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- Review: "Dance Again" - Chayce Kennedy
In a world filled with free will, we have so many choices that it can be overwhelming when all we want to know is the path that will give us what we desire. In this powerful yet gentle track, Chayce Kennedy ponders, "will I ever dance again?" and reminds us that life is about taking our chances while we have them. Kennedy uses this song to juxtapose her past singles, from her last track, "No" which showed off a more intense and darker side, and others like "Summer Land" which firmly immerses itself in a more upbeat tone. She releases this newest single titled "Dance Again" to spread a relatable message and share a new side of her, a more vulnerable and tender perspective. There's a flowy feeling in Chayce Kennedy's new song, "Dance Again". The way her lyrics intertwine with her vocals leaves a haunting vibe throughout it and gives us the time to think about how the song makes us feel. With lyrics like, "What if I wait too long?/Will I miss my chance?" we can see as Kennedy questions her ability to know precisely when to do things to get where she wants to be. It's sometimes scary having all these choices in our hands, especially when the paths we can take are never clear. In her words, "What if I'm not that strong?" we can relate to how we occasionally feel doubtful of ourselves and wonder if we can handle the things life throws at us. The song is a beautiful melody to describe our indecision and fears, pairing the building emotions with how her vocals play off of themselves and the dynamic instrument inclusions. Chayce Kennedy is a powerful 18-year-old artist aiming to empower others with her music, going against the current social media ideals and pushing the concept of discovering our unique identities. Chayce Kennedy is someone who displays an innovative pop style inspired by her years of classical training. She establishes a vulnerable quality within her music, going deep within her mind to pull out these works of art that garner fan attention and a relatable feeling. She is currently working with the Grammy award-winning producer Brian West and aims to share a new project that accurately spreads her belief of how our value is not based on others' opinions of us. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW CHAYCE KENNEDY:
- Review: "go to hell" - YARLIE
YARLIE released her latest Y2K-inspired pop piece entitled "go to hell." This song is a powerful anthem about all the times she should've told her toxic lover to "go to hell." It's for the people who know they should've left when they continuously decided to stay in that evil cycle. It's an ode to those who listen to their aching heart rather than their level heads and repeatedly choose the person they love. Once they finally see how much better life is once they leave this toxic situation, they finally have the power and strength to tell off this other person. With a bubbly melody and strong vocals, YARLIE created this empowering piece. The melody stays very light in contrast to the stronger beat creating a lot of depth to the piece. As for her vocals, YARLIE provides a great middle point to tie in the beat and melody. Her voice isn't too light or too deep, giving a great middle ground for the lighter melody and deeper beat to meet. Because of this, all three of these aspects blend together extremely well making the song sound more cohesive overall. As for the lyrics, YARLIE sings such powerful lines talking about how she's done with her lover for good and that she would never fall for their games ever again. Overall, YARLIE definitely succeeded in creating a catchy and empowering break up anthem. YARLIE made quite the debut last year with her EP ”Stupid With A Sore Heart” which received attention all the way from north of Sweden to Abu Dhabi. For example, she got playlist placements in Spotify’s ”GRL PWR” and Apple Music’s ”Made In Sweden”, to name a few. Coverage in Sweden’s biggest newspaper, Aftonbladet. Radio rotation in East Africa. Nominated as Best Pop Act in ISR Awards. Was headhunted as a model for Swedish fashion brand MONKI and performed live on Swedish national TV. YARLIE takes being an independent artist and entrepreneur to the next level with her Instagram, where she has gained a stable following and become known for her original Y2K photos and edits. Not only does she creates all of her music and content on social media on her own, but she has also quickly become an unstoppable force in the body positivism and feminist movement. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW YARLIE:
- Review: "How Long" - THENEAR
In a perfect world, your own mind is where you should feel the most secure–but often that’s not the case. “How Long” by THENEAR encapsulates the feeling of losing yourself alongside the disconcerting realization that you don’t know how long you’ve been lost and how long it’ll be until you’ll find yourself again. The vocals and quality of the production heighten the song by evoking the aspects of emotion that are too intense for words to fully justify. Although the song focuses on the loss of oneself and the subsequent feeling of being entirely unmoored, it also shows the inherent humanity within these emotions. “How Long” creates a potent, emotionally charged atmosphere as it explores the very nature of feeling lost. The backing track builds slowly until the chorus, wherein the light piano and echoing notes dramatically quiet to accentuate the deeply moving quality of THENEAR’s hauntingly beautiful falsetto. The lyrics depict painfully relatable sentiments such as “I don’t know how I got here/I don’t know why/Please tell me,” which artfully portray the acute loneliness often synonymous with the human condition. In openly acknowledging this within an extraordinarily emotional melody, THENEAR provides a sense of catharsis by showing audiences that they are not alone. Hailing from the Gold Coast, contemporary/alternative pop artist THENEAR has always possessed a passion for singing and songwriting, but it wasn’t until after she became a midwife that she felt called to follow it. She uses her music to delve into the intricacies of the human condition, specifically aspiration, mortality, existence, conflict, and growth. Within these themes she focuses on the emotional quality of her music, guiding the listener through waves of emotion inlaid with ethereal tones. Since choosing to actively pursue music, THENEAR has crafted over 60 songs to release. Though she’s relatively new to the music scene, she’s here to stay. Written By Adelae Norwood FOLLOW THENEAR:
- Review: "Whiskey Talk" - DJ. UNKNONE
DJ. UNKNONE has released their single "Whiskey Talk" after finding rapid success with this fresh track on Soundcloud, receiving over five thousand streams in the first week of its release. The song is a vibrant blend of genres, sourcing inspiration from everything from rock to EDM before imposing the steady pop framework that establishes the effortless, beachy vibe. The bright, fine-tuned single might be the debut track for DJ. UNKNONE but it demonstrates deep musical maturity and comprehension that tantalizes for upcoming releases. Underpinned by percussion reminiscent of a Caribbean steel drum, "Whiskey Talk" pairs emotion-soaked lyricism with a variety of instrumental components and classic EDM production to form the infectious piece that sits at the curious intersection of melancholic and invigorating. Even in the emotional lulls, the syncopated keyboard, claps, and strums work together to keep the energy going strong against the backdrop of understated croons that balance the curated vibe. Do you remember when the music used to speak for itself? Do you recall the time when glitz, glam, and ass were not the main selling points of pop music? No? Yeah, neither do I... But I do like that ethos which DJ. UNKNONE holds central to her identity, or rather lack thereof as she chooses to remain anonymous often employing a motorcycle helmet to help hide her face. Hopefully others in the industry take notice and maybe follow suit; it would be refreshing to have some artists spend their energy on honing their true crafts rather than on designing traps of flesh and flashing lights. Written By George McSherry FOLLOW DJ. UNKNONE:
- Review: "Storms Coming" - Hendrix
Like “Bonnie and Clyde, I'll have your back until you stab me in mine”. Hendrix perfectly captures the emotions of hurt in her latest single “Storms Coming”. A dramatic song both in lyrics and production about a bully. Not wanting to sink to the level of being hurtful, but learning to stand up for yourself is the core of this song. An upbeat electronic pop song with catchy melodies and lyrics, her latest song marks her third release as an artist. Listen to "Storms Coming" Here Beginning with slower themes in the beginning of the song, she brings in listeners through her smooth voice in combination with a unique beat. Although starting in a slower fashion, the beat quickly picks up, eventually leading into the chorus. A combination of catchy lyrics as well as an electric pop background, the chorus is upbeat and a fun listen. The rest of the song continues in a similar fashion, utilizing sounds found in edm such as ticking and sharp beats to create a cohesive sound. Hendrix hails from Canada, where she was able to find her love for music at age 10. Starting with lessons from a vocal coach, she quickly developed a mindset where she wouldn’t let anything stop her ambitions. Beginning with performances at Roy Thomson Hall all the way to working with Capitol Records own Rot Hamilton the Third. After her debut single “Should’ve Said No'' she has continued to release more singles that have continuously showcased her talents. Written By Gillian Mena FOLLOW HENDRIX:
- Review: "October's Ghost 2.0" - Angel Lane
Moving on sucks, plain and simple. Regardless of the past being left behind, it can be daunting and even painful to walk away from a stage of your life, and to begin a new chapter. The feeling of starting over is a universal one as we leave people and places in the dust, and watch them turn from integral parts of us into memories, however there is always a sense of hope that the pain we are putting ourselves through now will yield a better, happier future. It is this bittersweet reality that Angel Lane must come to grips with in her latest single “October’s Ghost 2.0.” As she mourns the imminent death of a relationship, Angel’s head is swarmed by a multitude of conflicting desires. Knowing she must leave, but searching for a reason to stay. Memories of the powerful, intoxicating feeling of when the relationship was new, and how that feeling has deteriorated as the relationship progressed, and how those happy memories have been tainted by ones of heartbreak . Despite any lingering inclinations to remain in the safety of a familiar place, Lane knows her time to move on has come: “October’s gone, and I am moving on.” Her resignation to move forward breaks the spell of the past, but those memories will always survive as a haunting reminder of the life from which she walked away. Wherever Lane goes, October’s Ghost (2.0) will always follow. Click here to listen to October's Ghost 2.0! “October’s Ghost 2.0” makes itself perfectly comfortable in the power ballad niche. Lane’s melancholy heartache is unmistakable in her lyrics, and the instrumental perfectly encompasses the pain she is feeling. The soft, rhythmic piano evokes both the hope and sadness Lane must endure, while also providing the space for her voice, with all its raw emotion, to shine. When the first percussive elements enter, the imagery of the instrumental instantly shifts from desolation to confidence. A dense loop of snaps, claps, kick drums, and vocal samples immediately give the song motion, almost willing Lane out the door and into her new life. As the chorus kicks into gear, the piano and drums are replaced by a driving, distorted guitar and swathes of Lane’s vocal harmonies. A fitting addition as Lane is both emotionally and musically supporting herself without being reliant on others. Angel Lane is still very much at the outset of her musical career. However, her portfolio continues to grow, releasing numerous singles and lending her voice to techno and dance producers. Lane has refused to let herself become repetitive, with each of her personal releases taking on a distinct and new corner of the pop world, with vastly different tempos, subject matter, and overall feel. Angel’s versatility and talent make her a promising up and coming name, with the possibility to conquer whatever facet of the music world she chooses to pursue. Written By Liam Dun FOLLOW ANGEL LANE:
- Review: "Electric Blues" - Clinton N
If you ever felt trapped in your head, feeling so small in the world, that all you can think of is trading your life with someone else, then "Electric Blues," by Clinton N. is the perfect song for you. With its catchy rhythms, melodic phrases, and beautiful sung lyrics it creates a connection with the listener, comforting and emphasizing to them "I understand, I know what you're going through and I am here for you." The theme of Clinton N's new song, "Electric Blues," is a reoccurring topic and theme that comes across many teenagers and young adults specifically these lyrics in the song that highlight this example perfectly, "Am I still being myself? Could I just be someone else?" Combining this theme with the catchy synths, electric music and its other heart tugging lyrics truly brings this song home and causes the listener create an emotional connection. Clinton N is an Ireland-based Hong Kong native whose earliest musical inspirations were Yiruma, Joe Hisaishi and Hans Zimmer. It wasn't until he relocated from Hong Kong to San Francisco where he was able to follow his passion in composing, writing a couple of his own pieces for his old high school’s string orchestra. With his own unique and ambitious style there is still so many more songs and work to do so if you want keep up with Clinton N's journey be sure to follow his socials down below! Written By Troy Sica FOLLOW CLINTON N:
- Review: "Sixteen" - Josh Nuzum
When you are young, you have so many dreams and ideas. You feel wild, and free, and that the world is at your feet. When you mature, it can feel like those dreams are so far away from you now, and you long to have the same mentality as you did all those years ago. This is the topic of up-coming pop artist Josh Nuzum's new track, "Sixteen." The song is about reclaiming hope for those dreams, years later. The track begins with a fast guitar beat, with the sound of the frets squeaking under a skilled players fingers. Nuzum's voice is reminiscent of Shawn Mendes, but it has its own unique qualities in his lower register. The sounds of swelling strings start to come in, and drums and pianos help build the track. The lyrics delve into the topic of feeling young and free at sixteen, and doing whatever you desired, "Sixteen years old // Hanging out in parking lots // We'd pitch in for gas, and drive to Sunset Beach." He delves into the topic of how time feels at a young age, "Time moved so slow, but then it disappeared so fast." To looking foreword to the future, "Cause we got older, and we knew that things would change // We couldn't wait to, get a thousand miles away." But now, after maturing, wishing that you could move back to the past, "One day, we'll chase down every dream // But we didn't know, that you don't know // When you're young and living free // One day we'd wish that, we could all go back to sixteen." Josh Nuzum is an up-and-coming pop artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. "Sixteen" is his third single of 2022. It comes after previous singles "Stand Again," and "Dream on My Own." With a voice that calls to mind artists like Shawn Mendes, and Ed Sheeran, Nuzum's songs are sure to be stuck in your head on repeat all day long. Written By Kyle Stiver FOLLOW JOSH NUZUM:
- Review: "Hope on the Horizon" - Robbie Mautner
“Hope on the Horizon” is an uplifting ode that there is hope on the horizon, and if you’re lost and suffering, take the first steps and reach out for help. Mautner narrates the slippery slope of addiction and the harrowing journey of climbing out of it with real and relatable examples, assuring the audience that while it’s never going to be an easy process, it is possible. He is an example that it is possible. Robbie Mautner writes his lyrics in a conversational-like tone, adopting the role of a mentor or older sibling that’s gently encouraging you to accept your own helplessness and seek help. The lonely guitar and minimalistic production aid Mautner in creating an atmosphere that also doubles as a safe space. Robbie Mautner, a British singer, looks to combine honest storytelling with melodic pop music. He strives to detail his personal experiences through his songwriting, almost acting as a form of therapy for both himself and the listener. Spending the last three tumultuous years honing his craft and song, his upcoming project beckons to detail his journey and experiences of self-growth. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW ROBBIE:
- Review: "Fake ID" - Piper 57
To mark a transition in her persona from "girl next door" to "I'm going to do it my way" type of girl, Piper 57 released her new EP which contains the track "Fake ID." This song specifically talks about that transition that Piper 57 has undergone and talks about how the decisions she has made in her past life are not a reflection of who she has become. In this piece she sings about how her "bad decisions are in the rearview" and "you can't blame me because that was the old me." She has been suppressing her true self to fit in, but now she is ready to let her true self shine through. She is willing to leave everything that could hold her back behind her to move forward. With smooth vocals and an electronic beat, this song is a powerful self-confidence booster. The song starts out with a smooth introduction to introduce Piper's vocals. This allows for her voice to really be heard and for the message to be understood by listeners. Piper starts out by apologizing that she "crashed your car" and "maxed your credit cards" before stating that she has moved passed these things. As Piper sings these lines the melody and beat begins to pick up a bit more. Overall the melody stays pretty chill which allows for the electric beat to have the spotlight in the piece. As for her vocals, Piper has a beautiful voice. Her voice is very serene and full of emotion which makes the song even more powerful. The reason Piper writes her songs are the emotions she has felt. Piper said herself “I have gone through some pretty extreme situations, learned my lessons” and this is what she is now passing on to her audience… In a sweet, extraordinary, and charismatic way. Originally from northern Germany, after a zigzag through Europe and studies in International Music Management in the Netherlands, Piper finally came to Berlin in pursuit of the opportunities to realize her art to the fullest. She was lucky, came upon the right people at the right moment, producers and artists like Pascal Martin and A Girl Called Frank that helped her along her path, all the way to where she is now. Piper’s tracks are electronic and danceable, but underneath the surface of catchy pop tunes lies a myriad of intimate messages. Her songs give advice, counsel, and a tiny nudge when it is needed – just the track you want to have in the playlist of your favorite songs. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW PIPER 57:
- Interview: "IDLYA" - Alexa Merrill
Q: This song is so catchy! What is the story behind it? Artist: Thank you so much! "IDLYA" came about in an unconventional way. I had Covid in the earlier part of lockdown and was watching Charlie Puth and Jacob Collier on an Instagram live. They were passing killer jazz chords back and forth on a piano when Charlie mentioned his ex. He said he knew she was not great for him and yet, he took a while to end the relationship. I instantly related to that. I know myself and so many of my friends have been in relationships where nothing was necessarily wrong but then again…it wasn't right. So I went over to my piano and “IDLYA” sort of just flew out. Fun fact: I used the original demo vocals while I was still congested with Covid in the master. I love that I have that as a timestamp of such a crazy moment in history. Q: What made you decide to have a yellow theme for the music video? Artist: Dollar tree poster board! I wanted to make a video that let my personality be the focal point. I had a million ideas and nothing was coming together how I planned. So I took matters into my own hands—went to the dollar tree, grabbed some poster boards, smiley face balloons, set up a ring light in my bedroom, and VOILÀ. Music video set with no pressure. I was director/DP/camera operator/hair & makeup/editor and the whole thing cost $5. It’s probably my favorite video yet! The dance remix for IDLYA is out now! Take a listen right here! Q: What is your go-to song for getting over someone? Artist: OOO. Great question! I always had 2 moods during a breakup. I would waffle between the cry in my car parked on Crescent Heights vibe or the fiery anger convincing myself I was better off vibe. So I’ll say 1) “Glass” by Gavin DeGraw and 2) “Just Don’t Care” by this random artist Alexa Merrill 😊 Q: What is your favorite song that you have written? You can only pick one! Artist: I’d like to think that my favorite song is always going to be the one I haven’t written yet. I’m constantly learning, honing my craft as a songwriter, and pushing myself to be better. With each new song, I continue to surprise myself. But I won’t lie… the next few singles I’m about to release are favorites for sure! Q: How has living in Los Angeles influenced your music career? Artist: I tell people I grew up on the Sunset Strip. I grew up in live music quite literally. My Dad ran some of the most iconic venues in LA and my family and friends were always playing or recording music. If I wasn’t attending a show at the Roxy, or working one at the Wiltern, I was jumping on stage for a song at a friend’s gig at the Troubadour. I think the live music scene in LA made me the performer I am today. When you’re playing for empty bars or bowling alleys and then watching legends at the Hollywood Bowl in the same week it’s like a master class. I’m forever in research and development as an artist. Continually trying to make my show unique and memorable. Q: Where do you plan on your music journey going next? Artist: The moon? Honestly, I just want to relate to someone— to know that what I’m writing about is maybe the exact thing the person on the other end of the speaker is going through. I want people to consume my music the way I envelop myself in my favorite artists— to hear a song, put it on repeat, and never get sick of it. Hopefully that translates to multiple countries and cultures. Interviewed By Kendall Koval FOLLOW ALEXA:
- Review: "Fever" - Keelan X
“Fever” is a sexy and seductive pop jam about the joy and uncertainty when you’re irrationally into someone. It feels like you’re obsessed with this person as dark smoldering feelings consume you when you’re with or think about them. The narrative of desire and love evoking happy and positive emotions is vast, but desire and love oftentimes also evokes a darker and much more complicated mix of emotions. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows, there’s jealousy, possessiveness, and rapture. Keelan X expertly mixes elements of contemporary acts like The Weeknd with classic acts to create a blend of vibrant and cinematic sound. The wispy and dreamy soundscapes are propelled forward by the beat and catchy hooks. Keelan X leans into the synth-pop sound by drawing some background from 80s sonics along with contemporary pop, looking to merge the two into a rich and silky sound about love and desire. A former member of the Irish band The Marigolds, Keelan had begun to lose his appetite for the music industry. But in 2021, Keelan Cunningham rummaged through his parents’ attic to dig out his untouched-for-years Telecaster & Roland keyboard. Hit with a sudden wave of inspiration, he began the process of writing and producing songs, culminating in the formation of his brand new project, Keelan X. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW KEELAN X:












