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Top: Meet Me @ The Altar via Spotify; NOU via SoundCloud; Bottom: Mijita via Instagram; Someya via Facebook. Are you as excited as me for International Women’s Day?! Just to make it clear: the holiday is tomorrow, March 8th – I’m just so jazzed up that I needed to post a day early. This holiday always makes me giddy to see the outpouring support and recognition for women. But I’ve always had one qualm with it; not enough appreciation is directed towards the incredible women making an impact with smaller platforms. So, I thought the best way Pop Passion could celebrate the holiday is by highlighting and uplifting the voices of women artists from underrepresented backgrounds. The criteria I followed by to compile this list: the reviewed song had to fall under the pop genre (or a sub-genre of pop), the reviewed song had to be released in the last three years, and the artist or group had to represent folks we do not hear enough from in the pop sphere. Now, let's get on to the songs and start showing our appreciation. 15. "Water Me" - Chynna Mac “Water Me” by Chynna Mac is a soft, guitar-laden indie-pop single about romantic partners showering one another in unconditional love. The key contributor to this love’s growth is displaying it through emotional availability and presence. This beautiful message is vocalized with Mac’s gorgeous, confessional-styled delivery. Whenever I close my eyes while listening, it feels like she’s directly speaking to me – and I’m sure other listeners can attest to this experience. Chynna Mac is a black, plus-size, lesbian singer and songwriter from Tennessee, currently making music in Los Angeles, California. “Water Me” is the ninth song to be featured on the artist’s album It Is What It Is. 14. "Better Off" - All There Is “Better Off” by All There Is is a pop-punk single about coming to terms with the end of a relationship by realizing you’re happier and healthier without it. It’s the perfect break-up anthem for when you need to be reminded that the end of a romantic connection can be the best possible outcome. The arrangement of the strings and drums throughout the song captures a range of emotions and makes me hopeful for the return of riot grrrl culture. Coming from Texas and completely fronted by women, All There Is consists of singer and rhythm guitarist Sofia Mora, bassist Kelly Condy, drummer Grace Goodman, and recent addition, guitarist Charlotte O’Boyle. The alt pop-rock group’s newest single, “DEADWEIGHT!”, gets released this Friday, March 10th – mark it down on your calendars. 13. "Potential" - Norhan “Potential” by Norhan is a dance-pop single with heavy R&B elements about falling in love with someone’s potential – not who they are. This is the club song call-out we occasionally need to stop romanticizing the idealized version of our crush because we only wind up hurt in the end when we see they’ll never live up to the potential we saw in them. Norhan’s sweet vocals keep us engaged and optimistically hopeful for an event we know will never happen. Norhan is an Egyptian pop artist based in Chicago, IL. The artist will be dropping their new single, “Mistaniyak”, on March 17th. 12. "Caution Sign" - Stella Mar “Caution Sign” by Stella Mar is a synth-pop single about not initially seeing people for what they are. Especially if they’re done up nice, sometimes we can overlook or miss the red flags that surround them. Mar’s deep, sultry voice loans the song a taste of jazz while the synths give listeners some 80’s nostalgia. The dark, vivid colors within the visualizer contrasted with a neon pink sign of the song's namesake is visually outstanding, too. Stella Mar is an indie, queer artist based in Tacoma, Washington. “Caution Sign” is one of the seven songs that make up Mar’s latest album, Polyester. 11. "Counting Me" - Vicki Lovelee “Counting Me” by Vicki Lovelee is a revenge pop song about maintaining your confidence in the face of rejection. The best form vengeance in a situation like this is displaying how well you’re doing without the rejecting party as they obsess over you. The song’s dark nature is brilliantly highlighted with dramatic vocals and shifts in melody. Vicki Lovelee is a Chinese Canadian alt-pop singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Ontario. The official music video for “Counting Me” drops this Thursday, March 9th at 9:00 PM. 10. "Jenni" - Shak SYrn “Jenni” by Shak SYrn is a bedroom alt-pop single about the appreciation we have for our comfort friend. In this song we’re showing nothing but a deep admiration and platonic love for this friend in our life because they deserve to be reminded every once in a while. The song embodies good, summertime vibes while SYrn’s dreamy vocals take listeners to a higher plane of existence. Shak SYrn is a black, queer artist that’s currently based in Los Angeles, California. SYrn’s music blends the whimsy of magic and spirituality with neo-soul and alt-pop. 9. "Physical" - Jasmine Rodriguez “Physical” by Jasmine Rodriguez is a compelling dance-pop single about desiring a connection that runs deeper than surface level. Unfortunately, the foundation for the connection that brought on this desire was built on a mutual need for physical contact. The emotional desire within the song leaves listeners in a perpetual state of yearning. Jasmine Rodriguez is a Dominican singer, songwriter and musician based in Los Angeles, California. Her Spanglish covers of “Unstoppable” and “Just The Two Of Us” showcase the artist’s soft, bright vocals and their skill with the guitar. 8. "Again" - NOU "Again” by NOU is a memorable dream-pop single for the lovers out there. This song is the sweet harmony you sing to your romantic partner after silly fights to remind them how much you adore them and the process of falling in love with them. With this song, you're directly telling your partner that you would be willing to fall in love with them all over again if given the chance. NOU is a singer and songwriter based in Hawaii. In the upcoming months, the artist plans on creating and releasing music videos to accompany their singles. 7. "Mapped Out" - Meet Me @ The Altar "Mapped Out" by Meet Me @ The Altar is pop-rock single about feeling lost but never letting others onto this truth. The headbanger champions a fake-it-til'-you-make-it attitude that's bound to boost anyone's confidence. Fans of the mid-2000s easycore scene can hear the influence on the song. Meet Me @ The Altar is a queer, POC, pop-rock band composed of guitarist-bassist Téa Campbell, drummer Ada Juarez, and lead vocalist Edith Victoria. The band has a mission to revamp the music scene and is a little bit closer to doing so with their upcoming album. Their debut album Past // Present // Future will be released this Friday, March 10th! 6. "lmk" - Maezi666 “lmk” by Maezi666 is an industrial electronica-pop single and ode to clingy, lover girls everywhere. It perfectly captures the struggle between wanting to be in close, constant communication with the person we’re longing for but also not wanting to come off as overbearing, either. The song embodies the pleading eyes emoji - and it certainly wins over listeners compassion. Maezi Kacey, better known as Maezi666, is a trans artist and guitarist from Seattle, Washington that currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Maezi666 is a part of the established trio, Scythe Gang 666. 5. "Lights Off" - Mijita “Lights Off” by Mijita is a pop single with catchy components of funk and R&B. The song is all about being la tóxica in a relationship; within the context of the song the toxic partner drains you both emotionally and physically. The song's sexy, provocative sound can make any listener okay with getting used as "a washcloth". Mijita is an LGBT+, Afro-Latina artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Ever since the 22-year-old artist’s debut single “Unleash Your Mind”, listeners have been eager to devour more of their unique blend of Latin dance music and bedroom pop. 4. "Too Good For You" - Rawan “Too Good For You” by Rawan is a groovy dance-pop single about recognizing your self-worth. Sometimes it takes external events for this revelation to dawn upon us. And that's perfectly okay, I'm more than happy to have Rawan's sonorous vocals help me see the light and refuse to lower myself for someone else's benefit. Rawan Maarouf, better known by the stage name Rawan, is an Arab-American singer and songwriter based in New Jersey. Rawan’s latest EP Lost Boy, emphasizes the artist’s commitment to the deconstruction of stigmas through dazzling piano melodies. 3. "very well" - csndra “very well” by csndra is their debut single that dropped last February. It’s a vibrant, indie-pop single about radical self-love and self-acceptance. It’s the ultimate woman empowerment song that reminds us about the innate, individual strength each woman carries. The Orlando native, csndra, is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, designer, and animator currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. The artist left graphic designing to pursue their musical career. While we wait to be graced with more music, peep csndra’s follow-up single, "DMLO". 2. "Dreams" - Baby Storme “DREAMS” by Baby Storme is a dream-pop single that doubles as a siren song. The slowed rhythm coupled with Baby Storme’s ethereal voice is bound to hypnotize any listener. It makes me wish I could live in the dreamscape the artist is envisioning - and maybe that's what makes the song so alluringly dangerous. Baby Storme is a black, genre-blending artist determined to transform the face of alternative music. Their new single “PAINKILLERS” will be released this Friday, March 10th! In the meantime, get familiar with and transfixed by Baby Storme’s discography. 1. "The Way I Do" - Someya “The Way I Do” by Someya is a gripping alt-pop single about a queer love triangle. The cinematic music video accompanied by Someya’s hauntingly stunning vocals makes listeners feel like they’re watching a thriller unravel before their eyes. The song’s murderous end takes my breath away every single time I watch it. Someya is a bisexual singer and actor based in Los Angeles, California. The artist’s discography is filled with Sapphic songs that feed the soul. An upcoming project fans get to look forward to seeing is Your Love; a romantic, queer, Punjabi historical fiction short film that co-stars Someya. Diversity in the pop sphere is rare, and I’m always elated to find women artists that reflect a little more of the everyday world we occupy. Much like their music makes those of us living within the margins of society feel seen, it’s crucial that we return the favor by showing them virtual love whenever possible. And we do so by showing up and turning out via continual support of their music and passion projects. Here’s to the women in pop that continue to leave a lasting impression on our minds while captivating our hearts with philosophy, emotional relatability, and storytelling that knows no bounds. Written by Giavanna Gradaille Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

"Odyssey", is an energetic alternative rock song from the band Hounds Haul. "Odyssey" sounds as though it exists in a space of its own, due to its very unique sound and intense passion. Each instrumental part of the song is telling its own story, while still being a member in creating a cohesive sound. "Odyssey" sounds like what it's like for a band to truly be in sync, while still taking bold and creative choices within the song. This is crucial to why the song feels as intense and bold as it does, making it perfect to rock out to. "Odyssey" remains an exciting listen from start to end, and never leads to a dull moment. "Odyssey" is the second part to a larger project the band has created. The band's project is called "The Odyssey", which is a three-part series that was written during the Covid-19 lockdown. "Odyssey" has been an important release from the band's project because it was such a great creative outlet for the band that hadn't been fully shown in their prior releases. The band's making of this project, "The Odyssey", is really reflective of their passion and desire to create music that has substance and impact. The project touches on a lot of introspective themes such as escapism, and discovery. The band Hounds Haul is based in Buckinghamshire, that formed in 2019. The band's creation served as an outlet for the work created by frontman Adam Bosworth. Adam has always possessed a passion for music and songwriting, but he hit a point where he realized his work would be better played with a band, rather than on his own. This led Adam on a search for the perfect musicians to have his band come to fruition. Upon gathering his members, the band would be formed and known as Hounds Haul. Since coming together as a band they have been able to establish their own unique style and sound, within the alternative rock genre. Written By Alison Holst FOLLOW HOUNDS HAUL:

Have you ever wanted someone so bad it could have physically hurt you? Salt Ashes describes this feeling and more in her new single, "Heart Attack". Returning with her first new single of the year, the pop artist is back again with a dark electric pop song filled with her signature synths and dance rhythms. Her new release has already been streamed thousands of times since its release only a few weeks ago and is set up for success to follow her 2022 single, “Didn’t See It Coming”. Salt Ashes is once again using her powerful vocals with edgy lyrics to back up an infectious pop melody that is nearly impossible to stand still while listening. In “Heart Attack”, Salt Ashes is letting others know exactly what she wants. She captures these intense feelings along the lines of desire and passion for another person as she shares how close she is to having a heart attack over it. Salt Ashes has already made quite an impression in the dance-pop music scene in the last 5 years. From reaching the Top 40 in the iTunes charts and seeing support from Elton John on her earlier singles, Salt Ashes is keeping the momentum up with an electrifying new dark pop song, one sure to get you up and moving. Her single, "Heart Attack" is all about the need for someone, and how this person makes her feel. Using her signature sound that her listeners have come to recognize, she adds captivating lyrics like, “You got my butterflies crazy, scratching at the walls” and “ It’s been digging deeper, through my veins a poison crawls” to further prove her point and keep your heart beating. Throughout the track we learn that once she's got her eyes and mind set on someone, that's it. The artist also recently released a music video for her new single to leave you wanting more. Overall, Salt Ashes' music is being recognized all around the globe for her unique sound and she is set up to represent some of the best in dance music. Veiga Sanchez also known as Salt Ashes, is a London based artist. She’s known for her signature sound of dark synth pop and electronic dance blends. Salt Ashes has lots of experience performing live as she has toured with many artists over the years like the Swedish singer Tove Styrke, sister duo Say Lou Lou, and recently with electronic music duo Goldfrapp on their UK tour. She has reached over 6,900 average monthly listeners on Spotify along with nearly 1 million streams collectively. The up and coming artist first made an appearance on Spotify in 2014 with her debut single, “Somebody”. The success of this single would lead to her first EP two years later in 2016 along with the release of her debut self titled album in the same year. Since then, the artist has released over 10 more singles (including her newest single “Heart Attack”), two more EPs, and a second full length album. Salt Ashes music is constantly being covered on playlists across Spotify spanning from Pop Hits 2023, Dancefloor Hits, and poolside fm for thousands of followers. Written By Jenna Barton FOLLOW SALT ASHES:

You’ve really knocked it out of the park with your new single “Why It’s So”! I have been listening to it on repeat since its release! Can you share the story and inspiration behind this new track? Me.Kai: That makes me so happy that you love it so much! Finishing this song was super cathartic for me, this is the last of the songs that I wrote about my ex and a really unhealthy COVID relationship that I had fallen into. I actually wrote it in two halves, the first half “the verse and hook” came about right after the breakup. I was in a lot of pain and those verses are really just me mulling over all of the negative moments in our journey that had brought us to where we were at that point and asking why did it have to be this way? “Why is it so?” I think we have all been through moments in our life we we stop and think to ourselves “how did we get here?” And I think this song in the general sense really translates the feeling of those moments of frustration or sometimes agony… A few months later, I had kind of forgotten about the song. I was moving on with my life and was so much happier and healthier on my own... but even so, I kept finding myself hoping that he was doing OK in the back of my mind. Thats when that little melody popped into my head and the "ALWAYS ON MY MIND” chorus was born! We all find ourselves thinking about loved ones that we have lost regardless of the circumstance, whether it be through death, an ex, or an old friend, even when it is a person we may want to forget. Did you find the transition from cover artist to a solo artist writing your own music difficult? And do you think starting off with covers has made you a stronger artist and performer? Me.Kai: A great question! I would say I have always been writing songs since I was a little girl, I’ve just gotten a little better at it as I’ve gotten older. I’m always writing scribbles on pieces of paper, writing poetry in my journal, or recording voice memos on my phone whenever something pops in my head. I think the hard part about songwriting is that is so personal, I think it takes time to get to a point where you are comfortable sharing that with others! It is scary putting your heart and soul out into the world where you could possibly face rejection! Doing covers of things people already love is a walk in the park I think compared to that. But I would say definitely playing cover gigs has helped me with my stage presence and getting Comfortable with an audience. If you could tour with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why? Me.Kai: Ooo this is a tough one! I really love Remi Wolf. Her voice is insane and I love her playful song writing. She just seems like she would be a good time on the road! I also really love BENEE. I don’t know much about her personally but I absolutely adore her music style and attitude she conveys through her music. It would be really cool to learn from someone I respect so much. What do you think is the greatest album of all time? Perfect from start to finish, with no skips! Me.Kai: Hands down Rumours- Fleetwood Mac. I grew up to my mom singing to all those tunes. Stevie is my idol. The sound wave of Dreams tattooed on my upper arm and and her tambourine tattooed on my forearm. I heard you have an EP in the works and a few collaborations coming up as well!! Are you able to give us any hints on what to expect?! I can't wait to hear them!! Me.Kai: Yes! I am working on self-producing the rest of my EP, which is all goes well should be about 3 more songs. It is going to be a similar indie electro-pop vibe to everything else. I also have a house track I’m working on with up and coming DJ, a disco/dance track I’m working on with an incredible hip-hop producer, and another collaboration with my good friend and tech-house producer Burko. What would you say has been the most proud moment of your career so far? And what is your number one goal when it comes to your music career? Me.Kai: I would say releasing “Why It’s So” as been the highlight so far! Finishing the track brought me a lot of closure on a dark chapter of my life. I think COVID was hard on a lot of musicians, so it just feels good to be doing what I love for a living. Also directing and producing the music video as well Was a first so that was a proud moment for me! I would have to say my number one goal is to get to a point where I can do music full-time. Right now I am really gigging hard on the weekends and working part time during the week so I can afford to put out music! Unfortunately, it ain’t cheap. But I’ll get there eventually. Also, Being a Santa Barbara local, it would be incredible to get a chance to open for someone at the SB Bowl someday! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW ME.KAI:

Heartbreak is never fun, so it’s always interesting when an artist takes an upsetting topic, like a breakup, and turns it into an upbeat pop-rock tune. “Crying In The Drive-Thru” is the latest single by artist, Paige Keiner, and it portrays some of the difficulties of getting over a heartbreak, and how it makes it difficult to go on with your everyday life. The style of the song feels very reminiscent of late 2000s early 2010s pop-rock music. This style portrays how relationships and breakups leave us feeling young and naive. Keiner's use of slightly humorous and dramatic lyrics contributes to these youthful feelings. The song allows us to drown in angst while also singing along to the catchy melody and vivid lyrics. The song starts off with a simple guitar riff that’s very enticing and persuasive in getting listeners to stay. The lyrics in the beginning are painting how the singer has changed since the relationship took place, and how now they’ve become this little bundle of sadness who is struggling to leave the house and act normal. The percussion in the first verse is somewhat limited, but that leaves room for more of a focus on the vocals and guitar. The pre-chorus is short and simple, but that buildup works well because it works as a nice transition to the chorus. The chorus itself has a very memorable melody that leaves room to do a lot with. The use of the muted guitar during the first part of the chorus serves as a nice transition as well because it makes the explosion at the end of the chorus much more exciting. That explosion at the end is what makes the song feel like a product of that 2000s pop-punk style. From that point on, that song picks up a little bit more and has a more fun with the instrumentals. The second verse and chorus keep than fun style going up until we reach the bridge of the song. That’s when it all slows down again and we hear the use of claps and cheers in the background, and it feels like Keiner is trying to build this sense of community, and how these emotions that come with breakups are very universal. It works very well and makes that final chorus stand out more. The final chorus is very big and does a great job of creating a grand finish for the song. Overall, Keiner does well in creating a fun, yet angsty breakup track. Paige Keiner is a Nashville-born artist who takes a lot of inspiration for her music style from 2000’s female pop artists. She began releasing music at age 18, and since then has created quite a name for herself, working with well-respected songwriters and touring across the country. She’s also released several singles and EPs, along with her debut album “Throne,” which was released in 2015. While in college, she also played with a punk band as the frontwoman and rhythm guitarist. When it comes to her musical style, she does take a lot of inspiration from artists she grew up listening to, but she also wants to bring something new and experimental to the table. This is why she always tries to have fun with her music. Paige Keiner has stayed very busy and is expected to stay busy releasing more music this year. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW PAIGE KEINER:

photo cred: Jude Morris Have you ever had butterflies for someone and felt like you were on cloud 9 whenever you were around them? Well, TJ Viola has. In his newest single " Running ", TJ makes it known that he has such strong feelings for someone, and is head over heels for them. Although he is 100% sure about how he feels about them, he also feels unsure if those feelings are reciprocated. He asks this person for clarity by singing, “ And I just wanna know if I’m running through your mind like the way you run through mine? And if you only felt the way I do about you, then we could be so good together if we see it through .” If you’re the type of person that enjoys catchy and upbeat love songs, then you’re in for a ride with this one. “ Running ” is one of the catchiest songs you’ll ever come across. And although TJ takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts, you’ll still be nodding your head and tapping your feet even through the saddest verses. In the song, you can catch various instruments, such as the drums, electric guitar, keyboard, saxophone, trombone and trumpet that sound so beautifully put together making the song stand out, and even catching your attention. But, TJ catches you off guard with another thing. Along with expressing his feelings for this person, there's a couple of parts throughout the song where he shares how he’ll feel if this person doesn’t feel the same way for him. We once went from, “ It just feels like heaven the way you drive me wild ” and “ You're the only one that I desire ” to “ If you don’t wanna try then what's the point of life ”, as well as, “​​ You can keep me by your side or just leave me in the dark .” Getting your feelings hurt sucks, but having unclear communication is another thing. TJ was pouring his heart out on this song, so now we're all super eager to know if this person feel the same way about him or not?! TJ Viola is a singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist from the NJ/NY metropolitan area. He’s been playing instruments from a very young age, starting with the piano at 8 years old and the french horn at 12. Now, he has mastered wind, brass, strings and percussion instruments. On top of this already impressive resume, TJ nailed electronic producing by the time he was 15 years old. Since the age of 13, he's been performing at gigs in the NJ/NY area, as well as in Hollywood. Currently, TJ is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in French Horn at the Manhattan School of Music. He also has a couple of other songs that you can check out as well, such as " Escape ", " Ghostin " and " Confessions ." Follow TJ on his musical journey with the links below, and make sure to listen to “ Running ”, which just released today! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW TJ VIOLA:

Photo credit: Ryan Douglas Nobody said breakups were easy or painless. But sometimes, as the title suggests on the excellent single from Aimée, it's better off to "Hurt Like Hell." The latest offering from the Irish pop singer/songwriter is an eruption of anthemic dance-pop. Ascending synth arpeggios bubble beneath the surface of soft, double-tracked guitar, giving the song's front half a gentler quality. The beat starts picking up, bringing weightier bass noise to the forefront, before "Hurt Like Hell" bursts open in the dance-pop chorus. Aimée's fantastic vocal performance and mixing take full control of the song's trajectory. It's the nuances of her vocal melodies that give the song an especially dynamic quality. As the song progresses, the production develops in subtly powerful ways—providing an especially rewarding experience with headphones. It's these precise shifts and transformation that allow the song's enormous range to feel seamless. The leap from explosive chorus to piano-driven bridge feels natural, yet retains its surprise and thrill. "Hurt Like Hell" begins in the conclusion of a bad relationship. "Really thought you were the one / That was my first mistake," Aimée winces. But she knows better than to ever turn back. "You know I'm already gone, so don't go there." The integral drama of the song is not her own emotions over the breakup, however. Instead, the ex to whom "Hurt Like Hell" is addressed can't seem to get the hint. "I'm sure you'll tell all your friends / that we're on a break," she sings with an eye roll, before shrugging, "til they never see me." Even a late night call claiming to understand where they went wrong won't fix things. Splitting up can sting, but staying together with someone that doesn't know your worth is worse. Aimée is an Irish singer/songwriter and pop star. She's worked to cultivate her sound and style after the pop divas of the nineties. Aimée officially debuted in 2018, quickly garnering tremendous support and recognition on the Irish charts. In 2020, she released her debut EP "Confessions," featuring bold vocal and stylistic range. The journey since has been momentous, seeing Aimée make her name as a global artist on the rise. "Hurt Like Hell," along with several other released singles by Aimée, has released alongside a spectacularly shot and extravagant music video. As her first single of 2023, "Hurt Like Hell" proves that Aimée is an ever-evolving pop force. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Aimée:

Estella Dawn never fails to release unforgettable music that is destined to be played on a constant loop. With her latest single, “Cotton Candy”, Dawn does not stray from this pattern. The infectious track navigates the feelings of undeniable attraction to someone. The lyrics teeter between innocent longing and toxic desire. In the pre-chorus, Dawn sings, “Out of control//I know you’re// No good for me// No, no// I like it.” These lyrics introduce the listener to the complicated dynamic, and reveal that it is not a happy love song about the perfect relationship. Now that the listener is aware of the true nature of the song, Dawn is free to let her heart out on her sleeve. She kicks the chorus off by singing, “It’s a lose-lose// Can’t you see I’m bruised.” Dawn is aware of the potential damage that this attraction may cause, and that, in the end, nothing good will come from it. Yet, she cannot seem to stop this feeling. Then, the second verse kicks off with the lyrics: “There are nine rings of hell// And I walked willingly through your inferno.” This poetic line catches the listener off guard, making them marvel at the clever way she describes this magnetic infatuation. These feelings are dangerous, if not outright harmful, yet Dawn fully accepts them into her life. She knows that they are no good for her, and that this yearning may only be temporary, but she is obsessed with the feelings that have overcome her. Now, she is ready to dive straight in, even if she knows it will end in tragic heartache. With “Cotton Candy”, Dawn effortlessly describes this feeling of unmistakable lust and desire with insightful lyrics that only a truly talented songwriter can create. “Cotton Candy” is a dreamy, electronic track with a dynamic production that compels the listener to sing along to every brilliant lyric. The song begins with the whimsical sound of windchimes before transitioning to the synth keyboard—reminiscent of 80s pop. Dawn’s angelic vocals hum along with the melody, slowly transitioning the track to the first verse. At this point, her distinctive voice is introduced, guiding the listener through the passionate lyrics. With the soft keyboard, the production begins to pick up at the pre-chorus. Then, the beat speeds up, making the listener want to dance along to the music. Once the chorus hits, the beat drops and the production breaks loose, revealing the infectious melody that is perfect for a night out dancing. Dawn’s beautiful falsettos stand out amongst the production, enhancing the dynamic yet ethereal composition. The second verse brings back the beat while maintaining the keyboard, providing a flawless structure for the track. The song hits its climax at the bridge, where the production mellows and Dawn’s powerful voice takes control. She hits impressive high notes that sends chills throughout the listener’s body. The song stays true to her classic sound, while showcasing her undeniable talent. An Estella Dawn track would not be complete without a flawless display of her powerhouse vocals while providing an outstanding production that will be stuck in the listener’s head for days. “Cotton Candy” is another remarkable track added to Dawn’s belt, further proving her rightful spot as the world’s next big superstar. Estella Dawn is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from New Zealand, now based in San Diego, California. Her music does not stick to one style, but rather mixes the sounds of multiple different genres to create her own. In 2018, she made her debut with her first single, “Feet". She released several singles leading up to the onset of the global pandemic. During quarantine, she took the time to hone in on her sound and capture her true essence within her music. That year she released 10 original singles every six weeks, defining her impeccable ability to keep audiences engaged with anticipation of her next masterpiece. Since then, Dawn has released several more incredible singles and she continues to release music that reels in hundreds of thousands of listeners. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW ESTELLA:

Ellie Pettinati’s, “ PRESSURE ” is a pop song that I guarantee anyone listening can relate to, no matter what. This song reflects on her comparing herself to the people around her that are accomplishing things in their lives, and feeling as if she’s falling behind. She believes that there's this secret they’re all keeping from her and that she has to figure it out on her own. So now, she feels this pressure to hurry and catch up in order to live this happy, perfect, successful life that everyone else is apparently living. This habit of comparing ourselves to those around us, especially to those that we follow on social media, is extremely common. We all can admit to seeing most people post mainly the positive things happening in their lives and keeping the opposite hidden in order to keep this jolly portrayal for everyone to see and believe. However, this isn't realistically the case because the perfect life does not exist. Every single person goes through the ups and downs. In reality, there is no “secret” to living the perfect life or being successful. Everyone’s life is different and everyone goes at their own pace when it comes to growth. Ellie took her feelings and thoughts, and turned them into an incredible song that will have every person listening relating to her situation. Ellie starts off the song with a low and soft voice, explaining how it's been five hours that have gone by where she's been trying to finish writing a song. As more time passes by, she feels pressure to figure it out and finish it. We notice that her voice projects when she begins to compare herself to others that are doing “ better ” than her. The more she explains this pressure she has in order to finish the song and become successful just as those around her, the louder she becomes. Here, she’s expressing her emotions and putting an emphasis on how she feels in this situation. During the chorus, she uses words such as, distracted, lacking, caught-up and shame, as a way to describe what comparing herself to others has made her believe is true. Although it is not, she tries to push that thought away, and shares what she sees herself doing when she does become successful. She sees her face on billboards, magazines and states that she “grew up on running off my dreams.” This is what she has always done and will continue to do in order to become the big, successful artist that she dreams of becoming. Ellie Pettinati is an extremely talented 14 year old singer-songwriter from Hampshire, England. According to her Spotify page, she has 192 monthly listeners and has another song released titled “ It’s Right ”, which has over 5,000 plays. She also has Tiktok and Instagram accounts where she posts fun videos of her singing at numerous gigs, promoting her songs, and singing covers to many songs of various genres, such as opera and pop. Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW ELLIE PETTINATI:

Lola Balter’s, “ I Wanna Win ”, is a pop song that reflects on a break-up. This relationship ended because the other person claimed that she wasn’t good or important enough for them. In return, this led to Lola self-sabotaging and feeling at fault for the fallout. This song is titled, “ I Wanna Win, because she wants a happy relationship where the two are enjoying what they’re experiencing with one another. Because Lola feels like she's not good enough for the person she's singing about, she begins to believe that she has to change herself in order to finally know what it feels like to “win.” For the singer, to “win” is to know what it’s like feeling valued by your other half, and knowing that you being with your person is making them happy. Throughout the entire song, Lola sings slowly and with a soft voice. This is done to indicate the mood of the song. She feels hurt and disappointed in herself with how the relationship ended, so she uses a slower and calmer beat in order for the listeners to hear and connect more with the lyrics. When connecting more, we can feel every emotion that she wants to let out. Everytime Lola sings the name of the song, she puts an emphasis on the “I”, which is her pointing the finger to herself. It’s her way of showing that she feels as if she’s the one in the wrong and wants to eventually learn what it's like to win and be happy in a relationship. Although the singer was told that she wasn’t good enough, it doesn’t mean that it was true. This issue isn’t uncommon in relationships. You could be the biggest supporter to your other half and do your best to provide, but the other person just might not see the importance and value in your efforts. It’s not your fault that they missed out. You were enough and always will be enough. Lola Balter is a 16 year old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from British Columbia, Canada. According to her Spotify page, she has 28,138 monthly listeners, and her most popular song is “ Knock on Wood ” with over 70,000 plays. She has Tiktok and Instagram accounts where she posts funny videos about her struggles with the song-writing process. Along with this, she also posts videos of her singing song covers and posting snippets of her upcoming music. Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW LOLA BALTER:

This independent artist should have people looking out for his next single. Darien Bernard uses his smooth voice and electronic elements to elevate his R&B sound. The vocalist describes a relationship feeling like being on ecstasy. He claims they seek each other to feel high and forget their problems. The singer acknowledges the toxicity of their cycle but feels powerless. This hopelessness leads each partner to seek a high that will never last. The song has darker lyrics, but the upbeat and funky melody balances the single. A highlight of the track is the bridge. The bridge is similar to the chorus. Bernard sings about the high that comes while with their partner. Then there are layered vocals at the end of every positive about his partner that sing about the consequences. For example, the vocalist states, "Like highs off ecstasy (Come down is rough)". The lyrics illustrate how there are repercussions to the pair spending time together. Overall, Bernard expresses his melancholic feelings through music in a fun and fresh way. Darien Bernard is from Austin, Texas. While releasing music in 2019, he signed to his college's record label. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion for music. The artist finds inspiration from artists such as Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. Bernard released a six-track EP titled "King". Since his debut, the musician has released a series of singles. The first single he released in July 2021 after moving to Los Angeles is named "Ride". Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW DARIEN BERNARD:

”Moody” is a fun chill pop song. In the song, she describes the weather as moody. Ana Vaamonde details how nobody likes the rain leaving the town empty, however, she is able to see the beauty in cloudy weather. It seems as though the weather is a metaphor for her and her mood because she ends the song by saying she is ”moody” implying that she is similar to the gray weather. Overall, this single is a laid-back song that listeners will love. The single is relaxing, which is enhanced by the singer’s smooth vocals that complement the calming instrumental. A highlight of the track would be the final stanza where the artist sings “This cloudy day, Hm, yeah, yeah, I’m so moody, I’m so moody, I’m so moody, yeah”, these lines reveal how she is similar to the weather. The musician also has the instrumental fading slowly throughout the final lines allowing the singer’s vocals to shine In a stunning falsetto. Ana Vaamonde is an artist that has gained popularity on social media by posting musical covers and original songs. She currently has close to 1000 followers on Instagram and one of her most popular Instagram reels is of her original song which has almost 5,000 views. This musician went to Berklee College of Music after getting her bachelor's degree in fine arts. After graduating, she released her highly anticipated debut single titled, ”Moody” in November 2022. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW ANA VAAMONDE: