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Unrequited love burns. It’s a special kind of hurt when someone you love and care about doesn’t reciprocate those feelings. You’re constantly putting in effort and vying for the attention of someone who will never appreciate and return that energy. Hila captures these feelings in her new single, “Sorry?” with melancholy, longing lyrics. Featuring lyrics like “But all I wanted was your touch/Was I asking for too much/Am I not good enough for you,” this song expresses those inner thoughts many of us have struggled with when trying to figure out where a relationship went wrong. Using a wonderful combination of twangy guitar strums and infectious pop beats, Hila creates a catchy anthem about heartbreak and yearning for someone you can’t make love you. Her sultry vocals and beautiful melodies deliver aching lyrics, ranging from feeling invisible to a former lover to wanting to make them sorry. Hila expresses the pain that comes with the vicious cycle of knowing someone doesn’t care for you the way you care for them, but still wanting them anyway. The song’s bridge is a perfect example of this, featuring the lyrics: “I can't change you/We both know that/I can't leave you I would go back/Block your number/Showed up at my door/Left you standing in the cold/I'll make you jealous/And you won't care/I don't know why I even try.” The song ends with a softer version of the chorus, adding reverb to Hila’s vocals and scaling the instrumentation back. The quieter delivery of the chorus and the addition of the reverb leaves us listeners on a sadder, more haunting note—a brilliant variation to drive home those melancholy feelings. Hila is an up-and-coming Seattle-based artist. Her love for music began at an early age, writing her first song at age 9. An avid social media user, Hila has garnered the attention of many fans and uses the platforms to share her music. Her first single, “Easy to Lose Control,” has been a hit sensation, gaining over 200,000 streams within its first months. With the help of her producer, Brett Koolik, Hila writes and records all of her music in her bedroom. Together, Hila and Koolik experiment to push the boundaries of sound and have created songs like “Thoughts Out Loud” and “Bored of Myself.” Hila reaches newer and older generations through her songwriting, focusing on topics of heartbreak, mental health, and love. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW HILA:

Today’s relationship culture is hard. People are wanting to move as fast through a relationship as scrolling on social media; which makes dating a mystifying game. One day you’re laughing on the front porch watching the sunset, the next, you’re crying on the seat they were just sitting in left to watch the sunset alone and heartbroken. This is the exact reason why Sylvi Diamond’s heartfelt chorus in her newest soft-rock single, “Easily”, truthfully writes, “Easily, it’s usually me who calls it quits, leaves in a split/ Before my heart can break.” Sometimes it’s easier to be the one who cuts ties, so you don’t become attached. Unfortunately, Sylvi decided to tether her feelings to the guy this time, with him being the one to leave. Though she had to go through a heartbreak to write “Easily,” the song is the perfect track to sulk in; whether that’s in your bedroom staring up at the ceiling, in your car driving by the coast while looking out the window, or on the beach walking your heartbreak off. “And all that I can do is wish that you could stay the way you leave so easily,” Sylvi’s powerful and crisp vocals earnestly sing about longing for the person she once had. Even though the lyrics are gloomy, the track is sunny with its lo-fi beats and relaxed guitar strums, relaying the song’s sad message with a catchy tune. The beachfront sound is a wave of comfort, helping to mask her defeat. Not to mention, Sylvi’s voice is a drip of honey that adds a hint of sweetness to the song’s lyrical bitterness. Originally from upstate New York, and now a Clearwater Florida resident, Sylvi Diamond is a well-versed singer/songwriter. Dabbling in genres like country and indie/folk, Sylvi is on the rise within the classic pop and lo-fi pop region with her two singles, “Easily” and “Runaway Love.” Just as her last name suggests, Sylvi Diamond is a gem in the sea of musical artists shining through. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW SYLVI DIAMOND:

While the wide-open road is no stranger to dwellers who have a mind full of thoughts and a heart full of sorrow, Karly Driftwood’s latest single “Trucker” describes the echoing feelings of loneliness that can drive one’s journey into the solo trip. While explaining her desire to become a trucker so she could “drive away forever,” Karly details the little moments of life that can lead to the temptation to live a life of seclusion. Though not blatantly stated, the single alludes to the bittersweet freedom of abandoning your life indefinitely. Listen to "Trucker" here! Gentle guitar strums open the single, leading into softly-whispered lyrics of longing for a different life. The same instrumentals carry the song through its verses and chorus, matching the lingering reflective mood. It's not until the bridge that the artist raises the tempo and strengthens the emotion felt through her lyrics. Virginia-born and Nashville-living singer-songwriter Karly Driftwood embodies a unique sound that meshes several genres into something fundamentally authentic. Lyrics with a dark, rebellious flair combined with soothing pop-country sounds provide a rare feeling that’s hard to come by in today’s music scene. She’s often found around various cafés/bars in Nashville performing her original work. With 2022 being her debut streaming year, there’s certainly much to come in the future for Karly. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW KARLY DRIFTWOOD:

“For Hours” is a captivating bop and infectious listen that will literally be stuck in your head for hours. This soft pop embodies a smooth jazz style, dripping with sultry hooks and alluring production. Burke says goodbye to a lover who’s scorned her for the last time - she’s had enough of waiting for someone who doesn’t even give her the time of day. Burke’s catchy hooks follow you long after the song ends, embedding her own personal style and pizazz into a soundscape. Burke’s stellar voice work shines brightly here, lighting up the track with her range and depth. Her playful vocals alongside the clever lyricism and catchy one-liners create a sound atmosphere instead of just a song. Burke’s clever wink at the 1980s style of disco and synthwave pair beautifully with her artistic vision, hypnotizing the listener to play it again and again. The effortless way Buke carries herself suggests years of performance experience and connecting with countless fans. Megan Burke has built up an impressive online following on Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram, stacking hundreds of thousands of views for her authentic covers and originals. With racking up over 4.5 million views, she’s performed on various radio and TV shows, such as The Late Late Show and the 6’o Clock Show, among others. Besides her beautiful vocal timbre, the way she crafts her wild personality creates an intriguing aura and prompts ordinary listeners to become fans. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW MEGAN:

Aryia’s latest release is an angsty single consisting of a high-energy production and anger-fueled lyrics. “Losers” explores the mindset of feeling lost and yearning for more out of life. Ariya wrote this song during a dark time in his own life, when he was still living in Massachusetts and dreamt of getting out. The track immediately kicks-off with the brutally honest lyrics found in the chorus as Aryia sings, “This shitty state is full of losers// And I pretended to ever fucking like you// I swear to God I’m gonna get out of here someday// Cause if I can’t, I’ll just fuckin’ end it.” These lyrics do not hold anything back, exposing the anger and frustration Aryia feels. As the song continues, additional lyrics reveal Aryia’s personal struggles with never truly fitting in and his desperation to leave. The track is less of a condemnation of his hometown, and more of a cathartic release for Aryia’s complex emotions. With “Losers”, Aryia hopes it provides the same release for listeners experiencing the same feelings. Aryia instantly dives into the infectious track by kicking off “Losers” with the chorus. From the very beginning, the fast rhythm of the high hat, counting the beat of the song, sets the stage of a fiery punk rock anthem. The high hat continues as a muted drum sound that pulls emphasis on the lyrics. Simultaneously, the guitarist uses palm muting to enhance the muted sound at the beginning. The combination of these two instruments work together to lead the listener through the intense track. Then, when the first chorus ends, the bass and the drums pick up, creating an explosive transition between the chorus to the first verse. For the remaining of the track, all of the verses continue to be muted while each chorus brings back the intensity from the first transition. “Losers” is an impressive addition to Aryia’s discography, highlighting his candid songwriting and his natural aptitude for the punk rock genre. Aryia is a pop-punk singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. His hard work and dedication as an independent artist caught the attention of Velocity Records, resulting in Aryia signing with the company. He is set to release his first project under the label— a 5 track EP entitled Viral. He has garnered massive success through TikTok, earning him a dedicated fan base. In August 2021, he released his hit single, “She Don’t Like Boys”, which has over 10 million streams on Spotify and has been used in over 25,000 videos on TikTok. He continues to release music that resonates with listeners and pumps them up with the explosive beats. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW ARYIA:

“If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, then it’s yours. This is a saying about lost love that we’ve all heard. Stephen Sanchez and Em Beihold sing about having this experience in “Until I Found You.” Together, the two artists sing about love being the desperately needed shining light in their lives. This song is very dreamy and is sure to be a pleasure to your ears. Already taking the world by storm on TikTok with the solo version of this song, Em Beihold adds the perfect amount of loving harmonies that give the song an extra emotional feel. The guitar is in a dreamy haze of reverb that you can't help but close your eyes and sway to. I could see this song being in a fifties themed romantic comedy. If they ever remake Grease , Danny and Sandy need to slow dance to the song at the sock hop. The overall musicality of this song reminds me of "The Night We Met" by Lord Huron. Stephen has a really strong and smooth voice that fit into the vibe very well. Adding Em Beihold's gorgeous voice into a new version of this song gave listeners a whole new perspective of the meaning of "Until I Found You". Eighteen-year-old Stephen Sanchez is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. If you liked “Until I Found You,” Sanchez other song, “Lady by the Sea,” has the same dreamy guitar with a more contemporary sound. It is no surprise that the song has acquired over 4 million streams on Spotify. He also has an EP called “What Was, Not Now! As if it couldn’t get any better, all the tracks are 100% written by Sanchez himself! Em Beihold is an singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, California. She is also an All-American Fencing champion! She has been a lover of music since the young age of six years old and has been an artist for a very long time, but her career took off big time in 2020 when her song "City Of Angels" went viral on TikTok. Written By Kelli Dixon and Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW STEPHEN SANCHEZ: FOLLOW EM BEIHOLD:

While there’s no doubt that pop music has its fair share of heartbreaking songs, Mike Posner has taken the scene to the next level with his latest release “I’m Not Dead Yet”. This time the heartbreak isn't about love, but the pain that comes with being an artist. The song’s incredibly written lyrics provide heartfelt insight into Posner’s perspective of his musical career at large, a kind of personal dialogue that is rare to come by and can’t be done by just anybody. “I’m Not Dead Yet” is a masterclass in expressive songwriting and unique commentary. The music industry puts a lot of pressure on artists to come out with the next "hit song", especially when you've already had a song that everyone knows by heart. There's an internal struggle that tells you you'll never beat what you've already done. This is exactly what Mike Posner has done with "I'm Not Dead Yet". The song starts with a catchy snap-a-long rhythm and Posner’s melodic exposition describing a depressive mood. The music makes you want to dance and sing along, but then you release what the lyrics are saying which creates a perfect juxtaposition. The lines “I get paid for my pain as long as I can make it rhyme / but sometimes I can’t tell if it’s even mine” are the bread and butter of the song’s meta commentary. Posner beautifully sings about the exploitation of his suffering through his music, and how what he really wants to say gets twisted beyond recognition just to make another hit song. As the synth pad and drum machine are abruptly cut off, Poser switches to a classic acoustic guitar singing “this is what a sad song sounds like”, then ramps up the energy with the percussion and synths to repeat that phrase between lines describing his emotional turmoil. Mike Posner has already left his mark on the 21st century’s music scene with songs like “I Took A Pill In Ibiza” and “Cooler Than Me”, and continues to release his music to critical acclaim. “I’m Not Dead Yet” is one of the most genuine songs the industry has seen in years from an artist who never disappoints, and listening to it is an absolute must for any long-time Posner fans and everyone looking to dive into his amazing discography. Although "I'm Not Dead Yet" is about struggling to write good music, Mike Posner never fails to blow me away with his incredible talents. Written By Ari Schweitzer and Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW MIKE POSNER:

“You’re the type of guy that gets what he wants/ I’m the type of girl to fall in love,” Dasha crestfallenly sings in her newest single, “Wish That You Were Here.” Her sadness seeps through the pores of the verses and choruses, telling the heart-wrenching and unfortunately relatable story of opening up your heart to someone you knew would hurt you in the end. Regardless of what someone does—hides you from their friends, lies, cheats, breaks up with you over the phone—the underlying truth is that the heart wants what it wants, even if it’s something that it shouldn’t. Though Dasha’s song was written to express what she wished she had told her ex as well as her personal embarrassment, it shows that your feelings don’t make you shameful, but rather they make you human. Nothing conveys a melancholic message better than a piano ballad, especially when the piano is paired with a gloomy guitar and morose synths. “Wish That You Were Here” carries a sorrowful aura throughout the entirety of the track with its instrumentation, showing Dasha’s battle with her feelings for her red-flagged ex. Her sadness resonates through her radiant voice, but mostly from her lyrics, with punch-to-the-stomach phrases like, “Broke up with me over the phone/Without a tear/And I hate that I still wish you were here.” But her most sincere and vulnerable line is what makes the listener entranced with empathy, “But I’d rather have the worst of you than nothing.” San Luis Obispo California native, Dasha, was immersed in the world of arts from a young age; including taking up hobbies like dancing, acting, and of course, music. Since she was 12 years old, she has been writing and performing her music with the help from her older brother and producer. Her first EP, “$hiny Things,” claimed her a popular spot on TikTok with thousands of fans, helping her to attain streaming milestones, editorial playlist features and features in major magazines like Rolling Stone India and Nylon Mag. With many popular releases and more to come, Dasha is a diamond in the rough steadily gaining her sparkle within the music industry. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW DASHA:

"All My Ghosts" by Sarah von Reis is an ethereal track about self-discovery, raw emotions, and love. Sarah lays it all out there with her vulnerability. She uses metaphors like "I've been hiding on the moon, but now the earth is calling for ya" to desrcibe getting reacquainted with oneself. Even with a new found sense of self and understandings of the past that got us here, we all have ghosts. These ghosts are immortal, and the strongest prayer, fire, or ouija board could not erase them from our inner orbit. When being haunted by these ghosts of lovers past, it would be easy to hide under your covers and wait til the sun begins to rise, but why fear the past when we can embrace it. This song is about celebrating the decisions of our past that brought us to today, even if that journey was anything but smooth sailing. We recognize these ghosts as our friends who have lived every day of life, every moment of love, every feeling of pain right there with us, so instead of letting the not-so-dead-and-buried past consume you, let's grab these ghosts by the hand and dance until they can no longer haunt us. In a song about our past ghosts, it's no surprise Sarah von Reis captivates us with haunting vocals and interstellar instrumentals that take us on a journey out of this realm. Featuring a sense of melancholy and vulnerability, "All My Ghosts" remains optimistic and unforgettable. There is a sense of hope in her gloom. This song is powerful in its ability to relate to all who listen. This is the song you can cry to in the shower and blast in the car with the windows down and a beaming smile. Sarah's range is impeccable and inspiring. Whatever she has to say, we want to hear it, again and again, Sarah von Reis is a Swedish singer/songwriter from Gothenburg. Her love for music was inspired by the melodic language of Swedish jazz and indie pop she became acquainted with in her adolescent years. She has a deep passion for telling stories and that is clear through her enchanting, catchy, raw lyrics. During the beginning stages of her artist craft, Sarah was a member of the iconic group, Dolly Style. She then went on her own to chase her dreams as a solo artist, and her first single was played on Swedish national television. Her debut EP will be released in March 2023, and we can't wait to grab all our ghosts by the hand while we listen and dance on repeat. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW SARAH VON REIS:

I must commence this review by recognizing my ignorance towards Australian politics, local or national. Perhaps the threat of a dolphin attack is genuinely imminent—locals living in fear of a cetacean declaration of war (haha). If that's the case, I need to know so I can unfollow them on instagram. But as it stands, the foundation of Window Shopping's latest single, "Port Adelaide," is a hilariously detached anthem dedicated to the Australian band's campaign promise to save the titular region from dolphins. The writing has a buoyancy and movement, breezy hooks dropping off into walls of guitars and bass. In the song's back half, the momentum resets as the band chants alongside a tight instrumental. You can feel the band grinning as they gear up towards a climactic finale. And then—for a moment—they burst apart, like a firework. It's uncertain whether that's it — each instrument sputtering flames and smog, before clicking together as the drums build up into the real climax. It's the kind of controlled chaos that brings its colorful lyrics to life. "Vote for me." The chant kicks off "Port Adelaide" atop a sizzling fuse of a baseline. Lead vocalist, Jordon Best, delivers it the same you might expect her to give directions to the dunny. It immediately characterizes the work, giving it a sharp wit rather than seeking to actually inspire passionate feelings. So, when other members echo bold statements with smooth falsettos, ("she will be the one") it twists with a heavy dose of insincere sincerity. "I will declare we'll defend ourselves," she sings, guitars blitzing ahead in anticipation of the grand reveal: "when the dolphins attack." Could more be expounded upon about how the song satirizes political campaigns ignoring substantive issues in favor of promising protection from threats they've entirely fabricated? Perhaps. The references to what's not changing ("can't promise to fix all the potholes, or make pot legal,") certainly make for scathing commentary. But, at the end of its stellar three minute runtime, "Port Adelaide" proves itself too much stupid fun to do anything but embrace. Down with the dolphins! Window Shopping are a band based in Adelaide, South Australia. Comprised of five members, the group began releasing music just this year. Prior to "Port Adelaide," the group released their debut single in June, "One More Episode." They're frank about their goals: "They write songs and play those songs out loud." The simplicity of their mission statement matches the good fun they appear to imbue their art with, but belies the hard work and polished vision that fuels it. While we're only keen to two singles, thus far, more is certainly on the way. Art like theirs is truly good for the soul. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Window Shopping:

Congratulations on the release of your new self-titled EP “After Berlin”, it is absolutely brilliant!! One track which really stands out is “ballad of the maniac”, can you take us through the writing process for this song and the inspiration behind it? After Berlin: Thanks for your kind words. We usually try to create an immersive atmosphere of sound, whether it is with synths, piano or guitars. The important point for us is to quickly find a precise emotion. For “ballad of the maniac” we wanted to tell the story of a man confused to the point he can no longer differentiate evil from good. We wanted to make a mysterious dance track with a heavy groove and a spooky synth riff. We started the song with the riff.We played with the pitch bend of the keyboard to create that “drunk riff” effect. Who are some of your biggest inspirations when it comes to your music? After Berlin: Bands like Pink Floyd, Gorillaz or Radiohead. Other artists like Pharell , Travis Scott, Fka Twigs. Wealso love the personal music of producers like Brian Eno and Mike Dean. We also listen to all genres of music : electronic, rap, jazz, classical music, original soundtracks. The music video for “ballad of the maniac” is so well done, wow!! Can you give some insight into the quote featured at the start of the video and how it ties into the song? After Berlin: Thank you, we appreciate it. We always try to install context for the audience to dive deeper into our world. The song evokes a man completely lost that hopes to find the light again and escape from madness. That feeling of mental confusion is illustrated with a car trip in the video. We wrote an intro text because we wanted to give a hint to invite the viewer to our dream… or nightmare. If you could have any artist cover one of your songs, who would you pick, and which song would you want them to cover? After Berlin: We would like our dear friend Neon Valley to cover one our song but we’re afraid he doesn’t like our music (hahaha) What would you say is the proudest moment in your career thus far? And what is one thing you hope to achieve in your career one day? After Berlin: After Berlin is a very young project but we were really glad and proud when we released our first music video for the song “eventide”. It was the first time we directed a video and we were really happy with the result. We really want to direct a movie one day and create an original soundtrack for it. So what can we expect next from you guys? After this incredible project, I’m sure you have a very bright future ahead and I can’t wait to hear more!! :) After Berlin: New music, new emotions, new videos and live shows in 2023. Thank you Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW AFTER BERLIN:

Emotional yet empowering, LONG ISLAND’s newest release, ‘average’ expresses the anger and embarrassment that ensues when you realize someone simply wasn’t good enough for you. The song details the freedom of knowing your worth, while simultaneously throwing well-deserved jabs at the spectacle of the past. The agonizing frustration yet also uplifting feelings of clarity are felt through the vocal performance and production of the single. Listen to 'average' here! Starting right out the gate with a catchy beat, ‘average’ aims to catch the listener's ears with a memorable sound from the beginning. The vocal range heard throughout the song is described best as the classically satisfying angsty yearning known throughout the indie-pop genre. Upbeat yet pleasingly melodic instrumentals complement the mood that the lyrics provide to the single. It’s easy to feel the synchronicity each counterpart of the band provided to create what is the last single off their upcoming album. Indie-pop band LONG ISLAND aims to break musical barriers with a powerful sound unique to the band's heartful production and vocal aesthetic. Based in Huddersfield, UK, the group is comprised of vocalist Rhiannon Stephenson, guitarist/vocalist Cameron Conner, bassist Paddy Spence-Lewis and drummer Jan van Beem. In their debut streaming year, they’ve accomplished critical acclaim from BBC, Alfitude, and CLOUT all while maintaining a steady flux of live shows. Their debut album, ‘infatuation’s a nightmare’ is set to release in January of 2023 which is sure to push forward the bands climbing success. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW LONG ISLAND: