This song of the summer is undoubtedly relatable and perfect for blasting with the windows down and feeling the wind on your face, just as Ashley did. At some point in our lives, we’ve all had the thought to spontaneously pack up and go out into the world without any particular destination or plan in mind. After all, we live in a free world and are still young, and eventually, we'll find our way back home. So, why not go for it without hesitation? In “ C67-C2RZ ”, which is pronounced as "cop cars", Ashley Barksdale breaks down all of the thoughts and feelings that she was having in this crazy moment of time with a friend. She shares the details of this spontaneous moment as she reveals that they're actually being chased down by the police! The song immediately opens up with strong poppy vibes and a cute “ oooo weee oooo ooo ooo ooo .” Ashley begins singing about how she’s just winging at life. She’s aware that she is free to do as she pleases and decides to make the most out of it. Although she's speeding down I-95 into the unknown, she assures us that she’s having fun by singing, “ The night is young and we're open. We’re free to be who we are .” The windows open, the suns going down, and you can just imagine the pretty pink and purple skies that Ashley see’s with the wind blowing through her hair. It’s a perfect summer evening and she’s cruising into the unknown with nothing but an open mind. The “ oooo weee oooo ooo ooo ooo ” from the intro then starts to make sense. We hear it multiple times and realize that it’s her mocking the sound of police sirens, but she does this to tell us that they're being followed by the police with the sirens on full blast! However, she and the friend could not care less. Their only concern is enjoying each others company, letting loose, and allowing the speeding car to take them to their mystery destination (“ Let’s speed it up and go crazy"). Ashley Barksdale is an independent pop singer from New York. She is currently attending the Roc Nation School of Music at Long Island University. The music video for this song is from Ashley’s point of view of speeding past everyone on the freeway with the exact same pink and purple skies. She has 1 other song released titled, “ Lovers Don’t Say (Goodbyes) ”, as well as a remixed version of it that is featuring J.R. King. Keep up with Ashley Barksdale by clicking on the links below, and check out her newest single, “ C67-C2RZ ”, out now on all streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW ASHLEY BARKSDALE:

Shika Lord releases emotional, breakbeat masterpiece, “Here,” filled with vulnerable honesty and ethereal sonics. “Here” is like the secret diary we keep in the four walls of our mind when our heart finally meets a worthy opponent. Some connections are too powerful for the rest of the world to understand, so we dream of running away to a far away land where it’s just us and a never-ending landscape to fall in love and mend each other’s scars. While it’s not as feasible to hop on a plane to a hidden island, running away from reality is easy when your travel partner is the one you’ve always been searching for. You’ve never felt love and emotion like this, and you know this connection is once in 30 lifetimes, so you hold on for dear life, and want to keep them all to yourself in fear of outside influences trying to break it apart. One day you’re broken, questioning if anyone out there will ever understand you, and next thing you know, someone waltzes in, the tides change, and you will forever question how you lived a previous life without them. Love is a magical entity, but with love comes great fear. When you meet the one who gives you that first pulse in your prior black heart, they become your oxygen and your life source, and soon enough you start recognizing the person in the mirror again, the grey sky has finally returned to blue, the flowers bloom in the dead of winter, and at last, they brought you back to life. It’s a love that feels otherworldly, so you want to protect it and hide it from the rest of the world that can be so dark. No matter where you are in the world, everyone fades and it’s just you two, and euphoria begins with one glance or one touch, and you escape to a secluded sanctuary, and even if it’s just in your mind, you two are no longer here, and you’re finally free and abundantly safe. Sound designer Shika Lord creates an auditory masterpiece with “Here”. The bedroom-pop singer uses reminiscent vocals and a dreamy choir to create a visual experience while listening to the song. The song begins slow and fragile, but as the beat builds, you are transported on a journey with a couple in love who holds each other tightly and escapes from reality. Shika Lord was inspired by soul geniuses, Rag ’n’ Bone Man and Yebba Smith, for the jazz undertone and complex composition. “Here” is an authentic piece right from the soul. Shika Lord exudes raw emotion, and her unique orchestration choices take you on a transcendent journey from start to finish. Shika Lord, also known as Angelica Shortanov, is an incredibly talented bedroom/lo-fi pop artist. She combines her indie, alt-pop sound with her roots in classical and jazz music to create a sound like no other. Her emotions seep into every word she utters, and she tells a story through her craft. Shika Lord is a bedroom-pop producer, singer/songwriter, and sound designer. Her talents combine to create a spiritual experience every time you hit play. A wordsmith and a pioneer in orchestration variety, Shika Lord is one to watch out for. Follow her on social media below, and buckle your seatbelt for the celestial journey her music will inescapably take you along for! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW SHIKA LORD:

Top: Harry Styles via Reuters/Mario Anzuoni, Camila Cabello via Chris Polk/Shutterstock; Bottom: Melanie Martinez via Derek Brad, Kelly Clarkson via David Becker/Getty Images We're all guilty of watching reality talent shows on TV. Whether it's because you enjoy a good laugh during the audition portion of the show or you're genuinely curious who is going to win, you've seen at least one of these shows mentioned below. Although this type of TV show can be seen as 'cringe', singers see it as a chance to make their dreams come true. Although it doesn't work out for everyone, there is a decent amount of artists that have made a name for themselves and might not have been able to if it wasn't for participating in one of these shows. Whether they won or not, here's a list of pop singers who found success after being on a televised talent competition. 10. Adam Lambert Adam Lambert won second place on American Idol's 8th Season in 2009. While on the show, he got to perform with one of his favorite bands, Queen as well as KISS. His range and control were unmatched during the competition, and many think he should've won. Even though he didn't make it to first place, that didn't stop America from continuing to support him after the show. Since 2009, he's sold over 3 million albums and 5 million singles and was nominated for a Grammy. He continues to perform and make music today, earning over 3 million Spotify monthly listeners. 9. Jordin Sparks At only age 17, Jordin Sparks auditioned for the 6th Season of American Idol in 2007. She won the entire competition, making history as the youngest winner of the entire series. She went on to release a debut album which became certified platinum, selling over 2 million copies. She's earned spots in the Billboard Top 100 multiple times in her career and was nominated for a Grammy for her song 'No Air'. Since then she's dabbled in some acting, including musical theatre and Broadway, and continues to release music to this day. 8. Grace VanderWaal Grace VanderWaal was only 12 years old when she auditioned for the 11th Season of America's Got Talent in 2016. Her audition video of her singing an original song with just her and her ukulele went viral on YouTube after Howie Mandel used his Golden Buzzer on her (meaning she would go straight to the live shows). Grace ended up winning the entire competition which led to her releasing a full album in 2017, touring with Imagine Dragons and becoming an award-winning artist. Grace continues to release music and currently has 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. 7. Fifth Harmony Fifth Harmony consisted of members Camila Cabello, Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke, Normani and Dinah Jane. They auditioned as solo artists in 2012 on the second season of the short lived American version of The X Factor. Facing a similar situation to One Direction, the girls were at risk of being eliminated and instead were put together as a group by Simon Cowell. They ended up placing 3rd in the competition, but were signed to Simon Cowell's record label, Syco Music, to continue their career together as a band. After Camila left in 2016 to be a solo artist, the bands time together was cut short after only 4 years. However, they still made a huge impact when it comes to girl groups. Click here to listen to our 'Best of Fifth Harmony' playlist! 6. Christina Grimmie Christina Grimmie hands down had one of the best auditions in television history. Known as zeldaxlove64 on YouTube, her covers of just her voice and her piano would get millions of views. Wanting to take her career to the next level, she decided to audition for Season 6 of The Voice, in which she performed her own powerful rendition of 'Wrecking Ball' by Miley Cyrus. She got all 4 judges to turn their chairs for her and earned a standing ovation. After spending the season on team Adam, she placed 3rd. There was no doubt that Christina was a star and she had an incredible career ahead of her. *TRIGGER WARNING* Unfortunately, in 2016, 2 years after her time on The Voice, Christina was shot and killed at the young age of 22. Do us a favor, and keep her alive by continuing to stream her music here. In Loving Memory of Christina Grimmie (1994-2016) Honorable Mentions Carrie Underwood - a country singer who won American Idol Season 4 in 2005. Jennifer Hudson - A soul/RnB Singer and Actress who placed 7th in Season 3 of American Idol. Leona Lewis - RnB/Pop Artist who won The X Factor in 2006. Kellie Pickler - a country singer-songwriter who placed 5th in Season 5 of American Idol. Chris Daughtry - Lead man of the rock band, Daughtry. Placed 4th in Season 5 of American Idol. David Archuleta - Pop singer who won second place on Season 7 of American Idol. Fantasia - RnB singer who won Season 3 of American Idol. 5. Carly Rae Jepsen I bet you didn't know Carly Rae Jepsen was on Canadian Idol! in 2007, she placed 3rd in season 5 of the show. Although her presence on the show wasn't what made her name in the end, I'm sure it had a big hand in getting her where she is today. Her debut album in 2008 was a folk album, and she didn't dabble in pop until her best-selling song 'Call Me Maybe' was released in 2012. Since then, Carly has found her niche and continues to make pop bangers to this day. 4. Melanie Martinez Melanie Martinez took the world by storm with her unique version of 'Toxic' by Britney Spears when she auditioned for The Voice season 3 in 2012. Her audition video went viral, and everyone knew that a star was about to be born. After Adam Lavigne, Blake Shelton and CeeLo Green turned their chairs, she ultimately chose to be on Adams team. She ended up placing 4th on the show, but that didn't stop her from becoming the star that she was meant to be. Creating an alt. pop sound that is uniquely her own, she now has over 18 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Click here to listen to Melanie's new album, PORTALS! 3. One Direction We all know who One Direction is. Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik were 5 hopeful teenage boys back in 2010 when they individually auditioned for the UK-Based Talent Show, The X Factor. Surprisingly, all 5 boys were to be eliminated during boot camp. Simon Cowell, who was a judge as well as the creator The X Factor and the Got Talent franchise, as well as an Executive Producer on American Idol, felt like letting them go would be a waste of talent. He called the 5 boys back and historically put them together as a group, creating the record-breaking boyband we know and love, One Direction. Although they didn't win the competition (they placed in 3rd), that wasn't the end of the road. Simon Cowell signed them onto his label, Syco Music, and the rest is history. Click here to listen to our 'Best of One Direction' playlist! 2. Little Mix Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson originally auditioned for The X Factor in 2011 as solo artists. Although they got through the audition process, the extremely tight competition put these 4 at risk of elimination before the live shows even started. Kelly Rowland, a former member of Destiny's Child and a judge on the show at the time, saw something in these girls and didn't want to see them go quite yet. This led to the formation of Little Mix. Little did they know at the time, that they would end up not only being the first ever girl-group to win The X Factor, but the most successful girl band in history. Click here to listen to our 'Best of Little Mix' playlist! 1. Kelly Clarkson Kelly Clarkson is hands down one of the most incredible singers of our time. Her power and range is hard to beat. In 2002, Kelly auditioned for the first ever season of American Idol, and won. As a small town girl who never had any performance experience, Kelly had no idea that her spontaneous audition for this brand new tv show would change her life forever. As the first winner of American Idol in history, she set the bar high for the many seasons that were to come. She continues to make music today, and even has her own talk show. Watch Kelly's final performance below, ultimately leading her to win the entire show. Which one of these artists impressed you the most? Do you have a favorite talent competition show? Follow us below and let us know! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Every song has that moment: the one when everything clicks into place. In "manslaughter," the latest single from Nashville artist JT Foley, that moment arrived for me right before the second chorus. Over acoustic guitars and atmospheric bass, Foley's voice dips into a gravelly murmur: "I've gotta kill the thought of you because the thought of you is killing me." That clever twist of phrase frames the internal anguish at the fresh single's core. Immaculately produced with modern, indie pop stylings, "manslaughter" is an auditory feast of both the acoustic and electronic. The vocal layering fills any empty space with vivid color and texture, elevating the song to a lush and atmospheric experience. A self-described "emotional mess," Foley brings a welcome sense of chaos to the emotional journey behind "manslaughter." The traditional methods of forgetting someone are all turned over throughout the first verse's acoustic soundscape. It's not enough to cross out old pictures, drive the long way home, or "unfollow and delete." Foley remarks on "drugs and therapy" with the same reverence as she does "talking shit." In the catastrophic world of "manslaughter," no conventional coping mechanism is effective enough to help her move on. "Assassination: quick and painless. / I'll leave no traces of you," she sings in the chorus. It's not a declaration of violence, but an expression of helplessness. What can you do when someone won't leave your head? Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Taylor "JT" Foley, may have began releasing music just last year, but her impressive collaborations have already cemented her as a rising star. Signed to Arthouse and Black Diamond Artist Group, Foley has credited collaborations with the likes of GAYLE, Maddy Hicks, Pete Nappi, and many others. Her debut as JT Foley, "Scaredy Cat," garnered tremendous praise—finding its way onto New Music Friday from Apple and Spotify. Despite being a relatively new artist, Foley has been writing music since she was eight years old. Her hope for her music is to connect with listeners' life experiences and provide a platform for vulnerability. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW JT Foley:

Sometimes as people, we can feel a loss of self-identity. It can be caused by many things: another human, ourselves, society, social media; the list is endless. It can create a toxic energy that is unwanted and overwhelming. We lose control of ourselves to the point where it can be harming to us. Fairlane and Britt Lari’s song, “Begin” is about beating ourselves up for feeling embarrassed or ashamed of everything that eats us up inside, possibly caused by something we allowed to happen. We’re blinded by these negative things or thoughts that we can’t seem to get out of. It’s almost like an addiction; when it seems like things are starting to get better, something happens to bring us down and then it begins all over again. “Begin” starts immediately with Lari’s raw vocals followed by an echo creating a dreamy effect. Lari’s vocal style captivates the ears with her passionate voice that illuminates the message about a toxic energy that is burdensome. The track has an electro-pop soundscape with an EDM tempo that carries throughout and is heavily highlighted as a bass drop with the chorus. The second verse has the same echo that is followed by Lari’s voice, and it’s mixed with a fast, tempo beat that leads to the bass drop again. The consistency of the electro-pop melody enhances the song itself which makes it enjoyable to listen. It also has a dance-pop feel to it where it makes you want to jump from your seat and vibe along with. The end of the track has a softer finish with Lari’s beautiful, echoed vocals that accentuates the tune with the same dreamy effect. Fairlane is an alias name of Tyler Mead who’s a Canadian based multi-instrumentalist producer. After he debuted with an official remix of “Desperado” by Rihanna, he’s worked with names such as Ava Max, Nevve, Jocely Alice, and many more. Fairlane’s original music have gathered over 250 million streams on YouTube and over 30 million on Spotify. He entered the live music scene back in late 2018 to support ILLENIUM on his Awake 2.0 Tour. He’s been delivering energetic shows that keep the fans anticipated for his new releases and performances. Britt Lari is a Peruvian-born and LA based singer/songwriter and producer of dance pop music. She was originally a skilled pianist and earned the title of international elite gymnast while having a singing career in her hometown of Lima, Peru. Her music earned features on SiriusXM Chill and Kiss FM to Spotify playlists. She’s collaborated with artists from around the world and signed to multiple labels like Sony and Warner. They are both talented artists that you wouldn’t want to miss out on! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW FAIRLANE: FOLLOW BRITT LARI:

I don’t like to talk about my own mental health illness for several reasons. But the biggest is the fact that my identity becomes my diagnosis. Every accomplishment is no longer accredited to my grit and dedication, but in spite of my diagnosis. People walk on eggshells around me when I have a minor setback because they’re worried that my diagnosis will make me do something devastatingly drastic. So, I and others struggling with mental health usually keep it to ourselves. While B.P.D. is not my diagnosis, Alexa Valentino’s “borderline” sheds light on the concerns and worries that those of us struggling with mental health across the board have. Listen to "borderline" by Alexa Valentino here. The gorgeous piano ballad that is “borderline” provides a significant amount of comfort and visibility to listeners with mental health struggles. Especially to those living with B.P.D. as their diagnosis. But it also provides much-needed insight for listeners unaware of these struggles and the day-to-day navigation that they require. The song opens with soft piano notes while Valentino expresses the guilt they’ve accumulated in the first verse. This guilt revolves around the impact she believes her struggle has had on those in her life, even lamenting: “I’m sorry that I’ve needed extra love”. That line alone makes my heart swell with sorrow because the sentiment is easily recognizable amongst those of us actively struggling. As the song progresses, the inclusion of additional instruments sees to the inclusion of more intimate details from Valentino. The chorus brings in violin strings while she expresses her want to live and be seen beyond a diagnosis. The end of the bridge features drums after voicing her desires for the thoughts that overwhelm her to not manifest into endeavors. With all of these concerns, it's easy to feel like one's "drowning". Yet, Valentino manages to leave listeners feeling optimistic; just simply lending her phenomenal voice to both illuminate and validate these emotions means the world to people like me. Alexa Valentino is the rare quadruple threat: actress, musician (a pianist), singer, and songwriter. Based in New York, the artist has been performing non-stop in the public eye since the age of four. At nine, Valentino made her off-Broadway debut in Davenport Theatre’s production of Number the Stars. At eleven, she released an anti-bullying song in conjunction with the Free2Luv organization. At thirteen, she had her first love – the city of Nashville - which led to continuous travel between home and there while working with her team of writers to create more music. Now, Valentino is a seasoned performer that’s already achieved major milestones such as her first album release, 2021’s a guide to moving on. Currently, Valentino is a semi-finalist with co-writer, Dave Quirk, for their song “Dear Love”, in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Listeners not only get to hear the unreleased dreamy song, but vote for it in its category as well! In the meantime, show Valentino some virtual love through streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW ALEXA VALENTINO:

Harri Pick’s new single, “Frustrated” is an indie-rock banger that fires back at the media, politicians, and the sheer amount of societal hypocrisy present in our world. “Frustrated” could be interpreted as a critique of the generational gap and the lack of communication and empathy between parents and children. It could also reflect the resentment and anger of young people who feel misunderstood and marginalized by the older generations who have more power and influence in society. The single communicates a narrative of a son living with his neglectful and abusive father, which can be construed as a metaphor for generational trauma on a national scale. Harri’s impressive vocals, exhilarating instrumentation and well-constructed, powerful lyricism make “Frustrated” an entertaining, relatable and meaningful piece of art. The utilization of synthesizers, drums, bass and guitar gives “Frustrated” an energetic, retro, pop-rock edge. The track’s simple and catchy chord progression and melody allows opportunity for a contrasting, memorable and lively chorus that successfully harnesses that expressive rock sound. The use of distortion, reverb, and other effects on the vocals and instruments, creates a gritty and atmospheric sound that is typical of indie and rock music. Harri Pick’s unique and electric voice is perfect for the rock genre, capable of exerting power, passion and high volume. She sings with a lot of emotion, conveying the frustration and pain of the lyrics. Her energy matches the intensity and mood of the music. Harri has excellent range and tone, and she uses some vocal techniques such as falsetto, vibrato, distortion, belting, and deep vocal runs to add some variety and interest to her singing. She also uses vocal layering to harmonize with herself in some parts of the song, creating a fuller and richer sound. The outstanding instrumentation and fierce vocals present in “Frustrated” make it a vibrant indie-rock anthem communicating the continuous anger made prominent by politics, society and the media. Based in London, raised in Somerset, Harri Pick is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter. Harri first began writing and recording music in 2016. She is a graduate from The London College of Music, where she cultivated her unique sound and identity. Her music pulls inspiration from the pop, rock and indie genres. Harri’s debut single, “Silver Lining” was released in 2020, has accumulated over 1.8k streams on Spotify and received an accompanying official music video. Since then, she has released tracks such as “Hellhole”, “Just Wait” and “Hometown” which alone garnered over 2.6k streams on Spotify. Likewise, in 2020 she appeared on the track, “Certain Feelings” by Alex Edwin, a recording artist based in Brighton. In 2021, Harri released her debut EP, “Dying Youth” which features five songs. More recently Harri released “Broke”, a track where she blends the sounds from artists such as Sam Fender and Beabadoobee into her own distinct sound. Harri’s music can be discovered in public playlists such as, “Now Watching”, “New British Rock: Rising Bands from the UK”, “The Emotive Edge of Rock” and “UK Rock 2023” which alone has over 7.6k likes on Spotify. Keep an eye out for Harri Pick as her sophomore EP, “Dangerous Nostalgia” is set to be released later this year! Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW HARRI:

It's frustrating when people give you unhelpful advice regarding your mental health. Some will tell you to just be happier when you're feeling depressed, as if that's some novel idea you've never considered before. Charlie John responds to advice like this with his new single, "Cheer Up." The track is a sarcastic response to those who tell you to cheer up when you're experiencing depression, anxiety, or something that's not that easy to fix. Giving context to the inspiration behind the song, Charlie mentions "I wanted to create something that would remind people and society that most of the time people's problems are much harder to solve than you realize. I wanted to say that you should get to know someone before judging them and just telling them to quickly feel better when that simply isn't possible." "Cheer Up" is meant to be a celebration of mental illness and aims to spread awareness on the subject. "Cheer Up" is an upbeat, energizing song that's perfect for your spring and summer playlists. The track features catchy, lively melodies paired with sarcastic lyrics. "Cheer Up" is a tasteful blend of pop rock and indie pop. Edgy electric guitar licks and a spirited piano backdrop drive this single, making it a hard-hitting, peppy little ditty. "Cheer Up" also features punchy, animated pop beats, creating a vibrant atmosphere that's perfect to dance along to. Fans of The Band Camino, The Wldlfe, and COIN are sure to resonate with this song. "Cheer Up" is a must-listen for any indie pop enthusiast. Coming from a family of musicians and singer-songwriters, Charlie John's passion for music is no surprise. He grew up listening to acts like Stevie Wonder, The Doobie Brothers, and Earth, Wind & Fire. By the time he was 6, Charlie was performing for his family and friends. At the age of 18, he picked up the guitar and began his music journey, playing solo gigs while working and attending school. Charlie has recently won "Best Original Pop Song" and "Best Original Singer/Songwriter Song" in the 2016 Ohio Music Awards. He also won the overall Grand Prize in the Songdoor 2016 International Songwriting Competition with his song, "Change Me." Most recently in 2023, Charlie has been invited to perform a set of original music at SXSW and is set to perform at Summerfest 23 in June. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW CHARLIE JOHN:

Taylor D.’s latest release, and already one of her most popular ones, “Fan Girl” will have you doing just that. The song expresses desiring someone so strongly, and yet so invisibly, you become their fan. “Fan Girl” can be interpreted in a variety of ways, perhaps this is an ongoing relationship in which the narrator feels their partner has too many options, maybe it’s a crush, maybe the subject of this love likes them back. But it is in this mystery that Taylor D.’s true message comes to light. There are no other complications or worries about their love for her that can take her eyes off them. She is merely a “fan girl”. She doesn’t speak of this dedication in a way that is dehumanizing or even slightly embarrassing, rather, Taylor D. manages to make this love feel empowering. Yes, she seems to want more than this but she’s happy just to love them, it is this admiration that is itself admirable. The song begins with a single sound that slowly becomes louder, at its peak, the bass cuts in. The synchronized beat that follows mimics the sound of paparazzi, expressing her first introduction to her famed subject. “Right from the start he caught my eye” Taylor begins, this sentiment interrupts the former, crowded, noise, putting the listener in her shoes. As she begins expressing increasingly strong feelings, the music begins to slowly pick up again. When Taylor at last admits “He’s my everything”, the beat drops and the chorus begins. Though her lyrics focus more on emotion than visuals, her instrumentals consistently manage to create imagery that reflects her message. Taylor sings “I’m just a light in the crowd” and the music seems to sound how one would imagine twinkling lights would, airy and scattered. These details, such as the shutter noises at the start, all help to create sympathy for this otherwise unknown “fan girl”. Even the beat itself, during the chorus, sounds almost like applause. When her second rendition of this chorus ends, her skill here is expanded on even more. An electric guitar mimics the tune the listener has heard throughout the entirety of the song but manages to make it sound brand new. Following this, Taylor D. confesses her feelings once more, and the song comes to an end. Taylor D. is a self-taught pianist, guitarist, songwriter, and singer who began making music at just thirteen years old. Now, at only 17, she’s released “Fan Girl” her twelfth single, which has already gained tens of thousands of streams in less than a month. Last year, she won artist of the year for First Choice Radio U.K. as well as a president Gaisce award. With the traction this single alone is picking up, her continuous work ethic, and her incredible ability to release song after song, she’ll likely only find more successes such as these in her future. “Fan Girl”, which was inspired by her own attendance at concerts, witnessing girls her age fawning over the musician before them, may soon be reversed as she becomes the center of this attention and continues her own live performances. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW TAYLOR:

We’ve at least had one person who only reaches out to us when they need a shoulder to lean on—that sometimes is okay. But when it’s every time, we can start to feel obligated and overwhelmed. They trust us enough to call us, and we spare the time for them. ARIA’s single, “After Dark” is about making time for that person even though it can be hard for us because they probably only see us as a diary. They know that we’re trapped with their secrets, so we’re unable to get out. It can be tough because we may care for the person, but do they feel the same way back? Or are we just a punching bag for them whenever they need us? The intro starts with a small guitar melody which leads to a percussion-based beat accompanied by ARIA’s vocals. His stern vocals match with the serious lyrics about always being there for someone when they need them. ARIA’s tone of voice helps with the message because he sounds torn between fighting with himself and for the other person. It creates this weighty effect about carrying this person’s emotions that can be relatable to the listener. The soundscape has a moody-pop rhythm that’s easy to listen to with its catchy beat despite the deep lyrics. The tempo is fast paced which compliments ARIA’s flow throughout the song that ignites a sensation of adrenaline. The track’s hook immediately draws you in; ARIA’s mentions about his ex’s highlight a pattern of key points that are paired with the same percussion-based beat that sets the tension. The last lines end with a fine electric guitar creating a sentimental mood. ARIA is a rapper, songwriter, and producer. He was a student at American University and turned down scholarship offers in order to focus on music during school. His music releases gathered over 30 million streams across digital platforms. He went viral on Global Shazam, Apple, iTunes, Deezer charts, and placed the #1 spot on Hype Machine. ARIA performed at the KYS Fest in 2021 amongst other artists. He has over 390K monthly Spotify listeners and over 5.9K followers. He’s released many songs in the past like “NO SLEEP,” “I’m Wrong,” and “Watch It Burn” and has been killing it since! He’s an artist worth checking out, so make sure to follow his journey! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW ARIA:

“Top of the World” could easily become an anthem, a call to remind people to persevere despite turbulence and uncertainty. What was your process for writing this song, and what do you hope listeners take away from it? Brenden: The process ahead going into the song was just being able to take the hits and keep pushing forward. It’s ok to take some nos with some yeses if that makes sense. You have to love what you do and what you’re pursuing and striving for, whether it’s a career choice or an entertainment or athlete choice. Just keep on pressing for it and maybe something good will come out on the other side. Then you can be on top of your own world and what you seek - happiness in your journey, your life, and your goals. Listeners should get amped to try new things - take risks, take chances. We only live once so live it out to the fullest! How would you describe your experience working with Hayden Calhoun on the production of “Top of the World”? Brenden: The process was great, we were on the same page the whole time; he understood and listened to my thought process on how I wanted the song structured and written. What are you looking forward to most about this year’s Rock On The Hill Festival? Brenden: I'm looking forward to performing in front of a huge hometown crowd, and making new fans it's gonna be fun for sure! You have some impressive accomplishments under your belt! Which of these experiences was your favorite, and why - auditioning for Lady Gaga’s backup tour singer, X Factor, or American Idol? Brenden: The Lady Gaga Audition was by far my favorite, just because of the opportunity, being a part of something so huge, and getting the honor just to audition to be a backup singer. I will always have this on my resume! What would you say was your best live performance and what was it like? Brenden: In December of last year in my hometown of Hanover, PA, I played a show. It was my first in years. It was so refreshing seeing people sing my songs and getting that groove back again! What advice would you give to an artist that is just starting out? Brenden: Just be smart about your choices, know that you're getting into an investment with yourself. People are going to tell you to do this and that, and that’s ok - just know your worth, accept the criticism, and move on. You’ll find happiness in what you love either way. It may take some obstacles to get there but just be fierce and strong! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW BRENDEN:

Have you ever loved someone that you know you shouldn’t? In “Lock & Key” the song describes knowing you shouldn’t love someone, but feeling mesmerized by them anyway. The singer details how all the person’s wrongs are erased as soon as he is with them. He writes about his heart as being under “lock and key”, and no matter how hard he tries to move on from this person, he can’t. The vulnerable and raw lyrics are complemented by the mysterious and moody instrumental that conveys the muse’s darker side. Overall, you need to keep your eye on Sky Olson, who consistently releases catchy hits. The song begins with a noise that sounds similar to an alarm letting the listeners know that the singer’s muse is a red flag. The singer soon joins the instrumental with a breathy tone that helps to show the emotional distress Olson feels due to his relationship. As the track continues into the chorus, the instrumental is stripped down a bit to highlight the songwriter's stunning vocals. A standout moment of the single is the final chorus. During the final lyrics, the singer shows off his amazing falsetto that highlights the vocalist's wide range. The hit ends with fading instrumental. Ultimately, this is a catchy and moody single that you need to listen to. Sky Olson is a producer and singer/songwriter from Utah. This musician is inspired to write about his life experiences, which is why his music explores deep themes like heartbreak, acceptance, and truth. The artist is influenced by the electronic and alternative elements of Billie Eilish's music as well as the emotional songwriting of John Mayer. Olson’s unique blend of music led him to win the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest Love Song Competition 2022. In April 2021, he released his first single titled, “Dear Katie“. Since his debut, he has released a slew of singles, one EP, and two albums. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW SKY OLSON: