Search Results
Search this site
5729 results found with an empty search
- Review: "Lollipop" - Queen Cult
Queen Cult’s newest single, “Lollipop” is an electric rock anthem that serves to vocalize the honest and visceral frustration of not knowing how to approach a changing situation. The song’s hard-hitting lyrics tackle the topics of compulsive behavior, guilt, rage and mischief. Queen Cult aims to prove that the rock genre has its place within 2023 and “Lollipop” only furthers that goal. It’s infectious thrash vibe and high energy is reminiscent of the early 2000’s rock scene while simultaneously incorporating elements of current trends such as indie sleaze and electric pop. Lyrics such as “You stole my lollipop, so suck on it” and “pick it up, don’t cower” communicate the order to not back down and own your decisions and urges. “Lollipop” is introduced with vibrant synth beats soon meshed with booming drums and powerful guitar. The song’s intense instrumentation and vocals create an exhilarating listening experience for audiences. Lead singer, Maisie Johnson brings rich and thrilling vocals to the track, hitting powerful notes throughout the piece. The “Lollipop” official music video was released on February 1st and features stunning cinematography, with heavy motion videography, aesthetically pleasing artificial light and colorful closeups of the band members. The video alternates between black & white and colored sequences, which provides a unique, artistic vibe. The videos’ fun and eccentric shots reflect the song’s messaging perfectly and makes for an entertaining viewer experience. Based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, Queen Cult is an up-and-coming rock band. The music group is comprised of three members, Maisie Johnson (lead vocalist and guitarist), Brodie Carson (drummer) and Piers Jarvis (bassist). Queen Cult made their debut in 2019 with the single, “Shindigger” which has amassed over 16k streams on Spotify alone. Since then, the band has released a plethora of hits, most notably “Beautiful Psycho”, “Woman That I Know” and “Show and Tell”. They have had multiple songs featured on BBC radio, Kerrang and Primordial Radio. Luckily for fans, you can catch Queen Cult live at YES (The Basement) in Manchester on February 17th. Thereafter, they have two more performances scheduled for late February in both Portsmouth and Bristol. Keep an eye out for Queen Cult’s new EP, “For Now, Not Forever” dropping on February 10th. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW QUEEN CULT:
- Review: "Catharsis" - Adeline V. Lopez
When we find ourselves in a state of mind that isn't necessarily the best or most healthy, we often seek out something that will distract us from the thoughts and feelings that are trying to pull us down. Unfortunately, distractions don't last forever and we are forced to face our emotions at the end of the day when we're all alone. 'Catharsis' by Adeline V. Lopez is about exactly what it's name means; trying to find relief from the strong emotions we suppress on a daily basis. The best thing to do when your brain is in a funk is to keep reminding yourself that the bad feelings will end. The moment you realize that you've survived the storm is the most rewarding feeling of all. Soft piano, bass and acoustic guitar sets the scene and emotion for this song right off the bat. Adeline's angelic and beautifully light vocals tell us a story of what most of us have experienced - pretending you're okay when your not. "You find a way to co-exist with life when you're walking the borderline." This lyric stood out to me the most because it's just too relatable and true. Adeline talks of going out and screaming club songs to drown out the sound of your dreadful thoughts, but you still end back up in the quiet and alone with your mind when it's time to go home. The hardest part is when you don't even know why you feel the way you do, and all you can do is keep waiting and searching for the moment you can be relived from the burden. Adeline V. Lopez is a teenage singer-songwriter from New York City. Her sound is what she describes as an 'eclectic blend' - being inspired by NYC's urban style and having a big variety of influences from Billy Joel and Elvis Presley, all the way to Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter. Adeline found herself writing a lot these past few years to cope with the difficult times we've been facing as the human race including topics of mental health (like Catharsis!), relationships and teenage life. Catharsis was released early due to it's attention gained on TikTok when Adeline posted a snippet of the song which accumulated over 50,000 likes. Stay tuned, because there's more music coming including a brand new EP to be released this March. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ADELINE:
- Review: "The Edge" - Natalie Shay
Natalie Shay’s song, “The Edge,” is an upbeat pop song about learning a life lesson. In Shay’s case, it was being in a toxic romantic relationship. One of the aspects that makes this song so great though is how relatable it is. Even if it’s not in romance, we all have been too close to the edge in some situations. For instance, you may have waited too long to complete an important task for work or school. Our actions have a tendency to catch up with us and put us into unfavorable territory. However, the relief that comes from making things right means that we will know better in the future. The overall mood of the song is very bright and happy. The instrumentation is reminiscent of an early 2000's pop song. The upbeat feel of the song really matches Natalie's message well. In the verses, Shay reflects on her situation and how negative it was. By the time the chorus comes around, the relief of getting out of the toxic relationship and finding herself again makes Shay want to get up and dance. Additionally, I feel that emotion was also displayed in Shay’s voice. She has very strong vocals throughout the whole song. I personally really enjoy her strength in the chorus. Natalie Shay is a critically acclaimed and award-winning pop artist from North London who is known for her incredible live performances and incredibly catchy and relatable ballads. In her time at the BRIT School, Shay perfected her craft of writing and producing music. It is safe to say that her hard work paid off because you can definitely hear her musical talent on this track. If you want to hear a different side of Shay, listen to “everything’s been happening.” The song views romance in a different light compared to “The Edge.” Instead of being happy that the relationship has ended, Shay is struggling to move forward and sings out her negative emotions. Whether you're feeling good or bad, Natalie has a song that you can relate to. She has an upcoming headline show in London on March 3rd 2023 at Omeara, so check out her socials below for more details! Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW NATALIE SHAY
- 10 Lady Gaga Performances That Are Absolutely ICONIC
photo credits: Billboard/getty images I’ve been a major fan of Lady Gaga since I was 8 years old. Ever since I heard Poker Face for the first time on my Maw Maws living room TV I was obsessed with her sound and her vibe. Everything she does presents me with a whirlwind of emotions. From her incredible stage designs and her experiments with fashion to the unique sounds of her music, Gaga blends the worlds of standard pop music with the weird and eccentric cultures of raves and underground dance clubs. Her artistry has always been near and dear to my heart. Though every performance she has ever done has been phenomenal, these ten are the pinnacle of who Lady Gaga is as an artist. 10. Muppets Venus Performance This is the DEFINITION of camp. The Muppets add a certain flavor to this song that is just amazing. The Muppet band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem are acting as her backup band in this performance. Watching Animal beat on drums while Lady Gaga dances around in an oversized wig with bare feet is an unforgettable experience. Gaga is so consistent with the way she presents her over-the-top and strange stage sets and costumes. However, in this performance, the Muppets are the strange stage set. Yet, somehow, they fit in perfectly with the theme. Never once do you question why the Muppets are there, they just are and it's accepted instantly. Gaga has this cool vibe about her entire performance that adds to this insane experience. It’s just intoxicating. You can see how much fun everyone is having with this whole experience. 9. Grammys 2022 This is a perfect example of not only the growth Gaga has had in her career but also the powerhouse that is her voice. She is always showing us how strong her vocal abilities are but in this performance, it's intense. Her ability to make dynamic changes from nasally tones to full ones is amazing Her voice lends itself so well to the energy of this genre. Her versatility with her performances and voice goes unmatched. Her presence on this stage is so captivating. I genuinely cried while watching her belt out these classics. The tribute to her friend Tony Bennett is such a beautiful one and it just shows how timeless and talented Lady Gaga truly is. 8. Graham Norton Judas Performance This performance is so raunchy and cool. Judas has some of the best choreography Gaga has done. Talk show performances are rarely taken as seriously as this one. Gaga puts on an unforgettable show with both Judas and Born This Way. During her performance of Born This Way, she climbs into a vat of glue-like substance with her dancers and splashes around while maintaining those signature vocals we all know and love. Nothing quite like it has been brought to a talk show stage like this. 7. Brit Awards 2010 Here she performs a beautiful acoustic version of her hit song Telephone . She plays piano so passionately with an elaborate costume wrapping her and her stark white piano. This version of Telephone was so unexpected and truly set her apart from any other artist at this time. A truly brilliant way to show her vocal abilities so early in her career. No one knew what to expect from such a wild card performer and that was made even more clear in this performance when she made the sudden switch from piano acoustics to electronic performance. Blending classical and electronica was so strange at the time but for Gaga it came so naturally. 6. 2016 Academy Awards Til It Happens To You WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE! Though Gaga is known for her over-the-top and dramatic performances, she replaces the theatrics for a tear-jerking tribute. At the 88th annual Academy Awards, she did something so powerful that it brought the nation to its knees. Performing her song Til It Happens To You, she brought over 50 sexual assault survivors to the stage. She wanted to dedicate her performance to survivors. To give them the recognition they deserve. She wrote this powerful ballad for the documentary hunting ground. The documentary focuses on campus sexual assaults. Gaga uses her moment to highlight the strength these survivors have. This performance was powerful and emotional. 5. La Vie En Rose (Tony Bennett 90th Birthday Celebration) Gaga loves showing off her knowledge of the French language. In this show, she gives her all to this song. Singing as if there's not a single person in the room but her and her dear friend Tony. She is a shining beam of light dazzling everyone who has the chance to watch her perform this song. Her voice meshed so well with the gentle Jazz piano and it was unlike anything else. Her tributes to Tony Bennett are always some of her best performances. She truly loves that man and gives her all anytime she gets to express her love through song to and for him. 4. Joe Calderone VMA 2011 This is performance was a cultural rest. When everyone heard Gaga was performing for the VMAs once again we all were expecting something similar to her 2009 performance. We instead got introduced to her ex-boyfriend and alter ego Joe Calderone. This performance is amazing in the fact that it brings together Gaga's love for theater and acting with her musical performance. The monologue that comes before the actual performance showcases her talents. She speaks about herself in such a way that you almost start to forget you are listening to Gaga herself. Joe then goes to play the piano and brings a raunchy rockstar vibe to the incredibly iconic VMA stage. Joe splashing beer everywhere and smoking cigarettes while giving a monologue about how Gaga is on and off stage isn't even the end. To top off this absurd scene of rock and roll antics; the guitarist of Queen is featured in this! Brian May comes out and shreds on guitar while Joe slams on piano. This performance is etched in my brain and it's criminal that it isn’t recognized. 3. VMA 2013 Applause Artpop is often ignored by the masses. I can't for the life of me understand why. I firmly believe this was one of her best eras. She puts her all into every visual of this album and creates a whole world her fans can live in through her art. this performance is only an aspect of this world she built. She uses every second she is allotted to cycle through her previous eras. She does this by switching rapidly through various costumes and wigs. Attributing this cycle to the love of applause she is singing for. During these quick changes, she is maintaining her amazing vocals and keeps up with her fast-paced choreography. Once she finally emerges with her final outfit she is fitted in an Aphrodite-inspired outfit. Dawning massive hair and a seashell bikini. This is the climax she was building up to. A goddess-like feeling she receives from the sound of applause. The thought that is put into this performance is absolutely incredible and extremely fun to watch. 2. Super Bowl Half Time Show Everyone brings their A-game to the super bowl halftime show. We all know about the iconic Prince performance and the scandalous Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson performances. But people rarely talk about this one. Lady Gaga brought all types of theatrics and acrobatics to this stage. She began with a homage to the country. Standing on top of the stadium belting a beautiful rendition of God Bless America and This Land is Your Land. She then leaps off the stadium and is shown propelling down while performing some of her top hits. That's just the beginning. This stunt, combined with some of her best vocals and dance routines, lead to some of her best work overall on stage. At this point, she was pretty seasoned as a pop star. She has solidified herself as someone who goes big and stays big with her performances and she doesn’t stray away from that idea whatsoever. 1. Paparazzi VMA 2009 This was, no exaggeration, LIFE CHANGING. Lady Gaga brought to the stage something no one had ever seen before. The drama, the horror, and the story all changed the way we see, and even interact, with art today. Fame can be all-consuming and monstrous. Having her background dancers (her fans) string her up and leave her hanging was intense and the best way for her to show the fear and excitement that comes along with massive success. Gaga was only 23 when she created such a masterpiece. She left a mark on VMA history that could never be erased. She has continued to bring this level of artistry to the VMA stage every single year she has performed. This was a testament to who she is as an artist and what we, the audience, were in for while watching her grow into her fame. She was still relatively new to being a star and yet the story she told through this performance will certainly outlive her. It is rooted in history. Do you agree with this list? What’s your favorite Gaga performance? We want to hear your thoughts! Follow us on our socials to tell us your opinion! Written By Kaiana Lee Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "I Think You Loved Me" - Noah Henderson
Do they love me, do they love me not? They’re simple words, yet, they form a rather complex question. Especially in Noah Henderson’s single, “I Think You Loved Me,” telling the hard-hitting story about someone leaving him without warning, confusing his thoughts on the entirety of the relationship. Alternative-pop fused with acoustic singer/songwriter, the song has a powerful sound, resonating the feelings of the message. To question if someone loves you should give you the answer in and of itself, but it’s striking to see that the song’s namesake still shows him questioning. He thinks they loved him, he felt their love, but then they took their love and ran. Noah’s lyrics may be a rainfall of emotional turmoil, but the music eventually lifts them up in the last chorus turning them into a snowfall of passionate yearning; as if to show he is giving it his all to convince that person one last time to fight. “I Think You Loved Me” is a rationally vulnerable and pleasantly sorrowful ballad, written straight from a shattered heart. Conglomerated by soft acoustic strums, passionate synthetic beats and delicate harmonies, “I Think You Loved Me” is a perfectly layered track, with impeccable placement of voice effects that amplify the raw emotions incorporated into the song. However, the real treat is the subtle trumpet mixed with string instruments and rocketed drums that build the sudden intensity, pleasantly barging in after the second chorus, “Why don’t you stay for a while/ And learn how to fight for something/ How could this all be for nothing.” Noah’s voice floats on a cloud as he sings pieces of the gloomy chorus during the instrumental breakthrough, transporting you into a different world. It’s not until the last two lines are quietly sung when one’s sorrowful feelings begin to flood back in as quickly as the song ends. Leaving one to have no choice but to put it on replay and start the vicious, though beautiful, cycle over. Hailing from Sacramento California, Noah Henderson was born to be a musician. Growing up, he learned how to play the guitar from his family, and eventually picked up skills in over ten instruments. It was only a matter of time before his musical abilities would evolve into producing, and he did so by starting off with recording for other people. Ultimately his goal was to learn music production so that he could create music the way he wanted to. His hard work paid off and in 2021, he released his first single, “Mine.” From writing and producing music for/with others, Noah learned production techniques that helped craft his own sound. Drawing inspiration from well-known artists like Jon Bellion, Lauv and Coldplay, he developed a unique mix between somber and pop; a genre that is newly rising in popularity. His newest pop-melancholic single “I Think You Loved Me” is a testament to this ode. There are endless industry-changing opportunities being taken by brilliant artists like Noah Henderson—a name you don’t want to forget. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW NOAH HENDERSON:
- Review: "A Song For Ya" - Royal Oak
Breakups are difficult, however, the vocalist in “A Song For Ya”, sings about a relationship being so toxic that a breakup feels like a relief. In the single, the lyrics describe being over all the drama that comes with ending a relationship and that he had already checked out of the relationship prior to the breakup. The singer continues, mockingly poking fun at his ex by cheekily singing that he finally wrote a song for his ex. Overall, the instrumental is electric and the singer has a playful aloofness that keeps the song light and cheerful throughout. As soon as the guitar riff starts the single, it becomes obvious this song is a hit. The song has a first verse that is mainly drums and guitar riff with slightly raspy vocals from the lead singer. The chorus is high energy and has catchy falsetto lyrics that will have you singing “I’m already over it”. A highlight of the track would be the bridge which is followed by a guitar solo. During the bridge, the vibe slows down and emphasizes the raw emotions the singer is experiencing when he acknowledges that his partner gave up on their relationship. The Bridge is then accompanied by an electric guitar solo that brings back the upbeat and good-natured feel to the song. Royal Oak is a Canadian band from Vancouver. The group consists of longtime friends Austin Ledyard, Brayson Wong, Myles Philpott, and Michael Kragelj who released their first musical project in 2015, a self-titled album, “Royal Oak”. The members are inspired by multiple genres which they use to create their fun alt-pop sound. During the pandemic, the band self-reflected and came back stronger than ever. The group has since released three new singles as well as an upcoming album that was created primarily through Zoom. Written By Stephanie Berning FOLLOW ROYAL OAK:
- Review: "Crime" - isha
In "Crime" by isha, isha is in the crumbling stages of her relationship with a romantic partner. After being lied to countless times, she is ready to escape the pain of unreciprocated love. Unfortunately, ending the ties with her soon-to-be ex means damaging back-and-forth conversations. And in defending herself, isha's misrepresented as "the bad guy." Confident she's the victim in the situation, isha uses "Crime" to remind her partner of their faults and to turn the tables back to their original position. But as hopeful as isha was for her relationship, seeing it have to end isn't an easy pill to swallow. "Crime" by isha is an average-length song spanning three minutes and forty seconds. The production is minimal, supported by piano chords and the occasional appearance of violins and percussion. As simplistic as the production, the song's arrangement doesn't veer far from the basic Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus structure. However, the simplicity of both elements is purposeful in leaving room for isha's vocal abilities to shine. Not to mention lyrics like "Why can't you find your way/Make home to the place you stay/I don't need you lurking all day long," hinting at her songwriting potential. But with "Crime" being her debut single, there's no doubt what isha could become with help shaping her creative direction. Isha is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. Her musical style is a blend of the RnB and Alternative-Pop genres. Over the years, Isha has gained experience in performing live and through videos online of original songs. However, considering music a universal language, isha aims to be vulnerable with her listeners on a larger scale. As a step in that direction, isha released her first single, "Crime," in 2022 on all streaming platforms. And available through her Instagram page, listeners can view isha's process behind the single and its rollout. Written By Jeffrey Ade FOLLOW ISHA:
- Review: "It's Not My Fault" - Ellakate
From the opening plucks of violins on "It's Not My Fault," ellakate makes clear that this is no ordinary callout, but the result will be just as brutal. On her latest single, the Atlanta-based singer-songwriter fashions a deadly weapon out of utter bewilderment and glossy alt-pop. The song's most thrilling quality is her startling composure as she delivers killing blow after killing blow. Her staccato cadence threads between coiling strings, terse plucks, and gritty bass. The bridge, in well-measured contrast, allows ellakate's voice to soar over a snowballing of synths, guitars, and drums. When everything clicks into place for the juicy, last minute, it becomes clear that her composure was not out of a desire to mend this broken friendship—it was to ensure that every, eviscerating word is heard. She may be burning this bridge down (and it is a glorious blaze, I might add), but ellakate walks away from it with clean hands. For as often as men have baffled me with their audacity, "It's Not My Fault" might be the first song to really express that exact emotion. For much of the track, ellakate is stern and cleverly impassive. "I made it very clear that I wasn't trying to stick around with you," she reminds with clear annoyance. "I thought you got the message—guess not." Her lyricism is concise and direct, but each line slides builds on each other with undeniable consideration. Ellakate delivers the titular phrase with such vivid irritation that no other words would feel as apt or effective in its place. I imagine her pressing the block button as she delivers it for one last time, nothing more to say. Ellakate was born, raised, and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her love for music was nurtured from a young age with the support of musical parents. She began releasing music in 2022 with two excellent singles. "It's Not My Fault" is her first single of 2023, but she plans to continue releasing music throughout the year. In addition, she'll be performing live shows and providing updates on her website and instagram. Her alt-pop sound gently warps pop conventions with haunting and bold twists that maintain stunning beauty. In such a short amount of time, she's proven herself to be a alt-pop star on the rise. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Ellakate:
- Review: "North to South" - REYKO
REYKO’s, “ North to South ” is a song that follows a person's journey of growth and new adventures, but is narrated by a separate person. This individual has packed up their bags into their car and is traveling down South. With nothing but their belongings, hopes and dreams, this person is starting fresh with nothing to lose. Although it may be nerve wracking to leave everything behind in order to start a new adventure, this song tells us that when you have a dream that you’d like to chase and make it come to life, there shouldn’t be anything getting in your way in order to achieve that. And what may come with that is a new life, “ just a straight line into the unknown .” The vocalist has a quieter sound, almost like they’re using a whisper way of singing which could remind you of Billie Eilish’s songs. With a low and whisper voice throughout the entire track, I think this choice of sound was interesting in terms of the lyrics. The song is about new beginnings and growth, so rather than an upbeat song to display the positive meaning to their story, the singer does quite the opposite. This was a unique way of showing the emotion of leaving something behind. Although the lyrics are showing a sense of happiness and being proud for the individual that's moving across the country, the vocalist uses a slower and emotional voice to describe how it may have felt for them to leave everything behind, pack up the car and leave. With this behind a very sentimental moment, the person moving most likely felt emotional while driving away in their car, knowing that they were leaving everything they loved and were used to, all behind. The lyrics being positive shows that even though growth comes with detachment or uncomfortable moments, it’s definitely worth it in the end to see how far you’ve come. REYKO is an alternative-pop duo based in London. North to South is 1 of 10 songs from their newest album titled, “ Fantasía.” It is now their 3rd album and it was released on January 20th. The two that make up REYKO are Soleil and Igor who are from Spain. With the both of them being Spaniards, the album includes songs in both Spanish and English. The album comes with a wide range of instruments, influences, and stories to share, such as euphoric anthems, tales of heartbreak and romantic ballads. In these songs, you can hear fuzzy rock guitars, jazzy pianos and psychedelic electronic music. There are some artists that inspired and influenced them, that you can be able to catch in their songs, such as the Beatles, Billie Eilish, Jane Birkin and more. According to their Spotify page, they have over 311,000 monthly listeners with their most popular song being, “ Spinning Over You ”, with 28.6 million streams. Check out REYKO’s new album “ Fantasía”, out now on Spotify and Apple Music! Written By Sneet Efrem FOLLOW REYKO:
- Review: "If I Ever" - Conor Maynard
“If I Ever” by Conor Maynard is absolute pop perfection with its infectious beats and unforgettable lyrics. The track explores the aftermath of a devastating break-up and the sorrow that comes with it. The track is the first of many songs Maynard wrote after his relationship ended at the end of 2022. Part of the track is inspired by his former partner telling him that she hopes to see him in her hometown despite their relationship being over. In the chorus, he directly acknowledges this with the line: “And if I’m ever singing where you are// I pray you won’t show up// Cause I can’t bear to see you again.” Throughout the track, Maynard continues to use candid lyrics to express the hurt and betrayal he felt when his former partner left him. However, no matter how much he still loves his partner, he will not let himself fall back into their trap. Then in the bridge, the vulnerable lyrics reveal that the door is sealed forever with Maynard singing the lyrics: “Won’t let you break my heart again// And I could never be your friend// You burnt the bridge the day you left.” The emotionally charged track allows listeners to empathize with the singer, and may even be a cathartic release for those who are experiencing the same feelings. “If I Ever” is a brilliantly written track that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of yearning for the past while moving on towards the future. After only one listen, “If I Ever” immediately becomes a fan favorite and replays in the minds of listeners. The track kicks off with a sonic buildup that transitions into the complete production, met with Maynard’s unique vocals. The verse introduces a muted guitar that remains constant for the entire song and plays the same chord progression throughout. Simultaneously, the soft beat effortlessly guides the listener through the track and draws focus to the vulnerable lyrics. In the chorus, another guitar harmonizes with the vocals, working together to provide a mystifying production. When the bridge hits, the listener is taken by surprise with the sudden change in the production, using synth keyboard riffs that contrast with the previous parts of the track. This sudden change further enhances the emotional aspect of the song, before bursting back to the lively production and Maynard’s vocals wrapping up the track with his outstanding high notes. With “If I Ever”, Maynard exemplifies his natural talent and his longevity in the industry. Conor Maynard is a singer-songwriter from the U.K. After a decade signed to a major label, he stepped away to become an independent artist in March 2020. A week later, the U.K. shut down due to the global pandemic. Despite this major setback, Maynard made major strides in the industry. In just one year he gained over 300 million streams across Spotify and Apple Music. Additionally, he is the 7th most followed music account on TikTok despite only joining the platform in 2020. Maynard has a long-list of achievements throughout his career, including starring as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots on Broadway and collaborating with artists such as Pharrell Williams and Rita Ora. His debut album, Contrast, reached number 1 on the U.K. charts, which included 5 top ten singles. Written By Karlee Skipper FOLLOW CONOR:
- Review: "Butterflies" - Kelia
Have you ever liked someone so much it made you feel sick to your stomach? Your feelings for them are so overwhelming that your body can't handle it? "butterflies" by Kelia describes this exact feeling of being so into someone that they give you, well, butterflies! That fluttering feeling in your core is usually a sign that you've got it bad for someone. Just looking in their eyes can take your breath away, let alone when they touch you. You experience "fireworks in your chest" when you're around them and it's unlike anything you've ever felt before. The love feels brand new and fun. The best part about it is when you have the satisfaction of knowing that they feel the same as you do, and you in fact give them butterflies too. With a soft and classic RnB feel to the instrumentation, Kelia takes us on a euphoric journey through what it's like to be in love. There's a bit of funk to the bass and beat that gives it the perfect amount of energy for this type of song. Her bright yet soulful vocals are the guide of impactful lyrics that will leave you yearning for the kind of love that is being described. The melody has a vibe that is a mixture of contemporary RnB and pop, with just enough harmonies to give the song it's euphoric feeling. My personal favorite moment of the song is the rhythmic and cheerful pre-chorus. Kelia is a pop/contemporary RnB singer-songwriter based in Seattle, Washington. Creating music since the age of 12 years old, Kelia has been an artist for 10 years but officially released her first studio single, Too Bad To Be Sad, in the year 2018 after partnering up with Tacoma Records (QRS) in 2017. Since then, she has released 7 more songs including Butterflies. Her favorite artists and inspirations include Childish Gambino and Leven Kali. Her music is written directly from her life experiences and is a sound that can be described as real and raw. Make sure to follow Kelia below to keep up with her amazing growth as an artist. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW KELIA:
- Review: "Chlorine" - Ella Lombardi
Often times, we mistakenly value familiarity over loyalty or joy when it comes to relationships, both romantic and platonic. Ella Lombardi’s new single, “Chlorine” communicates the relatable experience of continuously returning to the toxic people in your life. It’s easy to ignore all the red flags, simply because you want to see the best in someone you care about. Ella’s lyrics portray this heartache, yet also relay to audiences the relief that follows when you finally let them go. “Chlorine” presents listeners with a catchy, dance-worthy melody while simultaneously speaking on deep topics such as regret, guilt and grief. The more you re-play “Chlorine”, the more you will recognize the overflowing emotions of sadness and anger portrayed in Ella’s beautifully written lyrics. “Chlorine” is introduced with smooth guitar strumming, followed by Ella’s enchanting voice. Seamless vocal layering combines both high and low registers to create heavenly harmonies and add additional depth to the song. Ella’s wide vocal range allows for high-pitched, soprano notes to make the chorus pop, while her rich, alto notes insert extra power and emotion to other verses. Wonderfully crafted lines such as, “I wore my secrets on my sleeve, I didn’t know a damn thing, I liked the smell of chlorine” convey intense emotion and allow audiences to interpret their true meaning. In this case, the lyrics communicate how broken trust can leave a deep wound behind and how it is easy to run towards something that will inevitably harm us. Ella Lombardi is a talented singer-songwriter whose music is of the indie-pop variety. She has earned over 1.6k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, with “Chlorine” already reaching 1.5k streams, just 10 days after its release on January 20th. Ella’s debut single, “Made to Be Mine” was released in 2022 and presents as a romantic and heartbreaking ballad. The official music video for “Made to Be Mine” was released in July of 2022 and features breathtaking cinematography, with the use of both natural and artificial light, as well as a wide range of shot types and sets. Ella’s music can be discovered on various well-known, bedroom-pop Spotify playlists such as, “Volume Up”, “No Feelings”, “Nostalgia FM” and “Undiscovered Indie”. If you liked “Chlorine” as much as we did, be sure to keep an eye out for Ella Lombardi, as she hopes to release a few singles and perhaps an EP in 2023. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW ELLA:












