Search Results

SOLIE's single "AM I HERE?" is fresh off the singer's debut EP JUNE XX released June 20, 2025. The catchy alt-pop song captures what it means to find hope in the struggle, even when it's nonlinear and messy. SOLIE summarizes that, " this song was born in a place where everything felt like too much and not enough all at the same time." SOLIE transports listeners with the vulnerability of the music as if reading from a diary. The song holds space for raw, untailored emotion that comes from the heart, captured in self-aware lyrics and a powerful but gentle voice. "AM I HERE?" reveals SOLIE's journey of self-discovery through the aftermath of a violating and emotionally suffocating experience. This force of music is introduced by harmonic keys and a danceable guitar riff that creates the perfect landscape for SOLIE's affecting voice. The singer's lyrics are a realized liberation from hegemonic expectations of what healing is supposed to look like. Specifically, this can be heard in the questioning chorus, "Am I here? Or am I there? Am I sure? I really don't care." The electronic percussion and keys that pick up about a minute into the song are eloquently produced and signify SOLIE's steady climb out of a previous dark time in life. A unique element of production in this song is the addition of a child's laughter, calling the listener's attention back to a time of simplicity before the complications of trauma and hardship mentioned in the song. SOLIE shares that their alias was chosen for its meaning: "the sun." Specifically, the singer shares that they chose this name as it reflects the emotive genre of the songs on the EP, "these songs are a light at the end of the tunnel." SOLIE shares that the songs on this EP have cumulatively taken eleven years to form into what they are on the day they were released, growing and molding to who the artist has become. This EP is the first of SOLIE's music to be formally introduced to the world. The singer shares that "after years of trauma and pain, there is hope and these songs are just a glimpse into the past, future, and all the messy in-between." Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW SOLIE: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

Photo: People Magazine I went to see Kesha & Scissor Sisters on July 10th at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The amphitheater is located in the Woodlands, a small city in the Greater Houston metropolitan area. This was my first time seeing either artist live. I had heard of The Scissor Sisters, but I had never listened to their music before. So now you’re wondering why I went to the show? Because I love Kesha! She debuted when I was a kid and I was obsessed! By the time I grew up, I had stopped listening, but I saw she was going on tour this year so I bought a ticket hoping to let the child in me run free. For those of you who don’t know, the Scissor Sisters are a rock band who mix pop, rock, disco, dance, and alternative music to create their distinct sound. They’ve been around for over two decades, but you would’ve thought they were fresh 20 somethings. They came on at 8 pm sharp. They performed their biggest hits including their debut single, “Laura”, a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb”, and Elton John co-written “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’”. Overall, they rattled off eight songs (roughly 45-50 minutes) in what felt like too short of a setlist for an epic rock band. The set was high energy, hilarious commentary, and fun vibes. They were the perfect opener to get us amped up for Kesha. Kesha Performing Crazy Kids Kesha split her show into 5 unique acts. She started off the show at 9:20 pm with certified banger, “Tik Tok”. Act 1 continued on with “Warrior” and “C’mon”. Act 2 featured “BOY CRAZY.” and “Take It Off”. Act 3 comprised of “Blow”, “Fine Line”, and “Eat The Acid”. Act 4 contained the most songs including “JOYRIDE.”, “RED FLAG”, “Timber”, and “Die Young”. The final act, Act 5, compromised of “CATHEDRAL”, “Praying”, “Your Love Is My Drug”, and the iconic closer, “We R Who We Are”. Everyone went crazy dancing, confetti dropped, and the show ended at 11:05 pm. 29 songs later and I was in awe by how much dancing and vocal control she was able to maintain. An hour and 45 minutes of life was well spent that night. Kesha Performing YIPPEE-KI-YAY The show had a healthy mix of new and old songs. Kesha played a good number off of her new album,  “.”, which my constituent reviewed here . Some of my favorite moments from the show were her going into the crowd during “C’mon”, shredding the guitar during “Blow” and "RED FLAG", and the numerous motivational messages where she talked about her journey. It’s a really cool moment for the fans to be able to get that close and to hear so much positivity from their favorite singer. She cultivated an environment full of love, acceptance, and dance and that is what we could always use every day. She said it was the biggest tour of her life and she was right. It was absolute packed and sold out! I’m proud of how far she’s come and everything she’s accomplished. I wish her nothing but happiness and success. She absolutely deserves it! Kesha Performing We R Who We R It’s a special moment when you get to see your favorite artists from your childhood. You grew up. They grew up. It’s bittersweet and makes you feel like a kid again. Kesha has a lot of North American shows coming up in the next few weeks and European shows early next year so you should definitely get yourself a ticket. Written By Jazz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

In their first release of 2025, yongkytown has released “7-ELEVEn.” With it’s release happening right before 7-Eleven day in the states, yongkytown’s new song touches on what it’s like to date a narcissist: they only want you at their convenience, no matter when it is. With yongkytown finally cutting off the narcissist in their life, “7-ELEVEn” serves as a catharsis of feelings and closure of the relationship for yongkytown. With “7-ELEVEn,” yongkytown writes the goodbye they never got to have, with moments of relief and moments of wonder. With lo-fi beats meeting lingering late-night thoughts, “7-ELEVEn” meets listeners in relatable moments within the lack of closure that leaves people with hurt and discomfort. “7-ELEVEn” creates an atmosphere of letting go while being safe to do so. Dreamy, truthful lyrics pour out of yongkytown’s songwriting, with bitter thoughts of “[h]ow could I allow this to happen” haunting them while they attempt to give themselves the closure they never received–one of the most commendable and hardest things to do for ourselves. While writing closure for themself, yongkytown puts these lyrics over music inspired by Joji and Keshi, creating a perfect playlist addition for late-night drives or solo walks to clear your head. With easy-listening beats and emotional lyrics that tug at the heartstrings, “7-ELEVEn” by yongkytown is relatable, vulnerable, and a great listen all-around. Yongkytown is a singer-songwriter based in Singapore. Aiming to capture the moments that are unforgettable in music, yongkytown’s discography illustrates their usage of raw and reflective lyricism. With the words we think of saying later on when situations have passed, yongkytown’s words fill the space of having too many words to say and not enough opportunities to say them. yongkytown not only puts the hard emotions into lyrics that hit close to home, but also welcomes any listener with soothing music that can be listened to word-for-word or put on in the background for movie-like moments for yongkytown’s listener’s everyday lives. You can keep up with yongkytown’s new releases and performance dates on their social media, linked down below.  Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW YONGKYTOWN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Have you ever felt like you just didn’t belong somewhere you should belong? Nate Maran released his brand new single titled “somewhere else” on June 25, 2025. A song about the battles we have with ourselves on whether or not we should continue to stay in a place that isn’t for us. As we grow older and experience everything life has to offer it can become really hard to find a purpose in the same place that’s only caused sadness. While leaving may seem like the only option it often leaves us wondering about the what ifs. Eventually over time we regret those thoughts of finding a purpose somewhere else that is far from family and close friends.   “somewhere else” opens up with the most upbeat instrumentals and drums I have ever heard. It gave off this mood that something really exciting is about to come. His vocals were also super fun and positive which I enjoyed as it made the track seem familiar and homey. I also loved the lyrics to this song as they were so relatable and honest. Especially with lines like “I don’t want nobody in this world that we are living through” and “I just wanna move somewhere else.” I could not get enough of this song so I almost immediately added it to my everyday listening playlist.   Nate Maran is a singer/songwriter from Orlando, Florida. In 2021 he released his first ever single titled “Young At Heart.” Since then, he has been releasing pretty regularly, reaching about 4,000 listeners monthly. His music falls under that of the alternative indie pop genre making each of his songs the perfect listen for any day. If you haven’t already listened to his latest track, I highly recommend you doing so. Be sure to also follow his social medias down below and stay in the know of what is next to come.   Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Nate Maran: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

In Ava Della Pietra's new single "2 can play," it tells a narrative of getting back at someone who messes with their feelings. With nods to getting with friends, dirty game playing, and loathing, Ava pro ves her musical storytelling capabilities are stronger than ever. Ava encapsulates a fun, catchy, and heart-stomping anthem, describing this song as "A bold, revenge-fueled pop anthem that turns heartbreak into empowerment with biting lyrics, slick production, and a confident alter ego stepping into the spotlight." The lyrics are sharp and sassy, making it easy for listeners to relate and feel every word. The beat keeps the energy high, matching the deep and fiery emotions behind the song. The production of this song carries not only Ava's vocals, it allows for the emotion and themes to flow to their maximum strength. The beat builds intensity in all the right places, backing Ava's powerful voice with confidence and clarity needed to match the vibe. The single has a polished sound, but still keeps a bit of edge that matches the mood of the lyrics, message, and vocals. Even down to the little details, like echoes and harmonies, add to the song to make it feel full without being overwhelming. Each section flows smoothly into the next, helping the story unfold naturally. Recording her first song at 10 years old, Ava has had a lifelong passion for music. Ava is currently studying at Harvard University - Berklee College of Music Joint Studies Program. Ava has written over 130 songs, with a lot of creative embodiment, when she was quarantining with her family on Long Island during the pandemic. “My creativity was flowing; all my emotions manifested themselves into new lyrics.” Alec Benjamin is one of Ava’s main influences, along with Lauv, Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, OneRepublic, Jonas Brothers, Dua Lipa, Selena Gomez, Maroon 5, and Ed Sheeran. With over 26 million global streams, 1.4 million social media followers, and a catalog of more than 150 original songs, it is clear that Ava is a rising pop artist to keep on the radar. Written By Adalyn Reichenberger FOLLOW AVA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Coming in hot with bold declarations and empowering lyricism, Tally Spear has delivered a single for the ages with her latest release, "Pretty." The track is feminism at its finest, tackling societal norms as Spear reclaims her power and gives the middle finger to unrealistic expectations forced on women. Society often deems women owe others prettiness or compliance, but Spear lets everyone know she's here to take her autonomy back, screaming "I don't owe you sh*t!" and reminding us to fight for ourselves as others try to force us to be someone we're not. An unapologetic anthem co-written with South Arcade's Harry Winks, Tally Spear's "Pretty" proves she's one of the best emerging talents in pop-punk and can hang with the likes of Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams . The track is electrifying and aggressive, featuring an addictive mix of gutsy guitar riffs, pulse-pounding drums, and feisty melodies. Spear brings the heat with an expert vocal performance, showcasing her vocal prowess as she belts out steely, dauntless lines. A song to appeal to any pop-punk fan, "Pretty" is among some of the greatest singles to be released in 2025. A British singer, songwriter, and musician, Tally Spear is making her mark on the pop-punk world and proving herself to be a rising new voice in the genre. The artist draws inspiration from her experiences growing up in SW London, incorporating themes of social commentary and personal conflict in her energizing music that fellow city-dwellers may relate to. After releasing her debut EP, Spear enjoyed support from the likes of BBC Introducing London and focused on recording new music at the legendary British Grove Studios. Over the years, Spear has built an impressive catalog with some of her top songs being "Self Confessions," "Strangers," "Want To Want You," and "Sliding Doors." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW TALLY SPEAR: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Some of the best memories you make are with those you love the most. But oftentimes as life changes and you grow older some of those in your most cherished memories are no longer in your life. While it may be hard to realize this and come to terms with it. It’s also something that reminds you of the person you used to be when they were around. Ava Valianti released her latest track titled “Buttercups” on July 11, 2025. A song that reminds us of the good times we shared between those we loved the most.   “Buttercups” opens with Ava’s beautiful voice that quickly grabs your attention for the rest of the song. The instrumentals were slow and steady which I loved with a gentle guitar. I really enjoyed this track as it was so delicate and raw at every possible second. Especially with lyrics like “I think that I just need to take it breath by breath” and “You messed me up / I don’t trust trusting.” You could just hear how intense and meaningful this song was to the artist through her emotions. The mood of the song was also super bittersweet and passionate which made it stand out even more.   Ava Valianti is a 15-year-old singer/songwriter from Newbury, Massachusetts. She started releasing music in 2023 with her first single titled “Bubble Wrap.” While she is a young artist her passion and drive for creating music has not gotten in the way of her dreams. In each of the music she creates you can hear the raw storytelling from her personal experiences. If you haven’t already listened to her latest track “Buttercups” I highly recommend you doing so. Be sure to also follow her social medias down below and never miss out on another heartfelt release. Written By Julissa Garcia FOLLOW Ava Valianti: Instagram   | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube  | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Jussoul’s newest single, Take Me Away, is a dream pop song about getting away from your current life. Anybody ever wanted to run away from stress? Take a few days off? Fly to Paris? Spur of the moment? The answer is yes! All working adults would do anything to have extra time off and/or extra money to go on vacation. When you work tirelessly month after month, you don’t get to clear your mind and relax your body as often as you deserve to. If we could all get away from work/family/relationships for even just a few days every now and then, I think we’d be a lot happier. Jussoul has really put me in the mood for a vacation! Take Me Away starts with the catchy instrumentation led by the acoustic guitar. In the first chorus, he sings “I’m gonna pack my bags and catch a flight. I wanna get away from the city life”. In the second chorus, he sings “Don’t wanna work today, just wanna dance tonight. I gotta live my best life while I still got it”. Towards the end of the song, he nails multiple high notes that add extra flavor. His vocals are both strong and smooth throughout which gives it a distinctive sound. That and the production are chill making it an easy listening experience. Previously known as Dr. Soul, Jussoul is a soul/pop musician born in Imo State, Nigeria. His music journey began when he was 14 years old playing on the streets of Lagos. He worked his way up to be a top 40 American Idol finalist in 2021. Since then, he has opened for notable Afrobeat artists including 2Face , Psquare , Omah Lay , and Bella Shmurda . This year, he has released “ Home ”, “ Vitamin D ”, and the song I reviewed in this article. If you like the unique combination of pop, soul, R&B, and afrobeats, I encourage you to support his new music! Hopefully, he’ll make bigger waves internationally and we’ll get to hear his name in more pop music spaces. Written By Jazz FOLLOW Jussoul: Instagram | Spotify  | Youtube  | Website

In her debut single, Siena Mae hits the ground running with the recent release of “Access Denied”. This track is upbeat and classic pop, and inspires listeners to take charge over their own lives, instead of letting those who have hurt them continue to have control over their emotions. Mae has taken this mentality to heart herself, and throughout the song describes their story and how she has overcome the heartbreak. She recognizes that when you love someone who has hurt you, it is incredibly hard to push them away and not let them back in. However, she stays strong and true to herself, and denies this person access to herself and her heart, detailing just how much they have hurt her in this process. The soundscape of this track is fast and fun, showing just how far Mae has come in the healing process. Although her lyrics show how badly this person hurt her, the ability to layer these feelings over a classic pop sound shows a creative balance between past and present. In the first verse, Mae starts with explaining their decline, how her once love dwindled into a relationship that made her feel used and lied to. The chorus carries on this message, but ends with the lyrics “Come back I dare you / At least you can say that you tried / But just so you know / Access Denied”. She has found the strength to push them away for real, daring them to try to come back and hurt her again, because she knows she can win this battle. Hailing from Liverpool, England, Siena Mai is a 17 year old singer songwriter. She began writing at the age of 6, and soon figured out how much she loved music as an art form. She uses her lyrics as a way to express herself and reflect on her feelings, and is not afraid to put into words the dark feelings inside that people tend to push down. She blends modern and classic pop, stating that she was exposed to a rich musical culture in her hometown from a young age and tries her best to stay true to her roots. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Siena Mai. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW SIENA MAI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Kenadi Dodds’ “Toxic” is a theatrical take on a flippant, self-deprecating warning that jumps from eerie ballad to swingin’ pop-rock. Contrasting storytelling with assertions of toxicity paralleled by timid, then intense instrumentals attracts a playful villain-like mood. Dodds performs continued interaction with the listener with a similar vocal inflection used for conversation. She sings “ let me tell you about my story ,” and whispers “ before anybody gets hurt ,” for dramatic effect. This allows a flexible soundscape, just as back-and-forth as her internalization of toxicity. She belts “ where’s the antidote/ the remedy for toxic ” before setting up for another round of the passionate chorus. Dodds is desperately looking for a “ remedy ” for her toxicity, but warns others of her “ dirty secret ” with this track until she finds it. “Toxic” begins with piano that graduates to a full on rock sound following varied striking pauses that communicate feeling. The song escalates with a quickness that represents the impulsivity of toxicity. Using off-beats for emphasis, Dodd’s voice is animated, powerful, and graceful. The track is unassuming with gentle piano arpeggios that slide into vicious guitar chord progressions. Dodds’ vocals follow closely with each change in sound, preserving her robust cries of toxicity for the heights of the song. The additional “snapping” sound effect that guides the bridge adds a tasteful positivity to the track. Dodds stands out with variable vocals, latching lyrics, and balanced instrumentals. The abrupt ending matches the character of the song and its message, making “Toxic” a well-rounded production.  Kenadi Dodds is a 20-year-old singer/songwriter from Utah attracting listeners everywhere. She performed on America’s Got Talent , and is mentored by Air Supply ’s Graham Russel. “Toxic” was produced by Brian Howes and mastered by Randy Merril at Sterling Sound , two well renowned artists that have worked with Daughtry , Nickelback , Taylor Swift , and Chappell Roan , respectively. Debut single, “Toxic” is the beginning of something big for Dodds as she works to combine natural talent with masterful production. Her sound is similar to The Warning , with compelling vocals and lyrics that make a statement. We are excited to see what she does next. Check out Kenadi Dodds’ social linked below for updates, information, and new music! Written By Hanna Hathaway FOLLOW KENADI DODDS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Photo Credit: Apple Music Brace yourselves for this one and buckle up as we are introduced to a very different Lizzo. In so many ways, the artist has grown and transformed all while keeping her infectious self confidence. Everything she's been through is now reflected in her third studio album. Let's dive in. TRACKLIST: CRASHOUT YITTY ON YO TITTIES (FREESTYLE) JUST 4 FUN GOTCHO BITCH STILL CANT FUH (FEAT. DOJA CAT) NEW MISTAKES BEND IT OVA LEFTRIGHT DROPPIN ON IT SUMMA SHIT IRL (FEAT. SZA) CUT EM OFF DITTO Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known professionally as Lizzo, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter and actress. Lizzo was born in Detroit, MI but started pursuing a career in music after college in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After releasing two studio albums, Lizzobangers (2013) and Big Grrrl Small World (2015) , Coconut Oil (EP, 2016) , Lizzo gained mainstream attention for singles Juice, Tempo and Truth Hurts. Truth Hurts launched into the US Billboard Top 100, two years after being released and became the longest-leading solo song by a female rapper. Lizzo's third studio album Cuz I Love You peaked at number four. Lizzo specializes in multiple genres like hip-hop, soul, R&B and funk-pop giving fans diversity flipping from album to album. CRASHOUT The album immediately takes off with the song CRASHOUT. What feels like an extremely intimate moment between Lizzo and herself, CRASHOUT really lives up to the name. The beginning of the song seems like a voice memo Lizzo recorded which gets interrupted by a contagious drum track bringing us right back to what we love so much about Lizzo - energy. YITTY ON YO TITTIES (FREESTYLE) The is the second track on the album allows Lizzo to flex her talents by bringing us a song that screams everything that she is. The lyrics in this track touch on the subjects that Lizzo has always had a voice in - self confidence, body image, all while tying in pop culture references like when she says, "Can't even out-dress my Labubu" and making it extremely catchy all at the same time. JUST 4 FUN This album is unique in the sense that it feels like each of the songs really just bounce right off of each other which is exactly what happens going into track three, JUST 4 FUN. This song really highlights what we love from Lizzo's upbeat, sarcastic and confident personality as this song surrounds the conversation of how Lizzo is able to steal someone's partner "just because." Lizzo's song writing abilities really shine in this song like this play on words, "You wanna play games? I'm Nintendo." GOTCHO BITCH What launches us into the fourth track is a chant saying, "What time is it? Bootytime" which brings us back to Lizzo's greatest trademarks. This track is something that feels like old school rap while mixing in hints of modern rap that we've been branching into. One of my favorite qualities of this song is the call and response aspect in the beginning which you can tell will be a great trait to have while singing it live. STILL CAN'T FUH (ft. Doja Cat) What makes this album even more unique than the last handful that Lizzo has put out are the features like Doja Cat being in this next song. This song brings almost a lullaby feeling to the lyrics and the piano accompaniments. The lyrics bring out an aspect of dating that it doesn't matter what you think you are entitled to, consent is consent. The music on this song are much more trap leaning as well which pairs really great with Doja's voice. NEW MISTAKES Nothing I love more than when either rock songs or rap songs take a melody that we know and love but they put their own spin on it. Lizzo took the tune of Beethoven's Fur Elise and managed to turn it into a trap song. It truly brings out the musicianship in her especially since she leans more classical in terms of training from school which is where she learned to play the flute. BEND IT OVA The music of this track take us right back to the 80's hip hop scene. Using technology to create fun and quirky sounds to add texture to a song feels like something I haven't heard in a long time but Lizzo does such a great job at incorporating them in this song. This song brings such a simple element too. While every other song has really been big sounding and produced, this one feels a lot smaller in that sense. LEFTRIGHT Lizzo was really leaning into the call and response technique in this album and another song that has this feature is this track. This song immediately takes listeners to recess as the tone of the song gives off the vibe that kids would jump rope to. Most of this album flexes Lizzo's rapping skills where in the past we've known her for her singing. This track gives us a little taste of her singing voice which we've been missing. DROPPIN ON IT A classic R&B/rap song - it feels like there's not much more to say to that. The beginning feels magical with all of the instruments debuting. What really tips this song over the edge, personally, in terms of transitioning from trap/rap music to R&B is the keyboard. The tune of the keyboard in this song really captures older R&B music allowing this song to stand out so much more on its own than other songs on the album. Pairing this with fun lyrics helps elevate the song overall. SUMMA SHIT Probably the next best song in terms of R&B sounding songs from this album is this track right here. The vocals in the beginning of the album give us those vocals that we're missing from Lizzo in this album all while nodding to her roots in R&B. Paying homage to the name of the song, it gives a really chill vibe that captures a perfect chill summer night. It has all the elements for a summer hit like a groovy melody, easy vibe and overall just captures the essence of summer. IRL (FEAT. SZA) This track feels like a song we need right now. It's one that preaches about how you can be one thing on social media but who are you really in real life? This feels like a common thing we see amongst younger people where they're trying to keep up with the social media persona's but in real life they're miserable. It's not a brand new conversation either - as we've been having it since the early 2000's when we started introducing social media as a more accessible thing. In this song, Lizzo flexes on who she is in real life and how she's not afraid to be that either. This song also features SZA who also has had just an amazing year in music and also whose voice just flows so easily on this track. CUT EM OFF One of the things that I think we tend to overlook with most musicians is how truly fun their personalities can be. Lizzo really took the world by storm a handful of years ago by not shying away from who she really was as she comes across as a perfect entertainer. In the beginning of CUT EM OFF, Lizzo is heard sarcastically commenting on how she's terrified of people who are commenting mean things about her before throwing herself into a song with a great topical message. What I love most is the intro to the song when she says, "If you're looking for a sign" since a lot of us typically know when someone should be out of our lives - we just can't pull the plug on them. DITTO The last track on the album really sums up the album in its entirety. What feels sort of like a diss track to whomever - Lizzo seems to be reflecting a lot on her past specifically in the music industry and the struggles that have come along for her. The part of the song I love the most is how she changes up the rhythm and how she really seems unbothered by these other people if they don't like her. Going out with a flare in the most Lizzo way possible, Lizzo's confidence at the end shine's through when she says, "It's a Lizzo summer." Overall, the album has key elements that are bringing Lizzo back to her roots which is what I think every great artist has to do every now and then. It allows them to be brought back to what got them started in the first place. With Lizzo's new album, she was not only able to bring back elements of R&B, hip hop and trap music all in one album, she also was still able to give us the confident, no BS side of her which we've missed. She touches on such great subjects while really mostly focusing on the theme of taking toxic people out of your life and just staying in your own lane. Written By Breanna M. Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

If you've been on any social media in the past month, you've probably seen a lot of content surrounding the explosively popular Netflix film, "KPop Demon Hunters". K-pop music has been around for ages, but what is it that makes this movie so special? Well, that's what we're here to discuss! So, grab your light sticks and come along as we talk about why "KPop Demon Hunters" is absolutely breaking the internet right now. Heads up, there are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't seen the film, this is your final warning! The Story Let's start with the basic premise of the film. In the KPDH universe, demons have invaded the Earth and terrorized mankind. Of course, it can't end there. Three singing warriors emerged, defending their people with their voices and insane fighting skills. Through singing, the warriors created a glowing shield around their city called the honmoon. Throughout generations, new singing warriors have trained and fought the demons until the present day where we see the current girl group, Huntr/x. Huntr/x is a globally recognized K-pop group consisting of three charismatic members, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. Rumi's story is the focus of the film, as she is secretly half demon. As a child, Rumi was told she could change her fate if Huntr/x could one day turn the honmoon gold with their voices. The girls work super hard toward this goal, but are met with a powerful villain and rival k-pop group, the Saja Boys. The leader of the Saja Boys, Jinu, has a complicated past. The film tells his tragic story of becoming a demon and how shame keeps demons inescapably bound to their ruler, Gwi-Ma. Although rivals, Rumi and Jinu find that they actually have a lot in common. Over time, they realize that they aren't necessarily enemies and that working together helps them overcome their shame, which could be the key to defeating Gwi-Ma, freeing them both. Of course, there are far more details in the film, so obviously, you should go watch it, but it's a captivating premise that draws in viewers whether or not they were fans of k-pop already. The Musical Talent It's no secret that the music in KPDH was executed beautifully. The writers and artists behind the OST are some of the best in the business. Ejae, the singer and voice of Rumi is known for writing some of the most iconic k-pop songs of all time, including Red Velvet's "Psycho", Twice's "Pieces of Love" and "Last Waltz", and Aespa's "Drama. Her musical talent is no doubt a vital part of this soundtrack's appeal alongside other experts. Twice themselves have two songs on the album, including a cover of "Takedown" and their own original song, "Strategy". Mira's voice actor, Audrey Nuna, is also a well-known singer rapper, famous for her edgy and raw emotional sound that speaks to listeners on a deeper level. Zoey is actually played by two different actors. She is voiced by Ji-young Yoo when speaking and Rei Ami when singing. Ji-young Yoo has an impressive portfolio of K-dramas and films under her belt and Rei Ami is a singer and rapper best known for her original song, "Freak". On the Saja Boys side of things, Jinu's voice actor, Ahn Hyo-seop also has an impressive background in acting . He has played the lead character in K-dramas like "Abyss", "Dr. Romantic", and "Lovers of the Red Sky". Jinu's singing voice, Andrew Choi brought a strong performance as well, having gained his fame in season two of a singing reality show called, "K-pop Star". Choi is also a songwriter for many k-pop boy groups like EXO, NCT (127, Dream, and U), and SHINee. It's clear to see that the talent behind this OST is unmatched in terms of experience and expertise. Not to mention how impossible it is to stop listening to! The Animation KPDH has some of the most creative animation out there right now. It's digital 3D, similar to something Pixar would do, but a little different. The film was produced by Sony in a truly unique artistic style. (Bare with me now if I use some incorrect terminology. I'm not an animation expert!) The style is meant to mimic the smaller amount of frames used in some anime like "DragonballZ". There's a certain roughness to the movement. Things are a little, choppy, so to speak. This gives the film a nostalgic vibe, but at the same time, it makes the 3D models look more realistic. The fantastic character design also makes everyone eager to cosplay these stars! Meanwhile, the facial expressions in KPDH are just HILARIOUS. Some of the comedic scenes of Huntr/x are just too funny and creative. I mean, eyes turning into popcorn? Come on, now, that's creative! The opening plane scene where the girls are feasting on sushi and ramen is one of the most relatable depictions of how sometimes, girls just like to eat! From beginning to end, the exaggerated, vibrant style of KPDH brings it to life in the most appealing way. The Culture KPDH respects both Korean culture and global k-pop fans alike by incorporating elements of both throughout the story. For instance, the weapons the group uses to fight demons in the film are all traditional Korean weapons. The outfits worn by the Saja Boys in "Your Idol" and the dresses worn by the original three singing hunters are traditional Korean outfits called hanbok. Of course, the story itself respects Korean culture by basing the hunters on mudang, female shamans who play an important part in Korean spiritualism. Meanwhile, the Saja Boys are based on Jeosang Saja, or the grim reaper. As far as music history goes, the writers respected that too! In the film, we see a scene of each generation of hunters leading up to Huntr/x in the present day. Each group embodies the style of the time period, with previous groups dressed in fashion corresponding to the decades. The attention to detail in the flashbacks adheres to k-pop history, showcasing the different visual style of girl groups since the 1920s. The modern depictions of Huntr/x and the Saja Boys are also spot on. Huntr/x seems to take inspiration from 4th and 5th wave k-pop groups like BlackPink, Le Sserafim, and of course, Twice, taking on a fierce, unstoppable idol persona. The Saja Boys have obvious parallels to modern giants like BTS, Stray Kids, and NCT with their ability to switch from bubblegum style (featured in "Soda Pop".) to a darker, more wild tone (featured in "Your Idol".). The references to things like fan signings, ships, and social media are just the icing on the cake when it comes to being a modern k-pop fan. In Conclusion "KPop Demon Hunters" is a beautifully crafted animated film with iconic music and brilliant attention to detail all around. Fans love it because of the memorable characters, multicultural storytelling, and respect for history. Musicians love it because it inspires us to create something bigger than ourselves. The animation is eye-catching. The references are relatable. It truly is becoming something that people will be talking about for decades. Passionate people make great art, and it shows. So, what do you think? Have you seen the film? Did you love it, hate it, or think it was just okay? Feel free to let us know your thoughts at any of the socials below! Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.