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- Review: "One Foot In" - Temme Scott
“One Foot In” is a stark look at a lover pleading for his partner to come back and at least hear them out. When you don’t see your partner enough, it’s tough to just watch them leave, even if you know they have responsibilities and you have responsibilities you both need to fulfill. But it’s hard, especially if you end up leaving things on a bad note. Scott’s playful quip of standing there with one foot in the door is reminiscent of the complicated feelings and emotions you have watching your partner walk away. Scott’s throaty vocals compliment the complicated influx of feelings and emotions that she gives voices to in the song. The laidback nature of the production along with the upbeat synths add flavor and beats to the piece. The sense of melancholy is only highlighted by Scott’s vocal range, from breathy at times to soaring and strong. The aching ballad of trying to hold on when everything else is falling away is thoughtfully poignant on the complex feelings that arise as a relationship comes to a close. Temme Scott, based in Los Angeles, is perfectly fine with leaving her emotions plain for anyone to see. Her raw lyrics and folk melodies fused with her gritty intonation and soulful but tender vocals. While vulnerability is one of her biggest strengths, her ability in crafting a narrative for others to relate to is also nothing to sneeze at. During her senior year of college, Scott spent a semester abroad in Buenos Aires, where she immersed herself in the indie music scene, discovering the excitement of playing live all over again. Her authenticity is something that she prides herself on; her music evokes the wonderment of childhood though marked with adult themes and complicated feelings that chase after us day by day. Temme Scott’s second foray into the industry is coming with a bang. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW SCOTT:
- Review: "pretend." - CAii
“pretend.” is an honest and raw look at refusing to sit down and talk about the problems in a relationship; instead, pretending that everything is perfectly fine. Sometimes, the healthiest choice for you to do is to walk away, but no one wants to let go of the comfort and care that a relationship gives them. But the best choice for you may not always be shared by your partner, and when both of you know a relationship is inevitably going to end, it’s hard to come to terms with that. It’s almost safer to tiptoe around the problem and hope that it’ll go away. CAii’s vulnerable emotions convey the complex feelings of coming to terms with the fact that maybe, this relationship isn’t a right fit. CAii’s stunning vocal work adds life to her already poignant lyrics. As she belts out and pours all of her emotions into the words, the resigned lyrics are contrasted by the slightly more upbeat production, adding a hopeful note to the entire atmosphere of the song. By fusing her raw lyrics among dramatic production, CAii gives us the language to speak about the problems we may be facing in our everyday lives. Her masterful use of the pen effortlessly brings her narratives into something of substance that anyone can empathize with. CAii, born in Manchester, UK, is a singer-songwriter and producer of outspoken, defiant, autobiographical pop music referencing mental health issues, toxic relationships, and communication as a young woman. Writing songs since she was 4, she grew up influenced by artists from Britney Spears to Nina Simone. Feeling stifled when working with producers in a traditional pop direction, she sought creative control to curate her own unique sound. CAii’s songwriter fuses her raw pen-honed lyrics with soaring vocals, reminiscent of modern pop princesses with contemporary productions and fierce feminist undertones. CAii has much to show for herself, but she’s just getting started. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW CAii:
- Review: "Skeleton Key" - Hunter Daily
“Skeleton Key” is a beautifully produced track with an unforgettable melody and heart wrenching lyrics. The track begins with a stripped-down electric guitar riff that remains constant for the entire song. The steady melody provides a soothing, yet whimsical element to the track. In the chorus, a keyboard is heard in the background, creating a distant sound that contributes to the angelic element of the track. Daily’s heavenly voice leads the listener through the melancholy lyrics. At the end of the chorus, she harmonizes with herself, further enhancing the ethereal atmosphere. The passion behind her vocals is evident, accentuating her emotional storytelling. “Skeleton Key” is a flawless track that outlines Daily’s natural instinct for songwriting and proves she has found the perfect sound that defines her superstar level of talent. nship as damaged beyond repair. Despite its universal use, a skeleton key is worthless on a broken lock. Daily uses this metaphor to demonstrate how they are no longer a perfect match for one another. “Skeleton Key” is a brilliant addition to Daily’s discography, showcasing her incredibly honest and emotional songwriting. “Skeleton Key” is a beautifully produced track with an unforgettable melody and heart wrenching lyrics. The track begins with a stripped-down electric guitar riff that remains constant for the entire song. The steady melody provides a soothing, yet whimsical element to the track. In the chorus, a keyboard is heard in the background, creating a distant sound that contributes to the angelic aura. Daily’s heavenly voice leads the listener through the melancholy lyrics. At the end of the chorus, she harmonizes with herself, further enhancing the ethereal atmosphere. The passion behind her vocals is evident, accentuating her emotional storytelling. “Skeleton Key” is a flawless track that outlines Daily’s natural instinct for songwriting and proves she has found the perfect sound that defines her superstar level of talent. Hunter Daily is a singer-songwriter and actress from Los Angeles. She is the daughter of the prominent voiceover actress, EG Daily, and famous poker player, Richard Salomon. In September earlier this year, she made her musical debut with her single, “Die in LA”. Then, in October she released her follow up track, “Before It Falls Apart”. With “Skeleton Key”, Daily marks her third single, establishing her rightful spot in the music industry. Daily’s music is a blend of whimsical pop and 1960s Laurel Canyon. With unique and reflective lyricism, her musical career is set in a firm foundation that will reel in an abundance of fans. Written By Karlee Smith FOLLOW HUNTER:
- Review: "don't give up on me yet" - Mack Imagine
Relationships can be hard to maintain when you're struggling with yourself internally. Sometimes it can come off like you don't care; sometimes you will say things you don't mean because you're scared; but one thing you do know is that you love the person your with and you'd do anything not to lose them. They make you feel like a better person whenever they're around and they bring light into your world of darkness. "don't give up on me yet" is a beautifully written song about fearing losing the one person who can make you smile while you're in a mental funk. Self-destructive thoughts run through your head and you don't know how to dig yourself out quite yet. All you know is you want your person to still be there when you become okay again. Everything about this song is well thought out and perfect. Beginning with the sound of a rainy morning and delicate piano chords, the tone is set and ready for you to listen. Soft and smooth vocals creep in and gradually build up stunning harmonies that make your heart skip a beat. The lyrics are so incredibly relatable and written in a poetic manner. It's raining, it's a morning that seems to last forever, there's no coffee left in the kitchen to give you a little pick-me-up, and you're all alone with your thoughts. The chorus brings in a soft Contemporary beat and classic guitar that guides the emotional melody through as the lyrics speak to the one they love about how much they need them to help get them out of the dark. Mack Imagine is a pop / singer-songwriter duo projects based in Southern California. Formed by Matthew Zeko and Jack Brady in 2020, the long-term friends decided they wanted to begin writing songs together. Influenced by incredible talents like Charlie Puth, John Mayer and Jeremy Zucker, Mack Imagine knows how to grab their listeners attention with emotional soundscapes and lyrics that tell a great story. Matthew and Jack met in middle school where they shared their love for music by performing covers. Mack Imagine came to be once they realized their talents can go even further and they began creating incredibly catchy and relatable originals. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW MACK IMAGINE:
- Review: "If You Want Me To" - ellakate
Loving someone is hard on its own. But watching them love someone else is even harder. “If You Want Me To,” by ellakate is a sophomore record that gets under your skin in the best way. With hauntingly beautiful vocals and intense instrumentation, this song crafts an intimate peak at the singer's personal life. Ellakate describes her love for her friend; Daydreaming of being with them but willing to let them go on to be with someone else. She wants her friend to be happy but the love she feels is still there. Through cheeky lyricism, we get a taste of flirtation in the chorus that leaves a mark on the listener. She brings us into a relatable soundscape with push and pulls that are found in her vocal choices. She sings about loving her friend while offering assistance in setting them up with their crush. Her words are conveying one thing but her tone shows her true feelings. The song comes off as a subtly heartbreaking ode to unrequited love. The vulnerability of her writing is impeccable. the maturity of the song and the intensity of the production makes for a pleasant listen. Ambient textures in the bottom layer of the production cause a comforting effect. While the instrumental is covered in a slight jazz-pop feel. When these aspects are combined we are left with a slower record than ellakate's debut single “High Maintenance”. The striking instrumental plays off the yearning of her lyricism as well. “If you want me to// I’ll make your dreams come true //every day you’ll hear her say how she loves you” these lyrics are powerful. She is acting as a fairy godmother in this verse. She is willing to make her friend's dreams come true while silently hoping they'll choose her instead. A cheeky nod to her own feelings is present but the offer is still clear. You can’t help but wrap yourself up in this ballad. It's truly an intoxicating listening experience. Ellakate is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She grew up in an extremely musical family and has been writing since she was a child. Her talent is recognizable and polished. With her alt-pop style and sultry, romantic vocals she has been compared to artists like Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey. Though her sound is similar to these artists ellakate brings a new flavor to her music. Her style is not entirely like either of these artists. She’s doing something different with her music that is exciting to get a taste of. I can’t wait to hear what else she brings to the table. Ellakate expects to release more music this year and the next. Written By Kaiana Lee FOLLOW ELLAKATE:
- Review: "Did It Hurt?" - Ellise
Messy breakups are strenuous to navigate. There’s a constant illusion swirling around you, blurring the right steps to take, pushing and pulling you in multiple ways. Ellise encompasses her mixed emotions while losing someone she loves in her newest single, “Did It Hurt?” a devilish rock and roll breakup anthem. The hard-hitting music poses almost as a melancholic melody, especially when paired with the dysphoric lyrics. “Did It Hurt?” is a compass pointing in different directions, with Ellise finally deciding to take the hardest route: leaving him. Does she leave? Does she stay? Ellise is picking the petals of her brain, flickering between the good and the bad of the relationship. Her lyrics say it all, with its chaotic and vacillating pre-chorus, “Tattooed my name on your heart/ Then pushed me outta your car”; “And I can leave you again/ But I’d be dreaming of when/ I taste apologies right off your tongue.” Her raw feelings fill the stanzas and production of the carefully crafted song, as she says is structured to show, “…the full spectrum of emotions a person can go through in such a short amount of time while dealing with losing someone they love.” It is clear that this breakup was far from the trail of placidity, which is exactly what she wanted to portray. She did in fact, in its full and unfiltered form. LA-based singer/songwriter, Ellise, is a dark-pop wonder whose fame launched in 2016 on social media after posting herself singing covers of well-known songs. Her first crazed single, “911” almost instantaneously went viral and landed her an established name within the pop-music industry. Ellise’s dark take on the unpolished side of love is enthralling and has captured the ears of a wide audience. With over a million streams per month, her fanbase continues to grow steadily after each single she releases—proving she is an artist worth watching out for. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW ELLISE:
- Interview: "Perfect" - Loie
Congratulations on the release of your new INCREDIBLE single “Perfect”!! Can you share what inspired you to write this new track and a bit about the creative process? Loie: Thank you so much. Perfect is my love song of the EP. It describes how you feel right at the beginning stages of a relationship when you are completely smitten, and enamoured by someone that you don't see a single fault in them, they're 'perfect'. Do you have any tips to help other songwriters? You have such a talent for writing! Loie: Alway record the process. Voice note or film whatever melodies and sounds come to your brain at the early stages because this is your instinctual and most organic response to the music you hear. What was the first concert you ever went to? And is there an artist you haven't seen live yet you hope to see one day? Loie: I was going to music festivals from a very young age with family but the first concert I was about 12 years old. It was at Brixton 02 to see Ed Sheeran. Very cringe to think about now.. I went with a group of friends and our parents and we wrote his initials on our faces. I would love to one day see Doja Cat or Nathy Peluso. They are both the fiercest in the game, in my opinion, when it comes to choreography & production of shows. You've done tons of live performances, including a bunch at iconic venues, which one would you say you were most proud of? Do you have a dream venue, anywhere in the world, you hope to play one day? Loie: My most proud moment was performing at The Hootenanny in Brixton to over 300 people. That's a stage I had played as a young girl to near to no one so it was a 360 kind of moment that I will remember forever. I would love to perform around the world. Maybe a prestigious Jazz Bar in New York or something. I don't know? but I love intimate venues where people really listen and respect the music. What do you enjoy doing when you're not making music? Loie: Generally my priorities for my spare time is having new experiences or eating well haha. I like to see art, go to gigs or dance shows and feel inspired but I'm also a big foodie so I love having a big cook or discovering new food spots with friends. What can we expect from your upcoming EP?! I can’t wait to hear it!! Loie: I won't say much but its 5 tracks & we collaborated with some amazing musicians to bring it to life so there's some fabulous instrumentation in there. (Sax and live bass lines) We can thank Sam Posener, the producer, who did the majority of the soundtrack to this EP. He's done a beautiful job or creating an authentic and unique sound. I can't wait to share! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW LOIE:
- Review: "Dotted Lines" - Bree Rusev
Bree Rusev has a new single, called “Dotted Lines” out now. This new release is the second single we got from Bree this year and it has quickly taken over a spot in her top 5 popular tracks on Spotify. After recently performing at the Lighthouse Festival in Australia, she is making her presence known once more with new music. Following her single, "What Is Love", her newest "Dotted Lines" is an acoustic track led by a catchy guitar melody and Bree’s warm and inviting vocals. In her new single, listeners can pick up on her personalized lyrics from the heart that can be felt with every word she sings. Bree wrote this song nearly 4 years ago when she was around the age of 15 and has recently decided to record it for her listeners. Once you hit play you won't be able to stop. If you're looking for a beautiful soft pop track with folk elements behind it, I highly recommended giving "Dotted Lines" a listen through the video below. Every time Bree plays her guitar it is mesmerizing, and her newest track has plenty of it. When it comes to the meaning behind "Dotted Lines" the artist has claimed the song is all about the invisible line that we often face in life when making decisions. With opening lyrics like, "Please just give me a sign so I can take your hand in mine" there is a light and delicate feel to this song. As we get further into the song, Bree starts to acknowledge the hard truth that not everything works out the way we want it to when it comes to love and relationships, and this message can be applied to other aspects of life in general. Bree's hard-hitting chorus aims to pull on your heartstrings with lyrics like "We could be all the things we didn't see" and "but It's only a matter of time " as she repeatedly sings of those dotted lines that can get in the way. If you are listening to Bree Rusev for the first time like I was, be prepared to be completely taken away by her voice and enchanted by her melodies. As a young artist, she has already an impressive list of achievements behind her career and I guarantee you will be hearing her name more in the music industry in the near future. Bree is a 19-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Australia. Bringing her unique mix of folk and pop together, Bree’s music is drawn from influences from artists like Bon Iver and James Bay. Already, Bree has shown to be a promising up-and-coming artist with over 4,000 monthly listeners and over 100,000 streams collectively on Spotify. The young artist is known for her acoustic melodies as a musician and her heartfelt lyrics as a songwriter and musician. Her sound has become recognizable in a way that has been referenced as “magic dust at play”. Bree started making her first appearance on Spotify with her debut single, “Coastline” back in 2020. Since then, the artist has released 5 more singles, including her most recent, “Dotted Lines”, which was released on December 2nd, 2022. Be on the lookout for more releases from Bree in the future! Written By Jenna Barton FOLLOW BREE:
- Interview: "R.I.P. (Dead 2 Me)" - Gabriella Stella
Congratulations on the release of your new fantastic single “R.I.P. (Dead 2 Me)”!! What is the story behind this new track and what was your inspiration for writing it? Gabriella: This song is about needing to let a relationship die in order to heal. I think we owe it to ourselves to do what is best for us. Sometimes we need to be selfish and it’s ok to take care of you. When did you start making your own music? Can you take us through your creative process? Gabriella: I started making music when I was 12, I would write with my piano and start to write lyrics. I didn’t start recording until I was 15 with covers. It helped me find my voice and start to feel comfortable recording. I like to keep my mind open so creativity can strike at any time. You have to allow yourself to be open to any idea. I get inspired by phrases, conversations, current music, street signs, etc. Sometimes ideas aren’t always going to be great ones. But stick with them because bad ideas can turn into great ones. I know Harry Styles is a big influence when it comes to your music, so as a HUGE Harry Styles fan, I must know… what’s your favorite Harry song Gabriella: This is such a tough question; but I have to stick with Kiwi. I love the rock n roll sounds from Harry. I think he has such a versatile voice and this song shows it with ease. What are your favorite things to do when you’re not making music or performing? Gabriella: I love to cook new recipes or binge watch shows. I am addicted to the real housewives, any of the franchises. I am just a sucker for a good reality show. What can I say? But as far as cooking goes: I am vegan so I love to experiment. I love finding new ways to cook certain vegetables. I truly enjoy cooking and the moment the recipe is a success; it's the best! You’ve gotten to perform at some incredible places, which would you say has been the most memorable so far? And do you have a venue that you dream of playing one day? Gabriella: The most memorable performance had to be Disneyland. It was incredible to be backstage and see the magic behind Disney. We had a great performance and then we all got to enjoy Disneyland. My dream venue would have to be Madison Square Garden. That would just be incredible to sell that venue out. What can we expect next from you?! I’m excited to hear more from you :) Gabriella: I am currently working on some new music and focusing on my songwriting skills. I have had a tough year healthwise; so I am ready for new music and the new year. So keep updated with all my social media for new music! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW GABRIELLA:
- Review: "Backtrack" - Emei
Emei’s “Backtrack” is the quintessential song for when someone’s taken things a little too far… and there’s no forgiving, no forgetting, and no rewriting history. When someone hurts you, especially someone you love, it cuts deeper than a knife. Their stare becomes sharp enough to puncture. Their words are icy enough to freeze you out. Their energy is so hostile you feel like you’re suffocating. There’s no taking back hurtful words or actions because our scars are already too deep. The people who love you should innately protect you, so when you feel like they’re the one constantly causing you pain, run. Sorry is a 5 letter word. If you’re sorry, change your actions. Their apology can feel like your least favorite song on repeat, and it’s time to delete it from the playlist of your life. People usually say what they mean the first time, and then try to wrap it in a bow to soften the blow they’ve already created. Your head and heart can get blindsided by ideas of love, past memories of happiness, and a hope for a better future. Don’t listen to them… listen to your gut. You should never have to question if someone loves you, if someone meant to hurt you, if you can bring it upon yourself to accept an apology you never received. Life is about going forward, and we have to stop feeling bad for not wanting to backtrack. “Backtrack” is an alt-pop song that shows off Emei’s raw talent. Her lyrics are clever, and her voice is the perfect combination of soft and sharp. Her music is a reflection of her life, and her experiences are universal and relatable. ”Backtrack“ has a compelling instrumental groove that melds seamlessly with Emei’s captivating voice and dynamic, colorful lyrics. Her sound makes you want to get up and dance, but her words make you want to sit down and really listen. Emei is making the music scene her own, and her many talents tied perfectly together to create “Backtrack”. Emei is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter. She invites her audience into her real world, and she desires to inspire with her hyper-relatable musings on young adult life. Her first foray into performing was competing on Chinese Idol at just 15 years old. After coming in third, she began creating and releasing her own music. Emei hit 5.5 million streams after performing her single, ”Late to the Party”, live, and she received over 9.5 million views on TikTok and Instagram. “Backtrack” is Emei’s last record of 2022, and she is finishing her pop rock era with this song for the ages. Emei is going to take the world by storm, and we can’t wait to be a small part of her voyage to the stars. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW EMEI:
- Review: "Night Moves" - Tomsy
Sometimes when you're young, a love that lasts one night can be the strongest thing you've felt so far. There's nothing like the thrill of making a person you barely know, you're entire world just for a matter of hours. Being lonely is hard, and sometimes all you need is the right person to spend some time with and fulfill your need for attention for the time being before you have to go back to reality. It's funny how a stranger can light a flame so bright inside of you. "Night Moves" by Tomsy is about having one of those nights where every wrong decision you make feels so right. The nostalgic, dance pop and synth forward soundscape reminds me of The Weeknd, while Tomsy's incredible vocal tone and control reminds me of Charlie Puth. This is a fantastic mix that is now "Night Moves". If you ask me, it's very hard to sit still while listening to this song. It's incredibly catchy and has such a great vibe, it's impossible not to want to dance. "Night Moves" puts you into a scandalous mood as you put the lyrics into perspective. It's a great song for a late night drive with your friends when you're on your way to a party or a club. Tomsy, also known as Tom McGeoch, is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who is originally from Columbus, Ohio. Tomsy's musical journey started with the drums, in which he played in pop punk bands since the age of 11. He's a graduate from Berklee College of Music and has sense moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career further. Tomsy embodies the full meaning of what it is to be an artist by dabbling in every area of the creative process that is music. Though he's spent a lot of time collaborating with others, he's ready to share his own unique and personal sound with the world as who everyone will know as Tomsy. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW TOMSY:
- Interview: "Heaven" - Jill Blutt
The lyrics of “Heaven” are as moody and melancholy as the music is catchy, making for an interesting juxtaposition. What does this song mean to you, and what emotion do you hope to evoke in your listeners? Jill: I wrote Heaven at a time in my life when I was certain that I must have been passed over by whatever gene is responsible for giving humans the capacity to fall in love. It holds a special relevance to me now that I know that to be untrue. I hope people who hear it can relate to looking at love from either or both of those sides What was studying at Berklee College of Music like for you? Jill: I feel very privileged to have experienced Berklee. Music school is weird. I wish I'd prioritized my time differently while I was there. I think the best things you can get out of a formal music education are the connections you make and the constant excuse to make music for the sake of making music. I think once I got into a rhythm there I spent too much of the time I had left just isolating and trying to get good grades. What are some of your favorite memories from your Ren Faire show this past September? Jill: Honestly, my set was a disaster at that show. A drink spilled in my bag, and fluid damaged my interface cable, so I had to run my vocals and track straight into the mixer, so I couldn't play the set I'd planned. I hate tech difficulties. I don't get any anxiety about the actual performance aspect of performing, just the tech stuff. If something goes wrong there it really takes me out of the moment. Pisha was great, though; her set was a highlight of the night for me. How has being born and raised in New York City influenced you and your musical style? Jill: I am a really typical New Yorker in that I never let anybody forget I am from New York City. It's the best city in the world, and if you don't think so you're wrong. There's literally nowhere else in the world where you can get a sandwich. I try to really imbue my music with that vibe. What are your hobbies and interests outside of music? Jill: I'm a visual artist as well but not really as an emotional outlet or anything; it's mostly just for fun. I've made all of the cover art for my music releases myself. I also am working on a spreadsheet tracking all of the seltzers I've tried around the world for the last year. I love a good seltzer. Not crazy about still water, though, trying to evolve out of needing it. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, be it industry or life-related? Jill: Hard to pick one piece of advice to call the best piece of advice ever, but I think as far as life advice goes, if you want the most bang for your buck, reading bell hooks is a good place to start. Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass FOLLOW JILL:












