"Floating Balloon" is Ryann Barnes' third released single where she sings about how she feels overlooked in such a vulnerable situation. This song takes place at a party where she put on her best outfit to make that special person notice her, just for her to be completely ignored by them as they talk to someone else. While others around her are having the best time, she's doing everything she can to piece back together the heart that had just been broken. She feels as if she's watching from afar and observing the situation as a desolate outsider. This song is for those who have experienced being the one on the outside, witnessing the interaction that you should be partaking in. This piece is comprised of many soft-sounding elements giving this piece a very elegant and heartfelt feel. Her tone of voice reminds me of Taylor Swift's, as they both have that gentle element that reveals their emotions. The passionate piano keys intensify the feelings of loneliness that Barnes conveys through this piece. These two elements combined deepen the meaning of this piece and perfectly communicate how distant she feels in this situation. Her lyricism wonderfully describes the details of the scene so well which transports listeners to the exact scene so that they can experience the same heartache Barnes had to endure. Listeners are able to sympathize with this song due to its graceful elements and heavily detailed lyricism Ryann Barnes is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter who debuted in 2021 with her first single "September." Embodying the "soft girl" aesthetic, she reflects the qualities of this in her social media presence as well as her music. Since that release, Barnes has produced "Velcroe Tie" and her latest "Floating Balloon." Her inspiration to write derives from a word or idea and just three cords. Barnes perfectly fits in the modern indie/soft rock genre and is sure to continue releasing incredible pieces. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW RYANN BARNES:

Congratulations on the release of your single “Mr. W”! What is the story behind this new track? SEMH: Mr. W stands for all questions that remain unanswered in a relationship with a person. A one-sided relationship. Questions you ask yourself every second of every day about this person. Why do not you write me? When do you come over? Why are you doing this to me? I think everyone has had a Mr. W or even a Mrs. W in their life. Can you take us through your songwriting process? SEMH: I've been writing all my life. I express my memories and visions in words. When I have a moment or a feeling, I find it easy to find the words. They just come out of me! And to make a story easy to read and feel, I try to bring a flow into it. A flow through melody and beats. That's how my songs come about. You have such an incredible, unique sound to your music! Are there any other artists or aspects in your life you think influence your sound? SEMH: As a child I was already very much in contact with music. Different genres have accompanied me. But mostly jazz! I started playing the vibraphone when I was 9 years old. This soft, waving sound has always grabbed me. And the interest in real, pure sounds - like that of a western guitar. A symbiosis of real guitar sounds and flowing rhythms, which are also created by the vocals, is a perfect symbiosis for me. How do you use your perspective as a film director in your music? SEMH: This is a very interesting question and a very intelligent question too! Images and visions play a big role in my songwriting process. I've always been a visual person. My work as a director enables me to orchestrate images into my songs. This is also the reason why I direct all my music videos myself. Also, I don't like to hand over the scepter. What would you say is your go-to karaoke song?! SEMH: OMG. I don't like karaoke! But when I do it, and I only do it when alcohol is involved, I think I can sing anything! I'm so convinced of myself that I just want to sing EVERYTHING. Accordingly, this show is terrible for everyone who has to experience it. But if you ask me about my favorite song: it is definitely “Carly Simon - You're So Vain” What can we expect next from you? After hearing your other music, I can’t wait to hear more from you! SEMH: My next single will be released in October. “The way you are”. Of course also with a music video - we are already working on it. And a single will follow this year. The highlight of this year! The song is called "please". I'm already training hard for the shoot. That's a huge challenge for me. But it just becomes fire. So this year is so exciting for me. It’s unbelievable what happens every day. I love it – I’m very thankful that peoples hear my music. It’s crazy. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW SEMH:

"ANXIOUS!" is Daisy Draper's latest single which she produced to give listeners comfort in the knowledge that any negative feelings they may face are entirely normal. As someone who has devoted countless years of her life to spiritual and holistic healing, Daisy holds plenty of insight on this matter. She hopes for listeners to come to terms with how they are feeling, recognize that said feelings are valid, and power through these darker times towards healing and authenticity. This piece brings up matters such as feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and sad, all natural emotions we endure, and urges listeners to channel their inner strength to stop these feelings from taking over. This song flows from a calm vibe to a chaotic feel to reflect the absolute disarray people endure when struck by overwhelming anxiety. The piece begins with serene vocals and tranquil piano keys as a slow introduction to what is to come. As the song picks up its pace Daisy's voice becomes evidently more passionate as she sings of the confusion she is suffering through. Everything releases with a bang as soon as the chorus is sung. Daisy's voice transitions into a more powerful sound as the melody evolves into an energetic sound. This cycle repeats itself throughout the song and provides listeners with a glimpse into Daisy's perspective of these anxious feelings. Overall, this piece is a wonderful reminder for listeners to recognize that what they are feeling is completely valid and that it is more than okay to feel overcome by negative emotions. Daisy Draper is an artist based in Los Angeles, California who merges spirituality and wellness with pop music. Through her blend of healing and entertaining, she helps people enjoy becoming their most authentic selves. Draper began her career in late 2018 after serving six years in the United States Army. During her time in the service, she was diagnosed with a debilitating autoimmune disease, her fight against which is one of the inspirations for her music. After overcoming chronic illness through emotional and holistic healing techniques, as well as spiritual practices, Daisy is eager to share the benefit of her experience with others through her social media platforms and her music. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW DAISY DRAPER:

"I Worry Too Much" is a deeply intimate track in which Egotist's lead singer, Joe Prior, details the somber gratitude he owes to a true friend who faithfully stuck by his side through dramatic lows, even when given every reason to leave. The emotional fervor, palpable, streaks down the window of the cinematic soundscape that pulls imagery of ominous comfort beneath skies of heather grey that hold back not just the sunlight but also the rainfall. Go on then, have a listen here! Though rife with melancholy, the song hides its somber notes initially under the allure of bouncing piano, guitar, and percussion. The tone is set with the sanguine lyrics that start the vocal performance, featuring a refreshingly British delivery that, when paired with the alt-rock production, is pleasantly reminiscent of Bastille's works circa 2010. Instrumentals slow and fade while the kick-drum heart pounds on before a quick fade against the backdrop of reassuring words "you worry too much". Manchester-based alt-pop band Egotist has continued to set the pace in their fledgling career, with this, the release of their third single, packed with emotion and finesse. The band consists of Joe Prior (vocals/guitar), Kirstie Rawlinson (keyboard/vocals), Alfie Prior (guitar), and Mark Pinion (drums). For more of the group's raw poetry set to melancholy, alt-pop/rock production, have a gander at some of the links below and see what Egotist get up to next! Written By George McSherry FOLLOW EGOTIST:

Too curated to be called bedroom pop, too indie to be called mainstream pop, Harbour Loft has settled snugly into their apt label of "loungepop". BBC South and West made note of the audible influences in the group's sound, blending inspiration drawn from the likes of Gorillaz and Mac Demarco. Fine-tuned for the purpose of inducing a slow head-bop and tap of the toe, Harbour Loft's new single "Today" feels like lying under a skylight in a sunshower, the emotion pours out while you just sit there and smile. Have a cheeky listen to "Today" here Clean-cut layers of smooth, jazzy electronic production form the track's main body that holds sturdy and steadfast to provide gooey grit for the warmth of the alto and tenor vocal performances that push and pull through each other like colored smoke that forms a braid. Ambient percussive elements decorate the soundscape alongside the lowkey, vibrant synths that float the single to its slow fade-out. Call them a "collective", call them a "supergroup"... call them what you'd like really. The nomenclature for this rat pack of young Brits is arguably the least important feature as Harbour Loft's intricate musical flows very much speak for themselves. The group, based in the Southwest corner of the UK, consists of members Duncan Hallett, Niamh Tait, Noah Samuelsson, Sammy Nichols, and Tom Smith, with each member bringing unique talents and insights into the project. Though not currently available on major streaming platforms, you can enjoy Harbour Loft via some of the links below as we await the September release of their upcoming EP. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW HARBOUR LOFT:

It's always sad to think that we're missing out on something. We always want to be in the know. It is why social media is so popular--it's the fastest way of getting our information. We want to feel as if we're a part of something and seeing an event or conversation we're not a part of makes us feel like we're out of the loop. FOMO is real, so hanna ögonsten talks about that in her new track "More Fun". It's part of her debut album, a track with a moody undertone that drags us in and hypnotizes us with her airy vocals. Listening through hanna ögonsten’s new album "Bby Boo, Ögonsten, & You" we're brought upbeat, groovy, laid-back, indie-pop, and even sassy confidence within the tracks. But as we meet "More Fun" we're faced with an alt-pop track with RnB influences. "More Fun" is like a fun surprise within the album, embracing us immediately with the chorus about how we might feel like we're missing out but telling us that we can still have "More Fun". The lyrics are honest, the inspiration coming from Hanna speaking directly to her friend to make the verse which includes the inviting words, "The grass is greener/You got to see it for yourself". In Åkersberga, a suburb outside of Stockholm, hanna ögonsten started her music journey. She began making music at an early age, delving into learning guitar, piano, and production from her bedroom. Her vocals are engaging--with her various tracks, she shows us a snippet of her range and entices us to feel the music she releases instead of just being a passive listener. With "More Fun" being part of her debut album, she released four other tracks-- three of which being singles already out before the album's release on August 19th. Each of the songs, "Show You", "Bang My Head", "Rockstar", and the main track "Goodbye My Darling", which includes a stunning music video, are all equally stunning and are guaranteed to take you on a musical journey like you've never had before. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW HANNA ÖGONSTEN:

Lockyer Boys answers the ages-old question of whether it’s better to have loved and lost or never loved at all with allegiance to the latter in their newest single “Daisy,” which explores the regret that often accompanies fresh heartbreak. In lines such as “wish I knew you’d break my heart…wish I knew it from the start” and “you were my daisy, a weed in my thoughts,” the pop duo expertly portrays the dual mindedness that heartbreak often brings wherein you were so invested in a person that a part of you still loves them, but that lingering emotion just heightens the pain. The melody is catchy, upbeat, and fun, providing refreshing contrast to the melancholy subject matter while adding depth to the song. Will Lockyer, one member of the duo, explained that daisies are a symbol of innocence but also a weed and thus represent “the dichotomy of love”–that it “can make you happy but also drive you insane.” The song’s composition represents the happiness and love within the relationship while the lyrics focus on the heartache following its end. Throughout the song the artists wonder aloud if the good parts were worth the bad in lines such as “maybe these feelings are just better dead,” and “you drive me crazy, why can’t you just stop,” further showing the depth of hurt that the separation caused. Overall “Daisy” is artfully produced and written, probing the depths of heartache with nuance while retaining the blissful memories of what once was. Will and Charlie Lockyer–known artistically as the Lockyer Boys–are brothers who were born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They began as a cover band playing everywhere from Toronto to Thunder Bay to Seattle, quickly gaining popularity for their wide variety of musical talent and stage presence. Since then they’ve taken progressively larger steps to further their career, such as playing alongside artists such as JUNO award winner Eagle and Hawk, Chase the Bear, and Coney Hatch. Currently they’re working on a pop debut album, which features their own exclusive songwriting as well as co-written numbers with Shawn Hook, Scott Helman, Jeff Dawson, Daniel Powter, Alan Poettcker, and Akylla. Though their accomplishments so far are impressive, it’s abundantly clear that they’re only at the beginning of a storied career and the best is yet to come. Written By Adelae Norwood FOLLOW LOCKYER BOYS:

Love is a freefall, asking us to dive headfirst into the unknown and give every part of ourselves to see it to its peak. It's enamoring and addictive--one of the reasons so many people want to experience it, and it's a feeling like no other. Being in love with someone takes over your entire being, your mind only filling more every day with the idea of them, their little habits, and everything else about them. Falling in love with someone so profoundly takes you on a rollercoaster that you never want to get off. Harry Taylor writes about this overwhelming feeling in "my youth", a song that describes falling in love to the point of wanting to give them everything. Youth is something that so many strive for-- but it's a fleeting time that we're told to cherish because we'll never get it back once it's gone. In "my youth" by Harry Taylor, he describes being willing to give up his youth, the thing everyone is vying for, for love. With production inspired by early 2000's rock bands, the track fills with drums, electric guitar, and an unmatched story of passionate love. "my youth" is a song that leaves you wishing you had a love to take over your life. It's a love designed to be on the big screen, people desperately trying to earn the love of one another and building up to be the story of a lifetime. As an Italian artist working in Brooklyn, NYC, Harry Taylor is a dynamic singer, songwriter, and producer. He started releasing music in 2019, starting with his track "Train Crush" and since then has released four more songs, including this newest release, "my youth". His sound is special--taking from a range of genres like electro-pop to the 80's new wave, a unique representation of what he's capable of. Harry Taylor aims to share his stories through his music and connect to a greater audience. He's been using his guitar to express himself since middle school and has grown to incorporate music production to achieve his goal. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW HARRY TAYLOR:

Think of all of the things you did at a young age. You blasted your music through the neighborhood, you fell in love for the first time, you tried things for the first time. The beauty in those moments seems to fade away the older you get, as Petit Mond. discusses in her new track "Blueberry Clouds." Mond. goes through the cycle of highs and lows as we discover our past and how that helped us mature. The track is a piano ballad, which builds using the sound of strings swelling low under the piano and Mond.'s delicate vocals. The lyrics find Mond. looking back at youth, and finding bliss in the moments through the present tense, "We grew up for today // Have a beer on Saturday // Create unhealthy routines // Because we are teens." She even discusses a past relationship that seems to have more adult undertones, "We never sleep at night // We kiss and then we'd fight." The most interesting part the track is the change in the way Mond. is delivering the story, as she switches the line "we are young," to "we were young." Showing she's looking back on these experiences and having a different outlook on them. The track feels like a lament to losing a piece of innocence. Petit Mond. is an unique new pop artist, with "Blueberry Clouds" being her first single. Mond.'s delicate but powerful vocals showcase her talent as a bright new star. Mond. posts frequently on Instagram, but without caption leaving mystery surrounding her. She is one that deserves to be on your immediate radar. Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW PETIT MOND.:

Sometimes we forget that when we scroll through posts on our social media feeds, we look at a combination of editing and carefully curated moments. But the truth behind each one is a life filled with normality and struggles, and we're just trying to design the best image of ourselves to make people envy us. In some way, with the requirement of being on social media, it feels less like a way to catch up with each other and more like a competition breeding bad behavior, which is precisely what Nette describes in her newest song, "Best Life". In a track that makes fun of the struggles of people trying to show off their best life on a social media page, Nette creates an upbeat pop song that is so utterly relatable you can't help but want to sing along. Describing her experiences with social media, Nette brings us "Best Life" to depict the reality of living in this day and age--that we're all just trying to compete with the fake realities of other people. "Scrolling through my feed, and everyone I see is doing better than me" perfectly describes the song's essence, the lyric showing how we want to put our best foot forward and make ourselves look like we have a picture-perfect life but truthfully? We're "crying on the inside, put a filter on and let them think that I'm alright". But looking away from the sad reality behind the meaning, we can find fun with Nette's witty lines, making the song upbeat and energetic, especially with the inclusion of a gorgeous instrumental and her remarkable vocals. Starting her musical career by performing around Vancouver, Nette gains her title as a singer, songwriter, and producer. But in addition to those titles, the artist is an advocate for women in the music industry, shown even through this newest release as it was written and produced solely by women. She shared her musical adventure with her massive audience on TikTok and started releasing her music on other platforms in October 2021 with her first single (written, recorded, and produced by her), "Feelings". "Best Life" marks Nette's fourth single, and with it, she accumulates a mass of fans who excitedly await her new music. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW NETTE:

When we're younger, we think we're the only one who can feel the way we do. All of our emotions are passionate, and we're a bit dramatic. It's like when we're teenagers, watching the newest movies and somehow convincing ourselves that we're the main character. We're so caught up with this idea that we're all unique and have experiences like no one else has, even though everyone around us is most likely going through the same thing-- we just don't talk about it. This is what Medhanit believes her newest release, "Friends" feels like, the main character moment of having too many emotions all at once and convincing yourself that it's only you. In her newest single, "Friends" Medhanit tackles the idea of losing, being hurt, and hurting someone else while attempting to love. It's an ambitious feeling to try to emulate within a song, but after listening to it, I can't imagine anything that resonates more with that emotion. She sings, "I think I have to let you go/To give you space and time to grow/And let you live for once" which is quickly making its place as one of my favorite lyrics. It holds a beat that is enamoring--combined with her delicate vocals and intriguing dynamic to make a song that can easily live inside your head. She samples from one of her favorite songs, "Eulogy" by Baltimöre Charlót, and creates this unique track that I can see becoming one that everyone would want to listen to on repeat. Medhanit is a Tasmanian artist that was originally born in Ethiopia. She grew up with music--constantly being around it from when she was only a baby. She's fascinated with emotions, how love affects us, how our initial reactions make us feel, and how we grow into understanding our feelings, all of which make her establish her writing as something powerful and moving. She's released two songs before this titled "Same Things" and "Her", both undeniably beautiful and that showcase Medhanit's immense musical talent. Her introspective lyrics and stunning live performances give Medhanit an unmatched quality that I can see quickly garnering fans. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW MEDHANIT:

Nicky Romero and Norma Jean Martine’s collaboration “I Hope That It Hurts” paints a clear picture of a breakup that is far from resolved. Martine’s spiteful lyrics make it perfectly obvious that there is no love lost, and that any karmic retribution that befalls her ex will be well deserved. The scenario laid out by the song describes is one to which we can all relate: seeing your ex in public, the dread as you see them approach, and the disingenuous small talk as you try to find a way to cordially them to fuck off. Martine does not mince words as she blatantly reminds her ex that their breakup was anything but amicable. “Coming over, wanna talk I don't really care 'bout how you've been A smile can say a thousand words But there's five that spring to mind When I see you out, I'm being nice Don't mean that we're alright For every bad day I had, you made worse For every bridge that we built, that you burned And it might take a little time for you to get what you deserve But when it hits you, I hope that it hurts” Martine pointedly dispels the stigma of a “healthy” breakup revolving around remaining close, or even friendly. Though she will remain cordial publicly, she says in no uncertain terms that there will be no reconciliation between her and this ex, and she has no issue with leaving it at that. Behind Martine’s lyrics, Nicky Romero has placed an infectious, house-inspired track filled with nuances that showcase his veteran savvy as an electronic producer. The song begins with an arpeggiated guitar riff, complemented by light shaker and clap loops that set the stage for the entrance of a heavy, four-on-the-floor beat and synth bass. Romero’s mastery of the subtleties of production can be seen in his use of percussive elements, as there are constantly new loops being added and taken away. From instruments that sit at the forefront of the song, like the kick and snare drums, to more texture focused loops like shakers, tambourines, hi-hats, and claps, everything is deliberately placed to create a constant sense of change and development throughout the song. No two sections are exactly alike, giving a sense of motion within the otherwise repetitive genre of dance music. The driving force of Romero’s instrumental, along with Martine’s evocative lyrics and catchy hook make this a top-tier dance song, with the ability to get everyone’s heart racing and feet moving. Nicky Romero and Norma Jean Martine are far from newcomers to the music industry, both boasting impressive resumes dating back to the early 2010s, and both having enjoyed success and acclaim within their respective niches. Romero has worked with some of the biggest names in electronic music, such as Avicii, David Guetta, and Steve Aoki. He has had multiple chart topping hits, including “Toulouse,” and perhaps his most known song “I Could Be The One,” a collaboration with Avicii which peaked at number 1 on both the UK and US dance charts. Though perhaps less well known, Norma Jean Martine has made a name for herself in her own right. A successful songwriter, Martine’s career has seen performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival and writing collaborations with legends such as Burt Bacharach, and song entries into Eurovision. She has also lent her talents to a swathe of producers and DJs, being responsible for vocal hooks on numerous EDM hits. Written By Liam Dun FOLLOW NICKY ROMERO: FOLLOW NORMA JEAN MARTINE: