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:

”Run To” is a catchy pop song with strong vocals. The single is about realizing self-worth and ending a cycle. The artist sings about a person turning to her when they need support and losing themself while being with another person. In the song, the singer comes to the realization that she cannot support the other person. Overall, this song preaches a powerful self-love message and has a fun melody that listeners will have playing on repeat. Throughout “Run To” the artist shows her wide vocal range. A highlight of the track has to be the belting in the chorus. In the final chorus, the instrumental fades, and the message and vocals are emphasized before she sings “I can’t be there” in a stunning falsetto. Another stand-out moment in the single would be the bridge where the artist layered vocals for a choir sound. The choir is also accompanied by flawless runs the artist sings in the back. Michelle Ray is Michelle Raitzin a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. The singer attended Berklee College of Music before auditioning for The Voice. While on season four of the hit reality singing show competition, the artist was on Team Blake. The songwriter released her debut single in November 2022 in collaboration with DJ Diac titled, “World Hold On”. The vocalist also released two collaboration albums In 2022 as well as multiple singles. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW MICHELLE RAY:

"HATE ME TOO" is a pop song with alternative elements. In the song, the vocalist reflects on a relationship. The lyrics show how he knows that he is being villainized in his ex's eyes. The singer seems to still have feelings for an ex but realizes that hating each other will help them both move on from their relationship, even if they are lying to themselves. Overall, this song is a catchy pop single that listeners will have stuck in their heads and playing on repeat. The song begins with a soft guitar riff that builds throughout the single. The vocalist has a raspy yet smooth voice that complements and balances the guitar riff that is present throughout the track. After the second chorus, there is a brief instrumental interlude. In the interlude, the instrumental continues with the artist faintly singing before the final chorus, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to hurt you", this line emphasizes the message of the track. Ben Provencial is from Atlanta, Georgia. His love for music started at 12 years old and he began pursuing his passion in college where he began writing music whenever he could. This singer released his first single in 2020 titled, "NOT ALRIGHT". Since his debut, Provencial has not yet released an album or EP but he has released seven singles. This vocalist has amassed 86,979 monthly listeners on Spotify and has more than 875,000 streams on his debut single. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW BEN PROVENCIAL:

“I Don’t Trust You Yet” is an epic pop song. The artist uses powerful instrumental and beautiful lyrics to convey their feelings. This single is centered around regaining trust. The vocalist expresses their pain from not being able to forgive a partner, even though they want to. The raw emotion is heartwrenching as the singer details the betrayal they faced as well as seeking a momentary feeling of comfort, even if it won’t last. Overall, this track is an emotional pop single that listeners will love. The song begins with a guitar riff that is present throughout the entirety of the song. A highlight of the track would be the bridge. During the bridge, the vocalist shows their wide range by singing a flawless heartfelt falsetto. The vocals are complemented by the dramatic drums and guitar riff adding to the extravagant and larger-than-life atmosphere the bridge has, making the song feel as though it should be playing in the climax of a film. HARIZ is a singerand songwriter based in Los Angeles. He had always loved music and won an classical music award at 17 years old. Another notable acalade would be the ASCAP Harold Adamson Lyric Award he won in 2016. The following year, the singer released his debut single titled OVRBRD” in May of 2017. Since his first song, HARIZ has not yet released an album but, he has released multiple singles and one EP with five tracks named, “Border”. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW HARIZ:

"falling asleep (wouldn't be so bad)" illustrates the consuming misery of being without the person they love. This track has a similar sound to artists like Billie Eilish and FKA Twigs. Throughout the song, the artist's vocals shine. The piano instrumental and the layered vocals show off the smooth yet raspy tone that Cartier has. Overall, listeners will love this heart-wrenching ballad because of the beautiful instrumental and vulnerable tone in the singer's voice. The single begins with a soft piano that sets the tone for the rest of the track. The piano has a somber feel that is matched by Cartier's vocals. A highlight of the track would have to be the final chorus. In the final chorus, the musician layers vocals and shows off her wide vocal range during a breathtaking falsetto run. The song ends with the instrumental slowly fading and one last line, "If the last thing I was to feel, is you loving me back" the fading instrumental emphasizes the impact of this last line. Liv Cartier is an artist from Manchester/London. In 2020, this musician released their debut single titled, "Idwy (Just Can't Be Alone)". Since her debut, the singer has not yet released an album or EP, but she has released four singles. Although the vocalist has only released a handful of tracks, she has amassed 1048 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her most streamed song, "Clearwater Bay" has over 13000 streams on the platform Spotify as well. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW LIV CARTIER:

“Moment“ is a pop-rock song about mental health struggles. The artist sings their partner's praises throughout the track. In the single, the vocalist sings about being at their worst and a partner helping them realize their self-worth. By the end of the song, Watson is in a good place mentally. Overall, this track is a chill indie pop song with alternative elements that complement the message of love being a reassuring presence during mental health challenges. The single begins with a calm melody before the vocals a promptly introduced. The vocalist has a smooth tone that elevates the chill instrumental. A standout of the track would be the bridge. In the bridge, the singer is able to show off their vocal prowess and wide range. During this section, the musician the instrumental fades slightly and highlights the falsetto the artist uses. "Moment" is a relaxed song that has an important message that listeners can relate to. Brandon Watson is an independent artist from San Antonio, Texas. This artist writes produces, and sings his songs. The singer is inspired by his faith and wife, podcaster Kashawn Watson. The musician released his first single, “All This Time” in January 2014. Although the artist has not yet released an album or EP, since his debut, Watson has released three songs and has been featured on Devious’ single titled, “Letter to My Soul Mate”. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW BRANDON WATSON:

“Radio” is a fresh electro-pop single. The duo has a unique sound that is reminiscent of Crafted Child and La Roux. This track has funky and alternative elements that blend to create a new sound. Inspired by their faith, the artist made a song pleading for guidance when things feel out of control. Although the vocalist feels as though things are hectic, their faith and spirit are never broken. Overall, this single is a catchy electronic pop indie song that audiences will have stuck in their head and playing on repeat. The song begins as if the listener is being transported back in time. The sound is similar to if a person were able to rewind a radio. In the second verse, the singer lowers his tone and shows the range of his voice with his raspy low vocals. A highlight of the track is the bridge with a cool and funky instrumental. The vocals fade during the bridge but shine in the final chorus. The vocalist is able to complement the electro-beat with a high and smoogh falsetto. Modern Temple is comprised of Texan husband and wife Dustin Moreau and Ellie Moreau. The pair are devoted Christians, who are inspired by their faith and create music that subtly reflects their religious beliefs. The couple released their debut single in August of 2019 titled, “True Life”. Although the duo has released a total of 10 singles, they have not yet released an album or EP. These musicians have over 15,000 Spotify monthly listeners as well. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW MODERN TEMPLE:

“Meet You In Hell” is a catchy pop single with rock and electronic elements that enhance the song. In the number, the artist sings about after being apart from a partner, she has changed and become a darker version of herself. The vocalist details this change as being her ex’s “worse nightmare” as well as their “biggest fantasy”, showing the conflict the singer feels toward their former partner. This track has a rock electro-pop sound that listeners will love. The song begins, with a burst of a violin that sets the tone for the intense song. In the chorus, the electronic sound is the most prevalent. Although this single has an electronic sound, it also has a rock element that can be heard throughout the track. During the verses, there is a guitar riff that complements the artist’s smooth vocals. A standout moment in the song would be the final chorus. In the final stanzas, the musician sings a gorgeous falsetto over her harmonized layered vocals. Jade LeMac is an 18-year-old singer from Vancouver, Canada. She had her musical debut in August of 2021, with her single, “Constellations”. Since her debut single, she has not yet released an album but she has released a total of seven other singles, as well as a feature on Dion Timmer’s track “The Right Type”. LeMac has amassed 1.2 million followers on TikTok. Currently, on Spotify, the singer has 578,724 monthly listeners and her debut single has over 17 million streams. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW JADE LEMAC:

"I Always Knew" is the first song on Girl In The Garden's EP titled "Time Will Tell". Her sound is similar to artists such as BENEE and Alessia Cara. The track is short and powerful. The overall tone of the song is somber and reflective. In the lyrics, the vocalist looks back on a toxic relationship. The singer reveals how she lost a part of herself while in a relationship but is now finding closure. Ultimately, this song is a healing self-loving anthem. This single does not follow the traditional structure that most pop songs follow. The track is short and doesn't have a consistent chorus, however, this emphasizes the meaning of each line, especially the final two lines where she repeats the lyrics "It's like I always knew". In the second half of the song, the piano instrumental is joined by strings that complement the smooth vocals and make it a highlight of the track. Overall, "I Always Knew" is a heartwrenching single that listeners will resonate with. Girl In The Garden is an Idaho native named Kate Plaisted. This singer started to gain traction after being a stand out on NBC's reality singing competition shows "American Idol" and "The Voice". Currently, Plaisted is studying at the University of Miami so that she can further pursue her music career. In February 2018, the musician released her debut album titled, "Polaroid". After a two-year hiatus, the artist released her first single named "Getting Over You" in May 2020. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW GIRL IN THE GARDEN:

“Beast & His Beauties” is a catchy pop song with beautiful vocals. Grace Gachot sings about a love story that is not the perfect fairytale she thought it was. From a third-person point of view, the artist writes about a naive young woman being played by a partner. The songwriter details being blind to her boyfriend's flaws because of the rose-colored glasses she wore. In the single, the vocalist is able to bring to life a dreamy and storybook love story. This single has detailed lyricism and Gachot's voice has a lightness to it that complements the fairytale melody. A highlight of the track would be the chorus. In the chorus, the artist lowers her tone, with layered vocals doing runs in the background. This shows the vocalist's range and how she is able to sing a gorgeous falsetto as well as an alto. Overall, "Beast & His Beauties" is a hazy, dreamy, and fairytale-inspired track that listeners will love. Grace Gachot is an English singer-songwriter, who was raised in Spain before returning to London. She has always loved music but began pursuing it officially at 17 years old. Her music is based on her experiences and her main goal when writing music is, to be honest, and promote self-love. The artist has only released two singles, her debut track was released in September of 2022, titled, “F*****y Tragedy” and her second single was released recently in October of 2022. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW GRACE GACHOT: