Photo Credits: Stocksy Content Warning: If you have experienced sexual assault, the following article could be potentially triggering. You can contact the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Music is therapeutic. It can heal us when we feel broken and when we are at our lowest points. It’s a powerful force capable of influencing our emotions. Music can make us feel happy even when we feel sad. It can make us want to dance even when we don’t want to, moving the immovable. Music can make us want to sing along, belting out our favorite tunes and giving us a voice when we feel voiceless. But most importantly, music can inspire hope when it feels like there is none. As April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it feels more pertinent than ever to share a list of songs that inspire hope and healing. The healing process after a sexual assault is a complex journey and is different for every individual experiencing it. While music cannot "cure" the pain from a traumatic event, it can still be a comfort in recovery. Without further ado, here are 10 songs to help survivors find hope. 10. "Scars To Your Beautiful" - Alessia Cara Alessia Cara's "Scars To Your Beautiful" fuels a culture of self-love. The track is full of lyrics that let listeners know they are beautiful the way they are. Cara's voice is powerful and gorgeous as it soars over anthemic beats. She delivers lines like "But there's a hope that's waiting for you in the dark/You should know you're beautiful just the way you are," showing listeners that they can love themselves. As a survivor, it can be hard to feel self-love, but Alessia Cara provides hope and reminds us that everyone is beautiful and worthy of self-love. 9. "Shake It Out" - Florence and the Machine An epic energy radiates off "Shake It Out" by Florence and the Machine. This song sends a positive message about letting go of your troubles, shaking them out for a new beginning. Florence Welch's mystical, commanding voice soars powerfully over a massive, organ-laden soundscape. "Shake It Out" features pounding, adrenaline-inducing drums, giving a great backdrop to dance along to. Lyrically, the song conjures images of literally shaking devils off your back, dancing your woes away. 8. "Warrior" - Demi Lovato Demi Lovato delivers an emotionally charged ballad with "Warrior." The song features a minimalistic arrangement, comprised of cello, piano, and Lovato's expressive voice. She captivates listeners as she transitions from singing delicate verses to belting fierce choruses. Lyrically, Lovato expresses her experiences with hardship and coming out on the other side stronger, rising from the ashes like a phoenix. "Warrior" is an inspirational track, focusing on inner-strength. 7. "Brave" - Josh Groban Josh Groban is usually an acquired taste, but "Brave" is full of uplifting melodies that are bound to linger in your mind for a while. The track has a cinematic quality to it with Groban's huge vocals being supported by a lively orchestra and chorus. Lyrically, the song conveys a positive message. Groban encourages listeners to be brave facing the day, no matter what it brings. "Brave" inspires listeners to smile through fear and to be strong. 6. "Girl (Acoustic)" - SYML "Girl" by SYML gives an honest, emotional look at life. Opposed to other songs on this list, this track is more laid-back and is relaxing to listen to. The track features acoustic guitar and Brian Fennell's mellow vocals. "Girl" was originally written for Fennell's daughter, but it features a positive message many can resonate with. It conveys a message of loving yourself and finding positives in every experience. "Girl" gives hopes to anyone going through tough times or who have gone through something difficult. 5. "F**kin' Perfect" - P!nk This song is a self-esteem anthem. It features P!nk's powerful vocals, belting out a message that no one should ever feel less than perfect. The song features edgy guitar licks, buoyant pop beats, and P!nk's distinctive, raspy voice. "F**ckin' Perfect" is a power ballad full of optimistic energy. No matter what you're going through, this song provides an important reminder that everyone is perfect as they are. 4. "Praying" - Kesha Kesha tugs at our heartstrings with "Praying." She begins the song with vulnerable vocals over piano chords, later building in intensity. Towards the end of the song, she lets loose into a massive sound, belting over a chorus and orchestra. Kesha reflects on her experiences with sexual abuse and faces her abuser in "Praying." An emotionally charged ballad, "Praying" conveys a message of empowerment, forgiveness, and resilience. 3. "Til It Happens To You" - Lady Gaga Lady Gaga delivers a vulnerable and empowering track with "Til It Happens To You." The song was written for the documentary, The Hunting Ground, which focuses on sexual assault on college campuses. "Til It Happens To You" starts soft and exposed, building in intensity to feel more defiant. This song is more of a cathartic listen, expressing the frustration that comes with people viewing support as synonymous with understanding. It also reminds us of the reality millions of survivors face on a daily basis and gives a feeling of solidarity. The video that accompanies "Til It Happens To You" contains imagery that may be sensitive to some viewers. If you want to listen to the song but not see the video, here's a link to Spotify. 2. "Forest" - Twenty One Pilots One of the lighter songs on this list, "Forest" by Twenty One Pilots is an upbeat anthem that'll put you in a fantastic mood. The track is full of catchy melodies and infectious pop beats, creating something anyone can dance and feel good listening to. "Forest" features a message about healing through music and community. The song tackles emotions like feeling out of control when life doesn't go according to plan and being terrified of what's around the corner. "Forest" conquers those fears and anxieties with cheerful melodies and a positive, uplifting chorus. 1. "I Believe You" - FLETCHER "I Believe You" is FLETCHER's response to the #MeToo movement. Through this song, FLETCHER delivers a passionate open letter to survivors, letting everyone know that she's listening and cares. This song is her way of telling survivors their feelings are valid, and they're not alone. "I Believe You" begins with FLETCHER's voice floating over contemplative piano chords, later building to booming pop beats that support impassioned vocals. It's a beautiful tribute to survivors, addressing some of the many issues survivors face such as trauma, mental illness, and not being believed. What do you think of this list? Were there any songs we missed? Follow us on our socials below, and let us know what you think! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Dark and eerie music meets fist-pumping electronic beats with successful producer Henri Werner’s music. His newest single “Itty Bitty” features singer EHLE on the track to add an especially ghostly touch to the song; a vague warning about someone who does not have your best intentions. Gaining a lot of popularity with Gen Z and the gamer crowds, Henri Werner can most definitely be considered a producer on the rise. His own Spotify playlist titled “Future Music” has been gaining traction for a lot of dark vibes, melodies, and fresh voices that are comparable to EHLE’s feature on “Itty Bitty.” A fan of darker music myself, I was very excited to dive into this song! The song begins with an eerie rhythmic chiming with EHLE’s voice cueing us into the beat. With the first verse, we hear EHLE’s voice on top of the pop EDM-esque instrumentals in the background. Henri’s talent for producing music really shines through, as this song emulates everything that is in the darker pop genre. All of the music surrounding EHLE’s vocals sticks to the tone set by the lyrics with absolute perfection. You can hear the spider metaphor not only in her words but through the web weaved by Henri’s composition of the song. The chorus features even more dark-esque tunes as EHLE warns the listener to always keep one eye open because this girl (the subject of the song) might just come for you when you aren’t looking. Henri Werner is twenty-four years old and originally from Germany. He is a very talented composer and producer of electronic music and has seen a lot of success in his field. Already, he has surpassed seven million streams on Spotify and twenty million views on Youtube. The song that first blew up is titled “Imposter” and it was recognized on Youtube for its “haunting and eerie soundscapes.” Henri keeps this theme going in his latest song “Itty Bitty” as he continues to create dark music that pushes the bounds of the pop genre. We at Pop Passion are excited for Henri to release even more music and to watch his career continue to grow. Written By Molly Schiff FOLLOW HENRI:

In the court of public opinion, there’s characters from different stories, shows, and movies that should have been more than friends. Despite how popular the friends-to-lovers trope is, some couples are just never written into existence. But it especially hurts to see one half of this non-existent couple left in a perpetual state of yearning to be more. Unrequited love is a shame to witness but devastating to experience. Isabel LaRosa provides the unrequited lover's perspective with a twist in her latest single, “more than friends”. Through “more than friends”, LaRosa illustrates the vexations of being within a friendship that you wish to transform into a romance. The dark-pop single utilizes moody synths to emphasize the longing that’s being experienced by the unrequited lover, while LaRosa’s breathy vocals demonstrate this longing's emotional and physical nature. The song opens with slow and sultry verses that build to an all-consuming, powerful chorus. In the music video written, directed, and starred in by LaRosa, watching audiences see her sneak out of the home to meet up with her friend. As the two get into trouble, LaRosa begins to feel closer to this friend. These transpiring events only feed our artist’s longing to be more than a friend to her fellow troublemaker – something watchers witness, and listeners hear during the single’s progression towards the chorus. When the chorus finally drops, LaRosa blows us away with the intensity and gravity of her longing. It makes you ache for the relationship’s transformation right alongside her. A flash of hope appears, though: the friend sneaks back into the home with her and confirms that the emotions she’s been experiencing are mutual with steamy kisses. But this hope is short-lived and stolen from the two, and subsequently, the audiences rooting for them. The music video ends with police sirens and lights seen right outside of LaRosa’s bedroom window to presumably pick them up after their night of mischief. Potentially leaving them to a fate worse than unrequited love – love from a distance. Isabel LaRosa is a singer and songwriter with roots in Annapolis, MD. The artist’s upbringing was filled with nights in jazz clubs where she’d watch her father’s soothing saxophone and her brother’s inspiring guitar playing move listeners. Influenced by her environment, she began writing songs in elementary school with her brother which led them to become a dynamic duo. Now nearing the end of her high school career, the artist produces music on top of writing it with her brother (and fellow producer), Thomas. LaRosa currently sits pretty at the top of pop-stardom; still reveling in the success of her 2022 EP, i'm watching you, and the 200+ million streamed single "i'm yours". Even with all this excitement, she's gracious enough to spoil listeners with her newly released EP, YOU FEAR THE GOD THAT LOVES YOU, that centers on the experiences of a girl growing up under a religious household. It also features the atmospherically stunning "more than friends". If you've enjoyed Isabel LaRosa's yearning to be more than platonic, show her some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW ISABEL LAROSA:

Conor Maynard releases a deeply personal, new single entitled, “By Your Side,” about the indescribable sensation of fighting for a relationship that’s falling apart and coming to an end with no reset button in sight. There comes a time in a strenuous relationship where you know it’s over in your head, but your heart can’t seem to get the memo. You know they’re no longer the best fit for you, but they’ve been the missing puzzle piece to complete you for so long, and you don’t even really remember what life was like before they waltzed in and stole your heart. Some people are too important to become just a memory. You think of the story you’ll tell your kids about how you met instead of the cautionary tale of who broke your heart. Love can be a rollercoaster with ups, down, twists, turns, and never-ending loops, but rides can be enjoyable and addicting, and there’s a reason people wait in line to do them over and over again. Sometimes love can feel like you’re drowning, and you don’t know which way is up or which way is down, but you’d rather hold your breath for eternity underwater than take a gasping breath of fresh air with anyone else. Ending a relationship means giving up your hopes and dreams for the future, and nobody wants to start new when your heart is still in the thick of it, so you continue on, you swear up and down you’ll do better, but you know deep inside that you’re driving a freight train full speed into a brick wall, but for just a moment, you close your eyes, hold their hand, and enjoy the ride with them by your side. “By Your Side” is the second release of Maynard’s series of singles inspired by the arduous breakup he went through in the winter of ’22. The dark and cold nights synonymous with a freshly broken heart. This gut-wrenching tale of grappling with a relationship that is too far gone to be repaired, but you’re in too deep to extricate yourself, is one that is all too relatable, no matter the circumstances that surround it. “By Your Side” is Maynard’s heartfelt message to his loyal fans who continued to reach out and check in on him in the wake of his heartbreak and sudden disappearance from social media, as he took the much needed time for self-love, self-reflection, and a safe, quiet place to heal. He left the lyrics open for interpretation to deal with any disintegration of a relationship, because love is not the only connection that can break your heart or feel impossible to walk away from. Although his passion and raw-talent are reminiscent of all his music, sonically this song is vastly unique to his arsenal of work, and he drew inspiration from artists like the 1975 and The Weeknd who leave it all on the track. Although the instrumentals are quite upbeat, the lyrics draw you in to those nights spent on your bathroom floor amidst your very first heartbreak. Conor collaborated with one of his closest friends on this track, writing and scrapping more than 50 songs before finding the exemplary balance to translate the excruciating story in a way that felt the most authentic to him. “By Your Side” is just the beginning of Maynard’s new era of creativity and collection of heartbreak and healing. Conor Maynard is a 30-year-old powerhouse singer/songwriter from Brighton, England. A constant pioneer in his field, Conor was one of the first home-grown talents to transition from Youtube to Pop stardom touring around the world. He has never been afraid to experiment or explore new grounds of the industry, and he is constantly reaching new audiences during his career, but he has never, nor will ever, compromise what speaks to him as an artist. Maynard’s debut album, Contrast, secured a longstanding number one spot in the UK charts and five UK top ten singles. What followed was devoted fans and international recognition with world tours, awards, and iconic collaborations. Ever ambitious, Conor even starred in Broadway’s Kinky Boots to premiere one more side to his multi-faceted aptitude as an artist and performer. In March 2020, Conor decided to step out on his own as an independent artist, having spent a decade signed to a major label and achieving global success, and he continues to stay true to himself and take the world by storm. One week after he decided to step out on his own, the UK went into lockdown, and while this might’ve deterred many artists or given them a free-pass to take a pause, Maynard worked harder than ever and took his career to unchartered heights, and in just one year, he accumulated over 300 million streams across Spotify and Apple Music, without any major label backing. He has now garnered over 2.5 billion views on YouTube, 2 billion streams on Spotify, and has quickly become one of the most followed artists on TikTok in the UK. Maynard has come full circle as he takes full control of his career from his home studio, and instead of getting discovered as a young kid, he now has discovered exactly who he is and exactly where he wants to go with his decade-long success and complete creative freedom!! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW CONOR MAYNARD:

Simone Miller delivers a powerful, emotional track with her new single, "Acquaintance." The song provides an introspective look into mental isolation and superficial relationships. Through the lyrics, Simone conveys her unwillingness to engage in these meaningless relationships, lamenting over how draining they can be. She expresses that she'd rather be isolated than dragged down by people who are only an acquaintance. Being surrounded by superficial relationships and feeling out of place in certain scenes can feel more lonely and exhausting than just being by yourself. "Acquaintance" is a cathartic listen for anyone struggling with these emotions and the toll it takes on your mental health. Featuring a minimalistic, stripped-back arrangement, "Acquaintance" prominently showcases Simone Miller's impressive voice. Her sultry vocals hit us with a wave of emotions as she belts out her frustrations. The song highlights Simone's powerful range, as she transitions from deep and husky verses to light and soaring over the chorus. Delivering heart-wrenching melodies, Simone shows her vocal abilities off with intricate embellishments. Predominantly focusing on voice, piano, and guitar, "Acquaintance" provides a composition full of vulnerability, matching the raw emotions present in the lyrics. Simone Miller is a talented singer-songwriter and actress hailing from Toronto. She has always enjoyed being a performer and has been singing since childhood. Simone began her journey in the music industry after she was given the opportunity to sing on the track, “Lioness,” in the 8th episode of Detention Adventure Season 2. She has since had the opportunity to write for well-known and up-and-coming artists in the Japanese market. Simone has also been working on writing her own original music and has released singles, “Dry Eyes” and “Older,” prior to her release of "Acquaintance." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW SIMONE MILLER:

The commonly known phrase, “ Karma is a bitch ", is typically said after witnessing or being a victim of an unfair act that was committed by someone else. Karma serves as both a lesson and consequence for one's actions, and it is definitely earned. In “ Cycle ”, Love Fae opens up the song with this phrase and immediately grabs the listener's interest, which causes them to wonder who has wronged her. But, the title of the song indicates that she’s been stuck in this unjust situation and cannot manage to leave, no matter how many times she tries to. Being in a toxic cycle is tough, and many other people can relate to this. Love Fae shares what it was like for her to go through it and the rollercoaster of emotions that she was feeling. It's very clear that someone has treated her unfairly. She expresses a desire for karma to take effect on this person, and that all of the wrongdoing and the way she’s been treated “ Can't be fixed ”. However, She seems stuck in a cycle of being mistreated by them, but is still unable to break free and will “ Just run in circles .” Once she realizes what she's doing and how wrong it is, she questions her own sanity multiple times by asking, “ Am I insane? Am I insane ?”. She definitely understands and recognizes that not only is her relationship or situation unhealthy, but so is the way she’s coping with it, which is why she asks herself, “ Where has my mind gone ?” She struggles to find the courage to leave no matter how many times she attempts to. She just seems to find her way going back to them, remaining stuck in a toxic situation and cycle with this person (“ Can't seem to find a reason to leave the past ”). Unfortunately, this is a common reality that many people experience and Love Fae is sharing her story with listeners that might relate. Love Fae, whose real name is Carlee Norris, is a pop singer and songwriter. According to her spotify page, she has over 6,000 monthly listeners, and 3 other songs released, which are “Color Blind”, “Therapy” and “Homewrecker”, with “Homewrecker” leading with over 24,000 streams. This angelic pop fairy and pop artist sees releasing music as a way of telling her story and performing her mind “out loud.” Follow Love Fae on her musical journey with the links below, and check out her latest single, “ Cycle ”, which is out now on streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW LOVE FAE:

Social media can be a good and bad thing. On the bright side, the various platforms allow us to stay in touch with friends and family from almost anywhere. They can also be a great way to get important messages out to a large audience. As we all know, too much of a good thing can be harmful. An excessive amount of social media can lead us to create fake versions of ourselves for the sake of getting more “likes” on our profiles. In his gritty pop/rock song, “Nirvana T-Shirt,” Cy Wheeler explores this and the other dangers of social media. The instrumentation was just one aspect of the song that made it catchy. It consists of a gritty electric guitar and drums. As for the lyrics, I like how they were written, specifically the rhyming lines in the verses and chorus. They made it easy to follow along and were yet another factor in the track’s “catch-iness.” I also enjoyed Wheeler’s voice. His main vocals blended excellently with the gritty instrumentation. The background vocals gave the song a pop feel, and I liked how they matched the melody of the guitar. Lastly, I want to comment on the title of the song. A Nirvana t-shirt is something that a lot of people wear because it looks cool, whether they actually listen to the band’s music or not. By saying, “you’re the Nirvana T-Shirt,” I think Wheeler is trying to tell listeners that the fake version of ourselves we create to be “liked” on social media takes away our unique-ness. With that being said, make sure to embrace the special characteristics that make you who you are in any and all aspects of your life. Cy Wheeler is a singer from California who started his career by producing music from his bedroom. “Nirvana T-Shirt” is his first release of 2023. If you want to hear more music from him, check out his 2021 album Damascus Road. Wheeler uses music to tell listeners about various experiences in his life. “Home” is a song that has a gritty electric guitar similar to “Nirvana T-Shirt.” The lyrics talk about the exhausting experience of feeling restless. In contrast, “Sunrise” has a brighter sound, but it demonstrates a similar theme of wishing for better days. Regardless of what you choose, all of Wheeler’s songs are very relatable, and they let listeners know that they’re not alone in whatever they may be going through! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW CY WHEELER

Being in your 20s are some of the most memorable - whether it's good or bad - years of your entire life. As a teenager, we’re always so excited or nervous to enter our 20s because we’re no longer a teen—we’re an adult. As someone who’s in their early 20s, it can be extremely tough, but I just learn to live life the way I want because I’m still young. I still have a lot to learn and experience and am always looking forward for what my life has planned out throughout the years—most of the time. Drew Schueler’s single, “20s” is about taking in life while you're still young because you'll never get that feeling back once you are out of it, but it's tough to live your life when the world isn't in the greatest shape. Everyone says it’s the best decade of their lives because they’re not too old or too young, and it’s the perfect era for still being able to do what you want; but nowadays being in your 20s usually means money troubles and confusion about where you want to go in life. Although there are still difficulties in these years of age, it's all a part of learning to experience life and growing up. Schueler starts the song with an alt-pop and rock soundscape paired with his relatable lyrics. He captures the times of being young which can resonate with the listener and bring some sense of reassurance that they’re not the only ones that goes through being in your 20s—whether that's making dumb decisions, dealing with tough situations, or just living in the struggles of the world today. Schueler’s vocals enhance the melody smoothly with the mid-fast beat tempo creating an enjoyable listen that is head bopping worthy. He sounds passionate through his raw voice which captivates the listener’s mood and emotions. The song is to the point and emphasizes the meaning just like the title—20s. The track has a safe and peaceful atmosphere through the lyrics that’s contrasted with the energetic tune creating a diverse listen. The passion Schueler brings out in his tone is highlighted throughout which is a pleasant listen for your ears. Drew Schueler is an up-and-coming artist/writer/producer from Nashville, Tennessee. His vocals and songwriting skills helps him stand out in the Music City and beyond because of his well-crafted and polished abilities. His fan base has been growing because of his stellar music and being consistent. This is needed for emerging artists which he’s able to achieve for being stable in his work. He recently won a grand prize for the NSAI Song Contest. He’s amped up over 20,000 Spotify monthly listeners and has released a few singles last year like “Lost Without You,” “I’d Be Lying,” and “To Know I Hurt You” which are all great songs! This is Schueler’s breakout year, so make sure to check him out and look forward to his music! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW DREW SCHUELER:

Photo Credits: Cindy Natalia Don’t Go Looking For Love, has a brilliant music video depicting a man who is struggling, constantly on the run, and with many women in heels chasing after him, how long did it take for you to have this vision come to life? JB: I wrote this guitar riff back in 2017 and I had a basic melody for the song. The melody reminded me of a toxic relationship that I was in a long time ago. In this relationship, she was controlling, and would give me a “guilt trip” if I wanted to spend time with my family and friends. I was so young and I did not see how toxic the relationship was until other people started telling me that I needed to get out of it. It is a vulnerable topic to discuss and I knew that there were other people out there that have been in the same situation. I wrote this song to be an anthem for those who needed clarity and help with getting out of a toxic relationship. It is a difficult thing to escape because it feels like the other person in the relationship has a hold on you that you just cannot shake. Once I launched my music journey in 2022, I immediately prioritized making music videos. I met Alexx Dominguez, a videographer from Montana, who is living in Austin to pursue opportunities in this great city. We met up weekly at a coffee shop in downtown Austin and I gave him all my ideas for the music video. We then discussed how to successfully execute these ideas, locations, and much more. My girlfriend, Emily Williams, the owner of Artistry Scope, is an artist and she came up with the idea of creating a map. Then, I realized that we could incorporate that idea into the music video because it could be a ‘quest for love’ but everywhere the map guides you, that toxic relationship follows you. Alexx Dominguez loved the idea, and then all the ideas came together. One of your lyrics that repeat in Don’t Go Looking For Love is “Cause there’s a snake inside a dove,” can you please elaborate on what this means? JB: I wanted this line to stand out in my song because I really feel like it sums up the entire premise. The idea behind the lyric is that you truly do not know somebody even if you think you do. They may seem innocent, angel-like, and sweet (like a dove), but they really have bad intentions and slither their way into your life until they have a hold of you. This is what it feels like to be in a toxic relationship. I wanted to find a way to relate with a lot of people with this song, and I am proud of this lyric, because I think it is relatable. Also, my grandfather was one of my biggest inspirations for me to pursue my dream of being a musician, and he gave me his 1960’s Gibson Dove guitar. So, I had a graphic designer create a logo with a snake coming out of my Gibson Dove guitar. You can see this logo in the credits at the end of the music video. I still think until this day that my grandfather was guiding me to make this song and to come up with this lyric. I feel like it was meant to be. Your lyrics depict a similar situation for both a man and a woman. What influenced you to write from multiple perspectives? JB: Too many songs are from a mans perspective where women are always seen as the villain in a toxic relationship. This is not the case and I believe there are a lot of women out there that are currently in a toxic relationship, but just do not know how to get out of it. I wrote this song to be relatable to both perspectives because I always try to make all my songs relatable to anybody regardless of their background. I want this song to empower anyone to end a relationship that they should not be in. Music is a powerful tool that can empower someone to make a decision that would better their life. The scene in your music video depicting a mermaid/siren stands out as unique. What made you add this fantasy element to your story? JB: This was the most fun scene to film for this music video. It was very difficult to execute. We filmed this scene in Barton Creek, which is the creek that feeds into Lady Bird Lake. Alexx Dominguez placed his $5000+ dollar video camera in a fish tank so he could submerge it underwater. The fact that he would risk his camera for this music video gives me so much respect for him! I came up with this idea because sirens in Greek mythology are depicted as evil, even though they are beautiful. I feel like this was very relatable to a toxic relationship. Sirens are manipulative and find a way to control their target by singing a song that leads you to your demise. In a toxic relationship, your significant other may be manipulative and tell you what you want to hear, leading you to being unhappy in the long run once you find out who they really are. Your Instagram biography states that you have Appalachian roots. How has the transition from your birthplace to Austin, Texas affected your music and life as a whole? JB: Both of my parents were born and raised near Williamson, a small town in southern West Virginia. A majority of my family still live in West Virginia and Kentucky and many of my family members are coal miners, nurses, truck drivers, and much more. My dad is a structural engineer, so we lived all across the country and moved from city to city. I was born in the Midwest, but we were guided back to our roots because my dad inherited a 100+ acre property in Culloden, West Virginia that has been in our family for over 100 years. My parents live there for half of the year and the other half in Austin. I spend a lot of time at this property, and I have even written a lot of my music while I was there. Growing up, I would spend my holidays in West Virginia visiting my grandparents. My grandfather, Eugene “Poppy” Jackson was one of the biggest inspirations to me for pursuing my dream of being a musician. He was a self-taught musician. He was a man of god and was a preacher. He impacted so many lives and inspired many people by preaching up and down every holler in the region. He played his 1960’s Gibson Dove guitar like a banjo with banjo picks. He played that guitar every Sunday in church. When he got much older, he gave me his guitar and it is my most prized possession. He would always tell me “Son, you sure know how to pick that guitar. Stick with it and you will go somewhere one day”. My music journey is dedicated to my grandfather and to my familial roots. I feel like who I am, has been shaped by my family and all my experiences being around them. I feel like Poppy is guiding me every day and I strive to make him and my family proud. With another great song under your belt, what plans do you have to continue fueling the soundtrack of peoples’ lives? JB: I am currently working on an album with my producer, Andrew Middleton, who is based out of Nashville, Tennessee. He is absolutely incredible and he always succeeds at bringing my vision to life. He is a producer I will work with for a very long time. When I launched my music journey last year, I would release a single every two months and then a music video would follow its release. This strategy got very expensive for me and I couldn’t afford to make a music video for each song I released, so I needed a new strategy. I currently have six original songs released and I want to focus on marketing those songs. I have six new songs already recorded and I am working on two more songs with my producer. I have a bunch of live shows lined up with my band in May and June and will make that a priority this year. I have an agent who is helping me with marketing my released music. I am also making funny reels on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube that you all should check out! I will continue to make myself vulnerable by telling stories in my music that people can relate to. Sometimes it is hard to find the courage to express certain emotions, but music is a powerful tool that can capture a story you want to tell in a relatable way. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. It really means a lot and I really appreciate your support. I am excited to continue telling my story because I have so much more to share. I am excited for everyone to hear my new songs that I am working on because I feel like my songwriting keeps getting better. This is only the beginning! Interviewed By Sophia E. Henry FOLLOW JB ELWOOD:

We continue to produce goods that are appealing to buyers as our society develops. The newest product promises flawless performance in all areas, including happiness, health, relationships, and salary. Nevertheless, despite everything we have added to our lives, we continue to find ourselves perpetually unhappy. Things We Don't Need, the new hit single from KLEO, tackles this issue head-on. From trap to K-pop, this catchy genre combines an assortment of musical genres. The song is about how the boundaries between man and merchandise progressively erode. The song's famous line, "Things we don't need, emotional distress you know I swear its not greed," sums up how, despite acquiring unnecessary goods, we continue to suffer emotional distress that is relieved by moving forward to do so. There is no doubt that this production was created with love and passion. TWDN combines a variety of musical styles, including Hyper-pop, Dark Pop, K-Pop, House, and Trap. Reverb and panning give the song an atmospheric, catchy vibe that will captivate both seasoned listeners and potential new fans. Drums, numerous synthesizers, and KLEO's stunning vocals all help to make the song even better. The song's strong message and catchy soundtrack are what draw in different listeners. Various EQs reverbs, and delays are audible throughout the song. To anyone searching for music with a groovy, atmospheric-level vibe, I strongly suggest this song. KLEO is a worldwide internet sensation from Glasgow. Her signature sound combines hyper pop, dark pop, K-pop, house, and trap, and it has earned her a lot of gratitude. KLEO received the BBC Introducing track of the week' for a total of three tracks from her 2020 EP 'MACHINA,' which appeared in SNACK magazine. KLEO's music is a social commentary on the post-digital age we live in, consumerism, capitalism, and the commodification of human life. She describes herself as "half android, half human." In recognition of her unique sound, KLEO received a nomination for The Sound of Young Scotland award in 2022. Her musical works investigate the intersection of online and offline, the environment in which her music exists. Regardless of being based in Glasgow, KLEO has an expanding global audience.. Even though she’s based in Glasgow, KLEO has a growing global audience, along with her on this leg of her musical journey. Written By ShatteredSoul FOLLOW KLEO:

“Faster Than We Ran” is a contemplative folk reflection on looking back on a significant moment in your life and feeling immense gratitude for it, “looking back and saying, ‘That was so awesome, the human experience is such a magical thing.’ even when it’s imperfect”. Elyse explores her spirituality, with deeply personal and poignant lyrics, painstakingly worldbuilding and fleshing out her narratives. Her background in poetry is glaringly apparent -- from how she manipulates her soft and wispy tone to the rhythmic beat you feel throughout the song. From high euphoria to low melancholy, Elyse’s emotion shines through not only in her voice but also in the words that she tenderly caresses before releasing them into the world. Inspired by songwriters like Neil Young, Elyse modernizes her music by adding twinkling instrumentals, warm bass, and ethereal vocals. Her raw earnest and elegant vocals add texture and depth to her emotion. The modern nuance of the simple guitar and atmospheric noises pair beautifully to transport the listener to another world. With simplicity, Elyse induces heartbreak, emotion, and desire for growth that inspires change while still feeling grateful for the past. At the song's climax, she shows off her voice in a series of outstanding runs, sending shivers down your spine at her awesome vulnerability and raw power. Anna Elyse is a poet at heart, deciding on the medium of songs to engage with her audience. After graduating from UCLA with a concentration in Poetry, she then went to an Audio Engineering School, where she found her favorite place, the studio. Working behind the scenes in many recording studios, Anna contributed to several prominent lyrically-based hip-hop albums (Logic’s album Under Pressure , The Incredible True Story , and No Pressure) , where she discovered her own determination to release her own music. “Faster Than We Ran” is a beautiful and significant piece that proudly showcases Anna’s best characteristics:” her unwavering vulnerability and outstanding lyricism that is only perfectly complemented by her production. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ANNA: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Dealing with conflict can be very draining. All the negative energy slowly eats away at you until there is nothing left. However, a poem I learned as a child exclaims that “you can’t go over it, you have to go through it.” In her upbeat pop track, “No Drama,” Joanna Borne sings about how freeing it feels to be on the other side of a conflict. After reflecting on all that she went through, Borne makes it clear to listeners that she is more than willing to put the past behind her. In fact, she is ready to swerve out of the way should drama ever come for her again. Joanna wrote "No Drama" as an anti-bullying anthem, hoping to bring more awareness to the continuous issue that many people face on a daily basis, but also as an uplifting song for those who need to hear it. All the aspects of the song illustrate the freedom that Borne is feeling because she has “no drama”. Starting with the instrumentation, you initially hear an upbeat bass line when the first verse begins. When it gets to the chorus, the music seems to burst forth with a trumpet and drums. In the first verse, Borne starts out by giving listeners a sense of the drama she was experiencing with hateful people. She sings, “trying to burn down my name in this town with what you said.” The chorus then starts with the words, “swerve! No drama!” I also liked how the rest of the song progresses because it seems as if Borne is getting further and further away from the conflict. On the bridge, she declares that “this will never get to me.” This song represents overcoming the hurt you've felt because of others and living your life without caring so much about what others might think. Joanna Borne is passionate about many aspects of her music, one of which is sound quality. In fact, she collaborated with one of Shakira's sound engineers to craft the dance worthy sound on “No Drama.” This is her first release in 2023. If you want to hear more of her, check out her 2022 single, “My Friend.” It has a very relatable message about the negative effects in which technology has on people. It is all the more fitting because Borne’s main goal in writing music is for her listeners to apply the messages in her songs to their own lives. I think she definitely achieves it in these two tracks. Follow all of Borne’s socials down below to be the first to hear of her new releases! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW JOANNA BORNE