The freshly blossomed beauty that is Louise Burns’ latest release, “Bloom '' is a classic love story. Burns reflects on unrequited feelings of attachment while pondering her own sense of commitment. She seems to criticize missing calls and neglectfulness from the subject of her love, and yet is also scared of commitment herself. That is, committing to being without them. She seems to cherish this person almost biblically, speaking of “believing” and “following” them. References to the ocean and cleansing through water expand upon this. Burns’ sense of adoration is painted romantically with her upbeat tone and yet as the lyrics reflect, it is far from this. The sea of emotions she explores appear to go much deeper than the enchanting sounds that grasp ones attention on a first listen, with lyrics such as “I can’t imagine another way” being overtaken by the listeners own imagination when hearing her dreamy instrumentals. It is in this way that Burns skillfully manages to blend upbeat and emotional themes without either traits being diminished, and it is what makes “Bloom” such a captivating piece. The song begins with Louise Burns’ own voice being used as an instrument, echoing and merging with techno beats in the background. As the lyrics begin, her voice has a noticeably nostalgic sound, reminiscent of early 2000s pop, the beat and tone of her words follows this theme as well. The background, though, is nostalgic in a different way, comparable to 80s pop. Burns has said it was partially inspired by video game music. The use of this music, which is normally ignored, is excellent, creating a theme of nostalgia that the listener senses but may have trouble putting a finger on. This isn’t the only place where Burns puts her creativity to work, later featuring ocean sounds including a whale call. Following this, she manages still to expand on the uniqueness of the song even more, exploring an R&B style melody following the chorus. The end of “Bloom” allocates almost a minute to Louise vocalizing with instrumentals but is just as enthralling as the rest of the song, clearly displaying her talent beyond a standard song format; it is a shining example of her ability to simply create where there is nothing. Louise Burns, a Canada based singer, producer, and songwriter, began her music career nearly two decades ago with the band Lillix, which she co-founded at only eleven years old. Just four years later at fifteen, she began working with Maverick Records, releasing two albums with the band. When Lillix fell apart, she continued as a solo indie artist. Since then, she has released ten singles and five albums. Her work has been nominated for the Polaris Music Prize and a SOCAN songwriting prize. She’s kept herself occupied even beyond this, working with other artists such as FIONN, Molly Annelle, and Jody Glenham. Her popularity has only grown globally, with tours across the world in three continents, her social media boasting thousands of followers and verified accounts, and her songs reaching hundreds of thousands of streams. I hope to only see this expand with her latest releases, so make sure to contribute to her already overwhelming success by following Louise Burns below and streaming “Bloom”. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW LOUISE:

There’s details and memories of people from the past that are bound to be with you for life. I can’t tell you how often I think about a former love’s childhood obsession with John Deere lawnmowers whenever I pass by any of their agricultural machinery. Unfortunately for me, I currently reside in a rural area of the Pacific Northwest - so, John Deere equipment is a rather common sight. And I used to think the universe was punishing me by filling my head with visions of this former love, but it’s given me perspective on the idea of love - or much rather, how we navigate love in young adulthood. Cate Tomlinson’s “twenty one” beautifully encapsulates this navigation and the ever-lasting impact it leaves on us. Listen to "twenty one" by Cate Tomlinson here. Through “twenty one”, Tomlinson allows listeners to explore a deeply intimate part of her life in a vulnerable ballad. The song wraps you up in a lush piano melody and soft strings throughout its duration to express the melancholic nature of the nostalgia at hand. In the opening verses, we learn that Tomlinson has been reflecting and trying to explain the relationship that's helped shaped her since the age of 15. Now at 21, she realizes in hindsight that an unawareness of her own boundaries contributed to a great deal of the discomfort experienced within the relationship and left lasting residual effects. She even notes in the chorus that one of the residual effects are still falling "for hopeless men" even when better options had presented themselves. There's a silent rage to be had when we realize that an understanding of oneself alongside advocacy could have drastically changed the outcome of the relationship, and in turn how we pursue love in the future. The heartfelt bridge showcases heavier strings while dropping a big revelation; the other half of this relationship is unaware of the compromises Tomlinson made in order to be with them, or even people that reminded her of them. Which makes this silent rage deafening and all the more heavyhearted. Ultimately, this journey into nostalgia has helped the artist realize their own limitations. One of the biggest limitations being the compromise of yourself - especially when it was never asked of you. Cate Tomlinson is a California-born singer and songwriter. Tomlinson’s music features a unique blend of pop, rock, and soul to catch the ear of music lovers across multiple genres. Currently, the artist finds herself studying at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts as a music industry major while building up their portfolio and contributing to their discography. This latest single was released before Tomlinson’s 22nd birthday, and is set to be featured on an upcoming EP that’s due to release over the summer. The EP recounts intimate stories from the artist that reflect the struggle of transitioning into young adulthood. If you’ve enjoyed Cate Tomlinson’s reflective ballad as much as I have, show her some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. And a Happy 22nd Birthday from Pop Passion as well; cheers to a very long, and fruitful career as a thoughtful, passionate artist. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW CATE TOMLINSON:

Jake Huffman’s “Babe” is an indie-pop/rock song up for interpretation. This feel-good song lets the music do the talking, and it's thematically left open to the eye of the beholder. If you want to hype up a pregame, blast it at a party. If you’re getting over a breakup, scream it in your car. If you just want a catchy song to listen to on repeat that you can feel in your soul, here it is. Jake’s creative approach to “Babe” was not wanting to cloud the energy of the song by his audience over-thinking the lyrics or trying to decipher the deeper meaning. The song is to be interpreted in any way each individual needs. He believes surface level situations can actually become more significant overtime than one’s with one designated emotion or meaning. “Babe” is a song created by chasing that feeling of letting the energy inspire you, and not the other way around. Jake Huffman proclaims the more he listens, the more nuance he finds than originally intended. Sit back, turn the volume up to 10, and let “Babe” take you anywhere you need to go. “Babe” is Huffman’s latest single that was created when he was going down a rabbit hole of self-expression and innovation, and he was exploring a combination of indie pop/rock/funk songs. The music physically charges you up while listening. Jake shared, “Something about the bass lines and the hard hitting syncopation really hit the spot. I wanted to capture that vibe and put my own spin on the genre. What's cool and different about this track is how haunted and dark it feels. I think I captured an 80s sci-fi horror mixed into a twisted fantasy like day dream,” and that is the perfect way to capture the energy of this song. “Babe” is a true amalgamation of Jake Huffman’s vast experience and musical influences. Connecticut born and raised indie pop rock artist Jake Huffman creates a euphoric realm through his craft. He aims to bring his exhilarating energy to a global audience. Jake is a multi-instrumentalist who takes inspiration from nearly every genre of music. He was previously known for his lead vocalist/drummer role in the viral rock band, McLovins, before rediscovering his sound as a solo artist. On his own, Huffman returned to the world of music with a completely unique arsenal of music. Jake writes, performs, and produces all of his music himself, and his handwork and talent continues to bleed into everything he touches. Follow Jake Huffman below, and let him know how you interpret his newest feel-good single, “Babe”, and checkout his expansive collection of music! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW JAKE HUFFMAN:

If you go against the title of the song and look for love, you either won't find it, or you’ll find the wrong one for you. In JB Elwood’s experience, he tells the story of being strung along in a relationship that he thought was genuine, and believed that everything this girl was saying was true. Unfortunately, it was full of lies and heartbreak. “ Don’t Go Looking for Love ” sends a message, and maybe even a warning for those searching for love, to be cautious of people’s intentions and be patient for the right person to come. Not only communicate and be upfront from the very beginning, but also, just allow love to find its way to you. Don’t chase it. Just let it come naturally and don’t force it! In the beginning of the song, JB’s voice is soft, accompanied with an acoustic guitar and he immediately jumps into exposing his ex for being a liar. He’s speaking about himself in 2nd person, but he also does this to share how it might be for someone else who went looking for love as he did, and the result of doing so. He shares that he was fooled into believing that it was “ The real thing .” Once he catches onto who she truly was as a person, and that she had negative intentions with him the entire time, he says, “ Nevermind all the times, nevermind all the lines that she drew in your head .” Now regretting that, he says, “ You were blind, you were blind. You were out of your mind. You wish you left her instead .” It sounds as if he's also putting a little bit of the blame on himself, but this shouldn’t be the case. When getting into a relationship, you naturally and instantly think that you two are on the same page because that's how it was supposed to be. However, this girl was the opposite and played with his feelings for the whole time that they were together. JB is right. Love is blind and it takes a while to catch onto these things. You push these red flags away because you’re stuck on the "good" actions and words that they’ve shown you, and you don’t realize how it was fake until it's too late. This song is JB learning a lesson, which is to let love find him and to stop chasing it. It’s also a message and warning to the listeners to do the same thing in order to not go through his same situation. He puts an emphasis on this message in the chorus when we hear the drums and guitar being more prominent, as well as projecting his voice when he repeats “ Don’t go looking for love ”, four times. JB Elwood is a singer and song-writer who’s currently based in Austin, Texas, but comes from a musical family that lives in West Virginia. His love for music first came from hearing Slash, lead guitarist from the rock band Guns N’ Roses, shredding the guitar. Specifically, their song, “ Welcome to the Jungle ” is what inspired him to pick up the guitar and explore the world of m,usic from there. With his relatives playing numerous instruments, it was always meant for JB to become an artist and create music for people to listen to. He is heavily inspired by his late grandpa who motivated him to continue playing the guitar, making music and making it far as an artist. He will continue to use that guitar and share relatable stories ranging from love, heartbreak, change, commitment, and also striving to have his music be “ the soundtrack to your life .” Follow JB Elwood on his journey with the links below, and check out “ Don’t Go Looking for Love ” out now on streaming platforms! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW JB ELWOOD:

Anyone who's moved to a new city knows how lonely it can get. You're in a new place with no one you know, navigating unfamiliar surroundings. It's especially hard when you're making connections with new people that aren't genuine, and you just don't fit into the scene. Brooke Daye expresses feelings like these in her new single, "Lonely Nights." She wrote the track about feeling like she doesn't fit in with the Los Angeles culture, extending to a general feeling of not belonging. "Lonely Nights" is a collaboration with artist, Lil Lotus. After Daye teased the song on TikTok, Lil Lotus reached out to her and asked if he could feature as he related to the song's message. "Lonely Nights" feels like the perfect song to listen to on a late night drive, destressing about the woes of life in a new city. The song is filled with commercial pop and pop rock energy, featuring catchy melodies and spirited pop beats. Both artists' crisp vocals compliment each other well, delivering memorable lines that will have you singing along in no time. The track's lyrics are a delicious contrast to the animated music, showcasing the sad feelings of loneliness. Daye starts off the song with the heavy-hitting lyrics, "I got no one to call/All my friends love a downfall/First to smile when I lose it all/This town is fake as fuck/Give you poison, but they say it's love." Though the lyrics of "Lonely Nights" are melancholy, the upbeat, energetic feel of the music will have you dancing your blues away. Brooke Daye is an impressive LA-based singer and songwriter. She was offered a publishing deal only 10 months after moving to Los Angeles, signing with Concord Music Group. Her writing styles vary from pop, country, rap, and urban. Daye's notable co-writes include Louie Lastic, Dayyon Alexander, Jeff Shum, and Jasper Harris. Aside from her songwriting, she focuses on her own music, writing and singing songs from the heart. Daye often draws inspiration from her own heartbreak and internal struggles, creating relatable and authentic music. An equally impressive artist, Lil Lotus is the new face of pop-punk. He tastefully blends rap, emo, pop, and pop-punk in his songwriting. In 2017, he released his debut EP, Bodybag, beginning a series of singles and EPs that have garnered more than 30 million streams. Lil Lotus' album, ERRØR BØY, makes it clear that he's a pop-punk force to be reckoned with. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW BROOKE DAYE: FOLLOW LIL LOTUS:

Those moments when you and another person are instantly attracted to one another are rare, especially when it feels like this could be it, this could be your person. But does this person have the same intentions in mind? Thomas Goforth’s latest single “Intentions” is a smooth, yet catchy track about having that instant connection and wondering if they want more. It’s an enticing song that will make listeners curious about who Thomas Goforth is and what he brings to the table. The song is a great combination of pop music with country vocals, as well as captivating lyricism. Thomas Goforth delivers a splendid vocal performance that feels nostalgic for early 2000s music, as well as still keeping his sound fresh. The song starts off with a single guitar that creates a nice introduction. The palm muting mixed in the strumming pattern creates an addictive rhythm that keeps listeners' attention. Goforth’s vocals come in strong, creating a nice transition from the introduction to the verse. The lyrics create nice visuals of how powerful a simple look can be, and what messages eyes can carry. The use of snaps in the pre-chorus adds to the charisma of the song and is an example of how simplicity is effective. The chorus of the track is reminiscent of the late 90s or early 2000s, and that only adds more charm to the song. This is especially portrayed by Goforth’s vocal performance during this section. The repetition as well works nicely and doesn’t overcomplicate the chorus to the point where it ruins the entire song. There’s a nice contrast between the first and second verse, with the addition of a beat that helps build up the song from where it started. As the song progresses the complexity of the relationship between the two people in the song grows, leaving the speaker confused as to what the person they sing to wants from them. The song ends in a similar way in which is started, creating a smooth full circle that leaves the song ready to be listened to on a loop. Thomas Goforth’s “Intentions” surely keeps its audience entertained and is ready to be added to your next playlist. Thomas Goforth is a country artist from Barnhart, Missouri who had a passion for music since he was a young kid. He began to make original songs at 15, and since then has been able to grow as an artist and perfect his craft. His audience has been growing since then, but Goforth especially grew in popularity when his other song “I Wish I Liked Bourbon” became popular on TikTok. Thomas Goforth brings a new and fresh sound to country music as he continues to work on his art and create unique art that makes him stand out amongst the others. His sound will certainly captivate you and keep you intrigued and wanting more. Be ahead of the game and check out Thomas Goforth’s “Intentions” now. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW THOMAS GOFORTH: *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Photo credit: Anna Nordström “BRB” is a poignant tune, and your vocals are heartfelt. Can you share the backstory for this song? Joselin: BRB is the first song I wrote after a breakup that left me in a state of denial where I was expecting the person to be right back. It was intended to be a “therapy song” just for me, but after thinking about it I felt that those types of honest songs might be the most important ones. You completed the songwriting program at the Lillehammer Institute of Music Production and Industries. What are some of your favourite memories and moments from that experience? Joselin: I loved the songwriting program in Lillehammer! I rented a small room above a garage halfway up the Olympic mountain in the small town mostly known for its 1994 winter Olympics. So in the wintertime, when recording sessions had lasted past the last night bus, I had to walk through heavy snow. I remember being exhausted as I got home. I learned a lot from mentors such as our head instructor, songwriter Amund Björklund (Train’s “Hey Soul Sister” & Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable”), who kept giving fantastic advice. I can still hear his voice in my head as I remember the insights he shared. Sarah Hudson, Dagny, and Fred Ball were others I learned a lot from. What was it like collaborating with Alexander Linnerstam on “Excuses”, which led to you winning P4 Nästa Kronoberg? Joselin: It was a bit of a shock for both of us to find out we won, and I’m still so grateful for that experience. “Excuses” started with a song idea on the piano, and I sent over a voice memo to Alexander which inspired him to produce an instrumental. I knew from the first moment I heard it that it was the perfect sound. "Excuses" was the first song Alex and I made together, and now "BRB" will be the most recent. How exciting was it to win the gold ticket for your performance of “If I Had A Weapon” on Idol? Joselin: Receiving the gold ticket on Idol was one of the best days of my life. I had been nervous about my voice the years prior, wondering if it was good enough. That validation and positive feedback from the jury really changed my perspective and gave me confidence that I can do this for real. Photo credit: Anna Nordström Can you describe your songwriting process for us, and give some insight as to what gets your creativity flowing? Joselin: I have a few different processes for writing. Oftentimes when I write for myself, I prefer to be in my own space with my guitar. That’s how I wrote BRB. Other times, I also love spending time in the studio and bouncing ideas off a producer in the room. During that process, it’s like every part of the song is being built at once from the ground up, which can be quite exciting. How would you describe your unique sound? Joselin: I strive to always be very honest and vulnerable in the lyrics I write. And to keep lyrics modern, although I often like the production to be a bit vintage and classical. I do have synesthesia, which is quite common among musicians, which pretty much means that I can see colors in sounds and music. This also impacts my songwriting as I try to reinforce the song’s color. This has led to some fun laughs with producers who don’t have synesthesia - if I ask them to add a certain color to the production and they wonder if I have gone nuts. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW JOSELIN:

We all have gone through at least one tough situation in our lives where it can really affect your mental well-being. Life can be hard, sometimes it's almost unbearable; but learning how to cope with your emotions is the only way to achieve peace. Everyone has bad days and we have to push through it until better days come. Christina Sikora’s single, “Seeing Stars” is about having the deep thoughts that come with going through those dark periods in our lives. Those moments can sometimes change you forever. We go through all these rollercoasters of emotions that we’re unable to get out of which can cause problems within ourselves. We all struggle with something and sometimes are unable to control it. You just have to remember that these feelings won't last forever, and it will always get better. Christina starts the song with her raw vocals which draw you in immediately, with her lyrics being relatable and full of emotion. She delivers her lyrics with a mix of pop-rock and alt-pop soundscape that captures the feelings of being trapped in this whirlwind of emotions. Her strong vocals enhanced the message significantly because of the thoughts she held onto when going through a dark time in her life. The listener can feel sympathetic through her words which shows the true impact of this track. The meaning of the lyrics are told with strength and courage that seems hard to muster up, but the beat assists with it making this song extremely effective and powerful. Christina Sikora is a 20-year-old independent singer-songwriter from New Jersey. She began writing songs and playing instruments around nine years old. By 14, she performed her original songs around New York and later attended the Berklee College of Music summer songwriting program for three years. She was mentored by NCB Songland’s Monument Records artists: Sam DeRosa, LA pop sensation Wrabel, and Jack Ohlbaum. She’s mainly influenced by the styles of artists: Tate McRae, Nessa Barrett, Jessie Murph, and Chelsea Cutler for relatable lyrics and subtle 80s inspired production. Her single, “I’D HATE ME TOO” gained attention on TikTok and went viral for over one million plays in just a week back in February 2022. Sikora’s song, “Wish I Hated You” that was off her last EP won an award at the SongDoor’s 2021 international songwriting competition in the pop music category. Now, she’s attending Belmont University’s songwriting program in Nashville. She has a lot coming, so make sure to check Christina Sikora out! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW CHRISTINA SIKORA:

Nette’s latest single, “Karma”, is a dark pop song about vengeance and justice. The track brings the concept to life as “a vengeful bitch who always wins in the end.” The fiery track reminds listeners that what goes around, comes around, and the people that did them wrong will get what is coming to them, eventually. The song begins with the hook found in the chorus: “Karma’s a bitch// Yeah, you get back what you give// Too bad for you, yeah she’s been watching every minute it// Karma’s a bitch.” The listener is immediately introduced to the message of the song, and the energy that it emits. It is the epitome of a perfect revenge song that will empower the audience to dust themselves off and move on, knowing that it is in Karma’s hands now. She will take care of the evil done, and all they have to do is sit back and wait. Every single line in the song is ingeniously written. Furthermore, the bridge contains lyrics that fully encompasses the entire message in just a few lines. Nette’s compelling vocals sing, “Everyone is just another pawn// You play ‘em how you want// You think the game is won// You don’t know the half of what you’ve done// Payback’s just begun// She’s coming better run// Karma’s a bitch.” Nette tells the audience that this person that did her wrong is known for using others and getting what they want. They do not believe that there will ever be consequences for their actions and are convinced that they are untouchable. However, she flips the script in the second half by introducing Karma. She informs this wicked person that they have no idea what is about to hit them, and that Karma will not rest until she avenges everyone they have ever harmed. “Karma” contains a darker vibe than previous releases by Nette, further expanding her remarkable discography. The track immediately kicks off with Nette’s sultry vocals singing the chorus, captivating the audience instantly. Then, the synth bass and subtle vocals are added, setting the moody atmosphere. The first verse opens with a brief scream before the strong bass hits and Nette continues singing. Toward the middle of the verse, the listener can hear a creaking door opening, enhancing the gloomy theme. After this effect, additional synth sounds and echoing vocals are introduced. Then in the pre-chorus, the vocals are paired with high-pitched keyboard notes that intensify the anticipated return back into the full production of the chorus. When the second verse begins, the track utilizes the same scream as the transition, but the production is more simplified. This pulls a greater focus onto the haunting vocals echoing in the background, before returning to the original production found in the first verse. The second pre-chorus maintains the same high notes on the keyboard, but the production increases in complexity and harmonizing vocals are added. The chorus returns, before the bridge begins the passionate climax of the track. In the bridge, there is only a very light synth background, honing in on the captivating vocals and harmonies. Then, it ends with an arpeggio on the keyboard with the statement: “Karma’s a bitch,” before a synth bass solo with Nette repeating the statement. This fires up the listener before the bass-heavy final chorus. Throughout this chorus, the background vocals are heard singing the bridge lyrics, flowing effortlessly into the outro of the track. This unique addition blows away listeners and highlights Nette’s creative songwriting and production skills. “Karma” was the result of Nette experimenting with her sound, and it proves that she is set to dominate the industry with her unparalleled talent. Nette is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer based in Vancouver. In October 2021, she released her debut single, “Feelings”. Two months later, she released a remix of the track with music producer, Junyang. In 2022, she released three more original singles. “Karma” marks her first single of 2023, and her fifth single over all. She is known for drawing in audiences with her creative storytelling and compelling vocals. Her music ranges between multiple vulnerable topics, such as self-doubt and self-discovery. Her insightful lyrics provide audiences a chance to resonate with meaningful messages. She has earned a massive fan base by sharing her musical journey on TikTok, garnering over 200,000 followers on the platform. Nette is a strong advocate for women in the music industry, drawing special focus on female producers. Her natural artistry contains the immense talent that the music industry craves. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW NETTE:

(Photo Credit: @bygwynethchoi) Congratulations on the release of "YOU RUINED MY BIRTHDAY" ! Can you talk a bit about the inspiration behind this song? Amelie: Thank you so much! “YOU RUINED MY BIRTHDAY” was such a fun song to write and record - the inspiration and lyrics behind the song are all based on my actual life, I really did have my birthday ruined 3 years in a row (17-19) and my birthday is now almost an ironic event in my life. It just sometimes sucks to have something special, something that was meant to just be yours taken away from you and ruined. And so this song is almost like my tribute to my 17, 18, and 19 year old selves - this is me telling them that they deserved better. Do you have any funny behind-the-scenes stories from creating this song or the music video? Amelie: The music video shoot was so fun and chaotic haha, definitely one of my favourites so far! Highlights include me almost burning my hair (multiple times), eating cake with my amazing co-star, and really struggling to light my birthday candles (also multiple times)! There was also a cut scene of me praying at the Jimi Hendrix shrine at the Troubadour… Aside from this song, what other song of yours is your favorite? Amelie: It’s so difficult to choose between songs, I think especially when they’re your own. Every song I’ve ever written means something different to me, but I have to say I’m the proudest (so far) of my mixtape “CINEMATIC!” - and “Electric Butterflies” and “Better” definitely have extra special places in my heart. You self-released your first studio album at the age of sixteen. That's amazing! How do you feel you've grown as a singer and songwriter since then? Amelie: Thank you, I’ve wanted to write and release music for so long and I couldn’t be where I am today without who I was when I wrote/released my first and second albums. I’ve grown so much since then - musically, lyrically, emotionally. I’ve actually switched genres even, so my sound/identity as an artist is completely different from what it was 4 years ago. And I sometimes get a little teary-eyed when I think about what 16-year-old me would think if she saw me now, and I’d like to think she’d be proud of how far we’ve come. And I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my family and my team, so shoutout to them! (Photo Credit: @bygwynethchoi) You have a headline show in London coming up in April! What about that show are you most excited for? Amelie: I’m so so pumped about playing at the Dublin Castle, I think the best part about any gig is connecting with the audience and just being able to have a great time all together with people who understand you - that’s the part I’m always the most excited about. But another aspect I’m looking forward to is playing some unreleased songs for the crowd, it’s going to be like a kind of exclusive preview of what’s to come! For you, what is the best thing about being a musician? Amelie: For me, writing music is the most therapeutic thing in the world. It’s how I process and get my feelings out, and I think the best part of being an artist/musician is being able to share those thoughts and feelings with other people, and that moment of connection, that moment of “oh, I actually feel that too, we’re not alone in this” is the best feeling. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW AMELIE JAT:

Going from a friendship to a romantic relationship has its benefits, as there is no awkward “getting to know you” phase. The other person already knows about all your habits and quirks. At first glance, the whole situation seems like a dream come true. However, if the romantic relationship does not work out, it could ruin the initial friendship as well. In her reflective pop ballad, “90 days,” Yael Danon proposes a solution to this dilemma. That is, she and her friend test out the romantic relationship on a trial period. If it doesn’t work, then they can go back to being friends. The song as a whole stresses how tricky love can be, and I’m sure that’s something a lot of listeners can relate to. The instrumentation changes throughout the song. In the verses, you hear a slow creeping bass with a ticking clock in the background. I thought the clock sound was especially fitting because the title of the track is a set amount of time. When it gets to the chorus, the instrumentation increases in intensity with a piano and guitar. As for the lyrics, my favorite line was “you’re my Romeo and my best friend.” I think it does a good job of showing the contrast between friendship and love. I also thought the ending was interesting. The whole song is about her being nervous for an upcoming change in her friendship. We never get to see it in action though. In fact, the song ends with the words, “but if for any reason our love doesn’t last, can I have my friend back?” In other words, we never get to hear about what happens during or after the “90 days.” I love happy endings though, so I’m rooting for them. Yael Danon is a trilingual singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Panama. She has loved performing since she participated in her school talent show. She once wrote all her songs down in a purple diary. So, it is only fitting that she is pictured with one on the cover of her debut album, “Diary Girl.” If you liked “90 days,” “Best Friends to Lovers” is a similar sounding song. It also sounds like it could be a resolution to the story that the previous track tells (I won’t spoil the ending for you). In contrast, “Don’t Miss You At All” is a song about embracing the freedom of “single-ness”. Danon is very vulnerable on this album, as she shows listeners both the good and bad sides of her life. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW YAEL DANON

Having that specific someone who you love and care for is a beautiful thing. You realize that the little things matter the most—like taking a drive to McDonalds in the middle of the night or just staying home together doing nothing. But when you’re with that person, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing or where you are. POLUN’s latest track off his Trillium album, “Love U Better” is about the realization that living life with that significant other is wonderful. When you’re away from them, it can be hard sometimes because of that distance; whether they just left your house or they live in a different city or state from you. The feeling of being healthy and content with the relationship is something we all strive for. It’s a matter of having that trust and love that is built from both partners to make the connection still strong and worth it. The song starts up with cassette tape effect that sounds like an opening of a film about a love that is about to blossom. With an electro-pop soundscape paired with refreshing and sweet lyrics, the listener’s able to have a diverse feeling of emotions. The lyrics are heartfelt and mixed with an upbeat melody that makes you want to dance and sing along. It sounds like it could be played in a club for a bunch of people to vibe to with its catchy tempo. POLUN's vocals are clear with additional ad libs and echoes that enhances with the music creating a rhythm affect along with it. The rest of the track after the lines, “I’m gonna love you better” is instrumental with a pop beat that amplifies the tune significantly. The same tape sound closes the song. Toronto-based POLUN, under the producer/songwriter’s name Terence “TEE” Lam made his debut producing “Can’t Choose” by JRDN in the 2014 Juno award-winning R&B/Soul record. Following that achievement, he co-wrote two Billboard Hot 100 hits which are triple platinum singles, “Here” by Alessia Cara and “Too Good” by Drake ft. Rihanna. He crossed over to produce for some K-pop artists like EXO, D.O., Suho, and Monsta X and wrote songs for Adventure Club, DVBBS, Kaskade x Meghan Trainor. He earned credit on his skilled production for “U Should” by 2021 Best New Artist Grammy nominee CHIKA and “Living Hell” by TikTok sensation Bella Poarch. He’s ready to share his debut album, Trillium which is inspired by his life’s journey. Trillium is infused with pop melodies and charged beats that also features some of his favorite collaborators. He has earned over 5,000 Spotify monthly listeners. He definitely has a lot coming, so make sure to check POLUN out! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW POLUN: