"All My Ghosts" by Sarah von Reis is an ethereal track about self-discovery, raw emotions, and love. Sarah lays it all out there with her vulnerability. She uses metaphors like "I've been hiding on the moon, but now the earth is calling for ya" to desrcibe getting reacquainted with oneself. Even with a new found sense of self and understandings of the past that got us here, we all have ghosts. These ghosts are immortal, and the strongest prayer, fire, or ouija board could not erase them from our inner orbit. When being haunted by these ghosts of lovers past, it would be easy to hide under your covers and wait til the sun begins to rise, but why fear the past when we can embrace it. This song is about celebrating the decisions of our past that brought us to today, even if that journey was anything but smooth sailing. We recognize these ghosts as our friends who have lived every day of life, every moment of love, every feeling of pain right there with us, so instead of letting the not-so-dead-and-buried past consume you, let's grab these ghosts by the hand and dance until they can no longer haunt us. In a song about our past ghosts, it's no surprise Sarah von Reis captivates us with haunting vocals and interstellar instrumentals that take us on a journey out of this realm. Featuring a sense of melancholy and vulnerability, "All My Ghosts" remains optimistic and unforgettable. There is a sense of hope in her gloom. This song is powerful in its ability to relate to all who listen. This is the song you can cry to in the shower and blast in the car with the windows down and a beaming smile. Sarah's range is impeccable and inspiring. Whatever she has to say, we want to hear it, again and again, Sarah von Reis is a Swedish singer/songwriter from Gothenburg. Her love for music was inspired by the melodic language of Swedish jazz and indie pop she became acquainted with in her adolescent years. She has a deep passion for telling stories and that is clear through her enchanting, catchy, raw lyrics. During the beginning stages of her artist craft, Sarah was a member of the iconic group, Dolly Style. She then went on her own to chase her dreams as a solo artist, and her first single was played on Swedish national television. Her debut EP will be released in March 2023, and we can't wait to grab all our ghosts by the hand while we listen and dance on repeat. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW SARAH VON REIS:

I must commence this review by recognizing my ignorance towards Australian politics, local or national. Perhaps the threat of a dolphin attack is genuinely imminent—locals living in fear of a cetacean declaration of war (haha). If that's the case, I need to know so I can unfollow them on instagram. But as it stands, the foundation of Window Shopping's latest single, "Port Adelaide," is a hilariously detached anthem dedicated to the Australian band's campaign promise to save the titular region from dolphins. The writing has a buoyancy and movement, breezy hooks dropping off into walls of guitars and bass. In the song's back half, the momentum resets as the band chants alongside a tight instrumental. You can feel the band grinning as they gear up towards a climactic finale. And then—for a moment—they burst apart, like a firework. It's uncertain whether that's it — each instrument sputtering flames and smog, before clicking together as the drums build up into the real climax. It's the kind of controlled chaos that brings its colorful lyrics to life. "Vote for me." The chant kicks off "Port Adelaide" atop a sizzling fuse of a baseline. Lead vocalist, Jordon Best, delivers it the same you might expect her to give directions to the dunny. It immediately characterizes the work, giving it a sharp wit rather than seeking to actually inspire passionate feelings. So, when other members echo bold statements with smooth falsettos, ("she will be the one") it twists with a heavy dose of insincere sincerity. "I will declare we'll defend ourselves," she sings, guitars blitzing ahead in anticipation of the grand reveal: "when the dolphins attack." Could more be expounded upon about how the song satirizes political campaigns ignoring substantive issues in favor of promising protection from threats they've entirely fabricated? Perhaps. The references to what's not changing ("can't promise to fix all the potholes, or make pot legal,") certainly make for scathing commentary. But, at the end of its stellar three minute runtime, "Port Adelaide" proves itself too much stupid fun to do anything but embrace. Down with the dolphins! Window Shopping are a band based in Adelaide, South Australia. Comprised of five members, the group began releasing music just this year. Prior to "Port Adelaide," the group released their debut single in June, "One More Episode." They're frank about their goals: "They write songs and play those songs out loud." The simplicity of their mission statement matches the good fun they appear to imbue their art with, but belies the hard work and polished vision that fuels it. While we're only keen to two singles, thus far, more is certainly on the way. Art like theirs is truly good for the soul. Written By Andy Mockbee FOLLOW Window Shopping:

Congratulations on the release of your new self-titled EP “After Berlin”, it is absolutely brilliant!! One track which really stands out is “ballad of the maniac”, can you take us through the writing process for this song and the inspiration behind it? After Berlin: Thanks for your kind words. We usually try to create an immersive atmosphere of sound, whether it is with synths, piano or guitars. The important point for us is to quickly find a precise emotion. For “ballad of the maniac” we wanted to tell the story of a man confused to the point he can no longer differentiate evil from good. We wanted to make a mysterious dance track with a heavy groove and a spooky synth riff. We started the song with the riff.We played with the pitch bend of the keyboard to create that “drunk riff” effect. Who are some of your biggest inspirations when it comes to your music? After Berlin: Bands like Pink Floyd, Gorillaz or Radiohead. Other artists like Pharell , Travis Scott, Fka Twigs. Wealso love the personal music of producers like Brian Eno and Mike Dean. We also listen to all genres of music : electronic, rap, jazz, classical music, original soundtracks. The music video for “ballad of the maniac” is so well done, wow!! Can you give some insight into the quote featured at the start of the video and how it ties into the song? After Berlin: Thank you, we appreciate it. We always try to install context for the audience to dive deeper into our world. The song evokes a man completely lost that hopes to find the light again and escape from madness. That feeling of mental confusion is illustrated with a car trip in the video. We wrote an intro text because we wanted to give a hint to invite the viewer to our dream… or nightmare. If you could have any artist cover one of your songs, who would you pick, and which song would you want them to cover? After Berlin: We would like our dear friend Neon Valley to cover one our song but we’re afraid he doesn’t like our music (hahaha) What would you say is the proudest moment in your career thus far? And what is one thing you hope to achieve in your career one day? After Berlin: After Berlin is a very young project but we were really glad and proud when we released our first music video for the song “eventide”. It was the first time we directed a video and we were really happy with the result. We really want to direct a movie one day and create an original soundtrack for it. So what can we expect next from you guys? After this incredible project, I’m sure you have a very bright future ahead and I can’t wait to hear more!! :) After Berlin: New music, new emotions, new videos and live shows in 2023. Thank you Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW AFTER BERLIN:

Emotional yet empowering, LONG ISLAND’s newest release, ‘average’ expresses the anger and embarrassment that ensues when you realize someone simply wasn’t good enough for you. The song details the freedom of knowing your worth, while simultaneously throwing well-deserved jabs at the spectacle of the past. The agonizing frustration yet also uplifting feelings of clarity are felt through the vocal performance and production of the single. Listen to 'average' here! Starting right out the gate with a catchy beat, ‘average’ aims to catch the listener's ears with a memorable sound from the beginning. The vocal range heard throughout the song is described best as the classically satisfying angsty yearning known throughout the indie-pop genre. Upbeat yet pleasingly melodic instrumentals complement the mood that the lyrics provide to the single. It’s easy to feel the synchronicity each counterpart of the band provided to create what is the last single off their upcoming album. Indie-pop band LONG ISLAND aims to break musical barriers with a powerful sound unique to the band's heartful production and vocal aesthetic. Based in Huddersfield, UK, the group is comprised of vocalist Rhiannon Stephenson, guitarist/vocalist Cameron Conner, bassist Paddy Spence-Lewis and drummer Jan van Beem. In their debut streaming year, they’ve accomplished critical acclaim from BBC, Alfitude, and CLOUT all while maintaining a steady flux of live shows. Their debut album, ‘infatuation’s a nightmare’ is set to release in January of 2023 which is sure to push forward the bands climbing success. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW LONG ISLAND:

Ally Hills’s latest single is an ingenious track with a unique background and an infectious melody that grabs a hold of the listener and propels them into a captivating journey. “manipuLIES” was born from lyrics written by Hills’s current girlfriend when she was only 10-years-old and had not yet experienced romantic heartache. The song was initially a joke between the couple, but their clever songwriting transformed it into the outstanding track it is now. Throughout the song, the lyrics call out a toxic person for their manipulation and lies—their “manipulies.” Hills immediately kicks off the song with these exposing lyrics when she sings, “You called me beautiful// You can’t play me// You called me wonderful// You can’t persuade me// It’s weird you didn’t realize// I’m friends with the girls you manipulize.” These lines instantly introduce the listener to the cheeky lyrics paired with the memorable rhythm. The uniquely written track was never intended to see the light of day, but Hills has blessed her listeners with “manipuLIES”, creating a song that is destined to be replayed on a constant loop. “manipuLIES” is a brilliant track that compels the listener with its witty lyrics and catchy melody. The production mesmerizes the audience from the first listen, making them want to listen to the song on repeat. The track kicks off with a compilation of synth sound effects that slowly transition into the verse, where Hills angelic vocals take over. The fast-paced beat pumps the listener up and takes control of their senses. The production is reminiscent of 80s pop with a blend of the modern alternative sound. The sounds tie together to produce a highly infectious track that engulfs listeners and keeps them company on late-night drives through the city. “manipuLIES” is the perfect alternative-pop song, showcasing Hills unmistakable talent. Ally Hills is a pop singer-songwriter, as well as a comedian, LGBTQ+ influencer, and content creator. In 2012, she launched her YouTube channel which has over 990K subscribers. Her content is a mix of comedy, music, and her personal experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. In 2016, she released her first official single, “Space”. Since then, she has released a handful of singles, including several collaborations. “manipuLIES” is her first release since her EP, Love and Other Figments of My Imagination, which was released early 2022. Hills frequently plays shows in LA and NYC and earned the 2016 Short Award Nomination for Best YouTube Musician. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW ALLY:

“Cherry on Top” is a booming anthemic revenge piece about a relationship gone wrong, but with the pockets of hope that emerge. While there’s often so much negativity surrounding the end of relationships, Costello’s genuinely optimistic nature leads her to express her feelings as they are, leading to her sadness, anger, or hurt and then getting past them. Costello teaches us a valuable lesson in being the bigger person when relationships or friendships turn sour. Costello’s classic bread and butter of pop, punk, and rock elements brim with her sassy attitude, clever lyricism, and catchy one-liners spread within the piece. As she nudges the line between the aggressive and powerful distorted guitars to the sweet ukelele was a fantastic stylistic decision. Her powerhouse vocals align perfectly with the just as hard guitars, but it’s her softer and sweeter side that truly adds something special to the track. Costello wears her inspirations openly, but her decisions to impart her own personality and uplifting lyricisms amidst her screaming and yelling of anger show how she’s building on the legacies of those before her. Ainsley Costello is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter based in Seattle. Beginning to perform at the young age of 7 and with unaired performances on American Idol and the Voice at 13, she’s had a plethora of experience beneath her belt in recording songs and performing them. Winning the ISSA (International Singer Songwriter Association) Young Adult Artist of the Year in 2022, it’s clear that Costello has much to show us in the coming years of her career. “Cherry on Top” is a strong single to close out 2022, and it’s exciting to see what direction Costello embarks on in the coming new year. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW AINSLEY:

Joey May’s latest single is a hauntingly beautiful ballad consisting of honest lyrics and a soothing melody. “The Other Girls” dives into May’s relationship and the self-doubt that consumes her. Despite her partner reassuring her that they love her for who she is, she cannot help but question her worth. Throughout the track, she sings vulnerable lyrics that illustrate these negative thoughts and the uncontrollable urge to compare herself to every girl her partner has ever been with. She starts the second verse with, “You treat me better than I treat myself// But when you get me flowers// I can’t help but to wonder// Did you ever get her the same.” These lines reveal that she recognizes that her partner cherishes her, and that she needs to love herself the way her partner loves her. However, she slips into these thoughts of self-doubt, thinking that their love is not special—that she is not special. “The Other Girls” is a unique reflection on insecurities found within relationships, because this track praises the partner for their love, while it puts the blame on May herself. The heart wrenching track resonates with listeners by effortlessly describing these emotions in a captivating manner. “The Other Girls” is a gloomy piano-led ballad with a peaceful melody that calms the minds of listeners. The track begins with the gentle piano that is quickly joined by May’s heavenly vocals. The production remains steady throughout the song, providing an ethereal element. When the song was recorded, May kept it as “raw as the first phone demo.” This created a unique effect on the track, making it feel more authentic and down-to-earth than if a full production were used. The only addition May added were some vocal harmonies. These can be heard throughout the song, further enhancing the heavenly atmosphere. “The Other Girls” is an enchanting track that transports the listener to another world and makes them feel like they are floating on air. Joey May is a singer-songwriter based in London. In 2021, she was crowned a winner of the Bingo Sounds Soundscheck Contest. This contest supports the dreams of aspiring artists, giving them the means to kickstart their musical career. In February 2022, May released her debut single, “fingertips”. Her second single, “Crime”, was released in October 2022, which was followed up by “The Other Girls”. These last two singles will be featured on her upcoming five-track debut EP, notes from my bedroom. This year, May has gone on tour and has continued to write songs—setting herself a firm foundation in the music industry. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW JOEY:

My first thought while listening to "I Don't Trust U" by Rian Cult was that it reminded of the famous artist Blackbear. This song tells a relatable story that I'm sure almost every listener can bring back to their own lives. You don't trust someone with your feelings, and you are making them known. They treat your heart with no regard for your well-being, yet you still let them snatch it up in the first place. You know, maybe you are partially to blame for giving in to their games, but you just want your heart back in one piece. With k-pop influences, this track will give you a pep in your step. Rian Cult's higher register is easy on the ears, and his tone is clear and listenable. The production on this track needs to be addressed; it's sleek and very well done, and it is most definitely my favorite part of this song. The lyricism is simple and witty, making this song easy to listen to and perfect to add to almost any of your playlists. Rian Cult is a Los Angeles-based pop artist from Romania. Rian is not new to the industry, having released his first single on Spotify in 2018. He has an impressive 9,000 monthly listeners, with his most streamed track, "Sundays In New York", having amassed 1,200,000 streams. He posts his music on TikTok along with relatable comedy, having reached nearly 200k followers and four million likes on his TikTok account. His brand new EP, "Songs I Wrote In The Loft", is set to release in January 2023! Written By Emma Kimberli FOLLOW RIAN CULT:

Isn't it so insulting to your existence when someone takes advantage of your kindness? Some of us say "I thought you were different" a little too much these days when it comes to dating. You meet someone who makes you feel good at first, and then before you know it they change into a completely different person once they know they've got you caught in their web. They go from being the most special thing in your life, to someone you never want to see again. You feel tricked, you feel used, and they don't even seem to care how bad they've hurt you. "It Matters To Me" by Queen Cult sings of this type of relationship that most of us can relate to. Right off the bat the style of the instrumentation gave me a nostalgic, No Doubt, 90s punk rock vibe with Queen Cult's own modern twist. The soundscape has an incredible flow that is easy to follow and will have you moving to the music. Queen Cult's lead vocalist, Maisie Johnson, has a vocal style that fits right into the nostalgic vibe and is reminiscent of Dua Lipa's rich and strong pop vocals. The instrumentation is what I like to call, a "real" sound. It sounds like a live band playing authentic instruments at a rock concert instead of the electronic virtual instruments we are used to in today's age - which if you ask me, we need a lot more of this in music again. I always say good music keeps you captivated throughout the entire song, and this song did exactly that. Queen Cult is a trio alt-rock band based in Macclesfield, UK. The band consists of Maisie Johnson, Brodie Carson and Piers Jarvis. Being a queer and femme-led group, Queen cult majorly supports the LGBTQ+ community, and is changing the UK music scene by giving others a voice through their songs. "It Matters To Me" was written by Maisie for a friend who had gone through a rough relationship, that way her friend wouldn't feel alone, and that's exactly what Queen Cult is all about. Influenced by the likes of No Doubt, Paramore, Royal Blood and Nothing But Thieves, Queen Cult started their 2022 year by releasing an EP, "Woman That I Know", that ended up on several official Spotify, Deezer, and YouTube music playlists. Queen Cult is known for their live music and will be going on their first headline tour in February 2023. Find your tickets at Songkick.com. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW QUEEN CULT:

“Fake Highs” perfectly captures the struggles faced by young adults trying to navigate their way through the mundane responsibilities faced in life. Gabriel Munoz describes using coping mechanisms that leave him feeling empty come days end. From lack of sleep to trauma resurfacing, the song details the fruition of issues that most people have to deal with on top of work/school and day-to-day tasks. While socializing can be a great reprieve from the stress of growing up, Gabriel is tired of using these ‘fake highs’ as a distraction to spark joy. Despite the heavy lyrics, “Fake Highs” has an upbeat, flirty vibe to its sound. Filled with Gabriel’s low and smooth vocals and selectively placed reverb, the song comes across as emotionally impactful yet also catchy. While the single remains uniform through the verses and chorus, there is a climax of both emotion and instrumentals within the bridge that satisfyingly leads into the final chorus and outro. “Fake Highs” provides listeners with a relatable flux of feelings while maintaining the fun energy of Gabriel Munoz’s previous work. Los Angeles-born and raised artist Gabriel Munoz has a jovial pop sound that forwardly catches the ear. Though his discography tends to lean upbeat, you’ll find a variety of moods throughout his singles filled with catchy beats. Having just started releasing music a few years ago, his sound is comparable with pop radio hits of today's charting songs. The self-starter singer-songwriter shows palpable promise in his future in music. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW GABRIEL MUNOZ:

In this advanced technological age, social media and mass consumerism often keep us from finding and expressing our authentic selves. KLEO’s new single, “INM” is an enticing and electrifying piece that highlights the tendency we have as humans to feel as though we’re floating through life, going through the motions, almost living in an endless loop of time. In this simulation-like environment that society has constructed, it’s easy for one’s dreams, desires and passions, the elements that comprise the human soul, to become lost and unattended to. KLEO’s meaningful lyricism brilliantly speaks to our technologically driven era, with lines such as, “mediated on a screen, pressing ctrl + alt+ delete,”. The single’s electric instrumentation and ethereal vocals establish it as a unique and melodic piece of art. “I had this longing to explore this feeling or idea of not knowing who you are in the context of society; and not sure if you're being yourself or just trying to fit in,” KLEO revealed when speaking about the single. Click here to listen to "INM"! “IMN” is introduced with booming percussion and distorted synths. KLEO’s high-pitched and crisp vocals give the song an angelic and almost otherworldly quality. The song’s heart-pounding melody presents listeners with a rave-like listening experience. Her utilization of precise sound distortion and vocal layering help add to the song’s cyber-pop vibe. The mixture of KLEO’s hypnotic notes and the tracks electrifying synth noise, blend to communicate a powerful and head-banging tune to audiences. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, KLEO draws inspiration from hyper pop, dark pop, K-pop, house and trap. She classifies her sound as post-internet pop and refers to herself as “half-human, half-android". KLEO’s work acts as a social commentary for our digital age, consumerism, capitalism and the commodification of human life. Her hit single, “Ukiyo” reached over 15.8k streams on Spotify alone. Likewise, her debut EP, “Machina” was released in 2020 and has had three of its songs earn the BBC Introducing Track of the week since their release. In 2022 KLEO started her Cyber Punk Club event, a VR/AR live experience for alternative electronic music from all over the world. She was nominated for The Sound of Young Scotland award in 2022 due to her unique sound and innovative approach to her art. KLEO is a rising star, whose music features deep meaning, beautiful sound and angelic vocals. Written By Julia Hooper FOLLOW KLEO:

Depression is known as the silent killer and is unfortunately something a large amount of people struggle with. Once you're in the darkness, it's very difficult to get out of. You're the one who has to decide when enough is enough and gain the strength to pull yourself towards the light again. "Save Me" by Lindsey is the empowering song that everyone needs to hear when they're tired of battling their thoughts and feelings. This song is to give you the confidence you need to rise from the ashes and let go of your past. Life is for living and the only way to live is to say goodbye to the demons and ghosts that have been holding you back from finding true happiness. "Save Me" is incredibly cinematic and strong in it's soundscape; the first time I heard it I thought it would be perfect for a action/drama movie trailer. The instrumentation gives off a brave energy, featuring a heavy electric guitar and a hard beat, giving the song it's modern rock influence. Lindsey's punchy pop vocals fit right into the rhythm and you immediately feel uplifted and empowered. This song will have you telling yourself "I can do anything". Lindsey's honest and genuine lyricism is message that most of us need to hear. In the music video, Lindsey creates a cinematic experience that perfectly aligns with the vibes of "Save Me", literally setting her demons on fire and watching them burn as she walks towards her newly found hope. Lindsey is an alternative singer/songwriter currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. "Save Me" is her debut single and the first of a five song series, titled "Out of the Ashes", which the rest of the four songs are still to come. This collection of songs comes from a place of vulnerability when Lindsey was in a tough battle with depression, which she has struggled with for most of her life. Each individual song is cinematic like "Save Me", but has it's own unique and captivating vibe. These songs stretch across all kinds of emotional soundscapes such as metal, orchestral, piano ballad, and ethereal pop. Compared to the likes of Evanescence, Imagine Dragons and Paramore, Lindsey is not an artist to sleep on. Follow her below to keep up with her new releases! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW LINDSEY: