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Haven't you ever heard a song that is so catchy that you've got to play it at least Twenty times on repeat? A song that keeps you rocking in your living room at 3:00 a.m. with a hairdryer, roaring out those irresistible lyrics. "Last Breath," TONICA's new hit single, achieves all that. This infectious, vibrant beat hypnotizes you into jumping up and tapping your foot to the rhythm. TONICA is a band composed of Amory as both the singer-guitarist and Sam as the producer-instrumentalist. The seasoned synth rhythms, along with an engrossed forceful hitting hook-heavy sound, leave you wanting more. The lively music combines wonderfully with the velvety vocals from Amory along with the wordplay in the lyrics: "Ironic, insane if this is how it's going to be, I want it…". This provides the impression that you are being hunted as the song comes up behind you and entraps you in its hypnosis. It also describes how this person can't get enough of a female, and how, despite her resistance, she desires the same and more of him. TONICA's latest single will have you dancing all night long. The "Last Breath" instrumentals produce a psychedelic, funky, hypnotic vibe. The incorporation of synthetics contributes to the song's ambiance. Amory's smooth soothing vocals, combined with reverb and vocal synths, help to fully convey the mood. We get quite a melodramatic feeling from the tone. In "Last Breath," the ringing of the synth guitar contributes to the overall tone. The strong musical production from Sam is what pulls this beautiful single together. Utilizing synths and a hard-hitting banger from the guitar helps reel in listeners. TONICA was born and bred in Manchester, England, and is a based alternative electro-pop Duo. Amory is the vocalist and composer guitarist who leads the pair with their powerful voice, while Sam is the songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer. Their love of delectable, dark alternative pop inspired the formation of the band. The team is endowed with inherent abilities for generating elevating melodies and visual production that births a cosmos of cosmic possibilities. The duo's latest single "Last Breath" was released on March 3rd. Their influences include classical 80's synth and alternative music. The band is presently represented by 365 Artists and is being promoted by Emerging Behavior. TONICA's new track will put you in a cosmic. Hypnotic, melodramatic, morbid vibe. This song is a must to listen-to for those who want to be entrapped by a song. Written By ShatteredSoul FOLLOW TONICA:

Breakups are not easy. Especially if you still have a lot of love for the person you're losing. Learning to accept and forgive is the best option regardless of what the outcome was. It’ll be easier to move on that way instead of holding a grudge. You’ll be the only one hurting. Having that acceptance is part of growing. ÊMIA’s song, “cool like frozen yogurt” is about accepting an apology from an old love. She describes this song as her “olive branch to her ex.” People cope differently after separating but in this case, there’s a light-hearted spin on it which is sometimes needed. ÊMIA starts “cool like frozen yogurt” with an appealing hook that draws the listener in. You’re sat there wondering why this song has such a catchy vibe with it being a breakup anthem. That’s what makes it unique and different. She has a pleasant voice that ties in with the upbeat tempo which creates a harmonious melody. Her high-spirited tone makes a heavy situation into something less serious. The effect ÊMIA has on the listener with her vocals and music is to make them feel content through her lyrics. Throughout the track to the end, the lines, “We’re cool like frozen yogurt / bitter sweetness on the side” are sung a few times which is the best way ÊMIA describes the relationship after forgiveness and becoming civil with each other. ÊMIA is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in Brooklyn. She’s been featured in Logitech’s for Creators Campaign and appeared in Netflix’s Ronny Chieng Takes Chinatown. Some of her inspirations are Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne which she looks up to in the industry. Electronic music, R&B, film scores, and musical theatre are some of her music influences. She self-wrote and self-produced her debut EP, “Little Secret” and has been featured on countless Spotify playlists and on Starbucks’ playlist, “Coffeehouse Pop.” She’s landed placements on New Music Friday Belgium, Spain, and Norway working as a songwriter and vocalists for producers such as DUUMU, Imfinenow, and SVDKO. Her latest EP, “VIDEO CALL:AM” was released back in September with five singles; two of the songs, “fake scenarios” and “heard it on the internet” were featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlist. She’s now working on a full-length album that’s anticipated and is surely an artist worth following! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW ÊMIA:

It’s common to feel alone in the world. Sometimes, this lonely feeling can lead to even more negative and destructive thoughts. We have to learn how to keep that mindset away even though it can be hard. LINNEY, Morgin Madison and Luxtides wrote the song, “With You” to remind us that we’re not on our own; we have our friends, family, and people who support us. There are still so many things we need to achieve in life. Leaving mistakes and regrets in the past will help us move forward and see the brighter side of things. If you ever feel unmotivated or lost, play this song to feel lifted and to remember that there are people out there rooting for you. The song starts off with a space ambience and ad lib that immediately will catch the listener’s attention. The track has an EDM tempo that carries throughout which makes you want to jump to the music. The style of this music reminds me of a Tove Lo or Ellie Goulding song which LINNEY mentions both artists as influences; it’s a mix of electropop and dance pop. The tone creates motivation for people who feel left out in the world to show them that they’re not alone. Although with its upbeat rhythm, the lyrics are still showcased to get the important message across. LINNEY’s vocal style fits in this EDM tune which is captivating to the ears. The instrumental at the end has the optimistic and jumpy sound which then ends in its space ambience. LINNEY is a singer/songwriter based in LA. She has collaborated with electronic producers Gareth Emery, Tritonal, Ummet Ozcan, and ARMNHMR. She is John Lennon’s Songwriting Contest winner; her music has been heard on New Music Friday, mint, Dance Rising, and many more. She’s been on Top 10 on the Apple Music Charts in Finland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Thailand, New Zealand and has been featured on TV shows like Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Morgin Madison describes his music as a “unique style of atmospheric dance music ranging from chilled house beats to dramatic, hard-hitting set pieces.” Mau5trap signed Madison after hearing a couple demos and wanted to support him. Madison joined LINNEY to work on the song after he invited her to share the stage with him, opening for Deadmau5 on the We Are Friends Tour at Red Rocks, CO in November. This is only the beginning for them! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW LINNEY: FOLLOW MORGIN MADISON:

The Kantors have released their second enchanting single, Inside Joke. Kristin and Dan Kantor make up the indie duo, alongside other friends. The song Inside Joke takes you on a journey and allows you to sit and think for a moment. It lulls you in and cuts deep when you realize what the lyrics and warning you with. This song is written from a personal experience and allows you to reflect on experiences you have had in your own life. As you listen you feel the sense of confusion switch to anger, realizing you are in a bad situation and that the joke is not funny anymore. This can be interpreted as the words of a survivor who is strong. This indie rock song prepares you to fight the common injustices that plague the world today. Inside Joke has a euphoric melody that strums softly and lures you in. Immersing you into the song like you are watching a key scene in a dramatic movie. The way that the sound moves is fluid and allows you to begin to float, until you are struck with the deep lyrics. Inside Joke makes you feel frustration, arming you and taking you though battle. There is a quick transition from a solo to more of an angry echoed voice. This song picks at the chorus, adding several other instruments then fades back to a mellow tune. The contrast between the anger with more rock undertones against the violin and the soft melodic intro creates for a great listen and immersive experience overall. The Kantors are a family band, composed of Kristin and Dan Kantor and their closests friends; Nate Sun, Jamie Redwood, Sam Adams and Rachel Clark. The talented crew is based in Chicago, and have a strong focus on being close knit. The indie folk-rock group now has two songs streaming everywhere; Linda and Inside Joke. With these powerful songs, the group already has a few shows this year on the forecast, and hopefully more soon. In the end The Kantors create meaningful music about deeply personal messages and I cannot wait to hear more of them. Written By Cate Schnoebelen FOLLOW THE KANTORS:

Photo Credits : Kayte Darling Photo Sister duo Trisha & Thara are making their presence known once more by releasing their first single of 2023. The pop duo is following the pattern of releasing one single per year, and this time around its “Out Of The Dark”, an original ballad dedicated to their mom, as the single's release date also happens to be her birthday. The two have been creating music together since they were in grade school and have been recognized for their stunning harmonies and natural musical chemistry as siblings. Their latest single, “Out Of The Dark”, shines bright as its core is filled with lyrics straight from the heart as they sing for this important person who inspired their song. If you have found yourself struggling to find the right words to say to someone you love let Trisha & Thara do that for you. You can now listen to their new single by clicking on the video below. Trisha & Thara's new single opens with a beautiful piano melody, followed by stunning vocals as they let their emotions take lead. "Out Of The Dark" is a sweet sentiment that brought tears to my eyes while listening to it. I could picture someone close to me in my own life that makes me feel this way while listening, which is one of the many highlights of this track. You can just feel the warmth and love radiating from their versus and the thoughtful lyrics as they share how much this person means to them. The duo use lyrics like, "I don't know what I would do without you" and "When the world came tumbling down, you turned my life around", making it hard to not feel anything but better after listening. Trisha & Thara's latest release is meant to be shared with others. If you can relate to having someone in your life that also helped pull you out of the dark and you want them to know how much you appreciate them, let this single be there for you. Trisha & Thara are a teen pop sister duo based in the Boston area. The pair have reached an impressive nearly 2,000 monthly listeners and over 180,000 streams on Spotify with only a few releases to their name. The young pop duo has been doing a lot of their music careers so far, from performing in musicals in Chicago, training at different music schools, and working on their live performances around the state. The sisters made their first appearance on Spotify with their debut single, You Used to Be” in 2020. They went on to release their second single, “Regret” in 2021, and their third “Too Late Again” in 2022. With 3 singles released, their latest “Out of The Dark” (released on March 10th, 2023) will be their 4th one to date and only the latest from the two. Make sure to be on the lookout for more upcoming releases from them in the future. Follow their socials below for updates from Trisha & Thara, and check out their newest single now! Written By Jenna Barton FOLLOW TRISHA & THARA:

Life hands us endless reminders of our own aging. Baby shower invitations might as well be harbingers of youth's fossilization. On "My Friends Are Sober," James Julian Villa has this darkly humorous realization through the well being of his peers. Everyone's too busy getting their act together to have fun! The sharp wit of Villa's lyricism is matched impeccably with the colorful production. There's a vivid personality imbued in the deeply-textured instrumental: playful record scratches, dirty bass, and a bright drumbeat. The reality of "My Friends Are Sober" is melancholic beneath the humorous surface, and the production seamlessly integrates that as well. The lofi countermelodies from acoustic guitars give the affect something of a wry edge—like a crooked, toothy grin. Listen closely, however, and they leave you with a distinct sadness. We can laugh about getting old, but the longing for stability is no joke. Much of Villa's lyricism coils between cleverly comical and disarmingly sobering (no pun intended). "Who needs friends when you've got heinekens / and three more years to spend until the kids start calling you old," he sings with either a smirk or a cringe. As everyone around him seems to be straightening up and moving on from the preoccupations of youth, Villa struggles to escape. "Life's such a bitch and then you die / Why waste it getting drunk and high," he croons, before sheepishly tacking on, "like I do?" He knows what's best for him, but knowing and doing are two different battles. Just as age might make one feel left behind, self-improvement can be just as isolating: feeding into the cycle of negative personal affect. "Why do I bother asking why?" The humor in "My Friends Are Sober" makes chilling moments like this hit like a bucket of ice water. James Julian Villa is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter based in Portland, Oregon. "My Friends Are Sober" is described as his first major release, but Villa has been making a name for himself producing and co-writing for local artists. His tiktok and youtube pages share insight into Villa's production process. Prior to moving to Portland, he studied music composition and piano in Canada, touring and performing in bands since his teen years. Villa's production has been finely tuned under the mentorship and collaboration with Lewis Childs. The two have been forming an ever-growing community of musicians and creatives at Groundswell Studios. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW James Julian Villa:

Have you ever had doubts in your relationship? Whether it's the feeling they could be cheating, that they don't love you anymore, or you're just not good enough for them; there’s the feeling of insecurity that creeps up when you experience these anxious thoughts. Lánre’s song, “idk” is a story about having those feelings about a significant other. There's overthinking involved which can drive you crazy. Getting heartbroken by someone you love hurts because of that trust you had with them. You're stuck there wishing they had lied to you instead of them breaking your heart. Either way, you're going to get hurt in the end. Lánre draws you in with his soothing vocals that are very captivating to the ears. He has emotion in his tone when describing the potential wound in his heart after thinking about his lover’s possible betrayal. This raw feeling brings the listeners in to sense the pain he feels. His relatable lyrics are tied with an upbeat, electro-pop soundscape which uplifts the song to have a catchy hook. The tune creates a mood that makes you want to dance; although the lyrics are emotional, it's a great contrasting balance. The self-doubt in this track is shown through the lyrics as Lánre continues to have uncertainty in his relationship. The song ends with “If you break my heart tonight” before it goes off in peaceful ad libs and melodic strums. Lánre is a singer/songwriter born in Olánrewaju Keyede and began his music career at the age of 10 in his hometown of Plainfield, New Jersey. He attended a school for music and trained in vocal performance. He writes heartfelt songs with a blend of RnB, electronic, and pop music. His creativity for music brings back the era of pop stars such as Michael Jackson, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, and Chris Brown who are his major influences in the industry. He has charted over one million streams on Spotify just on his own and is releasing a second EP later this year. He is a breakout artist who is just getting started so make sure to check out Lánre! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW LÁNRE:

Most of us have gone through tough breakups. We tell people who we are close to about what happened and what the other person did that hurt us. “I Already Told My Mama What You Did” by Evalina is a song we can relate to when the person we used to love betrayed us. The sentiment is relatable: there are no second chances since the damage has been done even though we’re willing to forgive. There’s no point in excuses because the relationship is over, and everyone knows. Once the secret is out, it would be impossible to break through the cement wall of distrust and win another chance back. Immediately at the beginning of the song, there are beautiful guitar strums that introduce Evalina's raw and powerful vocals, capturing the emotion of her lyrics. Bearing a tough breakup can make you go a bit crazy but realizing afterwards that you’re willing to forgive is part of a learning experience. The passion Evalina brings to this track is sensational, subtly contrasted with her upbeat, pop soundscape. The scenario in this breakup anthem is tricky: since she can’t make up with them because she's already spilled her feelings to her mama and about what they did; it wouldn't be ideal to get back together. The sternness of the lyrics continues to the last lines of the song, “No we can’t make up / Cause I already told my mama what you did” brings the dedication of not going back on your words which Evalina did not. Evalina is a singer/songwriter from the UK. She has worked with some established names in the music business that makes her an exciting name in British pop music. Her debut single, “Side Effects” was released in July 2022 and gained reviews from Pop Justice, Earmilk, Celeb Mix, Pop Musik, and many more. Her debut single was on BBC Introducing’s Track Of The Week which was an exciting accomplishment! She also released an acoustic version of the song which debuted at her sold out show for Sofar Sounds. Evalina’s latest single called, “Vivid” was personally chosen by Becky Hill to launch the groundbreaking female led label Lady Of The House as their debut release and to perform the song at W Hotel Amsterdam. “Vivid” was named Track Of The Day on BBC Introducing which received a mention on BBC Radio 1, press coverage from Music Week, Skiddle, Resident Advsior, DJ Mag, Mix Mag, and was put on Spotify’s New Music Friday and New Dance Revolution. Evalina is an artist you definitely don’t want to miss! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW EVALINA:

Photographer: Ursula Bowling Have you ever been blindsided by love? In “December”, The Wren’s latest single, the singer details feeling as though she was too consumed in her partner to realize who they truly were. The artist sings about not getting what she wants from a partner and moving on. She continues, describing how sometimes being single is better than being with a person who isn’t right for you. The heartbreaking lyrics are complemented by gorgeous vocals and a gentle instrumental. The instumental is stripped down and lets the vocals shine throughout the single. Overall, this is an emotionally raw track that you need to add to your next playlist. The single begins with a delicate falsetto with soft guitar chords. In the second verse, the singer is joined with gorgeous harmonized vocals that create an angelic feeling, combined with The Wren’s smooth, light, and incredible voice. The bridge is a highlight of the track. In the bridge, the song is stripped down to the simple guitar chords and vocals from the beginning of the single and emphasizes the singer’s heartfelt and personal lyrics. The final chorus allows the singer to show off her incredible wide range as she repeats the line, “And I dodged a bullet, I know”, before the stunning instrumental and her voice fades. The Wren is a Los Angeles-based artist. She has always loved singing and at 12 years old learned how to play the guitar. Over the years she has been able to cultivate her songwriting and describes her sound as soft indie folk. In November 2022 The Wren released her first single titled, “Please Don’t Joke About Dying”. This song similar to her next single is a beautiful and emotionally vulnerable track. An impactful moment in the songwriter's pursuit of music would be her first open mic. Although The Wren had been performing in front of crowds for most of her life, her first open mic was after a couple of years away from the stage and was an important instance that helped her become more assured in herself. The Wren’s musical journey has been long and has helped gain confidence in herself and her passion. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW THE WREN:

“I’m Good” is a soulful and joyous goodbye to the lamentations after a breakup; instead, Tahan sets her head high as she dusts herself off and prioritizes her own self-worth and growth over the needs of others. From other emotive and uplifting songs like “Lights Down” and “Pull Me Down”, Tahan is no stranger to warning against the destructive need for constant outside validation, and by searching out a way to be happy with herself, Tahan shows her audience that at the end of the day, everyone must be comfortable with themselves to truly be happy and content in life. Her fierce and proud demonstration of herself and her own true values blazes a new path after a breakup, the path of self-discovery rather than self-destruction. The danceable electronic beat envelopes beautifully with Tahan’s smooth and mellow voice. Though the song starts softer, it reaches greater heights as the climax in the chorus bursts into a seductive and exciting apex that screams for positivity but also self-reflection. As Tahan muses over the breakup, she realizes that though it still hurts, she doesn’t need her partner as she thought anymore; she’s found the strength within herself and embraced her qualities, confident in her identity and values. From Tahan’s songwriting prowess alongside her emotional vocals emerges a passionate song that argues for you and prioritizes your happiness rather than the feelings of others. A soulful artist from Guildford, Surrey, Tahan’s music emphasizes the emotions and meaningful concepts we feel and look to unpack every day. Her influences, Adele, Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson and more, are easily seen in the emotionally impactful singles she’s released over the past five years. The industry is simply buzzing about her unique style -- from being synced on Love Island to being played on BBC Introducing, it’s clear that Ari Tahan is here to stay. Her desire to leave her listeners energized, empowered, and confident with head-banging anthems demonstrates her aspirations toward the world she builds, a noble theme that results in catchy but also admirable songs. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ARI:

Jax is known for her unique ability to create memorable tracks that contain clever hooks and outspoken lyrics. In her latest single, “Cinderella Snapped”, she does exactly that. In the song, she takes the narrative of the typical fairytale princess, and twists it into a feminist anthem. The fiery track was inspired by a book her grandmother wrote for Jax when she was younger, in which she reimagined Cinderella with a happy ending—one that did not require a prince. Jax took this story, and made it her own in “Cinderella Snapped”. Throughout the song, the audience is left hanging onto Jax’s every word with the ingenious storytelling that instantly transports them into this alternate fairytale land. Staying true to the theme, the song begins with “Once upon a time there was a princess// Waiting for a boy to give back her shoe.” Then, the lyrics quickly shift to reveal our misogynistic society, while framing it under the guise of storybook characters. Leading up the chorus, she divulges that the alleged “prince” was “busy in her stepsister’s bed.” Rather than the princess being heartbroken about this, “Cinderelly said: ‘Plot twist.’” Then, Jax breaks into the energetic chorus that empowers Cinderella, and exposes the prince. Throughout the track, she makes numerous references to the sexism in society, as well as the infidelity of the “prince.” Yet, she knows she does not need a man to be happy and is furious that women are only seen as a damsel in distress, who always needs to be saved by a knight in shining armor. So, instead of giving into this backwards thinking, she sings the hook: “So I'll just buy a new glass slipper// And burn your castle down// And kids, that’s how Cinderella snapped.” She takes matters into her own hands, and changes the narrative to an empowering one. The audience may think the song could not get any better with the already powerful chorus and the cheeky verses, especially with the second verse that name drops several fairytale princesses. But then, Jax blows them away with the momentous bridge that calls out every single sexist and unfaithful man—inspired by real events experienced by her grandmother in the 50s. “Cinderella Snapped” is a power anthem for every single woman who is often underestimated and feel that their worth is measured by the men that they please. Jax reminds these women that they are worth so much more and these lyrics encourages them to be confident in themselves. “Cinderella Snapped” consists of a fiery production that matches the fierce message found throughout the track. Jax kicks off the song with a brief strum of the acoustic guitar, that is swiftly cutoff by her clearing her throat. The clearing of the throat appears intentional, like she is tired of listening to the misogynists talk and has finally found her voice to speak out against them. She immediately starts singing the vehement lyrics, complemented by the bass and the tambourine. Toward the end of the verse, the tempo slows down and Jax’s voice softens to just above a whisper, drawing focus to the lyrics. When she reaches the end of the verse, she simply speaks the two words, “Plot twist,” before the explosion of the chorus. Instantly, Jax and the production intensifies, bringing emphasis to the anger and frustration behind the lyrics. The drums and the electric guitar are added, while the bass and the tambourine remain in the background. Paired with the music, Jax’s passionate vocals guide the listener through the track. After Jax sings the unforgettable hook, “That’s how Cinderella Snapped,” the production includes finger snaps, essentially showing that Cinderella literally and figuratively snapped. Subtly, these snaps naturally flow right back into the steady bass of the verse. The song continues with this flawless structure, utilizing the same production in the bridge that is heard in the verse. Furthermore, Jax completely blows away the listener with not only the sassy lyrics in the bridge, but the method in which she delivers them. She starts the bridge as normal, but transitions into singing the remaining eight lines at an impressive speed with only one breath. She not only highlights her creative songwriting ability, but her extraordinary vocal range and breath control. Her distinctive voice is what initially catches the attention of her millions of listeners, and her incredible songwriting is only the perfect cherry on top of this versatile artist. “Cinderella Snapped” is another outstanding addition to Jax’s already remarkable discography, and the single is destined to add even more fans to her already substantial fanbase. Jax is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey. In 2015, she placed third on Season 14 of American Idol, making her the most successful contestant from her home state. After the show, she released her first single, “Forcefield” and joined the remaining Top 5 contestants on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2015. Not only has Jax written for herself, but she has also penned songs for other artists while she advanced her experience within the music industry. Then in 2020, the global pandemic threw a wrench in her plans by leaving Jax without a physical stage to perform. As a result, she turned to TikTok where she became a viral sensation. Her immense talent caught the attention of Atlantic Records, who she signed with in January 2021. She continued to release tracks that garnered her a dedicated fanbase and well-deserved attention. In 2022, Jax experienced her most successful year yet. In March 2022, she won the iHeartRadio Music Award for TikTok Songwriter of the Year. Then in June 2022, she released her hit single, “Victoria’s Secret”. The track started important conversations about body image and eating disorders, resulting in the song going viral on TikTok and other social media platforms. The song peaked at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40 Chart and 25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart and is certified gold in the United States. “Cinderella Snapped” is the first release after this massive success, satisfying fans with another outstanding track that is certain to chart high like its predecessor. This summer, she will be going on tour as the supporting act for Big Time Rush. Check out her social media for tour dates near you! Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW JAX:

Top: Meet Me @ The Altar via Spotify; NOU via SoundCloud; Bottom: Mijita via Instagram; Someya via Facebook. Are you as excited as me for International Women’s Day?! Just to make it clear: the holiday is tomorrow, March 8th – I’m just so jazzed up that I needed to post a day early. This holiday always makes me giddy to see the outpouring support and recognition for women. But I’ve always had one qualm with it; not enough appreciation is directed towards the incredible women making an impact with smaller platforms. So, I thought the best way Pop Passion could celebrate the holiday is by highlighting and uplifting the voices of women artists from underrepresented backgrounds. The criteria I followed by to compile this list: the reviewed song had to fall under the pop genre (or a sub-genre of pop), the reviewed song had to be released in the last three years, and the artist or group had to represent folks we do not hear enough from in the pop sphere. Now, let's get on to the songs and start showing our appreciation. 15. "Water Me" - Chynna Mac “Water Me” by Chynna Mac is a soft, guitar-laden indie-pop single about romantic partners showering one another in unconditional love. The key contributor to this love’s growth is displaying it through emotional availability and presence. This beautiful message is vocalized with Mac’s gorgeous, confessional-styled delivery. Whenever I close my eyes while listening, it feels like she’s directly speaking to me – and I’m sure other listeners can attest to this experience. Chynna Mac is a black, plus-size, lesbian singer and songwriter from Tennessee, currently making music in Los Angeles, California. “Water Me” is the ninth song to be featured on the artist’s album It Is What It Is. 14. "Better Off" - All There Is “Better Off” by All There Is is a pop-punk single about coming to terms with the end of a relationship by realizing you’re happier and healthier without it. It’s the perfect break-up anthem for when you need to be reminded that the end of a romantic connection can be the best possible outcome. The arrangement of the strings and drums throughout the song captures a range of emotions and makes me hopeful for the return of riot grrrl culture. Coming from Texas and completely fronted by women, All There Is consists of singer and rhythm guitarist Sofia Mora, bassist Kelly Condy, drummer Grace Goodman, and recent addition, guitarist Charlotte O’Boyle. The alt pop-rock group’s newest single, “DEADWEIGHT!”, gets released this Friday, March 10th – mark it down on your calendars. 13. "Potential" - Norhan “Potential” by Norhan is a dance-pop single with heavy R&B elements about falling in love with someone’s potential – not who they are. This is the club song call-out we occasionally need to stop romanticizing the idealized version of our crush because we only wind up hurt in the end when we see they’ll never live up to the potential we saw in them. Norhan’s sweet vocals keep us engaged and optimistically hopeful for an event we know will never happen. Norhan is an Egyptian pop artist based in Chicago, IL. The artist will be dropping their new single, “Mistaniyak”, on March 17th. 12. "Caution Sign" - Stella Mar “Caution Sign” by Stella Mar is a synth-pop single about not initially seeing people for what they are. Especially if they’re done up nice, sometimes we can overlook or miss the red flags that surround them. Mar’s deep, sultry voice loans the song a taste of jazz while the synths give listeners some 80’s nostalgia. The dark, vivid colors within the visualizer contrasted with a neon pink sign of the song's namesake is visually outstanding, too. Stella Mar is an indie, queer artist based in Tacoma, Washington. “Caution Sign” is one of the seven songs that make up Mar’s latest album, Polyester. 11. "Counting Me" - Vicki Lovelee “Counting Me” by Vicki Lovelee is a revenge pop song about maintaining your confidence in the face of rejection. The best form vengeance in a situation like this is displaying how well you’re doing without the rejecting party as they obsess over you. The song’s dark nature is brilliantly highlighted with dramatic vocals and shifts in melody. Vicki Lovelee is a Chinese Canadian alt-pop singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Ontario. The official music video for “Counting Me” drops this Thursday, March 9th at 9:00 PM. 10. "Jenni" - Shak SYrn “Jenni” by Shak SYrn is a bedroom alt-pop single about the appreciation we have for our comfort friend. In this song we’re showing nothing but a deep admiration and platonic love for this friend in our life because they deserve to be reminded every once in a while. The song embodies good, summertime vibes while SYrn’s dreamy vocals take listeners to a higher plane of existence. Shak SYrn is a black, queer artist that’s currently based in Los Angeles, California. SYrn’s music blends the whimsy of magic and spirituality with neo-soul and alt-pop. 9. "Physical" - Jasmine Rodriguez “Physical” by Jasmine Rodriguez is a compelling dance-pop single about desiring a connection that runs deeper than surface level. Unfortunately, the foundation for the connection that brought on this desire was built on a mutual need for physical contact. The emotional desire within the song leaves listeners in a perpetual state of yearning. Jasmine Rodriguez is a Dominican singer, songwriter and musician based in Los Angeles, California. Her Spanglish covers of “Unstoppable” and “Just The Two Of Us” showcase the artist’s soft, bright vocals and their skill with the guitar. 8. "Again" - NOU "Again” by NOU is a memorable dream-pop single for the lovers out there. This song is the sweet harmony you sing to your romantic partner after silly fights to remind them how much you adore them and the process of falling in love with them. With this song, you're directly telling your partner that you would be willing to fall in love with them all over again if given the chance. NOU is a singer and songwriter based in Hawaii. In the upcoming months, the artist plans on creating and releasing music videos to accompany their singles. 7. "Mapped Out" - Meet Me @ The Altar "Mapped Out" by Meet Me @ The Altar is pop-rock single about feeling lost but never letting others onto this truth. The headbanger champions a fake-it-til'-you-make-it attitude that's bound to boost anyone's confidence. Fans of the mid-2000s easycore scene can hear the influence on the song. Meet Me @ The Altar is a queer, POC, pop-rock band composed of guitarist-bassist Téa Campbell, drummer Ada Juarez, and lead vocalist Edith Victoria. The band has a mission to revamp the music scene and is a little bit closer to doing so with their upcoming album. Their debut album Past // Present // Future will be released this Friday, March 10th! 6. "lmk" - Maezi666 “lmk” by Maezi666 is an industrial electronica-pop single and ode to clingy, lover girls everywhere. It perfectly captures the struggle between wanting to be in close, constant communication with the person we’re longing for but also not wanting to come off as overbearing, either. The song embodies the pleading eyes emoji - and it certainly wins over listeners compassion. Maezi Kacey, better known as Maezi666, is a trans artist and guitarist from Seattle, Washington that currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Maezi666 is a part of the established trio, Scythe Gang 666. 5. "Lights Off" - Mijita “Lights Off” by Mijita is a pop single with catchy components of funk and R&B. The song is all about being la tóxica in a relationship; within the context of the song the toxic partner drains you both emotionally and physically. The song's sexy, provocative sound can make any listener okay with getting used as "a washcloth". Mijita is an LGBT+, Afro-Latina artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Ever since the 22-year-old artist’s debut single “Unleash Your Mind”, listeners have been eager to devour more of their unique blend of Latin dance music and bedroom pop. 4. "Too Good For You" - Rawan “Too Good For You” by Rawan is a groovy dance-pop single about recognizing your self-worth. Sometimes it takes external events for this revelation to dawn upon us. And that's perfectly okay, I'm more than happy to have Rawan's sonorous vocals help me see the light and refuse to lower myself for someone else's benefit. Rawan Maarouf, better known by the stage name Rawan, is an Arab-American singer and songwriter based in New Jersey. Rawan’s latest EP Lost Boy, emphasizes the artist’s commitment to the deconstruction of stigmas through dazzling piano melodies. 3. "very well" - csndra “very well” by csndra is their debut single that dropped last February. It’s a vibrant, indie-pop single about radical self-love and self-acceptance. It’s the ultimate woman empowerment song that reminds us about the innate, individual strength each woman carries. The Orlando native, csndra, is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, designer, and animator currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. The artist left graphic designing to pursue their musical career. While we wait to be graced with more music, peep csndra’s follow-up single, "DMLO". 2. "Dreams" - Baby Storme “DREAMS” by Baby Storme is a dream-pop single that doubles as a siren song. The slowed rhythm coupled with Baby Storme’s ethereal voice is bound to hypnotize any listener. It makes me wish I could live in the dreamscape the artist is envisioning - and maybe that's what makes the song so alluringly dangerous. Baby Storme is a black, genre-blending artist determined to transform the face of alternative music. Their new single “PAINKILLERS” will be released this Friday, March 10th! In the meantime, get familiar with and transfixed by Baby Storme’s discography. 1. "The Way I Do" - Someya “The Way I Do” by Someya is a gripping alt-pop single about a queer love triangle. The cinematic music video accompanied by Someya’s hauntingly stunning vocals makes listeners feel like they’re watching a thriller unravel before their eyes. The song’s murderous end takes my breath away every single time I watch it. Someya is a bisexual singer and actor based in Los Angeles, California. The artist’s discography is filled with Sapphic songs that feed the soul. An upcoming project fans get to look forward to seeing is Your Love; a romantic, queer, Punjabi historical fiction short film that co-stars Someya. Diversity in the pop sphere is rare, and I’m always elated to find women artists that reflect a little more of the everyday world we occupy. Much like their music makes those of us living within the margins of society feel seen, it’s crucial that we return the favor by showing them virtual love whenever possible. And we do so by showing up and turning out via continual support of their music and passion projects. Here’s to the women in pop that continue to leave a lasting impression on our minds while captivating our hearts with philosophy, emotional relatability, and storytelling that knows no bounds. Written by Giavanna Gradaille Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.