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.:

Q: This song is so fun and upbeat, I love it! Can you tell us what the meaning of the song is? Rilëë: It's a meeting in the mirror for myself, it's about finding yourself through your mistakes and overcoming them. Being honest with myself has always kept me grounded and focused. Being a "Baby Disaster" was doing substances, getting myself into situations, and hating myself for it. You know that voice in your head telling you that you are living wrong, well that was me every day. I decided that I would own up to my mistakes and work through them. Q: The video for this song is amazing! What was it like to film the music video for ‘Baby Disaster’? Rilëë: Thank you! The director Dmitry was soooo fun. He's this rockstar Russian who definitely loves making the most out of any situation. We shot the video during covid quarantine and only were able to have a very small team. Everyone came and did the most and I appreciate all of them for it. We were able to use really cool prisms and jewels to manipulate the shots you see. We had so many problems with the fog to make the "disaster" storm and seeing it on screen makes me so happy because it doesn't reflect. Even the flower dress that Rio (my stylist) pulled for me broke a little at the top revealing my womanhood, and when I tell you she used complete wizard work to bring it back for the shots you see now. Everything about the video shoot was fun and we made it work! Q: What first got you into music? Rilëë: I think I have always loved music ever since I was born to be honest. I was always the really strange over the top kid ya know. The one people liked from a distance, but couldn't fully understand. I wore my eccentric qualities with pride and didn't really care about building friendships because I always wanted to be this GRAND SUPERSTAR. I learned I loved music the most when I realized how living without it broke my heart. It would always just be me and the music, when I felt down, alone, scared, in my darkest hours all I had was Paramore, Britney, and my computer...lol Most of the time singing was the only thing that allowed me to be who I really was and not feel alone. Music is me and I am music. Q: What do you enjoy most about being an artist? Rilëë: Everything, I mean who doesn't love a good concert, a great concept, ART. I love being an artist because I get to express myself the way I really feel inside and no matter how ugly it may feel, I can make it beautiful with my voice, my words, my videos, I mean just everything. Q: Who is your biggest music inspiration? Rilëë: I can't say one, but my biggest inspirations growing up were Hayley Williams and Britney Spears. I mean do I need to explain......From Hayley having one of the best grudge, gritty, and powerful vocals of my generation to Britney Spears an Iconic legend who just hasn't gotten enough flowers to this day for her contribution to pop. Q: What are your future plans for your musical journey? Rilëë: I don't like to all the way plan things out, but I will say I want to create music that resonates well with people that may not be like me. I don't want to drop music for a specific group of people. I am now creating music that I feel is true to me and can help everyone in some kind of way. I want to create fun and unapologetic records that demand dominance. I want to perform for the Vmas and I know that's cliche, but when I get the call....you guys will not be sorry. I am also working on performing at festivals as well, so maybe I'll be at a stage near you soon Interviewed By Kendall Koval FOLLOW RILËË:

In today’s dating culture, it’s become common to have these unlabeled relationships. “thing” is about this in-between stage of not officially dating and dating. These types of situations often become confusing and hard to navigate and most people get stuck in a position they don’t want. Belz’s new single focuses on how sometimes we try to convince ourselves that were ok with being this “thing” even though you have stronger feelings toward the person. This emotionally charged song is a bouncy and relatable tune that is perfect for the going back to school season. Listen to "thing" here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2CV3H9etUI2Z5LZrYMfld7?si=8d239068afd0447c Starting with dreamy and airy vocals, “thing” can easily be mistaken for an Ariana Grande hit. This single has all the right elements that give off the same vibe as the well-known pop singer. Low-key bass lines and catchy snaps keep this track light and fun while also supplying good signs of pop writing. Belz is chill and very much giving “cool girl” vibes from her lax attitude about the situationship she is singing about. My favorite lyrics were, “But let’s not take it to serious/ because if I get hurt it’s gonna sting/ no one ever got hurt by a thing”. These lines perfectly summed up the thought process that goes into relationships. It seems simple, almost as if we think that if they is no label, then we can’t get hurt the same way. I liked the honesty of these lines that Belz was not afraid to share. Belz is a young Boston native who is currently studying at the prestigious NYU. The 19-year-old singer/songwriter has grown up being involved in music from a young age. She says that she has been studying voice, piano, and guitar since she was 10, and ever since she picked it up, she’s been playing live shows around New England. The new starlet hopes to share music that is relatable and makes people happy. Follow along with Belz as she grows further in the music industry! Written By Emily Hancock FOLLOW BELZ:

"No but Kinda" gave me the impression of the artist's take on what it feels like to be sad and lost in life. He sings about "dim days" and "forgetting how to swim" as he is trying to better his mindset. There is a part of the song when he mentions that "he's made the change" but then quickly questions: "is it meant to last?". Just because he's good again, does it necessarily mean that this period of light will not eventually fall into the comfortable darkness that he has grown so familiar with? It can be seen as cynical to go into a good era with the mindset of "this may end," but it's true. All good things end, and I really appreciated hearing his honest perspective about how feelings go through such extreme highs and lows, with no warning whatsoever. The main aspect to take note of when listening to this piece is the vocal range that Kahone is capable of. His vocals tend to stay on the lighter side of the vocal spectrum, but his voice possesses a great deal of strength. Keeping a lighter tone for most of the song and revealing his more powerful vocals in the chorus gives the song a good amount of vocal diversity. He knows how to keep his listeners captivated throughout the song. As for the melody, it matches Kahone's vocals very well and is as powerful as the concept of the piece. The concept concerns a bit of a darker topic, and deserves to be paired with a song that will do it justice. Kahone did just that and created this beautiful piece that perfectly portrays how he truly feels about the matter. Kahone Concept is a Pittsburgh-based pop artist/producer and a project started by Ben Orrvick, who taught himself how to play a variety of instruments throughout his childhood, but as he’d struggled to find people to start a band with, he took matters into his own hands. He began recording and producing tracks independently in high school and decided to legally change his name to Ben Kahone. Kahone's newest song "No but Kinda" continues the new era for the pop artist. I also suggest checking out our review of his song 'Amicably' which is another incredible song he released this year. Written By Melina Darlas FOLLOW KAHONE CONCEPT:

There's a liberating feeling that comes with being independent. While it's scary at first, the sense of having absolutely no inconveniences or not having to adapt plans to anyone other than yourself is freeing. The only person we ever have to keep happy is ourselves. ÊMIA releases her new single, "bubbly" to talk about being our own best friend, enjoying our own company, and doing things that we want to do. With this bubbly, classic pop track, we're brought into this scene of us being at the beach with the wind in our hair and happiness surrounding us as we learn how to be free by ourselves. The song "bubbly" is the epitome of the title. "bubbly" is self-love, self-confidence, and self-empowerment wrapped up in a delightful-sounding package. The song starts with ÊMIA talking to someone, a simple conversation, and delightfully bubbly laughter, which invites us in. A fizzy upbeat vibe imbues itself through the melody and lyrics, pairing refreshingly with ÊMIA's uniquely pretty vocals. But in addition to being happy and joyful, it's empowering. It tells us that we should know that we're the best person in our lives and be independent enough to know that we're the only person that we really need. We are the person our happiness should depend on, and ÊMIA works that well by singing, "What exactly could you do for me that I can't do?". ÊMIA, or Anh Le, is a singer, songwriter, and producer who holds a particular brand of pop music that's bright and light. She dove into the indie-pop genre with her debut single, "All I Do", written, produced, and independently released by her. The Vietnamese American singer has made moves into the music scene, growing fast (as seen by the millions of streams of her discography), and is sure to reach even more listeners' hearts with her upcoming album, "VIDEO CALL: AM" which is a collaborative project with producer Charlie Kurata. Written by Jane Katryn FOLLOW ÊMIA:

It feels great to love and be loved. You always have someone to laugh and cry with. You feel that you become a better person just by being together. Even so, there is a level of freedom in being single that goes away when getting into a relationship. Also, you can become so focused on pleasing the other person that you can lose yourself. In her song, “Someone’s Someone,” Ainsley Costello looks back on different points on her relationship timeline. Ultimately, she comes to the conclusion of “there’s more to life than being someone’s someone.” I enjoyed the instrumentation of this song. The electric guitar gave it an early 2000’s sound. It sounds as if it could be in a movie like Mean Girls . The instrumentation also added a bright and happy sound to a time a great reflection. The topic of the song is mostly negative. Costello is discovering that being in a relationship is not all it’s cracked up to be. With the music being so upbeat, I almost forgot that she’s supposed to be sad. Finally, the structure of the verses gave the track a storytelling quality. In the first verse, Costello sings about being in a relationship. In contrast, she sings about being single in the second verse. Even though Costello does not mention it, it is safe to say that there was an unfortunate breakup between the two verses. Ainsley Costello discovered her love for music at a young age. When she was only 14, she became one of Breedlove Guitars’ youngest endorsed musicians. Later, when Costello was 15, she released her debut album called You Know Who I Am . If you want to hear more of her, I recommend a song off of that album called “Self-Conscious.” It is about the all too relatable topic of embarrassing yourself in front of a crush. Written By Kelli Dixon FOLLOW AINSLEY COSTELLO: