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The winter is cold and harsh, with storms that leave you shivering and wishing for warm air. But the winter is also proof that you can feel and breathe, even if the air hurts when you swallow. Laura Lucas’ debut album was released this November, with the haunting track “Let the Winter Have Me” focusing on themes of both fear and acceptance. The album threads songs about self-reflection, womanhood, and “the soft strength that comes with learning to stay with yourself, even when it hurts”. This track focuses on the latter theme, with the premise being that next year, Lucas is going to let the winter have its way with her- hurting is better than feeling nothing. Inspired by a quote on her vision board that read “living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear”, this track is both melancholic and hopeful, sad to be in this position of pain, but ready to move forward with healing. The instrumentals of this track are simple, leaving the main focus to the storyline and Lucas’ delicate and enunciated vocals. She starts to sing before we even hear the beginning guitar line, with lyrics about her fears, everything from sharks to misguided love. The track slowly grows in ambiance, as she reaches the chorus and flips into a delicate headvoice, feeling like soft snow covering the pain of dead leaves and bringing a new beginning. She sings, “Next year, I'm gonna let the winter have me / Take my fear, then I'll let it take my body / Stay here, while I slowly sink in my teeth / Then I′ll let the winter have me”. For now, she will be scared and timid, but by next year she will fully accept what fate life offers her, and allow herself to move forward. Canadian born but now Melbourne based, Laura Lucas has always found an escape in music. Songwriting was her way to express herself, and since she first played a guitar at age 10, music was her safe space. She began to share her talent with the world in 2019, when she visited Melbourne as part of an exchange trip. There, she found the bravery to break into the local music community, and since then has only grown in courage and talent. With two EPs, this debut album, and various shows as a supporting artist, Lucas has shared her safe space with her listeners, giving them the vulnerability and honesty needed to tell stories the way she does. Make sure to follow the social medias below to keep up to date with Laura Lucas, and use the Spotify link to listen to the rest of her debut album, “There’s a Place I Go”. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW LAURA LUCAS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Falling in love is the most beautiful yet worrisome feeling in the world. You feel all the promising emotions that come with this new connection, but also the unanswered questions of how it will all play out. It’s almost impossible to not wonder about the longevity in the early stages of a relationship. Ava Franks wrote her new single “Every Day” to narrate all the emotions that come with that first taste of love. She collaborated with Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta, acclaimed multi-platinum producers and writers. Together they all created a lush guitar-driven embrace that feels exactly like falling in love. If you’re stepping into something new that’s addicting yet equally terrifying, then this is the track for you. Ava stated that “Every Day explores the beginning stages of a relationship when you’re feeling all of the uncertainty, hope and mystery that goes along with falling in love. It’s about wanting to see that person all the time and hoping they can read your mind.” There’s so much unknown when stepping into a new relationship that it can be hard not to drive yourself insane with scattered thoughts. All the what if’s can feel lonely even though it’s something we all experience. Ava did all the over-thinking girls a favor with the relatability in this song. It’s hard to find the courage to leap into something new, but it’s oh so fun to do so. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t say, I wish I saw you every day.” Ava Franks is a contemporary pop indie singer-songwriter based in New York City. She developed a love for music at a young age as she performed in school musicals and local talent shows. She was enamored by the story-telling that goes into each song which led her to songwriting. With a major in English from Yale, writing is a way for her to create tangible worlds through her music for the sake of sweet escape. Ava made her debut as an artist back in 2021 with her single “3 Pines.” Her discography has grown with tracks full of timeless synths and novel vocal layering. If you loved “Every Day” be sure to check out the links down below to follow Ava’s future releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW AVA FRANKS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

“Girl I Know” is the newest single from Dolder , a song about the disappointing feeling of putting your trust into a man, only for him to act completely different from how you thought of him. The lyrics accurately describe being let down by a man that appeared to be different from the rest, just to reveal his true intentions with his misogyny. The song tells the common experience of this kind of betrayal that many women go through, describing the lustful behavior that can be applicable to many men. “Girl I Know” is a very well-written song by Dolder, as they detail and describe the emotions that come from this kind of experience. You can easily call “Girl I Know” an acoustic symphony; guitar chords, piano notes, and raw drums all come together to form the incredible production that makes up the second song in Dolder’s discography. Also, no part of the single is like the other, with there being different melodies and instrumentation in each section. The production also paints the atmosphere the lyrics take place in with its dark pop vibes, which are also mixed with alternative, country, and folk, adding on to the originality of “Girl I Know”. Listening to the song shows you that an extraordinary amount of thought was put into it, and the incredible vocals bring everything together. Dolder is a singing and songwriting duo from and based in Newcastle, England. They grew up with a love of music and received help from their father when trying to make their own music. They began releasing music a month prior to the release of “Girl I Know” with the song “Charlie” that came out in October 2025. In the same month, with impeccable live performances, they toured alongside Ben Ellis throughout the United Kingdom for his tour MY LOVE STAYS ON TOUR . Dolder’s debut EP The Motive  is set to release on December 12. Dolder is an amazing duo of incredible and very talented music artists, and I can’t wait to listen to their upcoming work! Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW DOLDER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Apple Music  | YouTube

For the romantics at heart, John Adams’ latest single is going to be perfect for you. “Loving You (Is A Reflex)” is all about how automatic love becomes after finding that special somebody. Like a reflex, you are compelled to love them no matter how hard you try not to. This track is rich with softness and romance; it’ll remind you of quiet sunrises and the slower moments with your partner. It truly captures the essence of being in love– not the fast-paced, hurried parts, but the times when it settles and feels like a simple response. “Loving You (Is A Reflex)” is absolutely one of those love songs that speaks directly to the heart. By far, my favorite part of “Loving You (Is A Reflex)” is the gentle acoustic guitar that decorates the entire soundscape. Nothing says romance like the full-bodied sound of a guitar, and this track truly has that in spades. The soundscape is joined by Adams’ amazingly smooth vocals, as well as some humming strings and a banjo, making it this folksy and country song. If you love any of those sounds, then you’re sure to enjoy this track. And that’s not even counting for the lyricism, which is just marvellously written. I love how the similes are all about bodily reflexes– these things that we can’t control. Like the beat of your heart, breathing, and blinking when something gets in your eyes. They’re all such simple and easy things to do, all done without thought, and the idea of likening them to loving another person is just so endlessly romantic. “Loving You (Is A Reflex)” is the epitome of a folk/country love song. For those with big hearts, this is definitely going to be for you. John Adams is a singer-songwriter originating from Aberdare in South Wales Valleys. Similar to artists like Sam Smith and James Blunt, Adams is greatly influenced by other honest songwriters that focus on emotion and heartfelt lyrics. He’s a romantic at his core, with his tracks always having love found its way into them. He also has over a decade of musical experience behind his guitar, and boasts a No. 1 iTunes album, as well as 1 million monthly Spotify listeners. Moreover, he's got credits on hit shows like Love Island and The Voice . His debut album The Pavement Is My Stage dropped all the way back in 2013, and he’s since released tons of similarly amazing music. “Loving You (Is A Reflex)” is his latest work. If you enjoyed it, be sure to drop Adams a follow on his socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW JOHN ADAMS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Envelop yourself in grit, electronic escape, and humanity with “LEARNING TO LET GO” by Lights. Off her upcoming album, A6EXTENDED, “ LEARNING TO LET GO” sets up an honest, raw love story like a row of perfectly aligned dominoes. Lights beautifully paints the highs & lows of love & loss, describing the process of healing and moving past a relationship that included a great amount of distraction. While staying by this person’s side, Lights’ partner is rather focused on crafting life to mold what they want it to look like. Though an overall upbeat track, “LEARNING TO LET GO” uses electronic qualities to showcase this imbalance within the relationship and to highlight Lights’ motivation to keep moving forward. There is a uniqueness to “LEARNING TO LET GO” that emits a sense of maturity and perspective. These traits can cleverly morph the track at times, allowing listeners the chance to both focus on their emotions and/or choose to dive solely into sound. Lights’ choices behind “LEARNING TO LET GO” set the tone for the entire extended album to come, embedding catchy pop writing with an indie, alternative, and electronic ambience. Layering multiple genres adds to the romance behind the track, giving context and displaying emotion at times when lyrics don’t speak for its entirety. Lines such as, “You gotta take it from me, it isn’t easy to see when you got the sun in your eyes in the evening,” detail just how deep the splitting of this relationship cuts, including both personal and personable fragments that trace back to a central message of loving and focusing on oneself in the face of hardship. The placement of “LEARNING TO LET GO” within A6EXTENDED additionally shows intention and serves its purpose in the spot of track #19, located below “THIS TIME TMRW” and above “FINAL ROUND”. Upon examining the album’s titles, this placement feels purposeful and showcases a streamlined, well-thought-out plan to detail a story to listeners. The final pieces behind “LEARNING TO LET GO” feel final from Lights’ POV, as she explains that her partner may try to backtrack to find her and rekindle the relationship, but that she will not be there, but the ending of this track does not feel final for the entire story. It’s clear that Lights has the utmost ability to tell a detailed, structured story, but that she is not finished here. With the upcoming release of A6EXTENDED, I look forward to hearing more about her journey ahead and how leaving this relationship behind will benefit her.  Lights is a Canadian singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and lover of varying projects. In addition to her work in music, she is also a comic book author! While she has completed sold-out tours across many continents, her success has carried her to make headlines from Coachella to Comic-Con, showcasing her wide range of talent. She has collaborated with artists such as Travis Barker, Steve Aoki, deadmau5, and many more along this journey. Her music speaks directly from her heart and lyrically from her mind, leaving it all out on the table. Intertwining alternative, indie, dance, and pop, she paves her own path forward and refuses to make music from a non-truthful standpoint. With a shadow over alternative music and culture, she has garnered an abundance of streams, in the hundreds of millions, and widespread critical acclaim.  Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW LIGHTS: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

Album Cover From Rock Sound Magazine Australian pop band, 5 Seconds of Summer, has released their sixth studio album. Their new album, Everyone's A Star!, is a reflection of the beginning of their careers as a boyband told through a satirical lense. Everyone's A Star! Not OK Telephone Busy Boyband No. 1 Obsession I'm Scared I'll Never Sleep Again Istillfeelthesame Ghost Sick of Myself Evolve The Rocks Jawbreaker Start Over Wishful Dreaming Chest I'll Find You Cool Dad 5 Seconds of Summer, also referred to as 5sos, is a pop rock band hailing from Sydney, Australia, consisting of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Luke Hemmings, lead guitarist Michael Clifford, bassist Calum Hood, and drummer Ashton Irwin. They left their normal lives to tour with One Direction for two consecutive years and released their debut single, “She Looks So Perfect” in 2014. They are also known for their 2018 hit, “Youngblood”. Having built up a strong fanbase and six albums since their inception in 2011, each member has also managed to release at least one solo album in that time frame. This has helped them become better musicians and songwriters for the band itself which is evident in their new release. Let’s dive in. Everyone’s A Star! is the their best album opener. Powerful vocal delivery. Immaculate vibes. The initial culture shock of Not OK has officially worn off. This is the most unique song they’ve ever made. The experimental fun continues with Telephone Busy, Boyband, and No.1 Obsession. Let’s take a moment to praise Ashton. Only he could pull off the nonchalant attitude matched with deep, sexy vocals needed to make Telephone Busy pure ecstasy. We’re at the halfway point, I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again, istillfeelthesame, Ghost, and Sick of Myself, where the songs are mostly vibes. Most notably, Ghost is a haunting, yet beautiful ballad and Sick of Myself is an outlier that sounds like Christmas meets the Jonas Brothers with an everso slight twang. Back to the upbeat funkiness I love about this album, Evolve is about needing to mature from boys to men. The Rocks is a return to their origins with a punchy pop punk beat that has the perfect blend of guitar, bass, and drums. It ends on a light note with short, but sweet Jawbreaker. The bonus songs (aka the Fully Evolved version) are personal to each member. Start Over is Luke’s deluxe song. Wishful Dreaming is Michael’s deluxe song. Chest is Ashton’s deluxe song. I’ll Find You is Calum’s deluxe song. Start Over is the perfect pop ballad and should've been the closer. Wishful Dreaming is reminiscent of the old days because they each have their own solos. The upbeat and experimental Chest featured my favorite members, Ashton and Calum, teaming up on the best deluxe song. I'll Find You is yet another heartfelt ballad sung excelusively by Calum this time. As I’m writing this, they dropped yet another bonus song, Cool Dad, that’s very 80s, silly, and actually pretty cool! Additional Album Cover From Rock Sound Magazine The entire album is what I would describe as pop rock with electro and funk influences rooted in 2000s nostalgia with a major emphasis on production. Its hands down their best produced album. I love the plethora of guitar solos, songs where Ashton and Calum dominate whether that’s vocally or instrumentally, and every upbeat moment. 5sos don’t curse or make sexually explicit music so songs like I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again, Evolve, and a couple others genuinely shocked me. I’ve always wanted them to do this (and more) like every other artist I listen to. My only other wish for this band musically is to make a full blown rock album and I have a feeling they'll get there soon. Like I said earlier, it’s pop rock, but experimental. When I say experimental, I’m referring to usage of synths and sound effects, unique song structures, and exploration of uncharted territory with various subgenres within rock. You can hear some of their old pop punk selves in certain songs like Boyband and The Rocks as well. What’s most impressive is the album sounds like their solo albums came together and had a baby. I can hear each of their influences and personalities individually, but I wish they had went full force with the boyband theme. What I mean is… I wish Boyband had a music video where they did a break dance. I wish each member got more equal singing parts like boybands do. Nonetheless, this is the most fun, eclectic music they’ve ever made. I’ve been a fan since Heartbreak Girl and I’ve enjoyed this era and album more than some of their recent releases. I need more time to determine if it’s my definitive favorite album of theirs. For now, I’ll give it an 8 out of 10. For months to come, I will obsessively listen to my top three: Telephone Busy, Everyone’s A Star, and Evolve. Written By Jazz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

SALLIE has released their new single, “SLIDE.” As part of their debut album, “SLIDE” details a relationship forming while being with other partners. From eyeing each other down during “Friday nights at MJQ” to yearning to be with each other “since [they] can’t be with [each other],” the duo finds themselves “sliding” to meet each other, knowing that “[their partner’s] would never find out.” Not knowing “what to do to make [each other their’s],” they do know that they could be together without their partners finding out. “SLIDE” is upbeat, perfect for late-night drives, and finds SALLIE in their groove while producing their latest hits. “SLIDE,” while ultimately finding the duo at a crossroads on how to balance both developing feelings for someone and having someone else as their partner, makes for a perfect summer night song. Something SALLIE does consistently throughout their debut album is nail the production of their songs, and “SLIDE” is no different. With both fast-tempo and slow-tempo parts throughout “SLIDE,” each verse and chorus finds listeners dancing to the beat. SALLIE also consistently delivers on both vocal harmonies and lyrics as well, with different perspectives taking shape as the song goes on and creating a cohesive story for listeners to enjoy and sing-along to. “SLIDE,” while being a part of the duo’s first venture into the music world, shows consistency and talent that leaves listeners waiting for more from the duo.  SALLIE is a R&B-alternative duo consisting of Jay-Mo Dejon (also known as Jahmori Simmons) and Zaria Hall. Blending R&B, alternative, and modern soul, SALLIE captures these genres throughout their discography while blending Dejon's and Hall’s vocals for a united and strong front. Dejon, a world-renowned producer, has produced for RAYE and Skepta while accumulating multiple platinum certifications; meanwhile, Hall, a powerhouse singer-songwriter, creates melodies that feel fresh in an industry that feels already so full. Fresh off of releasing their debut album, “ASK ME IF I’M OKAY,” SALLIE’s impact on the music industry is only growing as they add more and more music to their spectacular discography. If listeners like to keep up with SALLIE’s new releases and concert dates, they can on SALLIE’s social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW SALLIE: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

New single "I LOVE U LEAVE" by artist Flynn Adamson is an alternative pop song about the pain of losing someone you care for. The song takes emotional pain and combines it with infectious pop sounds to create a balanced product that fits a multitude of emotional situations. Even if "I LOVE U LEAVE" portrays a tragedy, the song is enjoyable enough that it can be played at all times. What works with the song is that it combines both past and present musical trends to make the song feel fresh and comforting at the same time. As "I LOVE U LEAVE" begins to play, there's something nostalgic about the guitar's tone, and your brain makes the connection to early 2000s pop. However, the production elements on this track are very modern. It's interesting that the story that is followed on "I LOVE U LEAVE" delves deep into what it's like to lose a friend, and yet the instrumentals feel more bubbly than that. You almost feel guilty for having fun for a song that's so sad. The enjoyment to experience doesn't take away from the emotional vulnerability. The lyrics provide a well-rounded look into what Adamson is experiencing and how repetitive this emotional situation has become. What also works for this track is it's a song about heartbreak, but the heartbreak itself is not too specified that this song can be adapted into any situation. The song allows for listeners to take "I LOVE U LEAVE" and apply it to their own lives. Flynn Adamson is a young artist based in Auckland, New Zealand. With the work he creates, Adamson fully involves himself by doing the writing, singing, production, mixing, and mastering all himself. Growing up, he was inspired by the music around him, whether it was 70s pop or 90s grunge. He first began to release music at age 14 with his single "Pretend" which gained over 12,000 streams. In the past he has competed in multiple music competitions and this year he achieved third place in the Smoke Free Rock Quest National Final. Flynn Adamson does a great job of taking the classic pop-rock sound and making it sound brand new and makes sure audiences can see how wholehearted his music can be. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW FLYNN ADAMSON: Instagram | Spotify  | YouTube

Pressley is all in to her melancholic pop star moment in “almost love.” In the age of online dating, the word love seems to lose meaning. Efforts become superficial and people rely on the bare minimum: the occasional date and a grocery store bought bouquet. Pressley won’t let casual dating replace the definition of love. She sings, “Almost isn’t enough.” She wants to have long talks on the beach, hold hands in the car, and show up for one another. She lifts the expectations from physical affection to truly listening to each other. "almost love" is the anthem for all the romantics holding onto hope. “almost love” is the track to sing all the heartbreak away. The 2000’s beat resembles the same 2000’s revival that plays in Tate McRae’s music. You’ll be dancing on your bed or strutting down the hallway as if they’re stages. The keyboard rings with a twinkle like a star lighting up the empty sky. Just like the song’s message: you deserve better! Pressley strips back the volume of the other layers in the chorus, and all the focus goes to the vocals. The harmonies fill the space, and it frees the stress that comes with casual dating. The melancholic melody digs into the heartbreak but it pulls the weight off your chest. Pressley Hosbach, known as pressley, shows her passion for music through her singing, songwriting, and dancing. She starred on the final season of the show Dance Moms, becoming a trained dancer. From there, her talents soared into acting on Nickelodeon. On the network, she signed a record label deal with Nickelodeon Music. Beyond entertainment, she has launched clothing collaborations and supported charities. Keep up with pressley’s ongoing journey on Instagram, where she has over ten million followers. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW pressley: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

*HAYLA Fall 25 Tour Poster via HAYLA Electro-pop artist HAYLA kicked off her highly anticipated fall 25 tour this past weekend in San Diego. I had the honor of attending opening night, witnessing the dance-pop phenomenon in person. The singer is known for her infectious beats and stunning vocals, and her live performance lived up to the hype. The crowd instantly lit up the moment she took the stage, highlighting her massive influence. During her set, she takes her listeners through a journey of romance, heartache, and empowerment. This is an artist that you don't want to miss. Between the moody atmosphere and her fantastic vocals, she is a natural-born performer. The artist kicked off the night with an eerie intro that reels the listener in. The stage filled with smoke before she appeared, and the audience erupted. She opened the night with “Freefall,” with everyone singing along with her. Her incredible vocal control and flawless falsettos complemented the heavy bass and catchy synth. The intro perfectly captured her style and set the tone for the night. HAYLA’s energy was unmatched and spread to everyone in the crowd. Her effervescent stage presence invigorated the crowd and brought them to life. From the first song, she encouraged everyone to sing and jump along. She consistently checked in with the crowd, ensuring everyone was having fun. She even treated the audience to an unreleased song that explored a darker side of HAYLA. She knew how to keep everyone on their toes and anticipate her next move. Her crowd work made the show even more special, entertaining everyone in the room.  HAYLA’s vocals are insanely powerful, some of the best I have ever heard in person. There were moments when the crowd would stop singing to step back and admire her high notes. Her voice commands the attention of every ear they grace. While her electric sound is half the appeal, HAYLA would be just as entertaining stripped back to just her and a guitar. Her live vocals are exactly what her studio recordings show. But in person, they are even more impressive, leaving full-body chills that will keep the listener craving more.  HAYLA’s innate talent shone throughout her performance, showcasing everything from her voice to her stage presence. She is a must-see in the electro-pop scene, taking the world by storm. Recently, she released her song “FADED” with Nelly Furtado and continues to make waves in the industry. Buy tickets to HAYLA’s Fall ‘25 tour now to jump in on this incredible event. And follow her on all socials to stay up to date with any new announcements and releases.  Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

As the seasons change, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year, on memories, both good and bad. Reflection often leads to some of the most impactful songwriting imaginable. Artists write about their loves, losses, struggles, and wins. And sometimes, when we’re at home with a warm drink, we just need one of those chill albums and a good book or a craft. So, in no particular order, here are 10 of those cozy, reflective albums to remind us to take a breath amidst our busy schedules. 10. Taylor Swift - Folklore (2020) “Folklore” is more or less the poster child of folksy, winter vibes. It’s arguably one of Taylor’s most narrative albums, telling the story of a fictional love triangle. While the perspective isn’t that of the artist, it still makes us look back on the events in our own lives. Each song portrays a touch of regret, as each character divulges more information to the listener. It’s the type of story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to unravel more of the mystery. 9. Lizzy McAlpine - Give Me a Minute (2020) Lizzy McAlpine’s 2020 album, “Give Me a Minute” brings a moodier energy to the table. It reflects on tiny details and self-discovery. It’s about finding yourself when you thought for so long that you needed someone else. Lizzy describes the ups and downs of finding and ultimately leaving love behind, and then her hesitation moving forward. The entire album is so vulnerable, leaving our artist’s mind open like the most important page of a book. “Give Me a Minute” is a precious reminder that we all have rough times sometimes, but we always figure it out in the end. 8. Cat Burns - How to be Human (2025) The next entry is a very personal one. Cat Burns’ “How to be Human” describes Cat’s personal journey of self-acceptance. It tackles her struggles with grief, anxiety, and recent diagnoses of autism and ADHD. This album really speaks to us directly, as it pushes the very important concept that we don’t need to be perfect all the time. It’s okay to not be perfect. Take the time to grieve, but you will get through this. This message resonates so heavily in the music, a beautiful motivator for a dreary, winter day. 7. Jensen McRae - I Don't Know How but They Found Me! (2025) Jensen McRae’s “I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!” is another deeply introspective album, telling captivating stories of life’s most emotional moments. Jensen dives into those truly niche thoughts and feelings that we bury in our minds. It talks about the divide between our head and our heart in those relationships that we know are a bad idea but try to justify regardless. Of course, the album isn’t naïve. Jensen spares none of her fiery opinions on the places she’s been. The songwriting is exquisitely intentional. It calls out the negative subjects in riveting detail. You truly do feel alongside the artist, and that’s a sure sign of exceptional lyricism. 6. Isabel Pless - Workhorse (2025) This somewhat sad-in-a-good-way album describes emotional maturity from beginning to end. Isabel Pless’s “Workhorse” is a testament to finding your own independence and stopping the cycles of abuse from others. It mentions those moments where you feel like you can’t change a bad situation, but you can. It describes the lonely feeling of stepping out on your own and taking charge of your own life. Everyone loves to praise independence, but they don’t always see how hard it is. This is an album that builds courage while acknowledging struggle, and we’re so here for that. 5. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2008) Now for something a little older. It wouldn’t be winter without a Fleet Foxes mention. Specifically for their very popular and frequently covered track, “White Winter Hymnal”. The eerie but cheery tune has turned many ears to the band’s discography, their namesake debut album being no exception. “Fleet Foxes” features unconventional, folksy song structures and addictive rhythms that keep you zen and fixated on the sound. The songwriting within focuses largely on nature, nostalgia, and growing up. It’s a bittersweet album that takes you back to your childhood while also helping you appreciate the little things around you. It’s definitely worth a listen. 4. The Postal Serve - Give Up (2003) The Postal Service’s “Give Up” became popular due to the notable single, “Such Great Heights” in 2003. However, you’d be surprised how many people haven’t listened to the entire album, and it’s a great album! The mellow, synthetic sound was uniquely groundbreaking at the time of release. It’s captivating in a way, or as some would say, it makes your brain happy. The lyrical theme across the album is love. More specifically, it’s about feeling safe to speak openly about love. Despite the groovy beat of “Give Up”, it holds a lot of emotion. While the album went platinum, it’s still the only album released by the band, which is a side project conjured by Death Cab for Cutie singer, Ben Gibbard. Regardless, the album’s staying power is strong, with its unique instrumental choices now delighting listeners for over 20 years. 3. Michael Clifford - SIDEQUEST (2025) Here’s a great one for the alternative fans in the room. 5SoS singer, Michael Clifford released a new solo project this year, titled “SIDEQUEST”. And we are pleased to report that this is very different from most of the music 5SoS has released. It’s a personal project, with many sections shedding light on the difficult social situations that come with being a well-known musician. It talks about relationships and how some people will just pretend to us for selfish reasons. The pressure of performing and making public appearances doesn’t help when you’re juggling your personal life at the same time. This album is a great eye opener to parents as well, describing Michael’s maturing and growth as a person after having a child. It’s a great reminder that even those we idolize are just people with the same struggles as all of us. 2. Leanna Firestone - Forward / Slash (2022) Leanna Firestone’s “Forward/Slash” is a thoughtful journey of the ups and downs of life. Leanna’s songwriting style feels as though you’re just having a cozy conversation with her. The stories in the music grab us as listeners and keep us there by being just so relatable. If there is any one word to describe this album it is “honest”, and I think that’s what makes it so charming. There’s no image here that Leanna is trying to project. She’s just telling the true stories of her life in song, and that just feels so cozy and beautiful. From falling in love to losing it, to thinking about the regrets of unrequited love, but still recognizing its inescapable draw. It touches on family struggles, mental health, and uncertainty. This is an album that tugs so tightly on your heartstrings that you can’t help but insert yourself into the narrative somehow. For an even deeper look into the mind of Leanna Firestone, her new EP, “An Evening With Leanna Firestone” is a soft, acoustic session of some of her most thoughtful songs. Definitely give both a listen! 1. Jonas Conner - Chattanooga Tapes (2025) Finally, we’ve reached our final album. This one’s for the country fans out there. While it’s technically an EP, I felt it needed to be mentioned. Jonas Conner’s “Chattanooga Tapes”, is a storytelling EP deeply rooted in Appalachian culture. It touches on the struggles of growing up, loss, addiction, and nostalgia. Despite the dark theming, the music is hauntingly beautiful. It’s the perfect thing to play on a chilly winter day when you’re stuck inside. The lyrics in each song feel healing, like a warm drink when you come in from the cold. It’s refreshingly personal and deeply reminiscent of traditional Appalachian artists. Bravo to Jonas on his debut EP! Go check it out! Sadly, we’ve reached the end, but hopefully we’ve given you a little inspiration for your next album. Remember that despite the dreary weather now, the sun always returns. In the mean time, we can always put on a record and reflect. Did any of these albums resonate with you? Feel free to tell us on any of our socials below. Written By Shelbi Baker Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Pop-punk band Haunter is back with their second single, “Strangers,” off their brand new EP GAME BOY. “Strangers” is a big pop anthem about falling in love and wanting to get to know your partner more. With glitzy synthesizers and an undeniably earworm chorus, the track is pure unabashed pop. Even more so, “Strangers” is just fun. It is a joyous celebration of those beginning stages of a relationship. It’s hard not to want to immediately start jumping up and dancing when you hear it. “Strangers” is an instant mood booster that showcases Haunter’s ability to craft great pop music. Haunter states they are “dedicated to creating substantial, thoughtful, uncompromising Pop Music,” and no better can that be heard than on “Strangers.” The track encompasses everything great about pop music. The vocals from singer Lucy LeNoir are confident and dynamic, and the production is pristine. The song just sounds grand. The band’s instrumentalists, Enoma Asowata, Mark Schroeder, and Mike Ray, are exceptionally talented performers who make “Strangers” sound as lively as it does. Haunter is making timeless pop music. “Strangers” takes inspiration from a myriad of times and places, from 80s synth wave to the modern-day electronic scene, and what results is an example of superb pop. Haunter is a four-person alternative pop band. The band officially started releasing music in 2020 and has since released a steady number of EPs and singles. In just five years, the band has garnered mass critical and commercial acclaim. On Spotify, they have over 13.8 thousand monthly listeners. Likewise, tracks like “Paralyze” and “Risk It All,” have amassed well over 500,000 streams. It’s clear the band is just getting started, and based on all their output so far, it will be very exciting to see where they go next. You can listen to “Strangers,” alongside the rest of Haunter’s discography, on all major streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW HAUNTER: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube