Search Results

Creative Director: sarah dattani tucker Photographer: Connie Swift Designer: Alex Joseph Production Company: only child collective Senior Producer: Guy Fuhrer Producer: Suzanne Chetty Executive Producers: dana leonard and brookegenna Production Coordinator: @nell.clacher Creative Assistant & Wardrobe Stylist: Alima Lisa Koné Stills Assistant: Flora Scott Digi Tech: Tim Wheeler Gaffer: Gregor Emmanuel Production Designer: Mr. Beale / Eleanor Beale Props Assistant: Nataliya Vitorovich / studio nattu Hair and MUA: Patrice Halligan Special Thanks: Pro Centre girli’s third album it’s just my opinion goes in depth on the talented singer's feelings regarding life and love. T R A C K L I S T Blue Sky Slap On The Wrist Pedestal Don’t Make Me Cry Bones Lifestyle Romantic Sadness Squirm Light In The Dark Traces Better Undressed The Answer girli was born and raised in London, England, where she discovered her interest in making music and began to hone her craft. She had been recording music and performing since a young age before becoming the incredible artist we know today, girli. She developed her signature sound and aesthetic from the start of her solo career with pop rock soundscapes and primarily pink single covers, where she questioned authority and the patriarchy. In between amazing EP releases, she’s put out three incredible albums: Odd One Out, Matriarchy, and now it’s just my opinion. Blue Sky The album begins with girli reflecting on her life so far, and how things don’t actually seem to be going the way she expected them to turn out. She feels overwhelmed in a whirlpool of confusion and all she wants is to break free. Life is going so fast, everything is happening all at once, and she expresses her need to stop and take a breath every once in a while. Despite the lyrics of the verses, the direction of the song’s production is upbeat and symbolizes the positive vibes of the “blue sky” girli sings about. This is supplemented by the synths ranging in depth and pitch, and how they sound like the color blue. Slap On The Wrist “Slap On The Wrist” is an idiom that defines the punishment men receive when they harm women. They constantly get away with what women fear they will do to them, and girli flips the scripts and puts men in the terrifying situations they put women in. She metaphorically gives them a taste of their own medicine, and asks them how they would feel if no one believed them like how women’s feelings are disregarded. “Slap On The Wrist” covers multiple genres that all work perfectly together. The combination of pop, alternative, and rock create an instrumentation style that expresses the anger girli has while maintaining the overall sound of the record. Pedestal The third track of it’s just my opinion details how it feels to hype someone up in your head without fully knowing the kind of person they are. When you like someone, you instinctively get your hopes up about them because you want to be with them, and you want them to be the best significant other. girli sings about knowing the consequences of doing this, because her crush could end up being nothing like she thought, but she feels tempted to “put [them] on a pedestal” anyway. The beginning of “Pedestal” sounds like what can be described as a bubbly piano ballad before it delves into more of a pop rock soundscape, which girli is excellent at producing. Don’t Make Me Cry Growing up surrounded by the broken branches of her family tree, girli is afraid she is next to fall in love with someone that will do her wrong. She wants to find the person she is meant to be with, and is nervous in her search, as she doesn’t want to experience what her loved ones had to. Listening to “Don’t Make Me Cry” transports you to the 90s, as you sway to the intertwining guitar chords and synths that defined the love songs of that decade. In addition to this, the track feels like autumn as a song, with its tempo and stylistic choice of instrumentation. girli also has an amazing singing voice, which perfectly compliments this kind of music. Bones girli is once again puzzled, this time with her love life. She is friends with someone she shares a deep connection with, but she is unsure if this person actually likes her back. She receives mixed signals, causing her to believe if a relationship with this person is possible, because she is unsure how they feel about her in return. An ethereal drum beat and matching synths fill up the soundscape and atmosphere of this track like stars in the sky, supplemented by 80s sound effects and vibes. The harmonies and high notes girli provides are incredible and show how amazing of an artist she is, as well as on the rest of the album. Lifestyle The tension builds with growing guitar strums in the first verse as girli reminiscences on the relationship she had with an ex-girlfriend, who she was in love with and created many meaningful memories with. Now, girli is heartbroken seeing that her former partner is with a man, and she insinuates that she was only temporarily attracted to other women, but girli knows this is untrue. She urges her ex to remember the times they had together, and not to forget the love they had for one another. When the chorus hits, it comes in like a shooting star with its encapsulating electric guitar arrangements and aligning drums, alongside the emotional harmonies. The rest of “Lifestyle” incorporates indie elements, making it a sonically diverse masterpiece. Romantic Sadness We get to hear enchanting 80s synth again in “Romantic Sadness”, as the lyrics lay out the timeline of how long girli has been broken and lonely without her former significant other that she deeply loved. She sings about having been fixated on this for so long that she feels as though she is in a perpetual state of melancholy that she cannot break out of. Listening to the production styles switch between the verses and bridge and the choruses makes you feel like you’re listening to two different songs while only listening to one, showing how each section of this track was carefully crafted musically and vocally. Squirm Based on the topics of being hesitant towards new romantic relationships throughout the previous tracks of this album, girli directly talks to someone about how it’s unfair that a person she likes is so entrancing. They have bypassed her wavering opinions of love, as she describes how head over heels she is for them. The way girli feels is reflected in the production and instrumentation of the song, with its static electric guitar chords that invigorate “Squirm” like they’re strikes of lightning. Paired with the layered vocal tracks, this creates the same vibe and defines the song as another pop rock hit. Light In The Dark “Light In The Dark” is the epitome of the saying “no strings attached”. girli stresses that she is open to relationships, but as long as romantic feelings are not involved, a theme that was preceded by her afflictions with love detailed throughout the rest of it’s just my opinion. This track sounds like a song you would hear at a club in the 2010s, with the light beams matching the electric synths, but still maintains a modern, hyperpop-esque feel that matches the rest of the album; cool and unique vocal effects also portray this, and girli’s outstanding vocals provide a sense of musical nostalgia. Traces girli mourns a relationship upon an isolating breakup in the foreground of reverberated synths and intergalactic sound effects. She depicts the well known feeling that things aren’t the same after a breakup, and it feels like they can never be the same again. When you lose your person, you feel as though your life changes forever, and for the worse. Listening to the infectious melodies and soundscapes of “Traces” feels like you’re dancing and having fun on different planets throughout the solar system, despite the melancholy lyrics. Additionally, the spoken outro is a clever callback of girli’s earlier work from her discography. Better Undressed The voicemail that takes place at the beginning of the penultimate track of it’s just my opinion, “Better Undressed”, defines what this song is about. In a relationship that girli knows isn’t beneficial for either party, she prefers passion over romance, as they don’t often work out when feelings are involved. The dreamy vibes of this song make it so fun to listen to, with its virtuoso mesh of pop and alternative elements. Throughout the album, girli has effortlessly made fantastic hits with the perfect implementation of rock and decade-bending elements, showing just how talented and extraordinary of an artist she is. The Answer For the last track of the album, girli reflects on her teen years where she developed a crush that completely took over her life. She sings about how she thought of her all the time and looked forward to seeing her at school. “The Answer” sounds like the song of a soundtrack that plays during the end credits of a coming-of-age movie, reflected in the lyrics with optimistic synths and sparkly sound effects. It’s the perfect way to end such an incredible record. girli has reached pop rock perfection with her new record, making an album that contains impactful lyrics, with creative production design spanning different pivotal points of time for the aforementioned genres. Her songs of love, loss, and yearning are so relatable and show her ability to connect with the audience she’s built over the past eleven years she has been a solo artist. A true virtuoso, her singing, songwriting, and musician skills are present not only in it’s just my opinion, but also in the remainder of her diverse and spellbinding discography. girli is a one-of-a-kind artist, and I’m very grateful to have been a fan of her’s since the beginning of her career. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW GIRLI: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Growing up is like collecting each memory as it comes and stuffing them all in your back pocket. Some people find it hard to cherish this time while they can, and simply jump from memory to memory, racing forward as fast as they can. Allison Leah’s latest single “I Didn't Know I Was Growing Up” details this very problem. Leah’s intricate lyrics and sweet tonality tell the story of a girl who was hoping to grow up all too fast, not even realizing that life was running right past her as she wished it away. This track is the lead single from Leah’s upcoming EP Mirror, expected in summer of 2026. She writes that this EP is “a collection exploring reflections, youth, nostalgia, and identity. Each track acts as a different kind of mirror; this one is the ‘rearview mirror,’ looking back on the moments that shaped me.”’ This track covers a lot of different ground, explaining important moments throughout Leah’s life. Each verse takes a different memory and discusses its ins and outs, while also sharing the common theme of Leah letting it pass her by and not realizing how she was letting life slip past. The first verse details her packing up for college, unaware of the fact that her whole life was about to change. In the second, she recounts the first time she said ‘I love you’, and how it eventually crumbled away. In the chorus, she sings “Time is slipping through my fingers / And I've been wishing it away / But every moment I wanted to leave / Was right where I was meant to be / I didn't know I was growing”. Allison Leah is a Nashville based folk-pop artist. Currently planning for her international spring 2026 tour and the release of her EP Mirror in summer 2026, Leah has found lots of growth in her career and artistry. She has garnered over five million streams and 50,000 monthly listeners. Leah is known for her honest lyricism and ethereal voice. Her listeners find themselves in her work, and “whether it’s a video of a fan lip-syncing to ‘24 years down’ on their birthday, or using ‘constellations’ to express the pain of moving away from their best friend, Allison Leah’s music is the soundtrack to thousands of lives in a real, tangible way.”Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Allison Leah. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW ALLISON LEAH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

"Man of the Match" is the newest single from Ananya, a song about being hesitant towards developing a crush for someone new in your life. When you have been let down before in regards to your romantic relationships, it can seem scary to want to start another, as you don't want to be disappointed again. These themes of uncertainty with love are noted throughout the lyrics of "Man of the Match", which are inspired by the game of soccer and how it is played, with lines such as "I'd wait on the benches / Not on the fences"; she sings about how she would feel secure in this anticipated relationship if her and her crush are a good match. The instrumentation and production styles of “Man of the Match” are composed of elegant indie guitar chords that provide both summery and acoustic elements. The drums are upbeat and reminiscent of the pop genre, making this a genre-bending single. It’s so fun to listen to, and a song you would hear from the speakers at a pool party, but also gives you the cozy, relaxing vibes of late August. Ananya’s amazing singing voice compliments all the other sonic features of the song flawlessly, adding onto the alt-pop atmosphere. To top it all off, the bridge is slowed down and has beautiful synths to encapsulate the core of “Man of the Match”. Ananya is a multitalented musician and fashion designer from Zimbabwe, where she learned how to create music. She went to college in New York before moving to London, England, where she is now based as an artist. She began her music career in November 2019 with the release of her debut single “Aftertaste”. In October 2023, she released her debut EP i woke up one night. She also has other amazing songs across her discography, including but not limited to “My Darling New York”, “All That Glitters Isn’t Gold”, and “Falling”. She is also a co-founder of the nonprofit organization the Nani Wellness Project, which helps and supports Zimbabweans with mental health. Ananya is an incredible artist! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW ANANYA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

No matter how much you prepare, you can never be ready for life. Unexpected things can come your way suddenly. Even with advice or life lessons from others, it can feel impossible to navigate the world around you. Jordan Tariff's new song "Hard to Be Human" accurately conveys the feelings of being lost in life. The lyrics tell a story of struggling to feel human. But at the same time, he also shows the natural human feeling and desire to be seen and wanted. Whether in the world as a whole or in someone's life. The lyrics, "But all I am is skin around some bones / Just a heart looking for some place to call it's home / And it's hard to be human" and "I don't know what I'm doing / I try my best and then I try again / But I'm lost, I'm confused and / Is it all an illusion?" feel like such honest and raw secrets told through the song. The indie pop song has a mellow vibe from start to finish. It is calming and melancholic in a way that fits with the vulnerable nature of the lyrics. Tariff's vocals are very gentle, the kind of voice that possesses the power to soothe you regardless of what you're feeling. Throughout the song, there is a consistent sound of an acoustic guitar. The guitar makes the song feel personal and intimate, and I can imagine it being played live in a cozy setting. "Hard to Be Human" is the perfect song to sit back, listen to, and reflect on whatever you are feeling. The song has such a distinct vibe, it is able to pull out the emotions hidden deepest inside of you. Jordan Tariff is a singer-songwriter based in California who is a hidden gem on his way to becoming even more of a star in the music industry. For Tariff, music has always been an outlet for him. He uses his music to share his experiences and find his voice. In all of his songs, he gives his listeners some of his story and emotions. Even before Tariff could play any instruments, he would sing in the shower or for his friends and family. At that time, he would make up his own songs to sing. When he discovered Coldplay, he was inspired by their storytelling in their music and lyrics. Since then, he has also created masterful songs that tell a wide range of stories his listeners can relate to. His latest EP "Hard to Be Human" features three songs: "Falling for the Stars", "Existing," and of course, "Hard to Be Human." Follow Tariff below to stay updated with all of his future projects and releases! I Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW JORDAN TARIFF: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

A beautiful ballad reflecting the standard of perfection set before her by both societal and personal pressures, "Mannequin" is the title song on the eight-track EP that explores the trilingual artist’s diverse background and its impact on her identity. Although she grew up between countries, Paris spent the bulk of her childhood in Asia. She explains through this track the burdensome expectations that shaped her life thus far. The song chronicles the musician's first strenuous reflections about being sculpted into a million things all apart from herself. In her own words, "'It represents being on display, being polished into something 'perfect' but ultimately lifeless.'" This EP marks a specific milestone for Paris WYA, who will continue to pursue music full-time after graduating from Cornell University this month. Juxtaposing Paris' earlier musical releases, "Mannequin" substitutes her digital pop projects for grounding acoustic arrangements and softer sonic textures. Earnest lyricism comes clearly to the surface in the diaristic single that begins with gentle acoustic guitar instrumentals and gracious vocalizations. Soft delivery by her velvety voice epitomizes the crafted "perfect version of herself." Paris' voice builds with intensity in sound and emotion as she reveals the disconnect between these two versions of herself. The verses continue integrating sparse piano and then slowed percussion that gains with the rising and falling of Paris' vocals. Graduating from Cornell University this month, Paris WYA is a dedicated pop artist whose music reflects an authentic vulnerability, particularly in her new EP, MANNEQUIN. Raised across Asia, Europe, and the United States, the artist's unique perspective lends itself to garnering a resonance across a widely diverse audience. A multidimensional artist, Paris has a background that spans across the arts, including experience in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop dance. Taking the important leap to pursue music full-time upon graduation, Paris WYA's career promises to be one to watch as she expands her independent presence for both herself and global audiences. Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW PARIS WYA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

When looking at the mega-movement that has the first half of April spent in thrift stores, renting AirBnBs, and chugging electrolytes like our lives depends on it, Coachella seems to be the concert event of the year. When the headliners for 2026 were announced on September 15th of last year, fans went crazy: Sabrina Carpenter has taken the music industry by storm, Justin Bieber was coming off of years of sporadic performances, and Karol G made history as the first ever Latina to headline the festival. The festival was sold out a week after the lineup was announced. I got my hands on last minute tickets from my brother, and with my camelbak in tow and two weeks of getting to know each headliner's music, I went in with no expectations to the first weekend of Coachella. Now, seeing as I didn't go to Coachella's second weekend, this will only be detailing each headliner's performance at the first weekend. There will be references to Coachella's second weekend (like how Carpenter brought out Madonna for "Like a Prayer" and the debut of their new collaboration "Bring Your Love), however, these performances will not be a part of the review. Friday Night: Sabrina Carpenter Now, I'm going to be honest: I had high expectations for when it came to Carpenter's headliner performance. I've been to a concert of hers before on the Short n' Sweet Tour and was blown away. When looking at everything that she's done live over the past couple of years, I think it would be safe to say that I wasn't alone in those expectations; yet, time and time again Carpenter continues to blow past those expectations and set higher and higher benchmarks for what she's able to achieve. With live debuts of songs off of her recent album Man's Best Friend, including fan favorites "When Did You Get Hot?" and "We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night," a seven-minute monologue by Susan Sarandon and special appearance by Will Ferrell, and even a new "Feather" mashup that calls back to her Coachella performance two years ago, Carpenter used every resource at her possession to make a spectacular performance. Carpenter's stage design was a delight to see as well, as Carpenter not only built mutliple different sets that could be used interchangeably throughout the set, but also recreated the Hollywood sign and put her own spin on it, with "Sarbinawood" residents (the crowd) going nuts with every song. With this performance, Carpenter continued to raise the bar on what she can do, and with a special touch of "Sabrinawood" throughout the rest of the weekend, Coachella was graced with a career highlight from Carpenter. Friday Night: Anyma So I know what you're thinking: "Abby, Anyma's set got canceled due to the winds and you wrote that this review wouldn't touch on weekend 2!" To that, I say you're correct. From what I watched, Anyma's set looked fantastic. However, I think there's a much bigger topic to touch on here. Everyone knows that Coachella is infamous for what I consider the headliner that returns every year: the winds and the dust it carries. So, consider this an interlude within the review so that I can give you my tips on how to avoid the winds and keep yourself healthy during the festival season in Coachella, coming from someone who went to her first Coachella and came out with only a stuffy nose. For all intents and purposes, I am not a medical professional. However, any medical professional will tell you to stay hydrated. A lot of tips I've seen from both festival-goers and ravers alike say to carry electrolytes to drink all day, and I would go as far as to say to carry extra for those who may have forgotten. Not only is it a kind gesture, but it also lead to me making friends within the crowd and creating memories that will last me a lifetime. As for the dust, I came with a medical mask and a bandana to put over my nose and mouth. Weekend 1 isn't as notorious for the dust as the ground hasn't been completely ruined by people taking 20,000 steps all day, but for those who think these winds are a joke, I assure you they are not. Take care of yourself: get a nasal spray, get claritin, and/or get any sort of preventative or aftercare that works for you. If you don't take care of yourself first, you will not enjoy the Coachella experience to the fullest. Saturday Night: Justin Bieber This performance has divided a lot of fans for what they say is a lack of effort. When comparing the other headlining set that I had seen at this point in the weekend, I would have to agree. However, when pinpointing the last performance Bieber played on a regular schedule, I would argue it was a dedication to where he came from. If you're not caught up to speed, Bieber has had a handful of performances from the last couple of years, but ever since his Justice tour ended due to Bieber having Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome in 2022, Coachella is the first time where Bieber is playing a full-out show. On stage with him was a computer, a couple of stage designs, and, for a minute, a special appearance by The Kid LAROI to perform his and Bieber's collaboration, "Stay." Bieber's set paid homage to how he blew up: a journey through YouTube videos in which he played short snippets of gems throughout his early discography, including "Baby," "Confident," and "Never Say Never," while also touching on his newer releases through SWAG and SWAG II. While the performance design may have been miniscule in comparison to Carpenter's, Bieber's charm and charisma carried through to the crowd, who were alight with Bieber fever and nostalgia. Bieber's headlining performance may have been smaller in design, but with his journey throughout the early days of his discography and great performances of his newer releases, Bieber fever is, once again, back in full-force. Sunday Night: Karol G Karol G is an artist who I was unfamiliar with at the start of Coachella, but quickly became my favorite headliner at the end of the weekend. For those unfamiliar, Karol G is not only the first Latina to headline Coachella, and with that came a celebration of Latinx culture with bold statements. Aside from running behind, the first time Karol G appeared on the stage, the crowd erupted. Karol G's "Latina Forever" took over the crowd, with people from all over the world celebrating through different flags waving in the Coachella winds, outfits that were inspired by Karol G's different eras, and the understanding that nothing could destroy the culture that current movements are trying so hard to destroy. Through special appearances by Becky G for her and Karol G's collaboration "MAMIII" with a Mariachi band backing the duo, Karol G's usage of the colors red, blue, and yellow throughout the performance (an homage to her roots in Colombia), and other special appearances by Wisin and a live debut of an unreleased ballad with Greg Gonzalez from Cigarettes After Sex on guitar, Karol G's set wasn't one to miss. Although I don't want to seem like the tiktok of the white girl watching Bad Bunny's Superbowl performance (if you know, you know), I couldn't help but admire the celebration of Latinx culture happening around me. As she said during the performance, this performance was a celebration for the Latina community and for the community at large. Though I might've been unfamiliar with Karol G's discography before, her discography has been on repeat since seeing her live. Throughout the weekend in which I visited Coachella for the first time, I made memories that I don't want to forget. Throughout the weekend, the headliners showed time and time again that they're not here to play. Sabrina Carpenter extended her performance to the fullest, using everything is her resources toward a performance that would create a career standout. Justin Bieber kept his set more intimate, with only his computer and the crowd going through his old discography through the website on which he was first discovered. Karol G put out a statement of unity and created my favorite headlining moment of the weekend. Throughout the weekend, these three headliners (with a special shoutout to Anyma, who got to premier his new set at weekend 2) showed vastly different sets and showed why they were selected to be headliners. Coachella did it's big one this year, and with it created memories that I'll never forget Written By Abby Mornhinweg Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Trying to find peace in your mind is a difficult task, even when those around you are trying their best to help you. It's easy to fall down the spiral of anxiety, and sometimes we have to work harder to pull ourselves out. Debut single by Laura Amelia, "Worry & Disaster," explores the difficulties of living in a state of negativity even as you try to fight through. The song is a cool indie pop anthem that understands how to comfort its audience with its message and style. What works about Laura Amelia is her style really shines when she performs on this track, there's something about her musical performance that feels fresh but still nostalgic. The first word I would use to describe "Worry & Disaster" is classic. The song really embodies the musical intent of other songs in this genre. It really sells the cinematic feel, as the audience is able to go through a journey through the speaker's eyes, similar to a film. Laura Amelia's voice is a major selling point for this track. Her vocal performance stays strong throughout, and it's the type of voice you wouldn't mind singing acapella. The story in "Worry & Disaster" works with this music style because this indie pop sound helps convey the inner turmoil the speaker is experiencing. You can definitely call it a coming-of-age story as it's a point we all find ourselves in. The song points out the negativity you find yourself drowning in and it allows you to reflect and see how you can fight your way out of your predicament. Laura Amelia is a Danish artist who is already making a large mark with her debut single. Laura Amelia is a fan of mixing different musical styles to create a fresh blend. She grew up listening to artists like ABBA, Nina Simone, Sara Bareilles, and more. From a young age she's always been very creative and introspective. While she has been musically inclined since she was little, Laura Amelia wrote her first song in 2020 and since then she has been working towards perfecting her artistry. What's exciting aboutLaura Amelia is with just one release she was able to easily capture the attention of listeners, it definitely leaves you wanting more from her. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW LAURA AMELIA: Instagram | Spotify |

Rachel White returns with her new single, "Hot by Myself." A dance-pop track designed to get listeners feeling like they're at their best, White details how her younger self would be proud of who she has become. Throughout different bad experiences that White has had in love, maybe the answer has always been being herself and knowing her worth. A self-confidence anthem, "Hot by Myself" details White's journey through knowing that she's "in [her] zone." "Hot by Myself" will have listeners out of their beds and out on the town, knowing their worth and knowing that they don't need to change anything about themselves for a partner to be considered hot. "Hot by Myself" is the hot girl anthem of the summer; no, I will not be taking any other recommendations. White goes after the feeling of self-confidence with attack within her lyrics, and for those of us trying to fake it 'til we make it (myself included), "Hot by Myself" is the epitome of what we need to have the hot girl summer we've always wanted: going out without the need for any partner's validation. While White tackles this in her song through her own lyrics, the production of "Hot by Myself" takes listeners on an emotional journey, starting with a ballad-fakeout before transitioning into a synth-pop delight. With "Hot by Myself," White takes us alongside her journey of loving herself and knowing her worth while creating a song that's definitely one of my top picks for "song of the summer." Rachel White is a singer-songwriter based in the United Kingdom. An artist with a knack to touch listeners with lyrics that can be adapted into any perspective, White has a discography that will excite listeners and draw them in. After being discovered during the Coronavirus Pandemic, Rachel has gained an innumerable amount of supporters, ranging from her nearly 6,000 monthly listeners on spotify to BBC Introducing Scotland. For listeners of Hailee Stenfield and Holly Humberstone, White is right up your alley. To keep up with Rachel White's newest releases, you can follow her on social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW RACHEL WHITE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Ceara Cavalieri is anything but quiet. In her latest single, “Hush,” Cavalieri’s searching for thrills, butterflies, and that stomach-dropping rollercoaster rush. Unashamed, the singer knows her worth, in her head, her heart, and her looks. She refuses to reduce herself to a secret. Cavalieri’s asking for clear communication, and her questions resonate as bold and confident. Those conversations don’t weaken her; they make her even more likable. “Hush” is this year’s club anthem for anyone who's been kept a secret. Forget about the struggles of situationship and tap into irresistible energy. While EDM hits have been leaning towards messy mascara, smeared lipstick, and broken heels, Cavalieri keeps the glam intact. The vibrating bass blows the speakers like the breeze for the perfect Vogue cover hair-do. Looped plucked bass unlock the perfect bounce for a runway strut, and the heavy kick slams to a stiletto catwalk rhythm. Cavalieri’s glossy vocals are the finishing touch. It’s a shame the song has to end. Cavalieri’s “Hush” is fun, magnetic, and loud—everything that a relationship should be. Cavalieri found her natural element in EDM. The Southern California singer-songwriter attended UCLA and has since dedicated her time to music. Her discography shifted from pop to pop-punk. As she collaborated with producer EQRIC on singles such as “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “The Cure,” her authentic self seemed to shine through her vocals. Cavalieri is reviving the 2000s club sound with her bold flair and charm. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW CEARA CAVALIERI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Oslo-native singer Aiida is back with her latest single, “BONES.” Aiida is known for her darkpop aesthetic, and on “BONES,” she does not hold back. “BONES” is a gritty electro-pop banger with punchy vocals and impactful lyrics. The song explores the pain of unwanted memories creeping up on you. It’s that moment where you look in the mirror and are confronted with past experiences you are forced to reconcile with. Aiida’s ability to bring the song to life is unparalleled. She sings with a wistfulness that will connect with audiences everywhere. If you’ve ever gone through any similar experience, “BONES” is a deeply cathartic track. “BONES” is a powerhouse pop track. The production is sleek and stylized. The verses are paired with these brooding synth lines that give the song a sense of longing. Then the chorus soars with an explosive beat drop and a burst of powerful vocals from Aiida as she belts “I still feel you in my bones.” “BONES” is an impressive track in how it is both emotionally impactful and an instant earworm. The electropop elements are dynamic; It buzzes with energy, and constantly keeps the listener on their toes with sonic changes. Yet the lyrics are hard-hitting and deeply relatable. Aiida wrote a song that is Aiida is a singer-songwriter with a story to tell. The Norwegian-Albanian artist is proud of her heritage and queer identity, and explores this experiences through her music. Within her own discography, she creates innovative dark pop tunes from a perspective only she can tell. Her ability to connect with others is evident through her mass success so far within her career. Tracks like “Landslide” and “Talk (About What?)” have racked up hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify alone. Behind the scenes, Aiida is hard at work crafting some of today’s biggest hits including “Tik Tik” by Jacqueline Fernandez and “Hate it in Here” by TikTok star Jenny Baker. Aiida’s career is only going up and you can listen to “BONES” on all major streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW AIIDA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

lovelytheband’s new single, anywhere but on my mind, is a midtempo indie/synth pop song about someone you can’t stop thinking about. No matter how hard you try, that person stays on your mind all the time. It captures that universal feeling of hearing their name through mutual friends or scrolling past their social media handles, but wishing you coudl finally move on. It was released at the perfect time since it’s giving spring heartbreak meets summer reflection. It’s catchy yet vulnerable in ways that make you feel like you’re listening to someone else sing your life story and that’s why I love indie music. One of my favorite things about listening to bands is that you can hear their insturments. I repsect that they never sacrifice that aspect of songwriting and anywhere but on my mind is no different. “Oh no, I saw you at the Beachwood Cafe again. I swore I was over it. Oh no, I heard about your weekend from one your friends and saw on the internet.” Right off the bat, they hit you with vivid scenes that sound like they were ripped straight out of a diary. Strong songwriting and strong production is hard to come by these days so I would highly recommend you check this band out. lovelytheband is an alternative rock band based in Los Angeles. The duo is comprised of Mitch Collins (lead vocalist and guitarist) and Jordan Greenwald (guitarist and keyboardist). Back in 2017, they released their debut single, “broken”, which charted for 76 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified triple platinum. They went on to be nominated for multiple awards at the biggest award shows including Billboard, Radio Disney, Teen Choice, and iHeartRadio. Their latest album was released in 2024 so it's safe to assume they might be releasing more music this year. Written By Jazz FOLLOW lovelytheband: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Kacey Musgraves holds a shining spot in my heart. My first introduction to her came in September 2012 with the release of her debut single, “Merry Go Round.” I was only 11 years old, but I knew I’d found something special. I didn’t follow her career closely again until her magnum opus, Golden Hour, was released in 2018. That album carried me through falling in love for the first time as a young woman, and her following divorce album, Starcrossed, held me through my first heartbreak. I’ve also been a loyal listener to her sophomore album, Pageant Material, finding solace in songs like “This Town” and “Dime Store Cowgirl.” The only Musgraves album I didn’t fall in love with was her 2024 album, Deeper Well. I didn’t connect with it as deeply as her other work, so when she announced the release of her latest album, Middle of Nowhere, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was hooked from the first single. Released on May 1, 2026, Middle of Nowhere is the triumphant return that I’ve been waiting for. Tracklist Middle of Nowhere Dry Spell Back On The Wagon I Believe In Ghosts Abilene Coyote (feat. Gregory Alan Isakov) Loneliest Girl Everybody Wants To Be A Cowboy (feat. Billy Strings) Horses and Divorces (feat. Miranda Lambert) Uncertain, TX (feat. Willie Nelson) Rhinestoned Mexico Honey Hell On Me Middle of Nowhere The title track for this album, “Middle of Nowhere,” finds Musgraves enjoying complete solitude, perhaps for the first time. Written during one of the longest periods of singlehood in her life, Musgraves became fascinated with the transitional states of liminal spaces, both physically and mentally. This is most prominent in this opening track as she learns to exist in a space not occupied by anyone else. As she embarks past the county line into a place with no cell service, no other humans for miles, and “no reckless men who don’t know what they want,” she realizes that there is true comfort in being alone. She doesn’t care if a past lover is trying to reach her, and she wouldn’t call them back even if she could. Dry Spell “Dry Spell” was the first single from this record, and an instant favorite of mine. Musgraves teased this track through promotional posters and billboards in various cities in the United States. These advertisements included the words, “Dry Spell? Call for a real good time,” followed by a telephone number that aired an out-of-service tone. Further advertisements featured the bull from the album’s cover art with the message, “Horny? Call for a real good time.” This track is playful and witty, with tongue-in-cheek double-entendres that make me laugh every time I hear them. It’s painfully relatable for anyone who has ever been “lonely with a capital H, if you know what I mean.” The instrumentals on this track were also a standout for me from the moment I heard it. Aside from the solace the lonely girls get from the lyrics, this track is also a hit for those of us who grew up with the desert in our blood. Ripe with a pedal steel guitar and a prominent bassline, my first thought was, "This is an album for us Southwest girls.” Back On The Wagon “Back On The Wagon” follows a toxic relationship that the narrator can’t seem to let go of. Over twangy guitars, Musgraves laments about the ways her lover has wronged her, and the ways she believes he has changed. He’s “back on the wagon,” promising her that things will be different this time. While those around her look at her doubtfully, the narrator doesn’t mind appearing delusional as long as she’s with her man. This track is painfully relatable to those of us who have gone back time and time again to someone we know has hurt us. It may be naive, but sometimes you can’t help but see the good in someone. It is said that love conquers all, but sometimes it’s better to let this one go. I Believe In Ghosts “I Believe In Ghosts” describes the sudden death of a relationship that continues to haunt Musgraves. She once felt safe with this person, only to realize that any semblance of love they gave her was just smoke and mirrors. When she tried to get close and let them into the light, they disappeared like an apparition. She can see right through them now, but as much as she wishes that this person were dead to her, their memories linger in her mind like a bad spirit. The instrumentals have a fitting spooky quality to them that helps carry the theming of the track, with steely electric guitars and a thrumming drumline backing Musgraves’ clear vocals. This is one track I’m excited to hear live, as there is a subtle dance quality to it that is sure to help me shake off any remaining bad vibes from past lovers. Abilene Reminiscent of “Blowin’ Smoke” from Musgraves’ debut album Same Trailer, Different Park, “Abilene” follows a mysterious woman escaping her hometown in search of something greater. The track follows the small town gossip spreads about her, the townspeople wondering where she’s going and why she left. Still, this talk will never reach her, as she’s miles away by now, never to return. It is said there’s no place like home, but the narrator supposes, “that’s the thing she’s countin’ on.” With plucky acoustic guitars and a simple drumline to back it, “Abilene” feels like rolling down the highway at dusk, leaving everything you’ve ever known behind. It is cathartic and heartfelt; simply put, it feels like freedom, especially for those of us who have left our own Abilenes. Coyote (feat. Gregory Alan Isakov) “Coyote,” featuring Gregory Alan Isakov, is a true treasure on this record, especially for us from the American Southwest. From the opening guitar notes, I found myself driving down a highway at night in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but cacti and miles of desert surrounding me. That is, until the coyote of this track is seen running down the road. An old flame of Musgraves’ is likened to this wild animal throughout the song, as the coyote she sees “looked like he’d been crying.” Coyotes are known to be timid and will typically flee when in contact with humans. However, they can still be dangerous if you’re not careful. Musgraves has realized that she got too close to something that needed to run free, only to hurt herself as she held out her hand to this notoriously skittish creature. My only criticism of this track is that Isakov’s voice easily gets lost. It takes a few listens to hear his vocals in the background, and even then, it is a strain to pick up. This collaboration would have been more impactful if Isakov had his own lines, especially in the second verse, as the male counterpart in this tale is supposed to voice his regret. Despite this missed opportunity for a stronger collab, “Coyote” is a haunting tune that will linger in the back of my mind for weeks to come. Loneliest Girl “Loneliest Girl” is a reflective love letter to learning to enjoy singlehood. Self-described “serial monogamist,” Musgraves uses this track to reinvent herself and finally find peace in being “the loneliest girl in the world.” She finds that she doesn’t need a partner in the ways she thought she did, and being alone might actually be better than “anything that’s taking up [her] energy.” Everybody Wants To Be A Cowboy (feat. Billy Strings) “Everybody Wants To Be A Cowboy” highlights and criticizes the mainstreaming of cowboy- and ranch-hand-inspired fashion. While many people are quick to adorn what they think is cowboy attire, Musgraves knows that they haven’t done any of the work that living off the land entails. The instrumentals are rife with impressive guitarwork. This track features famed modern bluegrass singer-songwriter Billy Strings. I haven’t listened to Strings’ work before, and I wish his vocals were more prominent in this track so I could get a true feel for his voice. Overall, this track isn’t a heavy hitter, but it is still an easy listen. Horses and Divorces (feat. Miranda Lambert) “Horses and Divorces,” featuring Texas country superstar Miranda Lambert, is a collaboration no one ever saw coming. Described as the Norteño-influenced, countryfied “Girl So Confusing,” this track sees the two singers burying the hatchet. For context, both singers are from small towns in Texas, not far from each other. Mugraves wrote Lambert’s hit single, “Mama’s Broken Heart,” which was released in early 2013. However, this song was pitched to Lambert without Musgraves’ knowledge, and while she ultimately let her have the song, the tension between them was never fully resolved. That is, until now. Maybe, “Hell just froze over,” but they’ve both come to realize their similarities are much bigger than their differences. They croon, “We’ve got a few things in common // Like horses and divorces, and we both like to drink // Maybe we’re more alike than we think.” Uncertain, TX (feat. Willie Nelson) “Uncertain, TX,” is named after a real town in Texas with a population of only 85 on the border of Texas and Louisiana, truly placing you in the middle of nowhere. Musgraves uses clever wordplay on the town name to evoke that horrible feeling of being strung along by someone who can’t decide if they want to take you seriously in love or not. The song’s featured artist is none other than American icon, country music legend and fellow Texan, Willie Nelson. Longtime friends and collaborators, Musgraves and Nelson have created another hit. The instrumentals are the focal point of this song. Backed by twelve-string guitars, Tejano-inspired, and a heavy presence of cowbell (a truly underutilized percussion, in my opinion), the pair laments over this doomed romance. As the track comes to a close with the scathe of Musgraves’ pen as she writes, “Down here in Uncertain, Texas // Nobody ever makes up their dusty, old, love-bombin' // Snake-charmin', bullshitin' // Heartbreakin', godforsaken, dumbass mind.” Rhinestoned “Rhinestoned” would sonically be right at home on Musgraves’ 2015 album, Pageant Material. There is a glittery quality to the instrumentals, overlaying a Nashville twang that would put this track right at home on that record. On “Rhinestoned,” Musgraves seeks comfort in a fellow bar patron who is enduring a similar heartache of lost love. Together, they vow to get lost in where the night takes them without overthinking it. Musgraves has “got something in [her] pocket, [they] could step out back,” that can help him forget about his troubles. With all else having failed, why not get lost in the moment? She sings, “Baby, we don’t have to be alone // Let’s get a little rhinestoned.” Mexico Honey “Mexico Honey” is a sexy standout that I’ve had on repeat. It’s fun and lighthearted, a lovely detour from some of the heavier themes on this record. It’s the perfect track for those of us who are currently all-consumed by a crush and a need for a little (but hopefully a lot of) passion. It seems that her aforementioned “Dry Spell” is blissfully broken, and she can “ride this wave ‘til it breaks.” Her desires are barely contained, flowing out of her with the quick cadence of her words and the flirty lilt to her voice. It seems she can’t even comprehend the effect his man has on her as she sings, “I want you so bad, it ain’t even funny // I mean, for real, what the hell?” She can’t get enough of him, and she’s not afraid to show it. Hell On Me The album’s final track, “Hell On Me,” ends the record on a somber note. As Musgraves reflects on a past partner, she realizes she doesn’t blame this person for the pain she felt in their relationship, as much of it was self-inflicted by her attempts to change them. She knows now that trying to be an angel for someone who was fighting their own demons did nothing but bring Hell upon her. There is nothing else for her to do now but pick herself up and move forward. The record closes out with only Musgraves’ soft vocals and a steel pedal guitar, leaving the listener to sit with the feeling of heartbreak. Middle of Nowhere is a masterclass in genre-blending and lyricism. Heavily inspired by the Mexican culture ingrained in her home state of Texas, Musgraves honors these roots throughout the record. Overall, the album is a triumph in her songwriting abilities and brings back her signature storytelling that I fell in love with so many years ago. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.