We have little to no say in how things go. Even if we plan out every moment, other plans are in place that messes up everything. While the idea may be daunting and roadblocks pile up, it doesn't mean we should ever stop. As we take the smallest step in our lives, we're constantly reminded of what our past held and how it can affect us. But if we're stepping into the next part of our lives, shouldn't we be looking into the future? Bre Kennedy shows us how she's looking excitedly into her future and journey of letting go with her newest release "Ribbon". With its revitalizing melody and her stunning vocals, this track is sure to stick in your head and make you want to feel the moment. With this release, Bre Kennedy gives us a visualizer as beautiful as the song itself. The video shows Kennedy going through a room filled with ribbons, masking every path while she walks through with no worries--showing us how she's ready to dive into her next adventure. The lyrics are motivating and inspired, as shown when she sings, "Cause if I don't know where I'm going/means I got somewhere to go". Because there's no predicting what comes next, no matter how much we want to know our path, we must live it to see it. But with this song, we can see how Kennedy finds beauty in it--how while we can't change how everything goes, we also can change how anything went, so we might as well float free. Bre Kennedy is a phenomenal singer/songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up in a musical household, she's been exposed to many different types of music. So, after spending some time in LA, she drove off to discover her sound and musical identity in Nashville. She's known for her storytelling ability in music, creating relatable and authentic tracks in a folk-pop genre inspired by the greats. Before this song, Kennedy released her stunning single titled "Twenty Something (All or Nothing)" which captured the hearts of her fans and left us wanting more. With "Ribbon" our hearts are happy and excited for everything she has to offer us. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW BRE KENNEDY:

There's a frustration that lies in angry communication. When we get into fights, our emotions are high, our comebacks are fast, and our filters come down because all we want is to stop being in the situation we're in. We say things because our minds are irrational when we're mad, and sometimes we don't want to take the time to cool down before we finish the talk. Now, We Three comes with the song "Kissin' When We're Mad" which is exactly as it sounds, kissing to solve the frustration of arguing. It's an alt-pop production with a dynamic feeling, bringing us on the rollercoaster of our thoughts during a fight. "Kissin' When We're Mad" is made by the frontman of We Three, Manny Humlie. The song is honest, it's personal, and it's enticing. The lyrics portray a particular vulnerability paired with this passionate melody to complement it wonderfully. It talks about how frustration can get the best of us, how our words seem to mean too little when they're said so often and to show this, Humlie sings, "Sorry's just a word I use it badly/Every time I say it's more empty". It's so hard to make other people understand exactly how we feel, and when we're trying to apologize, the easiest way to try is to say it-- but that doesn't always work. It matters what we do to fix the situation, so "Maybe I should kiss you when we're mad" seems to be Manny Humlie's way of ensuring they get what he's saying. We Three is a sibling pop trio consisting of Manny (frontman), Bethany (bass), and Joshua (keys/drums). They're bold and honest with their songwriting and productions--and it's paid off. They're so close to breaking 200 million streams; because of this, we can see how the group is soaring. Their music is catchy, fiery, and the lyrics explore relatable and hefty life experiences, which give fans a reason to listen. Starting in October, We Three is going on a European tour sure to provide fans with energetic and unforgettable performances for all who come. This song, "Kissin' When We're Mad" is part of their new album titled "Happy" which is available to listen to on all platforms. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW WE THREE:

"Novocaine" is a love song where James uses the drug as a synonym for how he feels about his love. He sings about how being with this person gives him an immense amount of ecstasy and serotonin, making him feel as if he has taken the drug. Especially in the chorus, he sings about his experience with love but makes it sound like he is on the drug itself. Clever lines such as "You give me something to crave that leaves me burning for days" and "it's like a chemical haze it takes me far away" strengthen this allusion that he is making to what love feels like. This song is very fast-paced and heightens listeners' emotions to give them a taste of what James himself is experiencing. The first thing I noticed when listening to this song is how rapid the melody is and how quickly James sings his lyrics. I think that this adds even more strength to his argument that love is like a drug. Being in love, and on drugs, I guess you could say, makes life extremely vivid and as if everything around you is moving faster. Emotions and feelings are heightened, and James perfectly captured that feeling by making his song move along at such a quick pace. Another aspect to note is how the melody doesn't consist of too many elements, allowing his vocals to truly have the spotlight. By giving his lyrics more attention in the song, listeners are really able to hear what he has to say when they aren't too distracted by too much going on in the melody. As for his vocals, James' voice stays at a lighter pitch and he hits some good notes throughout the piece. His voice beautifully expresses the emotions that he is feeling in this piece and James did an amazing job at producing such a lively love song. Gavin James is an Irish singer/songwriter who grew up in a household filled with musical talent. Beginning his music career early, James played in a rock band at the age of 8 and by age 21 began focusing on his solo career. In 2013 he released his award-winning song, "Say Hello", and signed deals with Sony and Capitol Records. He released his debut album, Bitter Pill, in 2015 and was awarded a Platinum certificate for sales in Ireland, and won the Choice Music Prize for Best Single released in 2015. Having had over 1.5 billion global streams, selling 250,000 tickets worldwide, shows with Niall Horan, Sam Smith, and Ed Sheeran, and having secured 22 platinum records in 8 different countries, Gavin James shared his highly anticipated new album 'The Sweetest Part' which released on July 22. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW GAVIN JAMES:

Do you remember what it was like to be a kid? Kaitlin Stark’s “big girl now” is a trip down memory lane for any one who wants to reminisce about their childhood. Life passes by so fast, and we don’t get a chance to slow down and appreciate how far we’ve come. Changes can happen in the snap of a finger, and sometimes that time when you were a kid feels like a completely different lifetime. Being a kid was a lot easier than being a grown-up, that's for sure, and Stark puts all of our unspoken feelings into this bittersweet ballad. As soon as the song starts, we get transported back into our childhoods and witness the magic slipping through our fingers. What used to be such simple joys in life has become something to be ashamed of. The chorus is a wake up call. Life may be hard, and life may be a “goddamn mess,” but we survive. The song moves on and talks about how we are constantly walking on eggshells because anyone and everyone is affected by what we say. The chorus repeats twice and sandwiches a verse that highlights the grim direction life is heading. The song ends with a simple plea to return to a simpler time.  Singer-songwriter, Kaitlin Stark, is an emerging artist who already has thousands of supporters only having released music this year. Stark’s ability to connect with her audience through introspective lyrics is apparent in all of her music. Kaitlin Stark’s journey has just begun and we can’t wait for her to continue exploring her voice and storytelling through her music.  Written By Magen Zeng FOLLOW KAITLIN:

Natalia Zuk’s latest single “Unbreakable You” is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. Through the song’s mourning tone, there is a feeling of bittersweetness. In the face of an unfulfilling relationship, Zuk has realized the level of love and commitment that she wants and deserves. It is this realization that gives the song a sense of uplift: the shedding of a painful past in favor of a more promising future, and the relief that comes from no longer placing expectations on a person who will never fulfill them. This sense of escape, however, can only soften the pain of lost love, never fully take it away. “Unbreakable You” is a quintessential breakup song, perfectly easing you through the heartache with the knowledge that you will come out stronger on the other side. “Unbreakable You” starts slowly: a prominent piano and haunting, reverberating background vocals before Zuk enters. The first verse is bare, only featuring Zuk with a supporting piano. In the pre-chorus, there are only two long, sustained chords, creating motion into the chorus, which introduces an arpeggiated guitar that feels like raindrops supporting the vocal melody. The guitar fades to swelling chords in the second verse, punctuating the piano’s melody. The second chorus is the song’s first climax, Zuk fills the remaining open space with more guitars and harmonies. The chorus swells into the bridge, where there is a momentary lull before the explosive entrance into the final chorus, where Zuk has filled the instrumental with background vocals, new guitar parts, and an aggressively sforzando piano. The exuberance of the music recontextualizes Zuk’s lyrics. This third chorus marks the change in Zuk's outlook, from regretting the poor treatment that was forced on her in the past, to the hope and determination to find something better in the future. Ontario based singer-songwriter Natalia Zuk is still at the outset of her musical career, but her music is filled with promise of a rising star. Her piano-driven ballads evoke comparisons to Regina Spektor, while her modernized pop sound, filled with vocal harmonies and powerful lyrics, give a modern makeover to a classic genre. Her first single, 2021’s “It’s Not Over” features much of the same, driving emotions that allow listeners to empathize with Zuk’s heart-wrenching lyrics. Outside of recording and performing her originals, Natalia also works as a vocal coach, helping students unlock the full potential of their voices. Written By Liam Dun FOLLOW NATALIA:

Love is enamoring--the idea of the other person filling up your head and distracting you from everything you do. That infectious feeling of falling in love is what "In My Head" by James Goodwin is all about. The track is upbeat, paired with fun guitar and drums to give it a summery beach vibe. With the details of love within his lyrics, the idea of them taking over your every thought, and the beautiful melody that is both light and captivating--James Goodwin releases this track, "In My Head" with the intent to take over the listener's ears with this pop tune. "In My Head" marks James Goodwin's third single. With hard-hitting drum grooves, funky guitars, and a catchy pop melody, it makes for a composition that will leave you humming. The song is Goodwin's way of combining the electronic and indie genres in the pop genre, leading to a unique track that is wonderfully complemented by his vocals. When we dive deeper into the song, looking at the lyrics, we can see Goodwin sing, "I think I found one in a million/I think I know why loving you is so different" and it's sentimental. The idea that someone has these thoughts regarding you is like the love in a movie. These and other lyrics in "In My Head" perfectly give the passion, and emotional feeling James Goodwin wanted to imbue throughout the song. The idea of finding someone to share the summer within the freeing spirit that the season gives is like no other, and Goodwin shows that well within this track. James Goodwin is a singer/songwriter based in London. However, he hails from South Wales, where he started learning the guitar at age 8. At 13, he started writing and performing his own music in pubs, small venues, and festivals before deciding to make the big move and pursue music as a career. He focuses his sound on the catchy upbeat indie-pop genre, carving out his style with inspirations from people with similar vibes, such as Lewis Capaldi and George Ezra. Goodwin aspires to write and potentially release an EP in 2023, but until then, he continues to release singles that captivate fans' hearts. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW JAMES GOODWIN:

Ever had a heart break so bad you wish it never happened? “Could’ve Just Left Me Alone” by Alexa Cappelli is the go-to break up song. Bubbling with raw emotions, Cappelli tells the story of a young woman reliving a toxic relationship. With a storyline you can’t help but fall into a trance with amazing vocals, “Could’ve Just Left Me Alone” is a single you won’t want to miss.  The story starts off with the description of a toxic relationship: gaslighting and love bombing. Seemingly hopeless and stuck in a never ending cycle, the young woman declares her separation from her former partner indefinitely. Hitting the chorus, the rush of emotions comes spilling out over the regret she feels. The first verse comes back with different lyrics—this time with more anger and resentment. The song ends with the second verse and chorus repeating one last time, emphasizing the finality of this broken relationship. Alexa Cappelli grew up in Southern California where she was immersed in the arts her whole life. MTV hailing her as “a voice for her generation,” Alexa Cappelli is known for her heartfelt lyrics and ability to story tell like no other. A season 14 contestant of The Voice and the entertainment coordinator for her family created non-profit, Alexa Cappelli is nothing short of an inspiration to her audience.  Written By Magen Zeng FOLLOW ALEXA:

An anthem for anyone living by their own rules, “Badder Than The Bad Boys” by Peyton Shay will awaken your inner rebel. Look no further for a chance to listen in on Shay’s message: never be afraid to be yourself. Inspired by the early 2000’s rock style, Shay brings the roof down with a melody you just can’t help but rock your head to. Listen to “Badder Than The Bad Boys” and feel empowered to live your most authentic life. Peyton Shay starts off the song with a verse about the life that was left behind—one that has you “walking on that thin ice.” Realizing the need to move on, the next verse is about living in a bubble on the verge of bursting and finally letting go. The chorus is where the bad girl anthem begins. After being shackled to monotony her whole life, the wild animal she truly was has been set free. Next comes a repeat of the first verse, same backtrack but with a more assertive undertone. The second verse repeats with a deep urge to truly be set free. Finally, we reach the chorus that repeats two more times with a bridge in the middle that solidifies individuality and reminds us that life keeps going. Nineteen and a Billboard charting artist, Peyton Shay takes the music industry by storm with her unique voice and creative concepts. Releasing her first single right before the pandemic started, Peyton Shay has put out three more singles and an EP. Shay keeps herself busy, whether content creating on Tik-Tok or challenging the status quo. A voice for the new generation, Shay inspires many to reach for the stars. Written By Magen Zeng FOLLOW PEYTON:

With strong beats and catchy undertones, Kid Travis’s “u dont know my name” combines R&B with Neo-Soul and indie music to create a unique sound. The rhythmic beats and melodies allow this song to automatically create a relaxed environment. His lyrics create an air of relatability for listeners, bringing together the story of not knowing an individual but wanting to be with them. Yet with one of them not knowing their name, there is a strong sense of longing within the sign that makes it relatable for many individuals. Listen to "U Don't Know My Name" Beginning with a strong instrumental, that then leads into the lyrics and beginning of the song, there is an instant catch into the song. While the song has a prominently R&B vibe to it, it hails many characteristics from the Neo Soul genre that set it apart from many other signs of its kind. The musical background is the best example of this. While it has the strong beats and chill undertones the electric sounds and instrumentals present through the song create a different ambience to the song that wouldn't have been expected. This in conjunction to the catchy and relatable lyrics create a song that's perfect for anything from relaxing to dancing with friends. A multi-genre artist, Kid Travis has crossed many genres showcasing a variety of abilities. He possesses a strong ability to cross genres while still showcasing indie and trap undertones within his music. With over 1.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he constantly brings new music to the table. While his original music is notable, he also does covers of others songs. Many of which have been noticed by large artists such as Dominic Fike and Post Malone. With both his original music, and his work as a cover artist, Kid Travis brings a new voice to the music around him. Written By Gillian Mena FOLLOW ARTIST: Kid Travis

Your new single “Just Keep Dancing” is the epitome of pop music!! Can you share a bit about the creative process and the story behind this new track? Son Savage: Thank you! Ever since I put out my debut album "Folie à Deux" last October, I've been spending time in the studio writing a lot of new material. On a recent trip to Dubai, I was hanging out at Sleiman Damien's place, casually enjoying a drink. We had a mini listening session there where I showed him a bunch of new songs I've been working on and "Just Keep Dancing" struck a chord with him. We got to work almost immediately and the synergy between us really helped - we both knew each other's strengths and we bounced that energy off each other to come up with something really cool. When did your love for music begin? Did you always know deep down you’d end up pursuing it? Son Savage: Music came to me as an answer to an existential question. At 13 years old, I had my first experience with death when my grandmother passed away. While visiting her at the cemetery, my mother told me to "close my eyes and pray". I did, but I could not remember any of the words of the prayers I was taught. Instead, I heard a tune in my head, and that was when I truly made that relationship with music. To me, music was what my grandmother left me after she died, and it was the prayer that came to me when I couldn't pray. From that day on, it also became all I could ever think about. I have that very tune tattooed on my left arm, and I consider it to be the first song I ever wrote. How hard was it making the transition from corporate work life to pursuing music? Son Savage: It's always hard to take the path less chosen. Corporate life, although it sucks your soul out, provides some sort of consistency that you hide under to feel safe. I still use my skills in communications and marketing by consulting for major agencies and brands in the region but my priorities have shifted. It was another moment of awakening, similar to that time I wrote my first song. I experienced the 3rd largest explosion in history on August 4th, 2020 in Beirut. From that moment, everything shifted and my priorities were set straight - I no longer needed that corporate consistency, because I realized life is too short and unpredictable for us to try to make it consistent. Who would you say are your biggest inspirations when it comes to your music? Son Savage: I discover new artists that inspire me all the time. Music is an evolving thing, and as an artist, your pursuit should not be one specific sound but rather a sonic identity that keeps evolving with you as you grow. My songwriting is definitely inspired by a lot of Swedish pop, especially that I traveled and wrote there many years ago with some of the most prolific songwriters in Europe. I write my horns like I'm in a big band, write my harmonies like I'm in Boyz II Men, and write my guitars like I am John Mayer. I really don't have one reference point, there are things I've loved and picked up from so many talented artists I've listened to throughout my life. What is the top item on your bucket list for your career? Son Savage: Currently, a tour would be amazing. I would love to connect with audiences from different parts of the world and introduce new audiences to my music. What can we expect next from you? I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you! Son Savage: You can expect me to never be satisfied. I am constantly striving to outwrite, outproduce and outperform myself with every new piece of work. I am currently working on 2 new musical projects, one of which should see the light before the end of the year. I am also adding 3 new levels to "SUPERGLUE" the mobile game available on App Store & Google Play which I released back in April, and I'm working on a cool non-musical project also under the Son Savage brand. Thank you for this very fun interview, it was a pleasure being featured on your blog, and I look forward to doing this many more times in the future. Interviewed By Sarah Curry FOLLOW SON SAVAGE:

"Where It All Began" is about the realization that the person you love is not as committed to the relationship as you are. Morgan sings about how times were better when "she didn't know" and how keeping him "at arm's length" proved to keep her in bliss. She sings about how she is living a much better life now that she is away from the situation that had harmed her so much, and that she doesn't want to ever go back to where it all started. Even if he comes back and begs for her forgiveness, she knows her worth and wouldn't put herself back in a situation where the other person blatantly disrespected her. Morgan sings this sweet-sounding tune about liking where she's at in life and how she plans to stay strong in her independence, unwilling to let anyone break her stride. Even though this piece is one about finding your strength and independence after a heartbreak, it possesses a very bubbly and sweet sound. Just like her vocals, the beat and melody stay very light throughout the piece. These aspects of the song possess some ethereal-type elements along with a strong beat to give the song a bit of a kick to it. As for her voice, Morgan has a very comforting voice that is nothing short of beautiful. She draws out some of the notes in this song, like when she sings lines such as "it was better when you shut me out." There's a bit of a change in pitch when she sings these lines and these notes sound so graceful. Morgan succeeded in creating a great song with a powerful theme while keeping the sound beautifully airy. Lucy Morgan is a singer/songwriter from Port Stanley, Ontario. She grew up with music in her life from the very beginning and performing has always been in her blood. Writing songs is a form of therapy for her and letting the world hear it feels like closing the chapter that inspired it. She believes music is our universal language and feels so blessed to provide a space for others to connect emotionally through her music. Lucy released her first single “I Really Loved You” on all streaming platforms in 2020 and is so excited to share the project she has been working on since her first release! Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW LUCY MORGAN:

Stuck inside, drearily moving forward, and slowly losing our minds-- that's what we bonded over during the pandemic. We were in a time when so many people lost their jobs and dove into the self-managed world, all from our homes' comfort and never-changing environment. There's insanity that comes from not being allowed to spend our free time outside and Modernlove. describes that in their new release titled, "Oh My Mind". Tackling the topic of mental illness in a post-pandemic world, they wrote this song in the midst of it--taking a level of vulnerability to explore the social isolation we were in and putting it in a song. While "Oh My Mind" is focused on mental illness, Modernlove. takes a spin on it and sets it to an upbeat pop-track sound. It takes from the idea that, as young people, we take our issues and joke about them as a way to cope with the terror of it. So, in putting a topic such as mental health into an upbeat composition, we can find an excellent way to make the subject less daunting and normalize talking about it. The song says, "Think I might lose it/Oh, my mind/Am I still lucid?". It wonderfully describes how routine started to feel during the lockdown. With everything becoming remote and social media usage on the rise, we began to get exposed to trends and tips we would have never tried if we didn't need a way to escape the day-to-day routine. The repetitive monotony made us wonder if this is what life is--if this was our new reality. The popular Irish pop-rock group Modernlove. came back with their new EP "Oh My Mind" on July 29th. The group comprises members Barry, Cian, Danny, and Graham, who aspire to explore the lives of twenty-somethings with their music. They deliver an enamoring indie-pop sound-- similar to the 1975-- with rich lyrics, stunning vocals, and enticing melodies. The group will start their first UK and Ireland tour this November with this new EP; tickets are available now, with several shows already selling out. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW MODERNLOVE.: