I found “Here Comes the Light” to be a song that has anthem-quality power – to me, it speaks of recognizing and reclaiming one’s power, of getting back up after the fall. Would you mind sharing what this song means to you and what inspired it? Ben: This one is interesting; I've had a few people ask me if I wrote it about this or that as it can apply to a few different scenarios. That's one of the best things for me about writing music. I always try to write something that's relatable to everyone. Something everyone has experienced and can picture vividly in their minds. When songs are left a bit more open-ended, they allow for more connectedness with the listener. That said, this one I wrote very specifically about my wife and me. In fact, the album as a whole tells our story. One of our biggest struggles was dealing with our mental health, and once we were able to overcome that emotionally and physically exhausting hurdle, the light came through, and our marriage quickly started to get better. The lyric "you've got a new pill to swallow" is quite literal. I’ve read that your album Phoenix has been in the making for four years; it is both truly a labor of love and tangible evidence of your dedication to your art. What were some of the challenges you encountered during its creation, and what steps did you take to overcome them? Ben: With any record, time and money are always two of the biggest factors I think for any independent musician. Only recently did I start building my own home studio, but until then, I've had to rely on others for recording everything. I'll still continue to work with my friend/engineer/producer who worked with me on Phoenix, but at least I have flexibility. Music as a passion project on the side can always be difficult to manage, specifically with time. Having a full-time job and a family can keep you pretty occupied. In order to work around that, I would take time off from work to record in the studio during the day or found myself staying up into the early hours tracking or producing on my own. It's not perfect, but it works. As some may know, the Phoenix is a symbol of resurrection, life after death, and immortality in some mythologies; it is also associated with the sun. “Here Comes the Light” certainly follows these concepts – what other themes can listeners expect to hear on the album? Ben: The record focuses on the life and death of a relationship as well as its resurrection from the ashes. It's about searching for someone, finding them, and desperately holding on. And most importantly, it's about adversity and not giving up. For me - my wife and I - our story is the phoenix. Of the songs on Phoenix, if you had to choose only one, which resonates with you the most, or holds the greatest meaning for you? Ben: "On My Way Home" probably sticks with me the most of any other song on the record. I have a tendency to write mostly pop music, but I love and am inspired by folk music. The emotions, the production, all of it I keep close to my heart. Your website indicates that you began your musical career at the age of fifteen, which has opened the door to some incredible opportunities, including myriad live performances and supporting acts such as Collective Soul, Ludacris, and Simple Plan. Are you looking forward to getting back to live performances, and do you have any artists in mind that you would like to work with? Ben: I've been playing gigs for a very long time, and in the last few years, I've continued to do so, but mostly in settings designed more for cover songs. I really do enjoy being able to play my originals for people, and I find most of the time that they enjoy it. But finding an audience for it can be difficult, especially living in a city that doesn't have a strong original music presence. That said, I have a number of artists that I really enjoy and would love to work with. Ed Sheeran certainly comes to mind as I love his writing style, his rhythms, and rhyme schemes. My favorite songwriter, though, is from Australia, Ben Abraham. Not only are his songs catchy and downright beautiful, but his performances are full of emotion that allows the listener to truly connect to his songs. His work has been very inspiring to me, and I'd love nothing more than to sit down and pick his brain. What advice would you give to an artist that is just starting out? Ben: The music world feels almost infinite as we swim in an oversaturated sea of talent. It's hard not to find yourself getting lost in it all and wondering how one can have their voice heard. As frustrating as that can be, I try telling myself that what's most important are those connections you make with the audience that you gain. Even if only 50 people follow you on your social media platforms or buy or stream your music, you are still impacting those 50 people - and that's a pretty stellar thing. I stopped writing and performing for several years, and now I feel like I'm starting over. In a sense, my musical journey is also synonymous with the phoenix. I took a break because I wasn't satisfied with my direction or the art I was putting out. But as I've returned my focus to writing, recording, and performing, I remind myself that my reason for doing this is my love of music. So long as you love what you're doing, don't ever give up. Because at the end of the day, even if you don't know it, you matter to someone - and that is the gift that music gives us. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW BEN:

Boy I Got U On My Mind is insanely catchy and definitely a vibe, and it's a perfect song for summer! Can you share the story behind this song? theoneDNA: Hello Pop Passion Blog and readers! My name is theoneDNA, an Orange County-based singer/songwriter. Thank you so much for featuring me on your platform! I’m so stoked to hear y’all dig the song! I would be more than happy to share the origins of how “Boy I Got U” came to be. In 2019, I started writing a bunch of new material, feeling I had reached a point where I wanted to manifest something I could really call my own. Specifically, I really wanted to write a lighthearted, quirky love song. I vividly remember being in the shower (sorry, TMI!) when I came up with its hook. I immediately hopped out, itching to jump into my home studio. Within less than an hour, I had the song’s skeleton down. It was such a special moment for me, as I could not stop smiling to myself while working on the demo. I told myself, “Yes, this is it.” And thus, “Boy I Got U” was born. Fast forward to today, I feel ecstatic to share the official record, and the music video is finally out! A labor of love, I feel it was certainly worth the wait for me. I hope y’all will enjoy it, too. On one of your Insta posts, you share your struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression. Do you find yourself channeling these emotions into your music as an outlet? theoneDNA: I appreciate you giving me the platform to talk about mental health, and continuing to normalize its importance within our society. Being someone who was diagnosed with the aforementioned, I have found myself feeling incredibly isolated and disconnected from reality. A few years ago during one of the roughest periods of my life, I felt like I was barely existing, forced to muster whatever physical and mental capacity I had left to simply make it through the day. If there was a facet of my life that really played a significant part in my own healing, that would undoubtedly be music. Music in more ways than one really saved me from my own internal demons. Music has always been and will continue to be a cathartic release for me and a way for me to recalibrate my psyche. That said, I’ve since been in a much better place, and I couldn’t feel any more grateful. I would like to take this as an opportunity to remind others who are struggling that it does, and will, get better. You are never alone in your adversities. What made you want to learn the guitar and the piano, and which do you prefer? theoneDNA: Haha, total disclaimer. I don’t play the guitar! If you thought I did from one of my music videos, that was just a prop. I guess I played it off well… :) But the piano I do play. I’m not the greatest by any means, but definitely enough to get by and write my songs. Growing up, I always wanted to pick up an instrument. I was exposed to music at a very young age, and that was all I ever thought about. I’m blessed to say my parents have always been supportive of my career choice. I remember them taking me to my first-ever piano lesson, and that was pretty cool! I’m really glad I took on these lessons as they really helped shape a foundation for me as a musician. Besides your own, what are some of your favorite songs to sing? theoneDNA: Oh my goodness, I have so many! But if I had to choose songs I love to perform live (I’m a sucker for classics, by the way), then lately it’s been “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx. Every time I sing this song on stage, the audience never fails to take out their flashlights and sing their hearts out. It’s always such a beautiful moment when you get to really connect with people. And that’s really the beauty of music. My greatest idol is Mariah Carey (I’ve only seen her 7 times) and I could say she plays an influence in my work. One of my favorite records from her catalog I also love to do live is “Hero”. This song will always resonate closely with me as it helped me get through some trying times. Of course, I have so many more favorites but we’d be here all day! What are some of the most memorable moments from your first studio recording session? theoneDNA: You are certainly taking me on a trip down memory lane! I believe I was 11-12 when I had my first (of many!) studio recording sessions. I remember being completely fascinated and geeking out over the recording booth and the wide array of studio equipment the sound engineer had. I told myself, “Yup, I am certainly living the dream!” Hearing your voice being professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered for the first time was truly a surreal experience for me. In a way, it also helped solidify the belief that I am meant to do this for the rest of my life. What do you feel is the key to success, both in the industry and in life overall? theoneDNA: As someone who’s been navigating through the entertainment industry for almost their entire life, I can most definitely share that consistency, determination, and not being afraid of failing (it’s how you grow!) are some of the key ingredients to success, both in one’s career choice and personal endeavors. As a firm advocate for unapologetically embracing your individuality, staying true to yourself is imperative. Take control of your narrative. The road to success will not always be sunshine and rainbows. You will constantly be tested, and more than likely bump into certain situations that will try to steer you off course. However, it is certainly more than tangible if you have that self-belief that you can achieve whatever you set your mind and heart towards. The journey may seem grueling and never-ending at times, but trust me, it’ll be so worthwhile! Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW theoneDNA:

"Count the Ways" is such a cute song, and to me, it reminds me that love isn’t just a noun, it’s also a verb - it requires action. There are countless ways to express love without voicing the word itself. Please share the story and inspiration behind this song. Adeline: I was having trouble figuring out how I felt about someone. The best way I could describe how I felt was by listing all of the moments I had with this person where I really felt at home. I also absolutely love poetry, and I knew I wanted to write a song inspired by Elizabeth Barret Browning's "How Do I Love Thee?". When I started to merge those two ideas, I realized those moments were how I loved this person. I couldn't tell them how I felt, but those shared experiences were words enough. I saw on your Insta that "Count the Ways" may be one of the favorite songs you’ve written. Why does this song stand out and what makes it so special to you? Adeline: I always try to write from a very real place. But with "Count the Ways", the process of writing the song helped me figure out what my own emotions towards this person were, and I think you can hear the confusion, love, and longing all wrapped up together in the lyrics. How would you describe your songwriting process? What practices or rituals do you have to help get the creativity flowing? Adeline: I write my songs about experiences in my life that have stood out to me or really impacted me in some way. I think that raw, unfiltered emotion is what makes a song really beautiful. So, in order to tap into that, I try to be as real with myself as possible. Usually, I end up writing at night in my room, when I'm the most unfiltered version of myself. I keep a journal on me at all times during the day so I can write down lyrics or ideas that come to me. Then, at night, I take out my guitar and look over the ideas in my notebook. Then, I'll just play around for a bit and see what sticks. Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations? Adeline: Growing up, I listened to a lot of my parent's music, and I think that those voices were the first that shaped me as a musician. Billy Joel, Tracy Chapman, and The Dire Straits are some of my favorites. On the more contemporary side; Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, Tate Mcrae, and Lana Del Rey are all beautiful songwriters that I have had on repeat lately. What is an instrument that you’d like to learn, and why? Adeline: This past summer I've been working to get better at guitar, so I'd like to master that first before I start something new... but learning how to play the drums would be pretty sick (mostly because I think drummers are the coolest people on the planet). I see on your website that you describe yourself as both a singer and an actor. What is coming next for you? Adeline: I've been acting for as long as I can remember. Right now, I've been enjoying focusing on my music, but I do still love drama and have some really cool auditions coming up that I'm super excited for. But, music is my top priority right now, and I'm so excited to announce some new music soon.... Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW ADELINE:

I love the dissonance between the upbeat music and the serious nature of the lyrics in "The One Who's Crying." Do you mind sharing what, or who is the inspiration behind it? Brianna: Thank you! My co-writer/producer Brandon Lew and I really wanted to write something with that level of contradiction, highlighting the inner conflict you go through during a breakup. We had a lot of fun making it and finding that groove. At its core, “The One Who’s Crying” is about the difficulty of getting over someone you really cared for, even though they disappointed you. I’m essentially calling myself out for my inability to move on and acknowledging all the semi-toxic habits that I have picked up in order to cope with heartbreak. Your Insta has some pics of you playing both the piano and the guitar. How long have you been playing these instruments, and which do you prefer? Brianna: I’ve been playing the piano since middle school, but it never came easily to me. I often cried before my recitals until finally, my teacher offered to have me sing while she played instead. Somehow, that was way less nerve-wracking. Who knows why? Guitar is much newer to me, but I definitely prefer it. I’ve been playing for a little over a year and a half now and I just love it. Currently, my favorite thing to play is Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.” I play it all the time and my neighbors probably hate me for it. What first got you into music, and when did you know you wanted to be an artist? Brianna: Growing up, I was surrounded by music. My dad had a huge book of CDs in his car filled with every rock album you could think of (Green Day, U2, Nirvana, Queen, etc). We would blast through each of them every time he drove me to school. My mom played the piano and would accompany me as I sang from James Taylor and Billy Joel to the entire score of Wicked. Needless to say, I had a lot of inspiration to draw from. I would write songs and poems a lot as a kid but never really shared them. During the pandemic, I moved back in with my parents and just found myself spending hours at the piano writing songs just to release some sense of how confused and isolated I felt. I started to send my friends voice memos of things I had written, and they encouraged me to actively pursue putting my music out there. The rest is history. I’m truly thrilled to be receiving such incredible feedback as I embark on this new adventure. It’s literally surreal to think that a year ago, I was sitting at a piano thinking “hmm this might be cool to take a bit more seriously.” Now I have two fully-produced songs out (and more on the way…). It all feels pretty surreal. I’m so excited to see where this takes me. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of music? Brianna: I’m an actor, so I am currently pursuing a tv/film career in LA. On my days off, I love throwing my bike into the back of my car and driving to Hermosa Beach where I ride along The Strand. I grew up in a small town by the beach so it makes me feel at home. I also love hiking, reading whatever the current best-selling thriller novel is (nothing has topped Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl), and playing Nancy Drew computer games. Don’t knock them until you’ve tried them. They’re incredibly addictive. I see that you took a trip to Thailand. Have you considered drawing inspiration from or infusing cultural elements from your travels into your music? Brianna: Ah yes! Thailand was my last trip before the pandemic hit. It was super special. I haven’t really thought about that. Maybe one day. If anything, the experience of travel would probably draw inspiration about being completely present. We live in a world where we constantly look forward to the next thing and don’t often take a second to acknowledge and be grateful for where we are. I feel the most present in my life when I am traveling. I feel very lucky to have had the ability to see the world so early on in my life. It has definitely helped me gain a ton of perspective. If you could open a show for any artist, who would you choose, and why? Brianna: God that’s so hard. I love so many artists. I would have to say Lizzy McAlpine. She has been a huge inspiration for a lot of my music recently. Her lyrics are so honest and palpable. I also just find her extremely relatable as a person. She seems genuinely excited and grateful for her success and that’s a wonderful thing to look up to. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW BRIANNA:

I love the Latin X influence in Unstoppable, makes it an undeniably catchy song and one that's perfect to dance to. Can you tell us the inspiration behind this song? Abigail: I was stuck at home during covid and felt trapped so I made this song for anyone who just needed to get out. Hence the lyrics “I need to get away” and “been locked up in a cage, but now the door is open.” It is a song about letting go and just having fun which we all need. Out of your live performances, which would you say was your best, and what was it like? Abigail: My best performance was definitely at the Hobby center because I had room to dance around and get the audience moving as well. It was a huge stage, and when I got on the stage there were like 200 people. I just gave it my all and danced around the stage. I saw people videotaping and having fun and it just made me have fun. If you could collab with any artist in the world, who would you choose and why? Abigail: Melanie Martinez because I love her style of music and how creepy yet poppy it is. I love the sound effects she adds in her background sound effects and the lyrics she makes with the amazing messages hidden. What do you enjoy most about being an artist? Abigail: I enjoy making people smile and relate to what my music is about. This has been my passion since the age of 4 when I started music theater and I have just always loved to entertain. If you weren’t pursuing a music career, what would you be doing instead? Abigail: Acting, because I started off acting when I was 4 and then later started music on its own. What are your future plans for your musical journey? Abigail: I would love to grow a fan base and travel the world with my music and messages. I would love to inspire people and help them feel that they aren't alone. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW ABIGAIL:

The emotion you've captured in this song is tangible, stirring up the listener's own vivid summer memories. What is the story behind the song "Circles"? Allison: I wrote Circles during the summer of 2020 when the world felt very uncertain and we were not allowed outside of our houses except for essentials. At night I found comfort in skateboarding around my neighborhood just soaking up the night air and the freedom. Circles was born out of that feeling of finding comfort and a sense of normalcy during a very abnormal time. I see from your Insta that you play both the guitar and the piano - how did you learn to play these instruments? Allison: I took piano lessons as a child and was never a great piano student but the fundamentals stuck with me. I picked it back up a few years ago when I started writing songs of my own. My Mother bought me a guitar in college, I think she knew I needed a creative outlet between all my grueling regular classes and it opened up a whole new world for me of being able to sing and accompany myself. I'm very mediocre at both instruments but find a lot of joy in playing and trying to improve. How would you describe your songwriting process, what is it like? Allison: Most often my process starts with a feeling or an idea that I feel pulled to capture and put into song. The lyrics and melody usually start flowing simultaneously and I grab my phone and record voice memos and write the lyrics down in my notes app. After that initial burst of creativity, the work really begins. I feel like I'm oftentimes trying to refine and sift through ideas to discover what the song wants to be. If you weren't pursuing a music career, what would you see yourself doing instead? Allison: I have a lot of varied interests that pull me in lots of directions but music was my first love and has proven to be the most enduring one. I enjoy painting, videography, and have a Master's in science so probably something along those lines. Of the songs that you have released, which is your favorite, or holds the most meaning for you? You can only pick one! Allison: Oooh, that's a tough one! My song "For You" was written during a difficult and transitional phase of my life and holds a special place in my heart. The emotions are so personal to me that it still gives me chills when I listen to it sometimes. I had always pictured the production of it to have lots of vocal layers and an almost otherworldly sound and I think we achieved that which makes it very rewarding and magical for me as a songwriter. Who are some of your biggest musical influences or inspirations? Allison: I love The Lumineers for their raw storytelling and the folksy vibe of their music. I'm also endlessly inspired by Taylor Swift and her ability to reinvent her style and create magic on every album. Ingrid Michealson is another favorite and had a big influence on me when I first started playing guitar. Her songs feel very personal and feminine and are still some of my very favorite songs to listen to. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW ALLISON:

I was blown away by Poured Out - it resonates with me because of my interactions and experiences with a certain individual. What is the story behind this song, and what does it mean to you? Nilka Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to me that this song resonates with you. My husband is a paramedic and can handle an immense amount of stress - more than the average person- and he thrives in it. This song was inspired by a time when he was working full time (48 hours a week) and taking a hard college course online to complete his Bachelor's in Emergency Management, and the stress got to be so much that, without telling me how overwhelmed he was, he stopped submitting any work for the class until he failed it and went into his own self-shaming bubble which translated to constant anger and judgment towards his surroundings. It was so unlike him but he didn't know how else to communicate his shame and feelings because he rarely would get that stressed out. Since then I have learned to watch for the signs when he is getting overwhelmed and we try to take preventative actions so he knows he is never alone in his stress, but what I learned from that experience was just how human my husband is. It's easy to think we know a person when we are with them long enough but the truth is that we don't know 100% what is going on in their mind especially if they are good at pretending they are okay. I wrote this song to be a reminder of how deep sacrificial love goes. It doesn't give up on anyone. How has being a Florida native influenced you and your music? Nilka: After living in Tennessee for 8 years, I didn’t know how much I would miss seeing the palm trees and the beaches of my home state. While everyone knows the sunny Florida beaches to be a prime vacation destination (and I do love the Gulf coast), I’ve always felt drawn to the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the marshes. Those have influenced my branding and my music to some degree. My music has been more influenced by growing up listening to my mom’s Motown music and the salsa music playing at my dad’s house. Your website indicates that you started creating songs at the age of 9, and learned how to play guitar five years later. How has your relationship with music and this journey influenced your worldview? Nilka: Music and songwriting have always been my way of communicating my experiences and emotions when I felt like there was no other way to share them. I think art and creativity are so much deeper than showing off a talent; they are the outlet we need to better cope with the ups and downs life throws at us and they are a gift for everyone, not just those who are “good at it.” In a world full of so much tension and fear of the unknown or loss of control, I think music and art, in general, could teach us to be more empathetic because of the deep connection through emotion and relatability, therefore, less self-centered or narcissistic. I hope music could be as therapeutic for the rest of the world as it has been for me. When did you realize you wanted to be an artist? Nilka: I grew up always knowing I would be a songwriter but it wasn’t until my senior year of college that I realized that my writing is so influenced by my perspective and voice, the songs felt less authentic performed by someone who didn’t write them. I know my voice has its limitations and I have so much room to grow in my writing but I always want to share my truth in my writing and my voice plays a major role in sharing that. If you could collab with any artist in the world, who would you choose and why? Nilka: Labrinth! I’ve always loved his eclectic style and unapologetic lyrics. He says what he feels and his melodies are so unique. I would love to see what we could come up with together. Being where you are now if you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give her? Nilka: If I could talk to my younger self I would tell her that her voice matters and not to let her doubts or other people’s opinions hold her back from what she wants to accomplish because it only slows her down. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW NILKA:

Açai is so catchy and fun! Can you tell us more about the inspiration for the song? Lily: Thank you! Açai was inspired by a crush I had. We went on a few dates and it was so promising but it went nowhere. No one did anything wrong and so for the first time I felt a bit bitter but not angry and I wanted to write a song that celebrated the experience of enjoying the fantasy, the hope, and even the failure of it all but I wanted to keep it light-hearted. The fruit Açai has a bittersweet flavour (in my opinion) so I thought it perfectly encapsulated the vibe of the song and made the perfect title. You were raised in New Jersey but were born to parents from Brazil, your dad is from a rural town and your mom is from Vilha Velha. How do you feel this has influenced the way you approach music? Lily: It influenced me a lot! I grew up with my parents putting on parties and events for our Brazilian community in New Jersey and oftentimes they had me and my sister (she plays bass and we had a band) go up and play but we played pop punk and I always felt awful interrupting the dancing and fun for some unwanted rock n roll. My wheels started turning on how I could fuse my style with the gorgeous fun sounds from Brazilian music. I always loved all of it, samba, axé, bossanova, funk carioca, forro, but I was also growing up wanting to be Avril Lavigne so it took several years to find this sound that blends all parts of me. What is the earliest memory you have of wanting to become a musician? Lily: My earliest memory of wanting to become a musician was when I was 7. I was at a bbq with my family and a guy had a guitar and started playing and everyone surrounded him in a circle singing along. I thought it was so beautiful and so I asked for a guitar for Christmas that year and started playing. Which of your own songs, other than Açai, is your favorite? Lily: This is such a hard question because they are my babies! I would say for dancing Jabuticaba or Bomba but my favorite songwriting is Roses. Which qualities do you think make someone a great musician? Lily: I think a lot of people have an illusion that musicians are all born with talent but most of us are not. I think a great musician is someone who never thinks they're good enough and always wants to grow and get better. What is the best advice you've ever been given? Lily: My favorite piece of advice I give and follow every day is that it's better to half-ass something than to not do it at all. There's that popular saying "do it right or don't do it at all" and I wholeheartedly disagree. Life is too short and who defines "getting it right" . We're human, we grow and we can only do better the next time if we did it this time. I think perfectionism is an excuse to quit from fear of failing. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW LILY:

What life experiences inspired you to write "Like You"? NEZZY: I was on holiday in Corsica and I listened to some US rock bands while chilling on the beach, artists like Blink-182. When I got back to the studio, I tried to create strong guitar gimmicks and Like You came to light thanks to this more "pop-rock" mood than I usually have. If "Like You" had a music video, what would you want it to look like? NEZZY: That would probably be a video based on fans' footage, where people would show some of the coolest actions - activities they like sharing with their friends. Because the song says it all: "nobody does it like you". By the way, a lyrics video is now available on my Youtube channel. I saw on your YouTube channel that you have a home studio with a lot of instruments. If you could only play one instrument for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? NEZZY: I’m very familiar with my piano but I’d choose my guitar for sure because this instrument is more in phase with my state of mind, probably more charming, too... What is your best memory of performing live? NEZZY: I’ve got two in mind. First would be performing Green Fest post-summer in Avignon because it was my biggest crowd ever, it was amazing and I felt a lot of deep emotions when I dropped my songs in front of these thousands of party people. I also can mention my French tour with Trinix, we were on the road together during two weeks so when it was the last show, in our hometown of Lyon, we were totally overwhelmed by emotions. For me, it was such a special moment to share 100% of my own music LIVE in front of hundreds of fans, including my close family and childhood friends. I read in your Spotify bio that you're from France! How do you feel the music scene in or near Lyon has influenced your personal taste in music? NEZZY: French scene has always influenced me because our artists have been so talented in terms of electronic music. I was born with Daft Punk in my ears, since I’ve listened to music, French electronic artists have always been part of my culture and then I was also blown away by the international success of these new artists like Petit Biscuit, Kungs, and Madeon, who literally exploded while they were young, so I’ve tried to follow their path… If you could tour with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be? NEZZY: It's a very hard question so I'm gonna share my top five with you: DJ Snake San Holo Daft Punk Michael Jackson Billie Eilish Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW NEZZY:

I absolutely love "Playing with Fire"! Can you talk more about the inspiration behind the song? Alex: Thank you so much, I'm so excited about it! The song is about holding on to a past lover when they've already moved on, just so you can keep the good parts a little longer, even though it's painful. I was going through a breakup with a guy and we stupidly agreed to be friends. He moved on really quickly and that was hard to watch, so I prossessed my emotions the only way I know how; I wrote about it. What is the best part of songwriting for you? Alex: I live for the storytelling, I want to paint a picture and tell a full story with every song. The older I get the more I realise that the human experience is pretty homogenous. Despite sharing so many of the same experiences we somehow manage to feel alone in the hardships we go through. I want to write songs that make people feel like someone has lived through what they're going through, and that they're going to be ok. Your first single, "Gone (are the days)" came out back in September. What has the response to that song been like? Alex: The response has been really good! I'm a very new and small artist and don't have the biggest reach yet, but the people I did reach really seemed to love it! People still reach out to tell me they loved the vibe and the message and it brings me to tears every time. What advice would you give to listeners who are caught up in difficult relationships like the ones described in your songs? Alex: Personally I think we hold on to those types of relationships when we don't get closure, and we fault the other person for not giving it to us. Ask yourself what the lesson is. Difficult relationships in my experience - whether it is friends, lovers or family - inspire growth. Every challenging experince comes with a lesson, and through them all it's been up to me to decide if I'm ready to learn that lesson. I think that's when you get closure, when you've learned and grown from it. What kind of music did you listen to growing up and how has it inspired your work? Alex: I was a true y2k-kid, and my mp3 player was loaded with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Destiny's Child and Black Eyed Peas. I think I lived on the cusp between pop and hip-hop and really appreciated a good beat. These days I still reference back to my y2k-playlist in the studio when I'm looking for a specific sound or vibe, and still value a good production. When did you first know you wanted to be a musician? Alex: This makes me giggle, cause I can clearly remember announcing to my mom that I would be the next Britney Spears when I was about five years old. Music has been a big part of how I define myself from a really young age, but I don't think I realised that I wanted to do it professionally untill I was in high school. Since then it's been a really bumpy and challenging road, but I'm commited to it now, and will ride out this wave as far as it takes me. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW ALEX:

The lyrics of "Solo" are so inspiring and relatable. What was your favorite aspect of writing this song? Fran: Thank you! I think my favourite aspect was writing the line “I think I’ll just keep feeling golden” - it just felt like a really good fit but almost TOO good to the point when I looked it up to make sure I wasn’t stealing it from anyone haha. Overall it’s just made me feel really good to write a song that keeps me uplifted and can do the same for other people too. What advice would you have for your listeners who may be struggling to find their "solo" identities? Fran: Take yourself out on dates. It doesn’t have to be expensive if you don’t have much money to work with, but just make sure to make time for yourself to do fun things. Take yourself on nice walks, out for coffee, on days out to beautiful places. Don’t wait to be in a relationship to do everything you’ve wanted and give yourself the love you’ve been waiting for right now. "Solo" is the first single from your new EP "Conversations with Ground." What can listeners expect from this upcoming release? Fran: I would say to expect the unexpected. I’ve really pushed myself in terms of production and also the topics I’m covering in this EP. It lays out a journey from being in an abusive relationship, the anger and helplessness in the aftermath of that, followed by the desire for revenge and finally the growing into an acceptance and joy that is reflected in Solo. I saw on your YouTube channel that you have posted a lot of covers over the years. Who is your biggest musical inspiration? Fran: Although I haven’t actually done any covers of her work, I’d have to say Regina Spektor. I love her willingness to tell stories in so many different ways and to be so honest in her lyrics - the way sometimes she’ll lay it all out for you plain as day and leave it mysterious at others. She’s such a unique and wonderful artist. When did you know you wanted to be an artist? Fran: It’s hard to truly pin it down but I have always adored singing, even before I was any good at it. I started writing songs in my early teens (not particularly successfully) but knew that I wanted to do it. It just took me a while to have the courage! If you could talk to your younger self, what would you tell her? Fran: I would tell her to sleep more! And to put herself first. We all deserve to be taken care of beautifully, especially by ourselves. Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW FRAN:

The lyrics of "Chlorine" are so beautiful and relatable. What served as the inspiration behind this song? Ella: Thank you! This song was inspired by the frustration of moving on from someone who was clearly bad for you, thus the metaphor of liking the smell of chlorine. It's a smell that is nostalgic and reminds you of fun parts of your life, but at the end of the day, it’s toxic. I feel like that is applicable to so many friendships and relationships because we find ourselves so caught up in the fun times we have with someone that we are willing to neglect each red flag and accept every apology. If "Chlorine" could be added to the soundtrack of any movie, what movie would you choose and why? Ella: I love this question! It’s hard to pick just one, but one of my favorite movies is The Breakfast Club, and I feel like the coming-of-age vibes match some of the themes in Chlorine. A lot of its feelings are relevant to the high school experiences we get from cliques and toxic people. What do you want listeners to take away from "Chlorine"? Ella: I hope that listeners can relate to it and feel seen. One of my biggest goals in the song was to tie together all of the negative feelings with a slight twinge of relief from leaving a toxic person, so I hope this song captures that for them. If you could spend a day with one celebrity, who would it be, and what would you want to do with them? Ella: There are so many people that come to mind, but I’d love to spend a day with Joni Mitchell just talking about music. I mean, she is one of the most successful female songwriters in history and is a huge inspiration to me. When you're not working on music, what do you like to do? Ella: When I’m not working on my own stuff, I love listening to music and going to concerts. But aside from that, another creative outlet of mine is clothes! I work at a boutique on weekends and I love going thrifting with friends and building my outfits every morning. I see personal style as an opportunity to show your personality to a stranger, which I think is a cool opportunity. What can we expect from you in 2023? Ella: I have some things in the works for 2023 that I’m excited to share. I’m hoping to have a few singles and an EP out soon, so stick around if you like Chlorine! Interviewed By Tessa Brainard FOLLOW ELLA: