Do you ever find yourself getting lost in fantasizing about the future? “If Time Stood Still” reminds listeners to stay in the present. When you are in love it is easy to get lost in thinking what can be and how your relationship will grow, but the singer asks you to think about what is happening now and be a realist about the relationship. The lyrics illustrate how it is okay for a relationship to not last forever and to run its course. The single continues, telling the audience to focus on how they can show the people they love their affection daily. These thoughtful lyrics are complemented by the fun new wave and post-punk melody that Years of the Modern is known for. The track begins with an instrumental that has a synth-pop feel. The vocalist, Amanda Lyn Parker soon joins in, singing about trying to stay grounded in reality as love tries to lift her into daydreaming. Throughout the song, Lauren Leprich’s synths sound ethereal and add a fun element to the single. As the song continues into the second verse, the instrumental gets softer and allows the singer’s unique and stunning voice to shine, especially in the second chorus as Parker belts the final line, “If you take it back”. “If Time Stood Still” ends with a short, insanely fantastic instrumental interlude before the final fading lines. Years of the Modern is comprised of Amanda Lyn Parker on vocals, Lauren Leprich on synths, and Jay Edonel on guitar. The members came together to make music during their downtime while in quarantine. The band is inspired by synths from the 80s post-punk and new wave scenes, such as The Cure, The Smiths, and Depeche Mode. This group released its debut single in April 2021. Since their first song, they have released an EP that is a collection of their singles, titled, “Time & Space”. Recently, the band has also announced they are releasing merchandise and are performing in new cities in Canada so keep an eye out for Years of the Modern! Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW YEARS OF THE MODERN: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

There are times when we are living in moments that are traditionally seen as joyous, but instead of swimming in that happiness, we are left feeling despondent and unable to simply exist in contentment. It’s a much more common experience than we are led to believe, and it can leave us feeling frustrated and angry. Moments like these make us realize that happiness isn’t a destination on which we land on, and that’s why people often feel discouraged when they aren’t able to always experience happiness. The latest single by music duo, Davvn, called “Depressed in Heaven” creates an atmospheric showcase of these emotions and how it’s a difficult situation to get out of. It’s hard to be as transparent as the lyrics of the song are, and Davvn is able to do this to the tune of an energetic alt-pop anthem. Along with this, lead singer, McCall Bliss provides an emotional vocal performance that really completes the final product. “Depressed in Heaven” is a great track to have at your disposal during difficult times of being unable to get out of that dark spot we often find ourselves in. The lyrics of the song are incredibly illustrative, portraying a person who feels isolated based on all the joy surrounding them. The emotions of the main character contrast the images of the shining sun and festivities painted by the main character. In terms of instrumentals, the verse stays simple, and this allows the buildup in the pre-chorus to stand out more. The chorus of the song explodes and is incredibly catchy. It picks up the energy of the song and it shows off more of the group's style versatility. The subject of the chorus perfectly reflects the message of the song, how heaven represents those perfect moments we can’t enjoy because our own emotions won’t let us. The second verse has some slight changes from the first that reflects how the energy of the song is building on itself. Bliss’s vocals sound angelic throughout the entire track and it’s what makes the song feel complete and emotionally vulnerable. The song ends with the chorus reprised with only focus on Bliss’s voice, and it’s a great way to wrap the work as a whole. “Depressed in Heaven” is a poignant performance that reflects an important issue that often is not seen as universal when it is. Davvn is an alt-pop music duo originally from Nashville, Tennessee. The duo takes in a lot of influence from early 2000s pop punk music, along with modern alternative rock and pop. While the act has been releasing for some time now and has experienced moments of going viral on TikTok, Davvn had the opportunity to work with the legendary band, Bowling for Soup. This collab was a crucial moment for the duo that helped them gain even more popularity. It’s fun to see a group like Davvn using these nostalgic styles we all grew up with and making them their own. It shows a true love for the craft, and it definitely leaves audiences excited to see what the duo comes out with next. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW DAVVN: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Abz Winter is a fierce and powerful singer-songwriter. She brings not only her talent but her vulnerability to the table in her new single, "Red Flags". The song dives into what its like to be in a relationship with someone who has the characteristics of a narcissist. "Red Flags," does not merely talk about the effects of being in a relationship with such a person, but the journey of piecing together all of their red flags and discovering that this person is not right for you. Abz Winter takes listeners along on this journey, with the help of clever lyrics and catchy melodies. Although, "Red Flags", feels personal due to its content and vulnerability, the song still gives off a full band sound. The song opens with an upbeat and steady rhythm provided by the electric guitar. Entering the verse the song's instrumentals slowly build creating a natural anticipation for the chorus that is about to occur. Getting to the chorus is a cathartic experience for listeners due to both the powerful vocals and powerful instrumentals. The song's energy and natural transitions work to drive home the emotional content Abz Winter is putting into her song. Abz Winter is a singer-songwriter who is confident in the art she is making. Her style and vulnerability that she inserts into her music shows that Abz Winter truly is using her confidence to make the best sounding music possible. Abz's music is both unique and refreshing as it plays with both the genres of pop and rock. Her ability to make use of the characteristics of these genres makes her music not only unique to her, but unique among the masses. Her voice brings another strong element to her music. Her ability to sing with tonal variety and passion make her songs feel all the more truthful and vulnerable. Using her talent and confidence Abz Winter is making her mark in the world of music. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW ABZ WINTER: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Photo Credit: Studio Sans "Acting Up" is such an amazing song! Can you talk about the story behind it? Renon: I wrote it at a time when I was tired of writing sad songs and wanted to have a song of mine that made me feel good about myself. So I used my experience with some men to let those feelings out. It was mostly based on this short-lived fling I had that ended badly when it really didn't have to. It annoyed me how dramatic he made it when he could've just taken no as an answer and said goodbye. This song is perfect for anyone in need of an empowering anthem. What advice would you give to listeners caught up in a hookup situation gone wrong like the one described in the song? Renon: Don't waste your time. If anyone you just wanted to have a nice hookup with is making you feel bad in any way, it's really not worth it. Put on a playlist that reminds you of your worth, and say goodbye to that person How do you feel songwriting empowers you personally? Renon: Songwriting is like journaling for me. It's a space where I can truthfully put all my thoughts and feelings into the air. I can tell the stories I want to tell in the way I want to tell them and make art I am proud of because it comes from the heart. Even with a song like "Acting Up", which is not that deep or meaningful, it is still honest. It's a part of my story, no matter how small and silly the situation was. Who are your biggest musical influences? Renon: I would say Amy Winehouse, Paramore, Banks, Charli XCX, and The Neighbourhood really influenced my vocal and production style. Photo Credit: Studio Sans If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would you choose? Renon: I think Rihanna would have to be up there for me. That would just be too iconic. Maybe Ashnikko too, or Lizzy McAlpine. There are too many on my list to choose from. What can listeners expect to hear from you moving forward? Renon: I generally love conceptual projects, and "Acting Up" is only the beginning of a whole story. Look forward to lots of easter eggs and lots of music. If everything goes as planned, my second EP will also be coming soon. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW RENON:

Indie pop has always been a genre that can take any form. There are always the basics of the genre like guitar, melodic vocals, and down-to-earth lyrics but every artist brings their spin to the table. Rebecca Lappa is no different. Her single Lolita is a prime example of the lengths an artist can go to further the experiences of a genre. Lolita is an indie pop track at its core with racing guitar chords and rounded piano. Rubbing elbows with pop, rock, and folk Lolita delves into the very soul of the genre in which it is participating. The track takes inspiration from the many genres that created Indie pop. The instrumental is meticulously constructed; each aspect plays an important role. The production of Lolita is done by Louise Burns. The production builds a powerful backtrack for Lappa's poetic verses and deeply personal yet relatable lyrics. Lolita is a commentary on the intersection of sexuality and innocence women experience through the male gaze. Loosely inspired by its namesake the highly controversial novel of the same name. Lolita pushes the listener to think harder about the sexualization of innocence and how it can affect a person. Rebecca Lappa builds up this character of Lolita in her lyrics making her seem like desire itself only to juxtapose these notions with the quick and anxious instrumental and lyrics like “you crave control//tonight let it all go// your hands her clothes.” In this lyric, Rebecca is speaking directly to the person seeking Lolita. Lappa knows the only reason Lolita is desirable to these men is because of the control that can be had over her. This track forces you to seek the dark truth of power dynamics. Women face this daily and Rebecca is pointing a spotlight on the uncomfortable truth. Rebecca Lappa is no Rookie in the music industry. She has been stealing the hearts of many in her hometown Edmonton Alberta since six years old. Music to Lappa is a therapeutic tool. Her lyrics are there to heal her wounds and help her grapple with certain truths. Her use of music in this way allows those dealing with similar things to have an escape. Lappa has released several tracks all equally as ambitious and well-crafted as Lolita. Her upcoming album Tales of a Taurus, out May 5th of this year, will focus on the change and growth she has experienced. Rebecca Lappa is a star in the making and is certainly worth the listen. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW REBECCA LAPPA:

“Walls” is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching single reflecting upon Gill’s past traumas and empowering us through optimistic and child-like innocence. Originally written as a poem when putting her three boys to bed, Gill wondered what walls about her might say about her life, viewing her struggles and triumphs merely as a bystander. With “Walls”, Gill hopes that her audience will take comfort in knowing that trauma is never your responsibility and create avenues into healing. Besides singing about the physical walls, Gill also describes the emotional walls that trauma might have brought us, preventing us from truly connecting with others and ourselves. Gill’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful, filling out the emotional depth of the song as the minimalistic production lets her shine, emphasizing the raw and honest emotions being conveyed. Especially as the world heals from the pandemic, many resonate with the feelings of isolation and challenges of navigating the world around us. Gill dives into these complex emotions headfirst, baring a part of her soul to offer a sense of comfort and camaraderie to all those that listen. “Walls” is a beautifully crafted and deeply personal piece of music that offers a powerful evocation portrayal of the human experience. Loulia Gill is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Bristol, UK, releasing two full-length albums and 16 singles since May 2018. Her music has garnered critical acclaim among industry professionals and is being playlisted on the radio in both the UK and internationally -- she even traveled as far as Johannesburg and Uganda to share her message of hope throughout the song. Not only is she a talented musician, but she’s also a graphic designer, wife, and mother of three boys. “Walls” is one of many songs that have struck a chord with viewers; Gill’s clever wordplay and thoughtful emotion shine brightly on her future. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW LOULITA: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Viewing Stupid Face as well as your previous works, it is clear to see that you are a talented artist mastering multiple genres and vibes. What genre has been your favorite to create, and what would you like to tackle next? J0VANNA: Thank you so much for having me again! I just wanted to share that R&B is hands down my favorite genre to create. The smooth grooves, soulful melodies, and powerful vocals just hit differently, you know? But I'm not content to just stick with what I know. I'm ready to level up and dive headfirst into the world of Soul music. I'm excited to explore the diverse sounds and styles of this genre and see how I can incorporate them into my own creative process. Who knows what kind of magic will happen when R&B and Soul collide! As a modern singer-songwriter, what drew you to start making music, and what motivates you to continue? J0VANNA: I've been writing music for as long as I can remember, but I made the decision to turn it into a profession when I was 15. It hit me that I wanted to use my music to help others feel understood and less alone. I aim to write songs that people can relate to and that make them feel seen. Deep down, I knew that my true calling was to inspire others through my music. That's what keeps me going - the motivation to touch people's souls with my lyrics and make a difference in their lives. I love the style of your cover art! What inspired you to create such a unique style? J0VANNA: So, Pinterest was my muse for this cover art! One day, I stumbled upon this image that was soooo cool - it had this vintage but whimsical vibe that I was really feeling. I knew right away that it was perfect for my cover art. I decided to take matters into my own hands and create something inspired by that image. I did my best to replicate it, but of course, I had to add my own twist to make it truly mine. Congratulations on being the #1 artist for 8 adoring fans in 2022 on Spotify! What impact do you hope to make on fans with your music now and forever? JOVANNA: My hope is that my music can reach those who need to hear that they're not alone. I want to keep being a voice for people who feel like they don't have one. It's important to me that my music can make an impact now and forever. I'm all about spreading love, positivity, and inspiration through my lyrics. You’ve had Stupid Face mastered by Grammy-nominated Dave Kutch, what was the experience working with him like? J0VANNA: I swear, the guy has a real gift when it comes to mastering. It's seriously impressive to watch him work. I love seeing his process, and honestly, I'm crossing my fingers that we get to keep working together. There's just something about his energy and the way he approaches things that really resonates with me. I feel like we make a great team and can accomplish some really amazing things together. You have three hit singles released so far! What new ventures do you have planned for your music career in the near future? JOVANNA: Honestly, I'm just focused on keeping the momentum going and putting out more music. My ultimate goal is to release an EP that really captures my sound and style. Of course, I want to keep gaining new fans and growing my audience, but I'm also really excited about the idea of going on a mini-tour. I just feel like there's nothing quite like the energy of a live show, you know? I want to connect with my fans in person and bring the music to life in a whole new way. Interviewed By Sophia E. Henry FOLLOW J0VANNA:

Congratulations on the release of your new single “Why”! Can you share the story behind this song and what inspired you to write it? Sofi: Thank you so much! Well, the song came out of a feeling of trying to fulfill or complete myself but doing it back words. It does sound like a cliché but selflove rules. Nothing nor no one can do that for you. So, to everyone out there, focus on self-worth and self-love first. Then the rest of the world will fall in love with you too. At least the ones who knows you, and those are the only ones who should matter to you. How did you get your start in music? Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in it? Sofi: I would say yes. In the beginning I just loved to write. It didn’t have to be music. My big brother played guitar and my dad piano, so I guess I started learning a few chords and put a melody to it – then the words came along. My music teacher in school was very important to me and made me believe in myself. I recorded my first demo while living in Paris. When I came back to Sweden for the summer, I got my first record deal and decided to stay in Stockholm for the period of making and promoting that first album called “One”. If you could have dinner with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? Sofi: Annie Lennox. I have always loved her way of writing - and who she is as a person. If Amy Winehouse was still alive, I would have loved to have a long dinner with her too. Can you tell us a bit about your involvement with UNHCR? The work you’ve done there has been so inspiring! Sofi: Thank you. The day before the war broke out, I started writing a song called “Endlessly”. When we got the news about what was happening in the world – and so close to us here in Sweden - I wanted to dedicate the song to them and did so together with UNHCR. It felt like it was meant to be just that way. I always want to continue doing charity in any way I can. You’ve been working in the industry for over 12 years now and have accomplished some incredible things! What would you say has been the proudest moment of your career thus far? Sofi: When I came to LA my private life fell into pieces and I didn’t know anyone. But somehow through the people I had met and through an album I just recorded I got my first little synch on a show called the hills. It paid my rent that month and I kept it going. Finally I landed a record deal on Atlantic Records. What can we expect next from you? I am genuinely so excited to see what your future holds! Sofi: Thanks again. I have a new album recorded. If we see and feel like people connect with “Why” then slowly but surely we’ll keep releasing more music. And I’ll always keep writing. It’s what makes me being able to cope with myself – and the world. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW SOFI:

I could listen to your new single “Damsel In Distress” for hours on end! Congratulations on this awesome release. What message do you hope will resonate with your listeners when they hear this new track? Mars: When I was writing this track, I was hoping to invoke a sense of 2000s nostalgia mixed with an energy only modern sound could provide. Putting an upbeat spin on all too known feeling of young heartbreak. What first got you into music and inspired you to make your own? Mars: My passion for music sprouted from early childhood memories, of my family filling the house with various genres of song, which granted me a deep appreciation for all things musical. Lip-syncing to all my favorite songs gave me a drive to one day perform my very own music. I later gained an interest in the more technical side of music production by seeing it portrayed in films I enjoyed. All these things made me the musician I am today. I can tell from this new single you have an amazing talent for storytelling in your music. Do you have any tips or go-to tricks for other songwriters out there that help you when writing your own work? Mars: One method that seems obvious but seemingly gets overlooked by many aspiring artists, is drawing from one's own experiences in a dramatized format. When that well dries up, my next go-to is normally drawing from the people around me. Art most often mimics life, and music is no exception. I've found that trying to complicate things early in the writing process tends to cloud an otherwise compelling story. You have such an incredible sound, I hear odes to pop punk in there for sure!! Who would you say are some of your biggest music influences that help create that sound? Mars: As previously stated, I don't only experiment with only one sound or genre. But for this song specifically, I pulled from the influences that accompanied me throughout my rebellious teenage years. Earlier sounds like; Blink-182, The All-American Rejects, and Paramore, and even some later sounds such as Neck Deep and 5 Seconds of Summer. Do you have a moment in your career that you’re most proud of thus far? Mars: Something that's really important to me is to be able to maintain my close connections while trying to achieve my goals. So it's great when both of these things align and I get to make the music I love with my closest friends. That's why if I had to pick a moment in my career I'm proud of, it'd be my feature release 'Nervous' alongside my childhood friend Charlie Ulia. Sharing this journey with others has been really inspiring for me. This new song really blew me away, I cannot wait to hear what else you have in store for us! Any hints on what we can expect next from you? Mars: I'm really close to perfecting this sound of mine, and within my next few releases I wholeheartedly believe I'm gonna produce something really special, as I'm already seeing hints of this in my next release. I can't wait to share my passion with the world, so get excited! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW MARS:

photo cred: Devin Wilson AZRA's song, " i wish you would cry ," serves as a self-love and self-care anthem that encourages individuals to express their emotions through crying. The song highlights the importance of acknowledging that crying is a healthy way of releasing a build up of trauma and emotions. The societal norm of suppressing one's emotions and associating crying with weakness is addressed through this song's therapeutic message. It serves as a reminder to listeners that they should not be afraid to cry regardless of being told that they won't look "strong." Whether you’re having your crying session alone in the car or in bed late at night, it doesn't matter! By releasing emotions, you’re becoming more comfortable with your thoughts and feelings, leading to a sense of relief from the emotional pressure that you've been holding inside all this time. In the introduction of the song, AZRA addresses the harmful and toxic societal belief that suppressing emotions is a sign of strength, which in turn causes people to fear being vulnerable with themselves. This mentality contributes to a buildup of negative emotions, trauma, and anger. Throughout the song, AZRA progresses from discussing the societal standard of hiding emotions, to coming to the realization that these people truly don’t know what they’re talking about, to then later encouraging her listeners to express themselves, and highlighting that letting your emotions out makes you stronger than ever before. Why is that? Because you feel so much better! Isn’t the thought of that so therapeutic? AZRA says, “ Express yourself, say what you mean ”, and that holding nothing back, “ Turn[s] it all to gold .” This is her way of denouncing the idea that crying is a sign of weakness and advocating for a shift towards a healthier mindset. The chorus features a louder electric guitar and AZRA's powerful vocals as she describes the relief of crying and encourages listeners to let their emotions out. She uses an example of the most common time to cry, which is at night when you’re laying in bed: “ At the end of the night when you're wide awake and there's no denying that you're not okay. I wish you would cry, don't keep it inside. I wish you would cry so it won't hurt the same .” Here, she emphasizes that crying is a natural reaction to bottled-up emotions and that it's important to acknowledge and release them in order to feel so much lighter! AZRA is a pop-rock independent artist that was born in South Korea, but Bay area raised and Los Angeles based. In her Instagram bio, she has written, “ New Era. Join the 6th Dimension .” AZRA is aware of the importance of not listening to societal standards and what it deems as “acceptable.” “ i wish you would cry ” is the perfect example of that. The 6th dimension is another world where you can be yourself and the version of you that you’ve always wanted to become, no matter what anyone else had to say. Within every live performance, AZRA’s goal is to grab her audience with her and transport altogether into the 6th dimension. it's healthier and more accepting on this side. Join AZRA in the 6th dimension and check out her latest single, “ i wish you would cry ”, out now on all streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW AZRA:

Dylan Dunlap shows that there is comfort and healing in solitude with his new single, "Better Alone." The track explores Dunlap's personal experiences and how he self-isolated last year to take time to heal from his pain. Through doing this, he found strength in solace and feels that it's better to make sure you're in a good place before taking on the world again. "Better Alone" is a relatable track and many of us can empathize with Dunlap's journey. The song features a similar theme to his previous single, "Right." Both songs will be featured on Dunlap's upcoming EP, When You're Feeling Blue. "Better Alone" is hauntingly beautiful, featuring raw vocals and vulnerable lyrics. The track evokes melancholy feelings as Dunlap belts out his heartache. Dunlap's emotionally charged vocals are supported by rhythmic acoustic guitar strumming and an evocative slide guitar. Though the mood in "Better Alone" feels glum, there's a twist of hope present as Dunlap delivers the chorus and ascends melodically on the lines "I can feel me in a hurry/I can heal me through the hurting." This single is truly moving and would be a cathartic listen for anyone working on healing from a painful experience. Dylan Dunlap is a Los Angeles native singer-songwriter worthy of being on any pop enthusiast's radar. He captivates audiences by creating lush blends of pop, folk, and electronic music. His music would resonate well with fans of Mumford & Sons and Coldplay—artists that influence his sound. An impressive popstar on the rise, Dunlap has enjoyed much streaming success. He has released hits like "If That's Alright" and "Who Would Have Thought." Dunlap has since signed with Nettwerk Music Group, releasing a pair of EPs—Soldier On in 2021 and Stranger's In My Head in 2022. He is also the founder of East Magnolia Records and Serotonin Sunday. Wearing his heart on his sleeve in his creations, Dunlap uses his platform and music to advocate for mental health awareness. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW DYLAN DUNLAP:

When going through a breakup, it’s common to want to put your ex on blast for all of the wrong they did towards you during and after the relationship. We’re only human; it makes sense to want the other person to know how badly they messed up. Sophia Gripari does just that in her comeback single “Dancing Alone” which proves to be a cathartic release for anyone listening. Throughout the song, Sophia makes it clear that she has moved on to bigger and better things while her ex is the one upset now, sitting alone and thinking about what they had done. The song’s instruments are very up-beat while the lyrics are an emotional release, making it the perfect song to listen to when you’re ready to conquer the world again post-breakup. The song opens with a soft rhythm on the guitar as Sophia sings to the ex that did her wrong. As the first verse continues, Sophia introduces instrumental layering as she continues to tell her ex off for how he treated her. It then gets very quiet in the background at the start of the chorus, before picking back up into an almost club-like rhythm and once again quieting down as she specifies that she is not the one dancing alone. Sophia’s voice keeps a soft tone throughout the song that pairs excellently with the instruments she chose to include. At the start of the second chorus, the tempo and beat of the song picks up into something you want to get up and dance along to. Originally from London, Sophia moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams in Pop. She dove in headfirst upon her big move and very quickly began putting her own music out there. Her most successful song to date is “Hate You but I Don’t,” which has almost 1.8 million streams on Spotify. On top of this amazing accomplishment, Sophia has amassed over 2 million views on YouTube with channels such as La Belle Musique and Mahogany showing their support for her content. In 2021, she re-released her hit “Hate You but I Don’t” with a Dutch Dj named Marc Benjamin that was showcased at Tomorrowland, which is the largest dance music festival in the entire world. Written By Molly Schiff FOLLOW SOPHIA: