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Loving someone is hard on its own. But watching them love someone else is even harder. “If You Want Me To,” by ellakate is a sophomore record that gets under your skin in the best way. With hauntingly beautiful vocals and intense instrumentation, this song crafts an intimate peak at the singer's personal life. Ellakate describes her love for her friend; Daydreaming of being with them but willing to let them go on to be with someone else. She wants her friend to be happy but the love she feels is still there. Through cheeky lyricism, we get a taste of flirtation in the chorus that leaves a mark on the listener. She brings us into a relatable soundscape with push and pulls that are found in her vocal choices. She sings about loving her friend while offering assistance in setting them up with their crush. Her words are conveying one thing but her tone shows her true feelings. The song comes off as a subtly heartbreaking ode to unrequited love. The vulnerability of her writing is impeccable. the maturity of the song and the intensity of the production makes for a pleasant listen. Ambient textures in the bottom layer of the production cause a comforting effect. While the instrumental is covered in a slight jazz-pop feel. When these aspects are combined we are left with a slower record than ellakate's debut single “High Maintenance”. The striking instrumental plays off the yearning of her lyricism as well. “If you want me to// I’ll make your dreams come true //every day you’ll hear her say how she loves you” these lyrics are powerful. She is acting as a fairy godmother in this verse. She is willing to make her friend's dreams come true while silently hoping they'll choose her instead. A cheeky nod to her own feelings is present but the offer is still clear. You can’t help but wrap yourself up in this ballad. It's truly an intoxicating listening experience. Ellakate is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She grew up in an extremely musical family and has been writing since she was a child. Her talent is recognizable and polished. With her alt-pop style and sultry, romantic vocals she has been compared to artists like Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey. Though her sound is similar to these artists ellakate brings a new flavor to her music. Her style is not entirely like either of these artists. She’s doing something different with her music that is exciting to get a taste of. I can’t wait to hear what else she brings to the table. Ellakate expects to release more music this year and the next. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW ELLAKATE:

Messy breakups are strenuous to navigate. There’s a constant illusion swirling around you, blurring the right steps to take, pushing and pulling you in multiple ways. Ellise encompasses her mixed emotions while losing someone she loves in her newest single, “Did It Hurt?” a devilish rock and roll breakup anthem. The hard-hitting music poses almost as a melancholic melody, especially when paired with the dysphoric lyrics. “Did It Hurt?” is a compass pointing in different directions, with Ellise finally deciding to take the hardest route: leaving him. Does she leave? Does she stay? Ellise is picking the petals of her brain, flickering between the good and the bad of the relationship. Her lyrics say it all, with its chaotic and vacillating pre-chorus, “Tattooed my name on your heart/ Then pushed me outta your car”; “And I can leave you again/ But I’d be dreaming of when/ I taste apologies right off your tongue.” Her raw feelings fill the stanzas and production of the carefully crafted song, as she says is structured to show, “…the full spectrum of emotions a person can go through in such a short amount of time while dealing with losing someone they love.” It is clear that this breakup was far from the trail of placidity, which is exactly what she wanted to portray. She did in fact, in its full and unfiltered form. LA-based singer/songwriter, Ellise, is a dark-pop wonder whose fame launched in 2016 on social media after posting herself singing covers of well-known songs. Her first crazed single, “911” almost instantaneously went viral and landed her an established name within the pop-music industry. Ellise’s dark take on the unpolished side of love is enthralling and has captured the ears of a wide audience. With over a million streams per month, her fanbase continues to grow steadily after each single she releases—proving she is an artist worth watching out for. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW ELLISE:

Congratulations on the release of your new INCREDIBLE single “Perfect”!! Can you share what inspired you to write this new track and a bit about the creative process? Loie: Thank you so much. Perfect is my love song of the EP. It describes how you feel right at the beginning stages of a relationship when you are completely smitten, and enamoured by someone that you don't see a single fault in them, they're 'perfect'. Do you have any tips to help other songwriters? You have such a talent for writing! Loie: Alway record the process. Voice note or film whatever melodies and sounds come to your brain at the early stages because this is your instinctual and most organic response to the music you hear. What was the first concert you ever went to? And is there an artist you haven't seen live yet you hope to see one day? Loie: I was going to music festivals from a very young age with family but the first concert I was about 12 years old. It was at Brixton 02 to see Ed Sheeran. Very cringe to think about now.. I went with a group of friends and our parents and we wrote his initials on our faces. I would love to one day see Doja Cat or Nathy Peluso. They are both the fiercest in the game, in my opinion, when it comes to choreography & production of shows. You've done tons of live performances, including a bunch at iconic venues, which one would you say you were most proud of? Do you have a dream venue, anywhere in the world, you hope to play one day? Loie: My most proud moment was performing at The Hootenanny in Brixton to over 300 people. That's a stage I had played as a young girl to near to no one so it was a 360 kind of moment that I will remember forever. I would love to perform around the world. Maybe a prestigious Jazz Bar in New York or something. I don't know? but I love intimate venues where people really listen and respect the music. What do you enjoy doing when you're not making music? Loie: Generally my priorities for my spare time is having new experiences or eating well haha. I like to see art, go to gigs or dance shows and feel inspired but I'm also a big foodie so I love having a big cook or discovering new food spots with friends. What can we expect from your upcoming EP?! I can’t wait to hear it!! Loie: I won't say much but its 5 tracks & we collaborated with some amazing musicians to bring it to life so there's some fabulous instrumentation in there. (Sax and live bass lines) We can thank Sam Posener, the producer, who did the majority of the soundtrack to this EP. He's done a beautiful job or creating an authentic and unique sound. I can't wait to share! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW LOIE:

Bree Rusev has a new single, called “Dotted Lines” out now. This new release is the second single we got from Bree this year and it has quickly taken over a spot in her top 5 popular tracks on Spotify. After recently performing at the Lighthouse Festival in Australia, she is making her presence known once more with new music. Following her single, "What Is Love", her newest "Dotted Lines" is an acoustic track led by a catchy guitar melody and Bree’s warm and inviting vocals. In her new single, listeners can pick up on her personalized lyrics from the heart that can be felt with every word she sings. Bree wrote this song nearly 4 years ago when she was around the age of 15 and has recently decided to record it for her listeners. Once you hit play you won't be able to stop. If you're looking for a beautiful soft pop track with folk elements behind it, I highly recommended giving "Dotted Lines" a listen through the video below. Every time Bree plays her guitar it is mesmerizing, and her newest track has plenty of it. When it comes to the meaning behind "Dotted Lines" the artist has claimed the song is all about the invisible line that we often face in life when making decisions. With opening lyrics like, "Please just give me a sign so I can take your hand in mine" there is a light and delicate feel to this song. As we get further into the song, Bree starts to acknowledge the hard truth that not everything works out the way we want it to when it comes to love and relationships, and this message can be applied to other aspects of life in general. Bree's hard-hitting chorus aims to pull on your heartstrings with lyrics like "We could be all the things we didn't see" and "but It's only a matter of time " as she repeatedly sings of those dotted lines that can get in the way. If you are listening to Bree Rusev for the first time like I was, be prepared to be completely taken away by her voice and enchanted by her melodies. As a young artist, she has already an impressive list of achievements behind her career and I guarantee you will be hearing her name more in the music industry in the near future. Bree is a 19-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Australia. Bringing her unique mix of folk and pop together, Bree’s music is drawn from influences from artists like Bon Iver and James Bay. Already, Bree has shown to be a promising up-and-coming artist with over 4,000 monthly listeners and over 100,000 streams collectively on Spotify. The young artist is known for her acoustic melodies as a musician and her heartfelt lyrics as a songwriter and musician. Her sound has become recognizable in a way that has been referenced as “magic dust at play”. Bree started making her first appearance on Spotify with her debut single, “Coastline” back in 2020. Since then, the artist has released 5 more singles, including her most recent, “Dotted Lines”, which was released on December 2nd, 2022. Be on the lookout for more releases from Bree in the future! Written By Jenna Barton FOLLOW BREE:

Congratulations on the release of your new fantastic single “R.I.P. (Dead 2 Me)”!! What is the story behind this new track and what was your inspiration for writing it? Gabriella: This song is about needing to let a relationship die in order to heal. I think we owe it to ourselves to do what is best for us. Sometimes we need to be selfish and it’s ok to take care of you. When did you start making your own music? Can you take us through your creative process? Gabriella: I started making music when I was 12, I would write with my piano and start to write lyrics. I didn’t start recording until I was 15 with covers. It helped me find my voice and start to feel comfortable recording. I like to keep my mind open so creativity can strike at any time. You have to allow yourself to be open to any idea. I get inspired by phrases, conversations, current music, street signs, etc. Sometimes ideas aren’t always going to be great ones. But stick with them because bad ideas can turn into great ones. I know Harry Styles is a big influence when it comes to your music, so as a HUGE Harry Styles fan, I must know… what’s your favorite Harry song Gabriella: This is such a tough question; but I have to stick with Kiwi. I love the rock n roll sounds from Harry. I think he has such a versatile voice and this song shows it with ease. What are your favorite things to do when you’re not making music or performing? Gabriella: I love to cook new recipes or binge watch shows. I am addicted to the real housewives, any of the franchises. I am just a sucker for a good reality show. What can I say? But as far as cooking goes: I am vegan so I love to experiment. I love finding new ways to cook certain vegetables. I truly enjoy cooking and the moment the recipe is a success; it's the best! You’ve gotten to perform at some incredible places, which would you say has been the most memorable so far? And do you have a venue that you dream of playing one day? Gabriella: The most memorable performance had to be Disneyland. It was incredible to be backstage and see the magic behind Disney. We had a great performance and then we all got to enjoy Disneyland. My dream venue would have to be Madison Square Garden. That would just be incredible to sell that venue out. What can we expect next from you?! I’m excited to hear more from you :) Gabriella: I am currently working on some new music and focusing on my songwriting skills. I have had a tough year healthwise; so I am ready for new music and the new year. So keep updated with all my social media for new music! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW GABRIELLA:

Emei’s “Backtrack” is the quintessential song for when someone’s taken things a little too far… and there’s no forgiving, no forgetting, and no rewriting history. When someone hurts you, especially someone you love, it cuts deeper than a knife. Their stare becomes sharp enough to puncture. Their words are icy enough to freeze you out. Their energy is so hostile you feel like you’re suffocating. There’s no taking back hurtful words or actions because our scars are already too deep. The people who love you should innately protect you, so when you feel like they’re the one constantly causing you pain, run. Sorry is a 5 letter word. If you’re sorry, change your actions. Their apology can feel like your least favorite song on repeat, and it’s time to delete it from the playlist of your life. People usually say what they mean the first time, and then try to wrap it in a bow to soften the blow they’ve already created. Your head and heart can get blindsided by ideas of love, past memories of happiness, and a hope for a better future. Don’t listen to them… listen to your gut. You should never have to question if someone loves you, if someone meant to hurt you, if you can bring it upon yourself to accept an apology you never received. Life is about going forward, and we have to stop feeling bad for not wanting to backtrack. “Backtrack” is an alt-pop song that shows off Emei’s raw talent. Her lyrics are clever, and her voice is the perfect combination of soft and sharp. Her music is a reflection of her life, and her experiences are universal and relatable. ”Backtrack“ has a compelling instrumental groove that melds seamlessly with Emei’s captivating voice and dynamic, colorful lyrics. Her sound makes you want to get up and dance, but her words make you want to sit down and really listen. Emei is making the music scene her own, and her many talents tied perfectly together to create “Backtrack”. Emei is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter. She invites her audience into her real world, and she desires to inspire with her hyper-relatable musings on young adult life. Her first foray into performing was competing on Chinese Idol at just 15 years old. After coming in third, she began creating and releasing her own music. Emei hit 5.5 million streams after performing her single, ”Late to the Party”, live, and she received over 9.5 million views on TikTok and Instagram. “Backtrack” is Emei’s last record of 2022, and she is finishing her pop rock era with this song for the ages. Emei is going to take the world by storm, and we can’t wait to be a small part of her voyage to the stars. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW EMEI:

Sometimes when you're young, a love that lasts one night can be the strongest thing you've felt so far. There's nothing like the thrill of making a person you barely know, you're entire world just for a matter of hours. Being lonely is hard, and sometimes all you need is the right person to spend some time with and fulfill your need for attention for the time being before you have to go back to reality. It's funny how a stranger can light a flame so bright inside of you. "Night Moves" by Tomsy is about having one of those nights where every wrong decision you make feels so right. The nostalgic, dance pop and synth forward soundscape reminds me of The Weeknd, while Tomsy's incredible vocal tone and control reminds me of Charlie Puth. This is a fantastic mix that is now "Night Moves". If you ask me, it's very hard to sit still while listening to this song. It's incredibly catchy and has such a great vibe, it's impossible not to want to dance. "Night Moves" puts you into a scandalous mood as you put the lyrics into perspective. It's a great song for a late night drive with your friends when you're on your way to a party or a club. Tomsy, also known as Tom McGeoch, is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who is originally from Columbus, Ohio. Tomsy's musical journey started with the drums, in which he played in pop punk bands since the age of 11. He's a graduate from Berklee College of Music and has sense moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career further. Tomsy embodies the full meaning of what it is to be an artist by dabbling in every area of the creative process that is music. Though he's spent a lot of time collaborating with others, he's ready to share his own unique and personal sound with the world as who everyone will know as Tomsy. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW TOMSY:

The lyrics of “Heaven” are as moody and melancholy as the music is catchy, making for an interesting juxtaposition. What does this song mean to you, and what emotion do you hope to evoke in your listeners? Jill: I wrote Heaven at a time in my life when I was certain that I must have been passed over by whatever gene is responsible for giving humans the capacity to fall in love. It holds a special relevance to me now that I know that to be untrue. I hope people who hear it can relate to looking at love from either or both of those sides What was studying at Berklee College of Music like for you? Jill: I feel very privileged to have experienced Berklee. Music school is weird. I wish I'd prioritized my time differently while I was there. I think the best things you can get out of a formal music education are the connections you make and the constant excuse to make music for the sake of making music. I think once I got into a rhythm there I spent too much of the time I had left just isolating and trying to get good grades. What are some of your favorite memories from your Ren Faire show this past September? Jill: Honestly, my set was a disaster at that show. A drink spilled in my bag, and fluid damaged my interface cable, so I had to run my vocals and track straight into the mixer, so I couldn't play the set I'd planned. I hate tech difficulties. I don't get any anxiety about the actual performance aspect of performing, just the tech stuff. If something goes wrong there it really takes me out of the moment. Pisha was great, though; her set was a highlight of the night for me. How has being born and raised in New York City influenced you and your musical style? Jill: I am a really typical New Yorker in that I never let anybody forget I am from New York City. It's the best city in the world, and if you don't think so you're wrong. There's literally nowhere else in the world where you can get a sandwich. I try to really imbue my music with that vibe. What are your hobbies and interests outside of music? Jill: I'm a visual artist as well but not really as an emotional outlet or anything; it's mostly just for fun. I've made all of the cover art for my music releases myself. I also am working on a spreadsheet tracking all of the seltzers I've tried around the world for the last year. I love a good seltzer. Not crazy about still water, though, trying to evolve out of needing it. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, be it industry or life-related? Jill: Hard to pick one piece of advice to call the best piece of advice ever, but I think as far as life advice goes, if you want the most bang for your buck, reading bell hooks is a good place to start. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW JILL:

It's a testament to its strength that the irresistible catchiness of Anaté's latest single, "I Want You," isn't even my favorite part. My first listen of every song for a review is typically experienced lying on the floor. However, forty seconds into this song, as the pre-chorus rumbled with anticipation, I paused. The intricate production felt like a shark's fin in the vast ocean, circling its prey. I had to get up from my spot before the razor-sharp chorus struck, lighting my room into a fluorescent club. "I want you / I want your wicked self," singer/songwriter Ana sings over the contagiously danceable production from Andrea. The most charming part of this remarkable, dance-pop ode to bad romance, is that you're aware from the very start how hard it's going to go. "Has my patience been misunderstood?" Ana questions as synths bubble up, like miniature geysers. So simple, yet telling, it's a prime example of the type of knotty lyricism that makes "I Want You" so gripping. Perhaps she's waited for the subject to make the first move, only to be neglected. Was it patience or indifference that they saw? Reading each line alongside Ana's voice and Andrea's production, the story unfurls, stretching far beyond the limits of its three-minute runtime. The cover displays Ana's coy expression as she glances at the camera behind her back. This mirrors the themes of the song perfectly. At face value, it appears merely flirtatious, but the real heart of the song is her offering of vulnerability to someone she's aware will hurt her. "I have jumped by myself into your web," she admits. To see the shark's smile with your own eyes, and knowingly dive into the water in spite of the danger. That is intoxicating force at the center of "I Want You." Anaté is the collaborative project of Berlin-based singer/songwriter Ana and Milan-based producer Andrea. After meeting in Bruxelles in 2019, the duo began creating their downtempo, genre-bending music. Referencing bands such as Hooverphonic, Massive Attack, and Morcheeba in the polished production, Anaté brings a fresh harmony to the equally referential and iconic vocal melodies. Last year, the duo released their exceptional debut, Confessions, which featured ten tracks recorded largely remotely. "I Want You" is the third single of 2022. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Anaté:

Hopelessness, escape and rage are just a few of the words that emulate the narrative communicated in Kiara Mali’s new single, “Undone”. The heart-wrenching alternative-rock anthem conveys a story of fear and feeling trapped in a constant state of unfamiliarity. Kiara’s strong lyricism and storytelling abilities bring deep meaning to each verse. For instance, the line, “When I wield the gavel to break my own law,” can be derived as a metaphor for regaining one’s own power and escaping a toxic situation. “Undone” contains all the qualities of a rock-n-roll hit while maintaining a moving story that accounts for anger and sadness. The song's strong sense of emotion and escapism truly make it stand out as a unique piece of art. An ominous tone introduces “Undone”, with the use of soft synths and a low, dramatic piano melody. Kiara’s rich voice offers the single a hint of edge and perfectly matches the song’s dark theme. The single’s chorus embodies pure electricity with the inclusion of booming percussion and powerful vocals. “Undone” showcases Kiara’s wide vocal range, from her deep, rockstar belts to the contrasting, high-pitched, soprano notes. “Undone” is Kiara’s biggest hit to date, with over 8.2k streams on Spotify alone. Likewise, the singles’ success enabled her to conduct her first professional video shoot which resulted in the production of her first official music video. The “Undone” music video became even more successful than the song itself, garnering over 40k views on YouTube. The video offers a cinematic viewing experience with the artistic use of water as artificial rain and dramatic lighting that conveys emotion. Based in Mannheim, Germany, Kiara Mali is a talented singer-songwriter, who draws inspiration from the alternative and pop genres. She made her musical debut in April of 2022, with the release of “Something In The Weather” which has gained 1.6k streams on Spotify. A live studio session of “Something In The Weather” was filmed and uploaded to the singers YouTube channel, where it has amassed over 27k views and features stunning cinematography and coloring. Kiara released her third single from her EP, “Undone”, in November which is titled, “Be Alive”. This new song also has an accompanying music video, which has reeled in over 1.4k views on YouTube and showcases electric editing and aesthetically pleasing sets, including shots where Kiara is dramatically immersed in water. Kiara has a knack for metaphorical lyricism, which may spawn from her love for poetry which she displays on her Instagram account. Kiara Mali’s haunting vocals, beautiful songwriting skills and immense creativity set her apart as an alternative artist with star potential. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW KIARA MALI:

Virginia To Vegas’s latest single is a high-energy track composed of cheeky lyrics and a catchy melody. After a late-night out on Broadway in Nashville, Virginia To Vegas met with Jeffery Jordan from Band Camino and singer-songwriter, Seth Ennis, at the studio and “break up with that guy.” was born. The track is meant to be a “fun song that doesn’t take itself too seriously.” It tells the narrative of being in love with someone who is already taken. With lyrics such as “You’re so perfect, he’s so full of shit” and “He don’t appreciate you, and that’s what kills me the most,” Virginia To Vegas exposes the other man as someone who does not treat his partner right. Throughout the track, he pleads with the one he loves to “break up with that guy” because they deserve to be treated better. These bold lyrics bring a lighthearted energy to a vulnerable message about love and longing. “break up with that guy.” completely engulfs the listener with its infectious melody and memorable lyrics. The track begins with a muffled synth intro that slowly builds until it reaches the full production, met with Virginia to Vegas’s vocals. The verse has a steady beat that is paired with the synth production, effortlessly guiding the listener through the track. Then at the chorus, the production takes a unique turn. The music contains a millisecond of muted sound, generating a creative effect. Virginia To Vegas is known for his unique production and electronic sounds, and “break up with that guy.” is another great example of his exceptional talent. Derik Baker, better known as Virginia to Vegas, is an American-born Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer. In 2014, he released his first single, “We Are Stars”, which was later included in his debut EP, Vol. I. He has over 700 million streams globally, as well as nearly 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. He has 4x Platinum singles and six Top 10 Radio Singles. Additionally, he has earned several awards and nominations, including four SOCAN awards, a Canadian Radio Music Award, and a Juno Award Nomination. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW VIRGINIA TO VEGAS:

Do you believe in the zodiac signs? Each sign has a different symbol and a unique personality assigned to it. The Gemini zodiac sign has the symbol of twins; and if you've ever dated a Gemini before, you'd understand why. Gemini's are hard to read; you literally never have a clue what they are thinking because they are constantly changing their minds. They will tell you one thing, and then do another. "Gemini" by Eneli is a pop bop about what it could be like to date a Gemini and how it feels like they're always messing with your mind. Although Gemini's don't always realize that their indecisive ways are hurting their relationships, Eneli doesn't think it's worth wasting her time on. Let me start by saying that Eneli is an absolute super-star. This song was perfectly crafted to be stuck in your head for months. The bass line opens the song and stays consistent and you can't help but vibe to it the entire time. Eneli's voice is stunning and rich, but in the chorus you get a spoken melody that you're going to find yourself joining in with. The haunting and dissonant harmonies are going to give you chills down your spine. If you needed an example of the perfect dance pop song, it's Eneli's "Gemini". Eneli has build her own musical empire as a very successful independent artist. Eneli is no stranger to music, as she has been singing since she was 4 years old and participated in her church choir. Her love for music skyrocketed at the age of 13 when she began taking music lessons, performing live in her hometown and uploading covers to YouTube. Originally from Romania, Eneli moved to London, UK after University to pursue a Master's Degree in Songwriting and further her music career. Eneli has collaborated with DJs worldwide and has found international success through her songs. Examples include appearing on the US Billboard Dance Chart, going platinum in Russia, and getting a nomination for an MTV Europe Music Award. Eneli is now dabbling in the world of production, and preparing for her first ever album as well as more singles within the next year! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ENELI: