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Throwback pop-punk single "sleepwalking" by senses is bringing the genre back from the dead and doing it beautifully. The short but sweet track packs a lot of punch and emotion into its short timespan. The production on this track is clear and knows exactly what it is trying to be, and I love it. Normally, new-age pop-punk feels almost embarrassing to listen to, but senses do it in a perfect and genuine way. I appreciate the candid songwriting that is in this song; it doesn't sugarcoat its feelings. It is raw and open and uncomfortable, which is exactly how these negative emotions feel. My first thought was that this song reminds me of singer-songwriter PVRIS. Specifically, one of her first popular releases was "White Noise." This track tells a story of desperately wanting to feel normal again. You're feeling like you're "sleepwalking," almost like you're running on auto-pilot and in a fuzzy, dreamlike dissociative state. All the stress of life is getting to you, and you are willing to do almost anything to avoid the reality of how you feel. Even if that means doing things that are deemed self-destructive. This L.A.-based trio has been releasing music on Spotify since late 2019, amassing an impressive 12,500 monthly average listeners despite only having put out five singles. The band performs live shows, and they are as remarkable live as they are on their tracks. They played at AT&T's pride tour in June 2022, which was done to support The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ charity. Written By Emma Kimberli FOLLOW SENSES:

Two people, who could’ve had something special, missing each other by one of life’s wavelengths-- it’s an all too familiar story for many of us, and Kalina Tyne’s latest single “Phoebe & Elliott” is a beautiful rendition of such a tale. The song’s clever namesake is not just a metaphor for her story but also a title to which fans of the two songwriting legends (Phoebe Bridgers and Elliott Smith, respectively) are drawn to, as Tyne combines the best of both worlds in her work. “Phoebe & Elliott” opens with the signature sounds of its namesake, with airy yet full vocals over intimate guitar instrumentals. Tyne ramps up the energy by slowly introducing the drums with distorted background vocals that give you a glimpse of not only her emotions but also the golden days of pop-rock music. The lyrics begin reminiscing on an old life yearning for someone who couldn’t be there: imagining them in the passenger seat, playing the music they used to send, buying things they always talked about, and trying to change identities to match what they wanted. Those we care about the most influence how we live in such ways, a theme reflected in the title through Phoebe Bridgers and her admitted influence from Elliott Smith. Yet as the energy of the track comes to a climax, Tyne comes to realize that such a life is only a sad reflection of times long passed, because no matter how hard you try, you can’t hold on to everyone in your life. The LA-based songwriter has been on a roll with her namesake song releases, starting a bold and innovative discography of pop-culture references paired with the stories she tells. But don’t underestimate the rest of Kalina Tyne’s work, as her 2016 EP and three subsequent singles create a strong platform for her future releases to launch from. Written By Ari Schweitzer FOLLOW KALINA TYNE:

“Spiders” is a spooky-themed break up rock jam about gradually realizing all of the things you can’t stand from your partner now that they’re gone. The charismatic and ironic chorus of “I want to cover you in spiders and throw you down the stairs, just so you won’t ask me if I still really care” grabs ahold of Ellysse’s emotions, poking fun at her in-the-moment anger and writing all too relatable tongue-in-cheek lines about the frustration and anger and I’m-better-off-without-him mindset. “Spiders” takes ahold of your pettiness and encourages you to let it all out; of course the ideas are outlandish, but it’s still cathartic, still a release of overwhelming emotions. Mason captures some of her darkest thoughts relatably with clever penmanship and open-book insight into her own head. It’s tough to navigate through the messy loss of someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, but Mason does it in style, speaking up on her darkest thoughts as a way of reassuring others that these moments of rage are at the end of the day, just moments of rage, and while the feelings are valid, acting on moments of rage is not. There’s nothing wrong with feeling whatever you’re feeling, but acting on these feelings is where it becomes wrong. Born and raised in Manchester, Ellysse Mason holds up true northern grit, capturing the nostalgic sounds of the 90s, with crunch guitars and the bittersweet taste of indie-pop. As her soundscape perfectly captures her captivating vocals, Mason’s songs are irreplaceable and unapologetic, conveying her own struggles through a new lens. Supporting artists like Tom Walker, Sam Ryder, Patrick Droney, and Fickle Friends, she’s begun to reach huge audiences and sells out headline shows at The Deaf Institute, Band On The Wall, and Manchester Academy 3, also appearing at festivals like Kendal Calling and 110 Above. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ELLYSSE:

Filled with plucky allusions to fairy tales as the title may insinuate, Madison Deaver's latest single "Wicked" is a pop-punk power anthem about karma serving those deserving. Though revenge isn't always the best response, it can feel cathartic to witness the downfall of someone who once burned you. Through her lyrics and mood of the song, Madison Deaver expresses the sweet release of the villain receiving their closing chapter. In her latest single, Madison Deaver has gripped onto nostalgia-inducing aspects of 00's emo hits and modernized the sound into something alluring. The song begins with a solo piano paired with emotional vocals, leading into the well-known buildup of instrumentals before an eruption of heavy drums, distorted guitar, and gritty vocals engulf the track. Madison's growing vocal intensity is reminiscent of power-vocal artists such as Hayley Williams or Halsey. "Wicked" is easily a song I could interchangeably imagine in a long-drive jam session or with a bouncing crowd at a concert. Madison Deaver is a bright-faced new musician contributing to the pop-punk resurgence. The LA-based artist has started gaining well deserved recognition with live shows scheduled widely from Las Vegas to Boston. With just a few years of releasing music under her belt, Madison has made a bold impression amongst the independent female rocker community. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW MADION DEAVER:

Ever feel like throwing yourself a pity party on your birthday? Ellise did in her single, “Black Balloons,” which tells the dark tale of the dreadful feeling that can come with celebrating. Entering into her “madhouse,” we are shown the twisted thoughts that rummage through her brain during the party: “Spent the day in my own broken head//Living for people who wish I was dead.” The song is filled with polar opposites alluding to classic birthday endeavors like rotten cake, poisoned punch and of course, black balloons. As chilling as the song is, “Black Balloons'' is a gift full of clever metaphors and horror-inspired instrumentals that showcase Ellise’s talent for painting symbolic stories through her music. If there’s one wish I’m making after blowing the candles out, it’s for more music like this from Ellise. There’s a reason Ellise is called the “princess of dark pop.” With two albums and an achievement of over 1 million streams monthly on Spotify, this single just adds to her success fire—submerging herself deeper into the industry. With a heavy dose of dark wit, Ellise can easily be compared to alternative/pop sensation, Billie Eilish; her similarities stemming from a production and lyrical standpoint. However, the eerily dramatic violins, haunted bells and a hint of bone-chilling fantasia in “Black Balloons” is what makes her and the music she creates stand out. Her siren-esque vocals are also alluring, conjuring a mesmerizing and festive track. After listening to this October single, it’s crystal clear that if Halloween was a person, it would be Ellise. A San Francisco native, Ellise decided to trade in fog for smog and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17 to pursue her music. She courageously set out to grasp her dreams and turn them into a reality. After making her debut in 2016 with her first single, “Dominoes,” she started making her dreams come true. Just two years later, her hard work paid off as her song “911” from the EP “Can You Keep a Secret?” went viral and trended on social media, earning over 100 million streams on Spotify. This led up to a life-changing milestone in 2020 when she signed a distribution deal with EMPIRE Distribution—allowing her to release her first album, “Chaotic” in 2021. Now, in 2022, Ellise is continuing to write and release hits, garnering her more streams and recognition. Ellise’s take on incorporating realism into her music is bold and daring, but her dark fairytale lyrical twists and theatrical vocal whimsy is what draws people in. The future of the music industry depends on artists like her, who are brave enough to go against the songwriting grain. With her newest single, “Black Balloons” she has shown her commitment, once again, to make a mark within the music world. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW ELLISE:

The second this song begins, you’re instantly transported to an early 2000’s movie. This is reminiscent of the soundtrack that plays when the protagonist gets a makeover from her new found popular friends, dancing around in the dressing room, trying obnoxious outfits until they find her that perfect little black dress. She lets her hair down, throws on a dark lip, and she’s ready to date the most popular guy in school… only to remember who she really is. She stops pretending, stops trying to please everyone else, and start listening to her own heart and mind. Needless to say, she dumps the football player, puts back on her glasses and comfy pink sweater, and she finds love within herself and all of her flaws. She never needed him to be something important, she had the magic within herself the entire time, but it can be hard to see your own worth and your own importance in life. We hurt ourselves to heal others, when in reality we need to save ourselves. We can not base our self-worth or merit on others perceptions of us. We can't let bullies or demons get in our head, make us feel less than, and allow ourselves to let it ruin us. I am not who I think I am; I am not who he thinks I am; I am what I think that he thinks I am. Our past experiences weigh on our mind and can cloud our reality of who we really are, but this song helps mend the overwhelming feeling that we are sole voyagers on our lost journey. You simply can’t help but vigorously move your head from side to side along with the drums. The wicked, pulsating beat and Olivia’s alluring, seductive voice make you wanna do all the things you wish you imagine yourself doing in your head that may cause some trouble. “She’s a Liar” by Little Fuss makes you want to enter your villain era. Little Fuss has not just created a captivating song, but a chapter of a chilling story. Their album, Girls At Parties , is a cinematic masterpiece constructed of nine chapter concepts. “She’s a Liar” delves into mental health and the negative spiral that can leave us immobile in life and within the four walls of our own mind. This riveting song of fury and soul is inspired by the short story “Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It’s a chilling tale, one old as time, where a doting wife is abused by her husband and made to feel crazy by his manipulation; she quickly jumps head first into a downward spiral of anxiety that he created, and yet she is the only collateral damage. Anxiety is truly a monster, one we can’t seem to leave under our bed. This song describes the stagnant feeling of fear and self-doubt in a way that will open the conversation in a healthy, realistic way, and will help a lot of people who are facing the same struggle that sometimes can feel eternal. “She’s a Liar” turns misery and isolation into a community of a bunch of individuals who can now take a deep sigh of relief and realize they are not alone in feeling alone. The creative and innovative duo behind Little Fuss, Olivia Martinez and Cody Von Lehmden, are compelling storytellers. This indie art pop duo is able to insert such important messages over such catchy tracks which are going to get stuck in peoples head and help change the negative narrative on mental health. Little fuss is comprised of two extremely talented artists who want to have the hard conversations with the world, and let people know they don’t deserve to feel pain or fear, and their music is going to help people want to find self-love and solutions. These Boston based songsmiths carry so much power and weight within their dynamic words and encapsulating music. They are the type of band that wants to see real change in the world, and they are going to have a piece in getting us there. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW LITTLE FUSS:

I’m so impressed with your new single “Break In”, I can’t stop listening!! Can you share with us the story behind this new track? Callum: Thank you so much, I'm really glad you love it! I had the idea of the concept of the song to use the imagery of someone breaking in a building which represented breaking through my own guarded walls that I think a lot of people have for themselves as well, they hide a lot. This is used like in the lyrics "no tresspassin', you ran past it." Someone special in your life when they're able to get things out of you that you don't necessarily share with them or anyone but this person finds all your flaws and loves the way you are. How did you get your start in music? Callum: I've always really been interested in music for a long time but I first started with dancing and then I became interested in choir and musical theatre as well. It just all progressed into me really wanting to make my own songs which I think is something that started when I was in my early teens. Also, huge congratulations on the release of your debut album “No Strings On Me”! If you could choose one song off the track list for someone who’s never heard your music, which do you think best introduces your sound? Callum: That is such a hard one! A lot of people seem to have a lot of different favourites which is really great. If I'm to pick a song that wasn't a single like I Do It Confident, Dangerous and Break In, maybe I'd pick Broken Shards but also I'm tossing up so many other choices! Do you have a go-to karaoke song?! Callum: Maybe Bring Me To Life by Evanescence that's always a fun one to do, especially as a duo. What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not making music? Callum: I like to stay creative in other ways such as with dancing but also just like to spend time with my friends, watch my favourite movies/tv shows and all that kind of stuff. What do we have to look forward to next from you? I’m so excited to see where this journey takes you :) Callum: Well coming up eventually I should be working on live shows which would be exciting. And of course beyond that I already have ideas for more music which I'm really excited about. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW CALLUM:

Have you ever listened to one a song for a second time and realized the lyrics are more meaningful than you thought? That’s probably going to be the case with Maia Malancus’ latest single “Chewing Gum”, a funk and EDM pop track that's more than meets the eye. Maia weaves in the themes of independence and confidence of someone who’s over a breakup between her insanely catchy choruses on this banger of a song. “Chewing Gum” kicks off with a funk style bass and guitar riffs to get the track’s energy grooving without a second to spare. Maia starts singing about what sounds like the aftermath of a toxic breakup, where she has realized she’s happier on her own and doesn’t need her ex back any more. When the chorus hits, the percussion is in full swing with the funk instrumentals while Maia’s “chewing gum” verse ensures that you’ll have this song stuck in your head. Maia doesn’t waste any time on the bridge either, calling back to the opening themes before hitting you with another chorus before you even stop dancing. Maia Malancus’ music career has been going since long before she released her first song, finding massive success in her home country of Romani. Her skills have not only landed her voice acting roles but also put her in the spotlight for some of the biggest talent shows in her country. With an ever growing fan base, Maia’s future work will surely be turning heads around the world. Written By Ari Schweitzer FOLLOW MAIA MALANCUS:

You have such a rich, haunting vibe to your music, and it really shows in your new single “Morning Sun”!! Can you tell us about the dream which inspired you to write this new single? Carrellee: Thank you. I don’t remember the visual part of the dream very well, except for the feeling of it being nighttime and running, much like the feel of the music video. But it woke me up at about 5am and I thought I better get it down or else I’ll forget it. The dreams version was ultra slow, like in slow motion, as you can hear on the demo version on Facebook. Can you take us through what your songwriting process usually looks like? Carrellee: I usually sit down at a synth or piano and start humming melodies based on how I’m feeling that day. I love to decipher the mumbles I’ve recorded initially into something coherent, but I also sometimes draw inspiration from other people’s poetry, or collaborations. It helps me get out of my head sometimes to try to say something more universal. If you could have another artist cover “Morning Sun”, who would you pick and why? Carrellee: Hmmm, what about a MTV unplugged version from Nirvana, or I’d love to hear Portishead do a trippy version…anybody that could do it in a pretty different style than mine. Can you tell us more about “The Official Unofficial Synth Series” and what inspired it? It’s so cool how the makings of your new album is documented for you to look back on! Carrellee: Thanks! It started out with that Morning Sun song and a few others when I was in some emotional pain going through a divorce. It was such an outlet and distraction for me personally, to write so many songs at that time, and to connect with people online. So I kept it going for a good 6 months or so, until it became hard to maintain that pace! But the positive comments and friendship I made really helped me through that time, and I hope it helped some people too. What items are on the top of your bucket list for your music career? Carrellee: Well one was to release an album I’m really proud of and get it out on vinyl, which I’m so pleased to have Negative Gain, Chicago darkwave, synthpop label on my team. My quest has always been to make records that truly sound like me, whatever that is, and however that evolves over time. What can we expect from your new album “Scale of Dreams” coming out November 18?! I am so excited to hear this record! Carrellee: Well If you’ve heard any of the demos, the album is way more organic and lively after getting crushed and processed through tons of analog gear, and often sped up a few clicks. I spent several weeks in Minneapolis co-producing and re-recording, and mixing with Brett Bullion (Bad Bad Hats, Low). and Con Davison of Bad Bad Hats on the p-bass. We distilled the 40 demos down to 10 tracks, based on popular opinion online and from what Brett, Con, and I thought were the best songs. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW CARRELLEE:

“I’m out of all good reasons//Trying to keep you alive,” Jayde solemnly sings in her soft, indie pop single, “was it worth it.” Her blatantly truthful metaphor to the relationship implies that it has officially come to an end. Or, in other words, it has come to its death. As morbid as it is, Jayde perfectly depicts the emotional travesty of losing someone and knowing there is nothing you can do about it. Instead, you have to watch the whole relationship crumble right before your eyes. Even though we know how the story ends from the beginning, Jayde’s striking vocals paired with the eerie nostalgic track makes the song nevertheless captivating. If you are looking for a “plug in my earphones, look out the car window pretending I’m the sad main character in a movie” song, this is the one. Giving your all to someone only for them to betray you and leave is hard. But it is what inspired Jayde to pick up her pen and write: “I was watching my whole relationship fall apart before my eyes when I wrote this. I felt everything had been a complete lie on a personal level and that I was being exploited entirely for my creativity and desire to help this person try and hone in on their creative identity.” As painful as the lyrics in the chorus are, “Was it worth it for you//Look what you’ve done//Blood on your hands//While I’m biting my tongue,” Jayde’s passionate voice adds a tone of endearment that leaves the listener sympathizing for her. Though the instrumentation is hauntingly beautiful, the ballad is filled with beachy-toned guitars, heart-pumping drums, and warm synths that give the sound and story a sweet melancholia. Some people were born knowing that their purpose in life is to make music, and Jayde is one of those people. She began writing melodies and lyrics about little things like the sky and how the wind felt at a young age. Growing up in a small town in Ontario Canada, Jayde was always surrounded by musical aspects, whether that was with her grandparent’s instruments, or her dad’s music blaring on the stereo. Eventually she immersed herself into any musical opportunity she could from songwriting camps, all the way to competitions. Jayde excelled in these settings, receiving praise from big industry executives like Scott Borchetta, Marie Mai and Jann Arden. She kickstarted her artist career in 2018 by releasing a few singles and has since collected up to eight successful singles and a debut EP to her name. With her newest single “was it worth it,” and more releases to come, Jayde is a promising star in the making. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW JAYDE:

“Wherever I Go” is an uplifting rock ballade about never letting your partner down. Through thick and thin, throughout everything that happens, wherever I go, we’ll be there together. Many things can happen but I will always be there next to you at the end of the day. Relationships are complex, and disagreements and fights can occur, but Open Arms implores you never to doubt the love they have. Because at the end of the day, they still care about you and only wish the best for you. In “Wherever I Go”, the fluttering piano melodies add a layer of nostalgia and melancholic nature to the piece. The soundscapes glitter and glisten as frontman Ben Farmer belts his heart out. The soundscapes add an atmospheric vibe to the piece, with pleading synths and anthemic chords. Guitarist Sam Barrett and drummer Drew Peters add consistency with their pulsating beat to replicate their constant presence of them for their partner, no matter what else happens. Open Arms, based in Birmingham, amalgamates addictive anthemic pop with chic dance-rock. First noticed pre-pandemic with their debut single “Telescope”, their debut EP “Sunflowers” spawned a number of fan-favorite tracks like “Honey”, “Wilderness”, and “Wherever I Go”. Their third EP, “Colors” is scheduled to be released in November. Dubbed the promising face of new music, they’re planning on live-touring the UK in 2023. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW OPEN ARMS:

In our current age of instant access to phones and social media, it can feel difficult to do anything without the whole world watching. "Someone Else's Life" is about finding the courage to follow your own path despite what others may think of you. The single describes the immense pressure you might feel from even the most influential voices to fit in, and the internal fight you must overcome to bravely pave your own future. Now. brings a sound to the table that isn't heard as often as it once was. The trio has a pop-rock sound reminiscent of early 2000's bands such as Daughtry or 3 Doors Down. Though the topic of their latest single is heavy, the upbeat, elated vibes of the music produce a song that comes across as inspirational. Self-produced consistent drum and guitar rhythms carry vocals throughout the song, fusing together in a catchy, melodious manner. Valentin Böderbauer, Constantin Kaiser, and Florian Koch make up the three-piece, Vienna/Austria based band Now. Using their combined various musical talents, they have produced and recorded all of their released music and are currently in the works to publish their first album in late 2023. The pop/rock musicians have showcased their perfectionism and trained musical talent through their discography, which has been well received with abundant airplay in Germany and Austria. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW NOW.: