Kaitlin Stark’s “The Boy I Love” is a quintessential self-love anthem about acknowledging your flaws and understanding they make you who you are. Our flaws make us unique, and that’s what makes us lovable. The person we choose to love also chooses to love us, and our quirks and imperfections become our most endearing qualities to them. Being with someone who loves you, despite the deficiencies we see in the mirror, makes you so confident in who you are and what you offer to the world. “The Boy I Love” is a beautiful love song to a significant other, but it’s really about loving yourself, letting our weaknesses make us strong, and being proud of every piece of who you are. When we love ourself, we allow the most magical, sought-after kind of love from someone else. Love starts from within, but when someone not only allows, but encourages, you to be your most-authentic self and loves you more because of that, walls come down, hearts heal, and you get a real chance at forever as your best self with your biggest supporter. “The Boy I Love” is a dreamy track about acceptance and love. Kaitlin Stark pours her heart and soul into every word. Kaitlin uses introspection as a key influence in her music. She dives into her most-inner thoughts, and she beautifully sings the secrets we might keep to ourselves. She gives a safe space where people learn being flawed makes them uniquely charming. Her melody is like a warm blanket that wraps us in comfort, and her lyrics are equally delicate and powerful. Kaitlin uses raw honesty and vulnerability to tell a beautiful story, and she encourages her audience to gain confidence and be proud of who they are. Kaitlin Stark is a singer/songwriter who combines her small-town Georgia roots with her bright-lights Nashville residency to create music for every ear. There isn’t anything Kaitlin Stark won’t touch on in her music. She wants to create something that doesn’t already exist in the music scene, and she yearns to do it with deep thought and emotion. She uses passing comments or greetings from a stranger as jumping-off points for her next hit tracks. She successfully strives to create music that contains sonic savviness but is seeped with real emotion. Kaitlin has been writing since she was a teenager and playing instruments even longer, and she will continue to explore big questions and poke at the existential ideas of the world. She wants her music to create a space where her listeners can experience a release and feel seen. Follow Kaitlin Stark below, and become a part of her journey to answering all of life’s questions with her alluring voice and captivating lyrics. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW KAITLIN STARK:

Almost everybody who’s experienced a heartbreak or two has the one that got away. Imagine being with someone you love and knowing that they will one day come to be this person to you. That is exactly what Sean Doherty is singing about in his newest single “Before You’re Gone.” Sean refers to this single as “a queer love note to the one you know is gonna get away.” The lyrics are heavily focused on missing somebody before they’re even gone, and can place you right back into that mindset with impeccable accuracy if you’ve ever been in that position. It is an extremely relatable song with heartbreaking lyrics that you’re bound to listen to again and again. A lovely guitar melody and an almost echoy sound cue us listeners into the intro, which is then followed by Sean’s voice hitting a vast range of notes in the first verse. As this verse continues, a soft clap is introduced in the background, becoming slowly more prominent until the break right before the chorus, where the song has a big shift. Here, the song really homes in on Sean’s voice, which is absolutely breathtaking. He hits a vast range of notes with what feels like ease, but we all know is actually quite difficult. It was all a remarkable buildup to the chorus, where the beat begins to pick up as Sean begins to sing to the person this song is about with increasing passion. We are taken out of this song the same way Sean brought us into the chorus– his powerful voice. Sean Doherty is an aspiring singer, actor, and songwriter. He has written the lyrics to every song he’s released. Originally from the midwest, Sean is now living in New York City, and has been there for around eight years now following his passion for music and acting. A self-proclaimed “sad gay tenor for hire,” one of the pillars of Sean’s beliefs–which is reflected in his music–is positive queer representation. Currently, Sean is working as a swing on the Jagged Little Pill tour. He was also just in the grand premiere of Eighty-Sixed, a new musical released in San Diego. With such a promising start, we at Pop Passion are looking forward to seeing Sean’s career continue to grow. Written By Molly Schiff FOLLOW SEAN:

There are always two sides to every story and sometimes those sides are more similar than you'd imagine. Disease is a track that exhibits this concept perfectly. The song is a heartbreaking ballad about a breakup and two people coming to terms with it in the aftermath. Gabby Donnelly and Kingsley Priester play two sides of the same coin in this tune. Both come to each other with a better understanding of their roles in the failed relationship. They both were wrong in many ways and these wrongs lead to the ultimate demise of their love. Disease goes to show you; letting go of someone who you love is never easy but sometimes it’s necessary. Disease is a poignant track with its simple yet masterful instrumental; it creates a cinematic atmosphere. This song paints the image of two lovers losing each other so vividly in its lyrics. The vocals are no different, Donnelly and Priester have breathtaking performances on the track. Their voices mesh so perfectly and blend with the instrumental in a seamless way. Disease lends itself to a tragic story with its raw and brutally honest lyrics. These lyrical elements paint the picture of two parts of a failed relationship. Two individuals who, post-self-reflection, come together to find closure in their final statements to each other. A heart-wrenching feat as Donnelly and Priester build their way up to the conclusion the instrumental follows suit. Beginning with gentle twinkles and building into powerful chords as the vocals of both singers increase steadily. It’s haunting yet inspirational. Everything is arranged so beautifully and perfectly it’s hard to deny the talent both singers hold. Gabby Donnelly is an emerging singer/songwriter based in South Carolina. Her specialty is writing songs for those going through heartache. She says she’s most comfortable writing songs that speak to people in this way. Though not everyone will relate to the content of these lyrics, everyone will enjoy some aspect of Donnelly’s work. Her voice is magnificent, providing a hauntingly beautiful tone to her work. She hasn’t put out much, in fact, Disease is only her second release, but her talent is evident. As she releases more music her fan base will surely grow. She has talent beyond many and it shows in this track. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW GABBY

Photo Credits: Karen Gouaïda A danceable dark ballad with distinct vocals, this is what we see in the latest single by artist Imelda Gabs. The song “Thieves” creates a surreal ambiance that gets listeners moving and nodding along to the catchy beat. The track is a fun electronic dance ballad that really gets across what kind of artist Gabs is. Imelda Gabs’ voice contributes to the ethereal experience, having a voice so smooth and unique. Along with Gabs' vocals, the lyrics of the song create some nice imagery that contributes to transporting listeners into this futuristic world Imelda Gabs has created. With all these elements combined into one song, it shows the power and freshness Imelda Gabs brings as a new up-and-coming artist everyone should be listening to. The song begins with Gabs singing over a simple piano chord progression. Her voice comes in strong and powerful, standing out during the line “maybe it was all a mistake.” Following this line, the track begins to speed up as the song is beginning to build up with the use of the beat and electronic additions. The buildup works well with the bass drop shortly after in the song as it really brings the song to life and creates an alternative emotional perspective than which the song began with. The chorus of the song is fun, and the rhythm of the track works perfectly in creating that dance-pop feel we all gravitate towards. However, even as the style of the song transforms from where it began, that addictive darkness remains in the ambiance of the song. The bridge of the song is quick and short, and this fits well because it makes sure the listeners aren’t taken too out of the song. The song ends with a nice bang, supported by Gabs’ phenomenal vocal performance towards the end. The song, “Thieves,” should be the latest addition to your playlist as it’s an exciting experience you don’t want to miss. Imelda Gabs is a Belgian and Congolese musician who grew up in Switzerland. She was musically inclined at a young age, studying piano, violin, and singing. Her first performance was at 14 when she performed with her father, Doctor Gabs, at the Palais des Beaux-Arts. She joined the Montreux Jazz Academy in 2017 where she began to write her own songs and even got invited to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival. In terms of style, Gabs teds to experiment with an electric dark pop sound. She creates an immersive experience with her music. Her debut album, “Synopsis,” which features the song “Thieves” will be released on April 14th and is available for pre-save now. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW IMELDA GABS:

GO! is the newly released dream pop song from singer-songwriter PEARL. GO! feels like a song that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of a sunny day. It feels as though one is taking the most relaxing stroll while the sun is still at its peak. Its both motivating and relaxing, and is a song to be sure to make it onto your summer playlist. She reflects the familiar sounds of dream pop while also adding her own unique style and additions. GO! is the perfect sonic escape surrounded by lyrics that navigate the ideas of finding home in people and not in physical places. Listen to GO! by PEARL PEARL creates a wonderful sonic experience for listeners in the song GO!. The sonic space she creates is both whimsical but grounded. In this there is an ephemeral quality to the instrumentals of the song that makes it feel akin to nature. Her sonic space also perfectly surrounds her soprano voice which is elevated by the production and the instrumentals throughout the song. Her vocals never feel lost or muffled, but rather propelled by the instrumental forces behind it. With these qualities GO! becomes a song that combines many different elements in order to create a whimsical dream pop sound. PEARL is a British singer-songwriter and producer. She would spend her early days growing up on the English countryside, where she was often drawn to the forests in her surrounding area. This would reflect in the tones she brings to her music that feel earthly and grounded. PEARL was trained as a soprano, and studied at the Creative Musicianship at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, where she further developed her skills. Her skills are displayed in such songs as GO! where she is able to combine the arts of production, writing and singing in artistic ways. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW PEARL:

Feeling stuck but want to make the most of it? That's what Tanner and Peyton Whitt of RAGS AND RICHES are trying to do in their new single, "Hello, Goodbye." This lighthearted addition to the alt-pop world centers around a bright message, encouraging listeners to ride the highs and lows of life. With lyrics like, "they say life's like sweet tangerines, guess that's true 'cause I got cavities," "Hello, Goodbye" shows RAGS AND RICHES' whimsical take on making the most out of life's ups and downs. The iconic pair has delivered this charming, optimistic track just in time for spring, giving us a positive outlook on life. The instant urge to just let go and dance freely along to "Hello, Goodbye" is an intense one. This charismatic single brings out the best of moods with its infectious melodies and optimistic lyrics. In this track, RAGS AND RICHES tastefully blends pop drums, rock guitar riffs, and nostalgic leads. It's a perfect combination for any fan of X Ambassadors, The Killers, and grandson. The song's brilliant, bubbly composition will have anyone singing along for weeks. This alt-pop feel-good vibe falls somewhere between Blue October's "Jump Rope" and Bleachers' "I Wanna Get Better." If you're in need of a quick pick-me-up, just give "Hello, Goodbye" a listen, and ride the high it'll leave you on. American alt-pop duo, RAGS AND RICHES, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The pair of rising stars is comprised of brothers, Tanner and Peyton Whitt, hailing from Lexington, Kentucky. They have enjoyed much success since the release of their first single, "Speed of Sound." In just three years, RAGS AND RICHES has garnered over 3 million career streams and 1.5 million video views. They released their debut album, Always Gold, in 2022, which received 1.4 million streams in its first week. Through their music, the impressive duo aims to bring hope and inspiration to a generation of dreamers. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW RAGS AND RICHES:

We’ve all had that one friend that would think the world revolved around them. It’s exhausting, isn’t it? The majority of the conversations you have with them somehow manage to constantly be all about them and their problems, but nothing more. Putting this energy towards others, especially when it’s constant and negative, is honestly so draining. In “ Tragic ”, the Pop-Rock sister trio, Hello Sister, tells this person off and lets them know that maybe the problem is actually them and that nobody has time for that. I think I would agree with this too. In this extremely high energy song that you’ll find yourself bobbing your head to, you can catch the electric guitar and drums which provide this lively feeling to the listeners, making them want to get on their feet and dance along. There’s nothing wrong with ranting, but it becomes a problem when you make it all about yourself everytime you’re conversing with a friend. Placing your problems onto others, being full of drama, and not letting things go will only lead to one thing and one thing only. You’ll just push your friends away. This will be the end result because the drama is all they’re going to think about whenever they see you. It’s a draining situation to be in, and nobody likes that. They touch on ending a friendship for this reason by saying, “ Always get caught up in your mess and I need to get out ”, as well as, “ I won’t hesitate, watch me cut you loose .” Honestly, I’m sure that we all would do the same thing, right?! Letting these types of “friends” go definitely feels freeing. All you want in a friendship and conversation are good vibes and positivity. Being full of drama and talking your head off about yourself is going to make the other person feel used, and in this case, Hello Sister definitely did feel that way. They share, “ I think I’m done being used .” I promise asking about their days, or anything else other than what you’re annoyed about can go a long way. They also share more of their relatable frustration by asking, “ Why are you the only thing we talk about” , and stating that this person is, “ More into drama than you're into me .” Lastly, the last lyric of the song is a realization and message learned throughout all of this. “ If life is so tragic, maybe the problem is you .” Exactly! Hello Sister is a sister trio that are singers and songwriters from Orlando, Florida. This band is made up of 16 year-old Grace who’s the lead vocalist and plays the keyboard and bass, 15 year-old Gabriella who plays the electric guitar, and 14 year-old Scarlett on the drums. These teens are insanely talented with their impressive vocals, different sound, and high energy performances. All together, they’re phenomenal to watch perform, and are a breath of fresh air in the music scene. You may have also seen them on Season 16 of America’s Got Talent where they performed one of their original songs, “ Middle Schooler .” They received all 4 yes’s and made it on through. Check out more of Hello Sister by keeping up with them on their socials with the links below, as well as streaming and singing along to their latest single, “ Tragic ”, which is out now on Spotify and Apple Music! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW HELLO SISTER:

Nina Luna releases lush, electro-pop track “Dreaming” as her first string of singles in 2023. This song is an intoxicating ode to the mind-altering effects of being in love. There are rare moments and people who make you pinch yourself and question the veracity of reality because life has never been this good, euphoria has never felt this real, and even your dreams don’t compare to the abiding bliss you experience everyday. When experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime love like this, many naysayers will claim it’s too good to be true, but some things in life just really are that idyllic. Even if it ends tomorrow, the highs were worth every low to follow. “Dreaming” is about embracing the good in your life instead of questioning it or anticipating a sudden change. When everything seems to be going your way, relish in it. Just like when our dreams are so blissful, we go back to sleep in hopes the same one comes back, we can live our lives just the same. The moment “Dreaming” begins, you’re transported to the four walls of your bedroom, head hitting the pillow, eyes fluttering as you drift away into a far away land of your mind. The melody is reminiscent of the pure ecstasy of your favorite dream that you pray to reappear every night. Her lyrics are raw and vulnerable, and her production is otherworldly. This song encapsulates the ethereal nature of her voice that melds seamlessly with her vocal power. Nina wrote, recorded, produced, mix and mastered this electro-pop track after writing the first verse years ago, rediscovering it, and making it a labor of love for all to enjoy. The combination of the cinematic music and the vivid imagery of the lyrics showcases Nina Luna’s ever-growing talent and commitment to her craft. Nina Luna’s natural mysticism and sacred sensuality combined with her lust for life and fiery edge lend to her shape-shifting alt-pop sound that comes from the unique influence of her bond with the places she called home: the hills of New England, the myths of Minneapolis, the bright lights of New York, and the dive bars in Los Angeles. Synonymous with a force of nature, Nina is hard to pin down and difficult to define, but her captivating allusiveness is part of the mystique that keeps us coming back for more. Compared to the likes of Lorde, Florence + the Machine, and Taylor Swift, expect a high-energy, engaging show when Nina takes the stage. This methodical Minnesota mystic spends her days writing, recording, producing, and mixing her own music at home, and she is constantly evolving and enhancing her expertise. Keep an eye out for more otherworldly singles dropping in 2023, and catch Nina Luna at her 331 Club Spring Residency “First Fridays” and experience the magic for yourself! Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW NINA LUNA:

Holding onto a relationship overcome with toxicity often leads to resentment. With an unstable power dynamic, it’s only a matter of time before implosion. Lola Balter’s new single, “Fall For It” contains raw emotion and vulnerability, communicating a narrative of pain and dissatisfaction within a decaying relationship. Lola’s honest and intimate lyricism conveys the heartache felt when your partner continually fails you. For instance, the line “I’ll keep playing your game, knowing the pain of winning” expresses the relatable tendency we have of retreat to those we are comfortable with, regardless of the negative consequences. Released on January 27th, the pop-rock track has already amassed over 139k streams on Spotify alone. “Fall For It” is an emotional ballad, containing strong, soulful vocals, a compelling message and hypnotizing instrumentation. “Fall For It” is an instrument loaded track, incorporating different sounds to accompany changing rhythms and tempos. The song is opened with sweet, mellow piano tones. Soon after, delicate acoustic guitar strumming arises from below the main track. Lola’s angelic vocals contain the perfect balance of rasp and clarity, guiding the song from verse to verse. “Fall For It” displays her broad vocal range, with high-pitched crescendos, enchanting vocal runs and deep, soulful belts. The single’s emotionally packed chorus showcases head-nodding percussion and passion-filled lyrics, perfect for an audience sing-along. Lola Balter released a live session of “Fall For It” on March 20th. This raw rendition highlights Lola’s natural talent as a vocalist and instrumentalist. Lola Balter is a rising star with undeniable talent. At just 16-years-old she has established herself as a must-watch artist with limitless potential. Based in Vancouver, Lola Balter is a 16-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Lola’s passion for music developed at a young age. She began vocal lessons at just 7-years-old and songwriting at 11-years-old. Lola plays the piano and guitar and more recently learned the drums. In searching for her individual musical aesthetic, she discovered the expressive possibilities of rock and found inspiration in 1990’s alt-rock icons and modern pop-rock chart toppers such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Olivia Rodrigo, Nirvana and Jack Johnson. Lola’s debut single, “The Pressure and The Time” was released in 2022 and has reached over 16k streams on Spotify alone. Since then, she has been expanding her discography with tracks such as “I Wanna Win”, “Again” and “Knock On Wood” which has accumulated over 81k streams on Spotify. Her music can be discovered on many well-known playlists, such as Spotify’s official “Fresh Finds Folk” playlist which has over 34k likes. Lola’s breathtaking vocals, intricate instrumentation and emotional lyricism have established her as a rising pop-rock musician with over 84k monthly Spotify listeners. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW LOLA:

My first listen to every song focuses solely on the sound, with the lyrics (and their cohesion to the sound) getting my attention on the following listen. In the case of "Heartbreak?" I found myself drawn into not only Faith Louise's remarkable voice but her words. The vocal performance captivated me as Louise dove over and into the instrumental backdrop. The specificity of her delivery felt effortless, showcasing Louise at her most striking, soft, and commanding. While "Heartbreak?" could just as easily soundtrack a nighttime drive through the neon city, I find the dazzling single to be just as rewarding with my full, breathless attention . The sound of "Heartbreak?", especially in the chorus, has a distinctly 80's flavor: rich guitar tones, dancefloor synth hits, and soaring vocals. Underneath the mix, however, is the hints of more modern, electronic flavor. The grimier bass bring out the song's depth, twisting the bright melody ever-so-slightly into a bittersweet pop anthem. The effect is gently head-spinning, longingly buoyant. The bittersweetness in the song's sound brings out the complexity of Louise's lyrics. The artist sings not of heartbreak, but the potential for it's devastation. "It was a fresh start, a new beginning," she opens with, but the butterflies feel more like warnings. "Is this gonna be a setback?" She questions in the chorus. The specificity of replacing "heartbreak" with "setback" is so intentional, so fascinating to me. It's this nuance that makes Louise's songwriting feel confessional—considered without demanding your understanding. It's relatable, but there's the personal touches that feel inseparable from the artist. "It's so simple for me to run," the pop-singer admits, but she quickly turns on her inner-saboteur, "I just couldn't do it, no, I won't do it." Her voice flies over the instrumental, defiant. Faith Louise is a 17-year-old singer/songwriter based in Essex. The now eight singles she's released over the past three years have documented her artistic growth and ambitions from a young age. Prior singles demonstrate Louise's pop versatility with an electronic sound. In early 2021, Louise singed to the London-based record label, Regent Street Records. Winning a slew of awards in the entertainment sphere, she's proved her artistic voice to be professionally developed. Undeniably a rising force in pop, Louise has laid the foundation for a bright future in art. "Heartbreak?" arrives as the performer's first single of 2023, though more is certain to come. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Faith Louise:

Everyone feels down sometimes; it’s in our nature to have that emotion. We have a darkness that forms over our heads, taking over ourselves, and we’re unable to control it. Faith Marie’s single, “More Than I Am” is about fighting those inner demons and letting them go. Those demons shape us into someone we’re not just for the sake of others and harm us in the process. But why should we act a certain way for people? Why should we let our demons control us and make us vulnerable? We shouldn’t let it manipulate us because of how damaging it can be. It can make us lose ourselves and feel a sense of unworthiness; so learning to take the time to heal will help us mentally, physically, and emotionally. Faith Marie’s “More Than I Am” sends a powerful message through her lyrics in which she uses her passionate vocals to deliver. The music itself is a steady, soft, and upbeat soundscape. The lyrics and music are slightly contrasted to keep it balanced, complimenting each other with its influential meaning and bright tune. Faith has a beautiful voice that she's able to control using different methods of singing to diverse this piece. The bridge of the track speaks to the listener which makes it feel more personal and intimate; this leads to her hitting higher notes and using riffs that will bring you goosebumps. It gives more of a sensation reaction than just listening; it shows Faith’s dedication and purpose when delivering this song to make us feel a certain way. The instrumental at the end gives off a spacy ambience with its heavenly sounds. Faith Marie is an alt-pop singer/songwriter from Provo, Utah. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in audio engineering. She began developing her skills at 13 and launched a YouTube channel that now has over 100,000 subscribers over the course of five years. She posted a cover of Bring Me The Horizon’s “Drown” which went viral in 2015 and led her to debut with her single, “Antidote” which she wrote and self-produced. For the past 7 years, she’s released multiple singles ranging from different genres with her singles, “Little Girl” and “Devil on My Shoulder.” She’s earned over 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. She also has merch where you can purchase here ! Faith Marie is an artist you wouldn't want to miss out on! Written By Lyndsey Cheng FOLLOW FAITH MARIE:

“Nearly Always You” by Addie Coons is the story of a journey through love. A journey neither seems to wish to take but is almost unavoidable. She discusses the fear of commitment when in a relationship, or wishing to be, with someone who fears commitment themself. “Nearly Always You” is an exemplary title reflecting this message. Of course, it is always them, but she can’t quite say that. Unrequited love is a popular subject of heartbreak songs, but what of requited love that can’t be more than that? This is the story of trying to find where to place her love. It is evidently personal, with lyrics detailing instances of affection as well as coldness. The song places emphasis on the idea of hiding emotions, but does it in a way that is itself emotional and vulnerable. “Nearly Always You” brings the listener nearer and nearer to Addie, and perhaps themselves. The song begins with a soft piano, which Addie then begins singing over in a similarly gentle tone. This continues for a while as she reflects on moments of her endearment, reflecting the storytelling nature of the piece. When the chorus begins, there isn’t a major change in audio or an overproduction of sound effects attempting to make this portion of the song seem moving, instead, with only a change in her voice and a slightly louder instrumental, it is moving on its own. Her voice is so strong, it captures this moment alone. There is another brief period of imagery and stories with that familiar piano, and then her second rendition of the chorus starts. At this point, the listener hears a break in the usual instrumental for a welcome surprise of electric guitar that seems to flow with her singing. These moments provide clarity on the true strength of her feelings, the remainder of the song is of course honest but it is here, in the most screamable, beautiful moments of her song, that makes it so emotional. She then finishes by introducing that perfect title for the first time “Every thought in my mind is nearly always you”. Addie Coons is a young artist, with “Nearly Always You” being her first Spotify release. A junior at Zionsville High, she’s immersed her life in music to the extent she can at her age. She participates in the school band, most recently playing trumpet for their broadway world nominated rendition of Into The Woods. She participated in the all state jazz ensemble, the Zionsville show choir, and other live performance groups. Though, clearly, her most admirable skill is her voice, she is vastly talented in several instruments. She plays, as seen in her contribution to band, the trumpet but also the acoustic and electric guitar, and piano. Her Tiktok features samples of this as well as vocals, be sure to follow her below and keep up with Addie Coons as she continues her journey into the world of songwriting she’s begun. Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW ADDIE: