The band ALIBII has created the perfect catchy indie pop single. “Just Another Minute” has a nostalgic feeling that uplifts the listener. The chorus is epic and bound to stay stuck in the audience's head. Throughout the track, the vocals are smooth and compliment the building melody. Although it discusses the feeling of longing, the upbeat instrumental balances the more melancholic lyrics. Overall, this single is a combination of beautiful vocals and a captivating beat. “Just Another Minute” begins with a male vocalist, Will Cumberlege. Soon he is joined with Courtney Egginton in the chorus. Both singers are able to shine within the song and together their vocals produce an incredible blend. Within the chorus, the song flawlessly transitions from slow and dramatic, into fast-paced and building. The layering of the vocals and the hazy melody after the final chorus also adds to the dreamy bedroom pop vibe. ALIBII is from Sydney, Australia. The members consist of Courtney Egginton, Will Cumberlege, Katie Helms, and Ariq Sulthan. The band was created as a passion project between Courtney Egginton and Will Cumberlege. They were inspired by their favorite bedroom pop and rock artists to create their indie pop band. Their first project was with the dance artist Exceleon. The group was featured in Exceleon’s song “Paratra”. Following the feature, they released their debut single, “But I”, in 2021. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW ALIBII:

As soon as listeners hear the bass in “Didn’t See It Coming” they are instantly hooked. This song has the best elements of pop and dance music. The artist explores feeling unprepared for a relationship but wanting to make it work with a partner. Salt Ashes' smooth tone also complements the fast dance beat that is present throughout the single. Overall, this song is an electronic pop banger that listeners will love. In the single, the artist delves into the idea of unintentionally falling in love with someone. Salt Ashes somehow manages to blend the best characteristics of electronic and pop. In the chorus, the melody builds and becomes a moody dance beat. This moody dance beat adds to the overall dark synth-pop vibe. During the final chorus, the artist harmonizes vocals for the repeated lyrics "all I want is you", layered vocals are mesmerizing and one of the highlights of the song. “I Didn’t See It Coming” is the perfect song to play while out dancing and signing with friends. Although Salt Ashes may seem like a band but is actually Veiga Sanchez. The vocalist is from Brighton, England. Although she had always had a love for music, she realized her passion was music and began her pursuit of becoming a musician at 16 years old. Salt Ashes released their debut single in 2011 titled, “Somebody”. She continued to release her official album which was a compilation of remixes of her songs named, “If You Let Me Go (Remixes, Pt.2)”. Sanchez describes her unique sound as “electronic alternative pop”. What encourages Veiga Sanchez to continue to make music is inspiring and connecting with her listeners. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW SALT ASHES:

What life experiences inspired you to write, “Keep Me From Falling Apart”? Brainheart: Actually I am the one who produced the music and Dorel wrote the song. This song is about his first love, a very complicated relationship that didn't end well. “Keep Me From Falling Apart” contains heartfelt lyrics, one of the lyrics that stood out to me goes “‘Cause there is no right or wrong when it comes to love,” what would you like listeners to take away from this line? Brainheart: I want that this song will teach people that healthy relationships aren't perfect. As human beings, we are all flawed and that's ok. There are so many people out there who believe in finding “the perfect partner”. Sometimes the greatest relationships are the ones you never expected to be in. The ones that sweep you off your feet and challenge every view you've ever had. What advice would you give to fans on healing from a complicated relationship? Brainheart: The future looks good, everything happens for a reason and the "perfect" partner for you will come. I promise! Just stay optimistic and be you, don't dare to change yourself for anyone, life is too short to be fake. You and Dorel worked together creating music magic, Dorel with the vocals, and you with the background music, how did you guys work together to figure out what kind of sound you wanted to give this song? Brainheart: Yes, Dorel and I are close friends; he is the best singer I know and one of my best mates. First, we decided to create just one song together. The process was so fun, and we were so happy with the result, so we decided to create a full EP together. Luckily we live 5 mins from each other so it was easy. We spent so many hours together in the studio, searching for the write lyrics and sounds to create unforgettable songs, and honestly "Keep me from falling apart" is our favorite song. This song hits differently and the whole EP means a lot to us; we created these songs from the depth of our souls. You also wrote a song with your sister, “Explore The World,” do you notice differences in the writing process when collaborating with different people? Brainheart: Yeah, it was different because I always produce a demo and then write the lyrics or collaborate with a singer that writes the lyrics. The process of "Explore The World" was different because 3 years ago my sister traveled to the Philippines, I told her that I want to create a travel song and release it when she gets back home. She wrote the verse and sent it to me, I fell in love with it and wrote the chorus. When she came back home we finished the vocals literally in 30 minutes. I produced, mixed, and mastered the track and we released it at the end of 2019. It was a pleasure working with her; the process was fun and happened naturally. I can’t wait to work with my sister on more songs in the future. Can we expect more collaborations in the future? If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be? Brainheart: Absolutely, I am working with so many talented singers right now and I can't wait to share all my projects with the world. Honestly, my wishlist is huge so I'll give you just 7 artists... I wish I could work with Coldplay, Onerepublic, Ed Sheeran, Adelle, The Script, Tori Kelly, or Dermot Kennedy. I love them so much, each artist has a piece in my heart. Interviewed By Sophia E. Henry FOLLOW BRAINHEART:

The pull of someone you know isn’t right for you is intense. Feeling that draw to this person even though you know they will hurt you is confusing and exciting. We all know how it’ll end but they keep tugging you back in and you go willingly. No matter what, you’re destined to fall victim to this rousing bad idea. Brii Elliss knows this idea firsthand. Her song Bad Idea is the anthem for those of us who find ourselves loving the bad ideas in life regardless of how damaging they might be. The song begins with a harmonic piano. The gentle twinkling of the piano coupled with Brii's opening vocals deceives the listener into assuming the song is a heart-wrenching ballad about lost love. The song then plunges into a mixture of previous piano but with the addition of strings, aggressive 808 claps, and hip-hop-infused bass beats. The mixture of natural instruments and computer-generated hip-hop instrumentals is perfect. It creates a sense of excitement in the listener that captivates their attention. The piano sticks around throughout the song. It falls to the background when the 808 is at its height and pulls forward when the lyrics demand more drama and reflection. These highs and lows not only create a dynamic listening experience but also remind the listener and to some extent Brii of the actual ending to a bad idea, heartbreak. The lyrics reflect this perfectly as well. The self-awareness is palpable within each line. Brii isn’t going into this romance unaware of what will happen and we learn this from line one. Brii is more aware than anyone of what her partner will do to her but their presence is too strong. Bad ideas seem so right at the moment. Brii Ellis is a New Jersey native who loves RnB and incorporates those influences into her work. Her main influences are top artists such as H.E.R. and Amber Mark. Two artists have created a unique sound just as Brii has. Brii is so smart in the way she creates her art. Her sultry tones are reminiscent of her RnB influences but her beats have a deeper pop feel. This infusion of genre makes Brii Ellis stand out amongst the rest. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW BRII

Thinking over mistakes in your head. Wishing you could go back in time to change the mistakes you made. We all do it, but it’s better to learn from our mistakes than to dwell on the past. We’re all doing our best and trying to make it in this crazy world. Singer/songwriter Jewelia released a new song titled “The Best We Can'' that speaks to this sentiment. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia or a longing for something out of reach. Jewelia is expressing her own yearning for a change she can never make. But at the end of the day, she proclaims we can only do the best we can. Jewelia has a knack for writing some incredibly whimsical, indie-inspired songs. Though she has many inspirations, Jewelia stands alone when it comes to her music. Her lyricism has a raw aspect to it that makes every song feel personal and intimate. All of her music clearly comes straight from the heart. “The Best We Can” is a sentimental ballad taking the listener on a whimsical journey. With soundscapes that cradle you into a sense of security, this song leaves you enamored with Jewelia. It features subtle instrumental inclines toward the bridge and gradual sonic decreases that create a relaxing feeling for the listener. The soothing strums of the guitar, accompanied by Jewelia’s brilliant lyricism and vocals are astounding. “The Best We Can” is a song that is easy to fall in love with. Jewelia is an extremely talented singer/songwriter based in London. She has been singing since she was little. She has always been fascinated with creating music. She loves to experiment in the different realms of pop music but maintains her own flair in each song. Jewelia has a steadily growing online presence and continues to draw in new fans with each release. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW JEWELIA:

Almost everyone has experienced heartbreak. It's extremely common but learning to live without someone isn't easy. After giving your all in a relationship, it’s hard to relearn who you are without that person. Letting go is never easy; It’s going to take time to get back to who you were before them. But once you're on the other side it's easy to see that in the end, you’re better off without them. Alex Blyth’s “Miss You a Little Less'' is a song that touches on the bittersweet aftermath of heartbreak and the healing process that comes with it. The song begins with rich piano melodies that immediately capture your attention. The piano is accompanied by Blyth’s strong and emotional vocals that make “Miss You a Little Less” a powerhouse ballad. Her voice is smooth and hauntingly beautiful. She reflects on the downsides of the relationship and all the times she felt let down by her partner. She’s healing and she doesn't need her ex as much as she thought she did. The subtle beating of the drums adds a flair that elevates the song’s atmosphere. Through the song, Blyth is taking us through her healing process. Starting with a subdued but beautiful piano and increasing into a slow build-up of drums and vocals shows a growth in personal strength. Learning to be yourself without an ex and healing after a heartbreak. The honesty of the lyrics and the evocative instrumental in the song make for a moving listen. Blyth's use of instrumentation is extremely smart and showcases just how talented she is. Alex Blyth is an 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Adelaide, Australia. Though she released her debut song at sixteen, she has been writing from a very young age. She began her journey sharing covers on social media during the pandemic and has now traveled overseas to spread her talents far and wide. Blyth prides herself on her raw and relatable lyricism and powerful singing voice. You can hear her inspiration, such as Adele and Julia Michaels, shine through in her work. Blyth is a talented rising pop star to keep an eye on. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW ALEX:

‘Undone’ is a haunting and melancholy song; what was your inspiration behind it, and what emotion do you hope it evokes in your audience? Kiara: Power is what I wanted people to feel. The hopelessness the song expresses is the result of not making a decision. So rage was needed to escape the trap of saying 'maybe'. What is one of your favorite moments from filming the video for ‘Undone?’ Kiara: We spent three weekends together for this video, I loved every second of it. We were a team of super creative people, everybody added his or her own skills and passion for making this idea come to life. I think the most magical moment was when we were done filming after a long night shooting. The sun was rising, we were still awake, exhausted, and fulfilled after almost one month of work together. Who are some of your biggest musical influences and inspirations? Kiara: For the production of “Undone” me and the producer Chris Kling were inspired by artists like Billie Eilish and Lana del Rey, but also Jack White and The Black Keys. How would you describe your unique sound? Kiara: Powerful alternative rock productions with very vulnerable stories behind them. What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in music, and how did you get started? Kiara: I have been playing gigs as a singer-songwriter since the age of sixteen. I´ve always felt the need to express emotion, so starting a solo music project was the perfect way for me to follow this passion. What are your upcoming plans for your musical journey? What should fans be on the lookout for? Kiara: We plan to play some amazing live shows with a full band this summer. And there will be new music out soon! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW KIARA:

“Only Love” is a beautifully brooding and somber tune. What is the story behind this track? JONAH: There is a very personal and intense story behind “Only Love." It's an attempt to break out and leave the past behind to find yourself. Would you say you are equally involved in writing the lyrics and creating the music or do you find that one of you tends to take the lead in one aspect? JONAH: For us, it‘s important to create our music together. We’re playing together for hours and we’re recording everything to find moments that feel special to us. When it comes to the lyrics, that's mainly Angelo's area. What was your experience like being on the cover of Tidal and being featured on their playlist? JONAH: Of course we were surprised and it felt great to be seen for your art. We were honored that Tidal chose us for their cover of such a great Playlist. How has growing up in Germany influenced your musical style? JONAH: When we were teenagers and music became our thing, it was artists from the U.S. and the UK that inspired us. Especially Grunge influenced us a lot back in the day. We tried to hear every snippet of our favorite bands, watching MTV all day long and hanging out in record stores to get new music. So basically we can say that Germany didn't have a big influence on our musical style. Describe your experience working with Ben Böhmer and Rob Moose? Will you be working with either of them again in the near future? JONAH: We love writing music with Ben. There is a special and deep connection between us and we found a great way to merge our two musical worlds. We will definitely work together again in the near future. With Rob Moose, it was exciting to hear how he composed this special string version of “Home“. It ́s such a unique and beautiful take on the song. If you could support any band or artist on tour, who would you choose and why? JONAH: We would love to go on tour with Bon Iver, Ben Howard, or Pearl Jam. They are all great live, and we really like their music. Would be cool to share the stage and the backstage with them. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW JONAH:

"BE" is a magically hypnotic track - what was your inspiration for this song, and what does it mean to you? Indyana: I’ve always been drawn to the galaxy and to finding ways of linking it back to myself. The vision for this song was birthed when, one day, I looked into the mirror and came to the realisation that I wasn’t merely looking at ‘me.’ I was looking at the entire universe, at the stars. After all, that’s what we are made of. Star stuff. In my opinion, the natural world provides a much truer reflection of ourselves than a mirror does, and ‘BE’ is a song to help remind people of this, hence the lyrics ‘you’re amazing, I’m stargazing’. I incorporated the mirror theme in the bridge section of the song in the music video, too; I acknowledge the mirror, reject the mirror and return to my true purpose; to be, live, go and give. What nudged you in the direction of music, and when did you decide it was something you wanted to pursue? Indyana: As with most musicians, it started from a very young age. I always loved to sing, and I was raised listening to a wide variety of genres, all the way from heavy metal to sleep music, which opened my mind to loving many forms of music. I was also inspired by my mother and her sisters’ band ‘Rezzalp.’ I heard them song-write and rehearse throughout a large portion of my childhood. However, on a completely different level, I believe that my passion for music truly began at age 9 when I was given the ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ soundtrack. For the first time, I understood just how impactful sound could be on a person’s life. It seems almost absurd to me that my 9-year-old self was so enthralled with a film score…but I was. Then and there, my heart knew what it wanted in life; emotional oscillation and lots of it. Of your live performance experiences, which ones stick with you most and why? Indyana: As you know from my track ‘BE’, I am a singer. However, I was raised as a classical musician on the violin and viola. This might not be the answer you were expecting, but my favourite live performances to date have been with orchestras at venues such as MRC, Hamer Hall, and Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The complexity of orchestral pieces (particularly from the Romantic and 20th Century eras) is so representative of what drives me to create at all. I have cried during almost every orchestral performance I’ve ever been a part of. My biggest dream is to ignite these same intense emotions and feelings of connectedness with my own musical storytelling someday. How many instruments do you currently play, and do you have your eye on learning any others in the near future? Indyana: I play violin, viola, piano, guitar and I sing! I also recently added a steel tongue drum to my collection, which is a really grounding instrument to play. An instrument that I have always wanted to learn is the harp. Whenever I envision my future, a small part of it takes place in a sun-lit room with gold dancing on the walls, reflecting off of my ornate pedal harp. I’m excited for that desire to come to fruition. What do you enjoy most about being an artist? Indyana: My favourite part about being an artist is having ideas. The first idea for a new song, the seventeenth idea when trialing it at an instrument, the fiftieth idea when recording it, and the thousandth idea when bringing the song to a live performance venue. The light-bulb moments; they’re endless. It’s the most childlike, pure, and thrilling experience; to imagine. My imagination goes in all directions. To every extreme of joy and darkness. It has led me to deep sorrow, to panic attacks, and to existentialism. But it has also led me to ecstasy. Unparalleled ecstasy. Nothing makes me feel more alive or more human. If you had to explain yourself through an album, which would you choose and why? Indyana: My debut album, which is currently in the works, is unquestionably what best represents me. However, seeing as that’s not out in the world just yet, I have no other answer than, again, the ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ soundtrack by Nicholas Hooper. I know it doesn’t make much sense to define myself through a soundtrack that is so obviously about a certain set of characters in a certain world. But it’s the only answer that makes sense to me. This film score lies at the core of who I am and of why I create. Perhaps it doesn’t necessarily represent ‘me,’ but, in a sense, it does, and it always will because it never fails to remind me of who I am Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW INDYANA:

“Moment” is an insanely catchy song that carries a profoundly deep message. Would you mind sharing what inspired it and what it means to you? Brandon: This song and project, "Moment," tells my story of both personal and professional setbacks and successes. But really, I wanted to start the conversation around mental health and bring awareness to the challenges and struggles that we sometimes face and might not have the right vocabulary to articulate the emotions or thoughts that run through our mind in times of anxiety, doubt, or even just setbacks. I knew a subject like this can seem as though it could be controversial, but I felt as though I was creating a safe place to identify real-life issues and struggles we all face using this project. What was it like making the video for “Moment,” and what stands out most about that experience? Brandon: I really carried the weight of this project, knowing it was going to be something really special. I actually wrote the song moment back in early 2021, coming right out of lockdown, and I sat on the song for a year. There were a lot of transitions in my personal life. I proposed to my girlfriend of 3 years, Kashawn Watson, who is now my wife and a popular podcaster. We relocated for San Antonio, TX, to Florida. So it really made it even more special when it was time to start production of shooting the short film. I knew I wanted to add a visual short film to tell the story of what I went through over the last few years that others could really relate to. Bringing everyone in on my journey in short form, from the vocal health issues I faced back in 2019 when I lost my voice for 8 months and couldn’t sing and barely speak, from everything being canceled in 2020, to my childhood, getting a guitar, and having a big dream to become someone that could influence culture just by telling their story. That's what this project was for me: “A relatable story for everyone.” You play an impressive array of instruments, from guitars to drums. How did you get started, and which would you say is your favorite? Brandon: Well, actually, my parents are pastors back in Texas, where I was born and raised. I grew up in the church my whole life, and that’s where my interest in music began. I started as a drummer first at 9 years old and picked up a guitar, and started singing and leading worship at 13. I was really just filling in where there was a need and never really knew how it was gonna all unfold, haha. Fast forward 15 or so years now, and I’ve been able to really do a lot off the simple fact that I’m a songwriter and musician. It’s really humbling. My favorite instrument is 100% playing electric guitar! There’s nothing like grabbing a cup of coffee and just playing guitar. How would you describe your songwriting process? Brandon: That's a loaded question! Haha, my songwriting process is never the same way twice. I got inspired at the most random times, driving down the road or when I’m grilling out. I’m a topical writer, so when a topic comes, I can visually see what it is I’m writing about. Who are some of your biggest musical influences or inspirations? Brandon: Some of my biggest musical influences are: NF (his storytelling and visuals are insane!), For King & Country are incredible to watch LIVE, TwentyOne pilots, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, and B.B King. What can your fans look forward to seeing next from you on your musical journey? Brandon: I am in the middle of finishing a full project and have a rollout planned schedule for that in 2023. I do have a release planned for the top of the new year. I’ll be releasing another single and short film. The team and I are really excited about this one! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW BRANDON:

“Ride This Out with Me” is such a vibe – it feels like an excellent rainy-day song, perfect for moody inner reflection. What served as the inspiration behind this track? Molly Aisha: Thanks so much! So I was bored in my uni bedroom, stuck in isolation, and really missing my loved ones. I had the idea of writing a repetitive song to reflect how insane I was going from waking up every day in the same room, doing the same things, and missing the same people. I started playing around with some warm chords that sounded happier than I intended, but I went along with it anyway. It soon ended up becoming an optimistic song about the excitement of life getting better again rather than one about wallowing in my isolation blues. I'm more than okay with that, I think a happy song needed to squeeze out of me at some point! You supported Imogen Harper earlier this year at Northern Guitars. What was that experience like for you? Molly Aisha: It was such a good night, the audience was extremely supportive and respectful throughout my set, and of course, Imogen's performance was incredible. I see from your Insta that you play guitar and piano/keyboard. How did you get started? Do you have your eye on learning any additional instruments in the near future? Molly Aisha: I started learning the basics of both around the age of 10 or 11, as I had the instruments in my house, but I didn't have the patience at that age to sit down learning sheet music for several hours. I had a lot more fun just experimenting than being formally taught, and it's been like that since. As for additional instruments, I've always loved the idea of learning drums but never got 'round to it; follow along to see if it ends up happening! What was it like to make it to Open Mic UK finals, and what knowledge did you gain from those performances? Molly Aisha: I'd never performed in front of a huge audience like that before, so it was very daunting but still an incredible experience as it gave me a taste of what gigging and the music industry is really like. I learnt that it's so important to be yourself and to not waste energy comparing yourself to others, and not to take constructive criticism to heart. If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing instead? Molly Aisha: It's hard to imagine myself not doing music, but I'd probably turn to baking if I weren't pursuing it. That's a hobby of mine that's always relaxed me and lifted my spirits on bad days. Given the opportunity to collab with any artist, past or present, who would it be, and why? Molly Aisha: I think it would have to be Birdy; she's the kind of artist where I listen to her material and instantly think, "Wow, this resonates so much, I wish I had written that." She manages to put my messiest thoughts into relatable lyrics that I could've never come up with myself and expresses them so beautifully through her singing, so collaborating with her would be a dream. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW MOLLY AISHA:

“Night Driving” is such a sweet song, one that definitely makes the listener feel good when they hear it. What inspired the song, and what does it mean to you? Lindsey: So originally, I wrote this song back in 2020 — I was in the middle of a tough relationship, and "Night Driving" was an expression of resiliency and commitment in the midst of uncertainty. I put it away for a few years, but when I was putting together the track list for Juniper, it jumped out at me in a new way. I was preparing to make a huge life transition — uprooting my life in Boston to move to Nashville — and all of a sudden, the song completely shifted meaning. Instead of being about romantic love, the song sounded like an illustration of the dance with the universe that happens when we’re listening to ourselves and creating our own lives. I fell in love with it all over again and sent it over to my producer Daniel Radin. When he sent over the first draft arrangement, I was captivated by the space and the delight I heard it in. In my mind, it’s been the single ever since How frightening was it to take the leap and relocate from Massachusetts to Tennessee – have you had any difficulty adjusting? Have you found that it’s impacted your creative flow? Lindsey: Fear and joy are always tangled together in decisions like this, but I couldn't be happier to have made the move. It already feels like home. I'm certainly in the middle of adjusting and finding my musical footing in the city - I had such a warm, loving, creative community in Boston, and I'm still finding that in Nashville - but the songwriting flow hasn't disappeared at all. I imagine that performing some of your final (just for now!) shows in the Boston area was bittersweet. What are some of your favorite memories from those July performances? Lindsey: Wrapping up my time in Boston was enormously bittersweet. I knew this transition was the right one to make, but Boston was my home for 11 years - so much formation, so much growth, and so much love happened there. That last show felt partially like a going away party and partially like a beautiful culmination of my time in Boston. I see that you are also part of the trio known as Visiting Wine. What has that experience been like for you, and what knowledge have you gained from it? Artist: Visiting Wine has been the most joyful, most fruitful creative experience of my life. The Visiting Wine family are my favorite musical collaborators, and it is an absolute gift to be able to make music with them. We still have a few things on the horizon, so Visiting Wine is alive and well. Who are some of your biggest musical influences and inspirations? Lindsey: I find myself listening to a lot of female songwriters and girl bands right now - I'm particularly fond of rich harmonies. My favorite bands right now are JOSEPH, the Staves, HAIM, and MUNA. What aspects are the most rewarding about being an artist, and which are the most challenging? Lindsey: The most rewarding part is getting to be part of the intimate pieces of people's lives and realizing over and over again that humans are all connected by their shared experiences. My music has been the soundtrack of faraway friends, it has been played at friends' weddings and engagements. There is something so special and sacred about being able to participate in peoples' lives in that way. The most challenging part is getting through the vulnerability fears, especially when it comes to releasing songs that are a bit sadder. It's easier for me to show up musically as an encouraging buoy, but it's harder to show up with honesty about sad or difficult feelings. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW LINDSEY: