Ever feel like throwing yourself a pity party on your birthday? Ellise did in her single, “Black Balloons,” which tells the dark tale of the dreadful feeling that can come with celebrating. Entering into her “madhouse,” we are shown the twisted thoughts that rummage through her brain during the party: “Spent the day in my own broken head//Living for people who wish I was dead.” The song is filled with polar opposites alluding to classic birthday endeavors like rotten cake, poisoned punch and of course, black balloons. As chilling as the song is, “Black Balloons'' is a gift full of clever metaphors and horror-inspired instrumentals that showcase Ellise’s talent for painting symbolic stories through her music. If there’s one wish I’m making after blowing the candles out, it’s for more music like this from Ellise. There’s a reason Ellise is called the “princess of dark pop.” With two albums and an achievement of over 1 million streams monthly on Spotify, this single just adds to her success fire—submerging herself deeper into the industry. With a heavy dose of dark wit, Ellise can easily be compared to alternative/pop sensation, Billie Eilish; her similarities stemming from a production and lyrical standpoint. However, the eerily dramatic violins, haunted bells and a hint of bone-chilling fantasia in “Black Balloons” is what makes her and the music she creates stand out. Her siren-esque vocals are also alluring, conjuring a mesmerizing and festive track. After listening to this October single, it’s crystal clear that if Halloween was a person, it would be Ellise. A San Francisco native, Ellise decided to trade in fog for smog and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17 to pursue her music. She courageously set out to grasp her dreams and turn them into a reality. After making her debut in 2016 with her first single, “Dominoes,” she started making her dreams come true. Just two years later, her hard work paid off as her song “911” from the EP “Can You Keep a Secret?” went viral and trended on social media, earning over 100 million streams on Spotify. This led up to a life-changing milestone in 2020 when she signed a distribution deal with EMPIRE Distribution—allowing her to release her first album, “Chaotic” in 2021. Now, in 2022, Ellise is continuing to write and release hits, garnering her more streams and recognition. Ellise’s take on incorporating realism into her music is bold and daring, but her dark fairytale lyrical twists and theatrical vocal whimsy is what draws people in. The future of the music industry depends on artists like her, who are brave enough to go against the songwriting grain. With her newest single, “Black Balloons” she has shown her commitment, once again, to make a mark within the music world. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW ELLISE:

The second this song begins, you’re instantly transported to an early 2000’s movie. This is reminiscent of the soundtrack that plays when the protagonist gets a makeover from her new found popular friends, dancing around in the dressing room, trying obnoxious outfits until they find her that perfect little black dress. She lets her hair down, throws on a dark lip, and she’s ready to date the most popular guy in school… only to remember who she really is. She stops pretending, stops trying to please everyone else, and start listening to her own heart and mind. Needless to say, she dumps the football player, puts back on her glasses and comfy pink sweater, and she finds love within herself and all of her flaws. She never needed him to be something important, she had the magic within herself the entire time, but it can be hard to see your own worth and your own importance in life. We hurt ourselves to heal others, when in reality we need to save ourselves. We can not base our self-worth or merit on others perceptions of us. We can't let bullies or demons get in our head, make us feel less than, and allow ourselves to let it ruin us. I am not who I think I am; I am not who he thinks I am; I am what I think that he thinks I am. Our past experiences weigh on our mind and can cloud our reality of who we really are, but this song helps mend the overwhelming feeling that we are sole voyagers on our lost journey. You simply can’t help but vigorously move your head from side to side along with the drums. The wicked, pulsating beat and Olivia’s alluring, seductive voice make you wanna do all the things you wish you imagine yourself doing in your head that may cause some trouble. “She’s a Liar” by Little Fuss makes you want to enter your villain era. Little Fuss has not just created a captivating song, but a chapter of a chilling story. Their album, Girls At Parties , is a cinematic masterpiece constructed of nine chapter concepts. “She’s a Liar” delves into mental health and the negative spiral that can leave us immobile in life and within the four walls of our own mind. This riveting song of fury and soul is inspired by the short story “Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It’s a chilling tale, one old as time, where a doting wife is abused by her husband and made to feel crazy by his manipulation; she quickly jumps head first into a downward spiral of anxiety that he created, and yet she is the only collateral damage. Anxiety is truly a monster, one we can’t seem to leave under our bed. This song describes the stagnant feeling of fear and self-doubt in a way that will open the conversation in a healthy, realistic way, and will help a lot of people who are facing the same struggle that sometimes can feel eternal. “She’s a Liar” turns misery and isolation into a community of a bunch of individuals who can now take a deep sigh of relief and realize they are not alone in feeling alone. The creative and innovative duo behind Little Fuss, Olivia Martinez and Cody Von Lehmden, are compelling storytellers. This indie art pop duo is able to insert such important messages over such catchy tracks which are going to get stuck in peoples head and help change the negative narrative on mental health. Little fuss is comprised of two extremely talented artists who want to have the hard conversations with the world, and let people know they don’t deserve to feel pain or fear, and their music is going to help people want to find self-love and solutions. These Boston based songsmiths carry so much power and weight within their dynamic words and encapsulating music. They are the type of band that wants to see real change in the world, and they are going to have a piece in getting us there. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW LITTLE FUSS:

I’m so impressed with your new single “Break In”, I can’t stop listening!! Can you share with us the story behind this new track? Callum: Thank you so much, I'm really glad you love it! I had the idea of the concept of the song to use the imagery of someone breaking in a building which represented breaking through my own guarded walls that I think a lot of people have for themselves as well, they hide a lot. This is used like in the lyrics "no tresspassin', you ran past it." Someone special in your life when they're able to get things out of you that you don't necessarily share with them or anyone but this person finds all your flaws and loves the way you are. How did you get your start in music? Callum: I've always really been interested in music for a long time but I first started with dancing and then I became interested in choir and musical theatre as well. It just all progressed into me really wanting to make my own songs which I think is something that started when I was in my early teens. Also, huge congratulations on the release of your debut album “No Strings On Me”! If you could choose one song off the track list for someone who’s never heard your music, which do you think best introduces your sound? Callum: That is such a hard one! A lot of people seem to have a lot of different favourites which is really great. If I'm to pick a song that wasn't a single like I Do It Confident, Dangerous and Break In, maybe I'd pick Broken Shards but also I'm tossing up so many other choices! Do you have a go-to karaoke song?! Callum: Maybe Bring Me To Life by Evanescence that's always a fun one to do, especially as a duo. What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not making music? Callum: I like to stay creative in other ways such as with dancing but also just like to spend time with my friends, watch my favourite movies/tv shows and all that kind of stuff. What do we have to look forward to next from you? I’m so excited to see where this journey takes you :) Callum: Well coming up eventually I should be working on live shows which would be exciting. And of course beyond that I already have ideas for more music which I'm really excited about. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW CALLUM:

Have you ever listened to one a song for a second time and realized the lyrics are more meaningful than you thought? That’s probably going to be the case with Maia Malancus’ latest single “Chewing Gum”, a funk and EDM pop track that's more than meets the eye. Maia weaves in the themes of independence and confidence of someone who’s over a breakup between her insanely catchy choruses on this banger of a song. “Chewing Gum” kicks off with a funk style bass and guitar riffs to get the track’s energy grooving without a second to spare. Maia starts singing about what sounds like the aftermath of a toxic breakup, where she has realized she’s happier on her own and doesn’t need her ex back any more. When the chorus hits, the percussion is in full swing with the funk instrumentals while Maia’s “chewing gum” verse ensures that you’ll have this song stuck in your head. Maia doesn’t waste any time on the bridge either, calling back to the opening themes before hitting you with another chorus before you even stop dancing. Maia Malancus’ music career has been going since long before she released her first song, finding massive success in her home country of Romani. Her skills have not only landed her voice acting roles but also put her in the spotlight for some of the biggest talent shows in her country. With an ever growing fan base, Maia’s future work will surely be turning heads around the world. Written By Ari Schweitzer FOLLOW MAIA MALANCUS:

You have such a rich, haunting vibe to your music, and it really shows in your new single “Morning Sun”!! Can you tell us about the dream which inspired you to write this new single? Carrellee: Thank you. I don’t remember the visual part of the dream very well, except for the feeling of it being nighttime and running, much like the feel of the music video. But it woke me up at about 5am and I thought I better get it down or else I’ll forget it. The dreams version was ultra slow, like in slow motion, as you can hear on the demo version on Facebook. Can you take us through what your songwriting process usually looks like? Carrellee: I usually sit down at a synth or piano and start humming melodies based on how I’m feeling that day. I love to decipher the mumbles I’ve recorded initially into something coherent, but I also sometimes draw inspiration from other people’s poetry, or collaborations. It helps me get out of my head sometimes to try to say something more universal. If you could have another artist cover “Morning Sun”, who would you pick and why? Carrellee: Hmmm, what about a MTV unplugged version from Nirvana, or I’d love to hear Portishead do a trippy version…anybody that could do it in a pretty different style than mine. Can you tell us more about “The Official Unofficial Synth Series” and what inspired it? It’s so cool how the makings of your new album is documented for you to look back on! Carrellee: Thanks! It started out with that Morning Sun song and a few others when I was in some emotional pain going through a divorce. It was such an outlet and distraction for me personally, to write so many songs at that time, and to connect with people online. So I kept it going for a good 6 months or so, until it became hard to maintain that pace! But the positive comments and friendship I made really helped me through that time, and I hope it helped some people too. What items are on the top of your bucket list for your music career? Carrellee: Well one was to release an album I’m really proud of and get it out on vinyl, which I’m so pleased to have Negative Gain, Chicago darkwave, synthpop label on my team. My quest has always been to make records that truly sound like me, whatever that is, and however that evolves over time. What can we expect from your new album “Scale of Dreams” coming out November 18?! I am so excited to hear this record! Carrellee: Well If you’ve heard any of the demos, the album is way more organic and lively after getting crushed and processed through tons of analog gear, and often sped up a few clicks. I spent several weeks in Minneapolis co-producing and re-recording, and mixing with Brett Bullion (Bad Bad Hats, Low). and Con Davison of Bad Bad Hats on the p-bass. We distilled the 40 demos down to 10 tracks, based on popular opinion online and from what Brett, Con, and I thought were the best songs. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW CARRELLEE:

“I’m out of all good reasons//Trying to keep you alive,” Jayde solemnly sings in her soft, indie pop single, “was it worth it.” Her blatantly truthful metaphor to the relationship implies that it has officially come to an end. Or, in other words, it has come to its death. As morbid as it is, Jayde perfectly depicts the emotional travesty of losing someone and knowing there is nothing you can do about it. Instead, you have to watch the whole relationship crumble right before your eyes. Even though we know how the story ends from the beginning, Jayde’s striking vocals paired with the eerie nostalgic track makes the song nevertheless captivating. If you are looking for a “plug in my earphones, look out the car window pretending I’m the sad main character in a movie” song, this is the one. Giving your all to someone only for them to betray you and leave is hard. But it is what inspired Jayde to pick up her pen and write: “I was watching my whole relationship fall apart before my eyes when I wrote this. I felt everything had been a complete lie on a personal level and that I was being exploited entirely for my creativity and desire to help this person try and hone in on their creative identity.” As painful as the lyrics in the chorus are, “Was it worth it for you//Look what you’ve done//Blood on your hands//While I’m biting my tongue,” Jayde’s passionate voice adds a tone of endearment that leaves the listener sympathizing for her. Though the instrumentation is hauntingly beautiful, the ballad is filled with beachy-toned guitars, heart-pumping drums, and warm synths that give the sound and story a sweet melancholia. Some people were born knowing that their purpose in life is to make music, and Jayde is one of those people. She began writing melodies and lyrics about little things like the sky and how the wind felt at a young age. Growing up in a small town in Ontario Canada, Jayde was always surrounded by musical aspects, whether that was with her grandparent’s instruments, or her dad’s music blaring on the stereo. Eventually she immersed herself into any musical opportunity she could from songwriting camps, all the way to competitions. Jayde excelled in these settings, receiving praise from big industry executives like Scott Borchetta, Marie Mai and Jann Arden. She kickstarted her artist career in 2018 by releasing a few singles and has since collected up to eight successful singles and a debut EP to her name. With her newest single “was it worth it,” and more releases to come, Jayde is a promising star in the making. Written By Amanda Palacios FOLLOW JAYDE:

“Wherever I Go” is an uplifting rock ballade about never letting your partner down. Through thick and thin, throughout everything that happens, wherever I go, we’ll be there together. Many things can happen but I will always be there next to you at the end of the day. Relationships are complex, and disagreements and fights can occur, but Open Arms implores you never to doubt the love they have. Because at the end of the day, they still care about you and only wish the best for you. In “Wherever I Go”, the fluttering piano melodies add a layer of nostalgia and melancholic nature to the piece. The soundscapes glitter and glisten as frontman Ben Farmer belts his heart out. The soundscapes add an atmospheric vibe to the piece, with pleading synths and anthemic chords. Guitarist Sam Barrett and drummer Drew Peters add consistency with their pulsating beat to replicate their constant presence of them for their partner, no matter what else happens. Open Arms, based in Birmingham, amalgamates addictive anthemic pop with chic dance-rock. First noticed pre-pandemic with their debut single “Telescope”, their debut EP “Sunflowers” spawned a number of fan-favorite tracks like “Honey”, “Wilderness”, and “Wherever I Go”. Their third EP, “Colors” is scheduled to be released in November. Dubbed the promising face of new music, they’re planning on live-touring the UK in 2023. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW OPEN ARMS:

In our current age of instant access to phones and social media, it can feel difficult to do anything without the whole world watching. "Someone Else's Life" is about finding the courage to follow your own path despite what others may think of you. The single describes the immense pressure you might feel from even the most influential voices to fit in, and the internal fight you must overcome to bravely pave your own future. Now. brings a sound to the table that isn't heard as often as it once was. The trio has a pop-rock sound reminiscent of early 2000's bands such as Daughtry or 3 Doors Down. Though the topic of their latest single is heavy, the upbeat, elated vibes of the music produce a song that comes across as inspirational. Self-produced consistent drum and guitar rhythms carry vocals throughout the song, fusing together in a catchy, melodious manner. Valentin Böderbauer, Constantin Kaiser, and Florian Koch make up the three-piece, Vienna/Austria based band Now. Using their combined various musical talents, they have produced and recorded all of their released music and are currently in the works to publish their first album in late 2023. The pop/rock musicians have showcased their perfectionism and trained musical talent through their discography, which has been well received with abundant airplay in Germany and Austria. Written By Zewdi Cass FOLLOW NOW.:

Penny X sings about being let on by a lover in her latest single, “Stupid”. From missing red flags to arguments lasting well into the night, listeners hear about the bitter love story between the singer and her ex-lover. Many teenagers and young adults can relate to having a sense of naïveté in their past relationships – being unfamiliar with how to navigate a failing partnership at such a young age. Penny X’s vulnerability in “Stupid” displays a strong sense of acknowledgment as she recalls her toxic, parasitic relationship and all the signs she was unable to see. Unique instrumentals and echo-y vocals greet listeners upon arrival. Not only does Penny X describe her past relationship from her perspective, but also exemplifies this through instances mentioned above. We learn that the singer was blinded by what she thought was love, and how she was left to realise the severity of her situation on her own. This leads listeners to Penny X’s main point in “Stupid” that for her, ignorance is bliss. This can be found in the lines: “Now I wish I could go back to missing red flags” and “Can I go back to being stupid?” . These lines express Penny X’s desire to travel back to a point in her life where the singer was gullible and saw the good in what wasn’t. Now, this isn’t to be misinterpreted as the singer wanting to go back to her toxic relationship, but instead, the bearable, light-hearted emotions felt when she didn’t know as much as she does now. This feeling is relatable to most people in today’s generation. Sometimes, we wish we didn’t know as much because it’s an easier pill to swallow when you’re unaware. Penny X is a German singer-songwriter who also enjoys posting video covers on TikTok. One of her covers was even noticed by singer Lauv. Penny X is bringing a new sound and style to the western music industry and we're excited for all that is to come. Follow her social medias below to stay updated! Written By: Kasey D. FOLLOW PENNY X:

‘Lotus’ is so fun and upbeat, I have had it on repeat ever since hearing it! What did the songwriting process look like for this track? Nikki: Thanks so much! It really is such a fun song but ironically it came from a really challenging place! I was going through a tough time personally and professionally and I had a lot of negative energy around me. I kept imagining this version of myself that was confident, unapologetic, and secure in her womanhood. I wrote this song from her perspective and in that way, it helped me become her. I love how the music video has a mother nature aspect to match the lyrics! What is one of your favorite memories of shooting the video? Nikki: This video was truly such an amazing experience. The director, Austin Nunes, really took care of me and the vision from the first conversation to the last take. I knew I had to feel safe to shoot such intimate scenes and to really go into this idea of divine feminine energy. Mother Nature is something we often refer to as relating to physical nature and the elements but in a way it’s also just the ‘nature’ of growth, of power, of transformation within ourselves. I really wanted to embody that. I asked my friend and stylist Davey Matthew if he thought he could create a piece of hair that could serve as an entire costume and as he was sending me photos I knew he had done it in such a beautiful way! Attaching that hair and figuring out its placement was one of my fave moments! We actually had to hang it on a clothes rack while we attached it lol. You have written with multiple different artists and companies. Was there a particular experience that stood out to you from these collaborations? Nikki: I think songwriting as practice and songwriting as profession can be very different, but I truly love them both. I think writing with JoJo Siwa was probably one of the coolest moments for me. At the time, my mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancer again and I was feeling super down and lost. I met JoJo and she was so full of life, so confident, so sure. When JoJo said she wanted to write a song telling her fans to D.R.E.A.M. I almost felt like it was a message I needed, too. Luckily, my mom ended up being ok. I needed that hope at the time so I’m grateful. Do you have a favorite performance you have done? Or a city you particularly enjoyed performing in? Nikki: My favorite performance is always the last performance I’ve done! Putting together a show is such an evolution in itself. I love seeing it grow and change as more things go into place. The last show in New York we did was really the full concept of what I wanted when I started putting together the MEGA show. The instrumentalists, the track elements, the dancers, the look. It went from being an idea to a reality and it was in such a welcoming space (QUEERANTINE TOUR). I can’t wait to perform it in every city! What made you decide to draw inspiration from the 80s and 90s for this era of your music? Nikki: It kind of just happened accidentally. I was writing a lot with other artists. I was confused about who I was and what message I wanted to explore. A producer friend of mine that goes by BIG HOS was in his studio creating this very 80s kick and snare pattern and I just started singing a melody. That song would kind of start this whole evolution (Fantasy Boy). It started my idea of calling myself Nikki Era and permission to stop pressuring myself to choose anything. I decided at that point that I would just create in different ‘eras’ and I would let them happen organically. I surrounded myself with talented producers (Anthony Mirabella and Nate Simon) who happen to be my best friends and I started to play with more 80s production elements and vocal styles. It just felt right. It felt fun. I just trusted that feeling and I trusted them. Are there any upcoming projects you could talk about? Nikki: For now, we are just super focused on bringing this live show to its full formation. In truth, I finished this album going into 2019! I released singles slowly on purpose so I could really build a relationship with the people listening and give myself space to create without any pressure. But now I’m anxious to perform it as much as possible because as a writer it’s hard to stop writing. The next era has definitely started to emerge. Interviewed By Kendall Koval FOLLOW NIKKI:

From the moment ari hicks’ “Sad Ghost” begins, you’re instantly hooked and know you’re in for 3 minutes of an intoxicating journey. This is the song you play a little too loud, while you dance around your kitchen, and escape reality. The eerie melody is the perfect pair to spooky season. You can feel the depths of her music in your soul like the faint reminisce a ghost in a haunted hotel. Every soul has felt a little lost in life, wanting to do better, be better, change the narrative, but not knowing how to break down the sky-high walls we've built of fear, anxiety, and insecurity. Sometimes the greatest thing you can do for yourself is admit that you're not who you want to be, or not where you thought you'd be. ari says, "Dying on the inside but you seem to see right through. Smiling but I'm blue," This line is the epitome of real, raw, and relatable. We put on a mask and get so internally frustrated when no one asks what's wrong. Why can't they see through the facade I portray to the world and would die to protect? Vulnerability does not come easy, but life begins when we begin to accept life. This song gives comfort to the listener. You begin to feel a genuine camaraderie with others who feel unseen and alone. ari perfectly describes what it’s like to feel like everyone’s looking, but no one is seeing. It’s the empty feeling that makes you feel as transparent as our friends in the spirit world. It's easy to feel like a phantasm when you’re searching for something you once had. We’ve all felt like a sad ghost, and ari sells solace that we are not alone in feeling alone. ari has an ethereal voice that makes you feel every word she sings. She makes you understand her emotions, even if you’ve never had them yourself. This alt pop song has a synth that screams mystery and melancholy. This is the song you want on the soundtrack of fall. You’re hit with a crispness that is reminiscent of an eerie autumn day. The lyrics are magnetic and the haunting chorus will be stuck in your head all day. Her song plays like a movie on the projector in our minds, and it’s a feature that will quickly become your comfort. “Sad Ghost” is the voice for the voiceless, the voice for those who feel stuck, and the voice for the vacant. ari’s raw vulnerability will speak to every person who listens, and will make their assumed transparency turn opaque with reassurance that we are not unaccompanied on the journey that is life. ari hicks is an inspiring artist and one to watch out for. She has grown an impressive following on TikTok and has earned acclaim from Vogue, Alt Press, and Wonderland. ari has over 7 million streams across various music platforms, and it is easy to understand why. Her songs are captivating and her lyrics are exceedingly relatable. “Sad Ghost” is her second single off her EP It’s Not That Deep: Chapter 2 where she feeds into her darker side and let’s her guard down. Her music is empowering and unapologetic, and she is going to reach so many people who are afraid to say the things we all think. She is going to give comfort to the uncomfortable and normalcy to the abnormal. Her music has the staying power of a ghost, and we hope she haunts us forever. Written By Grace Chapman FOLLOW ARI HICKS:

The emotional turmoil many experience in their early adult years can certainly be a struggle. Singer Sval expresses this in her latest single “Grenade”, which discusses the difficulty found in becoming a full-functioning, self-reliant, adult. For many of us, life can bully us into feeling alone, incapable, and lost. “Grenade” doesn’t shy away from these emotions nor the reality of feeling beaten and battered by life. This melancholy alt-rock tune is a certified anthem for those in desperate need of a break – to loosen the tie we’re often forced to wear. “Grenade” has a heavy hitting tone that seams flawlessly throughout the song. The chorus: So I'll take it all for granted / Blow it like a grenade / Emotional but damn it / Can't stop me being mad , holds intensity and sentiment that reaches listeners with great depth. Sval’s striking songwriting abilities can make any listener feel heard and understood, regardless of their personal struggles. There’s only a few lyricists capable of hypnotising an audience with their passion alone, and Sval is definitely one of them. “Grenade” has the potential to pave a new sound for our generation that relates to themes of nihilism, realism, and daring reflection. Throughout the digital age, mental health and self expression has become more accepted and encouraged than ever before. Singers and songwriters like Sval, are creating a voice for those still amidst the internal struggle. Sval is a 23-year-old Norwegian singer with years of songwriting experience under her belt. In 2019, she released her EP, Young Alien, and accumulated over 15 million streams from her discography alone. Sval is a talented artist with a unique sense of musical ability that captures her passion for singing and songwriting well. We hope to see and hear more from this lovely artist. Please follow her socials below! Written By: Kasey D. FOLLOW SVAL: