The moment this song begins, you are transported to a dark club, surrounded by hundreds of people with fake smiles and empty drinks. They’re all there trying to forget somebody. They’re all there to see and be seen.They’re all there to convince themselves they’re okay. Some are in attendance looking for someone new. Some are in attendance to run into someone old. Many are there to get so drunk they can finally forget. A few are there to remember what it feels like to be happy. The DJ is blasting a song; everyone’s singing; everyone’s dancing, and you pray that for a moment the music will drown out your mind, but the pulsating beats in your chest are reminiscent of a heartbeat racing from passion and adrenaline. You stare at the strobe lights to be blinded for a moment, but when the light flashes on the crowd, you don’t see the one familiar face who makes you feel safe. You take a shot because whiskey has a way of numbing your brain, but when it touches your lips you’re reminded of late night kisses when his lips tasted like ice cold whiskey, and you wanted to drink it forever. You dance with someone new because you’re feeling yourself and he’s cute, but the second he grabs your waist it’s like trying to put the wrong piece in a puzzle. You try to call a ride home but your mind only remembers his 10 digits, and it’s like your fingers have a mind of their own. “Crying on the Dancefloor” by PLENTY is the perfect representation of a heartbroken woman’s night out. Too sad to stay home, not quite ready to be out on the town. Your girlfriends drag you out because they love you, and want to see you having fun, but little do they know the drink you spilled on their shoes is actually the tears pouring from your eyes as you pretend that life is good and you don’t miss him. There’s no recipe for healing a broken heart, but sometimes its better to go out with some good friends, put on a new dress and a fake smile, and dance like yesterday and tomorrow do not exist, even if you’re crying… you’re trying, and thats how we heal ourselves. This catchy 90’s inspired pop ballad carries a gut-wrenchingly relatable message that every scorned woman can relate to. We go out to fill a void, and end up wishing we stayed home when the void expands and consumes us. We drink to forget, only to remember even more. The beginning of the song is reminiscent of when you’re walking into a club, a little too sober, trying to find your way to the bar while over-served bystanders bump into you, and everything feels like it’s moving in slow motion. The beat then picks up like that feeling when you get your first sip of your tequila soda, and you convince yourself this is going to be a good night. Then the captivating backing track livens and consumes you, and you can’t help but move your body, even if that means crying on the dance floor. PLENTY is a Norwegian singer and songwriter. She just graduated from Lillehammer Institute of Music Production & Industries, or LIMPI as it’s widely known, in 2020. She takes music inspiration from the 90’s and early 2000’s era, and she throws in a mix of the pop scene today. Her greatest inspirations are Billie Eilish, Britney Spears, and The Pussycat Dolls. You can see her idols’ influence come alive in her eccentric, compelling songs. She is such a relatable artist, and her lyrics are exact depictions of reality for many young women and men. She is a young artist with an old soul and a lot of life experience. PLENTY is edgy and dynamic, and she makes her listeners feel powerful and seen. Her career began with her debut single “I Don't Wanna Know”, and she released her first EP in 2021. Her music takes us back to the glory days of 90’s pop. She is energetic and simultaneously soulful. She has the voice and message that makes you want to listen. Whether we are singing in our car, dancing in the shower, or crying on the dancefloor, we hope PLENTY is the soundtrack behind it all. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW PLENTY:

I can’t get enough of your new single “I Hate You”!! What is the story behind this new track? NBN: Basically, "I Hate You" is a build-up of frustration with a lot of different people in our lives that we had to just let out. The unique thing about it is, we are not guys that like to start conflicts and are peaceful people, so we wanted to show that juxtaposition with the lyrics by making the sonic experience of the song very happy. So it's like a happy and angry song, all at once. How did you guys come up with “Nothing but a Nightmare” as your band name?! NBN: So our singer/guitarist, Eddie's, dad was on the phone with a cellular company, complaining about the service, and so the story goes he said to the person on the phone, "this service has been, 'Nothing but a Nightmare'" and the rest was history. Huge congrats on the release of your new album “The Salvation”!! Can you take us through the journey of making this album and how it came to be? NBN: It was just the best. Having everybody together working on this with a common theme in mind was very nice. We knew we wanted to do pop/punk, and we knew we had a lot of anger and frustration to get off our chests, and this is definitely our best work to this point and we believe it can make people feel something and maybe put some issues they have to bed by listening. If you could be featured in a festival with any two other artists, who would y’all pick? NBN: Panic! at the Disco and Greta Van Fleet, final answer. What would you guys say has been the proudest moment of your careers so far? And what is at the top of your bucket list to accomplish as a band? NBN: Definitely opening for Andy Grammer in 2019, that was the coolest. Just being able to play a show with someone who has been there, and done that was just the best. Also, Andy is just the nicest guy so having his words of encouragement was really unique and awesome for us. Do you guys have anything you want to say to your awesome fan base?! I see on your socials how supportive they are and it’s so cool!!! NBN: We have an awesome fanbase and support system. They support us at every show and listen to the songs all the time, it makes what we do worth it. All we can say is, thank you!! Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW NBN:

If you’re looking for some nostalgic dance vibes, Sofia Portanet has the track for you. Her latest single “Unstoppable” is a flashy and confident anthem about always getting back up from your setbacks, paired with a lush electronic sound and colorful music video. “Unstoppable” wastes no time bringing out its full instrumental power, opening with a classic drum machine, funk bass line, and synth elements while Portanet’s beautifully harmonized voice sings about being set back to the start of a shattered dream. “I don’t need your money and I don’t need your call / I don’t need a ride on a shooting star” establishes the chorus’s confidence, a theme present for the rest of the song as Portanet’s attitude starts to rub off on you. Even the bridge is filled with a spring in its step, with vocals soaring over the ambient synths that lead right back into the chorus, ending the song at full power. “Unstoppable” features a must-watch music video, with a distinct color palette and nostalgic cinematography that perfectly captures the song’s vibe. Since 2018, this German artist has gained fame all over Europe, and now garners an international audience with each new release. With her 2020 album “Freier Geist” and EP releases from 2018 until now, Sofia Portanet’s unique sound has proven both versatile and successful. Without a doubt, her latest and future releases will only continue to prove that she really is “Unstoppable”. Written By Ari Schweitzer FOLLOW SOFIA PORTANET:

Surely, you've either experienced or daydreamt of the perfectly serendipitous meet cute, the one that we've been force-fed our whole lives, from even childhood films (see: High School Musical) to today's romcoms (see: every Hallmark special ever). What we're never shown is what happens when this whirlwind, by chance romantic entanglement doesn't work out. In her latest single "Dairy Aisle", Jessica Woodlee pleads with life for another chance encounter just to reconnect with an ex. With soulful delivery and meaningful lyrics, the song provides much more than a visual of an awkward exchange while shopping for milk. "Dairy Aisle" has one of those unique sounds that are surely pop-centric yet difficult to categorize. A harmonious, deep bass line introduces the track, followed by clear and quick-wit expressive vocals. As the artist reminisces about her lost love and begs for a new beginning through the chorus, instrumental tempo and her vocal range increase with great intensity, analogous to the emotion of the song. The juxtaposition of grocery puns with passionate lyrics produces a single for both easy-listening and heartfelt singalongs. Drawing inspiration from pop superstars such as Taylor Swift and Maggie Rogers, Jessica Woodle is a multi-piece musician, songwriter, and arranger who's already made a name for herself all while still in college. Impressively, during her time as a student at Berklee College of Music, she has released numerous singles which have been featured on several playlists and radio stations across many platforms, as well as performed at assorted venues in the northeast. As a lifelong musician, her sound has ebbed and flowed into a variable, but always perfect, pop daydream. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW JESSICA WOODLEE:

"Body 2 Body" by Stella Cher Lee, featuring Dante Juhkel, is a sensual and catchy dance-pop song. I am in love with Stella Cher Lee's vocals on this track; everything about them is so captivating and smooth. Dante Juhkel's voice adds another fun layer to this track; it catches your attention as there is a distinct difference between his and Stella's verses. I haven't reviewed a song like this yet, and I am glad this one was my introduction. This piece is absolutely phenomenal and should be added to your playlists. This track reminds me heavily of international pop stars Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan. Especially Troye Sivan's first EP, TRXYE. It almost brings me back to 2014—the beginning of electro-pop. This song is about wanting someone in more than just a romantic way, and it does it with a relaxing and smooth instrumental behind it. You are having intimate moments with someone, and you want to know if they feel the same way about you. The songwriting is smart and concise, which is something that I can appreciate. Stella Cher Lee is a singer, songwriter, and makeup artist. She has posted on her YouTube channel on and off since 2020, posting a wide variety of content. Everything from makeup tutorials to motivational mental health speeches to singing videos She has a separate Instagram from her music where she posts some of her makeup looks, and she is very talented with both music and makeup. She released her freshman album, 2:22, on October 22, 2022. Written By Emma Kimberli FOLLOW STELLA CHER LEE:

Love is oftentimes defined by what you can provide for your partner physically. Expensive dinner dates, large bouquets of flowers, and first class trips to fine, foregin countries are all extravagant ways to express your love towards your romantic partner. In Zach Hood’s latest single, “I ain’t rich, girl”, the singer expresses his inability to provide his lover with the finer things they may hope for; but promises that his love for them is enough to get by. Zach Hood’s “I ain’t rich, girl” establishes that genuine love, respect, and security are key in any true, flourishing relationship. This upbeat pop song tied with Hood’s strong, distinctive vocals, takes a liking to classic pop-rock tracks of the 2000’s with an unique twist. In the line: “We can survive on this ole’ sweet loving”, Zach Hood kicks the idealism found in love songs to the curb and introduces an honest viewpoint that only adds onto his lyricism and personal storytelling. This choice in songwriting and expression pertains to many listeners alike in different ways. For example, it relates to those also unable to fulfill the “fairytale” love story, whilst being a reminder that relationships cannot thrive solely on material. These two perspectives (along with a sweet melody) secures the overall message of the song. That being loved openly and clearly builds the most uniquely beautiful connections. Zach Hood is a singer from Alabama who currently resides in LA. With well over 100m streams on Spotify and 2m+ monthly listeners, Zach Hood has been on a roll ever since signing to Arista Records in 2021. Since then, he has performed at countless festivals, venues, and was even featured on Spotify’s “Pop Rising” and "Radar US". Please check out Zach Hood by clicking on the links below! Written By: Kasey D, FOLLOW ZACH:

‘Night Light’ has such a unique sound to it – I am obsessed! What is the story behind the track? Hailey: Thank you! I love to hear that. It was inspired by a fun but equally rough night when I was still more new to Toronto. It's an amazing playground but also a danger trap at times. Like all things in life, you take the good with the bad. For me, I wanted to focus on the good and continue to manifest goodness for myself through this track. If ‘Night Light’ could be featured in any TV show or movie, which one would you want it to be? Hailey: For whatever reason I feel like it would really fit the vibe for the upcoming HBO show The Idol, but that's not coming out until next year. The trailer looks crazy. How has living in Toronto influenced your music? Hailey: I think living in Toronto has given my sound a more laidback feel. Toronto has given me the space to really learn what I want to become as I go, which I think is powerful. What is one of your favorite memories from performing? Hailey: Any time I look into the crowd and see someone I love. Who have been some of your biggest inspirations? Hailey: Shania Twain, Lady Gaga, and Post Malone are some acts I really, really admire. Can you share anything about upcoming projects? Or goals you have for your musical career? Hailey: At end of the day I would be really happy being a household name in Canadian music. I feel like that would be me reaching my life's purpose for sure. Interviewed By Kendall Koval FOLLOW HAILEY:

There’s something about those star-lit, moon-glow nights that make budding romances even more magical. It’s as if all of the stars in the sky granted your wish to find someone in that moment and nothing can break their spell. Allison Leah depicts this feeling of when you begin a new relationship in “i gave u my number,” a dreamy folk/alternative single that leaves you pining for something similar to happen to you: “Met you in a bar//Down on Second Street//And you danced with me//And I felt so free”. Those butterflies that take flight after a promising encounter are enchanting, but also force your mind to be filled with compulsive questions like, “Will you dream of me when I’m not with you?” and, “Will you love me?”. This song is one many of us can relate to, have related to in the past, or wish to relate to in the near future, which shows Allison Leah’s potency on relatable lyricism. For now, Allison Leah is proving through her song that it’s her world and we’re just living in it—or in this case, listening to it. Dancing down the streets of New York at the brisk of dawn after a spell-bounding night of promising romance, with a bright-eyed smile on your face, is exactly what the production of this single sounds like. Starry melodies, synths that strike optimism, and uplifting guitars that carry a wave of nostalgia fill the instrumentation of the song, easing the listener into seeing past the lyrics. “i gave u my number” is one of those songs that feels like you’re within it, which could pose as a challenge to some musicians to accomplish, but not for Allison Leah. It’s clear that she has a natural knack for capturing her feelings not only within her lyrics, but in the production as well. Her true artistry stems from her stamina while pushing herself past normal elements as she stated herself: “…we even took a bag of ash from the fireplace, dropped it on the ground, and recorded this. This sound became the kick drum in ‘I gave you my number’”. The light brush of folk infused pop within the track, mixed with her sweet ethereal voice, shows comparisons to Florence Welch; an old-soul and passionate singer from the English Indie rock band, Florence and the Machine. Through her single, “i gave u my number,” Allison Leah demonstrates that artists do not have to limit themselves to traditional songwriting rules. You can incorporate different genres of music together. You can even use a bag of ash from the fireplace as an instrument. As long as you are passionate with your music, your genuineness will shine through. And that’s exactly what Allison Leah is—a passionate, genuine star. Allison Leah is a New-York born and Nashville based singer/songwriter, who has a captivating voice and a gift for storytelling. Starting from the early age of 8, Leah began working as a jingle-singer, exposing her to the industry and expanding her love for music. Since then, she has worked hard to fashion her own path in the music world and is an ongoing dedicated artist that is set to make a name for herself. Generating streams and winning the hearts of press outlets, her EP “the weight of my heart”, featuring her newest single, “i gave u my number” has proven her will to do so. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW ALLISON LEAH:

Throwback pop-punk single "sleepwalking" by senses is bringing the genre back from the dead and doing it beautifully. The short but sweet track packs a lot of punch and emotion into its short timespan. The production on this track is clear and knows exactly what it is trying to be, and I love it. Normally, new-age pop-punk feels almost embarrassing to listen to, but senses do it in a perfect and genuine way. I appreciate the candid songwriting that is in this song; it doesn't sugarcoat its feelings. It is raw and open and uncomfortable, which is exactly how these negative emotions feel. My first thought was that this song reminds me of singer-songwriter PVRIS. Specifically, one of her first popular releases was "White Noise." This track tells a story of desperately wanting to feel normal again. You're feeling like you're "sleepwalking," almost like you're running on auto-pilot and in a fuzzy, dreamlike dissociative state. All the stress of life is getting to you, and you are willing to do almost anything to avoid the reality of how you feel. Even if that means doing things that are deemed self-destructive. This L.A.-based trio has been releasing music on Spotify since late 2019, amassing an impressive 12,500 monthly average listeners despite only having put out five singles. The band performs live shows, and they are as remarkable live as they are on their tracks. They played at AT&T's pride tour in June 2022, which was done to support The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ charity. Written By Emma Kimberli FOLLOW SENSES:

Two people, who could’ve had something special, missing each other by one of life’s wavelengths-- it’s an all too familiar story for many of us, and Kalina Tyne’s latest single “Phoebe & Elliott” is a beautiful rendition of such a tale. The song’s clever namesake is not just a metaphor for her story but also a title to which fans of the two songwriting legends (Phoebe Bridgers and Elliott Smith, respectively) are drawn to, as Tyne combines the best of both worlds in her work. “Phoebe & Elliott” opens with the signature sounds of its namesake, with airy yet full vocals over intimate guitar instrumentals. Tyne ramps up the energy by slowly introducing the drums with distorted background vocals that give you a glimpse of not only her emotions but also the golden days of pop-rock music. The lyrics begin reminiscing on an old life yearning for someone who couldn’t be there: imagining them in the passenger seat, playing the music they used to send, buying things they always talked about, and trying to change identities to match what they wanted. Those we care about the most influence how we live in such ways, a theme reflected in the title through Phoebe Bridgers and her admitted influence from Elliott Smith. Yet as the energy of the track comes to a climax, Tyne comes to realize that such a life is only a sad reflection of times long passed, because no matter how hard you try, you can’t hold on to everyone in your life. The LA-based songwriter has been on a roll with her namesake song releases, starting a bold and innovative discography of pop-culture references paired with the stories she tells. But don’t underestimate the rest of Kalina Tyne’s work, as her 2016 EP and three subsequent singles create a strong platform for her future releases to launch from. Written By Ari Schweitzer FOLLOW KALINA TYNE:

“Spiders” is a spooky-themed break up rock jam about gradually realizing all of the things you can’t stand from your partner now that they’re gone. The charismatic and ironic chorus of “I want to cover you in spiders and throw you down the stairs, just so you won’t ask me if I still really care” grabs ahold of Ellysse’s emotions, poking fun at her in-the-moment anger and writing all too relatable tongue-in-cheek lines about the frustration and anger and I’m-better-off-without-him mindset. “Spiders” takes ahold of your pettiness and encourages you to let it all out; of course the ideas are outlandish, but it’s still cathartic, still a release of overwhelming emotions. Mason captures some of her darkest thoughts relatably with clever penmanship and open-book insight into her own head. It’s tough to navigate through the messy loss of someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, but Mason does it in style, speaking up on her darkest thoughts as a way of reassuring others that these moments of rage are at the end of the day, just moments of rage, and while the feelings are valid, acting on moments of rage is not. There’s nothing wrong with feeling whatever you’re feeling, but acting on these feelings is where it becomes wrong. Born and raised in Manchester, Ellysse Mason holds up true northern grit, capturing the nostalgic sounds of the 90s, with crunch guitars and the bittersweet taste of indie-pop. As her soundscape perfectly captures her captivating vocals, Mason’s songs are irreplaceable and unapologetic, conveying her own struggles through a new lens. Supporting artists like Tom Walker, Sam Ryder, Patrick Droney, and Fickle Friends, she’s begun to reach huge audiences and sells out headline shows at The Deaf Institute, Band On The Wall, and Manchester Academy 3, also appearing at festivals like Kendal Calling and 110 Above. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ELLYSSE:

Filled with plucky allusions to fairy tales as the title may insinuate, Madison Deaver's latest single "Wicked" is a pop-punk power anthem about karma serving those deserving. Though revenge isn't always the best response, it can feel cathartic to witness the downfall of someone who once burned you. Through her lyrics and mood of the song, Madison Deaver expresses the sweet release of the villain receiving their closing chapter. In her latest single, Madison Deaver has gripped onto nostalgia-inducing aspects of 00's emo hits and modernized the sound into something alluring. The song begins with a solo piano paired with emotional vocals, leading into the well-known buildup of instrumentals before an eruption of heavy drums, distorted guitar, and gritty vocals engulf the track. Madison's growing vocal intensity is reminiscent of power-vocal artists such as Hayley Williams or Halsey. "Wicked" is easily a song I could interchangeably imagine in a long-drive jam session or with a bouncing crowd at a concert. Madison Deaver is a bright-faced new musician contributing to the pop-punk resurgence. The LA-based artist has started gaining well deserved recognition with live shows scheduled widely from Las Vegas to Boston. With just a few years of releasing music under her belt, Madison has made a bold impression amongst the independent female rocker community. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW MADION DEAVER: