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Penny X sings about being let on by a lover in her latest single, “Stupid”. From missing red flags to arguments lasting well into the night, listeners hear about the bitter love story between the singer and her ex-lover. Many teenagers and young adults can relate to having a sense of naïveté in their past relationships – being unfamiliar with how to navigate a failing partnership at such a young age. Penny X’s vulnerability in “Stupid” displays a strong sense of acknowledgment as she recalls her toxic, parasitic relationship and all the signs she was unable to see. Unique instrumentals and echo-y vocals greet listeners upon arrival. Not only does Penny X describe her past relationship from her perspective, but also exemplifies this through instances mentioned above. We learn that the singer was blinded by what she thought was love, and how she was left to realise the severity of her situation on her own. This leads listeners to Penny X’s main point in “Stupid” that for her, ignorance is bliss. This can be found in the lines: “Now I wish I could go back to missing red flags” and “Can I go back to being stupid?” . These lines express Penny X’s desire to travel back to a point in her life where the singer was gullible and saw the good in what wasn’t. Now, this isn’t to be misinterpreted as the singer wanting to go back to her toxic relationship, but instead, the bearable, light-hearted emotions felt when she didn’t know as much as she does now. This feeling is relatable to most people in today’s generation. Sometimes, we wish we didn’t know as much because it’s an easier pill to swallow when you’re unaware. Penny X is a German singer-songwriter who also enjoys posting video covers on TikTok. One of her covers was even noticed by singer Lauv. Penny X is bringing a new sound and style to the western music industry and we're excited for all that is to come. Follow her social medias below to stay updated! Written By: Kasey D. FOLLOW PENNY X:

‘Lotus’ is so fun and upbeat, I have had it on repeat ever since hearing it! What did the songwriting process look like for this track? Nikki: Thanks so much! It really is such a fun song but ironically it came from a really challenging place! I was going through a tough time personally and professionally and I had a lot of negative energy around me. I kept imagining this version of myself that was confident, unapologetic, and secure in her womanhood. I wrote this song from her perspective and in that way, it helped me become her. I love how the music video has a mother nature aspect to match the lyrics! What is one of your favorite memories of shooting the video? Nikki: This video was truly such an amazing experience. The director, Austin Nunes, really took care of me and the vision from the first conversation to the last take. I knew I had to feel safe to shoot such intimate scenes and to really go into this idea of divine feminine energy. Mother Nature is something we often refer to as relating to physical nature and the elements but in a way it’s also just the ‘nature’ of growth, of power, of transformation within ourselves. I really wanted to embody that. I asked my friend and stylist Davey Matthew if he thought he could create a piece of hair that could serve as an entire costume and as he was sending me photos I knew he had done it in such a beautiful way! Attaching that hair and figuring out its placement was one of my fave moments! We actually had to hang it on a clothes rack while we attached it lol. You have written with multiple different artists and companies. Was there a particular experience that stood out to you from these collaborations? Nikki: I think songwriting as practice and songwriting as profession can be very different, but I truly love them both. I think writing with JoJo Siwa was probably one of the coolest moments for me. At the time, my mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancer again and I was feeling super down and lost. I met JoJo and she was so full of life, so confident, so sure. When JoJo said she wanted to write a song telling her fans to D.R.E.A.M. I almost felt like it was a message I needed, too. Luckily, my mom ended up being ok. I needed that hope at the time so I’m grateful. Do you have a favorite performance you have done? Or a city you particularly enjoyed performing in? Nikki: My favorite performance is always the last performance I’ve done! Putting together a show is such an evolution in itself. I love seeing it grow and change as more things go into place. The last show in New York we did was really the full concept of what I wanted when I started putting together the MEGA show. The instrumentalists, the track elements, the dancers, the look. It went from being an idea to a reality and it was in such a welcoming space (QUEERANTINE TOUR). I can’t wait to perform it in every city! What made you decide to draw inspiration from the 80s and 90s for this era of your music? Nikki: It kind of just happened accidentally. I was writing a lot with other artists. I was confused about who I was and what message I wanted to explore. A producer friend of mine that goes by BIG HOS was in his studio creating this very 80s kick and snare pattern and I just started singing a melody. That song would kind of start this whole evolution (Fantasy Boy). It started my idea of calling myself Nikki Era and permission to stop pressuring myself to choose anything. I decided at that point that I would just create in different ‘eras’ and I would let them happen organically. I surrounded myself with talented producers (Anthony Mirabella and Nate Simon) who happen to be my best friends and I started to play with more 80s production elements and vocal styles. It just felt right. It felt fun. I just trusted that feeling and I trusted them. Are there any upcoming projects you could talk about? Nikki: For now, we are just super focused on bringing this live show to its full formation. In truth, I finished this album going into 2019! I released singles slowly on purpose so I could really build a relationship with the people listening and give myself space to create without any pressure. But now I’m anxious to perform it as much as possible because as a writer it’s hard to stop writing. The next era has definitely started to emerge. Interviewed By Kendall Koval FOLLOW NIKKI:

From the moment ari hicks’ “Sad Ghost” begins, you’re instantly hooked and know you’re in for 3 minutes of an intoxicating journey. This is the song you play a little too loud, while you dance around your kitchen, and escape reality. The eerie melody is the perfect pair to spooky season. You can feel the depths of her music in your soul like the faint reminisce a ghost in a haunted hotel. Every soul has felt a little lost in life, wanting to do better, be better, change the narrative, but not knowing how to break down the sky-high walls we've built of fear, anxiety, and insecurity. Sometimes the greatest thing you can do for yourself is admit that you're not who you want to be, or not where you thought you'd be. ari says, "Dying on the inside but you seem to see right through. Smiling but I'm blue," This line is the epitome of real, raw, and relatable. We put on a mask and get so internally frustrated when no one asks what's wrong. Why can't they see through the facade I portray to the world and would die to protect? Vulnerability does not come easy, but life begins when we begin to accept life. This song gives comfort to the listener. You begin to feel a genuine camaraderie with others who feel unseen and alone. ari perfectly describes what it’s like to feel like everyone’s looking, but no one is seeing. It’s the empty feeling that makes you feel as transparent as our friends in the spirit world. It's easy to feel like a phantasm when you’re searching for something you once had. We’ve all felt like a sad ghost, and ari sells solace that we are not alone in feeling alone. ari has an ethereal voice that makes you feel every word she sings. She makes you understand her emotions, even if you’ve never had them yourself. This alt pop song has a synth that screams mystery and melancholy. This is the song you want on the soundtrack of fall. You’re hit with a crispness that is reminiscent of an eerie autumn day. The lyrics are magnetic and the haunting chorus will be stuck in your head all day. Her song plays like a movie on the projector in our minds, and it’s a feature that will quickly become your comfort. “Sad Ghost” is the voice for the voiceless, the voice for those who feel stuck, and the voice for the vacant. ari’s raw vulnerability will speak to every person who listens, and will make their assumed transparency turn opaque with reassurance that we are not unaccompanied on the journey that is life. ari hicks is an inspiring artist and one to watch out for. She has grown an impressive following on TikTok and has earned acclaim from Vogue, Alt Press, and Wonderland. ari has over 7 million streams across various music platforms, and it is easy to understand why. Her songs are captivating and her lyrics are exceedingly relatable. “Sad Ghost” is her second single off her EP It’s Not That Deep: Chapter 2 where she feeds into her darker side and let’s her guard down. Her music is empowering and unapologetic, and she is going to reach so many people who are afraid to say the things we all think. She is going to give comfort to the uncomfortable and normalcy to the abnormal. Her music has the staying power of a ghost, and we hope she haunts us forever. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW ARI HICKS:

The emotional turmoil many experience in their early adult years can certainly be a struggle. Singer Sval expresses this in her latest single “Grenade”, which discusses the difficulty found in becoming a full-functioning, self-reliant, adult. For many of us, life can bully us into feeling alone, incapable, and lost. “Grenade” doesn’t shy away from these emotions nor the reality of feeling beaten and battered by life. This melancholy alt-rock tune is a certified anthem for those in desperate need of a break – to loosen the tie we’re often forced to wear. “Grenade” has a heavy hitting tone that seams flawlessly throughout the song. The chorus: So I'll take it all for granted / Blow it like a grenade / Emotional but damn it / Can't stop me being mad , holds intensity and sentiment that reaches listeners with great depth. Sval’s striking songwriting abilities can make any listener feel heard and understood, regardless of their personal struggles. There’s only a few lyricists capable of hypnotising an audience with their passion alone, and Sval is definitely one of them. “Grenade” has the potential to pave a new sound for our generation that relates to themes of nihilism, realism, and daring reflection. Throughout the digital age, mental health and self expression has become more accepted and encouraged than ever before. Singers and songwriters like Sval, are creating a voice for those still amidst the internal struggle. Sval is a 23-year-old Norwegian singer with years of songwriting experience under her belt. In 2019, she released her EP, Young Alien, and accumulated over 15 million streams from her discography alone. Sval is a talented artist with a unique sense of musical ability that captures her passion for singing and songwriting well. We hope to see and hear more from this lovely artist. Please follow her socials below! Written By: Kasey D. FOLLOW SVAL:

Shaking up the heartbreak pop scene is certainly not an easy feat. While breakups might bring us to our lowest point, they can also unleash passionate self expression through our creative outlets. Mikaela Stenmo is one such example, with her latest single “Heart Attack” bursting onto streaming platforms with its exciting deep house sound and pop vocals. “Heart Attack” starts minimal but builds up quickly with ambient synths and Stenmo’s solemn lyrics about wanting another chance, and the rough edges of recovering from a heartbreak. By the time the chorus hits you’ll already be nodding your head as to steady percussion, which provides the ground for the EDM synths to run on and Stenmo’s vocals to soar over. She talks about the feelings of attachment and angst that wash over anyone fresh into a heartbreak, wanting to know where her past partner is and desperately trying to get over them. Hailing from Sweden and raised in Belgium, Mikaela Stenmo has assembled an impressive catalog of pop and deep house music that would make anyone start to cry at the club. Her ever growing fan base patiently awaits her upcoming EP, New York, You’re Breaking My Heart . “Heart Attack” is the perfect track for anyone who needs to dance (or cry) their heart out. Written By Ari Schweitzer FOLLOW MIKAELA STENMO:

In her latest single, Amy Jaime both stresses and reminisces over a complicated series of interactions and emotions shared between two people. "Secret" exudes confusing, off-and-on, situationship energy that we've all grown to relate to. Whether you love or hate the game of cat and mouse, you've likely experienced the same feelings the artist expresses throughout the song. Whether it's waiting on a text, hiding your business, or feeling sour where you once felt sweet, Amy Jaime has been there and is ready to talk about it in her new single. After a couple of listens through this song, it was stuck in my head all day. Not only does the artist have a lovely register comparable with today's women of R&B, but her use of unique instrumentals pairs dreamily with her tone and the mood of the song. Clever lyrical one-liners of a back-and-forth dynamic string the verses into the chorus, where the artist continues to contemplate against an upbeat rhythm. Catchy musical melodies and harmonious vocals by Amy Jaime mixed together to produce a single that I can envision a group of friends bopping along to together. Las Vegas based artist Amy Jaime is new to the scene, though her passion for music began in her early childhood. While she worked on several other projects in her lifespan, she knew music was where her heart lie. The Pop/R&B artist plans to continue to release plenty of upcoming content, so make sure to follow all of her socials linked below! Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW AMY JAIME:

This title track off Maria Shockey's first album will pull at your heartstrings and make you stare up at your ceiling, questioning yourself... in the best way possible, of course. "Composure" by Maria Shockey is a song for people who struggle with letting themselves be vulnerable. Now, aside from the message, I still love this song. The production is well done very clean, and neat sounding. Maria has a voice perfect for this genre of music; it pulls you in and lulls you into a state where you can only sit and listen. Sonically, this track reminds me of Halsey, specifically her second studio album "Hopeless Foutain Kingdom". The meaning of this song resonates hard; it's about being terrified of letting someone see all of you. You are asking yourself, is prying your heart open for someone worth it? You want nothing more than to let your walls down, and the other person wants to be able to see you for you. Your closed-off brain is causing a strain on the person you love, so you are trying your absolute best to trust them. It's a beautiful and gentle song, with a lovely meaning. Maria Shockey is an up-and-coming pop artist. She just released her first album, titled "Composure". She has played several live gigs, absolutely stealing the show at each one. She shows her relatable sense of humor on her TikTok, drawing more people in a genius way. She has amassed an impressive following. She is really doing amazingly for herself and has been releasing music on Spotify since 2019. Written By Emma Kimberli FOLLOW MARIA SHOCKEY:

This electropop single by Connr, titled "Dangerous," should be added to everyone's playlist. It is incredibly catchy, and the production is to die for. The harmonizations sound so dreamy and bring me back to the early to mid-2010s. A fond nostalgia washes over me when I listen to the production of this track. My favorite part has got to be the bridge. I love the breakdown and the spelling out of the word "dangerous." At its core, this piece is a classic pop song, in the most complimentary way possible. Within seconds of listening, my brain immediately got reminded of Troye Sivan's first single, "Happy Little Pill." This track has the same electronic pop sound to it. I absolutely love it. "Dangerous" sings of feelings towards someone, identifying yourself as dangerous because of it. You are so infatuated with this person that even though maybe you should stay clear, you can't tear your gaze away from them. They, however, might be a little more hesitant to speak to you despite feeling the same exact way. This song is trying to convince them to be dangerous with you instead of denying themselves the luxury. Connr is an Alabama-based rising artist. She has loved music since before she could utter a word, and began songwriting at the ripe age of 14. She studied at Loyola University New Orleans. She plays local gigs and absolutely rocks them, her vocal talents and stage presence shining through. Dangerous is the second single she has released to date, teasing it on her Instagram before its release. Written By Emma Kimberli FOLLOW CONNR:

‘Fallout Shelter’ has such a chill vibe to it – I am obsessed! Can you tell us what the songwriting process looked like for this track? 102 Mangos: We don't really ever sit down and write anything ever. The words just kinda get chiseled out of the melody after a couple takes. What is the story behind your band name? How did you come up with ‘102 Mangos’? 102 Mangos: 102 Mango Dr is actually the address of our first house together, and where we made a bunch of our first songs. If your song could be in any movie or TV show, which one would you want it to be featured in? 102 Mangos: It would be cool to be the soundtrack of an Indie skate move like Mid-90's or a Pete Davidson coming of age movie, ie Big Time Adolescence. A lot of people think it should be the opening song in a Disney Channel movie...never sure if that's a compliment or not. Who would you say have been some of your biggest inspirations? 102 Mangos: Yeek, Weezer, and Kid Cudi is definitely a big one. What is a venue or city that you would love to perform at? 102 Mangos: The Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta would be really cool. That's just a seriously dope venue. It would be sick to perform in Frankfurt Germany too, just cuz we have a big following over there for whatever reason. Are there any upcoming projects you could talk about? 102 Mangos: We do have a demo tape coming out eventually. We can't say too much about it, but it's gonna be really eclectic. Every song on there is super vibrant and different from the last. Interviewed By Kendall Koval FOLLOW 102 MANGOS:

This song is reminiscent of the moment when you’re driving through a storm, rain pounding so hard it drowns out your deepest thoughts, then you go through a tunnel, and for a moment, it’s silent, so you take a deep breath and prepare for the water to hit any second. That lapse in chaos while waiting for the other shoe to drop is the somber felt in Chloe Copoloff’s “Here Again”. We’ve all had a period in our life where we are impatiently waiting for the water to hit again, just to feel something, even if that is pain. Chloe says, “I still got the box of cigarettes. The one that you said would be your last,” This is a harrowing line of relatability. When you so desperately hope and demand your partner will give up their bad habits, only to realize, you must’ve been one of them. People come and people go. It’s as simple as that, but we as simple creatures, can’t understand that. We ask ourselves “Why do some people come into our lives only to leave it?” after altering it completely, nevertheless, and “Why do some people leave a lasting impression, as if they’ve tattooed their name into our heart?” and yet we convince ourselves they never think of us at all. That self doubt and false hope can turn as bitter as the black coffee you bought just for him, but Chloe’s longing for just a taste of the sweetness she once called home. We all have letters we wish we could say, whether on physical paper or in the file cabinets of our mind, and more often than not, we never say it and never send them. Some words, and some people, are better left in the past, and we know this to be true, but can’t get our heart to align with our head, so we are left wishing, wanting, and hoping. We can wish that fight didn’t happen; we can want him to call; we can hope he’ll forget everything and walk through that door, but it is not up to us to convince him to come home, it is up to us to become comfortable in the uncomfortable and find little ways to be okay on our own, and what’s meant to be will be, even if that love you’ve been yearning for has just been self love all along. “Here Again” starts with a couple notes from the piano that break the subdued silence, and then just as your ears perk up, you’re hit with this dark, rich sound that is carried out through the remainder of the song. Chloe’s voice is so powerful and unique, and you can feel every emotion she has through the speaker. Her tone, range, and intensity is evocative to artist Chelsea Cutler. This song will be playing as you scream in the shower; this song will be the one you stay in the car to finish even though you got home 3 minutes ago; this song will make you not feel alone when you crave someone and pray for their return. Chloe understands the complex mind of a woman, and it is riveting and requisite to have her say what every heartbroken woman is feeling. Chloe Copoloff is a singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. She is 24 years old, but when you listen to her music, you can tell she has an old-soul with a lot of life experiences. She believes that speaking her truth and sharing her stories is crucial because you never know who can relate and how many people you can help. She wants her success to come from her courage and honesty with the world. She has been writing songs for as long as she can remember. She used to write lyrics in her diary, and taught herself how to play guitar at the ripe age of 12, and now we are lucky she chooses to share her gifts with the world. She has overcome true struggles in her past, but no matter what changes in life, music is her one constant that has gotten her through it all. She took every opportunity as a kid to be on stage and perform, and now she has turned her dream into her reality. Her music contains important messages, relatable thoughts, and cautionary tales of romance, breakups, and this little thing called life. Chloe is just getting started, and with her open heart, deep soul, and raw talent, there is no stopping her. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW CHLOE COPOLOFF:

Ravenous lunacy, malicious intent, psychopathic tendencies, that’s what one usually thinks of when hearing the word “maniac”. But in Shawn Desman’s song, “Maniac,” the word takes on a more endearing and positive connotation. In fact, it goes as far as being considered an attractive quality. With the lyrics in the first verse stating, “She’s so venomous//Wraps around you takes just what she needs//And then she leaves” and lyrics from the second verse, “You’ve never met a girl like her before//And you want more” the song implies that he’s completely entranced by her personality. Quite possibly to the point that it’s blinding. In my opinion, with the hypnotic instrumentation and memorable lyrics, the song itself may be even more enchanting than the girl. What goes around, comes around, especially musical trends. There’s no doubt this song was inspired from different musical eras with its 70’s groovy trumpets, the 80’s striking electric guitar and nostalgic beats, as well as the smooth lo-fi R&B rhythms of the 90’s. These references pay ode to some of music’s best production qualities—making the song extremely catchy. Shawn Desman’s voice is just as charming as the music he’s singing to, creating an addictive dynamic and forcing you to have no choice but to dance. Shawn Fernandes, better known as his stage name, Shawn Desman, is a signed Canadian pop artist and songwriter at Universal Music Canada. His career endeavors also include acting, dancing and humanitarian work. Shawn Desman has been successful within the artist realm since 2002, as his self-titled album featured three top ten singles on the Canadian charts: “Shook”, “Get Ready” and “Spread My Wings”. He has also garnered 2 gold singles, 1 platinum single and Video of the Year which was received at the Much Music Video Awards to his name. After seven years, Shawn Desman has picked up from where he left off, releasing his newest hit single “Maniac,” proving that it’s never too late to get back into the game. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW SHAWN DESMAN:

Congratulations on your new single “Imma Head Out”!!! What inspired you to write this iconic “loner girl anthem”? Rilëë: :Thank you!I think everyone's had that moment where they ready to go but don't want to explain why. This song was me being fed up with men always thinking I owed them my time for buying me a drink or even saying I'm pretty. Like I know that already and you can't hold me hostage at the club for it. My biggest pet peeve is unsolicited compliments. Don't come up to me unless Im eye fucking you, seriously. Otherwise my mood will just be bitchy and well u know the rest….Imma head out! When did your love for music begin? Rilëë: It really started when I was about 8, I always would sing Brandy, Britney, and Beyonce well Destiny's Child. They were such icons and all I wanted to do was be just like them. If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why? Could be a specific venue or just a place you want to visit! Rilëë: I've always wanted to perform in London! They have the best culture and nightlife. I love their fashion and all around quality of life. Mostly because their accents are the sexiest thing, but performing there would just take my energy UPPPP. All the Halloween costumes you’ve been posting on your IG are AMAZING!! What is your most favorite costume you’ve ever done? Rilëë: My favorite costume by far has go be Goldilocks. The costume lit up and everything :). I like cutesy sexy costumes that I can really pull myself into character. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would you pick and why? Rilëë: Donna Summers, she was the definition of an unapologetic black pop star. Just to have 5 minutes with her would change the way I make music. Any upcoming projects you can talk about?! After this new release, I’m sure I’m not the only one excited to hear more! Rilëë: Yes! My third single will be dropping next month! Lets just say it's for my high maintenance. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW RILËË: