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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.:

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: