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Estella Dawn’s inspiring confidence shines bright in her latest single, “Winners”. The energetic track is about embracing the parts of you that make you unique. In Dawn’s own words, she says that “this is a put your oxygen mask on before helping others” song. She admits that sometimes, to be successful, you have to believe in yourself, even if that means putting yourself above others. She emphasizes that self-preservation is an important aspect in becoming who you are meant to be. The fiery track is filled with uplifting lyrics that encourage listeners to have confidence in themselves. The hook is found in the bridge as she sings, “My momma didn’t raise no quitter, I’m a winner, baby.” This line highlights Dawn’s natural instinct to fight back against the negativity, and proudly proclaim that she was born to be great. “Winners” is an infectious track that takes the soulful sounds of jazz and blends it with modern pop to create an unforgettable track. The song begins with a steady drum complimented by the guitar that introduces the unique production. The audience is already mesmerized, even before Dawn’s sultry vocals takes the beauty of the track to a whole new level. Her powerful voice perfectly matches the musical style, further emphasizing her phenomenal talent. Once the bridge begins, the production slows down and Dawn’s powerhouse vocals take the driver’s seat. She takes this moment to show off her extraordinary range and intense vocal control. With “Winners”, Dawn guarantees her spot in the next generation of multi-talented superstars. Estella Dawn is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from New Zealand, now based in the United States. 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, she has released several more singles and Dawn continues to release music that reels in thousands of listeners. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW ESTELLA:

ISA is speaking to her younger self in her latest single, “Message to the old me”. The track is about what she would say to her past self if she could turn back time. She wants to tell this version of herself that she does not need to feel pressured to be perfect and that making mistakes is normal. ISA wishes that when she was fifteen-years-old, she knew not to take life “so seriously” and to enjoy the time she has. In the chorus, ISA lists off the multiple things she wishes she had done, and wraps it up by singing, “I wish there was a way to put it down in words// Everything I learned// And send it as a message to the old me.” Everyone has something they wish they could tell their former self, now that they have grown and learned what they know now. With “Message to the old me”, ISA uses her words to describe her own feelings, and the feelings of thousands of listeners. “Message to the old me” is a magnetic track with a unique production that cannot be easily described. ISA mixes the sounds of synth pop and alternative rock to create a song that stands out among the rest. The intro reels the listener in with the muffled synth production. Once the beat kicks off, ISA’s angelic voice takes the driver’s seat, leading the listener through the vulnerable lyrics. Throughout the track, ISA uses a combination of electric guitar, keyboard, and bass to create a production that cannot be replicated. The melody is unforgettable, sticking in the minds of listeners and making them want to listen to the track on repeat. ISA and her talented team of cowriters ensured that they crafted an impeccable track that would be an instant fan favorite. ISA is a 24-year-old singer, songwriter, producer, and dancer from Sweden. She made her debut in 2012 with her first single, “Bomb”. Since then, the multi-talented artist has released several successful singles, such as the platinum single, “Don’t Stop”, and her vulnerable single, “Me Too”, in response to the MeToo Movement. After years of incredible releases, ISA released her debut album in May 2019. She has spent her time focusing on not only her own music, but lending her writing and producing talent to other artists as well. On October 28th, ISA will release her EP, Anxiety Boulevard. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW ISA:

Gold Steps latest EP, It Ain't It, includes the energetic focus single, "Gatsby". The song is an emotionally charged track filled with vulnerability, and references to the classic novel, The Great Gatsby. Lead singer, Liz Mauritz, wrote every song on the album, including “Gatsby”, with a specific person in mind. The lyrics in the song are more direct than the band's previous work, and she hopes it inspires listeners to be authentically themselves as well. The song is about a broken relationship and reminiscing on what could have been. Throughout the track, the lyrics reference the “green light” that Gatsby sees across the bay, signaling the hope he was holding out for his love, before the light went out forever. Gold Steps brilliantly take a classic piece of literature and twist it into a beautiful metaphor for love, longing, and loss. Frequently when The Great Gatsby is referenced in pop culture, it is in regards to the parties, the glamour, and the wealth. Deviating from this trend, the Gold Steps made their song about the true meaning of the novel: hopeless love and relentless longing. “Gatsby” is a phenomenal track that was brilliantly crafted making both pop punk fans and bookworms proud listeners of the band. Staying true to the pop punk genre, Gold Steps created a fiery track built off of raw emotion. The song takes off immediately with the steady drums. The listener is instantly intrigued by Mauritz’s unique voice as she leads them through the emotional rollercoaster. When the pre-chorus begins, lead guitarist, Zach Duarte, makes his entrance with the upbeat guitar. Simultaneously, Ryan Rivas, the bassist, joins in with the Duarte and effortlessly compliments the guitar. The song begins to pick up, and then bursts into an emotional explosion in the chorus. “Gatsby” is a brilliant nod to a classic novel with such rich imagery, that it is only natural that the song was released with a corresponding music video. With a music video filled with intense emotion and imagery, pinpointing the best part is difficult. However, what stands out the most is how the band uses a green stage light, incorporating the iconic The Great Gatsby reference in the video, as well. The entire video is a perfect representation of the song itself, and the meticulous details Gold Steps inserted in track. Gold Steps is a pop-punk band formed in 2016. The members consist of lead vocalist, Liz Mauritz, lead guitarist, Zach Duarte, and bassist, Ryan Rivas. In November 2016, they released their debut EP, Louder Than Words. Since then, Gold Steps released several singles and their full-length album, Incandescent. The band went on a quick hiatus and returned in 2021 with a new lineup. The band is strongly influenced by prolific pop-punk artists such as The Wonder Years, State Champs, and Neck Deep. They have even worked with Nick Thompson from Hit the Lights. They are currently on tour with SayWeCanFly and Johnnie Gilbert Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW GOLD STEPS:

Christina Nini has returned with a vulnerable track about adulthood and the loneliness that comes with it. In “Princeton”, she is transparent about the downsides of moving away from your hometown and everyone you know and love. Nini wrote this song in the summer of 2020, during the peak of the global pandemic. For Nini, the stress of quarantine was not the only reason for her anxiety, but everything was changing in her life as well. She had just graduated college and moved out of her parents’ home. “Princeton” was her cathartic release from the ever-changing world around her. The gorgeous track is entitled after her hometown, where she is reminiscing on the easier times before she was on her own. The chorus ends with the hook, “The harder it gets// The more my memories give in// And I’m back in Princeton.” Nini admits that when her self-doubts creep in and her anxiety peaks, she mentally returns to her hometown where everything is safe. This track is incredibly vulnerable and lets listeners have an insight on Mini’s internal battle. The beautiful song reminds listeners that they are not alone in their lonely thoughts, and that missing home to pursue your dreams is only natural. Nini flawlessly captures this sentiment in “Princeton”. “Princeton” is an ethereal pop ballad about growing up and leaving everything you know behind. The incredible piano led production transports the listener to another world. This song begins with a guitar that is used to create unique sound that resembles the echo of an empty room, representing the emptiness Nini felt while writing the track. The song slowly transitions away from this effect to the piano, which sets the stage for Nini’s voice. Her angelic voice lures the listener in—like a siren in the deep sea. The vulnerability is not only shown in the heartbreaking lyrics. Nini impeccably conveys her heartache and self-doubt with every detail of the production, from her emotional vocals to the soft, whimsical melody that tugs on the heart strings of listeners. Christina Nini is a pop singer-songwriter from Princeton, New Jersey, now based in Nashville. She has always had a deep admiration for music, but since moving to Nashville to pursue her singing career, she has fallen in love with songwriting. Nini has honed in on her music and developed her sound as dark-pop mixed with soul. Since beginning her career, she has released several singles and an EP. Currently, she is working on her latest project with Grammy award-winning collaborators. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW CHRISTINA:

Rowan Drake takes listeners on an emotional journey through his childhood trauma in his latest single. “Hey Little Sister” is a remorseful track containing the words he wished he had said to his little sister when they were younger. The vulnerable song addresses the domestic violence they were experiencing at the time, and the trauma that they have endured. Drake is filled with regret, because he felt he was not there for his sister like an older brother should have been. They were both undergoing this trauma, and Drake processed it in his own manner. Listeners cannot help but feel empathetic to the emotions expressed in the song while Drake recounts the violence they witnessed. The lyrics give the listener insight on his past, but he ends the second verse with a touching sentiment toward his sister. He tells her that despite this life they have been given, he promises her that she is not alone. He regrets not being there for her during the rough times, but he is here now in the aftermath. “Hey Little Sister” is an incredibly honest and deep track that touches the hearts of listeners from the beginning to the end. Rowan Drake immediately intrigues the listener with the haunting piano intro. From the first note, the listener is transported to a melancholy world that sets the tone of the song. Paired with the piano led production, Drakes heavenly voices perfectly compliments the gloomy atmosphere. The song brings in a darker element when an emergency siren is added to the end of the chorus, mimicking the danger Drake and his sister felt during this time in their life. This sound effect creates a surreal feeling to the song by catching the listener off guard, and putting them in Drake’s shoes. “Hey Little Sister” solidifies his well-rounded artistry, from the vulnerable lyrics to the mesmerizing melody. Rowan Drake is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Ithaca, New York. After a severe accident that ended his snowboarding career at 15-years-old, he turned to music as an emotional outlet. As a result, music quickly became his new passion. He began performing locally in his hometown and released his first song while still in high school. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to officially pursue his music career. Drake has four singles and is currently working on releasing more music. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW ROWAN:

Fionn returns to their folk-pop roots with their latest single, “Waves”. The song is the band member, Alanna Finn-Morris’s, response to life during the pandemic. Similar to many others, it was very disheartening being faced with lockdowns, social distancing, and restrictions. It sent her into a downward spiral questioning if she was ever going to be able to reach her goals and dreams. She felt that she hit rock bottom when her romantic life appeared stagnant. “Waves” was written as a cathartic release for Finn-Morris, thus creating a beautiful song born from the ashes of a dark time. The duo sings, “Now I think to breathe when I think nothing goes my way// Until the thought floats away// Guess I’ve changed,” revealing the healthy response towards the difficulties life throws at them. “Waves” is a comforting track that holds the listener’s hand while keeping them afloat during the rough times. “Waves” is the epitome of a flawless folk-pop track with its whimsical melody and heavenly vocals. The light, breezy guitar introduces the listener to the soothing track. The duo uses a very relaxing strum pattern that mesmerizes listeners for the entire three minutes and twenty-two seconds. The introduction of other instruments is very subtle, making the transition effortless and soft. About a minute into the song, the bass is introduced. Then, the drums and vocal harmonies are steadily added one at a time. The background bass becomes more pronounced by using lower notes towards the end. “Waves” is an impressive track with the innate ability to calm the listener and soothe them of their anxieties. Fionn is a folk-pop duo from Vancouver. Their members consist of sisters Alanna Finn-Morris and Brianne Finn-Morris. In 2017, they released their debut single, “Skeleton”. After a few more single releases, the duo released their self-titled debut album, Fionn. Since then, they have released several singles, an EP, and an additional full-length album. Currently, the duo is working on their next record set for a 2023 release, which includes “Waves”. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW FIONN:

SOZI’s infectious new track ignites feelings of nostalgia and gratitude in her latest single, “Teenage Doubts”. The song is an ode to her younger self, thinking back to the self-doubts and anxiety she felt in the past. She recalls the negative thoughts that used to run through her head, and she wishes she could go back and ease her troubled mind. If she could turn back time, these lyrics are the words she wishes she knew as a teenager. In the chorus she sings, “If I knew then what I know now// She wouldn′t stress about having it all figured out// She'd keep her mind up in the clouds// No more teenage doubts.” She now knows that everything has worked out for her, and her dreams are coming true. Her younger self just needed to be patient, and understand that life has a lot to offer. SOZI hopes this song encourages these same thoughts and feelings in the listener, and reminds them to be kinder to themselves. “Teenage Doubts” is not only unique in the lyrics, but also through the outstanding production. She begins the track with two guitars, one playing the higher melody and the other playing the lower end of the scale. She is uniquely playing the chords on the piano, while the guitar plays the riff. Once the song hits the chorus, the synth production takes full control of the song, leading the listener through the melody. As the song returns to the verse, the instrument-led production returns as well. In the pre-chorus, the instruments slowly transition into the synth melody, allowing for it to erupt into the chorus. In the bridge, the production mutes and keeps only the steady beat, emphasizing the lyrics. Overall, the track is a high-energy anthem that empowers listeners to believe in themselves. SOZI is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles. At age seven, she began classical training in piano and started songwriting at the age of ten. She released her debut single, “Drinking for Two”, in December 2019. After a short hiatus, she returned in August 2022 for her highly anticipated follow up single, “Summer Views”. Despite “Teenage Doubts” being only her third release, SOZI has made quite a wave in the music industry. She has performed in several legendary venues, such as The Viper Room, The Hotel Cafe, and Bar 20. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW SOZI:

Zoë Ferguson has once again released a powerful single that effortlessly resonates with listeners. “Calories” dives deep into societal beauty standards and the resulting body dysmorphia that often follows. Ferguson wrote this song around two years ago in the midst of her own struggle with an eating disorder, making this her most vulnerable song to date. Writing this song was her emotional release from the internal battle she was fighting. After years of healing, Ferguson determined that now was the right time to release this emotional track. The song touches the hearts of many listeners due to its sensitive subject matter—and the way that many people can relate to it. The lyrics given insight on not only Ferguson’s own struggle, but the struggle that many people hide from those around them. In the heart wrenching chorus, Ferguson sings, “After counting all my calories// Do you think I could love somebody// If I can’t even love a single part of me// When I’m so weak// Counting all my calories.” Ferguson’s words stand out to those who have ever felt they are unlovable because they cannot find a reason to love themselves. “Calories” is it vulnerable single that makes listeners feel less alone, and empowered to speak up about their own internal battles. “Calories” is an emotionally charged ballad that tugs on the heartstrings of listeners. Immediately, the audience knows that the song is going to take them on a heart wrenching journey from the moment they hear the first note. The intro consists of a single keyboard note being played four times, a couple seconds apart, emphasizing the melancholy tone. Once the fifth note is played, Ferguson’s angelic voice takes control of the song. The simple keyboard production continues in the background while drawing focus to the vulnerable lyrics. As the verse progresses, the synth beat is steadily introduced as the song leads up to the chorus. In the background, a light guitar strum can be heard, reinforcing the gloomy yet soothing melody. This production continues as Ferguson’s vocals beautifully leads the emotional song. In the bridge, she uses a combination of the keyboard and the synth beat to tie together the entire track. “Calories” is a heartbreaking single that is guaranteed to make the listener shed tears as they get an insight into Ferguson’s mind. Zoë Ferguson is a Portland-based singer-songwriter. She began writing her own songs at fourteen years old. After teaching herself to play the piano, she began recording and uploading her original songs to SoundCloud. Her first demos caught the attention of Atlantic Records and APG. They invited her to take part in their EMERGE program. In 2019, Ferguson released her first official single, “Dip”. Then in 2021, she released her debut EP, Probably About You. “Calories” is the follow up single to her earlier 2022 release, “Die Alone”, which received massive success from her thousands of fans. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW ZOË

Katherine Li recently dropped her six-track debut EP, Crush(ed). This project consists of songs about unrequited love and a different type of heartache. Li allowed her songs to express this alternate form of heartache by touching on relationships that never were, and the ones that were always one-sided until the bitter end. The final track of the EP, “Miss Me Too”, focuses on the latter. Li discusses a relationship that she agreed to let end because the other person wanted it to, and she did not want to “seem selfish.” She is longing for this person she loved, despite knowing this love was never truly returned. At the end of the chorus, Li reveals the hook by singing, “There’s no moment when I don’t think of you// And I hope that you miss me too.” This lyric highlights the overwhelming vulnerability Li inserted into the song, and the hopeful thinking she is undergoing. “Miss Me More” is a beautiful song that explores the vulnerable feelings that come with unrequited love and the resulting heartache. The ethereal production compliments the soothing melody, creating a calming effect on the listener. Li’s angelic vocals have an incredible range that adds to the emotional atmosphere of the track. The accompanying music video visually represents this rollercoaster of emotions. The video begins with her waking up in her unmade bed, setting up the gloomy atmosphere. Then at the chorus, the scene transitions to Li letting out her emotions while dancing and jumping around on the bed. The music video continues back and forth through her seemingly mundane life without the one she loves, and flashbacks to when she was happy. The video effortlessly represents the longing she is feeling with the dreamy visuals and heartbreaking scenes. “Miss Me Too” is a beautifully vulnerable track that highlights these difficult emotions. Katherine Li is an indie-pop singer-songwriter from Toronto, Canada. She made her debut in 2022 with her song, “We Didn’t Even Date”. This track was the lead single from her debut EP, Crush(ed). Despite being new to the music industry, Li has already garnered a massive following. Her second single, “Never Had a Chance”, has received over 2 million streams across all platforms. Additionally, she has nearly 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify and continues to build a strong rapport with her fans. Li has had an impressive year thus far and fans highly anticipate her next move. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW KATHERINE:

Patience is a virtue. For Laura Marano fans, their patience has finally paid off with the release of her latest single, “This Time Last Year”. After teasing the track at the end of her latest EP, and performing it on her headlining tour earlier this year, she has released the full-length studio version of the fan favorite. The highly-anticipated single gives insight on a difficult break-up in which moving on seems impossible. Marano has an innate talent of writing vulnerable lyrics that naturally evoke tears in the listener’s eyes. “This Time Last Year” brings her style of songwriting to a whole new level when she sings, “You said this year you would’ve asked that big famous question// We both know that I would’ve told you yes.” These heartbreaking lyrics reveal that not only was she and her ex-boyfriend deeply in-love, but that they had discussed marriage. The song reveals that everything fell apart when Marano could not always be around due to work, and her ex-boyfriend used it as fuel for arguments. The track is composed of such strong imagery that the listener is easily transported into Marano’s shoes, and feels the heartbreak with her. “This Time Last Year” is another outstanding addition to Marano’s discography, and showcases her phenomenal songwriting. “This Time Last Year” is a unique track that stands out amongst Marano’s previous releases. She co-wrote this song with music producer, Blake Straus. This track was the first time they had ever worked together, so Marano came into the writing session prepared with a developed verse and pre-chorus. Straus took her idea, and spun it into the production heard on the finished track. The song begins with a soft acoustic guitar that is then slowly met with an electric guitar at the pre-chorus. Then in the chorus, the song explodes with the guitar and the drums, creating an energetic melody that remains lodged in the minds of listeners. Marano’s powerful vocals lead the emotional track, showing off her impeccable range and her ability to appeal to the listener’s emotions. Her decision to delay the release of this song, rather than keeping it as a deep-cut on her previous EP, is a perfect example of her remarkable instincts. Instead, because it is now a lead single, “This Time Last Year” is given the spotlight it deserves. Laura Marano is a singer-songwriter and classically-trained musician. In 2019, Marano dropped her debut EP, Me. Then in 2020, she released her second EP, You. These two projects combine to show that “there are always two sides to every story”. In 2021, she released a deluxe You EP. Most recently in July 2022, she released the surprising third chapter, Us. Currently, fans await the release of her upcoming debut album, set for release in Spring 2023. Marano is well-known for her role as Ally in the hit Disney Channel series, Austin & Ally. She has starred in many movies such as The Perfect Date, Saving Zoe, which she also produced, and The War With Grandpa. Her most recent film was Netflix Original The Royal Treatment. She has many ongoing projects between her music and acting career. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW LAURA:

Felicia Lu’s latest release is a clever track about one of modern society’s greatest addictions—Social Media. “Obsessed” is about how unlimited access to smart phones and social media has created an epidemic of digital zombies. The track is composed of witty lyrics that highlight Lu’s genius songwriting and exposes the dangers of social media. She immediately dives into the toxicity of the online world in the first lines of the song as she sings, “Yeah, I’ve been staring at my reflection// I feel like I’ve lost my perception// Can’t let it go, got blurred self-deception.” These lyrics are crucial examples of the damage social media can cause. Due to Photoshop, Facetune, and filters, the line between reality and fiction is distorted. To an outsider, someone’s life may seem perfect and they may appear to have the perfect body. But the truth of the matter is, social media hides the flaws and nothing is as it seems. Lu admits that she is not the exception to this phenomenon, and that she struggles with these problems as well. “Obsessed” is an outstanding track that brings to light the dark side of the online world, while remaining true to Lu’s impeccable musical style. Click here to listen to "Obsessed"! Felicia Lu takes blues and dark pop and combines them to create the infectious track. “Obsessed” immediately becomes a fan favorite after only a few seconds in to the song. Lu’s powerful vocals kickstarts the song, paired with the bass and the catchy beat. As the song progresses, synth sound effects are added, creating a unique production that further boosts the creative element. Lu’s incredible vocal range takes the spotlight on this track, showing off her high notes and lower register. Every detail that Lu placed into this song emphasizes her innate ability to mesmerize listeners and keep them wanting more. “Obsessed” is another perfect piece of Lu’s musical portfolio, proving that she is destined for stardom. Felicia Lu is an indie-pop singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Germany, currently based in Vienna, Austria. In 2014, she made it to the finals of the RTL Talentshow, “Rising Star”. Then in 2017, she was a contestant for the Eurovision Song Contest. She returned to the world-famous contest in 2022 with her song “Anxiety” and placed fourth for Germany. “Anxiety” has over 1.5 million streams on Spotify, and Lu has a total of over 10 million streams for her entire discography on the platform. She has 2 extended play albums and several stand-alone singles. Her music is full of relatable lyrics and captivating melodies that draws the attention of listeners. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW FELICIA:

ILIRA’s latest release is a high-energy, electric track that lifts the spirits of audiences. “Clean Break” is her story of reinventing herself after a break-up. Rather than sulking at home with a broken heart, the track follows ILIRA’s decision to have a night out on the town and soaking in the fun. She becomes the life of the party, and rejects any negative thoughts that may drift her way. In the chorus, she sings, “Welcome to the other side// I think I found the new me// And it’s a new day// I need a clean break.” She has cut ties with her broken heart, and is now looking for the silver linings in life. She only desires a good time, and to do that, she will need to have a clean slate. She is now picking up the pieces and focusing on happiness. “Clean Break” is the epitome of a perfect feel-good track and effortlessly conveys the emotions ILIRA is experiencing. ILIRA brings a refreshing energy to the electronic-dance scene with “Clean Break”. The song begins with a unique keyboard intro that resembles the music of the 80s. This production immediately sets up the lively tone of the song. As the chorus breaks out, the infectious beat compels the listener to dance along, transporting them to their favorite nightclub. ILIRA’s powerful vocals perfectly compliment the melody and proves that she was born for this genre. At the end of the chorus, she uses her falsetto voice, bringing an angelic element to the track. Even after the song ends, “Clean Break” plays on repeat in the listener’s mind. The track is not easily forgotten and leaves the audience craving more energizing releases from ILIRA. ILIRA is a Swiss singer-songwriter now based in Germany. She has already made major waves in the music industry and is currently the biggest Swiss artist. She has over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and nearly 300 million streams in over 100 countries. In 2018, her collaboration with Alle Farben, “FADING”, reached the #1 spot on the German Airplay Chart. Then in 2020, she earned the #14 spot with DJ Tiësto on the US Dance Charts with their hit single, “Lose You”. Currently, she is in the studio working on her debut album. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW ILIRA: