will echo around the world. “Blinded By Love” is the song of the summer that reminds us it’s okay to be swept up in the summer breeze, and let the sun be a reminder that even the brightest ball of fire leaves us cold at night. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW BAD BOYFRIEND: FOLLOW JAMIE DERAZ:

Have you ever cared deeply about someone you've dated, but knew that they just weren't the right match for you? “Complicated” by TAVVI describes this type of situation perfectly. He describes breaking up with a partner and all the emotions that come with it. Although he knows that they are not a good match, TAVVI still wants his ex to be okay. In this single, the singer still cares about a former partner even though things didn't work out between them in a romantic sense. He feels as though he can finally “sleep” when he knows that she is alright. The emotional lyrics are complemented by a quick melody that keeps the track light and fun. Ultimately, this song has relatable lyrics and an upbeat melody that you need to give a listen to. Vulnerable lyrics, a catchy instrumental, and an incredible voice make up the hit track “Complicated”. This single has amazing lyricism and vocals that remind me of Khalid and LANY as well as the cool melodies of LAUV and Quinn XCII. TAVVI is an amazing artist that transports his listeners into his mindset with his opening lyrics and stunning soundscape that has you nodding your head while singing. The artist's use of the synths are honestly breathtaking and it adds a dazzling factor to the emotional lyrics. Altogether, this single is a hit that you should add to your next summer playlist. TAVVI is a singer/songwriter from Eastbourne, United Kingdom. He started creating music in his bedroom and releasing snippets on TikTok, gaining him a large following of 6K. The singer released his first song in January 2022 titled “Love Me Better”. Since his debut, he has released a slew of new singles which led to his song “Good Enough” being track of the day on BBC introducing Suxxes and Surrey. This exposure on BBC and TikTok has led him to gain over 3K monthly listeners on Spotify with his most listened to track having close to 6K streams. Make sure to show TAVVI some support by clicking the links below and giving him a follow, like, and stream! Written By Stephanie Berning Revised By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW TAVVI: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Sporting the cologne of iconic 2000’s radio rock, Welsh four-piece ‘Chasing Shadows’ finds new edge on ‘Lost.’ Bold, heavy-hitting–this band digs into a harder brand of ‘indie’ rock, fueled by a punk drive and emo catharsis. Nostalgic in all the right ways, you might get a chill down your spine if I say names like ‘The Strokes,’ ‘Cage the Elephant,’ ‘Jimmy Eat World!’ While rocking guitar and thundering drums drive this track, it wields a deadly hook and a synth solo– deadly combos for low-key radio hits! Rounded out by warrior bass playing and limelight vocals, ‘Chasing Shadows’ proves that this group is certainly out of the dark! Listen to 'Lost' here! Right away, a classic ‘drum n’ bass’ buildup begins, sewing suspense as gritty, animated vocals dot the upper register. It’s going to be a full-blown affair from the beginning, oh yeah… Damn! Pop Power Blog! The streamline verses are arrow-straight, delivering a message of energy and effort; the pre-chorus begins to hint at something leaning towards ‘ecstatic,’ and well, the refrain comes in without a second to spare! Of course, a dynamic structure replete with a bridge and instrumental soli prolongs the second chorus–but to powerful and dramatic effect! ‘Chasing Shadows’ is a well-oiled machine, a unit that clicks and grooves! The synth-laden textures do bring up some questions on my end, but overall the addition feels textural and not critical (for the time being). Crafted with care, the song’s lyrics stand tall on their own, memorable yet not static! Hailing from the UK, an ocean away, the North Wales-based quartet, ‘Chasing Shadows,’ show off what is well their magnum opus with ‘Lost!’ Catchy, cathartic, this cut is everything a listener could want from some emotive era rock! Bursting with chemistry and the history that’s soaked in, it’s clear this unit has a wider vision, a ‘tried and true view’ of the acts they strive to honor! Rocking out in a way that’s warm but welcome, this outfit is poised to do some serious damage as they grow their brand. Come back to some good music, come rock out with ‘Chasing Shadows!’ Written By Thomas Hiscock FOLLOW CHASING SHADOWS: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Anxiety is an all-consuming feeling. You have so much emotion built up inside, and you may not tell anyone about it. You fear that they won’t understand or will look at you differently. Keeping to yourself then leads to isolation which is an even worse feeling. In their powerful dark-pop song, “Hauntingly Familiar,” the Lunacy duo solves both of these problems. First, they unleash all their negative feelings in a healthy way through music. This lets listeners know that they are not alone in their feelings of anxiety, thus ending the isolation. It shows them the relief of voicing their struggles and letting go of some of the burden. Even if you’re one who doesn’t struggle with anxiety, this song will help you better understand those that are. It’s safe to say that Lunacy used their musical gifts in a great way. The instrumentation perfectly matches the title of the song, for it sounds very haunting. It starts off strong with a creeping bass line and slow drums. When the emotional vocals come in, it compliments the instrumentation. The verses talk about the specific struggles of anxiety with lyrics like “drinking time away as I watch the rain fall.” As the chorus nears, there is a buildup of the music. You can then hear a loud electric guitar and drums. The chorus begins with the words, “I’m starting to break down, lonely and afraid now.” It seemed to me that this buildup illustrates how anxiety develops. It builds and builds until you just can’t take it anymore. This is why it is important to have people in our lives that we can confide in. Anxiety is too heavy for us to just keep to ourselves. Lunacy is a duo made up of Salle Chatfield and Oliver Kindred. Chatfield was the runner-up on X-Factor Australia. Kindred was a Los Angeles based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. They met at work and fell in love. The two later turned their powerful romantic connection into a musical one as well. “Hauntingly Familiar” is their first release of 2023. It is also a track off of their upcoming EP. For now, if you want to hear more of them, I recommend their 2022 single, “Sad B!tch.” It has a great pop sound and talks about dealing with anxiety. Unlike “Hauntingly Familiar,” “Sad B!tch” talks about masking those feelings rather than letting them out. “Hauntingly Familiar” was a great start to their EP and I can’t wait to hear the rest! Follow all of their socials down below to be the first to hear of any new releases! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW LUNACY

Many would describe “falling in love” as this magical, comfortable experience. However, the situation can also feel like uncertain death, filled with nausea and panic, an uncertainty that feels, quite literally, like falling. Tomsy speaks to this duality in his new song “Blurry”, encouraging people to move forward and let go of past traumas. He says “painted on your face; I know the reason you hesitate”, alluding to how we all become increasingly guarded over time. I think the message is particularly important for anyone searching for romance, knowing that “when and how“ you fall for someone is uncontrollable. Yet, taking risks, “the chance” as Tomsy highlights, is part of the worthwhile and exciting process. Beginning with bubbly arpeggios, lively drums, and echoey vocals, the song feels aeronautical and ethereal, like the listener is traversing through space. The chorus introduces these energetic synths, 90s-sounding drums, and melodic piano, creating a constant feeling of tension and release, helped, in part, through deliberate pausing. Before chorus two, the break section utilizes effective, vocal modulation, providing even more engagement for the listener. I appreciated his experimentation with vocal effects throughout the entire track—some metallic-sounding, some digitally-tuned— all of which created the clear image of fighting gravity, lost in space. Originally from Ohio, Tom McGeoch (aka Tomsy) began crafting his drum skills in early, pop-punk bands, a passion that quickly landed him at the Berklee College of Music. Influenced by James Blake and The Weekend, Tom released his first single “Night Moves” last year, generating 279K listeners on Spotify and 530+ playlist highlights. Featuring electro-pop instrumentation, crashing drums, and breathy vocals, his music echoes that of Lauv and Charlie Puth, leaning into a more synth-heavy, contemporary production. Tomsy released his second single “Angel” this year, showcasing glittery synths, digital vocals, and cinematic soundscapes—a testament to his multi-instrumentalist abilities and ear for cohesion. Although he has just started, I’m excited to see how his music evolves, seeing myself stumbling across his music at any (and all) local dance clubs! Written By: Conner Pettit FOLLOW TOMSY:

Forever May Fall's latest single is a uniquely candid track that tells the story of a broken romantic relationship between two of the band members. “Afterglow” was written about when lead singer, Jillyan Brennan, and lead guitarist, Colt Crevar, were dating. The song details their struggle to see the benefits of the relationship and the emotional toll it took on them. They had both ended up feeling “hurt and betrayed” and grew to resent each other and their relationship. Meanwhile, they continued to try to keep the professional music relationship afloat. The song was born from the moment of clarity after the initial feelings of frustration and rage. While Brennan sings the female perspective, featured artist, Bradley Scott, sings the male perspective heard later in the track. In the second chorus, their voices effortlessly blend together as they sing the heart-wrenching lyrics: “Hanging on for the same old story// Of falling back to the great unknown// Why did I have to stay for the ones that broke me// Looking back, guess I’ll never know.” These lines reveal that the two subjects only stuck it out in their relationship for so long because they felt like they had to, and they were afraid of their life after them. At this point, they only stayed out of habit and not because of any love they may have had for one another. The second half of the chorus continues with profound lyrics that reflect on the aftermath of the break-up. The duo sings, “But had I never taken time to stop and look at this different// I’d have never found a better home// But had I never taken time to stop and look at you different// I’d have never found my afterglow.” These lyrics recognize that after this pain and heartache, they have both found something better for them. If the two had not taken a step back and reevaluated their relationship, they would never have found the happiness they have now. “Afterglow” is an insightful track that takes the time to reflect on a previous relationship and learn from past mistakes. “Afterglow” is an infectious pop-rock track that utilizes a fiery production to enhance the powerful lyrics. The song immediately kicks off the first verse with a synth sound effect that draws out Brennan’s compelling vocals and a bass tuned down to play low notes. Similar to iconic rock bands that have influenced Forever May Fall, “Afterglow” uses drop C tuning to match the metal sound. The production in the verse is composed of high note guitar chords paired with synth heavy vocals echoing the lyrics in the background. Then in the pre-chorus, an electric guitar with palm muting and power chords are added that enhance the metal vibe. While the instrumentation is impressive, Brennan’s powerful vocals are on another level throughout the song. In the pre-chorus, she utilizes her falsetto in the middle of each line, emphasizing the emotional lyrics and showcasing her phenomenal range. Once the chorus hits, the metal influence of the song is even more evident with the increased intensity in the production. The guitar power chords continue, while the high-end chords are replaced by a guitar melody in the background. Additionally, the drums pick up to emphasize the intense emotions of the track. Prior to the second verse, there is a brief pause in the instrumentation while light vocals echo the lyrics. Then, this verse brings back the production found in the previous verse, with Scott’s vocals guiding the listener through the male’s perspective. The song returns to the high energy chorus with Scott’s and Brennan’s harmonizing vocals, proving that the two artists were meant to collaborate. In the post-chorus and bridge, an intense guitar solo backs the vocals as the song reaches the emotional climax. At the end of the bridge, the production mellows to provide emphasis to the explosion back into the final chorus. The guitar harmonizes with the vocals in the outro, before Brennan’s outstanding vocal high note closes out the track, leaving the listener with chills. “Afterglow” showcases Forever May Fall’s remarkable talent, proving that this band is an essential aspect of the pop-rock revival. Forever May Fall is a rock band from Charlotte, North Carolina founded in 2017. The band consists of four members: Jillyan “Fox” Brennan, Colt Crevar, Patrick “Sweez” Swesey, and Adam “Crabby” Crabtree. In 2022, the band returned from a brief hiatus with a new lineup and their hit single, “Aftermath.” The song won the 2022 Carolina Music Award for Music Video of the Year. After three additional releases in 2022, “Afterglow” marks their first single of 2023. Their music stems from a range of influences, such as Evanescence, Halestorm, Bad Omens, Spiritbox, Underoath, and many more. They strive to have no two songs that sound the same and blend genres to create their own style. They have an upcoming show in their hometown of Charlotte, NC on August 18th, 2023. Check out their socials for tickets! Bradley Scott is a singer-songwriter and lead vocalist for the American rock band, Emarosa. After joining the band in 2013, he and founding guitarist, ER White, are the two remaining members. Their 2019 album, “Peach Club,” garnered massive attention and claimed a top spot on the U.S. Billboard charts. The band has over 56,000 followers on Instagram and nearly half a million monthly listeners on Spotify. Emarosa is currently on their European tour, so check out their socials to see if they are stopping at a city near you! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW FOREVER MAY FALL: FOLLOW BRADLEY:

A familiar theme among dancefloor grooves is a commitment to the immediate passions. The latest single from pop duo Foley brings a peculiar and witty foresight to the retro-pop formula. "Tongue" is a slick, funk-pop middle finger to a relationship unsettled from the moment it went beyond casual. The sound is a tasteful blend of disco, funk, and '80s pop. The bassline is deep and sweet, ascending to counterbalance the descending vocal melody. It's whirling and dizzying, but Foley keeps the ball in the air through the irresistibly danceable three-minute runtime of "Tongue." If you can't trust the person you're with, they suggest, it's better to leave it on the dancefloor. The immediacy behind Foley's songwriting—sticky melody and smart genre blending—puts the fun of music first. Similarly, the situationship at the heart of "Tongue" was better off without complicated feelings. "I know that it's convenience at most, but so far it's been working for us," vocalist Ash Wallace remarks in the first verse. But the more time she puts into the relationship, the less she is getting out of it. "Can't trust you with my credit card, when you got no change," reads one of the single's most scathing-yet-funny burns. When she finally asks, "why are we pretending that we're more," it feels like an epiphany. What good is it to stick around in a relationship if the other person won't even stay until morning? Earlier this year, Foley released Crowd Pleaser Pt 1 , the first half to their debut album. "Tongue" follows "On the Rocks" as the second single teasing towards the remaining half. The pop duo of Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett formed in 2017 with their innovative and soulful dancepop music. While releasing two EPs in 2020 and 2021, the duo toured with Remi Wolf and played shows with the likes of Tove Lo, Still Woozy, and Two Door Cinema club, among others. Their central thesis as artist is to create music that brings community and togetherness. While Wallace provides vocals for a majority of the duo's songs, their upcoming album is the first time Everett contributes as a lead vocalist. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Foley:

Monique Benabou releases new single, “Long Way Around,” about embracing the journey that is life. If you’re too focused on an end goal, you can miss the path that gets you there in a blink. People are always going to have an opinion on how you choose to live your life, but you have to drown out their voices, and follow your own trail, even if it’s the one less traveled on. Achieving your dreams doesn’t mean as much if you don't acknowledge the steps that you took, and appreciate the obstacles you had to overcome, to get there. “Long Way Around” proudly advocates for cutting your own path and rising into your unique purposes in this world. Even if you don’t know where you’ll end up, your heart is an inner guide that will always get you to the right place, even if you have to take the long way around to get there. “Long Way Around” is Monique Benabou’s first single with her new sound. She has a powerful message about purpose and being proud of the destination you’re on, and she wants to share it with the world. Life is not about pleasing others; it’s about fulfilling ourselves, however that may look to bystanders and naysayers. Monique is dedicated to creating intentional works of art. She uses her craft to tap us into our inner strength, hope, and worth as we travel through life. “Long Way Around” carries a message we should all strive to learn from. The ethereal instrumentals with Monique’s powerhouse vocals meld seamlessly to convey a much needed sense of being secure in a world that can feel anything but. It is important to bloom where you’re planted, water yourself, be proud of your seeds, embrace the journey and struggles as you grow, and don’t forget to take a look around as you ascend to the sky. Monique Benabou is a singer/songwrtier from Los Angeles, California. She first debuted on the NBC singing competition, The Voice, over 10 years ago. Monique has since toured internationally with her music and sound healing experiences. She has made a big name for herself as a powerhouse vocalist and transformational songwriter in the industry. She has worked alongside industry legends like Christina Aguilera, Jason Derulo, and Colbie Caillat, and she’s collaborated with big-name brands like ABC, Disney, and Pepsi Cola. Monique’s mission is to spread messages of unity, hope, and perseverance through her music. She wants to inspire as many people as she can to use their voice and honor their truth. She wants her music to help change the way people view themselves and the path they’re on, and “Long Way Around” is sure to encourage us to stand tall in who we are, and never apologize for where we are on life’s never-ending journey! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW MONIQUE BENABOU:

"Monopoly" comes as the first single of 2023 for Georgia Lines, a soulful, pop track inspired by one of her childhood memories in New Zealand. She matches the music of the 80s and 90s pop with strong bass and drum sounds. Her luscious lyricism draws from an experience playing monopoly with her family as a reflection of life. Sometimes, you are playing well -- buying properties, collecting money -- and then you lose it all. It's a powerful theme that comes through with Lines' captivating vocals and the song's production. This was my introduction to Lines, and I was impressed instantly. The track begins with a gripping pop sound and infectious refrain. As it continues, Lines sings about turning tables, calling for a lover to let her go, and pleading for someone to "let me win if you love me." Through describing keeping her "cards close enough" and "trying too hard," we are transported into her mind and struggles with insecurity, taking chances, and feeling suffocated. The vulnerable lyricism is coupled with an impressive vocal range and electro-pop sound that makes it a song you could dance to. Drawing on her experience losing a game of Monopoly, Lines articulates feelings of love and loss. Georgia Lines hails from New Zealand, where she has been featured on the Official NZ Chart and mainstream radio. She has also been in Rolling Stone Magazine and across several playlists on Spotify and Apple Music. Her music can be looked at as an 80s and 90s-influenced pop sound with hints of R&B. She described her track "Monopoly" as one that "fits into a world where Prince meets Haim, layered with MJ stacked vocals." The assertion is one that fits quite well; she could also be compared to artists like Jessie Ware or Imogen Heap. Lines has already begun to make a name for herself, and looking at her most recent release, I expect that we will see her success grow even further. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW GEORGIA LINES:

Every now and then, we need to be reminded of how wonderful we are. Especially after a string of events that rob us of our ability to see ourselves in a positive light. In that particular case, self-reminders don’t pack the punch we need to realign and feel at home within ourselves. This requires social capital: a network of healthy relationships grounded in kindness, trust, and reciprocity. Simply put, we need the aid of a friend. And if you have a great friend like River Iris, they go out of their way to make a song that delivers the boost we need. “Passenger Seat” is all about showing platonic love to a friend that’s needs to be reminded of their splendor. “Passenger Seat” is an alt-pop single that showcases the platonic love we have for our friends and the extent we’re willing to go to remind them just how special they are. The song immediately opens with a guitar melody that demands a listener’s attention while the background mellows out the sound. Afterwards, enticing synths are introduced to give the single a summer mood while Iris’s first verse gets us ready to embrace the hot season through vivid imagery. But a soulful pre-chorus delivered with Iris's soft tone gives us a quick change from the cool, eclectic sound we’ve gotten familiar with. And it’s all to emphasize the following chorus: this section grows with funky guitar plucking towards an inventive, groovy bassline that provides a unique auditory experience. Here, the lyrics “Let's change your whole perspective / Let's reach another speed / Wish you could see the way you're looking from the passenger seat”, make it abundantly clear that this is about platonic love. Specifically, this is about uplifting your friend so they can see themselves in the same light that you see them - with deep admiration. The second verse reveals how invincible our artist feels in the presence of this friend, which means that “Passenger Seat” is Iris’s reciprocation – it’s her attempt to make her friend feel the same way she does in their company. Finally, the third verse highlights how beloved this friend is not only by Iris herself, but by people that don’t even know them. It's a heartwarming sentiment. When a close friend loses sight of themselves, be a pal and send “Passenger Seat” their way to help them remember how great they are. The current Phoenix-based singer and songwriter, River Iris, has always had an inclination for music. From holding a mic in her hand at two, to formally voice training at eleven, to eventually pursuing music as a full-time career – Iris is an artist with a deep passion for expanding and refining their craft. After attending UC Berkeley where our artist learned adaptability and variation, she backpacked around the Eastern hemisphere and grew to appreciate how intertwined all of life is. In 2020, the independent artist released their first single “Bet on Your Love”; an imaginative ballad that explores the duality of nostalgia when thinking about a past love. Since then, Iris has released several singles that showcase her lyrical confession-delivered style. For Phoenix based fans, Iris can be found putting on local performances – updates about performances found on her website here. And for those bound elsewhere that have enjoyed the artist’s ode to a friend as much as I have, you can always show Iris virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW RIVER IRIS:

Celine Cairo’s latest release “Truce” is a story of running away limited by a hesitance to, a seeking of compromise. Her pain is less described in its current state and found more in her exploration of escaping it. Feeling as though her troubles are a battlefield, she finds herself stuck between fighting and running. The strength of sticking it out appeals to her, but so does the strength found in escaping. She begs not for the strength to continue, though she does seem to value it, she begs that she will no longer need such strength. That the war will come to an end. She wants not for victory, but for survival. Her poeticism displays this struggle between pride and peace beautifully. The song begins with a magnetic orchestra meant to stir the feelings of drama found in her lyrics. As she begins describing her flee, the music follows her beat, going at a pace comparable to running steps. Her perfectly synchronized instrumentals maintain this action imagery, putting the listener in the conflict with Cairo. Certain aspects of this soundtrack to her escape go unnoticed on a first listen, blending seamlessly into the rest of her music, but it is these details that create such a dynamic song. Celine vocalizing behind her own voice, a particular attention granted to percussion when she sings of war drums, her focus on every small piece of production here fully transports the listener into Celine’s mind and yet meshes naturally into the existing tone of the song. When the “battle” seems to be over, her soft but soothing voice can be fully noticed. There is a period of calm here, a pause in the music, that comes when she finally chooses: peace. “Truce” comes to a close with this decision. Celine Cairo is a Dutch singer songwriter who was born into a world of music. Her father being an amateur drummer and her mother an avid music lover, were sure to encourage her early talents. She was gifted a guitar from them at age fourteen and nearly immediately began performing, by eighteen she had begun to create independently and perform those original works. She advanced her knowledge in music with her studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam shortly following this. She truly entered the public eye, though, with her 2013 release “Follow EP”. In 2014, she became physically known again, touring the Netherlands. This would only become more frequent with the release of her first full-length album, “Free Fall” in 2016. The album earned over fifteen million streams as well as receiving a Dutch music award. “Truce” is hopefully on its way to achieving a similar status, stream it now and follow Celine Cairo below. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW CELINE CAIRO: