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There are two fundamental relationships we have with songs: what they tell us and what they make us feel. As an art form preoccupied with representing feelings and experience, music has the power to articulate what might feel too abstract for words. The breathtaking latest single from Ilona Mahieu, "Ribcage," is as volcanic as it is incisive, documenting the experience of an eating disorder. The song sizzles like a lit fuze in the first half, sparse rock instrumentation melting away at the confrontational lyrics. At the song's climax, every instrument erupts into a wave of distortion and chaos. The production is immaculate, balancing these two juxtaposed sections to strengthen the whole of the song. It's awe-striking. Rather than attempting a summative articulation of disordered eating, the UK-based indie rock band narrow the focus to the role eating disorders play in one's life. "Have you come to join me once again / at the table," lead vocalist Pointeau questions over the tense bassline. Even as the song's still simmering towards its climax, the verses hold tremendous impact in their engagement with deeper issues belying the eating disorder. "Carry me through the grief for them," and Pointeau's silvery voice leaps to plead, "Keep me stable." It's not that "Ribcage" is so emotionally gripping because it's tremendously vulnerable; the unforgettable single resonates because it authentically represents an experience with specificity and perspective. It's a song featuring conflicting forces: stability and dependency, anger and grief, stadium-sized and small. After the stormy climax, Pointeau's voice shakes in the hazy quiet of the song's closer. "Watch where you break your bread," she warns. "Ribcage" smolders like a signed contract with the devil. UK indie rock outfit, Ilona Mahieu is an eclectic band never confined to the boundaries of sound or genre. Punch-packing, dreamy, and rich—the production always swings big with a clear-eyed vision. Mahieu began releasing in 2019, with "Maslow." This was followed in the subsequent two years with three, exquisite singles. "Ribcage" arrives as the first single of 2022, and follows up the previous four tracks with another banger. The band takes pride in the versatility of their sound and the poeticism of their lyrics. Notably, the music video for "Ribcage" is a stunning, visual companion to the fantastic track. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Ilona Mahieu:

Anna Bea's songs typically engaged with the perceptions that are placed on her. "People keep telling me a girl like you shouldn't be by herself at night," she vented on "People Keep Telling Me." Thus, even when she addressed someone specific, such as in "Cold," the real conflict was between herself and the version of herself that is projected onto her. On her catchy, latest single, "Another World," Bea writes from a new perspective. The versatile singer/songwriter goes disco, voice soaring over groovy bass and glittering synths. At times, the sound blurs into a dreamier haze, as though the gravity was turned out in a roller rink. The dizzying coaster of "Another World" is less of a hill and more of a flurry of corkscrews. Bea writes from a collective perspective, exploring the desire to live in the past. This choice — speaking from a "we" — melts away the feeling of loneliness that permeates much of her other work. Before, the dissonance between herself and perceptions of her created a feeling of isolation, living in the void between social and personal realities. Now, Bea taps into a collective experience of looking "to a place locked in the past." That the disco sound is reminiscent of a past era adds to the effect. "Are we close but far away? / Can we reach back to those days?" She asks. It's never clear what we all seek in the past—even to ourselves—but Bea finds truth in the indescribable longing for something missing from the present. Anna Bea is a London-based singer/songwriter. She began releasing music during the lockdown of 2020, along with her debut EP "Wheels of Change." Check out her website for Bea's explanation of previous songs, as well as videos and other press material. Her genre-bending, pop sound is well matched with industry veteran producers and mixers. "Another World" teases towards another EP, slated for release in January. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Anna Bea:

In times of coping, our subconscious can become an enemy—betraying our health to linger in the past. On the excellent collaboration between producer Miles Away and vocalist Danni Carra, this concept is explored through transporting listeners to an ethereal realm that feels shadowed by mortal anxieties and ennui. "Back To Sleep" is a purple nightlight in a bedroom: otherworldly until the dark shadows casted along the walls look like demons. The production breaks away from its malaise in the chorus, adding elements of trip-hop and dance-pop to the dreamy mix. There's a magical and weightless feeling to this shift in energy, descending scales of what sounds like a toy xylophone giving it the feeling of falling but never landing on the ground. Lyrically exploring the experience of being trapped in a feeling, the production compliments Carra's gorgeous voice by ensnaring us in its dreamy and captivating world. Like a lotus flower in Greek Mythology, the real killer of "Back to Sleep" is just how enticing it is. "When the sky turns upside down / I'll fade into you, like I always do," Carra confesses in the pre-chorus. It's the most tangible conclusion she can excavate from her dizzying spell, recognizing how stability impacts our ability to be present and self-assured. "Wake up, repeat it / can't change but I keep on / blaming myself," she lilts as the chorus sparks alive. Here, the crux of the song is seared into its DNA. To be aware of the problem is the first step, but what comes after when you are both the victim and the perpetrator, the forest and the fire? "Back to Sleep" is a life raft in the vast ocean of your own mind—it can feel like a savior until it looks more like a symptom. Miles Away is a producer based in Vancouver, Canada, and the moniker of Devin Belanger. His electronic production is flexible and lush, perfectly stretching to compliment the long list of collaborators he's worked with. In 2020, Belanger was nominated for "Electronic & Dance Artist of the Year in the Western Canadian Music Awards. "Back to Sleep" is the sixth single the producer has released in 2022, alongside several collaborations and solo releases. Belanger began releasing in 2017, and has since released a slew of impeccable remixes, original songs, and more. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Miles Away:

What has made 7000apart such an exciting pop-duo to follow is their ability to capture cinematic landscapes from mere snapshots of life. Hope becomes a flowing river, doubts are shouted over mountaintops, and, on their magnificent latest single, lingering feelings of discontent are fashioned into a cataclysmic event. "Stand Together" is a gentle call for mutual support in the face of catastrophe. In contrast to the apocalyptic imagery of the lyrics, the sound is softer and sweeter. It's a breathtaking track: anchored in the velvety plucking of an acoustic guitar and sparsely populated with the subtle production embellishments that elevate it. Even as drums rally a force behind Eiding's gorgeous voice in the second chorus, the power is tender rather than bullish. When you're in love, quiet mercy is as impactful as a tidal wave. "The sky is falling tonight," Eiding croons throughout the sublime track. It's the type of line that a less considerate artist might pair with overblown melodrama, but 7000apart show a masterful restraint. Countless songs have engaged with these moments when the world comes crashing down, but 7000apart capture a nuance and honesty through tenderness and intimacy. It's a fresh and mature take on catastrophe that sets the duo on the vanguard of confessional pop. "Loneliness is calling / and I don't want to watch my world go up in flames," Eiding confesses. Despite the insurmountable foe they face, 7000apart never sound defeated. It's a complex foe they face, but the circumstances aren't bleak — they have themselves and each other. Amelie Eiding and Jon Kresin met when Eiding left her hometown in Sweden to attend high school in Wisconsin. Their love story is one from a fairy tale, but they've focused artistically on the humble realities of mental health and their growth together. Eiding moved back to Sweden for three years, seeing the couple facing the 7000 kilometers between them, before they reunited and married in 2016. Since their 2019 debut album, the duo has released nine fantastic singles. Side A of their sophomore record, Feel Your Feelings, is set to release on December 6th. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW 7000apart:

On his latest single, "I'll Wait," Gary Mictian documents the moments in time when a partner becomes the one that got away. Over immaculately produced dancepop, the London-based singer/songwriter stretches lifetimes inside its swift pace. Even as the track races into a blitz of drum'n'blass, "I'll Wait" keeps its focal point heart-racingly intimate as melancholy whirls around in a vortex of motion blur. The booming synthetic bass and modulated vocal layering give the song distinctly modern sensibilities, though the emphasis on sticky melody places it in league with y2k pop classics. Equally suited for a neon-infused rave as it is for a contemplative, late-night drive, "I'll Wait" is transcendent music for transcendent emotion. "It scares me," Mictian admits as the drum'n'bass fire off. It's so direct and earnestly delivered that it renders the energetic dancebeat in distinct shades of blue. This is the magic behind "I'll Wait." All the trademark fixtures of electronic pop music are gloriously weaved into the melodies, but they're softened into disarmingly complex emotional peaks and valleys. The lyrics blend from a monochromatic palette of emotional nuances ("Gave you all I had, and I still couldn't give enough," is developed on with "I can't break free from the thought that I let you down.") For as directionless as he may feel, his artistic vision is extraordinarily clear-eyed. Gary Mictian is an indie-pop singer/songwriter and producer originally from New Zealand. Now based in London, his work primarily fuses electronic pop with cinematic sound, while always pushing beyond the boundaries of genre. Many of his productions feature elements of glitchy production, akin to hyperpop, while also seeking emotional introspection and humanity. "I'll Wait" is just one of four incredible singles Mictian released in 2022. His music makes for a fantastic headphones experience. His ear for melodic songwriting and intricate production make Mictian an artist to be watching out for in 2023! Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW ARTIST:

Occam's razor suggests that, often, the simplest answer is the best solution. Consider "Next to You" to be an "Occam's razor" for needless relationship squabble. On the soaring pop duet from Miles Away with Mercedes Arn-Horn, the two find harmony in the purest desires. Over rumbling bass and a sleek trip-hop beat, Miles Away and Arn-Horn trade verses with their complimentary, commanding vocals. The gentle picking of a guitar places an anxiety distinctly atop the mix, bringing out the turmoil in its lyrical context. Best of all is the bridge, which allows the layered vocals to really take center stage. The performances are so impassioned, there's the sense that the song might implode into pure chaos. Right in the sweet spot, before that can happen, the floor drops out and the chorus builds back up again. Even when it feels like everything is in shambles, sometimes all it takes is a gentle reminder of the love we share to make those problems seem relatively simple. "I don't know what we're doing this for," Miles Away opens the first verse. We aren't provided the context of what "this" is, but that's really the point: it's unimportant in the face of togetherness. "Cause I just wanna wake up next to you," he finishes with a silky falsetto. It's this softness that thaws whatever coldness invaded their relationship: a simple reinstatement of common desire. Little bumps in the road can turn into trench-like rifts if they aren't managed healthily. When Mercedes Arn-Horn opens the second verse feeling lost, ("I don't know how to feel anymore,") it's entirely believable. But peering into her subconscious desire for that same, shared closeness, the chorus serves to quash those doubts. When their brilliant vocals blend to repeat the titular phrase, it becomes both a mission statement and a loving reminder. It's a love worth fighting for, not over. Canadian-based artist, Miles Away, began releasing music in 2017. Since releasing his self-titled, debut EP in 2020, he's seen a meteoric rise to indie-stardom: collaborations, award nominations, and millions of streams. "Next to You" is his first single of 2023, but it follows six, incredible singles released just last year. His confessional lyricism and distinct vocals create a unity across the wide variety of genres Miles Away fuses in his music. His collaboration with fellow Canadian artist, Mercedes Arn-Horn, marks another landmark in his diverse catalogue. Arn-Horn is the vocalist behind the band Courage My Love, garnering millions of streams across platforms. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Miles Away:

Sometimes I find myself stuck in a negative mental loop for hours. With mental loops in general, we find ourselves replaying events or situations over and over in our heads. In a negative mental loop, we’re replaying events that deeply bother us. And more often than not, negative loops arouse unwanted, antipathetic feelings about ourselves that become increasingly intrusive. Holly Wild’s newly released single, “Inside My Head”, showcases the internal struggle with living within this loop when all we want is to be mentally free. “Inside My Head” is an alt-pop single that explores how we transform into our own worst critic when stuck in a negative mental loop. The song opens with a deep guitar melody that’s heavily reminiscent of Creed and Incubus. Simultaneously in the music video, the audience sees Wild lighting a candle before quick flashes of their eye and a darken hallway occupy the screen. This symbolizes how easy it is to trigger a negative mental loop. Wild then begins the first verse by describing what their loop is. This is followed up with how the loop brings on feelings of shame that feed into low self-esteem in the second verse. The sudden crashing of the cymbals brings on both the chorus and a temporary moment of freedom from the negative mental loop. Here listeners are reminded that the things we tell ourselves when stuck in a loop are cruel, intensified imaginations – they’re just simply not true despite our inner critic convincing us otherwise. Unfortunately, the ending of the chorus within the music video is met with a fire breather exhaling a plume of fire – quite figuratively, a trigger has breathed new life into the negative mental loop. It effectively demonstrates that an awareness of our inner critic’s illegitimacy sometimes is not enough to ward off their persuasive but invasive nature. Wild reveals how their inner critic has interrupted and ruined opportunities within their life in the third and fourth verses before being teased with the chorus’s momentary liberation. While the chorus is progressing this time around, the music video flashes through multiple visuals of places and things that evoke the same feelings of entrapment; providing listeners with direct imagery of what being stuck in a negative mental loop is like. In the final verse, Wild makes an emotional plea to be released from the grasp of their inner critic and in turn, the negative mental loop. But listeners and watchers of the music video can sense an air of ambiguity regarding whether this plea was accepted. As the powerful, melancholy song nears its end two different projections repeatedly run over Wild: a blackened gridlocked pattern and bright pink waves with whitened edges. Ending the song in uncertainty flawlessly embodies how there are no definitive answers or solutions when dealing with such a prominent internal struggle – we just simply find a way live alongside it. Australian singer and songwriter, Holly Wild, grew up in a musically inclined family. Her childhood was filled with grand evenings of familial harmonies sang alongside recordings of Roy Orbison. Classic 60’s and 70’s rock and folk music would later become inspirations for the artist’s own projects. Wild believes music is the window into the soul and the foundation for establishing deep relationships. All of which can be seen in the artist’s discography. If you’ve enjoyed Wild’s music as much as I have, you’ll be thrilled to know their debut EP, Wild, is coming out soon. While patiently waiting for its release, you can show the artist some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows. Written by Giavanna Gradaille FOLLOW HOLLY WILD:

“Lost In Your Eyes” by Ronna Riva captures the essence of a night out with your friends at the club. The music transports you right to the stage, with beats and rhythms perfect for dancing, singing along, and truly getting lost in the music, as Riva sings about being lost in someone’s eyes. She sings about how she is transported into another world every time she looks into someone’s eyes, unable to think about anyone or anything else upon just one glance. Very similar to how once you listen to this song, it becomes hard to think of any other as the catchy tune becomes imprinted in all of our heads after just one single listen. The intro to this song features a low beat with a masked over, distant voice. This creates a very cool and attention-grabbing effect. It leads beautifully into the first verse, which shows off Riva’s soft voice that blends perfectly with the surrounding music. With the beginning of the chorus, we are once again graced with the pleasure of hearing that same voice from the intro. Coupled with the beat and catchy tone, it makes for a very pop and memorable chorus. “Lost In Your Eyes” also features a bridge that matches impeccably with the song, housing the very vibey voice of Riva urging us all to feel the energy of both her song and the night, which we most definitely do after listening to it in full! Originally born in Constanta, Romania, Ronna Riva has been on the path to stardom from a very young age. Performing in front of an audience was always something that Riva loved and wanted to pursue. As early as thirteen years old she was part of a project called Viva, which is an organization that allowed Riva to do what she loved and sing in front of huge audiences nationwide. Upon graduation and obtaining her degrees, Ronna shifted her focus wholly to music where she has continued to grow as an artist. She has accumulated a fanbase over the years, with over 100,000 followers on Instagram supporting her. We are excited to see Ronna’s music and career continue! Written By Molly Schiff FOLLOW RONNA:

One of the most difficult challenges in life is accepting your self-worth and cutting out the source of pain which causes damage. It’s part of the fulfillment of saving yourself in order to grow into the person you want to become. This is what “Better,” the new track by Lucy Warr, is praising. It’s about breaking those chains that keep us trapped within our fears and insecurities, and how it’s time to escape and be free. Along with the motivational lyricism Warr gifts us, the music itself is so captivating that it has you headbanging along throughout the song. This, paired with Warr’s strong vocal performance adds up to a memorable experience that will leave you feeling consumed by self-love. So, whenever you’re in your next rut, know that Lucy Warr has your back to pick you back up. The song does a very interesting thing in the beginning, as the intro fades in with a retro feel as if we’re hearing it on an old car radio. The transition into the first verse is smooth, and the verse itself is a nice introduction to the song's subject matter. The line “the quantum leap” especially works so well as it rolls off the tongue nicely as one sings along to the track. The instrumentals during the verse are kept to a minimum, a steady bass line and beat, but this aids Warr because it allows for her strong vocals to shine. We hear this, especially in the pre-chorus where she does a short, but smooth vocal run. The chorus itself is loud in the best way, the instrumentals are fun and upbeat. The repeating line “never going back” helps emphasize the significance of standing strong and not backing down from a struggle. Additionally, this idea is reassured with the line “cause I deserve more.” The bridge of the song is nice and somewhat muted, which creates a wonderful contrast to the final chorus that adds some melodic harmonies to the previous version of the chorus. As the song ends, we are left stunned and empowered, and it shows how Lucy Warr was truly able to accomplish what she intended. Lucy Warr is a unique artist that specializes in making inspirational music that fits perfectly in the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film. Her goal is to create music that is hopeful and empowering. Warr has consistently been releasing music and has received praise from several sources, such as CLOUT, Pit Records, A1234, FV music, and more. These outlets have taken note of how exceptional and positive her sound is. Warr has especially received praise for her past tracks, such as “Energy” and “Rip It Off.” She is very active on social media where she not only promotes her music but also spreads positive and motivational messages to her audience. It’s clear that Lucy Warr is an outstanding individual and is someone who is a breath of fresh air in the music scene. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW LUCY WARR:

I think a lot of us turn to music when we're struggling with our emotions. Music is such a beautiful and powerful thing. It acts an outlet for our negative feelings and has the ability to make us feel better when we need a pick-me-up. When we have no one else around to tell us things will be alright, music is always there for us and acts as a shoulder to cry on. Music can be our best friend in a time of emotional need and unlike people, music is something that will never leave us. "Look Up Kid" by Lydia Oliver is one of those songs that will be there for you. It's a refreshing reminder that you are strong and can make it through anything, paired with one of the most beautiful soundscapes to grace your ears. The vibe of "Look Up Kid" is a very raw, singer-songwriter and folk influenced indie-pop sound. Even though it's very soft in nature, it still manages to feel positive and upbeat at the same time. Lydia's vocals are very bright and innocent in tone, which gives the song a bit of a twee type of sound quality. The instrumental consists of a very light acoustic guitar picking pattern and my personal favorite type of instrument in any emotional song - orchestral strings. The soundscape of this song is dreamy and euphoric; and paired with the uplifting lyrics, it's bound to make your day better. It might even make you shed a tear or two, just so you can let all the negativity flow out of you. Lydia Oliver is a Paris, France born and raised artist who has recently moved to London in the United Kingdom. Upon moving, she met multi-platinum producer Eliot James and signed to his label. In 2022 she released 3 singles, including her debut, 'Rain On Your Parade '. 'Look Up Kid ' is her first single of 2023 and is in anticipation of a brand new EP that is in the works for this year. She also is plans to be featured on a song with Eliot's alternative/indie rock band, REUNIØN. If you're excited to hear more from Lydia, make sure to check out her other songs 'Million' and 'Heart Beats Back' while we wait. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW LYDIA:

Has love ever made you feel exhausted? In the song "Home", Phoenix Rose explores feeling so tired and heartbroken by a relationship that now all she wants is the comfort that her home can bring her. The emotion she describes is akin to the aching feeling of being homesick, but for a person instead of a place. She details feeling used and trying to find herself after a whirlwind relationship. This singer is able to express the gut-wrenching feeling of no longer feeling connected to a partner. The raw and emotional delivery is complemented by the soft instrumental. Overall, this track needs to be added to your next break-up playlist. The song begins with a delicate piano that is soon joined by Rose's smooth and breathy vocals. Before the chorus, the singer is able to show off her wide vocal range, with her low alto tone while singing " How the devil showed his ugly face just like we know ." As she continues into the chorus, you can see the R&B influence when there are subtle layered and harmonized vocals that enhance the songwriter's desperate feeling of wanting to be home, in her safe space. In the final lines, the singer repeats the lyrics "Can we get back?/ Can we get back home?". In these last moments of the songs, she shows off her incredible vocal talent, doing a stunningly gorgeous run and a breathtaking falsetto for the final line. Rachel Rose now known as Phoenix Rose is a veteran in the music industry. She released her debut single in August 2022, titled "Five Minutes". Since then she's released 2 more singles, "Waiting for the World" and "The Thing About Love" as well as a brand new EP that came out this vear "How Do You See This?" which features "Home". This EP includes a more experimental sound, with a techno remix and acoustic track, but the passionate vocal delivery is a constant in this singer's music. This singer/songwriter dreams of connecting people through her fusion of pop music. Rose describes her unique sound as pop with soul elements and R&B vocals. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW PHOENIX ROSE:

Kayla Mercuri’s latest single is a fiery track that is guaranteed to replay in the minds of listeners. “crazy bout u” is about the unmistakable chemistry between two people. It depicts the kind of desire that cannot be ignored, like a magnetic force pulling them together. Mercuri wrote this song to encourage listeners to take a leap of faith and chase the one they want the most. The track contains passionate lyrics that effortlessly describe this irresistible attraction. The first verse introduces the audience to the picture-perfect scene, with Mercuri illustrating her partner and the effect they have on her. In the pre-chorus, she sings, “Is this a safe place to fall?// But part of me don’t care at all,” providing a brief glimpse into her fear, before she shoves it into the depths of her mind and switches focus on the desire. Then in the chorus, Mercuri sings the unforgettable hook: “Crazy bout you// And the way that you move//Doesn’t matter what you do// I want you more and more.” She is completely smitten by her partner. She is obsessed with everything they do and everything they say. She reinforces this in the bridge with the lyrics: “I steal one look and I want you baby, want you baby// You’re on my mind and I think about you on the daily// You call my name and my vision’s hazy, can you blame me?// You keep this up, I’ll be forever yours, forever baby.” Mercuri confesses that this is not just a temporary fling, but that she is fully committed, if they will have her. This serves as a reminder that, sometimes, throwing all caution to the wind and jumping into this type of compelling romance can lead to a forever partnership. Furthermore, these lines fulfill Mercuri’s purpose for writing this track—to inspire listeners to take a chance. With “crazy bout u”, she showcases her undeniable talent while encouraging audiences to do things they may never have had the courage to do before. “crazy bout u” is an infectious pop song composed of a sultry production that complements the seductive lyrics. The song begins with a dark synth intro that is swiftly cut off by Mercuri’s alluring vocals and the soothing keyboard sounds. As the song continues, synth sound effects are added periodically to the background, providing a unique element to the track. Once the pre-chorus hits, the song begins to intensify before breaking out to the full production in the chorus. At this point, the beat switches gears by transforming the track into a sensual dance pop production. The song reveals itself as the perfect single for a night out with friends at a club, dancing along to the enticing rhythm. Throughout the track, a hi-hat cymbal sound ebbs and flows adding a satisfying dynamic to the song. Additionally, the beat patterns of the bass are reminiscent of the R&B style, further enhancing the unique production. After the bridge ends, the production becomes muffled with Mercuri’s vocals faintly heard in the background. This creates a feeling of anticipation within the listener as they await the inevitable explosion back into the full production. The chorus returns for one last time, before the song completely switches to the intense electronica outro that catches the listener off guard. Mercuri astonishes fans with the diverse production paired with her angelic voice. “crazy bout u” is a flawless dance song that utilizes influences from multiple subgenres to create one ultimate pop dance track. Kayla Mercuri is an independent pop singer-songwriter based in Boston. Her music career kicked off in 2014 when she traveled to Los Angeles to record three original songs. These tracks debuted on a Boston-area college radio. Then in 2015, she released her debut EP, Notions, which was produced by Michael Bruno of the band Honor Society. Her lead single, “Trusted”, earned Mercuri recognition as a top-ten finalist for the 2016 New England Music Radar Award. After a five-year hiatus, she returned with her sophomore EP, No Turning Back. Since then, she has continued to dedicate her time to her music career. After a couple standalone singles throughout the past few years, “crazy bout u” is her first track of 2023. She is ready to take the world by storm and show the music industry what she has to offer. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW KAYLA: