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It's always sad to think that we're missing out on something. We always want to be in the know. It is why social media is so popular--it's the fastest way of getting our information. We want to feel as if we're a part of something and seeing an event or conversation we're not a part of makes us feel like we're out of the loop. FOMO is real, so hanna ögonsten talks about that in her new track "More Fun". It's part of her debut album, a track with a moody undertone that drags us in and hypnotizes us with her airy vocals. Listening through hanna ögonsten’s new album "Bby Boo, Ögonsten, & You" we're brought upbeat, groovy, laid-back, indie-pop, and even sassy confidence within the tracks. But as we meet "More Fun" we're faced with an alt-pop track with RnB influences. "More Fun" is like a fun surprise within the album, embracing us immediately with the chorus about how we might feel like we're missing out but telling us that we can still have "More Fun". The lyrics are honest, the inspiration coming from Hanna speaking directly to her friend to make the verse which includes the inviting words, "The grass is greener/You got to see it for yourself". In Åkersberga, a suburb outside of Stockholm, hanna ögonsten started her music journey. She began making music at an early age, delving into learning guitar, piano, and production from her bedroom. Her vocals are engaging--with her various tracks, she shows us a snippet of her range and entices us to feel the music she releases instead of just being a passive listener. With "More Fun" being part of her debut album, she released four other tracks-- three of which being singles already out before the album's release on August 19th. Each of the songs, "Show You", "Bang My Head", "Rockstar", and the main track "Goodbye My Darling", which includes a stunning music video, are all equally stunning and are guaranteed to take you on a musical journey like you've never had before. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW HANNA ÖGONSTEN:

Lockyer Boys answers the ages-old question of whether it’s better to have loved and lost or never loved at all with allegiance to the latter in their newest single “Daisy,” which explores the regret that often accompanies fresh heartbreak. In lines such as “wish I knew you’d break my heart…wish I knew it from the start” and “you were my daisy, a weed in my thoughts,” the pop duo expertly portrays the dual mindedness that heartbreak often brings wherein you were so invested in a person that a part of you still loves them, but that lingering emotion just heightens the pain. The melody is catchy, upbeat, and fun, providing refreshing contrast to the melancholy subject matter while adding depth to the song. Will Lockyer, one member of the duo, explained that daisies are a symbol of innocence but also a weed and thus represent “the dichotomy of love”–that it “can make you happy but also drive you insane.” The song’s composition represents the happiness and love within the relationship while the lyrics focus on the heartache following its end. Throughout the song the artists wonder aloud if the good parts were worth the bad in lines such as “maybe these feelings are just better dead,” and “you drive me crazy, why can’t you just stop,” further showing the depth of hurt that the separation caused. Overall “Daisy” is artfully produced and written, probing the depths of heartache with nuance while retaining the blissful memories of what once was. Will and Charlie Lockyer–known artistically as the Lockyer Boys–are brothers who were born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They began as a cover band playing everywhere from Toronto to Thunder Bay to Seattle, quickly gaining popularity for their wide variety of musical talent and stage presence. Since then they’ve taken progressively larger steps to further their career, such as playing alongside artists such as JUNO award winner Eagle and Hawk, Chase the Bear, and Coney Hatch. Currently they’re working on a pop debut album, which features their own exclusive songwriting as well as co-written numbers with Shawn Hook, Scott Helman, Jeff Dawson, Daniel Powter, Alan Poettcker, and Akylla. Though their accomplishments so far are impressive, it’s abundantly clear that they’re only at the beginning of a storied career and the best is yet to come. Written By Adelae Norwood FOLLOW LOCKYER BOYS:

Love is a freefall, asking us to dive headfirst into the unknown and give every part of ourselves to see it to its peak. It's enamoring and addictive--one of the reasons so many people want to experience it, and it's a feeling like no other. Being in love with someone takes over your entire being, your mind only filling more every day with the idea of them, their little habits, and everything else about them. Falling in love with someone so profoundly takes you on a rollercoaster that you never want to get off. Harry Taylor writes about this overwhelming feeling in "my youth", a song that describes falling in love to the point of wanting to give them everything. Youth is something that so many strive for-- but it's a fleeting time that we're told to cherish because we'll never get it back once it's gone. In "my youth" by Harry Taylor, he describes being willing to give up his youth, the thing everyone is vying for, for love. With production inspired by early 2000's rock bands, the track fills with drums, electric guitar, and an unmatched story of passionate love. "my youth" is a song that leaves you wishing you had a love to take over your life. It's a love designed to be on the big screen, people desperately trying to earn the love of one another and building up to be the story of a lifetime. As an Italian artist working in Brooklyn, NYC, Harry Taylor is a dynamic singer, songwriter, and producer. He started releasing music in 2019, starting with his track "Train Crush" and since then has released four more songs, including this newest release, "my youth". His sound is special--taking from a range of genres like electro-pop to the 80's new wave, a unique representation of what he's capable of. Harry Taylor aims to share his stories through his music and connect to a greater audience. He's been using his guitar to express himself since middle school and has grown to incorporate music production to achieve his goal. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW HARRY TAYLOR:

Think of all of the things you did at a young age. You blasted your music through the neighborhood, you fell in love for the first time, you tried things for the first time. The beauty in those moments seems to fade away the older you get, as Petit Mond. discusses in her new track "Blueberry Clouds." Mond. goes through the cycle of highs and lows as we discover our past and how that helped us mature. The track is a piano ballad, which builds using the sound of strings swelling low under the piano and Mond.'s delicate vocals. The lyrics find Mond. looking back at youth, and finding bliss in the moments through the present tense, "We grew up for today // Have a beer on Saturday // Create unhealthy routines // Because we are teens." She even discusses a past relationship that seems to have more adult undertones, "We never sleep at night // We kiss and then we'd fight." The most interesting part the track is the change in the way Mond. is delivering the story, as she switches the line "we are young," to "we were young." Showing she's looking back on these experiences and having a different outlook on them. The track feels like a lament to losing a piece of innocence. Petit Mond. is an unique new pop artist, with "Blueberry Clouds" being her first single. Mond.'s delicate but powerful vocals showcase her talent as a bright new star. Mond. posts frequently on Instagram, but without caption leaving mystery surrounding her. She is one that deserves to be on your immediate radar. Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW PETIT MOND.:

Sometimes we forget that when we scroll through posts on our social media feeds, we look at a combination of editing and carefully curated moments. But the truth behind each one is a life filled with normality and struggles, and we're just trying to design the best image of ourselves to make people envy us. In some way, with the requirement of being on social media, it feels less like a way to catch up with each other and more like a competition breeding bad behavior, which is precisely what Nette describes in her newest song, "Best Life". In a track that makes fun of the struggles of people trying to show off their best life on a social media page, Nette creates an upbeat pop song that is so utterly relatable you can't help but want to sing along. Describing her experiences with social media, Nette brings us "Best Life" to depict the reality of living in this day and age--that we're all just trying to compete with the fake realities of other people. "Scrolling through my feed, and everyone I see is doing better than me" perfectly describes the song's essence, the lyric showing how we want to put our best foot forward and make ourselves look like we have a picture-perfect life but truthfully? We're "crying on the inside, put a filter on and let them think that I'm alright". But looking away from the sad reality behind the meaning, we can find fun with Nette's witty lines, making the song upbeat and energetic, especially with the inclusion of a gorgeous instrumental and her remarkable vocals. Starting her musical career by performing around Vancouver, Nette gains her title as a singer, songwriter, and producer. But in addition to those titles, the artist is an advocate for women in the music industry, shown even through this newest release as it was written and produced solely by women. She shared her musical adventure with her massive audience on TikTok and started releasing her music on other platforms in October 2021 with her first single (written, recorded, and produced by her), "Feelings". "Best Life" marks Nette's fourth single, and with it, she accumulates a mass of fans who excitedly await her new music. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW NETTE:

When we're younger, we think we're the only one who can feel the way we do. All of our emotions are passionate, and we're a bit dramatic. It's like when we're teenagers, watching the newest movies and somehow convincing ourselves that we're the main character. We're so caught up with this idea that we're all unique and have experiences like no one else has, even though everyone around us is most likely going through the same thing-- we just don't talk about it. This is what Medhanit believes her newest release, "Friends" feels like, the main character moment of having too many emotions all at once and convincing yourself that it's only you. In her newest single, "Friends" Medhanit tackles the idea of losing, being hurt, and hurting someone else while attempting to love. It's an ambitious feeling to try to emulate within a song, but after listening to it, I can't imagine anything that resonates more with that emotion. She sings, "I think I have to let you go/To give you space and time to grow/And let you live for once" which is quickly making its place as one of my favorite lyrics. It holds a beat that is enamoring--combined with her delicate vocals and intriguing dynamic to make a song that can easily live inside your head. She samples from one of her favorite songs, "Eulogy" by Baltimöre Charlót, and creates this unique track that I can see becoming one that everyone would want to listen to on repeat. Medhanit is a Tasmanian artist that was originally born in Ethiopia. She grew up with music--constantly being around it from when she was only a baby. She's fascinated with emotions, how love affects us, how our initial reactions make us feel, and how we grow into understanding our feelings, all of which make her establish her writing as something powerful and moving. She's released two songs before this titled "Same Things" and "Her", both undeniably beautiful and that showcase Medhanit's immense musical talent. Her introspective lyrics and stunning live performances give Medhanit an unmatched quality that I can see quickly garnering fans. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW MEDHANIT:

Nicky Romero and Norma Jean Martine’s collaboration “I Hope That It Hurts” paints a clear picture of a breakup that is far from resolved. Martine’s spiteful lyrics make it perfectly obvious that there is no love lost, and that any karmic retribution that befalls her ex will be well deserved. The scenario laid out by the song describes is one to which we can all relate: seeing your ex in public, the dread as you see them approach, and the disingenuous small talk as you try to find a way to cordially them to fuck off. Martine does not mince words as she blatantly reminds her ex that their breakup was anything but amicable. “Coming over, wanna talk I don't really care 'bout how you've been A smile can say a thousand words But there's five that spring to mind When I see you out, I'm being nice Don't mean that we're alright For every bad day I had, you made worse For every bridge that we built, that you burned And it might take a little time for you to get what you deserve But when it hits you, I hope that it hurts” Martine pointedly dispels the stigma of a “healthy” breakup revolving around remaining close, or even friendly. Though she will remain cordial publicly, she says in no uncertain terms that there will be no reconciliation between her and this ex, and she has no issue with leaving it at that. Behind Martine’s lyrics, Nicky Romero has placed an infectious, house-inspired track filled with nuances that showcase his veteran savvy as an electronic producer. The song begins with an arpeggiated guitar riff, complemented by light shaker and clap loops that set the stage for the entrance of a heavy, four-on-the-floor beat and synth bass. Romero’s mastery of the subtleties of production can be seen in his use of percussive elements, as there are constantly new loops being added and taken away. From instruments that sit at the forefront of the song, like the kick and snare drums, to more texture focused loops like shakers, tambourines, hi-hats, and claps, everything is deliberately placed to create a constant sense of change and development throughout the song. No two sections are exactly alike, giving a sense of motion within the otherwise repetitive genre of dance music. The driving force of Romero’s instrumental, along with Martine’s evocative lyrics and catchy hook make this a top-tier dance song, with the ability to get everyone’s heart racing and feet moving. Nicky Romero and Norma Jean Martine are far from newcomers to the music industry, both boasting impressive resumes dating back to the early 2010s, and both having enjoyed success and acclaim within their respective niches. Romero has worked with some of the biggest names in electronic music, such as Avicii, David Guetta, and Steve Aoki. He has had multiple chart topping hits, including “Toulouse,” and perhaps his most known song “I Could Be The One,” a collaboration with Avicii which peaked at number 1 on both the UK and US dance charts. Though perhaps less well known, Norma Jean Martine has made a name for herself in her own right. A successful songwriter, Martine’s career has seen performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival and writing collaborations with legends such as Burt Bacharach, and song entries into Eurovision. She has also lent her talents to a swathe of producers and DJs, being responsible for vocal hooks on numerous EDM hits. Written By Liam Dun FOLLOW NICKY ROMERO: FOLLOW NORMA JEAN MARTINE:

In a world filled with free will, we have so many choices that it can be overwhelming when all we want to know is the path that will give us what we desire. In this powerful yet gentle track, Chayce Kennedy ponders, "will I ever dance again?" and reminds us that life is about taking our chances while we have them. Kennedy uses this song to juxtapose her past singles, from her last track, "No" which showed off a more intense and darker side, and others like "Summer Land" which firmly immerses itself in a more upbeat tone. She releases this newest single titled "Dance Again" to spread a relatable message and share a new side of her, a more vulnerable and tender perspective. There's a flowy feeling in Chayce Kennedy's new song, "Dance Again". The way her lyrics intertwine with her vocals leaves a haunting vibe throughout it and gives us the time to think about how the song makes us feel. With lyrics like, "What if I wait too long?/Will I miss my chance?" we can see as Kennedy questions her ability to know precisely when to do things to get where she wants to be. It's sometimes scary having all these choices in our hands, especially when the paths we can take are never clear. In her words, "What if I'm not that strong?" we can relate to how we occasionally feel doubtful of ourselves and wonder if we can handle the things life throws at us. The song is a beautiful melody to describe our indecision and fears, pairing the building emotions with how her vocals play off of themselves and the dynamic instrument inclusions. Chayce Kennedy is a powerful 18-year-old artist aiming to empower others with her music, going against the current social media ideals and pushing the concept of discovering our unique identities. Chayce Kennedy is someone who displays an innovative pop style inspired by her years of classical training. She establishes a vulnerable quality within her music, going deep within her mind to pull out these works of art that garner fan attention and a relatable feeling. She is currently working with the Grammy award-winning producer Brian West and aims to share a new project that accurately spreads her belief of how our value is not based on others' opinions of us. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW CHAYCE KENNEDY:

YARLIE released her latest Y2K-inspired pop piece entitled "go to hell." This song is a powerful anthem about all the times she should've told her toxic lover to "go to hell." It's for the people who know they should've left when they continuously decided to stay in that evil cycle. It's an ode to those who listen to their aching heart rather than their level heads and repeatedly choose the person they love. Once they finally see how much better life is once they leave this toxic situation, they finally have the power and strength to tell off this other person. With a bubbly melody and strong vocals, YARLIE created this empowering piece. The melody stays very light in contrast to the stronger beat creating a lot of depth to the piece. As for her vocals, YARLIE provides a great middle point to tie in the beat and melody. Her voice isn't too light or too deep, giving a great middle ground for the lighter melody and deeper beat to meet. Because of this, all three of these aspects blend together extremely well making the song sound more cohesive overall. As for the lyrics, YARLIE sings such powerful lines talking about how she's done with her lover for good and that she would never fall for their games ever again. Overall, YARLIE definitely succeeded in creating a catchy and empowering break up anthem. YARLIE made quite the debut last year with her EP ”Stupid With A Sore Heart” which received attention all the way from north of Sweden to Abu Dhabi. For example, she got playlist placements in Spotify’s ”GRL PWR” and Apple Music’s ”Made In Sweden”, to name a few. Coverage in Sweden’s biggest newspaper, Aftonbladet. Radio rotation in East Africa. Nominated as Best Pop Act in ISR Awards. Was headhunted as a model for Swedish fashion brand MONKI and performed live on Swedish national TV. YARLIE takes being an independent artist and entrepreneur to the next level with her Instagram, where she has gained a stable following and become known for her original Y2K photos and edits. Not only does she creates all of her music and content on social media on her own, but she has also quickly become an unstoppable force in the body positivism and feminist movement. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW YARLIE:

In a perfect world, your own mind is where you should feel the most secure–but often that’s not the case. “How Long” by THENEAR encapsulates the feeling of losing yourself alongside the disconcerting realization that you don’t know how long you’ve been lost and how long it’ll be until you’ll find yourself again. The vocals and quality of the production heighten the song by evoking the aspects of emotion that are too intense for words to fully justify. Although the song focuses on the loss of oneself and the subsequent feeling of being entirely unmoored, it also shows the inherent humanity within these emotions. “How Long” creates a potent, emotionally charged atmosphere as it explores the very nature of feeling lost. The backing track builds slowly until the chorus, wherein the light piano and echoing notes dramatically quiet to accentuate the deeply moving quality of THENEAR’s hauntingly beautiful falsetto. The lyrics depict painfully relatable sentiments such as “I don’t know how I got here/I don’t know why/Please tell me,” which artfully portray the acute loneliness often synonymous with the human condition. In openly acknowledging this within an extraordinarily emotional melody, THENEAR provides a sense of catharsis by showing audiences that they are not alone. Hailing from the Gold Coast, contemporary/alternative pop artist THENEAR has always possessed a passion for singing and songwriting, but it wasn’t until after she became a midwife that she felt called to follow it. She uses her music to delve into the intricacies of the human condition, specifically aspiration, mortality, existence, conflict, and growth. Within these themes she focuses on the emotional quality of her music, guiding the listener through waves of emotion inlaid with ethereal tones. Since choosing to actively pursue music, THENEAR has crafted over 60 songs to release. Though she’s relatively new to the music scene, she’s here to stay. Written By Adelae Norwood FOLLOW THENEAR:

DJ. UNKNONE has released their single "Whiskey Talk" after finding rapid success with this fresh track on Soundcloud, receiving over five thousand streams in the first week of its release. The song is a vibrant blend of genres, sourcing inspiration from everything from rock to EDM before imposing the steady pop framework that establishes the effortless, beachy vibe. The bright, fine-tuned single might be the debut track for DJ. UNKNONE but it demonstrates deep musical maturity and comprehension that tantalizes for upcoming releases. Underpinned by percussion reminiscent of a Caribbean steel drum, "Whiskey Talk" pairs emotion-soaked lyricism with a variety of instrumental components and classic EDM production to form the infectious piece that sits at the curious intersection of melancholic and invigorating. Even in the emotional lulls, the syncopated keyboard, claps, and strums work together to keep the energy going strong against the backdrop of understated croons that balance the curated vibe. Do you remember when the music used to speak for itself? Do you recall the time when glitz, glam, and ass were not the main selling points of pop music? No? Yeah, neither do I... But I do like that ethos which DJ. UNKNONE holds central to her identity, or rather lack thereof as she chooses to remain anonymous often employing a motorcycle helmet to help hide her face. Hopefully others in the industry take notice and maybe follow suit; it would be refreshing to have some artists spend their energy on honing their true crafts rather than on designing traps of flesh and flashing lights. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW DJ. UNKNONE:

Like “Bonnie and Clyde, I'll have your back until you stab me in mine”. Hendrix perfectly captures the emotions of hurt in her latest single “Storms Coming”. A dramatic song both in lyrics and production about a bully. Not wanting to sink to the level of being hurtful, but learning to stand up for yourself is the core of this song. An upbeat electronic pop song with catchy melodies and lyrics, her latest song marks her third release as an artist. Listen to "Storms Coming" Here Beginning with slower themes in the beginning of the song, she brings in listeners through her smooth voice in combination with a unique beat. Although starting in a slower fashion, the beat quickly picks up, eventually leading into the chorus. A combination of catchy lyrics as well as an electric pop background, the chorus is upbeat and a fun listen. The rest of the song continues in a similar fashion, utilizing sounds found in edm such as ticking and sharp beats to create a cohesive sound. Hendrix hails from Canada, where she was able to find her love for music at age 10. Starting with lessons from a vocal coach, she quickly developed a mindset where she wouldn’t let anything stop her ambitions. Beginning with performances at Roy Thomson Hall all the way to working with Capitol Records own Rot Hamilton the Third. After her debut single “Should’ve Said No'' she has continued to release more singles that have continuously showcased her talents. Written By Gillian Mena FOLLOW HENDRIX: