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Photo From Black Music Project The roots of country music have been heavily discussed in the last two years. The reason why is primarily because of Beyonce. I went to see her live last month. You can check out my review of her concert here . She inspired me to do my own research. So what did I learn? I learned that white and black people worked together to create country music, but only one race was effectively erased from its history and only one race receives flack today for making country music. Can you guess which race that is? Let's go ahead and take a look at the roots of country music through the lens of black people. Banjo The banjo we see today can be traced back to West Africa. Indigenous Africans created an instrument known as the Akonting. This instrument was made out of gourds and animal hide. When Africans were forced into slavery, they brought the instrument to America. Joel Walker Sweeney is credited with popularizing the banjo. He replaced the gourd body with a wooden box and performed at minstrel shows with it. Minstrel shows were popular mid-19th century theatrical entertainment performed by white actors wearing blackface to mimic and humiliate enslaved Africans and their lifestyles. Thus making it popular among white people and leading to appropriation of their culture. The instrument is used not only in country, but also in bluegrass, folk, gospel, and jazz. Hillbilly Music Hillbilly music was introduced in the 1920s. The genre originally drew inspiration from slave spirituals, religious hymns, and blues. During its early development, black and white hillbilly artists were actually collaborating, but record labels interfered and chose to segregate them into hillbilly records and race records. Despite having contributed to hillbilly records, the separation led to black songwriters and performers being uncredited on those tracks. Post World War l, hillbilly music was rebranded as country music. From then on, country music was considered white music created and performed solely by white people for white audiences. That belief is still used today to say that country music created by black artists is not real country and justify not playing their music on country radio or giving them awards. Photo From African Bluegrass First Successful Black Country Artists Despite being effectively erased and excluded from a genre they helped create, some black artists still found a way to become popular, receive credit for their contributions, and shape the culture. DeFord Bailey’s harmonica playing was a bridge between blues and country. In 1927, he became the first black performer at the Grand Ole Opry which started out as a radio show and became very popular once he joined. Lesley Riddle taught The Carter Family different songs and guitar techniques despite only having three fingers on his right hand. His unique playing style was popularized by Maybelle Carter and became known as the “Carter Scratch” or “Carter Picking”. Rufus Payne mentored Hank Williams from a young age and helped him grow into the legendary artist he became. He taught him how to play guitar and how to perform, exposed him to blues, and influenced his singing style. The same thing can be said about Gus Cannon and Johnny Cash . Gus Cannon popularized jug bands and served as a mentor to Johnny Cash by exposing him to the Memphis music scene and different music. Chuck Berry , a rock and roll pioneer, is another artist whose music transcended genres. Songs like “ Maybellene ” and “ Johnny B. Goode ” appealed to both white and black audiences and influenced generations of pop and country artists. Ray Charles released Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music Volumes 1 and 2 in 1962. The two albums blended country with R&B, pop, jazz, and soul which was completely unheard of for that time. Charley Pride was country music’s first black superstar. He amassed a whopping 52 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs including “ All I Have to Offer You (Is Me) ”, “ Kiss An Angel Good Mornin ”, “ Someone Loves You Honey ”, “ Honky Tonk Blues ”, and “ Night Games ”. Linda Martell was the first commercially successful black female country artist. Her hit album, Color Me Country, featured hit songs: “ Color Him Father ”, “ Before the Next Teardrop Falls ”, and “ Bad Case of the Blues ”. Due to a combination of racism, sexism, and blackmail, she was forced to leave the country music scene, but her legacy will always live on. DeFord Bailey, Charley Pride, and Ray Charles are the only black musicians to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. All these artists changed the way country music was seen, expressed, and consumed by audiences back then and now. They paved the way for and influenced all country artists regardless of race. Current Black Country Artists There has been an uptick of black musicians successfully making country music in the 21st century. Darius Rucker started his career as the frontman of a popular rock band, Hootie & the Blowfish . After the band went on hiatus, he revamped himself as a country singer starting with his second solo album. He has amassed numerous hits including “ Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It ”, “ This ”, “ Wagon Wheel ”, “ Homegrown Honey ”, and “ If I Told You ”. Kane Brown debuted in 2015. He has numerous hit songs on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts such as “ What Ifs ”, “ Heaven ”, “ Homesick ”, “ Famous Friends ”, and “ Miles On It ”. Beyonce ’s first stint with country music was back in 2016. She performed “ Daddy Lessons ” off of her Lemonade album at the Country Music Awards. The performance was met with pure hate. Fast forward to 2024, she releases Cowboy Carter, an album born out of that pure hate, to universal acclaim, a number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for " Texas Hold Em ", multiple Grammies including Best Country Album and Album of the Year, the creation of a new Grammy category, and a plethora of other accomplishments. The greatest living performer now has the highest grossing country tour of all time! Shortly after being featured on Beyonce’s album, Shaboozey released “ A Bar Song (Tipsy) ” which quickly became one of the biggest songs of all time. The song went number one for 19 non-consecutive weeks tying the record with Lil Nas X ’s 2019 country rap debut “ Old Town Road ”. You've seen these artists, heard their music, and felt their influence, but what about the lesser known artists? I want to take this moment to highlight some smaller black musicians who have been contributing to the country music scene and deserve more shine. Multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens is known for her work in country, Americana, roots, blues, and folk. She has released many solo albums since 2015 and been a part of several different successful groups. Rissi Palmer is known for her biggest hit, “ Country Girl ”. She has a popular podcast titled Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music. Mickey Guyton is best known for ” Better Than You Left Me ”, “ Black Like Me ”, and “ Boys ”. Jimmie Allen has accumulated four hit songs: “ Best Shot ”, “ Make Me Want To ”, “ Freedom Was A Highway ”, and “ Down Home ”. Blanco Brown is a country rapper best known for “ The Git Up ”. Willie Jones is a former X Factor contestant who has released two albums this decade. Brittney Spencer released her solo debut album, My Stupid Life, at the beginning of 2024. Tanner Addell released her solo debut album, Buckle Bunny, in summer of 2023. Reyna Roberts released her solo debut album in September of 2023. Tiera Kennedy released her solo debut album in October of last year and is the host of Apple Music Country’s The Tiera Show. You probably didn’t know these artists existed, but now you do. I strongly encourage you to check out their music. Photo From The Tennessean Researching for this article has really opened my eyes and I hope it has opened yours as well. Hopefully, in the future, I can make more articles like this for different genres so we can all learn and grow together! Written By Jazz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Some love stories aren’t meant to be– not all of them get that fairy tale ending, happy tears, and whatnot. Some of them are destined to crumble. Livy B’s “Doomed” steps into the darker side of relationships as she explores the story of a doomed couple. Detailing the realization that this relationship won’t be going anywhere successful, the track is decorated with a dark-tinged production, moody and melancholic. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a relationship that you knew was going to blow up, then “Doomed” is going to be endlessly relatable for you. It’s evocative and gritty, a brilliant combination of emotion and sonic sensations that’ll take you to the exact moment the narrator realizes that they’re right in the blast zone. For those of you who love Melanie Martinez, you’re going to adore “Doomed”. The song’s introduction is especially reminiscent of music box melodies, twinkling and innocent– but the sound quickly switches up as the narrator begins to tell us of their relationship. They describe the feeling of being trapped, and ultimately not seeing the lovebombing to end up in its “nuclear blast”, which I think is such a clever use of the term in the most literal of senses. The track is definitely on the moodier side, filled with a lot of raw emotion in not just the lyrics, but also in the soundscape. I love how the percussion plays along with the vocals, its intensity increasing each time Livy B sings, “doomed”. There’s also something really brilliant that happens when you hear the screams in the background, pulling together all those gritty, pop-rock vibes. And then as the song fades out, the gentle music box melody returns, although it sounds more as if its key is slowing down and stopping. It’s very poetic how the song comes full circle like that, and I guarantee that “Doomed” will be one of those songs you find something new in each loop you listen to it. Livy B is a singer-songwriter who has been making some major waves in the pop-punk and pop-rock scene, truly establishing herself as a rising star to watch for. Being brought up listening to artists like Stevie Nicks, Cher, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and AC/DC, Livy B’s sound is raw and authentic, similar to artists that have inspired her, like Olivia Rodrigo and Paramore. She recently stepped into the spotlight on Australian Idol , capturing the attention of audiences and Tate McRae. Her captivating stage presence and vibrant energy has placed Livy B on the track to becoming a household name. She debuted in 2025 with her single “Sugar Rush”, which was followed by “Safety Pin” and then “Doomed”. If you loved “Doomed”, be sure to check out the rest of Livy B’s songs, and drop her a follow to keep track of her next projects! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW LIVY B: Instagram | Spotify

How much social media do you consume each day? And how much of that media has some sort of musical element involved? Probably a lot. Each and every day, we hear music from all genres and all years as we swipe through our feeds. This, obviously, wasn’t the case 20 years ago. Just like social media has changed how we interact with one another, it’s also changed how we consume music. And for musicians, it’s changed how you promote your music to both current and potential fans. Learning these shifts in music consumption and promotion can completely change your trajectory and success as an artist.  When YouTube first hit the scene in 2005, it created a space for musicians to deliver music directly to fans and get instant feedback. YouTube was not only a place to post music videos and other promotional videos, but to create content to connect with fans on a personal level. Now, with short-form video platforms like Instagram and TikTok, artists can go viral with their music and reach hundreds of thousands of people in just 15 seconds. You can make a visual brand for yourself through your content and specifically target potential fans that you think would enjoy and repeatedly consume your music.  Short-form video has been proven as a crucial part of music marketing, and it produces results. Billboard came out with a TikTok Billboard Top 50 Chart in 2023, tracking the most popular songs. Labels have recognized the importance of the utilization of social media, and it is now a large part of single or album rollouts. Labels or management can pay influencers to post videos using an artist's song or to promote an event the artist will attend. Using social media as a marketing method is also much more cost-effective than other traditional marketing methods, which can maximize profits. You can also track your real-time success through each platforms data analytics programs, allowing you to see which kinds of posts work the best for your audience.  Not only has social media allowed for new artists to explode, it has allowed for older artists to be revived. Countless trends have been created with older songs on TikTok and Instagram, all fueled by nostalgia. And in conjunction with the ease of music consumption on streaming platforms, this symbiotic relationship forms where each platform fuels the other. We’ve seen this with Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”, Aly and AJ’s “Potential Breakup Song”, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”, and much more, and it’s a trend that we won’t see stopping any time soon.  Just as easily as social media can make being an artist, it can also make being an artist difficult. The ease of artist promotion on social media, alongside the ease of publishing music on streaming services, makes it enticing for everyone to put out music. This creates an oversaturated market, where standing out is a big feat. Putting out regular content as the artist yourself can also be difficult, as creating organic content on top of your regular artist duties can be daunting. Fans can easily spot inorganic content, and the pressure of producing increasingly successful content on a regular basis only adds the stress of being an artist.  Despite some bad side effects, social media has changed the music space for the better. Social media has created a space where artists connect with fans, fans connect with fans, and artists connect with artists. This huge ecosystem that has been created in the age of technology has forever changed how we produce, promote, and consume music for the better.  Written By Lauren DiGiovanni Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Charlotte OC's gripping new single "Cider And Black" is a mesmerizing plunge into spiraling desire, two-toned grief, love, and defiant self-awareness. While OC revels in what it means to shamelessly hit the "self-destruct" button, this track is far from a simple confession of ruin. Instead, it's an embrace of the sick, twisted psyches and pitiful paradigms that become strength, though always at a cost. Drenched with melancholic undertones, the track offers a semblance of hope through OC's willingness to confront the many parts of herself and accept them. "Cider And Black" is purgative, transformative, and most importantly, unapologetically raw. OC unleashes her burdens not as a cry for help but as a reclamation of power, and as a result, we get a glimpse of the new chapter she's entering. She grows from the loss, the love, and the lessons, using them as a springboard for her art. Weaving her hardships into a soundscape that is both a gut-punch and a relief, "Cider And Black" is a powerfully bold and authentic piece. From beginning to end, "Cider And Black" is a swirling slow-burn, never loosening its hold on the listener. The production leans into noir, spy-esque territory, oozing with the dark-pop smokiness OC is known for. The chord progression is brooding and entrancing, building a sense of dark grandeur with each resounding slam of the piano. In addition to the sharp instrumentals that build the song's tension, OC's vocals sit atop it all. Piercing and wine-rich, her voice beautifully reflects her passion and matches the song's intensity all while she maintains control. With a delicate vibrato and powerful belts, OC demonstrates an empowered yet delicate balance between restraint and release. "Cider And Black" thrives on haze and heartache but emerges from a moment of reconstruction, producing a masterpiece filled with emotional complexity. Every element of this track is deliberate, charged with vulnerability, and the result is chillingly good. Bold, vibrant, and unafraid to push any boundary, Charlotte OC is an unstoppable force. With two albums already out, the Blackburn-based singer-songwriter has found a niche spanning pop, neo-soul, alternative, and contemporary genres, a sound reflective of the many layers of OC's artistry. "Cider And Black," the spotlight track of her latest EP, "Seriously Love, Go Home," leaves a perfectly bittersweet taste, encompassing the highs and lows of her musical journey and finding the beauty within it. Acclaimed for her brilliant storytelling ability and raw talent, OC has garnered widespread praise without ever sacrificing herself in the process. Proudly marching to the beat of her own drum, OC has established a brand of authenticity and fearlessness. Stay tuned for updates and releases, and follow the socials below! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW CHARLOTTE: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Sometimes you want to see the best in people, and want to believe that they will change for you. They will get their act together, fix themselves on up, and become the perfect relationship that you can see in your heart. However most of the time, people’s true colors will shine through from the start and this promised change will be empty words. But when you watch them change for the NEXT person and not for you? You've got to be kidding. Skylar Lee’s newest single “WHO KNEW!” explains this very feeling, and pokes fun at the man who now suddenly journals and reads self help books- just for his new girl, not for her. This track is dripping with sarcasm and mockery, poking fun at her ex and his sudden switch up. The soundscape is fun and upbeat, showing that Lee really is not all that beat up about this ‘loss’, she just finds it ironic. In the chorus, she starts with “Look at you now / after all this time you’re a stand up guy” and ends with “Who knew / You had it in you”, while in the middle listing his new actions as if they are a grocery list from hell. Throughout the bridge, she pokes fun at him and his sudden switch up. Lee states that his new girl must just be a saint, and he’s the charity case. The sound slows and she repeats the chorus, switching up certain emphasis on words to really drive home her idea, and the song ends on a still upbeat and happy note. While it sucks he changed for his new girl and not for her, she knows this switch up won’t really last. Skylar Lee is a Nashville based artist, known for her intricate lyrics and strong vocals. Her songs all aim to tell stories, as she uses real world experiences to craft her tracks. Her works are similar to the snark and sound of Maisie Peters, with the soundscape and vibe of Ashe mixed with a Y2K feel. She has been featured in various writing contests, proving her strong lyrics. Her goal is “for listeners to feel seen through her colorful lyricism, keen musical instincts, and grace”, and her current works for sure lead her to this feat. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Skylar Lee. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW SKYLAR LEE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Caleb Hearn and Jenna Raine have just released one of the most memorable collabs of the year! "BITE THE BULLET" is as moving as it is catchy. Caleb Hearn and Jenna Raine bravely delve into the topic of love in "BITE THE BULLET" in a way that is deeply relatable for all listeners. The intense emotions, thoughts, and all-consuming passion that comes along with love can be overwhelming or a little scary for some people. In "BITE THE BULLET," all of these vulnerable feelings are clearly shown through the lyrics: "I'll bite the bullet if you're holding the gun. I'll take the bruises if you’re throwing the punch." The song does not shy away from portraying any vulnerable emotions, but approaches them in a bold, honest, and unapologetic way. Love can be so intense that it can make you do anything for that special person you built a deep connection with, even if there is a possibility of getting hurt. With hard-hitting lyrics like "Maybe it's stupid flying into the sun. Maybe I'm broken. Maybe it's love," the complex nature of such deep love is shown in "BITE THE BULLET." "BITE THE BULLET" has a pop sound that is simply infectious and unforgettable. During the verses, the song has a folk vibe that features the beautiful strums of a guitar over a mellow, calming melody. The instruments mirror the emotions present in both the lyrics and Caleb Hearn's voice while he sings. Hearn has a distinct vocal tone that is warm and smooth. His voice feels comforting, making it easy to get enraptured by his singing and lost in his voice. By the chorus, the tempo of the song picks up. The guitar becomes livelier, and the different colors of Hearn's voice really shines through with the beautiful high notes he hits. When Jenna Raine's voice first appears in the song, it is captivating. Her vocals are sweet and delicate, with a natural honeyed tone that perfectly contrasts Caleb Hearn's. The blend of Hearn's and Raine's voices, their perfect harmonies, and the lively guitar makes the song become even brighter. While listening, it feels as if you are soaring. Up until the very end of "BITE THE BULLET," Jenna Raine and Caleb Hearn compel listeners with their unique vocals and natural talent for creating emotion-driven stories through their voices and lyrics. Nashville based singer-songwriter, Caleb Hearn, and singer-songwriter, Jenna Raine, joined forces to release the single, "BITE THE BULLET." Caleb Hearn is a rising phenomenon in the music industry, with nearly 100M streams, 1.4M+ TikTok fans, and acclaim from American Songwriter. Caleb Hearn first emerged in the small town of Mount Airy, NC in 2020 with his breakout song "Always Be." "Always Be 2.0," intended to pay homage to a friend who passed away, surpassed 16.3 million Spotify streams and counting. Caleb Hearn signed with Nettwerk Music Group in 2022, and since then has gained over 700M streams and 4M monthly Spotify listeners. Caleb Hearn will also be embarking on his first ever European tour starting in September! Jenna Raine has won over fans all across the globe and has become a gem in the music industry. Her hit song, "see you later (ten years)," created during lockdown, went viral on TikTok and quickly rose to #1 on Spotify's Global and US Viral Charts. Recently, Jenna Raine wrapped up her completely sold out "The Only Started Growing Tour," and continues to showcase her unforgettable voice through her massively loved songs! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW CALEB HEARN: Instagram | Spotify   FOLLOW JENNA RAINE: Instagram   | Spotify

Nothing hurts more than when people show their true colors to you and reveal that they were actually the same as everyone that came before them. It feels almost worse than if someone were crappy to you right off the bat. In the song "Disappointed" by Greta Pasqua, not only do they touch on this subject but they capture perfectly how jaded the feeling might be. Using the phrase that gets tossed around a lot by younger generations, "I'm not mad - just disappointed," Greta perfectly captures how being mad is a natural emotion while being disappointed feels like a choice. There's almost an acceptance in disappointment too. Greta makes the idea of someone doing them wrong somehow not personal but "it is what it is." The lyrics in the beginning of the song show off Greta's incredible song writing abilities by comparing the relationship they were just in to a physical fight. Greta is incredibly descriptive to capture the whole picture by saying, "I'm waving a white flag, I surrender" and "Right hook to the face, I'm feeling tender" starting the song off to an incredible start. I think the best part of the song that really captures the whole point of view that Greta is trying to get across is "You think you're the second coming, but you're not even the first" in the second verse. Not only is it an epic line but it really touches on the ego of the person they're talking about. The music side of the song give off early 2000's pop/rock energy reminding me of Avril Lavigne but also 10,000 maniacs from the 80's/90's with a chorus being topical and catchy but being heavy with guitars. Greta Pasqua is a singer, songwriter and musician from California. Greta grew up in a household with parents that were musicians leading them to try and find their own path in a different direction but nothing helps an angsty teen like writing music. Greta started falling in love with the writing process so much so that they decided to major in it in college. Although the pandemic through an interesting curveball at Greta, they insisted on pursuing this career even further leading them to tour as a producion assistant to Brian Wilson. Now, Greta has released their newest single, "Disappointed" which was just released on July 2nd, 2025 is only pushing their career even further. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW GRETA PASQUA: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook   | YouTube

Friends will always come and go throughout your entire lifetime. You can be best friends with someone and have known them for years and one day they simply can just not click with you. Knowing someone the longest or knowing their life isn’t a sure thing to keep you all friends. As we grow up, we develop new mindsets and new interests that are often completely different than previous or common interests. While it may be hard to admit there is no longer a friendship there, one day you will realize it was for the best. Caroline McQuaig released her latest single titled “Dublin” on July 15, 2025. A song that reminds us about the realities of friendships and all the difficulties that come along with it.     “Dublin” begins with the most ear catching sound I have ever heard. Which quickly shifts into her amazing vocals. I could not get enough of her voice as she sounded so bold and passionate at every possible second. Pairing with her remarkable voice were the lyrics which I absolutely loved. Especially with lines like “I’m a reject of your troubled past” and “All your voicemails went platinum in my car.” They were all so raw and honest which I thought was perfect for this track. I almost immediately added this track to my everyday listening playlist.   The talented artist Caroline McQuaig is a singer/songwriter from New York City. In 2020 she released her first ever single titled “Impossible You.” She later went on to release pretty regularly after that. Her music falls under that of the alternative pop genre making each of her songs the perfect listen. If you haven’t already given “Dublin” a listen, I highly recommend you doing so as this track is the perfect song for any day. Be sure to also follow her social medias down below and never miss out on another great release. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Caroline McQuaig: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Feeling lost? Lonely? Questioning everything in life? You’re not alone! Sam Setton’s newest single “BEYOND ME” is the song to cure that loneliness and touch upon all of those factors. Sam lays it all out on the table for listeners. The struggles, self-doubt, and the hard search for long-lasting love. He pours his heart out on the track, touching on his inner battles on why he should deserve anything, especially love. This emotional yet soul-touching song had me in tears, and can easily be related to if you’re going through those hard times. Not only does the message of the song speak, but the instrumental with his voice ties this together beautifully. The song opens up with a nice piano synth, leading into a beautiful snare. The lo-fi drums back up the low voice beautifully, which doesn’t overpower at all. It is a very well-balanced instrumental. The electric guitar that gets introduced in the finale with the distortion is a perfect element that gets added with the drop. The reverb adds to the emotional element to the song, adding depth and creating such a heartfelt atmosphere. The vocals make this key, with raw and honest lyrics. The breaths as well give a dramatic touch that just accent the song very well. Overall, the beginning and end of the song is beautiful. Sam Setton is a singer/songwriter based out of New York City. Born and raised within the city, his love for music started early in his teenage years with writing and recording music. After recently experimenting with a mix of electronic sounds and pop to write a song to an ex-girlfriend, his music career began. After signing with Paradigm Talent Agency, he made his Los Angeles debut in 2018 at the Peppermint Club. He then opened for Robert Delong and Des Rocs in NYC. He creates infectious and moody electro-pop with raw vocals that encapsulate 11.4 thousand listeners on Spotify, with two EPs and a full project “My Dream Girl is My Ex Now” to date. Be sure to follow Sam on his journey with the links below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW SAM SETTON: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Nancy Love released her latest single titled “First Lover.” A song about the love, emotions and feelings shared during a relationship. Being in love for the very first time is something so special. There are so many core experiences happening from the feelings to the emotions it’s all brand new. But with those amazing feelings comes an inevitable end at some point. Where you are left to sit and think about all the great experiences and memories made. Breakups are such a hard thing but remembering who you are and all the good times shared help with the healing process. Eventually one day it won’t hurt, and you become a much wiser person in the end.   “First Lover” begins with such a nostalgic sound layered with the most beautiful piano keys being played. The sound quickly shifts into her amazing vocals which I could not get enough of. While the song is about something so difficult she sang in such great spirits. There wasn’t a moment where I couldn’t hear just how much this track meant to the artist. I also really enjoyed the mood of this entire song. As it was super relatable and bold but also a track that reminded you of old times that are nice to remember.   Nancy Love is a singer/songwriter from Canada. She started releasing music back in 2013 with her first ever album titled “This Is Me.” A track that has eight amazing songs about life and the experiences that come with it. A year later she went on to release her first single titled “Snowflakes.” In each of her songs you can hear the intense deep emotion and real-life storytelling. If you haven’t already listened to “First Lover” I recommend you doing so as the track had so much emotion. Be sure to also follow her social medias down below as she has a brand-new single in the works waiting to be released.   Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Nancy Love: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube   *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

There really isn’t anything else out there like a song to inspire you. Music is a powerful tool that can lift you up when you think you can’t stand, and I think this track is exactly that. David Schocke and Jordin Sparks have collaborated to make “Who Cares?”, a single that is all about blocking out the pressure and focusing on yourself. It might be hard to do that when there’s our insecurities and self-doubt that plague us. We are our own worst critics, although other people can be critical, too, but “Who Cares?” wants you to say exactly that: who cares? Who cares if you’re saying the words wrong, who cares if you’re dancing the wrong steps– all that matters is that you’re being your own authentic self. This is a track that’s brimming with heart and soul, and it’s got a beautiful message that anyone and everyone will benefit from. What first struck me about “Who Cares?” was the vocals. David Schocke has a buttery-smooth voice that seems to coil around the lyrics, really bringing them to life with his amazing inflection. Alongside him is Jordin Sparks, who has one powerhouse of a voice. It’s brilliantly passionate, hitting each note with perfection– it’s truly an amazing experience to listen to this song with some high-quality headphones, the soundscape surrounding you completely. Everything else about this song is sonically superb, from the synth to the percussion; there’s always something happening in the track and I love it for that. It’s never a dull moment with “Who Cares?”. Moving onto the lyrics, I think it’s clear how important I think a message like the song’s is. Being patient and vulnerable with yourself is the first step to being a more confident, stable person who believes in themselves– it’s great that “Who Cares?” emphasizes the strength that comes from being yourself and doing things because it’s going to help you flourish. So, sing your own song, dance your own dance, and live your own life, just like “Who Cares?” says. David Schocke began his musical journey at the age of 14 when he discovered GarageBand– after that, he spent years exploring everything that music had to offer, from vocal production to digital sound design. His music blends pop, electronic, rap, and any genre that inspires him to simply create. Versatility is the name of his game, so his ability to move between styles opens up avenues for new musical forms. His debut single dropped in 2025, titled “Old Friend”, with “Who Cares?” following it the same year. His collaborator, Jordin Sparks, rose to fame when she won season six of American Idol . Since then, she’s garnered tons of success, such as breaking the Top Ten of the Billboard 200, as well as having her single “No Air” be nominated for a Grammy. She’s competed in other shows like  The Masked Singer  and Dancing with the Stars , and also released her fifth full-length album No Restrictions  in 2024. If you liked “Who Cares?”, then be sure to drop both David and Jordin a follow! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW DAVID SCHOCKE: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube FOLLOW JORDIN SPARKS: Instagram   | Spotify

Hannah Sears has broken down the walls of my heart with her smashing new hit "Not This Time." She paints a vivid picture of what it looks like to break patterns and cycles that no longer benefit you in any way, even when breaking those cycles and patterns is difficult. One lyric that resonates with me says, "It's just another midnight / Just another kick when I'm already down / But this one doesn't sit right / Been treading water holding myself up until now." Personally, I've felt similarly within the last year. I find comfort in knowing that I'm not alone, that other's are feeling the same way. As a listener, I think that the bridge is one of the most relatable aspects of the song, it says, "I can't drown with the ship / So I drown out the pain / But keeping it in / Wasn't keeping me safe / Wasn't keeping me sane." Holding things inside doesn't make them better, the dirt doesn't settle. Eventually, it'll boil over. While the song is not particularly upbeat, I wouldn't necessarily say it's completely melancholic either. We know that the mood is rather introspective based on the lyrics. The artist is expressing how her feelings and emotions are affecting her current season of life. It's a rather intimate moment, as if she is talking to herself. The tone isn't aggressive but it's firm. She's not questioning the way that she feels, she's making it known to the listener. Which makes the meaning of the song clear. The instrumentation pushes the song further into the introspective feel. The acoustic guitar gives us that warm, familiar feel that we're all comfortable with. The instrumentation softens the lyrics allowing another level of depth within the song. All of these elements come together cohesively, crafting a beautiful song. Hannah Sears is a singer-songwriter livining in Nashville. She is well known for her country/pop style of music. Her passion for music began at the age of 6. Hannah has a deep understanding of how powerful music can be. She knows the impact that music has on processing and expressing emotions. Because of this Hannah's personal mission is to make music that connects with the listener on a personal level. When asked about her new song "Not This Time" Hannah said, "It's about those moments when you finally decide to stop avoiding the hard stuff, and instead, sit with it and grow from it. It's my story, but it's one I think a lot of people will see themselves in." If you've been looking for something deeply personal and relatable, check out Hannah Sears new song! Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Hannah Sears: Instagram | Spotify